The 9th Annual Day of Giving, presented by Purposeful Giving Alliance, returns to the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, December 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., bringing together families, volunteers, businesses, and civic leaders for a day dedicated to generosity, joy, and community connectio

Held at 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382, this special holiday event is designed to ensure local families experience a joyful and stress-free holiday season. More than 2500 toddlers, teens, and families are expected to benefit from free toys, holiday meals, and festive activities.

“Our goal has always been simple—make sure families don’t have to worry about whether there will be food on the table or gifts under the tree on Christmas morning,” said Brian Morris, co-founder of Purposeful Giving Alliance. “Seeing the kids light up with smiles, shopping for toys with an Elf, jumping in bounce houses, and feeling celebrated—that’s what drives us all year long.”

The Day of Giving transforms the Peoria Sports Complex into a vibrant holiday village, complete with:

• Free toy distribution, including a special “shop with an Elf” experience for children
• Holiday meals for families
• Bounce houses and festive activities
• Community engagement with the Peoria Police and Fire Departments
• Support from local leaders, including Mayor Jason Beck, who has donated to support the event

In 2024, the Annual Day of Giving served more than 300 families, creating an unforgettable day filled with hope, kindness, and meaningful connection through the support of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

“This event is about more than giving—it’s about dignity, trust, and reminding families they are not alone,” Morris added. “When the community comes together like this, it creates something truly powerful.”

Purposeful Giving Alliance was founded by Brian Morris, a dedicated community advocate, and David Bell, a passionate supporter of family well-being. What began as a shared vision to address unmet needs in Peoria has grown into a nonprofit organization focused on breaking down financial barriers, fostering unity, and inspiring purposeful giving across Arizona.

Since its founding, the organization has expanded beyond a single holiday event to offer multiple year-round initiatives, all rooted in its core principles of empowerment, transparency, trust, and authentic connection.

“Our dream is to take this model into more neighborhoods,” said Morris. “Whether it’s back-to-school season or the holidays, no family should feel forgotten during times that matter most.”

For more information, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Purposeful Giving Alliance https://purposefulgivingalliance.org/day-of-giving/ or call Brian Morris at (602) 299-8162 or email brian@purposefulgivingalliance.org.

Brophy/Xavier Takes Team Title as 145 Students From 25 Clubs Compete in Mesa

The future of pickleball in Arizona took a major step forward Dec. 6 & 7, 2025, when 145 athletes from 25 high schools converged on Mesa’s Dink & Dine Pickle Park for the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships. Presented by HonorHealth and powered by PURE Pickleball & Padel, the USA Pickleball-certified and Sporfie-livestreamed event included five championship divisions and crowned Brophy/Xavier the overall high school state champion, highlighting the rapid growth of organized youth participation in pickleball.

Brophy/Xavier secured the top team score of 26 points after two full days of fierce competition, with Tempe’s Corona del Sol High School taking second, with 24 points, and Mesa’s Mountain View High School claiming third, with 19 points. Horizon Honors in Phoenix, Payson High School and Mesa’s Red Mountain High School rounded out the top six participating schools, racking up 14, 12 and 10 points, respectively.

“It was a privilege to coach these kids, many of whom hadn’t started playing the game until this year,” said Xavier/Brophy Coach Paul Shoen, whose team scored Joola equipment and a one-year club sponsorship along with the state title. “Most of them had a tennis or other competitive sport background, so they were all able to dig deep. Epic battles and nail-biters all weekend. By bringing pickleball to the high schools, PURE is pushing the Arizona talent even further. Everyone is now on notice, and next year the level of competition will be wild. I told my players that we will now be drilling all year long.”

Top finishers across other championship divisions included:

Girls Doubles

• Gold – Makenna McLachlin & Ava Shoen – Xavier College Prep
• Silver – Vicki Westover & Lindsey Lees, Red Mountain
• Bronze – Gabby Dupnik & Maya Solomon, Horizon Honors

Boys Doubles

• Gold – Santiago Morales & Hogan O’Malley – Corona del Sol
• Silver – Chace Marlor – PURE Academy & Bryce Marler – Mountain View
• Bronze – Colin St. Hilaire & Dhruva Vignesh – Brophy

Mixed Doubles

• Gold – Erin Clark & Hogan O’Malley – Corona del Sol
• Silver – Ava Shoen – Xavier College Prep & Colin St. Hilaire – Brophy
• Bronze – Mollie White & Maddox Tompkinson – Red Mountain

Girls Singles

• Gold – Maya Solomon, Horizon Honors
• Silver – Ava Shoen – Xavier College Prep
• Bronze – Erin Clark – Corona del Sol

Boys Singles

• • Gold – Brody Rosselli – Payson
  • Silver – Roman Anderson – Mountain View
  • Bronze –
  • Bentley Halvorsen – Mountain View

Stephanie Newton, Director of PURE Pickleball & Padel, remarked, “This weekend surpassed everything we had hoped for—the level of competition was remarkable.”

The students demonstrated impressive intensity, skill, and good sportsmanship. She shared her enthusiasm for tracking the development of these athletes as PURE advances its plans to grow Arizona High School Pickleball, including launching regional leagues next spring and establishing additional high school pickleball clubs in 2026.

Sporfie, a popular live-streaming platform and one of the event’s major sponsors alongside USA Pickleball, streamed live coverage from the Championship Court and six additional courts throughout the weekend, giving family members, friends and supporters statewide a chance to follow all the action in real time. Streamed matches are available to rewatch at no cost, and event coverage and replays are viewable at sporfie.com/azhspb.

Additional event sponsors who made the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships possible included Caliber Co., Joola Pickleball, RacketPro, Pickleheads, Pita Jungle, Protein House, Raising Cane’s, Tosi Snacks, Flick Weight, Franklin Pickleball, Crush Pickleball, and Andrei Daescu.

After seeing the success and enthusiasm surrounding the state championships firsthand, USA Pickleball also finalized its decision to launch a new high school division as part of its “Golden Ticket Events” series in 2026. PURE Pickleball & Padel also made a groundbreaking announcement of its own over the weekend, unveiling plans for PURE Academy, a youth and adult training program that will launch its first location at Dink & Dine Pickle Park in January. The announcement followed the Girls Doubles Medal Ceremony, with the PURE team surprising Director Stephanie Newton with a reveal of the “PickleBus,” a custom Volkswagen ID. Buzz that will function as a mobile unit, bringing coaching, equipment and supplies to students and high schools statewide.

Many student athletes who participated in the Arizona High School Pickleball Championships expressed excitement over the sport’s explosive popularity and growth.

“Playing in the first-ever high school pickleball state championship is something my team and I are truly honored to be part of. Competing on this stage and seeing the sport grow has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for high school pickleball in Arizona. I also want to thank our head coach, Mr. Ray, for everything he’s done for our team, along with Mr. Warner, Mr. Berk and Mrs. Newton from PURE, for their efforts to establish Arizona High School Pickleball and for organizing the state championships tournament.”

The success of the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships provided further evidence of pickleball participation rising sharply among young players, driven in part by PURE Pickleball & Padel’s efforts to build and shape the next generation of competitors across the state.

For more about PURE Pickleball or to learn more about starting a new high school pickleball club, email info@purepickleball.com or subscribe for updates at purepickleball.com.

The Public is Invited to Watch and Judge the Final Competition

from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale 

Arizona Bike Week, the premier motorcycle rally in the Southwest, is gearing up for an electrifying music showdown as ten local bands compete for four prized performance slots at the HandleBar Saloon during the upcoming rally at WestWorld of Scottsdale, April 8 – 12, 2026.

The public is invited to come out to this FREE event and cast their votes at the final competition, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6  at the iconic Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, located at 15656 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Arizona Bike Week receives well over a hundred inquiries each year from talented bands eager to perform at the rally. The Rock Out to AZ Bike Week contest was created to address this overwhelming response and showcase the state’s diverse musical talent. This will be the third annual event and producers are expecting around 2,000 in attendance.

The ten Valley bands that will be competing are Bad Reputation, BadJune, Brownedog Blues Band, Doubleblind, Great Black Swamp, Last Train to Juarez, Magnum Axxe, Miss Conduct, Plum and Vertigo. These popular, local bands have already made it through the first round of online voting, which started with 24 bands, and are now moving onto the finals.

They will compete for the audience’s favor, with attendees having the unique opportunity to vote in person for their favorite acts.

Event-goers can expect an exciting day of music, motorcycles, and more. Each band will showcase its talent with a 20-minute set, and voting will be conducted exclusively in person. Each attendee can vote one time, for up to four bands.

In addition to the musical showdown, the event will feature food trucks, a bar, a custom bike show, an indoor scavenger hunt, a bikini bike wash and a chance to win a $1,500 gift card – ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for both music and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Lisa Cyr, event producer of Arizona Bike Week, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition, stating, “Rock Out to AZ Bike Week has become a cornerstone in our efforts to celebrate and support the incredible musical talent that Arizona has to offer. This competition provides a stage for local bands and allows our audience to actively participate in shaping the entertainment lineup for Arizona Bike Week. We can’t wait to see which bands will rock the stage this year.”

Arizona Bike Week invites everyone to come out and experience the energy, passion, and talent of the local music scene. Rock Out to AZ Bike Week promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the best of Arizona’s musical talent and adding a dynamic element to the upcoming rally.

Rock Out to AZ Bike Week is a free event, but if you’d like to learn more about Arizona Bike Week or purchase tickets to watch these winning bands and the headline concerts at the rally in April, please visit: https://azbikeweek.com/

For more information about Rock Out to AZ Bike Week, please be sure to follow Arizona Bike Week on Instagram and Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/azbikeweek

https://www.instagram.com/arizonabikeweek/  

For more information on Arizona Bike Week, call (480) 644-8191 or visit www.AZbikeweek.com.

In addition to the stunning fall leaves, the Arboretum is hosting a number of enjoyable events from late November through December, including Nature Play for Kids, Yoga in the Garden and visits from Jolly St. Nick

Here’s some great news for fans of fall foliage: you don’t have to travel to New England in order to see autumn trees at the height of their colorful splendor.

Instead, make the scenic drive to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173 Superior, where Mother Nature is preparing to put on an incredible autumnal show of reds, oranges, yellows and golds.

“The three peak weeks of fall colors are from the end of November to the beginning of December, and the scenery here is truly magical” said Kim Gray, Executive Director of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. “Because Black Friday is traditionally our busiest day for visitors who are here to see the gorgeous fall foliage, we are staying open late Thanksgiving weekend, with the last admission at 9 p.m.”

For visitors who would like their four-legged friends to experience the Arboretum too, Gray said well-behaved dogs on a 6-foot or shorter leash are welcome to visit.

“We are also hosting a Food Drive during late November and December,” Gray said. “Visitors can bring shelf-stable foods like tuna, canned chicken, pasta, soup, chili, peanut butter and canned vegetables, and everything will be donated to the Superior Food Bank.”

In addition to admiring and photographing the beautiful fall leaves, visitors are welcome to take advantage of a number of late fall and winter programs and events at the Arboretum  – including visits from Santa Claus. They are:

Glass in Flight – This immersive outdoor sculpture exhibit was created by renowned Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri. Featuring over 17 dazzling sculptures made of hand-cut, hand-faceted Dalle de Verre glass set in powder-coated steel, this exhibit captures the magic of nature’s tiniest pollinators—blown up to monumental scale. Walk among monarchs, beetles, and hummingbirds that radiate color and light. Now through January 30, 2026, during regular hours.

Glass in Flight at Night – Come experience the dazzling Glass in Flight exhibit at night. With strategic lighting and nightfall as the backdrop, these larger-than-life glass insects take on a whole new dimension—radiant, surreal, and unforgettable. Watch butterflies shimmer, dragonflies pulse with color, and beetles gleam like jewels in the dark. From now to January from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be no evening hours on November 8.

Meet the Artist – Glass in Flight – Come meet Alex Heveri, the artist behind Glass in Flight 2. Heveri, a Tucson-based artist and sculptor, will talk about the process and inspiration behind her larger-than-life glass pollinators. Guests will be guided on a tour of some of the pieces in the Glass in Flight 2 collection and have a chance to ask Heveri questions about the exhibit. November 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and November 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Nature Play – Unplug and reconnect with Nature in the Children’s Garden, where families can escape the screens and dive into the wonders of the great outdoors. Bring your kids to explore, play and learn using seasonal and nature-themed activities for families of all ages and abilities. Every Saturday, November 15, 22 and 29, and December 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Forest Bathing – Also known as Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. During class, participants will be led on a 2-1/2 hour walk through the century-old trees of the Arboretum with a series of guided “invitations”, closing with a tea ceremony. December 6 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Paint at the Arboretum – Prickly Pear Cactus – Unleash your creativity amongst the inspiring beauty of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Under the guidance of artist Carla Keaton, you will paint a unique masterpiece to take home. Whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up a brush for the first time, all skill levels are invited to join. All supplies are provided. November 15 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Yoga in the Garden – Relax and restore in this all-levels yoga class held outside in the tranquil setting of the Arboretum. During this class, participants are shown how to mindfully move through gentle postures with breath awareness to promote relaxation, flexibility, and circulatory health. November 22, December 10, and December 20 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Santa visits the Arboretum – Santa is coming to the Arboretum!  Stop by the Smith Greenhouses and get a photo with Santa. Bring your family, including four-legged family members, for fun holiday photos. Digital copies will be available for purchase. December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   

Holiday Hangout – Celebrate the season at the Holiday Hangout. Shop local vendors and find one-of-a-kind gifts at our holiday marketplace. Treats and merchandise will also be available for purchase. December 6, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Branching Out Speaker Series – Hummingbirds, Our Avian Jewels – Arizona is the “hummingbird capital” of the United States, with more species than any other state. In this program by nature photographer Cindy Marple, attendees will learn about the large hummingbird family and their unique lifestyles, as well as how to identify the local species in the Valley. December 12 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Floral Design – Celebrate the holiday season by handcrafting a beautiful centerpiece filled with fresh-cut evergreens and vibrant flowers. With the guidance from the instructor, you will design a one-of-a-kind arrangement perfect for your holiday table. No experience necessary; this class is open to all skill levels. Ages 18 and up. December 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To check out the event calendar for late fall and winter, which includes information about ticket prices and, if applicable, how to register, please visit  https://btarboretum.org/events/.

For more information on Boyce Thompson Arboretum – located at 37615 E Arboretum Way

Superior, AZ 85173 – and their upcoming events, memberships, or conservation initiatives, visit www.btarboretum.org, call 520.689.2723, or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

ABOUT BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM:

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona oldest and largest botanical garden, as well one of Arizona’s top tourism draws. Since being founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson in 1924, the Arboretum has blossomed into a total 372 acres and nearly five miles of trails, 135 acres of gardens and a total of 20,000+ desert plants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. For more information, visit www.btarboretum.org.

Second Annual Art Fair Set to Return to WestWorld March 19 – 22, 2026, With All-Star Partners

Scottsdale Art Week Presented by Scottsdale Ferrari will return to WestWorld March 19 – 22, 2026, with the City of Scottsdale joining as a prominent sponsor of the largest new American art fair in decades. The city joins a powerhouse roster of other sponsors and community partners, including title sponsor Scottsdale Ferrari and newcomers NetJets and Optima.

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky spoke about the value and attention the event brings to the community, which has become the nation’s fastest-growing city for millionaires and an increasingly influential presence in the global arts scene.

“Scottsdale has long been recognized as a world-renowned tourist destination, boasting an established and thriving art market. Scottsdale Art Week builds on this foundation and has quickly established itself as an emerging art fair for galleries from across the world to engage new collectors, showcase artists and grow their presence in the Southwest,” said Mayor Borowsky.

With 120 galleries from around the world, the timing of Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week couldn’t be more ideal.

“Scottsdale Art Week showcases the creativity, culture and beauty of this community, giving the art world a glimpse of what makes Scottsdale such a special place to live, work and create,” said Scottsdale Art Week Fair Director Amy Gause. “We welcome the energy and tourism the event will bring to the city in the spring, which is one of the best times of the year to enjoy everything this area has to offer.”

Scottsdale Art Week’s new sponsors join an evolving list of civic-minded businesses and partners, among them:

• • Gila River Resorts & Casinos
  • UBS
  • Heritage Auctions
  • NetJets
  • City of Scottsdale
  • Optima
  • Sanderson Lincoln
  • Griggs Group powered by the Altman Brothers
  • Breakthru Beverage
  • RevTech
  • F. Francis & Dionne Najafi Pivotal Foundation
  • Veuve Clicquot
  • Stella Artois
  • Mark-Taylor Residential
  • Art Solutions and Installations
  • Candelaria Design Associates
  • Neiman Marcus

“It’s because of our community partners that we can provide an event of this size and scale, and we’re grateful for the support that helps us cement Scottdale’s place on the global arts stage,” said Gause. “The 2025 edition kicked off stronger than even we anticipated, and we’re excited to build an exceptional 2026 edition with the help of our sponsors and community partners.”

So far, more than three-fourths of the exhibitor booths have already sold out ahead of the late spring event, with more than 95 galleries from 15 countries, four continents and counting already signed on to participate. Fair guests can anticipate a wide range of blue-chip, modern and contemporary works as well as historic, Indigenous and Western art, giving collectors and visitors a diverse assortment of exhibits to explore.

Scottsdale Art Week 2026 will also include a new “Design Day” element, delivering a full day of programming centered around design, innovation and its relationship to fine art.

For more about Scottsdale Art Week or to purchase tickets, visit www.scottsdaleartweek.com.

By George Khalaf

I am humbled and grateful to announce the latest round of endorsements for my campaign for Arizona State House in LD3.

These leaders represent patriotism, clarity, conservatism, America-First ideals and common sense. They make our state great. They reflect the voices of our grassroots, who will always be the backbone of this campaign. I’ve been proud to help elect some of these individuals. And I’m proud to call all of them friends.

David Rhodes, Yavapai County Sheriff

David Farnsworth, Arizona State Senator, LD10

Lisa Fink, Arizona State Representative, LD27

Justin Olson, Arizona State Representative, LD10

Michael Way, Arizona State Representative, LD15

Kathy Littlefield, Scottsdale City Councilwoman

Gayle Earle, Fountain Hills Councilwoman

Allen Skillicorn, Fountain Hills Councilman

Dorean Taylor, Mesa City Councilwoman

Jim O’Connor, Former Arizona Corporation Commissioner

Phil Goode, Former Mayor of Prescott

Jill Norgaard, Former Arizona State Representative

Jacqueline Parker, Former Arizona State Representative

Barbara Parker, Former Arizona State Representative, East Valley Conservative Leader

Robert Scantlebury, East Valley Conservative Leader; Former Republican Candidate for Arizona State Senate, LD9

Shiry Sapir, Former Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction,

Kathleen Winn, Radio Host, Chair of the Pima County Republican Party

This powerhouse group joins my early endorsers, including Lisa Borowsky, Mayor of Scottsdale, Scottsdale City Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas, Scottsdale City Councilman Barry Graham, SUSD Governing Board Member Amy Carney, Former Arizona State Senator Nancy Barto, Cathi Herrod, President of Center for Arizona Policy from 2006-2024, and radio host Seth Leibsohn.

Willing to support my campaign and want to join the growing list of grassroots leaders from around the district? Please email back and let me know!

ICYMI in my last email, here are the top ways you can help me before the end of the year.

I would be grateful for your prayers. Stay tuned for a prayer team to be established if you would like to be part of that.

By Alexander Lomax

Photo Credit: Arizona PBS

Sometimes the measure of leadership isn’t found in what you approve, but in what you have the courage to oppose. The contrast between Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke’s decisive rejection of an unpopular AI data center and Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky’s handling of the unpopular Axon development reveals two fundamentally different approaches to serving constituents when corporate interests and citizen concerns collide.

This week, Mayor Hartke appeared on CNBC following Chandler’s unanimous 7-0 vote against a $2.5 billion AI data center, a project that faced overwhelming opposition with 256 emails and web forms against it and just 10 in favor. Despite intense lobbying from former Senator Kyrsten Sinema and warnings about federal intervention from the Trump administration, Hartke stood firm, noting that the city’s voter-approved general plan reserves the Price Road corridor for high-value companies that create more jobs. When the 7-0 vote was announced, cheers went up in the packed council chamber. Hartke later called the meeting “actually fun,” referencing the passionate public testimony; the language of a leader genuinely proud to represent his constituents.

The Axon saga in Scottsdale tells a different story. Mayor Borowsky campaigned on opposition to high-density apartments, which she identified as “the No. 1 issue” during her campaign. Nearly 27,000 Scottsdale residents signed a referendum petition to challenge the development, and polls showed 70% of Scottsdale voters favoring defeat of the project. Yet when push came to shove, Borowsky cast the tie-breaking vote to approve a compromise allowing 1,200 housing units, 600 apartments and 600 condos, after Axon’s president publicly called out “misinformation” from the mayor during negotiations. A compromise that still serves as a massive dump of overdevelopment and traffic in an area that vehemently did not want it.

The optics are striking. While Hartke led a unanimous council in defying corporate pressure and even potential federal threats, Borowsky became the swing vote that approved a project her own constituents overwhelmingly opposed. She acknowledged feeling troubled that “voters in Scottsdale are going to have their voices smothered” by state legislation that nullified the referendum, yet she voted to move forward anyway.

To be fair, the situations aren’t identical. Axon is a hometown company with Scottsdale roots, while the Chandler data center was a New York developer’s speculative project. The economic stakes differ. But both mayors faced the same fundamental question: when corporate interests clash with overwhelming community opposition, whom do you serve?

Hartke chose his constituents. Despite the data center offering $10.2 million annually in tax revenue and nearly $1 billion in economic impact over ten years, he recognized that the city is “looking for high manufacturing jobs in this site” and that data centers offer “lower fiscal returns compared to other potential projects”. He understood that good governance means more than just maximizing revenue; it means honoring community priorities and the comprehensive plans voters approved.

Meanwhile, Borowsky’s approval waived water requirements for Axon at a time of drought, allows it unprecedented development rights, and reinforces the fact that she voted to take away the voting rights of Scottsdale residents who had previously been set to have their say on the matter in the November 2026 election.

She repeatedly stated she wanted to keep Axon in Scottsdale and sought compromise. But when 70% of your constituents oppose something, compromise begins to look like capitulation. Leadership sometimes requires saying no; even when it’s hard, even when threats are made, even when it costs jobs or revenue.

Chandler got a profile in courage. Scottsdale got a profile in the opposite of courage.

Photo Source: AZ Big Media

The collapse of Colorado River negotiations on November 11 wasn’t just a bureaucratic failure; it’s a warning sign that Arizona’s water future remains deeply uncertain. When Governor Katie Hobbs and bipartisan legislative leaders jointly urged federal intervention, calling Colorado River reliability “a matter of national security,” they weren’t being hyperbolic. The question isn’t whether Arizona faces water challenges, but how severe those challenges will become.

The current reality is sobering. Arizona remains under both drought emergency and drought declarations stretching into a third decade, with approximately 75% of the state under drought conditions as of early December 2025. The Colorado River Basin continues experiencing a Tier 1 shortage in 2025, representing an 18% reduction to Arizona’s Colorado River water supply: 512,000 acre-feet that won’t flow through the Central Arizona Project canal.

Yet here’s the paradox: most urban residents won’t notice immediate impacts. Cities like Scottsdale have invested millions in diverse water portfolios, combining renewable surface water, groundwater, and reclaimed water. The Salt River Project reports its supply remains above average despite recent dry conditions, benefiting from exceptional snowpack two winters ago. Arizona actually uses about as much water today as it did in 1957, thanks to decades of conservation efforts.

The real burden falls elsewhere. Agriculture absorbs nearly all CAP water reductions, and the standoff between Upper and Lower Basin states threatens to make things worse. Arizona has already agreed to significant cuts while Upper Basin states led by Colorado refuse meaningful conservation commitments. As Hobbs noted, “Arizona taking the brunt of that sacrifice” while others refuse to budge creates an untenable situation.

Should you be concerned? Yes, but with perspective. Urban water supplies remain relatively secure for now, but the trajectory is worrying. Director Tom Buschatzke warned that “the trends are definitely going in a hot and dry direction” and advised not expecting “much of a turnaround from where this drought is heading”. The 2024-2025 winter was the fourth driest on record, and climate forecasts suggest continued warm, dry conditions.

So what happens next? Interior Secretary Doug Burgum must now intervene, with new Colorado River guidelines required by October 2026. Arizona has allocated $1.5 million for potential litigation to protect its water rights if federal action proves inadequate. Meanwhile, the state is exploring ambitious alternatives, including potentially importing water from other states.

For residents, the message is clear: continue conservation efforts, stay informed about water policy decisions, and recognize that Arizona’s long-term prosperity depends on solutions that force all seven Colorado River states (not just Arizona) to share the burden of a shrinking river. The glimmer of hope exists, but it requires collective action and federal leadership willing to enforce equitable sacrifice across the entire basin.

By David Schweikert

As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment and give you an update on the state of play in the Republican primary for Governor. But before I do, I want to address the troubling decision by Karrin Taylor Robson to put out a made-up poll, from a made-up polling firm, that preposterously – and I don’t use that word lightly – claimed that she was now leading the race. Simply put – she’s not.

This is now a two-candidate race between Congressmen Schweikert and Biggs and that is unlikely to change.This shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who has followed the race closely. Robson’s days as a viable candidate in this race have always been numbered. She is a failed candidate (see 2022 Republican primary for Governor) who was cynically trying to reinvent herself into something she is not, and it’s clear it hasn’t worked. Voters have seen through Robson’s cynical claims of being an “outsider” and “conservative,” and have rejected her as a candidate.

Lobbyist Robson has spent her career as the very antithesis of an “outsider,” and while it is admirable on some level that Robson has the hubris to claim otherwise, it doesn’t change the fact that Robson has a long and documentable record of as a lobbyist that renders Robson’s claims to be an outsider as simply false. As for her claims to be a conservative? A cursory review of Robson’s public statements and positions render that claim just as preposterous as her claim to be an outsider. Based on her stated positions, Robson is a pro-tax, open-border Republican and nothing is going to change that.

Here is just a small sample of Robson’s background and positions:

·     Registered lobbyist for Chicanos Por La Causa

·     Donated to Ruben Gallego, Ed Pastor, Harry Mitchell, and several other Democrats including one who was charged with 5 counts of sexual misconduct

·     Referred to Donald Trump as a “fashion-don’t” and said he was a drag on the GOP

·     Supported increasing the gas tax

·     Supported in-state tuition for undocumented students

·     Supported additional liberal policies on border security.

These positions, along with many more, are known to the other candidates in the Republican primary and, like 2022, render her unelectable in the Republican primary. But this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who watched the 2022 race where Robson’s liberal record cost her the primary despite spending nearly $20 million.

What does this all mean?

We also know that nominating the wrong candidates in 2022 directly led to Republicans losing all but one major statewide race. Robson has had a year to try and put together a viable campaign and make her case to voters. It’s clear it hasn’t worked. She’s fallen to 3^rd place in the race and has been reduced to dummying up a fake poll to try and save her floundering campaign. At this point in the race, Robson is nothing but a spoiler. She would do well to ask herself if she wants her legacy in Arizona politics to be one of helping unviable Republicans win the Republican primary for Governor only for those candidates to lose to Katie Hobbs. She did it in 2022, and she could very well do it again in 2026 if she insists on staying in a race she cannot win.

If this year’s elections are any indication, next year’s mid-term elections will be challenging for Republicans in Arizona. We can still win, but not if we nominate the wrong candidates. If we repeat 2022, it’s entirely possible that Democrats will have full control of state government and will be able to undo decades of Republican policies that have played a key role in Arizona’s success. That’s why it is more important than ever we nominate the strongest possible candidate for Governor. David Schweikert is that candidate. Schweikert is the only candidate in the Republican primary for Governor who has a proven record of defeating Democrats in highly competitive races – something he has done time and again over the last decade in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country.

The bottom line

With the future of Arizona and our economy at stake in next year’s mid-terms, it’s time for supporters of Robson to encourage Robson to acknowledge the reality that she cannot win and encourage her to drop out of the Republican primary for Governor.

Lucas Ackerson. Source: AZ Family

The resignation of Saguaro High School Athletic Director Lucas Ackerson following allegations of inappropriate messaging with a middle school student has sent shockwaves through the Scottsdale community. While Scottsdale police determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence for criminal charges, the incident represents a deeply troubling breach of trust that every parent must take seriously. The student’s father, speaking at the school board meeting, revealed that his family initially viewed Ackerson as a mentor, but “it turned out to be a predatory type thing.”

This pattern should alarm every parent. An adult in a position of authority messaging a child through personal social media channels, creating situations for private contact, and leveraging their professional role to maintain access: these are classic warning signs of grooming behavior, whether or not they meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution.

Credit is due to Scottsdale Unified for acting swiftly once the family came forward. The father noted that when they walked into the Saguaro office unannounced, Ackerson was removed from campus within an hour. The district immediately reported the incident to both police and the State Board of Education and accepted his resignation. SUSD’s clear policy prohibiting staff from communicating with students outside approved platforms like Synergy, district email, and ParentSquare exists precisely to prevent situations like this.

But policies alone won’t protect our children. Parents must be proactive partners in safeguarding their kids from predators and inappropriate behavior.

Talk openly and often. Create an environment where your children feel comfortable discussing uncomfortable situations. Ask specific questions about their interactions with teachers, coaches, and administrators. Don’t wait for them to bring it up; many children respond out of fear or confusion rather than recognizing the inappropriate nature of the contact.

Know the warning signs. Adults who single out children for special attention, communicate through private channels, create situations for one-on-one contact, or make children feel responsible for keeping secrets are exhibiting grooming behaviors. Trust your instincts and your child’s discomfort.

Monitor digital communication. While respecting appropriate privacy for older children, parents should maintain awareness of who is contacting their kids through social media, gaming platforms, and other digital channels. Any adult from school reaching out through personal accounts rather than official channels should raise immediate red flags.

Teach boundaries early. Children need to understand that adults in positions of authority should never ask them to keep secrets, should communicate through official channels, and should never make them feel uncomfortable or afraid. Empower them to say no and to report immediately.

Report concerns immediately. If something feels wrong, contact school administrators right away. This family’s courage in coming forward likely prevented this situation from escalating and may have protected other students. Don’t worry about being wrong—worry about staying silent.

The vast majority of educators are dedicated professionals who would never cross these lines. But one predator is too many, and vigilance is the price of keeping our children safe. This incident reminds us that protection requires partnership between schools, parents, and most importantly, empowering children to speak up when adults violate their trust.

By Christian Serena

Politics and passion often go hand in hand. But when passion replaces accuracy — especially by an elected official — our entire community suffers.

Residents deserve clarity from leaders we can trust.

In her recent Scottsdale Independent opinion, Councilwoman Solange Whitehead claims the council “silenced” the public by adjusting when citizens can speak during meetings. That’s not true. The council did not eliminate public comments. In fact, the council majority increased the number of residents who can speak. It was Councilman Barry Graham — the very person Solange called out in her opinion — who pushed to expand public participation.

Solange, on the other hand, voted against allowing more residents to speak. If Councilwoman Whitehead is genuinely concerned about resident input, then she should explain her own actions.

She recently helped eliminate the voting rights of more than 27,000 Scottsdale residents who signed the referendum opposing Scottsdale’s most massive apartment project. In the single most significant silencing of residents’ voices our city has ever seen, Solange led the effort to prevent the public from voting on the project.

Solange also supported waiving the developer’s obligation to pay for their own water usage — equivalent to 12,000 single-family homes. That decision directly contradicted the request of residents who demanded accountability and the protection of our valuable resource.

So, when Solange warns about others “ignoring residents,” what she is really doing is projecting her own record onto political opponents.

I respect that Councilwoman Whitehead is running for a third term, and her passion is clearly the cornerstone of her campaign strategy. But our community deserves leadership grounded in consistency and truth — not emotionally-charged narratives that rewrite facts after a vote.

By Betty Janik

At the last Scottsdale Council meeting of 2025, the Bloc majority consisting of Council Members Graham, Dubauskas, Kwasman, and Littlefield, voted to make significant changes to public comment guidelines.  These changes include:

• Elimination of public comment at the beginning of Council Meetings.
• Reduction of public comment to one session at the END of the meeting.
• Increase the number of speakers and time for non-agendized items at END of meetings.

By eliminating the Public Comment section at the beginning of Council meetings, they have effectively reduced input from students, seniors, and working residents.  This foursome ran on a platform of Listening to Residents. The change is abrupt and unwelcome. Councilmember Graham bragged at the end of this December 2 meeting that he was enhancing the ability of constituents to speak by allowing more speakers/time at the END of meetings.  NOTE – in this entire year, only one person spoke at the END of the meeting. It’s too late for most residents. Berry must think that we are fools and don’t see through his attempt to silence his detractors.  He would do better to do some self-reflection on their comments and adjust his approach to governance.  Discretion is the better part of valor.

However, his detractors should have realized that the Bloc has the power to limit distasteful resident comments, and should have been more strategic in their approach to criticism.

The residents have now lost an effective way to call attention to local issues such as missing sidewalks, pot holes, improper drainage, and offer praise for successful projects. These changes were unnecessary and are an insult to our community.

Now Graham’s team is attacking Councilwoman Whitehead with misleading information, after she emphatically stated at the Council meeting that citizens have literally been “put last”.  It is time for respectful, honest dialogue!

Betty Janik

Former Scottsdale Councilwoman

By Ronald Sampson

The Scottsdale Unified School District’s 3-2 vote to close Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon School has left the community deeply divided, and the emotional public meeting that preceded it raised important questions about process and transparency. While the district faces legitimate fiscal pressures, the concerns voiced by board members Carine Werner and Amy Carney, both of whom voted against the closures, deserve serious consideration as SUSD moves forward.

Let’s acknowledge the reality: SUSD is navigating genuinely difficult circumstances. The district has shrunk by nearly 25% over fifteen years, equivalent to ten elementary schools, yet has only closed one program during that time. With enrollment below 300 students at each school and a projected budget shortfall reaching up to $9 million, doing nothing wasn’t a viable option. Board member Matthew Pittinsky correctly noted that these structural challenges require difficult decisions, and district leadership deserves credit for confronting rather than deferring these fiscal realities.

The closures are expected to save $2.5 million, and Superintendent Scott Menzel has emphasized the district’s commitment to supporting affected families through reassignment, transportation, and relocation assistance. This isn’t a district throwing families to the wolves; there’s genuine effort to manage a painful transition responsibly.

However, the process concerns raised by Werner and Carney aren’t merely procedural quibbling. Werner’s observation that families and staff were “blindsided” reflects a broader community sentiment that this decision arrived too quickly, without adequate opportunity for stakeholder input. Carney’s call for a community budget committee before making such significant decisions highlights a fundamental question: shouldn’t decisions of this magnitude involve transparent, collaborative exploration of all alternatives?

The timing is particularly striking. Carney had requested an advisory committee in October to support decision-making on key district issues, but that item appeared on the same agenda as the closure vote itself. Parents echoed this concern, with one noting the district pursued “a massive decision, the closure of several schools without even forming a community budget committee.” Even state Representative Matt Gress urged the board to delay until February to allow for more thorough community engagement.

These aren’t unreasonable asks. Public education thrives on community trust, and trust requires transparency. While Superintendent Menzel and his cabinet understandably need to prepare budgets and make recommendations, the feeling among many residents that this decision was made without them rather than with them damages that essential trust.

Moving forward, SUSD should take these concerns to heart, especially as Phase II looms with six additional schools under consideration. Establishing a robust community advisory process now would demonstrate that the district learned from this experience. The two dissenting votes weren’t obstruction; they were a call for better process. That’s worth embracing as SUSD continues navigating these challenging decisions.

Arizona’s transformation into a major technology hub reached another milestone this month with Cognite’s announcement of its new global headquarters in Tempe. The Industrial AI company’s relocation from Oslo, Norway represents more than just another corporate move; it’s validation of Arizona’s emergence as a serious player in the artificial intelligence economy. With over 100 new jobs coming to the Phoenix area and senior leadership relocating from Europe, Cognite’s decision underscores what many have been saying for years: Arizona has the talent, infrastructure, and business climate to compete on the global stage.

The timing couldn’t be more strategic. As semiconductor manufacturing investments pour billions into the state, Arizona is positioning itself at the critical intersection of chip production and AI innovation. Cognite’s Industrial AI solutions will help manage the massive data flows from advanced manufacturing facilities, turning Arizona into more than just a place where chips are made but where they’re put to work solving complex industrial challenges.

Yet even as momentum builds, this week delivered a stark reminder that not all technology development is created equal, and not every project will be welcomed with open arms. The Chandler City Council’s unanimous 7-0 vote against a proposed AI data center near Queen Creek and Dobson Roads demonstrates that community buy-in matters as much as federal priorities. Despite lobbying from former Senator Kyrsten Sinema and an executive order from President Trump declaring AI infrastructure a matter of national security, local concerns about noise pollution and quality of life won the day.

The contrast is instructive. Cognite’s headquarters brings high-skilled jobs, corporate leadership, and AI innovation that enhances Arizona’s reputation without disrupting neighborhoods. The rejected data center, planned for an area already saturated with similar facilities, would have added another layer of industrial infrastructure to communities already dealing with the constant hum of existing server farms. As former Chandler councilman Jeff Weninger noted during the debate, the state needs data centers, but they need to be located where they make sense.

This tension between technological progress and community impact isn’t going away. As AI continues its rapid expansion, Arizona will face more of these decisions. The state’s challenge is maintaining its competitive edge while ensuring that growth benefits residents rather than burdens them. The path forward requires developers to engage meaningfully with communities, address legitimate concerns about noise and environmental impact, and demonstrate how projects will enhance rather than diminish quality of life.

Arizona’s ascent as an AI hotbed is real and accelerating. But sustainable growth requires more than just attracting big names and federal mandates; it demands that technology serves the people who call Arizona home.

Four-Day International Art Fair Returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale This Spring With 120 Galleries From 15 Countries

With galleries from across the country and around the world converging and a slate of esteemed honorees ready to step into the spotlight, Scottsdale Art Week presented by Scottsdale Ferrari returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale March 19 – 22, 2026. It all kicks off with an Opening Night Vernissage Thursday, March 19, giving guests a glimpse of the art, awards, entertainment and cultural offerings awaiting them throughout the remaining three days of festivities.

Set for 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Opening Night Vernissage sponsored by Gila River Resorts & Casinos will serve as the capstone of the second edition of Scottsdale Art Week. The 2025 inaugural event welcomed 106 galleries and 14,000 attendees while generating millions of

dollars in sales. In addition to getting a sneak peek of participating galleries and live musical performances by Lunar Calendar, known for merging classical chamber music with contemporary sounds and captivating visuals, Opening Night guests will see Indigenous artist and photographer Cara Romero receive Scottsdale Art Week’s first-ever Indigenous Artist of the Year Award, which recognizes artistic talents whose works highlight Indigenous identity and spotlight Native life today.

The 2026 Scottsdale Art Week Lifetime Achievement Award will be proudly presented to James Ballinger, Director Emeritus of the Phoenix Art Museum, in recognition of his decades-long commitment to advancing the arts in Arizona. Under his visionary leadership, the Museum achieved national prominence, expanded its collections and programs, and strengthened its role as a cornerstone of the Southwest’s cultural life.

“James Ballinger’s influence on the cultural fabric of Arizona cannot be overstated, ” says Scottsdale Art Week Fair Director Amy Gause. “Through forty years of dedication, he elevated Phoenix Art Museum’s profile while fostering a deep sense of community engagement with the arts. It is a true honor to recognize him on Opening Night and his legacy is reflected not only in the institution he strengthened, but in the vibrant arts community he helped build.”

In addition, Scottsdale Art Week will introduce its inaugural Philanthropist of the Year Award, honoring Francis Najafi, Founder and CEO of Pivotal Group. A transformative force in real estate development and civic engagement, Najafi is recognized for his exceptional philanthropy and unwavering support of arts, education and community-building initiatives. Together, these honors reflect Scottsdale Art Week’s commitment to celebrating leadership that shapes culture, fosters creativity and invests in the future of the arts.

Slated to draw 120 galleries, Scottsdale Art Week continues to make its mark on the global arts scene and takes place during one of Arizona’s best travel seasons, with Major League Baseball’s Spring Training, sunny skies and ideal temperatures drawing visitors to the Valley from across the nation and around the world. This global interest also reflects Scottsdale’s status as the fastest-growing city for millionaires, with its expanding collector base drawing strong exhibitor demand evidenced by four-fifths of exhibitor booths selling out four months ahead of the celebration.

The 2026 Opening Night Vernissage benefits Phoenix Art Museum, widely recognized as the preeminent and largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. The evening offers guests exclusive early access to view and acquire works on show ahead of the general public and will feature a fashion presentation of wearable art curated by Galina Mihaleva of Arizona State University’s FIDM.

Opening Night guests will also enjoy bars and pop-up restaurants in all four corners of the 120,000 square-foot North Hall of WestWorld, famous for annually hosting the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. They can also visit a Veuve Clicquot Restaurant & Bubble Bar and access a Stella Artois Sculpture Garden, the latter of which is available to Opening Night Vernissage attendees, exclusively.

Emceeing the Opening Night event are interior designer and architect Oscar De las salas and his husband, Gary Jackson, with the pair steering the evening’s award presentations and programming.

“Scottsdale Art Week has emerged as a vital platform where artists, galleries and collectors converge to celebrate creativity and build meaningful connections across the national and international art world,” said Scottsdale Art Week Fair Director Amy Gause. “The Opening Night Vernissage has quickly become

a must-attend moment for serious collectors, presenting an elegant, high-energy evening that sets the tone for the entire fair. It signals a new chapter for the Southwest, positioning Arizona as a significant destination on the global art calendar.”

Early Bird Opening Night Vernissage tickets are available for $150 for a limited time before increasing to $200, with the price including Friday, Saturday and Sunday entry into the fair.

For more about Scottsdale Art Week 2026 or to purchase tickets, visit ScottsdaleArtWeek.com.

Photo Credit: Reuters

When the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant and bought out Bradley Beal’s contract this summer, the basketball world collectively wrote them off. The “Big Three” experiment had crashed and burned with a dismal 36-46 record, and with only Devin Booker remaining from last year’s star-studded roster, most prognosticators predicted disaster. ESPN’s preseason projections had them finishing 13th in the Western Conference: essentially dead last.

Fast forward to December, and the Suns at the time of writing are sitting at 13-9, seventh in the West, with one of the league’s most intriguing turnaround stories.

The secret? Phoenix discovered what Houston’s recent success has demonstrated: roster balance trumps redundant talent. Durant and Beal were elite scorers, but their skill sets overlapped considerably with Booker’s. None excelled at the complementary skills (passing, spacing, perimeter defense, rim protection) that championship teams require.

By trading Durant for a package including Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, plus draft assets, the Suns added athleticism, defensive intensity, and role clarity. Brooks, in particular, has been revelatory, averaging 22 points while bringing infectious defensive toughness that’s helped Phoenix improve from 28th to 13th in defensive rating.

The additions of Mark Williams, Ryan Dunn, Jordan Goodwin, and rookie Khaman Maluach have transformed Phoenix’s identity. These younger, more athletic players have helped the Suns jump from 26th to seventh in offensive rebounding percentage. They’re playing faster, defending harder, and shooting more threes; ranking fourth in the league in three-point makes after finishing eighth last season.

Most importantly, they’ve given Booker the supporting cast he’s always needed rather than other stars who needed the ball in their hands.

Are the Suns the NBA’s most unexpected story? There’s a strong case. Few teams have bounced back from losing two All-Stars while dramatically improving their record and overall play. Phoenix has proven that sometimes addition by subtraction isn’t just a cliché; it’s championship-level roster construction.

Rarely is there contention in paradise, but Paradise Valley finds itself wrestling with a question that reveals the heart of what kind of community it wants to be. The planning commission recently voted 4-3 to recommend reducing occupancy in assisted living facilities from 10 to six residents; a proposal that has divided the town in ways that go beyond simple zoning.

Those supporting the reduction have legitimate concerns about maintaining Paradise Valley’s character. This isn’t about being exclusionary but instead goes to the heart of protecting what makes the town special: its low-density, residential nature that residents have chosen and cherished. With 75% of the town being residential, there’s an understandable desire to ensure that commercial enterprises don’t gradually reshape neighborhoods in ways the community didn’t anticipate.

Yet the opposition’s arguments carry profound weight. With nearly 30% of Paradise Valley’s population aged 65 or older and 25% over 70, the numbers tell a story of a community aging in place. These small-scale assisted living homes allow families to keep their loved ones nearby during vulnerable years; a deeply human need that transcends zoning considerations.

The testimonials were moving: families who found quality care for parents, seniors thriving in structured environments with companionship, and residents who can age with dignity while remaining part of their community. One planning commissioner noted that police have received very few complaints about these facilities, suggesting the feared impacts on neighborhood character haven’t materialized.

What’s striking is that both sides care deeply about Paradise Valley. Neither wants to harm the town; they simply prioritize different values. The proposal does grandfather existing 10-resident facilities, acknowledging that disrupting current residents would be unconscionable. But it limits future options for an aging community with growing needs.

Perhaps the answer lies not in strict occupancy limits but in addressing specific concerns through thoughtful regulation: parking requirements, staffing standards, or spacing between facilities. As Paradise Valley’s median age climbs, the question becomes: can we preserve our town’s character while also ensuring it remains a place where residents can age gracefully, surrounded by family and community, rather than being forced elsewhere when they need care most?

By Alexander Lomax

After a marathon five-hour meeting that ended at 10 p.m., the Scottsdale City Council voted 4-3 to implement significant changes to how residents can participate in council meetings. The decision has sparked debate about transparency and accessibility in local government.

So what changed? In what supporters frame as an expansion of public access, the council increased the number of non-agenda speakers from 10 to 12 and kept the speaking time at three minutes per person, a welcome departure from the originally proposed reduction to two minutes. However, the changes also moved public comment from the beginning to the end of meetings and eliminated residents’ ability to use audiovisual equipment during their presentations.

Advocates for open government have legitimate concerns about moving public comment to the end of meetings. Scottsdale residents are busy people with jobs and families, and requiring them to sit through entire meetings (which can stretch past 10 p.m.) creates a real barrier to participation. The prohibition on audiovisual materials also limits residents’ ability to present complex information effectively.

These changes, while not as restrictive as the originally proposed limitations, do make it harder for working families to engage with their elected officials and discourage residents from spending time to construct a more compelling argument.

Council members who supported the changes emphasize that they actually increased speaking opportunities and maintained the three-minute time limit after hearing from residents. The efficiency argument has merit too; meetings that stretch well past reasonable hours aren’t ideal for anyone, including council members trying to make thoughtful decisions.

Both sides of this 4-3 vote likely acted with good intentions. The challenge is that meeting efficiency and maximum public access are sometimes in tension with each other. Perhaps the answer lies in hybrid solutions: maintaining robust public comment while exploring other ways to streamline proceedings, such as better time management for agenda items or utilizing technology for remote participation.

As Scottsdale continues to grow and evolve, finding the right balance between efficient governance and meaningful resident engagement will remain an ongoing challenge worthy of good-faith dialogue from all involved. Let’s hope that the good-faith continues…never a given in today’s politics.

TAAAZE Preparing New Lawsuit To Fight Outrageous Scottsdale Approval Of 1,200 Unit Multi-Family Housing Project

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz) TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions) has sent a demand letter to the City of Scottsdale, a first step toward likely litigation challenging a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Axon and the City of Scottsdale purporting to allow Axon to build a 1,200-unit housing project near Hayden and the 101 in Scottsdale.

TAAAZE’s legal team at Coppersmith Brockelman PLC believes the MOU is illegal and invalid. The demand letter sent to the city on December 8^th states in part:
“The MOU is just the latest in Axon’s ongoing effort to railroad this unwanted project over public opposition through anti-democratic, backdoor dealing.”

In a 4 to 3 vote, the Scottsdale City Council approved the MOU as an administrative act to bypass a possible challenge at the ballot box and the public hearings required before enacting a zoning ordinance.

The demand letter claims the council’s decision cannot be classified as an administrative act, and “a brief review of many of the MOU’s own provisions makes clear that they are indeed legislative and can only be enacted via zoning ordinance.”

TAAAZE is still pursuing a lawsuit against Senate Bill1543 also known as the “Axon Bill” which requires cities of a certain size to approve residential projects on “international headquarters.” It’s a bill designed for Axon and Axon alone.  If TAAAZE succeeds in that litigation, it would also have the effect of invalidating the MOU.

In December 2024 TAAAZE submitted nearly 27 thousand signatures to challenge a previous lame duck council decision to approve nearly 1,900 apartments.Read More

Photo Credit: AZ Central

Long ignored within the city’s politics and growth, South Scottsdale is finally getting its moment in the sun. Sprouts Farmers Market has confirmed plans to open a new location at Papago Plaza, at the southwest corner of McDowell and Scottsdale Road, with an expected opening in late 2025.

For residents of this often-overlooked neighborhood, the announcement is more than just news about a grocery store: it’s a signal that their community matters. While North Scottsdale’s upscale developments and trendy shopping centers regularly capture headlines and investment dollars, South Scottsdale has long been the city’s quieter, more working-class counterpart. This new Sprouts location represents a meaningful investment in an area that deserves more attention.

The arrival of Sprouts brings much-needed access to fresh, affordable produce and natural foods to a part of town where healthy grocery options have been limited. Known for its farm-stand approach and commitment to organic and natural products at reasonable prices, Sprouts fills a genuine gap in South Scottsdale’s retail landscape. For families who’ve had to drive north for quality grocery shopping, this is welcome news indeed.

Beyond the practical benefits, there’s something hopeful about seeing a respected national chain choose South Scottsdale for expansion. It acknowledges what longtime residents already know: this is a vibrant, diverse community with real potential. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Phoenix, its more affordable housing, and its authentic character make it an increasingly attractive area for both residents and businesses.

While the project has faced some delays as plans were initially submitted back in early 2023, Sprouts remains committed to the location. That persistence speaks volumes about the company’s confidence in South Scottsdale’s future.

Perhaps this Sprouts opening will be the first of many developments that recognize South Scottsdale not as an afterthought to its glitzier neighbors to the north, but as a community worthy of investment in its own right.

Photo Credit: AZ Central

While Scottsdale gets plenty of attention for its upscale dining scene and luxury shopping, something equally exciting is happening just down the road in Mesa…and it’s a reminder that the Valley’s most interesting growth often comes as a result of its own maturity and diversity.

Mesa’s Asian District recently completed a $10 million expansion of Mekong Plaza, adding twelve new businesses and 32,000 square feet of retail and dining space. The project brings approximately 200 new jobs to the area and features exciting additions like Haidilao Hot Pot and Udon Shin, alongside more than 100 specialty shops serving the region’s growing Asian American community.

What makes Mekong Plaza particularly significant is its accessibility and inclusiveness. The plaza is directly accessible via Valley Metro light rail and bus routes, making it a true regional destination rather than an exclusive enclave. You don’t need a luxury car to experience authentic Vietnamese pho, browse specialty Asian grocers, or enjoy legitimate hot pot; you just need curiosity and a transit pass.

For Scottsdale residents who sometimes wonder if the Valley offers enough cultural depth beyond resort spas and steakhouses, Mesa’s Asian District provides a compelling answer. It’s a 20-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale, yet it offers experiences you simply can’t replicate at another upscale mall or lifestyle center.

The expansion also represents smart urban planning. Rather than generic big-box retail or yet another strip mall, Mesa invested in cultivating a genuine cultural destination that serves both the local Asian American community and draws visitors from across the Valley. Mayor Mark Freeman emphasized that these “strong community partnerships” make Mesa a great place to live, with Chinese and Japanese staples enhancing the city’s appeal.

This is the kind of development that benefits everyone. Small business owners get opportunities to grow, the local economy diversifies, residents gain access to authentic cuisine and specialty goods, and the broader community becomes more culturally connected.

Scottsdale has its strengths: world-class resorts, art galleries, and fine dining. But the Valley thrives when different cities contribute their unique character. Mesa’s investment in Mekong Plaza shows that the most exciting growth doesn’t always come from luxury developments. Sometimes it comes from celebrating the communities already here and giving them room to flourish.

Next time you’re planning dinner, skip the usual Scottsdale spots and head east; explore the fruits of our beautifully diverse metroplex. Your taste buds, as well as your understanding of what makes the Valley special, will thank you.

By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas

Dear Friends,

In business and in our personal lives, we seek the best deal – the biggest bang for our bucks. And, we shake our heads at cushy government contracts.

This week, Scottsdale City Council faced that exact situation. We are working to revitalize our Old Town area. And one aspect of it is a $1.3M advertising budget that will bring locals to dine, shop, and play in Old Town.

We were very excited for the opportunity to have a tremendous impact on Old Town… until we saw the contract. Of the $1.3M – after expenses, overhead, commissions – it was expected only 1/3rd of our dollars would actually go toward advertising.

Scottsdale deserves better than that! In the meeting, I highlighted these expense issues and urged my colleagues to reject the contract so that we can get a better deal for Scottsdale. I made the motion to deny the contract and although some wished to proceed, practical business-sense won the day.

My thanks to Councilwoman Littlefield, Councilman Graham and Vice Mayor Kwasman for standing strong throughout the session on this issue. We asked the city to do better and get more for your dollars.

And guess what?! The very next morning, the vendor reached out to us, offering to sharpen the pencil and deliver measurable results for Scottsdale.

Treating your dollars like we would treat our own – and being willing to say NO works. We are delivering results for you. 

Christmas At The Quarter

The more than 100 retail, dining, and entertainment businesses located in the Scottsdale Quarter welcomed the Christmas season by hosting the Santa Social. The event included photo opportunities with Santa, children’s entertainment, face painting and a variety of holiday crafts, games and music. Visits and photos with Santa will continue through Wednesday, December 24 with weekend entertainment, including live music, carolers and other seasonal family activities through Saturday, December 20th. For more click here.

Photo Credit: azcentral.com

Ah, Blackout Wednesday…or as the more refined among us prefer, “Drinksgiving.” The unofficial drinking holiday drew massive crowds to Scottsdale and Phoenix bars on Thanksgiving Eve, with venues like Coach House reporting their busiest night of the year.

If you ventured anywhere near Old Town Scottsdale last Wednesday evening, you witnessed a heartwarming American tradition: college students reuniting with high school friends, young professionals catching up over craft cocktails, and the entire Valley collectively deciding that nobody should cook the night before they have to cook all day Thursday.

One reveler summed up the evening’s ambitions perfectly: “I’m gonna get really drunk.” Truly, the poet laureate of our generation.

Old Town Scottsdale was absolutely buzzing with the kind of energy that makes this city special. The Pemberton hosted a full-on Friendsgiving party, while Coach House faced lines that staff described as “expected” for the busiest night of the year. Translation: if you showed up without a reservation, you’d better have been prepared to network your way in or stake out a corner of sidewalk real estate.

What makes Blackout Wednesday such a quintessentially Scottsdale event is how it perfectly captures the city’s ethos: work hard, play harder, and always look good doing it. Sure, other cities celebrate this pre-Thanksgiving tradition, but do they do it with our combination of patio weather, designer outfits, and an Old Town strip that offers more bars per square foot than almost anywhere else in the Valley?

The best part? Scottsdale actually handled it responsibly. Staff actively encouraged patrons to call ride-share services to get home safely, and judging by the surge pricing complaints flooding social media, plenty of people took that advice.

Yes, Blackout Wednesday has gained a somewhat notorious reputation nationally as one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year. But in Scottsdale, we prefer to think of it as “enthusiastic networking with enhanced social lubrication.” The long line at Coach House? That’s just eager residents supporting local business. The packed patios? Community building. But if we’re being completely honest, a city that can handle massive Barrett-Jackson crowds, endless bachelor parties, and spring training season can certainly manage one night of nostalgic college reunions and premature holiday cheer.

So here’s to Scottsdale’s Blackout Wednesday: where the drinks flow, the Ubers are plentiful, and our city’s hospitality industry proves once again why Old Town remains one of Arizona’s premier destinations for responsible(ish) revelry. Same time next year?

Photo Credit: AZ Central

Phoenix recently approved a controversial “middle housing” ordinance that will reshape how its historic neighborhoods develop. The decision, made under pressure from state law, allows duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas previously zoned exclusively for single-family homes, including beloved historic districts like Willo, Encanto-Palmcroft, and Los Olivos.

The resistance was fierce. Neighborhood advocates warned of bulldozed century-old homes, decimated historic character, and communities fundamentally transformed beyond recognition. One resident predicted flatly that within a year, the landscape would be completely different and historic districts would be decimated.

But here’s the uncomfortable reality those concerns overlook: Arizona faces a severe housing affordability crisis, and Phoenix sits at its epicenter.

According to recent data, the typical home price in Arizona reached over $427,000 by March 2024, with median rent at $1,600. For minimum-wage workers, affordable rent would be $745 per month, just over half the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Arizona’s current rental market. That means people with low incomes would need to work 76 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment.

The choice Phoenix faced was stark: craft local rules to manage middle housing development, or let state law take effect automatically on January 1, potentially losing all local control over where and how multi-family structures are built. City officials chose pragmatism.

The fundamental question isn’t whether we value historic neighborhoods; it’s whether we value them more than we value housing accessibility for the next generation. When century-old homes become exclusive luxuries affordable only to the wealthy, have we truly preserved the community fabric, or just created attractive museums for the privileged?

Government’s role isn’t to lock neighborhoods in amber while housing costs spiral beyond reach. It’s to balance competing values with pragmatism; preserving what we can while ensuring communities remain accessible and economically diverse.

Phoenix made the practical choice: managing middle housing development locally rather than ceding control entirely. In a housing market where only 39% of Arizona employees at median wages can afford a one-bedroom apartment, that pragmatism isn’t just prudent policy…it’s a moral imperative.

Historic preservation matters. Housing affordability matters more. Finding solutions that address both, even imperfectly, is what responsible governance looks like.

By Mary Manross, Former Scottsdale Mayor and Chairwoman for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC
and Carla, Preserve Pioneer and Campaign Coordinator for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC

In most campaigns there are winners and losers. Not when it comes to the passage of Propositions 490 and 491 in Scottsdale which happened on November 5th. We believe everyone in Scottsdale wins.

Proposition 490 will help revitalize and maintain Scottsdale’s parks, beginning with the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, and will provide ongoing care and protection for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  It will provide funding to prevent and fight fires in and around the Preserve, and funds for increased police rangers for the parks and the Preserve.

Almost sixty years ago Scottsdale had the wisdom and foresight to create the Greenbelt and, thirty years ago, to create the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They are two of Scottsdale’s greatest decisions and treasures. That wisdom and foresight are still with us today as evidenced by this vote.

Proposition 490 contains legal safeguards to ensure the money is properly spent. And we think these safeguards, and the benefits of the measure will win over many who voted no and maybe even some critics. Now that the voters of Scottsdale have spoken overwhelmingly in support of Proposition 490, we look forward to working with the new Mayor and Council to see that it is implemented properly and responsibly.Read More

By Carla (Carla), Preserve Pioneer

This year Scottsdale was fortunate when it came to wildfires. Next year we might not be so lucky.

As every summer gets hotter and drier, nature and human caused fires are a fact of life in Scottsdale and our Preserve. Thanks to the quick response and hard work of our Firefighters  – plus a little luck with wind direction  – we have avoided a catastrophic fire this year.

But next year, unless Propositions 490 & 491 pass, we won’t have as many tools to help prevent fires.

Year round our Fire Department does excellent outreach work with developments in Northern Scottsdale to address not planting invasive species and removing fire loads. They also work with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to get grants which provide for wildfire prevention. Specifically invasive plant removal and preventative measures along our Preserve boundary and major roadways.

But Scottsdale did NOT get a grant to fund this work in 2025!

Proposition 490 would add Fire Department funding to provide quicker response times; increased Fire prevention programs; a second Technical Rescue Team; and additional resources to better protect you and your neighborhoods.

Proposition 491 – which is not a tax increase or budget override  – would allow Scottsdale to spend the money it already collects on programs and services that residents want and need. Without its passage, city services will face cutbacks, including in public safety.

Please join the Firefighters, who dedicate their lives to protecting you,  in voting YES-YES on Props 490 and 491. It’s critical to Scottsdale’s safety and future quality of life.

Carla (Carla), Preserve Pioneer

Data Orbital, in conjunction with AZ Free News, is pleased to announce the results of its latest statewide, live caller survey of likely General Election Voters. The survey was conducted from September 7th 2024 – September 9th 2024. The survey measured support for candidates in Arizona’s Presidential contest. This survey was sponsored by AZ Free News.

For President, the Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris trails Republican former President Donald Trump by a slim 46.0% to 46.2% margin. 7.7% reported as being undecided or refused the question.

Speaking with AZ Free News about the Presidential race, George Khalaf, President of Data Orbital, stated “That 7.7% undecided number, I would say, is going to be one of two things: 1.) Either individuals that are saying that they are likely to vote but don’t end up voting or 2.) People that really are truly undecided. But I would be shocked if the true undecided number is in the high single digits”. Khalaf goes on to explain, “I would guess that right now, the true percentage of people that are undecided is maybe one or two percent, if that. This is a high-profile race and so most people have made up their minds. But I think a portion of people that are undecided likely will not end up making a decision on November 5th”.

By Jeanne Beasley
Candidate for Scottsdale School Board

As students return to school this week, let’s consider what we can do to help support and strengthen our local public schools. I am running for a seat on the Scottsdale Unified School Board on November 5, alongside Gretchen Jacobs and Drew Hassler, to serve our community positively.

We are parents, professionals, and community leaders who have had students in our Scottsdale schools and believe that strong communities should have strong public schools. Families shouldn’t have to look elsewhere for the excellent academic opportunities and well-rounded extracurricular experiences they desire for their children.

Our campaign, “Just Be Honest,” will bring a new era of transparency, accountability, and integrity to SUSD. Our mission is to ensure that every decision made is in the best interest of our students, families, and teachers.Read More

With just five days remaining until Arizona’s 2024 primary election, let’s take a closer look at how Republicans and Democrats are performing across the state.

Focusing first on the Republicans, a total of 1,156,580 GOP ballots have been requested. Of these, 1,089,498 are from registered Republicans and 67,082 from Independents. These numbers surpass the total requests from both 2020 and 2022, which were 1,035,288 and 1,059,348, respectively. Currently, Republicans have a 32.7% ballot return rate, while Independents have a 49.2% return rate, resulting in an overall return rate of 33.7%.

At this stage in the election, GOP ballot returns across the state are ahead of 2022 but are behind 2020. In 2020, returns at this time were 426,571, compared to 375,714 in 2022. So far in 2024, a total of 389,458 GOP ballots have been returned.

Now looking at the Democratic side, total ballot requests stand at 1,063,267, with 1,008,909 from Democrats and 54,358 from Independents. This exceeds the totals from both 2020, which had 1,044,288 requests, and 2022, which had 1,041,271 requests. Democrats are returning their ballots at a 29.4% rate, while Independents are returning at a 48.9% rate, resulting in an overall return rate of 30.4%

At this stage in the cycle, Democratic returns are lagging behind both 2020 and 2022. In 2020, Democratic returns were 439,383, and in 2022 they were 368,745. Both figures are notably higher than the current returns in 2024, which stand at 322,984.