Crystal Manich Will Lead the World Premiere Blending MMA, Musical Theatre, Contemporary Dance and Ballet

Long before global audiences have a chance to see “Triângulo,” a genre-blending new work merging mixed martial arts with musical theatre, Arizona theatregoers will get to experience it first. Tickets are now on sale for the show debuting Friday, April 16, 2027, at Arizona Broadway Theatre, with Emmy-nominated writer and director Crystal Manich set to direct the world premiere production.

The groundbreaking new musical will run from April 16 through May 2, 2027. Tickets are on sale now at AZBroadway.org.

Conceived as a modern MMA opera, “Triângulo” merges mixed martial arts with musical theatre and an original score infused with Brazilian rhythms and the pulse of early-1990s pop, rock and dance music. Performed primarily in English and infused with Spanish and Portuguese, the production tells the story of Esperança, a young woman determined to carve out a place for herself in the male-dominated world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts in the early 1990s. Part underdog story and part high-energy emotional drama, “Triângulo” blends competition, music and movement into a coming-of-age story about perseverance and belonging.

MMA Lab, Phoenix, AZ – From left: Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Maria Henderson. Photo by Erin Beaulieu for MMA Stalker.

Originally conceived and produced by Joseph Specter, the former president and general director of Arizona Opera and the current president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, “Triângulo” has spent years evolving into a theatrical experience unlike anything currently seen on stage.

Crystal M. Manich – Photo by Zach Mendez.

That process has brought together a creative team with experience spanning multiple artistic disciplines, including director Crystal Manich, whose career spans theatre, opera, film and circus. Manich began directing at age 16 after discovering a love of theatre four years earlier. She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University before having a hand in more than 90 productions across the United States and abroad.

Recently named the new Interim Director of Opera Studies at Carnegie Mellon, Manich also served as artistic director for Cirque du Soleil’s “Crystal” and assistant artistic director for “Quidam,” experiences that strengthened her understanding of physical storytelling, movement and large-scale theatrical spectacle. Those efforts also influenced her work on “Triângulo,” where martial arts and movement are central to the storytelling. A former dancer who trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu herself in preparation for creating this show, Manich brings firsthand experience with movement both onstage and on the mat.

“I knew ‘Triângulo’ needed someone who understood movement as more than choreography and music as more than accompaniment,” Specter said. “Crystal sees how all of those elements can work together to serve a larger narrative and will bring this production to life in a way very few directors can.”

East Side Dojo, Dallas, TX – Photo by Sem Maltsev.

Manich first met Specter while both were with Arizona Opera, and “Triângulo” is set to debut almost 10 years to the day they first began discussing the concept. A longtime resident of Puerto Rico, Manich spent much of her childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will soon head to Arizona to direct the production that incorporates elements of opera, circus, dance and martial arts at Arizona Broadway Theatre.

“The response from the MMA community has been very encouraging thus far,” Manich said. “We haven’t seen MMA represented on stage in quite this way before, where it’s really the forefront of the story.”

Unlike productions that simulate combat, “Triângulo” incorporates authentic fight sequences performed by experienced martial artists using carefully choreographed techniques, making the physical action as central to the storytelling as the music, dance and dialogue. Manich believes the growing popularity of ambitious live productions, including those by artists like Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny, reflects a broader shift in what audiences are seeking when they leave home for entertainment.

From left: Leilani Miranda, Jorge Barranco and Crystal Manich. Photo by Erin Beaulieu for MMA Stalker.

“We’re in a moment where we’ve siloed theatre into so many different types and decided that this one fits in one space, and that one fits in another space,” Manich said. “What we’re interested in is showing how all these elements we call theatre can come together and create a bigger type of theatre that draws people who normally don’t go. People are craving live experiences right now. While blockbuster films and the advent of AI appeal to large audiences on one level, there’s also a shift toward people wanting to go to the theatre for more visceral experiences they can feel.”

From left: Fight and dance choreographer George Birkadze, performer Jorge Barranco, Crystal Manich and performer Leilani Miranda at Jackson Wink MMA. Photo by Erin Beaulieu for MMA Stalker.

Joining Manich on the “Triângulo” creative team are Latin Grammy-nominated composer Martin Bejerano; internationally renowned ballet director and martial arts expert George Birkadze, who serves as both dance and fight choreographer; legendary mixed martial arts coach Greg Jackson as fight consultant; and Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Olivier Award-winning orchestrator, music director, arranger and composer Alex Lacamoire as orchestration consultant.

Supermodel-Turned-Trilogy Wellness Ambassador and Host of “Unexpired” Podcast Reflects Growing Trend of Older Adults Pursuing New Opportunities Well Beyond Traditional Retirement Age

Kim Alexis has never been one to stand still. Across a career that has taken her from the world’s most recognizable fashion runways to television, publishing, entrepreneurship, wellness advocacy and public speaking, the Scottsdale resident has continued to evolve with intention. Today, the supermodel is channeling that same energy into a new podcast, new business ventures and a growing platform dedicated to encouraging others to embrace life’s next chapter with purpose and possibility. Since moving to Arizona, Alexis has built a network of personal and professional relationships that have supported her continued evolution, including a longstanding relationship with locally owned Scottsdale Community Bank.

“I have no interest in retiring,” Alexis said. “I love the idea of working, reinventing, creating, evolving – the basis of the ‘Unexpired’ show is finding likeminded people. People that understand that you don’t have to give up just because you’re a certain age.”

Alexis represents a growing number of Americans who continue launching businesses, pursuing new careers and embracing new challenges long after reaching traditional retirement age.

“We may be aging, but we’re still relevant,” Alexis said. “We can start new things and new businesses.”

Alexis is also one who leads by example, having just launched “Unexpired,” a podcast featuring long-form conversations with a series of celebrity guests. Alexis chose the name “Unexpired” to reflect the belief that people do not lose their value or purpose simply because they reach a certain age.

The premiere episode featured Arizona veteran broadcaster Mike Broomhead interviewing Alexis and giving listeners a glimpse into her own journey before she takes the hosting lead in future episodes.

It was a venture that grew out of an unexpected disappointment. Alexis was set to appear in a Super Bowl commercial before illness sidelined the deal. Rather than dwell on that, she instead chose to devote her time and attention to creating something new.

Working with Phoenix-based Backlot Studios and with support from her husband, Jeff Schwartz, Alexis developed “Unexpired” as a platform for conversations about fitness, nutrition, self-esteem, reinvention and personal growth. Together, the team has completed 28 episodes, with a new episode debuting each Wednesday. Featured guests include a wide variety of chefs, musicians, athletes, comedians and entertainers, among them Carol Alt, Kathy Ireland, Justine Bateman, Esai Morales, Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon, Larry the Cable Guy, Roger Clemens, Nancy Lieberman, Jay Leno and Jason Scheff of the band Chicago, among others.

Listeners embraced the podcast from the outset, with its third episode, featuring Alt, generating more than 5,000 YouTube views. The show currently streams on 13 platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and is actively seeking sponsorship partners as its audience expands. More information about episodes and streaming platforms is available at UnexpiredPodcast.com.

While the podcast itself is a recent development, reinvention has long been a recurring theme in Alexis’ life. Raised outside Buffalo, New York, Alexis initially enrolled at the University of Rhode Island to become a pharmacist. Her life changed after someone encouraged her to try modeling, and she enrolled in a modeling class in the 1970s, which was then not unlike a “charm school.”

A photographer affiliated with Elite Models spotted her and immediately saw potential, making her an offer she couldn’t refuse: guaranteed income for a year if she were to put college on pause to pursue modeling.

Alexis accepted, and after graduating high school and turning 18, she moved to New York City and in four days landed a magazine cover. Within three months, she’d secured a national cosmetics campaign with Elizabeth Arden. In time, she became one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, but she found herself

facing an uncertain future at the age of 27 when her work as an Ultima II girl came to an end after another company acquired Revlon, eliminating existing contracts.

Rather than see this as a setback, Alexis chose to view it as a fresh start. She soon signed on with the William Morris Agency, which had broadcast and entertainment divisions. Soon, she landed a spot at Good Morning America, where she spent three years as a fashion editor and correspondent from 1987 through 1990. While living in Florida and commuting back and forth from New York City, Alexis realized she enjoyed this new side of media arguably more than modeling.

“I realized I liked being able to speak,” Alexis said. “Whereas, with modeling, you’re just staying silent.”

Following her time at Good Morning America, Alexis hosted a variety of cable television programs while continuing to evolve professionally. She continued following her curiosity, earning certifications as a fitness instructor and integrative health practitioner and obtaining her real estate license in her early 60s. Rather than pursuing entirely new careers, Alexis viewed those experiences as opportunities to deepen her understanding of wellness, lifestyle and active adult living, areas she now focuses on in her role as National Wellness Ambassador for Trilogy by Shea Homes.

In that position, Alexis occasionally leads fitness classes and group hikes, develops adaptable fitness programs for older adults and collaborates on healthy menu items at select communities. Several of those items already appear on menus, with additional desserts and mocktails planned for the future.

And while many of Alexis’ current efforts involve older communities, she’s also interested in connecting with younger generations, helping people of all ages make decisions that improve their health and wellness while sharing lessons from a career that has spanned multiple industries, decades and reinventions. Drawing on her experiences from the worlds of fashion, media, wellness and business, Alexis approaches those interactions with warmth, credibility and a passion for growth.

“Feedback was hard to come by back then,” Alexis said, of her early modeling days. “It wasn’t like today. If my fame was right now, it would be such a different thing. But you’ve got to love the era you were put in; there were reasons for it.”

Alexis moved to Arizona in 2017 after marrying Jeff Schwartz and soon found herself at home in the state. She loves the fact that it’s a large area with a close-knit culture, and she loves how you can be in a big city at one moment and fully immersed in nature in another. That sense of community also extends to the local businesses she supports.

“It’s a big town, but it still feels like everyone knows everyone,” she said, noting that this relationship-focused approach is one of the reasons she chose to bank locally with Scottsdale Community Bank since moving

to Arizona. “I appreciate having a local bank where people know you by name and take the time to understand your goals. Those kinds of relationships are becoming harder and harder to find.”

Today, Alexis balances her professional pursuits with family life as the mother of three adult sons and a grandmother of one grandson. She also remains open to partnerships and endorsement opportunities that align with her values and interests, preferring long-term collaborations built on authenticity, rather than traditional social media influencing.

For Alexis, every new venture serves the same purpose: proving that growth doesn’t have an expiration date. On “Unexpired,” she grills guests about the decisions that steered their lives, the challenges they faced along the way and the reasons they had for starting over, and in many ways, these conversations have mirrored her own experiences.

And if Alexis has her way, the next chapter may just be her busiest yet.

Learn more about the “Unexpired” podcast at UnexpiredPodcast.com.

Friday, July 10 at 9:00a.m. at Mountainside Fitness (Brown & Greenfield in Mesa)

As he approaches his 100th birthday, it goes without saying that David Keaggy of Mesa, Arizona knows a thing or two about staying fit.

The 99-year-old credits daily exercise with keeping him healthy, active and alive.

On Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m., Keaggy, a retired master archer and U.S. Air Force Veteran, will once again celebrate his birthday – this time his 100th birthday at Mountainside Fitness, 1253 N. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205, doing what he loves most: riding the stationary bike and lifting some weights.

And, of course, enjoying a slice of well-deserved birthday cake – once the workout is complete.

The Mesa 99-year-old, who was born in 1926, is no stranger to special birthday workouts and challenges. For his 90th birthday, the World War II Veteran performed 83 consecutive push-ups in front of onlookers and a local television station. When he turned 97 and 99, Keaggy performed his birthday challenge in front of dozens of TV cameras and onlookers as his story made national news. And he’s back at it for his 100^th birthday!

“I’ve always loved an audience. It keeps me pushing even harder,” Keaggy said. “But even more importantly, if I can inspire someone else to get out here and change their body for the better, that’s worth it. I always say if I can do these workouts at my age, almost 100 years old, then everyone else needs to be out here with me. No more excuses!”

Keaggy is dedicated and has exercised all his life. Even now, at 99 years old, he still works out several days a week at Mountainside Fitness in Mesa. His usual routine includes warming up on the stationary bike for 10 minutes, followed by a circuit workout using 15 different machines and free weights.

The soon-to-be centenarian says his secret to a long, healthy life includes staying away from alcohol and caffeine, coupled with maintaining a low weight and working out as much as five times a week.

“We are beyond excited that Dave is once again celebrating his birthday here at Mountainside Fitness. The fact that he is about to turn 100 and is still devoted to his regular workouts is incredible and definitely something to celebrate,” said Craig Cote, CEO of Mountainside Fitness. “Dave is not only our oldest Member, he is also the biggest cheerleader and motivator to everyone he meets and everyone who sees him working out.”

Mountainside Fitness Mesa is located at 1253 N. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205.

Members of the media and the public who want to see Dave Keaggy complete his special birthday workout should plan to arrive at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 10.

For more information or to sign up for a Mountainside Membership — visit www.mountainsidefitness.com.

Carson Rose, Reid Umar Launch June 30 Presale for ATLYS Water Bottle With More Than Three Million Social Media Views and a 1,400+ Sign-Up Waitlist 

The ATLYS One, a patent-pending sports bottle developed by two Phoenix Country Day School students, has attracted a sizable following ahead of its June 30 presale launch, generating more than three million social media views, a 1,400+ sign-up waitlist and upwards of $140,000 in funding before selling a single bottle.

Lifelong friends Carson Rose and Reid Umar will launch presales Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for the press-to-spray ATLYS One, a 24-ounce, vacuum-insulated electric stainless-steel squirt water bottle that combines one-handed hydration with all-day cold retention.

The first 1,000 units are available at a discounted presale price of $49.99. After the initial production run, the bottle will retail for $54.99, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Inspiring Children Foundation, which helps young people navigate depression, anxiety, trauma and other mental health challenges.

The launch follows two years of product development and multiple design revisions, with the pair documenting

the process of building the company while balancing school, sports and everyday life.

The concept took shape after Umar had ongoing problems with disposable and reusable water bottles, including damaged lids, problems keeping liquids cold and mold buildup. As an athlete, he wondered if a better option existed and decided to design one himself. He ran the idea by his longtime friend, Rose, later that day.

Carson Rose

“I remember thinking there had to be a better way,” Umar said. “I called Carson and said, ‘Why doesn’t this exist?’ The idea stuck with us, and before long, we found ourselves spending most of our free time trying to figure out how to make it work.”

Rose and Umar were both 15 when they formed a 50/50 partnership and agreed to work together on a design that would solve issues associated with other popular water bottles. Now 17, they are preparing to bring the product to market after two years of development, testing and refinement.

While both Rose and Umar relied on disposable squeeze bottles during practices and games, they failed to keep

Reid Umar

drinks cool for long, especially during Arizona’s intense summer heat. Insulated metal models did a better job of keeping beverages cold, but lacked the ease and portability that athletes wanted.

“We looked around and realized there wasn’t anything currently on the market that solved these common issues,” Rose said. “Every bottle seemed to involve

Home Run Derby, Celebrity-Owned Teams and Championship Competition Headline Big League Wiffle Ball’s Signature Event

Scottsdale Stadium will once again host the biggest event on the Big League Wiffle Ball calendar when the seventh annual Western Wiffle Ball Classic returns Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. The tournament draws the country’s top wiffle ball talent, uniting elite pitchers, serious power hitters and teams willing to travel hundreds of miles for a chance to leave with a championship trophy. The league has taken off in recent months, drawing sold-out crowds and hosting games on ESPN, Fubo and other broadcast networks.

The Western Wiffle Ball Classic is the best-attended event on the Big League Wiffle Ball calendar and features Recreational and Competitive divisions, with teams of three to five players competing throughout the day for championship honors. All ages can enter for a day of fun.

Differences in strike zone dimensions, pitching distances and equipment define each division, helping produce a wide range of playing styles and strategies.

The tournament will also include a Home Run Derby, giving players an opportunity to compete for a separate trophy and prove who has the most power at the plate.

“This event has developed a reputation as one of the toughest tournaments we host all year,” said Big League Wiffle Ball Founder Logan Rose. “The level of competition is incredibly high, so if you want to see some of the best pitchers and hitters in the country compete against one another, this is one you don’t want to miss.”

Big League Wiffle Ball’s ownership group includes a growing roster of well-known athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Former NFL star Julio Jones and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Nelly joined the league earlier this year as owners of the Atlanta Ballers, while other teams count Kevin Costner, Dude Perfect, Gary and AJ Vaynerchuk, Marc Lasry, David Blitzer, David Adelman, Ron Biscardi, Molly Bloom and Howard Warren Buffett among their ownership ranks.

Celebrity ownership may draw attention to the league, but the Western Wiffle Ball Classic has built its reputation on competition and fun. All 10 of BLW’s professional teams will be in attendance and participating in the pro division.

For more about Big League Wiffle Ball or to purchase tickets, check out BLWiffleBall.com or follow developments on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

For sponsorship inquiries or general questions, email LRose@blwwiffleball.com.

Scottsdale lost one of its warmest rooms this month. Old Town Tortilla Factory served its final dinner on August 1. The restaurant shared the news with guests in a short farewell message. Moreover, the timing caught nearly everyone off guard.

The restaurant had gone dark for a routine summer break on June 30. Regulars expected the patio to reopen August 3. However, word of the closure arrived three days early, and it was permanent. Thirty years ended in a single social post.

A Landmark Hiding in Plain Sight

Old Town Tortilla Factory opened in 1996 at 6910 East Main Street. The building was already old, an adobe home dating to the 1930s. Chad Flaum bought the restaurant roughly five years later. In recent years, his son James helped run the place.

The neighborhood changed around it. Hotel Valley Ho drew new attention, and condos filled the surrounding blocks. Meanwhile, the adobe stayed exactly what it had always been. That stubbornness became the entire appeal.

The Patio Everyone Remembers

A 1,400-square-foot flagstone patio did most of the heavy lifting. Pecan trees threw shade across it. String lights handled the rest after dark. In fact, locals routinely brought out-of-town guests there simply to show it off.

Engagements happened on that patio. So did anniversaries, retirements, and first dates that eventually turned into marriages. Few Scottsdale restaurants collected that many milestones.

Warm Tortillas and a Deep Tequila List

The kitchen sent out house-made tortillas with a different flavored butter each day. That single touch defined the place for thousands of diners. Meanwhile, a freestanding gazebo bar poured more than 120 tequilas.

Its menu leaned Southwestern with a Mexican accent. Nevertheless, nobody came only for the food. People came for the setting and stayed for the pace.

What the Loss Actually Means

Old Town keeps trading character for square footage. Independent restaurants are usually the first casualty. Therefore, every closure like this one thins the district a little further.

Three decades of payroll matter too. Cooks, servers, and bartenders built real careers inside that adobe. Furthermore, generations of families measured their own celebrations by its calendar.

Stay Tuned for What Is Next

Ownership offered no public reason for the decision. However, the farewell hinted at another chapter ahead. Fans have already filled comment sections with gratitude and grief.

Scottsdale should say thank you properly. Old Town Tortilla Factory gave this city a gathering place for thirty years. Consequently, its absence will register every spring evening when patio season opens without it.

By Kaine Fisher

The High Desert Little League 8-10 All-Star team completed an unforgettable summer by winning the Arizona State Championship, finishing a remarkable postseason built on resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering support of an entire community.

The High Desert Little League put together an impressive championship run. They went undefeated through District play, defeating their longtime rivals (Cactus Foothills Little League) twice to claim the District title. The first meeting became an instant classic, ending with a dramatic walk-off victory that set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

At the State Tournament, High Desert continued its dominant play by winning its first four games to advance to the championship round against Ahwatukee. Because High Desert entered the title game undefeated, Ahwatukee needed to beat them twice to win the championship. After dropping the first game, High Desert responded with its best performance of the season, shutting out Ahwatukee 5-0 in the winner-take-all championship game to bring the Arizona State title to Anthem.

The championship was highlighted by an outstanding pitching performance from Landon, who came within just a few outs of throwing a complete-game shutout. Throughout the tournament, the team showcased outstanding defense, with spectacular catches and clutch plays that consistently changed the momentum of games. Timely hitting, dominant pitching, and unselfish baseball became the identity of the team.

But this championship was about much more than wins and losses.

The team’s rallying cry throughout the State Tournament was “Row the Boat,” a reminder to focus on pulling together, trusting one another, and giving their best effort every day. The message became the heartbeat of the team as players, coaches, and families embraced the mindset throughout their championship run.

The journey also produced moments that no one could have scripted.

Before every game, the players shared a unique tradition of eating lemons together—a ritual that became part superstition, part team bonding, and a symbol of the energy they brought to the field.

Each player also had a giant “fat head” displayed in the stands, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that reminded the team they had an entire community behind them every inning.

One of the most memorable stories came when a group of local high school students accidentally attended one of High Desert’s games while looking for another team. Inspired by what they saw, they kept coming back. Before long, they had become some of the team’s biggest supporters, cheering shirtless with “HD” painted across their chests and helping create an electric environment that energized both the players and the crowd.

The support extended far beyond those students. Hundreds of family members, friends, and community supporters packed the stands throughout the tournament. The parents created an incredible home-field atmosphere wherever the team played, and the players fed off that energy every game.

Away from the field, the team continued to build chemistry through team-building events and time spent together as families. Those experiences strengthened the bond between the players and helped create the trust that showed itself during the biggest moments of the season.

While championships are remembered for the trophy, this team will be remembered for something even greater—the friendships they built, the adversity they overcame, and the community they united along the way.

From a walk-off win in District play to a dominant 5-0 victory in the State Championship, the High Desert Little League 8-10 All-Stars represented Anthem with class, determination, and heart.

Their story serves as a reminder that when everyone rows in the same direction, extraordinary things can happen.

By Larry Fitzgerald

This piece originally ran as a full page ad in the Arizona Republic earlier this week

Photo Credit: nfl.com

People have asked me countless times what it felt like to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The truth is, it was one of the greatest honors of my life.

But this isn’t really a Hall of Fame story.

It’s a thank-you letter.

I arrived in Arizona as a 20-year-old kid who didn’t know a single person. I had no idea this desert would become the place that would shape me into the man I am today.

The day I landed was the same day the nation learned Pat Tillman had lost his life. Pat is one of America’s great heroes.

I stepped off the plane into a state where its people were carrying real grief, and something inside me grew quiet. I started paying attention.

You learn quickly what loyalty looks like when it isn’t just a word.

For the next 17 seasons, I quietly measured myself against the standard Pat Tillman set. I’m still not sure I ever lived up to it.

Somewhere along the way, Arizona stopped being the place where I lived and became the place I was from.

It happened through a thousand ordinary moments until one day, I realized this was simply home. Not because I was a Hall of Famer. Not because I was a wide receiver. Just because the people of this state allowed me to be Larry.

You don’t fall in love with a place because of its stadiums. You fall in love on quiet mornings hiking Camelback Mountain. On crisp fall afternoons walking a golf course. During summers in Flagstaff and standing among the red rocks of Sedona that remind you just how small you are in the best possible way.

When I stopped playing football, I walked away quietly. I’m known for my Irish goodbyes. Arizona even gave me that. Yet you kept showing up for me anyway, especially through the work of my foundation. Your support was never conditional. You never asked me to be anything other than myself, and somehow that was always enough.

Arizona gave a kid from Minneapolis something he didn’t even know he was searching for.

Belonging.

And that sense of belonging changed me.

After a while, you weren’t cheering for a wide receiver anymore; you were cheering for one of your own.

So this isn’t really a story about 17 seasons in a Cardinals uniform or a bronze bust in Canton.

It’s the story of a young man who was welcomed by a state that owed him nothing and gave him everything.

Thank you, Arizona.

Thank you for letting a kid from somewhere else become one of your own.

Thank you for embracing not just the player, but the man.

You gave me far more than a career. You gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. You gave me purpose beyond football.

You gave me a place where my children will always know they belong.

Most of all, you gave me a home.

With love and gratitude,

Larry Fitzgerald

Wayne Ecton has died. The former Scottsdale city councilman spent eight years on the dais. Moreover, he spent decades more serving this city in quieter roles. Colleagues knew him as a relentless volunteer long after his final term ended.

His story started far from Arizona. Ecton grew up in Winchester, Kentucky, working in his father’s restaurant from age ten. However, the road ran through a long corporate finance career and years overseas before it reached Scottsdale. He and his wife Martha retired here for the weather and stayed for the community.

A Campaign With One Condition

Ecton first served as president of his homeowners association. Then he decided to run for City Council. He asked Martha to manage the campaign, and she agreed with a single condition. Furthermore, that condition was specific. He had to fight for a library in north Scottsdale.

Martha had spent years as Alcoa’s research librarian. Consequently, the demand was not casual. It was a career’s worth of conviction attached to a ballot.

The Appaloosa Library Is the Answer

Appaloosa Library opened in 2009 as the third branch of the Scottsdale Public Library. It sits in north Scottsdale, exactly where Martha asked. Meanwhile, thousands of residents have used it without ever knowing the backstory.

Few campaign promises produce an actual building. This one did.

He Treated the Job as Full Time

Ecton described council service in plain terms. In his view, doing the work properly made it a full-time job. He visited residents at home and at their businesses. Additionally, he sat with department heads, walked development sites, and showed up at community meetings.

Political consultants nicknamed him the “Kentucky Colonel” for his drawl and white goatee. Nevertheless, the folksy manner covered a career financial executive who read the numbers closely. That combination earned respect even from people who disagreed with him.

Service Did Not End With His Term

He later served on the Public Art Advisory Committee. In addition, he worked with the Chamber of Commerce and the Scottsdale Downtown Economic Vitality Coalition. Ecton also lent his name to bond measures and to candidates he believed in.

Scottsdale politics has grown louder since he left office. Meanwhile, the model he represented has grown rarer. He was a retiree who read the agenda, took the meetings, and answered the phone.

A Debt Worth Acknowledging

Wayne and Martha were married 57 years. She died in 2023. Together, they left this city something permanent and genuinely useful.

Go check out a book in north Scottsdale. In fact, that is probably the tribute he would want most.

“We are fortunate to live at an incredible moment in history. In the next few years, people will be able to use superintelligence beyond human capacity to create and discover extraordinary new things, build new businesses, express new ideas, learn new concepts, and advance our health and quality of life. As we get closer to this moment, it is important to develop a philosophy for how we can best use superintelligence to ensure it improves all of our lives, work, communities, freedom and safety.

The defining questions of our age are who will have access to superintelligence and what will we direct it towards. Will it be centralized and restricted to a few institutions, or will it be a tool that empowers everyone?”

Read the full piece here

By Vanessa Rogers

Phoenix is now weighing a water rate increase, and the reason is the Colorado River. That should worry Scottsdale far more than it worries Phoenix. Reclamation finalized a decade-long operating framework on July 31. Lake Mead then fell to its lowest level on record. Scottsdale, for its part, quietly spent $8.25 million on stored groundwater in June.

Those developments belong in the same story. Together, they explain why the next decade of Scottsdale politics will be about water.

Phoenix Is Already Preparing Customers

Phoenix has told residents that a rate hike is on the table as the river shrinks. The city expects to move to a Stage 2 Water Warning by the end of 2026. That stage allows drought surcharges alongside expanded conservation programs.

Meanwhile, Phoenix has spent years hedging. It built pipeline capacity to shift toward Salt River Project supplies. It banked water underground. It has pursued Bartlett Dam expansion and recovery wells.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. Photo Credit: City of Phoenix

Here is the uncomfortable part: Phoenix draws roughly 40 percent of its drinking water from the Colorado River. Scottsdale draws about 70 percent.

The City With Less Exposure Is Moving First

Read that comparison again. The city with the smaller river dependency, the deepest bench of alternative supplies, and the most aggressive infrastructure program is the one telling customers to expect higher bills.

Scottsdale has none of those advantages. It has no Salt and Verde share comparable to Phoenix. Furthermore, it defunded its Advanced Purified Recycled Water program just as reuse became essential. Consequently, when the cuts land, Scottsdale has fewer places to turn and less time to turn there.

Rate increases follow that math. They always do.

The Number Everyone Feared

Lake Mead’s surface dropped to 1,040.50 feet on Thursday, breaking the July 2022 record. The reservoir now sits near 27 percent of capacity. Lake Powell hovers around 23 percent and could set its own record shortly.

Photo Credit: Utah State University

Combined storage in the two reservoirs is the lowest since 1957. That year, Powell did not yet exist. In other words, the system holds less water than it did before half of it was built.

The causes are not mysterious. A dismal snowpack, a brutally hot spring, and 25 years of drought have collided with demand that never adjusted.

Reclamation Showed Its Hand

The Bureau of Reclamation’s final environmental impact statement sets a 10-year framework through 2036. It exists because the seven basin states could not agree on anything.

Lower Basin cuts begin near 1.5 million acre-feet per year on October 1. Furthermore, those cuts could reach 3 million acre-feet if conditions deteriorate. Arizona absorbs the largest share. Under the anticipated guidelines, Arizona users would lose 760,000 acre-feet once Mead drops below 1,145 feet. California would lose 440,000. Nevada would lose 50,000.

Mead currently sits more than 100 feet below that trigger.

Arizona officials called the plan unacceptable and attacked its legal foundation. Governor Hobbs retained outside counsel this spring. Consequently, Arizona may spend years litigating a shortage that litigation cannot refill.

Scottsdale Wrote a Check in June

City Council voted unanimously on June 23 to buy 15,000 acre-feet of long-term storage credits for $8.25 million. The seller was Vidler Water Company. That water sits underground in the Harquahala Valley, roughly 60 miles west of Phoenix.

The math works out to about $550 per acre-foot. By current standards, that is a bargain. Meanwhile, the purchase lifts Scottsdale’s total stored credits to nearly 293,000 acre-feet.

Councilman Barry Graham argued the item belonged on the consent agenda. Mayor Lisa Borowsky pushed for an out clause instead. Nevertheless, the council followed Councilwoman Solange Whitehead’s motion to approve.

Credits Are Not the Same as Water

Here is the catch. Scottsdale cannot currently move that water anywhere. The city needs infrastructure to inject Harquahala supplies into CAP canals, and both CAP and ADWR must sign off. That process is estimated at roughly two years.

Sarah Porter of ASU’s Kyl Center for Water Policy raised the harder question. Can Scottsdale actually deliver alternative supplies to a treatment plant and then out to the northern edge of town? Supply is one problem. Plumbing is another entirely.

Infrastructure costs money. Ratepayers supply that money. Nobody should pretend otherwise.

What It Means for the Growth Debate

City officials say restrictions are not needed right now. That is accurate, and it is also the whole point. Purchases like June’s exist specifically to postpone that day.

However, the arithmetic gets harder with every approved rooftop or apartments. Scottsdale keeps entertaining significant residential density downtown while its primary supply shrinks by federal design.

Residents should ask candidates two questions this fall. How many more homes does Scottsdale add before the water math stops working? Moreover, who pays for the plumbing when it does?

Phoenix is answering the second question already. Scottsdale has not started.

By Councilman Barry Graham

By Bedouin Bourdain

Leave Seattle behind. The real state begins where the coffee lines end. East of the rain, the mountains wait like old gods. They do not perform. Instead, they simply exist, immense and indifferent to your itinerary.

The North Cascades, Cathedral Without a Roof

Knocking on heaven’s door. That is the only phrase that fits here. The peaks rise raw and jagged, sharpened by ice that never fully leaves. Meanwhile, snow lingers in the folds like memory.

Maple Pass climbs hard, and it earns every switchback. You gasp. The lake below glows a blue that has no proper name. Purple heather spills across the slopes, defiant and delicate. Moreover, the wildflowers seem to have chosen their exact placement.

This park hides itself well. Consequently, few crowds find it. That is the reward. You get a cathedral, and you nearly get it alone.

Leavenworth, Bavaria That Wandered West

Then the land softens, and something strange appears. A Bavarian village, tucked against the Cascade foothills. Leavenworth commits to the bit entirely. Frescoes bloom on every wall. Balconies drip with petunias in impossible violets.

The Bavarian Lodge stands like a storybook, turret and all. In fact, every building, even the local Starbucks, looks straight out of the German Alps; it’s written into the building codes. String lights flicker to life along the promenade. Dusk arrives slowly.

A crescent moon hangs over the ridgeline. Families drift down the pedestrian streets. In fact, the whole town feels like a shared, gentle dream. Kitsch, yes. Yet it disarms you anyway.

Winthrop, Where the West Refuses to Die

North again, the road unspools toward Winthrop. Here the theme changes, and the century rolls back. Wooden boardwalks creak underfoot. Storefronts wear their Old West costume without irony.

Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon anchors the whole scene. It claims the title of oldest saloon in Washington. The paint has faded to a warm, sun-bleached cream. Nevertheless, the promise of good food glows in the window glass.

You push through the door. The floorboards remember every boot before yours. Meanwhile, the light slants gold across the hand-painted sign. This is not a museum. Instead, it is a living, drinking, laughing place.

The Effort Is the Point

None of this comes easy. The distances are long, and the passes are high. However, that is exactly why it stays magic. Hard-won places keep their soul.

Washington east of Seattle rewards the pioneer in you. The Cascades humble. Leavenworth delights. Winthrop grins like an outlaw with a good story. Go, before the secret spreads. Your effort will be repaid tenfold, and then some.

God spends part of His seventh day here. Now I understand why.

A land controversy involving property tied to Buckeye Councilmember Tony Youngker is raising serious ethical questions. A developer says Youngker wants a staggering $5 million for right of way appraised at just $650,000. City officials, trying to enrich their own, suggest it’s a private dispute. It’s not and it  knows better.  Is Buckeye not following through on obligations and agreements to benefit its elected officials?  It gets worse. Youngker’s attorney, Patrick HagEstad, is also on the Buckeye Council, fueling questions about power, politics and who really benefits in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing cities.

Channel 12’s Craig Harris breaks the story of betrayal of the public trust in Buckeye. Follow the link.

“Arizona continues pressing its case for manageable Colorado River water supply cuts over the next two years even as it protests that a new federal framework for protecting the river unfairly targets the state for unacceptable losses in the longer term.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona, called the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s new 10-year river framework — one that allows for taking a large majority of the state’s river allocation if drought conditions worsen over the coming decade — “a total failure of leadership.” State officials remain hopeful that the agency will accept their offer of giving up a more modest 27% for at least the first two years plus voluntary conservation measures, but negotiations are ongoing.”

Full article here

Every long political career ends somewhere. For Tom Horne, it ended in a Republican primary he lost at the age of 81. Kimberly Yee ousted the incumbent superintendent last month. Consequently, one of Arizona’s most durable and divisive figures exits the stage.

He leaves behind a long shadow, and that is worth pausing over. Love him or loathe him, Horne mattered. Few Arizonans served this long, or fought this hard.

Photo Credit: Arizona Republic

A Career That Touched Every Branch

Consider the sheer span of it. Horne sat on a school board for 24 years. He then won a seat in the Legislature. Afterward, he served two terms as superintendent, from 2003 to 2011.

His ambition did not stop there. He climbed to Attorney General in 2011. Meanwhile, he had already served as a judge pro tem along the way. Harvard College and Harvard Law bookended a résumé few could match.

Then came an improbable third act. In 2022, he reclaimed the superintendent’s office after more than a decade away. Moreover, he did it at an age when most people have long retired. Stamina, whatever else you say, was never his problem.

Young Tom Horne

The Fighter and the Firebrand

Horne built his brand on combat. He championed structured English immersion over dual-language models. Furthermore, he pushed to dismantle ethnic studies in Tucson years ago. Those fights made him a hero to some and a villain to others.

His final term followed the same script. He launched a hotline for parents to report classroom lessons. In fact, he cast himself as the last man standing against what he called left-wing craziness. Subtlety was never the end goal.

The Blemishes Belong in the Record Too

A fair tribute includes the low moments. Horne faced an FBI investigation over campaign finance violations after his AG win. That cloud trailed him for years. Nevertheless, he kept running, and kept winning, long after critics wrote him off.

Ironically, his final defeat came from his own side. The Freedom Caucus judged him too tough on the voucher program he long defended. Horne spent decades attacking the left. However, the right ended his career instead.

An Ending, Not an Erasure

Arizona politics will feel quieter without him. He was stubborn, combative, and impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, his fingerprints sit on decades of education policy. History will argue about him for a long time.

That, perhaps, is the truest measure of consequence. Tom Horne never bored anyone. He ran his last race, and the arena will not soon forget him.

By Hamilton

By Mayor Lisa Borowsky

Water has always shaped Arizona’s story.

It determines where communities grow, where businesses invest and how future generations will live and prosper in the Sonoran Desert. It is not just another public policy issue. Water is Arizona’s lifeline.

This reality is why I invest significant time in service on the Board of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA), in the Protect Arizona’s Lifeline Coalition, and focusing on important education and discussion regarding Scottsdale’s water future. Together, we are working to ensure Arizona’s voice is heard as the federal government announces the new framework for the Colorado River — the most important water source for millions of people across the Southwest.

For Scottsdale, the stakes are especially high.

About 70% of Scottsdale’s water supply comes from the Central Arizona Project (CAP), which delivers Colorado River water to communities throughout central Arizona. Due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the Colorado River Basin, Scottsdale is anticipating reductions in its CAP water allocation. As federal officials consider additional reductions for Arizona, California and Nevada, the decisions being made today will have real consequences for communities across our state, including Scottsdale.

This week, federal officials at the Bureau of Reclamation released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that outlines the framework for Arizona, California and Nevada to realize Colorado River water allocation reductions with potentially deeper reductions later in the decade. But I have some serious reservations regarding the federal framework.

I would like to point out critical facts including:

• Arizona has serious concerns with the FEIS. The framework contains legal flaws, downplays the Colorado River Compact and mischaracterizes Arizona’s Colorado River rights.
• The Lower Basin is leading. Arizona, California and Nevada have committed to conserve at least 3.2 million acre-feet through 2028, building on more than 9 million acre-feet already conserved since 2007.
• Consensus works. The Lower Basin states came together and proposed a practical plan that protects reservoir levels and provides near-term stability for the river.
• We expect the Bureau of Reclamation 2027-28 operating plan to reflect key elements of the Lower Basin proposal.
• The FEIS is a framework, not a final operating plan. It establishes guardrails for river management and calls for operating decisions in two-year increments based on actual hydrology.
• The FEIS does little to encourage true basin-wide consensus. Long-term success requires meaningful contributions from all seven basin states.
• Arizona continues to lead on conservation. The state conserved nearly 900,000 acre-feet last year and more than 5.5 million acre-feet since 2014, enough to raise Lake Mead more than 80 feet.
• Arizona is using less Colorado River water than it has in 35 years. Our actions demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible water management.

These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary ones.

The Colorado River provides drinking water to roughly one in 10 Americans, irrigates farmland that helps feed the nation and supports major metropolitan economies throughout the Southwest. Yet decades of drought and declining river flows have forced policymakers to confront the reality that the river can no longer support the same level of demand it once did. The good news is that Scottsdale has spent decades preparing for challenges exactly like this.

Our community has long been recognized as a leader in water conservation, aquifer recharge, pure water technology and responsible long-term planning. Scottsdale’s investment in water stewardship has helped build one of the most resilient municipal water systems in the region.

But resilience does not eliminate responsibility.

Earlier this month, the Scottsdale City Council unanimously supported my initiative to begin exploring a large water user ordinance. The proposed ordinance would provide the City Council and the public with an additional framework for reviewing developments and business operations that have significant water demands while reinforcing Scottsdale’s longstanding commitment to responsible water management.

When a community is facing a projected reduction in a major water supply source, it is only prudent to carefully evaluate how future large water users fit within our long-term development expectations in light of the city’s conservation and sustainability goals.

Arizona has already demonstrated that collaboration and innovation can help address even the most difficult water challenges. Cities, water providers, tribal communities, agricultural users and state leaders have worked together for decades to stretch limited supplies further than many thought possible.

That same spirit of cooperation will be needed in the years ahead.

As a member of AMWUA and the Protect Arizona’s Lifeline coalition, I will continue advocating for policies that recognize Arizona’s conservation efforts, protect the long-term viability of the Colorado River and ensure our state has a strong voice in decisions that affect our residents.

Water security is not just an environmental issue.

It is an economic issue.

It is a public safety issue.

It is a quality-of-life issue.

Most importantly, it is a responsibility we owe to future generations. Scottsdale has never waited for a crisis before taking action. By planning ahead, investing wisely and making thoughtful policy decisions today, we can continue protecting our water resources and strengthening our community for decades to come.

I encourage Scottsdale residents to stay informed, conserve where they can and participate in the conversations that will shape Arizona’s water future. Water stewardship is not solely the responsibility of government — it is a shared commitment that belongs to all of us.

Because preserving Arizona’s lifeline is about more than water — it is about protecting Scottsdale’s future.

TAAAZE Welcomes Back Bob Littlefield As Its Chairman
Axon Apartment Opposition Group Leader Returns To Lead Fight Against Massive Unwanted Development

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) Scottsdale has never had or needed a more important voice against unnecessary development. That’s why TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions) is proud to welcome back Bob Littlefield as its Chairman to continue this important effort.

TAAAZE is challenging in court the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the Scottsdale City Council struck with Axon to greenlight 1,200 multi-family units near Hayden and the 101.

Currently, TAAAZE is seeking assurances Axon lives up to a promise to limit its project to 600 apartments and 600 condos though a deed restriction. Without a deed restriction, there is no way to enforce that. Axon has fought multiple requests for a settlement conference to resolve these issues. While TAAAZE is fighting the massive apartment project in court, it is not opposing the previously approved corporate headquarters.

Littlefield stepped away from TAAAZE to run for a seat on the Scottsdale City Council. Having secured a place on the ballot, despite an avalanche of negative ads targeting Littlefield and other Axon opponents, Littlefield made the tough decision to withdraw from the race and focus his attention on TAAAZE. Arizona’s campaign finance laws made it difficult for Littlefield to run for council AND serve as Chairman of TAAAZE at the same time.

Littlefield gathered an impressive 22,091 votes in the July 21 primary placing him as one of only four candidates to move onto the general election before deciding to leave the November general election to two of his slate mates while re-positioning himself in the critical fight against the apartment explosion which now boasts the first, second and third largest apartment projects in state history, all approved within just the past 5 years.

Littlefield will re-assume the chairman role Tim La Sota had held while Littlefield was a candidate.

Littlefield said, “I have spent decades standing up for Scottsdale neighborhoods and standing up to developer shenanigans such as Axon’s current efforts. If Axon was serious about living up to its promises and moving ahead, they would agree to work with us toward a mutually beneficial solution rather than trampling on the rights of Scottsdale citizens.”

TAAAZE is also opposing SB 1543 which prevents voters across Arizona from challenging certain rezoning decisions, including a rezoning in Scottsdale that originally gave Axon permission to build nearly 1,900 apartments near Hayden and the 101 despite massive public opposition.

Littlefield added, “Just as we organized to amass 27,000 signatures in just 30 days to put Axon’s apartments to a public vote before Axon convinced the Arizona State Legislature and Governor Katie Hobbs to eviscerate Scottsdale voter rights—the subject of ongoing litigation—the same resources and passion will be deployed to make sure Axon doesn’t get any additional development favors for its massive apartment development.”

By Ronald Sampson

Let me tell you what usually happens in a Republican primary these days. A candidate finds the nearest camera, praises the man in the White House, and calls it a platform. Then they win, arrive at the Capitol, and contribute nothing. George Khalaf is not that guy.

Khalaf just topped the field in the LD3 House primary, and he did it the honest way. In a district this red, the primary is the whole ballgame. Consequently, he is bound for the state legislature. That is good news for anyone who still believes conservatism means something.

A Conservative Who Actually Knows What That Means

Here is the thing about Khalaf…he understands conservatism as a governing philosophy, not a hashtag. He talks about cost of living, housing, and healthcare in concrete terms. Meanwhile, too many of his peers just parrot whatever generates the easiest engagement online.

That distinction matters more than ever. Principles require homework, and cynics rarely bother. Khalaf bothers. In fact, he built an entire career on getting the facts right.

The Pollster’s Edge

Khalaf runs Data Orbital, one of the most accurate polling firms in the state. Think about what that means for a legislator. He does not guess what his district wants. Instead, he knows, down to the precinct.

Few people arrive at the Capitol understanding Arizona this intimately. He has tracked its voters, its moods, and its shifting demographics for years. Moreover, he has done it with a reputation for transparency. That isn’t a talking point; it’s a genuine qualification.

Born in Lebanon, he came here as an immigrant and worked his way up from legislative intern. He knows the building. Furthermore, he knows why the work matters. Cynicism has not touched him yet.

Speaker Material, Plain and Simple

I do not hand out compliments freely, so take this one seriously: George Khalaf has future Speaker of the House written all over him.

He combines conviction with competence, which is rarer than it should be. He can count votes because counting is literally his profession. Meanwhile, he can explain why a policy works, not just whether it polls. That blend builds coalitions and moves legislation.

The political arena needs more people like him and fewer performers. Khalaf is the sort of person you actually want in the fight. Watch him closely. He is going somewhere, and Arizona will be better for the ride.

By Raoul Zubia

Water is not an abstract policy debate in the Sonoran Desert. It is the fundamental condition for our life, our economy, and our future.

As the federal government releases its framework for the Colorado River, we face a critical moment. Arizona has stepped up, conserving over 5.5 million acre-feet of water since 2014 and demonstrating that lower basin states can lead through consensus. Yet, federal frameworks must reflect real hydrology and respect the legal realities of our compacts, rather than creating uncertainty for communities that depend on the Central Arizona Project.

For Scottsdale, resilience requires both federal advocacy and local discipline. True leadership isn’t measured by political photo-ops, one-off storage credits, or dismissive slogans like “toilet to tap.” It is built through sustained, long-term investment in renewable supplies, advanced purification technology, and the retention of world-class technical talent. When a city loses institutional knowledge and defers vital infrastructure, it puts its financial stability and future security at risk.

We cannot simply rely on groundwater reserves as a permanent fix, nor can we allow political friction to delay necessary capital investments. Responsible governance means planning for the hard realities ahead: expanding our delivery infrastructure, evaluating large-scale water users prudently, and embracing innovative recycling systems.

Water security is simultaneously an economic issue, a public safety issue, and a moral obligation to the next generation. Scottsdale has built one of the most resilient municipal water systems in the Southwest because we historically chose foresight over fear and substance over rhetoric. To preserve that legacy, we must continue to lead with data, invest in modern infrastructure, and remember that protecting our lifeline demands practical collaboration across every level of government.

Arizona lost one of its finest this week. Former Congressman Harry Mitchell died at 86, his family announced on July 29. He was a teacher, a mayor, a state senator, and a congressman. Above all, he was decent.

Mitchell spent his career proving that public service could still be honorable. He taught civics at Tempe High School, then lived the subject for decades. Moreover, Attorney General Kris Mayes called him one of the kindest people in Arizona politics. That reputation was earned, not manufactured.

A Life of Service in Tempe

Born in Phoenix in 1940, Mitchell built his legacy in Tempe. He joined the City Council in 1970 and became mayor in 1978. For 16 years, he led the city he loved. During that time, he championed the Rio Salado Project that became Tempe Town Lake.

His fingerprints are everywhere in Tempe. Furthermore, he helped build the city’s iconic downtown City Hall. Generations of residents grew up in a city he shaped. Few politicians leave such a tangible mark.

Harry Mitchell and son Mark

The Vote That Cost Him His Seat

Mitchell reached Congress the hard way. In 2006, he unseated Republican J.D. Hayworth in a district where Republicans held a wide edge. Then he governed the way he always had, with integrity over calculation.

That integrity carried a price. In 2010, Mitchell voted for the Affordable Care Act. He knew the political risk, yet he did it anyway. Consequently, he lost his seat to David Schweikert that November.

He never regretted it. As Congressman Greg Stanton recalled, Mitchell put people before politics, always. He believed the law would extend coverage to tens of thousands of his constituents. For Mitchell, that mattered more than survival.

Better Than the Politics of His Time

Think about how rare that is today. Many in Congress calculate every vote for self-preservation. Mitchell did the opposite when it counted most. In fact, he treated a hard vote as a matter of conscience.

He was, in the truest sense, a statesman. Meanwhile, the tributes pouring in from both parties tell the real story. Republicans and Democrats alike have mourned him this week. That bipartisan grief is its own eulogy.

Arizona was better for having him. Tempe was luckier still. His example should shame the cynics and inspire the rest. Rest in peace, Congressman Mitchell.

By Vanessa Rogers

The effort to recall Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas is still limping along, though nobody seems to know how strong it actually is. According to the Scottsdale Independent, the group has until September 2 to gather 12,800 signatures. Yet organizers refuse to disclose how many they have collected. That silence speaks volumes.

Jan Dubauskas. Photo Credit: Coalition for Greater Scottsdale

Remember, this is a councilwoman who cruised to victory as the only council candidate to win outright in the primary. Moreover, she was the highest vote-getter in the last election. There is no scandal here. Instead, there is a list of policy gripes dressed up as a crisis.

The Sour Grapes of Dan Ishac

So who is behind this? Dan Ishac, president of the Conservatives of Greater Scottsdale PAC, announced the recall at the May 5 council meeting. Notably, Ishac is also a failed former council candidate. The voters already rendered a verdict on his vision for Scottsdale. Apparently, he did not like the answer.

Dubauskas herself has called this what it is. In her words, it is a ploy by a failed candidate who wants to kick her off the council. Frankly, it is hard to argue with that read. When you lose an election, the democratic remedy is simple: run again and make your case. Instead, Ishac wants a do-over funded by donations and fueled by grievance.

Policy Disputes Are Not Grounds for Recall

Look at the actual complaints. Ishac objects to a city manager hire and an Old Town parking garage. Those are legitimate topics for debate. However, they are votes, not misconduct. Recalls exist for corruption, abuse of office, and genuine betrayals of public trust. They do not exist because one man disagrees with a parking structure.

Dan Ishac. Photo Credit: scottsdale.org

Furthermore, the whole exercise sets a corrosive precedent. If every contested vote triggers a recall petition, no councilmember can govern. Scottsdale has real challenges ahead, from water to development pressure. Meanwhile, this sideshow drains civic energy and money that could go somewhere useful.

Let the Voters Decide, Again, in Due Time

Dubauskas faces the voters again on the regular schedule. That is how accountability works. Until then, residents should recognize this recall for what it appears to be: a personal grudge wearing a civic costume. Ishac had his shot at the ballot box. Consequently, his refusal to accept the result says far more about him than it does about her.

If the signatures never materialize by September 2, nobody should be surprised. Scottsdale voters, after all, already made their choice. They made it emphatically.

Mayor Borowsky: Decades of planning position Scottsdale to meet challenges ahead

Following the Bureau of Reclamation’s release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that outlines the framework for Arizona, California and Nevada to realize Colorado River water allocation reductions, Scottsdale leaders are reaffirming the city’s commitment to responsible water management and long-term planning.

Under the newly announced framework, Scottsdale expects to see reductions in its Central Arizona Project (CAP) water allocation with Arizona, California and Nevada expected to reduce Colorado River water use further over the next 10 years.

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky serves on the board of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and is a member of the Protect Arizona’s Lifeline Coalition, both of which advocate for sustainable Colorado River policies and Arizona’s interests during ongoing negotiations.

Mayor Borowsky is pointing out key facts regarding the FEIS plan released earlier today:

• Arizona has serious concerns with the FEIS. The framework contains legal flaws, downplays the Colorado River Compact and mischaracterizes Arizona’s Colorado River rights.
• The Lower Basin is leading. Arizona, California and Nevada have committed to conserve at least 3.2 million acre-feet through 2028, building on more than 9 million acre-feet already conserved since 2007.
• Consensus works. The Lower Basin states came together and proposed a practical plan that protects reservoir levels and provides near-term stability for the river.
• We expect the Bureau of Reclamation 2027-28 operating plan to reflect key elements of the Lower Basin proposal.
• The FEIS is a framework, not a final operating plan. It establishes guardrails for river management and calls for operating decisions in two-year increments based on actual hydrology.
• The FEIS does little to encourage true basin-wide consensus. Long-term success requires meaningful contributions from all seven basin states.
• Arizona continues to lead on conservation. The state conserved nearly 900,000 acre-feet last year and more than 5.5 million acre-feet since 2014, enough to raise Lake Mead more than 80 feet.
• Arizona is using less Colorado River water than it has in 35 years. Our actions demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible water management.

Approximately 70% of Scottsdale’s water supply comes from CAP, the proposed reductions underscore the importance of continued conservation, innovation and thoughtful water planning.

“Water is Arizona’s lifeline, and today’s announcement makes clear that we must continue preparing for a future where every drop matters,” Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “Scottsdale has spent decades investing in conservation, aquifer recharge, pure water technology, and long-term planning. These investments have positioned our city to remain resilient even as the challenges facing the Colorado River grow.”

Earlier this month, the Scottsdale City Council unanimously supported Mayor Borowsky’s initiative to explore a large water user ordinance, which would establish an additional framework for reviewing developments and business operations with substantial water demands.

“We are facing reductions in a major water supply source; it is incumbent upon us to ensure future growth aligns with our long-term water security goals,” Mayor Borowsky said. “Scottsdale has never waited for a crisis before taking action, and we won’t start now.”

While negotiations over the Colorado River’s future will continue, Scottsdale remains committed to protecting its water resources, supporting regional conservation efforts and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations.

“Water security is an economic issue, a public safety issue and a quality-of-life issue,” Mayor Borowsky said. “The decisions we make today will help determine Scottsdale’s success for decades to come.”

By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas

Jan Dubauskas. Photo Credit: Coalition for Greater Scottsdale

By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead

The nation’s credit rating agencies just provided another compelling reason to elect Raoul Zubia to the City Council.
In less than two years, the current Council majority has caused lasting damage including their unprecedented politicization of water and defunding of Scottsdale’s Advanced Purified Recycled Water program.
These actions have dealt a dual blow to our community, undermining our physical water security and threatening Scottsdale’s coveted AAA bond rating—the premium status that keeps local taxes low.

Credit rating agencies like Fitch Ratings and S&P Global analysts will penalize cities overly dependent on a single, depleting source like the shrinking Colorado River. Conversely, these agencies explicitly identify advanced purified recycled water (“pure water”) infrastructure as the premier hedge against supply risk.

By blocking this vital infrastructure, the Council majority signaled to Wall Street that Scottsdale lacks a viable strategy to replace lost river allocations. This failure triggers severe fiscal vulnerabilities:
• Skyrocketing Borrowing Costs: If Scottsdale’s AAA rating drops even one notch, interest rates on future bonds for roads, parks, and safety infrastructure will surge.
• Taxpayer Penalty: Higher interest rates mean millions more in debt-service costs. The city will be forced to raise property or sales taxes to fund basic services.
Turning our backs on pure water treatment doesn’t save money; it forces a far more expensive scramble for dwindling water rights in the future. This is short-term political posturing traded for long-term fiscal instability.

As Arizona State University water law professor Rhett Larson explained, the most effective way to secure our water future is to make water our top priority at the ballot box. In Scottsdale, that means electing Raoul Zubia.
Note on the Election: It is hard to overstate my gratitude after voters overwhelmingly re-elected me in July. Serving Scottsdale is the honor of my life—I love this job, and I take this responsibility to heart every day. Thank you!

Today I made the difficult and personally painful decision to withdraw from the City Council race and return to my position as the Chairman of TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions). I made this decision based on the results of the recent primary election and the effect those results have had on the Scottsdale political landscape. My departure from the campaign leaves two strong opponents of overdevelopment in the race who I am confident will capture the two remaining seats on the City Council while leaving me free to battle the awful Axon apartment development on the legal and political fronts.

This change literally gives us more “boots on the ground” in the fight to Keep Scottsdale Special! You should have no concern I will slack off on the fight against overdevelopment as I will be working harder than ever to win that fight!

Former Councilman Bob Littlefield

By Councilmember Barry Graham