Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Pays Tribute To Groundbreaking Indigenous Artist And Respected Arizona Collector/Patron

The inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week March 20-23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale will feature works from some 110 galleries from around the world, displaying a curated selection of modern art and design with an emphasis on indigenous art.

It will also honor two women whose works and achievements represent the heart of what this groundbreaking art fair will accomplish.

Janis Lyon will be honored with the Scottsdale Art Week Lifetime Achievement Award and Melissa Cody will be honored with the Scottsdale Art Week Artistic Achievement Award for their combined work with the arts that spans 45 years.

Cody, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is a fourth-generation Navajo weaver. She is the first Indigenous woman to have a solo exhibition at MoMA PS1 (Museum of Modern Art) in Queens, New York. Her weaving style is characterized by a complex interaction of traditional and historical contingencies such as vivid commercial dyes and new economic pressures which prompted enterprising Navajo weavers to adapt, creating bold new textiles.

Photographer, Graham Nystrom

Under Cover of Webbed Skies, 2021 Courtesy of the artist and Garth Greenan Gallery, New York

Lyon is a respected long-time Arizona collector and patron who has shared her collections of Indigenous and Spanish Colonial art with multiple museums such as the Heard Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum enabling thousands to appreciate great works in her collection.

Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Co-Owner Trey Brennen said, “One of the goals of this event is to provide a bridge between emerging artists and current and future patrons so that great art can be created and flourish in Arizona’s expanding art scene. These women represent the best of those dynamics.”

Cody and Lyon will be honored at the event’s Opening Night March 20th. In addition to breathtaking art, the event also features cultural performances, fashion shows, pop-up displays, lectures, panels, and immersive experiences throughout each day making it an experience for the eyes and the mind.

Tickets for the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week are available at ScottsdaleArtWeek.com. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ScottsdaleArtWeek.com.

The Western Spirit Award gala to include a Q&A with Costner and silent/live auction items that include Costner inspired and autographed memorabilia

On Friday, February 28, 2024, award-winning actor Kevin Costner will be visiting Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West to receive the inaugural Western Spirit Award – designed by artist Herb Mignery – at their Western Spirit Award Gala. Held in celebration of the Museum’s 10^th Anniversary, Costner fans and Western art aficionados alike are invited to attend as Costner receives the award and takes part in a Q&A session during the evening’s festivities.

“Kevin Costner’s passion for the West both personally and professionally truly exemplifies the mission of the Museum and its reverence for the spirit, stories and artifacts that embody this time period in American history,” said Todd Bankofier, CEO of Western Spirit. “We’re thrilled to be able to honor him for his impressive career which has so eloquently encapsulated the Old West.”

The internationally acclaimed actor, writer, producer, director, community activist and philanthropist, Kevin Costner, will be accepting the award at the February 28^th gala, which will also include a VIP “Meet and Greet” for sponsors, a moderated Q&A, a VIP Dinner by M Culinary, a standing-room-only Garden Party by Creative Hands Cuisine including featured spirits by LIQUID Caterers, Bourbon & Bones and One Handsome Bastard, and a silent and live auction for guests hosted by Auctioneer Kelee Lee Walton in support of the museum and its mission to preserve the rich history of the West.

“This will be a momentous occasion not just for Western Spirit, but for the City of Scottsdale as well,” said Lisa Borowsky, Mayor for the City of Scottsdale. “We are the ‘West’s Most Western Town’ and I could not think of someone so well-ingrained and supportive of the spirit of the West more so than Kevin Costner.”

Few tickets remain for a reserved garden table which seats 10 ($11,000/table), as well as a limited number of standing-room-only garden party tickets ($1,000/person), both of which can be purchased at www.westernspirit.org/costner.

Items that will be up for auction for both in-person attendees and virtual bidders (download the absentee bidder form here), include:

• A painting of Kevin Costner (pictured right), titled Spirit of the West, by the French-American painter Mark Maggiori, who is famous for his depictions of the American West.
• A Greeley Hat Works Yellowstone Dutton Ranch Stetson styled hat autographed by Kevin Costner
• A Martin X Series Acoustic Guitar with accompanying case, autographed by Kevin Costner
• A Director’s Chair personally signed by Kevin Costner
• A three-night stay at Castle Hot Springs – Arizona’s first wellness resort – with private return transportation via helicopter to Scottsdale Airpark

All proceeds benefit the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.

In regard to the sculpture created for the Western Spirit Award, artist Herb Mignery stated, “I titled the sculpture ‘Holdin’ Denim to Leather’ as it comes from my father who, as I left for my daily horseback patrols on our ranch, would comment ‘Keep your denim to leather.’ In other words, it was a long way home, and boots ain’t made for walking. I have always adopted it as a cowboy’s version of the old Irish blessing, “May the wind always be at your back” and I am honored to be involved in this momentous occasion for Western Spirit.”

For more information on Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and their upcoming exhibits, expansion and events, visit www.westernspirit.org, call 480.686.9539 or follow them on social media at @smowest on Instagram and Facebook.com/westernspiritmuseum.

ABOUT WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST 

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a Smithsonian Affiliate that was built in 2015 in Scottsdale, Arizona and has since become a cultural institution that celebrates the art, history and culture of the American West. Featuring art and artifacts from as far back as the 1500’s, the Museum also features rotating exhibitions, interactive experiences, educational programming and special events. For more information, visit www.westernspirit.org.

Four-Day Event at WestWorld to Welcome Some 100 Leading Galleries From Around the World in March

Elite corporate sponsors and leading cultural partners are providing a big boost to the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week, a four-day, first-of-its-kind fine art fair that will be the largest concentration of galleries in one place in the American Southwest’s history.

Set for Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23 in the North Hall of WestWorld of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week will welcome some 115 booths of art galleries and feature an immersive series of art installations, cultural performances, runway shows and other innovative programming aimed at art enthusiasts, collectors and trendsetters alike. The event is garnering support from a growing list of prominent corporate sponsors and cultural partners dedicated to showcasing artistic excellence and highlighting the Southwest’s contributions to the global fine arts scene.

Paving the way for the event’s success are some of the most notable names in hospitality, home design, construction, cars and culture. Scottsdale Ferrari, the event’s title sponsor, is among those bringing its legacy of luxury and superior performance to the forefront of the art world.

“The Ferrari name has long been synonymous with innovation, affluence and style, much like the world of fine art,” said Chad Morgan, general manager of Scottsdale Ferrari. “We’re proud to partner with an event that celebrates culture, creativity and talent while shining on a spotlight on everything Scottsdale and the surrounding areas have to offer.”

Other notable partners of the Southwest’s first major fine art fair include Gila River Resorts & Casinos, which owns Wild Horse Pass, a AAA Four Diamond resort featuring a hotel, championship golf course, stunning desert and city views and easy access to some of the East Valley’s best restaurants, retailers and attractions. Several high-end builders, architects, real estate brokerages and designers, including Cullum Homes, Candelaria Design, Mark-Taylor Residential and The Grigg’s Group Powered by the Altman Brothers are also contributing their resources and expertise to the event’s success.

An expanding lineup of retailers, automotive entities, spirits companies and beverage distributors ranging from Neiman Marcus, Sanderson Lincoln and Galerie Town to Breakthru Beverage, Veuve Clicquot and Stella Artois are also offering their support, as are art industry entities RAYMAR and Heritage Auctions.

The Pivotal Foundation, a grant-making nonprofit led by F. Francis and Dionne Najafi, is also sponsoring the event, as are UBS Financial Services, Turon Travel, a full-scale travel agency, and Casa Amigos Tacos + Tequila, a Mexican eatery and nightlife hotspot in Old Town Scottsdale.

Also enhancing the event’s impact are the City of Scottsdale and a series of renowned cultural partners, including the University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography and ARTLINK, the nonprofit behind the First Fridays Artwalk in Downtown Phoenix. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Phoenix Art Museum, The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Heard Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of indigenous art, are also collaborating and hosting off-site events, planning special exhibitions, guided tours and exclusive receptions throughout the four days of festivities.  

“It’s an honor to have so many distinguished sponsors and partners working together to see Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week come to fruition,” said Trey Brennan, co-owner of the event. “An event of this size and scope simply wouldn’t be possible without this group of partners who share a common goal: enhancing the arts and cultural landscape of the American Southwest.”

With the support of these renowned corporate and cultural partners, Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week is well on its way to becoming a premier event for art, fashion and design in the region. For more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit ScottsdaleArtWeek.com.

Free 9-Day Event Serves as the Sole Qualifier for “The Run for a Million,” the Sport’s Premier Annual Event with a $1 Million Grand Prize

He’s almost singlehandedly reinvigorated the nation’s love affair with Western and cowboy culture, and now, Taylor Sheridan, the hitmaker behind the likes of “Yellowstone,” “Landman” and “The Last Cowboy” is bringing the grit, drama and high-stakes cowboy competition to “The West’s Most Western Town.”

The Cactus Reining Classic, broadcast on CMT and co-owned by Academy Award nominee Sheridan and Scottsdale resident Amanda Brumley, will take over WestWorld of Scottsdale March 14 – 22, 2025. It is the lone qualifying event for August’s “Run for a Million,” an elite-level reining, cow horse and cutting competition in Las Vegas dubbed the “the richest event in the history of reining.” 

Viewed by audiences in 55 countries last year, the Cactus Reining Classic is both a career-defining event for youth, amateur and professional participants and a full-scale spectacle of horsemanship and showmanship, granting attendees a firsthand look at the struggles, triumphs and rivalries that shape and drive the sport’s most famous faces.

“If you’ve been craving more Western content and culture since “Yellowstone” ended, this is a great opportunity to see top industry talent, including Taylor Sheridan, himself, and stars from “The Last Cowboy,” take the reins and put on a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” said Brumley. “This action-packed event is a must-attend, whether you’re an established equestrian enthusiast or someone looking to experience the thrill of reining for the first time.”

Featuring 30 different Western and reining competitions, the Cactus Reining Classic differs from more traditional equestrian events because there are multiple components that help determine who reigns supreme. Unlike in, say, barrel racing, where the fastest horse and rider take home the top title, the winners of these events must showcase their skills in a broad range of areas, performing a precise set of maneuvers including spins, sliding stops, circles, rollbacks and lead changes without error. Judges then score each horse and rider in terms of speed, flow, accuracy and smoothness, among other areas, with the top 10 finishers (out of an estimated 85 – 100) joining six already-qualified participants at the Run for a Million event in Las Vegas Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. 

In addition to a chance to check out the fast-paced, high-stakes competition, attendees at this year’s 20^th annual Cactus Reining Classic may also be able to score autographs and meet-and-greets with the “Yellowstone” showrunner and some of the most famous faces from recent seasons of “The Last Cowboy.” Drawing more than 15,000 attendees, the Cactus Reining Classic has cemented itself one of the NRHA’s top 10 annual events, uniting elite riders, up-and-comers and fans of cowboy culture alike for an unforgettable celebration of culture, tradition and sport.

While the intensity of the competition is the Cactus Reining Classic’s main draw, event-goers will also find an expansive assortment of Western-inspired vendors onsite selling everything from tack, art and clothing to food, drink, home goods and jewelry. Attendees will also have a chance to see some of the top working ranch and show horses from the reining world, some of which have amassed as large a fanbase and following as their riders.

“As the influence of Western culture continues to grow, we’re seeing more and more Hollywood celebrities attending and fueling the sport’s popularity,” Brumley said. “Stars like Taylor Sheridan are making Western performance disciplines more mainstream, and you never know who you might spot on the sand or in the stands.”

For more about vendor spaces, sponsorships or participation or to view a full event schedule, visit https://brumleyevents.com/cactus-reining-classic/#.

The annual party recognizes Mountainside Fitness employees in all categories from personal trainers, sales representatives, group fitness, child care, and club operations

Mountainside Fitness is proud to celebrate and honor all 1,800 employees at its Annual Peak Awards Party.

The yearly employee recognition party was held at Chateau Luxe Phoenix where employees enjoyed a Roaring 20’s themed celebration and the past year’s accomplishments.   Mountainside Fitness has been celebrating employees at its Annual Peak Awards Party for the last decade.   Each year, the event is held at a large venue and with a new theme.

During the evening, Mountainside Fitness recognized employees within various categories from personal trainers, sales representatives, group fitness, child care, to club operations, and the Spike Spirit Award which is presented to six (6) employees across all categories who exemplify “Outstanding Mountainside Spirit.”

Membership Services Representative of the Year was awarded to Hollie Oldham (Mesa), with Brandon Tarleton (Happy Valley) and John Sheets (Avondale) receiving honorable mentions.

Instructor(s) of the Year was awarded to Mandy Thurman (Surprise), Emily Pelligreen (Desert Ridge), and Amy Larkin (Ocotillo) with honorable mentions to Danae Jones and Sarah Teeter (Peoria), and Jeanette Fougeron (Octoillo), Jackie Stewart and Gretchen Stainecker (Gilbert), Tami Carr (Scottsdale) Tracy Nadler (Paradise Valley), Jessica Hedger (Indian Bend).

Personal Trainer of the Year was awarded to Nicholas Giodano (Peoria), with honorable mentions going to Morgan Allen (Avondale), Zack Wulf (Scottsdale).

Childcare of the Year went to (Carefree), and honored Arrowhead club and Cadence club.

Personal Training Club of the Year went to Queen Creek club, with Peoria club and Cadence club getting honorable mentions.

Most Improved Club of the Year honored Queen Creek club with honorable mentions to going to Platinum club, and Ocotillo club.

The Spike Spirit Award went to Essence Johnson (Tempe), Emily Clark- Baca (Peoria), Sherri Bottano (Surprise), (Indian Bend), Tanya Tomasso (Carefree) Erika Smith (Cadence/Queen Creek), and Sierra Jacobs (Desert Ridge).

The Club of the Year award went to Desert Ridge club with Happy Valley and Scottsdale being honored.

Employees danced and celebrated one the best years on record for the Valley based company.  Entertainment included a live band, DJ, food and beverages reflected the Roaring 20’s period.

The festivities were highlighted by the presentation of Legacy Awards to longtime instructors Jill Toyne, Andy Frus and Robyn Klawitter. The three are each celebrating 20 years of working at Mountainside Fitness

“Our Mountainside Fitness employees, instructors, and trainers are some of the best within our industry, and they are each very important to us and deserve to be recognized.  Some have been with us a very long time, since we began in 1991, but most importantly we honor our entire team’s efforts in working to change the lives of our Members for the better,” said CEO Craig Cote.

For more information or to sign up for membership — visit www.mountainsidefitness.com.

Cam Skattebo. Image Credit: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Arizona State football had an absolutely magical season this past year, defying everyone’s expectations and energizing the entire region by winning the Pac 12 division and taking #3 Texas to double overtime in the playoffs in perhaps the best game of the year in college football. Phenom running back Cam Skattebo was a big reason for this, and as he enters a truly life-changing time of his life, he also is confronting the potential pitfalls of fame before he even enters the NFL.

Skattebo put all of college football (and the NFL) on notice with his 2024 season, rushing for 1,711 yards, gaining another 605 yards receiving, and finding the end zone 24 times for the year. More than that however, his style of play turned heads, showing himself to be tough as nails with a versatile but bruising style of play that will likely translate well to the NFL. That play earned him an invite to the NFL Combine, where players preparing to enter next month’s draft have their chance to show off the NFL teams.

Skattebo did not disappoint during the combine either. He did earn some skepticism by not participating in the 40-yard dash, but he compensated and showed out with a 39.5″ vertical jump and a 10’3″ broad jump, the former being second amongst all running backs and demonstrating massive power in his lower body. He did what he needed to do.

He played like the second best running back in all of college football last year, second only to Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty, and his Combine performance bolstered that rank. Draft experts seem to be expecting him to be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round, putting him in line for a good NFL payday. But as the Notorious B.I.G. once said, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems”, and Skattebo seems as though he will be finding that out firsthand.

Skattebo is now being sued by a former teammate to the tune of $300,000 for an incident that seems to amount to aggressive horseplay. Skattebo was allegedly jumping up and down on the back of a golf cart which was on the field during a practice, with said teammate sitting in it. His jumping caused the player to fall out, allegedly injuring his elbow badly enough that it required surgery. While it does seem to be a freakish accident, the lawsuit comes at a very unfortunate time, right when it may matter most.

Skattebo certainly has what it takes physically to excel in the NFL. But the next level brings with it any number of different challenges and pitfalls, of people who are looking to take advantage of your fame and get a piece of the action. This will only deepen if he does find success at the next level. Hopefully this is a teachable moment for him.

In reference to the letter below from attorney Dennis Wilenchik, Scottsdale City Councilman Adam Kwasman said, “I have been in civil litigation for nearly a decade. This demand letter reads like Homer Simpson’s father yelling at squirrels to get off his lawn.”

Scottsdale PD officer Rocco

We’ve all had bad days on the job, but how bad that day is often depends on your line of work. With most of our jobs, a bad day doesn’t mean being physically or even mortally injured, but that is the reality for law enforcement officers all around this country. But that doesn’t just mean it’s human beings in the line of fire…

One of Scottsdale’s best and bravest law enforcement officers recently found this out the hard way. But it wasn’t a man or woman, it was Rocco, one of Scottsdale’s K-9 officers. Even more unfortunately, he was hit with friendly fire.

Rocco and his human handler were responding to a threat in Scottsdale where a suspect would not comply and Rocco went to retrieve him. As the suspect reached into the back of his car the human officer fired into the car, hitting both Rocco and the suspect. The suspect perished, thankfully Rocco did not, but he was taken to the veterinary hospital to recover. 

While often overlooked by the citizenry, K-9 units have developed into a unique, value-adding component of law enforcement. With their incredible ability to be trained to smell very specific compounds, they are able to detect items as diverse as electronic devices due to the presence of triphenylphosphine oxide to various types of weapons and narcotics. They are also often equipped with tactical vests including a camera and a microphone, allowing them to get footage and audio in difficult-to-reach places where a human can’t necessarily get to.

While generally the domain of German Shephards, Scottsdale police recruited Belgian Malinois into their department. In order to be ready to patrol the streets, they go through a total of 560 hours of school as well as 10 hours a week of continuing education to keep their skills sharp.

It looks as though good boy Rocco will make a full recovery, but this serves as a very real reminder of the potential dangers not just to all law enforcement but in the city of Scottsdale, a city generally hailed as being very safe but not one that is devoid of any danger. While violent crime is at about half of the national average, every single encounter is a potential life-threatening one.

While criticizing law enforcement was en vogue for quite some time, we should be thankful that we live in a city that didn’t ride that wave of criticizing law enforcement first. No human (or even dog) is perfect but few get the level of criticism for imperfections like police officers. There are few professions that have constant stress and potential danger every day like law enforcement, and not just for humans. Scottsdale Police has earned our respect. 

Courtesy of Data Orbital

Data Orbital is pleased to announce the results of its latest mixed-mode audience research survey of likely 2026 Republican Primary Election voters in Arizona. Conducted from February 25th to February 27th, the survey assessed Republican primary voter sentiment on extending the state’s tobacco tax to alternative, non-tobacco products.

In Arizona, voter-approved tobacco-tax is the only dedicated public funding source for early childhood programs and services. However, as consumption habits shift, tobacco tax revenues are declining with the increasing popularity of alternative products.

A strong majority of Republican primary voters (62.0%) support extending existing taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products to include alternatives like vape, while just 27.1% oppose the change.

This survey was commissioned as independent market research by First Things First to better understand voter sentiment on potential funding solutions for early childhood programs.

This poll of 400 likely Republican primary election voters was conducted through a combination of live phone survey and text-to-web that collected 33.3% of the results from live caller landlines, 33.3% from live caller cell phones, and 33.3% via text-to-web. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 5.00% with a 95% confidence interval. Respondents were weighted on a number of different demographic figures based on prior general election voter turnout figures. The poll was conducted from February 25 – February 27, 2025. The questions released are verbatim from the survey provided to respondents. Toplines and demographic data can be found here. Crosstabs for this survey can be found here.

Axon CEO Rick Smith at the rally. Photo Credit: Arizona Republic

It’s not a secret that Axon has been pulling every single lever possible in order to force its massive, unwanted apartment megacomplex onto the people of Scottsdale. However, a recent development shows just how much it has been willing to pay up in order to do so; how only one aspect of this push has cost the company half a million dollars, and that it wanted to keep it a secret from you (wittingly or not).

In the attempt to push back against Axon’s absurd apartment megacomplex, the people of Scottsdale banded together and captured 27,000 signatures, exercising their right as an electorate to put it on the November 2026 ballot for a public vote in order to have their voices heard. However, Axon was going to do whatever it could to avoid that since it knows that it does not have the public on its side.

It took a public complaint for Axon to show us all how far it’s willing to go; in a recent campaign finance report, it spent nearly half a million dollars in outreach efforts to mislead voters about the nature of the grassroots effort to oppose it. What’s worse however is that it took a complaint to get that information. Efforts to support or oppose any initiative, so long as money is spent, must be reported in campaign finance reports; this is not unique to Scottsdale, this would be nearly every municipality. And it’s difficult to believe that a firm like Axon wasn’t aware of this.

Also notable is what that late campaign finance report didn’t show: legal resources, consulting spending, and any other number of potential expenses that were almost certainly accrued during this process, probably bringing its overall expenditures closer to $1 million. This would be an additional campaign finance violation, further calling into question the level of transparency and ethics it conducts itself during this process. 

Purposeful obfuscation or ignorance? It’s impossible to know. But that’s a lot of money spent knocking on doors to mislead voters. One has to wonder if Axon’s board is growing tired of this fight…

Meanwhile, while TAAZE, the grassroots group that is fighting back against Axon, filed its report on time, and while it did show a large contribution number, nearly all of it was “in-kind” contributions, i.e. products or services of value that were offered without cost. That’s what a real grassroots effort looks like, people willing to give their time and efforts to a cause they believe in. 

That stands in stark contrast to Axon’s “rally” at the State Capitol. There was no grassroots effort; they had to get 1,000 employees to go to the Capitol to pressure legislators to eviscerate your right to speak up against awful development, a bill so bad that Laurie Roberts went to town criticizing it. How apropos…once again trying to bully to get their way, but this time strong-arming their employees into doing their bidding. 

Rarely has a David vs Goliath matchup so clearly matched the original story, and rarely has the Goliath so consistently looked like the bad guy.

By Alexander Lomax

Alexander Kolodin. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

I’d consider myself a fairly reasonable liberal, but more than that, I’m a pretty average voter. I think that the political left has gone too far in a number of different ways. I want leaders who are going to fix problems, not spend their time inventing ones, and if that’s a Republican then they’re going to get my respect (and maybe even my vote). But regardless of the side of the aisle they’re on, grandstanding for attention is simply annoying.

For example, I didn’t begin as a fan of State Representative Joseph Chaplik, as he seemed to be a little too big of a fan of embracing the “culture wars”. But he recently has stepped into his own with a vociferous defense of the rights of the voters regarding the Axon fiasco and their attempts to take away your ability to fight against awful zoning overreach from your local government. He has been willing to take on a corporate bully, and that’s truly commendable.

But when I look at his seatmate, the other Representative from District 3, Alex Kolodin? I don’t see a serious leader. I see someone who is looking for attention.

So what has Kolodin been doing this year? Well he decided to spend political capital on attempting to legalize “weapons of war”. Yep, he sponsored a bill to legalize grenades, rockets, or IEDs, and invoked his religion as a justification for it. Wonderful to think that your unstable neighbor would have been able to legally stockpile grenades if this passed, right? These are the sorts of dimwitted laws that people around the world learn about, that tarnish our reputation and make us less of a suitable tourist destination.

I would say that he’s not serious, but that actually would have been a potentially serious problem.

Then he decided to say “hell no” in response to a bill championed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office that would have given strict sentences to people involved in gang assaults. I don’t agree with the heavy-handed nature of the bill, but there was no need to grandstand about it.

Mind you, this is the same guy that was sanctioned and placed on probation by the Arizona Bar for making wild and completely unfounded claims about widespread fraud in recent elections (weird that he’s not making that charge regarding last year’s elections now that the Republicans won…so weird!). And he was also the person who represented the Arizona Republican Party for a spurious suit about the election tabulation machines being improperly tested, which was thrown out.

Rep. Kolodin has proven himself adept at getting attention, like a kid jumping up and down, screaming and waving his hands in the air. But we elect people to lead, not to get attention. I wish Kolodin would act like a leader for once.

By Betty Janik

On February 11, 2025, Scottsdale City Council was asked to vote on Ordinance 4662 which ensured COS employees are hired and promoted based on merit and to discontinue DEI programs. Once again, certain members of Council fabricated a problem that does not exist in the halls of Council and concocted a solution that was totally unwarranted, but it was a good political theatre. Section 14-2 of the City code states “It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability.”  There are several other sections of City Code with similar requirements.  These sections are so definitive that 4662 borrowed the same language. As for A.R.S. 41-1494, we do not violate state law, but it is a good sound bite to reference DEI to incite citizens and provoke calls for the elimination of funding for DEI programs which do not even exist. The Office of Diversity has defined objectives: monitor and report on compliance with ADA and Title VI, share best practices and address ADA complaints, investigate complaints and enforce the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, provide administrative staff support for Human Relations Commission, and coordinate the Mayor’s Ability Awards Program. Additionally, the office leads/coordinates events within the organization and community that support our diversity and are enjoyed by both residents and tourists (ex., Arizona Indian Festival).

The city will NOT save money with the implementation of Ordinance 4662 because we do not use city funds for DEI systemic programing, but deceptive wording implies that Scottsdale has these programs and spends funds on them. The objectives and tasks of the Office of Diversity are necessary and will remain unchanged as will the costs.

There was a proposed motion to hold a study session on this topic, but the usual suspects voted it down.  They were afraid of the truth when their incendiary fiction is so much more provocative. A study session would have provided the facts and a reasonable action might have been initiated to simply change the name of the office to that of Compliance and Accordance or similar and drop references to DEI.

Hundreds of letters and 47 of 49 speakers urged continuing support of our Office of Diversity, which dates back to 1998.  In spite of this, Ordinance 4662 was passed by the usual suspects leaving a deep scar on our city.  Our Love Statue is crying!

Betty Janik

Former Scottsdale Councilwoman

Alexander Kolodin. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

If you have not lived under a rock over the last two months, you are almost certainly aware of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk’s attempts to cut government spending at the federal level. And regular readers may have read our piece on Arizona’s version of DOGE, spearheaded by Scottsdale-based Representative Alex Kolodin. But only a couple weeks later, we got an update on AZ DOGE, and…

It’s dead already. After several attempts at amendments to make it more palatable to various legislators, it made its way for a vote by the entire House of Representatives, and it got destroyed 42-17. A bipartisan smackdown, a relatively rarity in our current polarized days.

How could an idea that at least on the surface has widespread support from Republicans, in a legislature that is controlled by Republicans? In one way the problems that are arising with DOGE at the federal level were mirrored with this local version. However, it’s also a tale as old as America, one that is playing out in various ways at the federal level, and one that often gets in the way of any spending cuts at the government level.

Much like Musk, Kolodin went in with an axe, not a scalpel, and didn’t seem to confirm or even gather support for those cuts before he brought his bill forward. His recommendation to disband eight different boards or commissions was a “shock and awe” move that was bound to attract disagreement. Moreover, while he certainly had some reasonably good justifications for getting rid of some of them, it would appear that he went into this with partial information. 

Take for instance his desire to get rid of the Barbering and Cosmetology Board. As a man who presumably never got his nails and eyelashes done, he probably has given no thought as to what is necessary to demonstrate competence there. In a rare moment of bipartisanship, both Republican and Democrat women united to tell him how bad of an idea that was. It seems as though he didn’t know what he didn’t know and didn’t demonstrate much interest in actually getting to understand the potential need.

Also in the crosshairs was the Commission on the Arts, but instead of speaking at length to stakeholders and understanding that this was a substantial need for a significant industry that contributes quite a bit to the economy, Kolodin only got the message during the course of bill discussions, not before the bill was introduced. Much like what is happening at the federal level, the “chop first, ask questions later” approach, more preparation should have been done, and backlash for a sloppy and uninformed execution was inevitable. 

And perhaps Kolodin doesn’t care; perhaps he got the headlines he wanted, perhaps he endeared himself to the Trump administration in some regard and is now better known as a budget hawk. But the side impact is that he again seems less and less like a serious leader and more like a headline-chaser.

Perhaps the best approach is to introduce the repeal of the individual boards for discussion and a vote. But more than that, the best approach is to avoid legislation apparently designed to get attention rather than to cut regulation.

As you almost certainly know, golf is extremely popular in our neck of the woods. And one of the most cherished traditions in golf is cracking open a few cold ones and guzzling them down throughout the course of your scenic walk full of frustration, each sip no doubt helping fix your persistent slice (or having it bother you incrementally less, one of those two). Beer and golf go together like peanut butter and jelly, as any WM Phoenix Open attendee knows intimately.

What you may not know if you’re not a regular golfer in Arizona however is that you are not allowed to bring your own beer on the course, something that is relatively commonplace in most other places. A local legislator may be on the cusp of changing that though.

Scottsdale State Representative Alex Kolodin has sponsored House Bill 2411 which will allow golfers to bring their own alcohol onto the course, and it has passed the House with all Republicans and one Democrat voting in favor. It will now head to the Senate, where it is likely to also pass, and then will head to Governor Katie Hobbs’s desk for her to sign, if she chooses to.

It’s not as though alcohol is not currently being drunk on golf courses. Roving bartenders (typically in the form of attractive younger women) often roam around courses and sell beers at inflated prices, so alcohol in itself isn’t the issue. Of course, golf courses and country clubs would rather keep that revenue for themselves instead of being cut out by a 12-pack from Safeway in much the same way that you can’t bring outside beers into a Diamondbacks game.

But how did it take this long to even have this bill being considered? It’s tough to tell, but one notable development was how the vote in the House split, with only one Democrat voting in favor of it. The only Democrat to go on the record as for why they voted against it, Tempe Representative Janeen Connolly, cited safety concerns (i.e. concerns about drunk driving after you’re done playing), which isn’t a negligible concern, yet there are already laws against drunk driving. A more plausible explanation for the lack of Democratic support may simply be not wanting to give sometimes controversial, occasionally caustic Representative Kolodin a win.

Arizona is a state that takes pride in being fairly self-reliant, that has a foundational libertarian tilt. So long as you’re not hurting anyone else you should feel free to live your life how you see fit. Not being able to crack a beer while on the course doesn’t align with those “live and let live” values, so while it may seem like a small thing, this bill is a step in the right direction. We don’t know if Governor Hobbs golfs, but even if she doesn’t, hopefully she’ll see this as an easy way to curry favor with a voting segment that might not naturally gravitate towards her.

New Reality Show Documentary Reflects Harsh Reality For Wittmann Residents As Warren Buffet Owned Railway Project Threatens Community And Cowboy Culture

(WITTMANN, Ariz.) It’s like an episode of Yellowstone but real. Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, owners of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), want to build a giant railroad hub which would surround the rural community of Wittmann, Arizona on three sides.

The $3.2 billion project would encompass more than 4,000 acres, destroying Wittmann’s unique open spaces, clean air, and cowboy culture that has managed to survive the urban sprawl that has destroyed so much of Arizona.

The men, women, and families who live in Wittmann, many of whom raise horses and livestock, are struggling to save their community. They are working with documentary film producer Reece O’Connor to tell their story and the story of a community fighting for survival. “The Lost Cowboys” is an ongoing reality series that chronicles the lives of Wittmann residents who want to preserve a cowboy culture that has survived in Wittmann for decades.

To view episode one click on this link.

The first episode entitled Cowboys Vs. Corporate Profits profiles residents such as Kirby Anderson, Riley Minor, Lyle Delp and countless others, giving viewers a look at horse and cattle ranching, rodeo training, and wide-open spaces that once flourished all over Arizona.

These residents come from all walks of life. And they had no way of seeing this coming. Much of the land in Wittmann was never zoned for a giant railroad hub and the massive warehouses, hazardous materials, and pollution that go with it.Read More

Axon CEO Rick Smith. Photo Credit: Jim Poulin, Phoenix Business Journal

Any occasional readers of this blog knows our feelings about Axon; that it will bully its way into getting what it wants, with the most recent and egregious case being its massive apartment megacomplex plans in the heart of Scottsdale. And while we’d prefer not to have to continue writing about it, the company just keeps on pushing more and more, every subsequent action somehow becoming more and more audacious as it goes on. 

So when Axon President Josh Isner went on Fox Business recently, we didn’t expect anything resembling decency, but even we were shocked by the brazen bullying. 

In a brief three minute clip which you can find here, instead of spending his brief time on camera focused on the company and new corporate developments, he has the utter audacity to not just bring up its apartment megacomplex plan, but then goes on to call out Representative Joseph Chaplik by name for his efforts to block the legislature from taking away your ability to organize and vote on any potential zoning issue in the future.

Bullying a state representative on national television is a new low for Axon, and we should be surprised…but sadly, we’re not.

After all, this was the company that attempted to get Scottsdale Planning Commission Board Member Christian Serena fired, the company that had the unhinged audacity to call the higher ups at his place of work to inform them of his vote against its apartment plan.

Axon tried to ruin Serena’s career because he voted in a way that didn’t financially benefit itself. So while it is profoundly disappointing that it decided to go national with its bullying campaign, it’s also not the least bit surprising.

This is who it is…Scottsdale’s Bully. Any talk about wanting to stay in Scottsdale and being a good corporate neighbor was obviously BS; it’s willing to burn everything to the ground to get its way.

And what’s the only way to deal with a bully? You punch it in the mouth (metaphorically in this case, not literally).

By Former Scottsdale City Councilmember Bob Littlefield

The mess Axon CEO Rick Smith finds himself in is entirely of his own making. Opining in a recently published editorial that his company could be “pushed out,” Mr. Smith blends denialism while playing the blame game.

Smith says building Axon has been his life’s work. That’s fine. As a former Scottsdale Councilmember, my life’s work has been protecting Scottsdale from out-of-control overdevelopment. My wife, a current Scottsdale Councilmember, has also made protecting Scottsdale her life’s work. We may not own a billion-dollar corporation, but we know Scottsdale’s quality of life is priceless.

The Scottsdale City Council previously approved plans for Axon’s new corporate headquarters. Most people applauded this decision.  But then Mr. Smith attempted to change the terms. He wanted to add 2,600 apartments to the plan, later scaling that back to 1,900. Never mind the fact that he got the land at a bargain price from the state of Arizona because its zoning did not permit residential use. Arizona schools were supposed to benefit from this sale.

When Smith brought the apartment plan before the Scottsdale Planning Commission, an Axon executive made the unfortunate error of calling the boss of Commissioner Christian Serena. Already critical of Axon’s plans, Serena didn’t appreciate the implied pressure. Neither did the Scottsdale City Attorney.

The plans were withdrawn, but not for long. Smith reduced the apartment units to 1,900 and decided to pitch this plan, still the largest apartment entitlement in Arizona history in terms of units built, to the planning commission and then a lame duck Scottsdale City Council, most of whose members were rejected at the polls just weeks earlier because of their approvals of mega-apartment projects.

While most of those who voted yes had nothing to lose, Scottsdale residents had plenty to lose, which is why a successful petition drive generated an estimated 19,000 valid signatures to put the Axon apartment proposal on the November 2026 ballot.  Axon squandered much of their goodwill with Scottsdale voters by foolishly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on ‘petition blockers’ who tried to prevent residents from signing our referendum petition. That didn’t work out too well.

Mr. Smith is also blaming a labor union for his woes. He is just creating a convenient scapegoat. The support we received from Unite Here and its affiliated Worker Power Organization is appreciated but it was not a driving factor. More than 90% of our resources came from the widely respected Public Integrity Alliance.

And the only reason our organization, Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE), was able to collect so many signatures so fast is because residents are tired of apartment projects that are too tall, too dense, and make no sense, especially when you consider the thousands of apartments already ready being built or currently approved for Scottsdale.Read More

By Ronald Sampson

Photo Credit: AZ Central

This year’s iteration of the Scottsdale City Council has been a surprisingly contentious one, sometimes seemingly needlessly so, but new Mayor Lisa Borowsky has generally stayed above the fray. She has taken diplomatic approaches to a few sticky situations and has generally led with grace and decorum. However, she has recently found herself in the crosshairs of a small-scale scandal, and if we’re being frank…she shouldn’t be, because it’s silly.

The city was reviewing plans for a new parking structure in Old Town, and by all measures they seem to have gone with the least expensive bid, but also the least visually appealing one, essentially $1.6 million of boring concrete. And mind you, this isn’t a parking structure for a hospital or a Wal-Mart. This is Old Town Scottsdale, where hundreds of thousands of tourists will see this structure every year, let alone all of the city residents and other Arizonans.

Mayor Borowsky was not a particular fan of this design, so she asked for the opinion of David Hovey Jr., the co-founder and developer of Optima and a donor to Borowsky. And Hovey created an illustration of what he thought would be a superior design.

At first glance, it might appear that Borowsky was trying to funnel business towards a donor, a clear ethical violation. But according to Hovey, he has no desire to design or develop the project (i.e. he stands nothing to gain), and more than anything it seemed to be the other way around: Hovey doing Borowsky a favor rather than the other way around. And as a result, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is now looking into whether or not procurement rules were broken.

It is worth emphasizing that David Hovey Jr. is not a small fish in a big pond. He focuses on big, iconic projects that typically run in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and sometimes aim as high as over a billion. Biltmore Towers, the Optima projects, those are his wheelhouse. It is absurd to think that he would even consider bidding on a $1.6 million parking garage, let alone demonstrate a potential conflict of interest for such a tiny deal. It’s a charge that makes no sense.

Assuming that Hovey is being honest (and we have no reason to believe that he isn’t) and that taxpayer resources weren’t provided to him for that illustration, what is this other than an elected official asking a subject matter expert for their thoughts on a matter? What is this other than an elected official believing that the city could do better and utilizing their network in order to potentially create a better outcome? How is this a bad thing?

The path of least resistance (and least immediate outrage) would have been to take the lowest bid, because it’s just a parking garage, right? It doesn’t need to be aesthetically pleasing, it just needs to be able to hold a bunch of cars. And for decades we’d lament the relative eyesore in the midst of an otherwise beautiful, appealing city. But hey, at least we saved a few bucks decades ago, so it’s worth it I guess?

Assuming that everything is true as stated (and again, no reason to think otherwise), it’s shocking that this has even turned into such a kerfluffle. We should be applauding the fact that a leader said, “You know what? We can do better than this. Our city deserves better than this.” and was willing to think outside-the-box and ask for advice in order to do so. This is what should expect from our elected officials, not boring concrete slabs that we settle for because it’s easy.

Axon CEO Rick Smith. Photo Credit: Jim Poulin, Phoenix Business Journal

Axon’s egregious attempt to short-change Arizona’s schools and bully the electorate in order to construct its unwanted apartment megacomplex for its own benefit has been well-documented (read our coverage here), and yet somehow it manages to get worse and worse.

It recently announced its quarterly financials and stop us if you’ve heard this before, but the stock soared 15% to all-time highs. But it was the commentary from CEO Rick Smith that was particularly egregious.

He complained about an environment “that is making it challenging for businesses like us to invest here.” Mind you, this same environment was also the one that fostered his company’s blisteringly hot growth, and it was only when he pushed us all too far that the citizenry pushed back, but like a petulant child who didn’t get a second dessert after dinner, he just had to throw a fit.

Perhaps King Rick should take some responsibility. After all, it seems as though this scheme was born out in the fact that costs started spiraling out-of-control for their headquarter buildout plans, so instead of biting the bullet and having one quarter of financials that didn’t blow away expectations, selling a massive complex to a multifamily builder was in their eyes a reasonable way to offset costs. His inability to control costs is now our problem. Private gain and public pain.

“We’ve had a setback,” Smith said. “Unlike states like Florida and Texas, Arizona allows zoning decisions to be subjected to political petitions, and frankly, political gamesmanship.” So because YOU, the people of Scottsdale, don’t want nearly 2,000 apartments (i.e. the biggest apartment complex in Arizona history) dropped down into your backyard, you’re playing political games.

Because YOU don’t want tens of millions of dollars de facto stolen from our schools because of an obvious bait-and-switch for his company’s gain, you’re the bad guy.

Because YOU (and the state of Arizona) don’t matter one bit to King Rick, you are simply a worm in the way of his steamroller.

That might be the saddest part of this development…Scottsdale, and Arizona at large, is very accommodative to business. The entire ethos of the state has long been that you are free to pursue your own successes, just don’t impinge on the rights of others and you’ll be perfectly fine. As TSMC and countless other large companies have found out, if you are a reasonably good neighbor, you will be welcome. You will be celebrated.

But another defining factor of Arizona is that if you’re a jerk, we’re going to let you know. This is not a state of silent pushovers, as much as King Rick the Bully would prefer that. Don’t mess with the bull and you won’t get the horns.

By Ronald Sampson

The political left has done a very good job at comparing everything it doesn’t like to the Nazis. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are literally Hitler, it sees fascism around every corner (even if it is the result of fairly held elections), and every action from the Trump administration is picked apart to attempt to find ways to compare it to the Third Reich, making gross representations of reality in the process.

And then there is book banning, which the political left often compares to book burning, an oft used Nazi tactic. Many left-leaning locales allowed rather suggestive books talking about sexuality and gender in a way that far surpasses anything that we learned about in health class growing up, ones that most normal people would consider inappropriate for children. Once parents learned about these, many were rightly outraged. Books such as Gender Queer have adult themes, sometimes explicit imagery, and often seem to encourage the sort of gender and sexual confusion that the progressive left has often leaned into and the majority of the country is uncomfortable with.

As is the sign of the times, gender and sexuality has become the predominant social hot-button of our times, and if nothing else it offers a chance to review content that is currently available to children and make sure that it has legitimate educational value. There is enough garbage available to them on apps like TikTok, the school library should be a place for intellectual exploration, not gender exploration.

That said, manias have a way of inhibiting thoughtful analysis, and the political right has to some degree been whipped into a mania about this subject (as has the political left in a mostly equal-but-opposite manner). And the group that challenged the 18 books that were reviewed, Moms for Liberty, is known for being somewhat bombastic and willing to ride the prevailing conservative trends. So was this done thoughtfully?

Scottsdale Unified actually reviewed the books that were suggested as being inappropriate, and it found 16 of the 18 to not have a reasonable place in a school library. As for those 16, it mentioned “references to child molestation, explicit sexual activity, drug abuse and references to “alternate” sexualities and gender ideologies” as what made them inappropriate. But the fact that it allowed two implies a relatively thoughtful review, with good reasons cited as to why they should stay.

It should be considered a positive that SUSD was both willing to hear the arguments of a group that can sometimes go too far, and willing to push back when it disagrees. Instead of simply riding a trend it conducted thoughtful analysis. We would be well served if all forms of leadership conducted itself in this manner.

Photo by Arianna Grainey

Stop us if you’ve heard this before: there was another sex trafficking sting in Scottsdale recently, this time with a stunning 200 arrests, with 53 of those being felonies. Charges of child sex trafficking, prostitution, pandering, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, possession of narcotic drugs, and felony flight were levied in this particular sting.

While the identities of the arrested typically aren’t immediately made public, one notable exception was announced: Richard Godsil, the head football coach at Dobson High School, was arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor. Obviously, that’s a particularly troubling development considering his job’s proximity to minors, and he has rightfully been put on leave pending further investigation.

If this sounds like an old story, it’s not just you. Several stings were performed in 2024, with one leading to 158 arrests in February, another leading to 43 arrests in July, and a sex trafficking ringleader arrested in December. Whether this is a problem that primarily resides in Scottsdale compared to the rest of the state or whether it just appears to be more of a localized problem since the stings are focused in Scottsdale has yet to be determined, but with such an undeniably large number of arrests, it’s undeniably an issue.

So why is this? Part of this is almost undeniably a result of Scottsdale’s status as a premier vacation destination. Whether people come here for good weather, golf, or a party, there is almost always a feeling that the rules of everyday life don’t apply when you’re on vacation, and many will likely want to extend the party a bit further. After all, there aren’t any consequences when you’re on vacation, right?!?

That said, in at least one case and probably many, many more, it wasn’t a tourist, it was just someone from the other side of the Valley, so this explanation only holds so much water.

However, be it tourism from out-of-state, in-state nights out, or those who live in the city, it is certainly a draw to a certain demographic: older men with expendable income. It is almost a match made in heaven (or hell, as it were), a perfect breeding ground where enterprising criminals can find ideal clientele for their product: flesh. After all, it is probably much more lucrative to sell this product in Scottsdale than it is in Mesa or Tolleson.

Another dynamic that may come into play is the nightlife. It’s not unusual to go to a club in Old Town and see incredibly attractive, scantily-clad women pouring shots. It’s not much of a stretch to think that men will see that and then want more, prompting them to search out those services. Should they be able to control themselves? Absolutely. But it is not unreasonable to think that that serves as a stimulant for the industry.

So what can be done? Unfortunately to some degree it will probably turn into a game of “whack a mole” and eradicating the industry will be nearly impossible. But the more stings like this happen, the more harsh the sentences for sex traffickers become, and the more high profile these arrests become, the more it will serve as a deterrent for both the seller of the product as well as the buyer.

Arizona Republicans have been taking shots at current Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs wherever they reasonably could since she got in office. With Republican majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, they have the luxury of passing bills that they assume she will veto, thus putting together a portfolio of initiatives that help make the case about why they believe she should be replaced.

As for the question of who will replace her, Republican voters got some more clarity as previous gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor-Robson tossed her hat back into the ring and announced that she would run for governor yet again.

As you likely know, this will be Taylor-Robson’s second shot at governor; she took a crack at the seat in 2022 but lost in a relatively tight Republican primary, falling about five percentage points or 40,000 votes to Kari Lake. While it’s impossible to prove hypothetical, many analysts believe that if she had won the primary she would currently be governor, as Katie Hobbs’s victory was at least partially a result of Kari Lake’s unpopularity amongst independents and moderate Republicans.

Taylor-Robson forged a more centrist, mainstream Republican path, with typical conservative stances without the bluster and hyperbole of Lake. It appears as though this showdown of different approaches to politicking will be rehashed for the 2026 primary, as for right now this is now a two-person showdown, as Congressman Andy Biggs is currently the only other real competitor in this race.

Congressman Biggs represents parts of the East Valley and as a member of the House’s Freedom Caucus has forged his career as a staunch conservative in the MAGA wing of the party. While popular amongst conservatives, he will still have work to do in introducing himself to the rest of the state. Taylor-Robson’s previous run for governor may give her a leg up in name identification in the state, but as the person who had less-than-glowing reviews of Kari Lake, some of that name identification may stick around in a negative manner.

But the one real question that looms is, will Donald Trump take a strong stance in this race? He has already demonstrated support for Taylor-Robson, but Biggs has been a staunch Trump ally for years. It is possible that he hedges his bets and offers support for both candidates, as he did in the Congressional primary between Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh in 2024.

One thing is certain, however: the Hobbs team is hoping for an Andy Biggs victory, as the right-wing Biggs offers her her best chance to stay in her seat in 2026.

By TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartmentment Zoning Exemptions)

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) Senate Bill 1352 has been stopped in its tracks at the Arizona State Senate. The bill could have canceled a November 2026 Scottsdale election challenging Axon’s rezoning proposal to build some 1,900 multi-family units near Hayden and the 101 and allow the rezoning to stand. That rezoning is believed to be the largest apartment entitlement in terms of units built in Arizona history.

The legislation would have prevented voters in any Arizona, city, town, or county from referring rezoning decisions made by local governments to the ballot, robbing residents of the right to preserve their quality of life.

A number of elected leaders came out against SB 1352, including District 3 State Representative Joseph Chaplik whose district includes Scottsdale.

On February 14^th he made the following post on X:

“The Axon Lobbyist Bill is dead in the AZ Senate. This is a HUGE WIN for #Scottsdale voters. Senate Pres. Petersen has assured me it will not move an inch further. I will keep working for my constituents to ensure it isn’t revived. I know my home city and want what the residents want. Thank you to everyone in Scottsdale who helped spread the word that they continue to oppose this project, no matter who tries to ram it through.”

Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions or TAAAZE is leading the effort to oppose the unwanted apartment proposal and led the petition drive that placed it on the ballot. A random sample projection of those signatures, certified by the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, estimates more than 19 thousand valid signatures were submitted. The city claims about 15 thousand are needed to get on the ballot.

TAAZE Chairman Bob Littlefield said, “While all of us here at TAAAZE worked tirelessly to make this happen the real credit goes to all of you, Scottsdale citizens, who contacted your legislators to urge them to support your right to vote on the Axon rezoning and any other controversial or unpopular rezoning decision. This bill would have gutted constitutional rights Arizonans have enjoyed since statehood. It was an outrageous attempt to eliminate the rights of every Scottsdale resident and indeed of every Arizonan all for the sake of their 1,900 apartments, the biggest entitlement in state history.  This should infuriate anyone who values our constitutional rights.”

TAAAZE also engaged former Arizona State Lawmaker Michelle Ugenti-Rita to spread the word in opposition to SB 1352. Ugenti-Rita represented Scottsdale for 12 years while serving in the Arizona House and Senate.Read More

Arizona sports have had a really rough go of it recently, and a significant amount of the blame is often tossed at ownership (and for good reason). The Suns’ disappointment compared to expectations can easily be pinned on Mat Ishbia’s flashy offseason moves that seemed to be more style than substance. The Bidwell family has long been in the crosshairs for perennially disappointing within their division. And as for the Coyotes…? We don’t even need to rehash that mess.

But then there are the Diamondbacks; staring up at the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League’s Western division, having to deal with massive inequities when it comes to payroll in a league that has no salary cap, they still managed to usurp the Dodgers in a magical run to the World Series in 2023. Even with a massive financial disadvantage, they exceeded expectations.

Ownership plays a massive role in a team’s success and failure, and Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendricks deserves a significant amount of credit. A recent interview allows him to pontificate on his leadership and his now advancing age, and one item sticks out: his degree of involvement in operations.

Team owners are often very successful people outside of their ownership; after all, major league sports teams aren’t exactly cheap, and typically only available to purchase by wealthy business owners (unless they’re inherited through a familial lineage). And many people who are expert at some things in business often believe that that translates into other aspects of a different business, that because they were great at making and selling widgets that that makes them uniquely qualified to build a roster for a sports team.

Dallas Cowboys fans know this intimately. They follow one of the most financially successful sports teams in history, but one that is known for constantly underperforming. They haven’t even appeared in the NFL Championship game since 1996, and owner Jerry Jones frequently gets the blame. He is widely known as someone who heavily meddles in player decisions, and management knows that their jobs are potentially on the line if they strongly disagree.

Notable in the interview was how a member of Diamondbacks membership said that he had previously been “aggressive”. While not expounded on, it could easily be interpreted as someone who was perhaps too involved in personnel decisions. Perhaps it’s a factor of advancing age; at 81 years old, it’s reasonable to want more free time to enjoy your golden years, and by nature you will be less impulsive and more reflective, both of which are traits that will likely lead to being less heavy-handed.

Great leadership necessitates hiring good people, giving them the resources to do their job properly, and maybe most importantly, getting out of their way and allowing them to do their job. It’s ok to have strong opinions and offer up your insight, but trust is also key. Kendricks is a great study in how this approach can lead to winning results, and as a result the Diamondbacks are the only real hope for major sports success in Arizona.

By County Supervisor Thomas Galvin

“Arizonans want election results faster, and I am confident the exemplary work of legislators in both the Arizona House and Senate over the past month will make that a reality. I have been a strong proponent for necessary election reforms. House Bill 2703 and Senate Bill 1011 accomplish the goals I outlined in my Chairman’s Speech:

• Get 95% of all votes tabulated by the end of Election Night
• Remove administrative burdens on county election workers
• Ensure Arizona voters have ample time and opportunity to cast their ballots how they choose

It is disappointing that Governor Hobbs has chosen to veto this common-sense legislation, which would speed up results, and also expand voter access by increasing the availability of voting sites and adding more days of voting leading up to Election Day.

The current system is unsustainable and this veto gets in the way of necessary progress. My colleagues and I will continue to advocate for election reform. The good news is that voters will likely get the final say. I support the efforts by the legislature to put these common-sense reforms on the ballot in 2026, and I am confident voters will act to make a strong election system even better and more efficient.”

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.