By Scottsdale Watchman Just one year ago, Dr. Hiral Tipirneni made quite the impression on the West Valley’s political scene. In last April’s special election in the 8th Congressional District, which consists of Phoenix’s north and western suburbs, she lost to Arizona state senator Debbie Lesko by a mere five points. Hiral was the talk of the town. Since that … Read More

By The Happy Wanderer A few weeks before the official start of the 1991 NFL calendar year, New York Football Giants head coach Bill Parcells abruptly resigned. His decision to step away from the game sent shockwaves across the league. During his eight-year run at the team’s helm, he led a once-moribund franchise to 85 wins, five playoff appearances and … Read More

By Scottsdale Watchman “The Scottsdale Airpark is on fire.” Not literally (thankfully), but figuratively speaking. At least that’s what the reporters at national commercial real estate news outlet Globest.com have recently written. In the last two decades, Scottsdale Airpark has transformed from a non-descript area of the city with a small general aviation facility and generic office parks to a … Read More

Resorts are what make Paradise Valley, Arizona particularly special.  They can also be a source of controversy.   While the redevelopment of the old La Posada Hotel into Montelucia was unanimously approved by Town Council, its construction created public relations challenges.  The Mountain Shadows Resort was closed then resurrected through a unique set of business, legal and political dynamics.  But, … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop There’s nothing like being in downtown Scottsdale during spring training season. Each March, thousands of fans descend upon Scottsdale in a sea of orange, decorated from head to toe in their team’s colors. Selling out spring training seats at most Cactus League games, Scottsdale Stadium has helped make Scottsdale a leading economic and tourist destination. But, in … Read More

By The Happy Wanderer Last week, we considered Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio and his 2017 campaign slogan “Sal For Solutions,” and how he’s keeping true to it. Nearly two years after DiCiccio revealed that catchy phrase, an equally-memorable campaign motto surfaced for another Phoenix political candidate. At a get-out-the-vote rally less than a week before the Phoenix mayoral election, now-Phoenix … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Tempe Councilwoman Lauren Kuby has made it her mission to make Tempe’s elections clean. Since taking office in 2015, she, along with a small group of reformers, led a campaign to stop dark money in Tempe’s elections. And last year, Tempe voters passed a ballot measure that would require any group spending over $1,000 towards a local … Read More

By Scottsdale Watchman SkySong, officially known as the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, has become a Scottsdale landmark in just over 10 years of existence. SkySong’s tent-like canopy is an icon that can be seen for miles driving north along Scottsdale Road from Tempe and driving east towards Scottsdale along McDowell Road from Phoenix. It’s become the gateway to “the West’s … Read More

By Scottsdale Watchman The preamble on Scottsdale Aquatic Club’s landing page says it all. “We are Scottsdale Aquatic Club. As a TEAM, we develop champions in the pool and in life by creating a positive environment that inspires the dreams of swimmers at all competitive levels.” At last weekend’s Rochester Speedo Sectionals, known as the Central Zone Section 1 Championships, … Read More

By The Happy Wanderer In 2017, Phoenix District 6 Councilmember Sal DiCiccio sought re-election to the Phoenix City Council. During his campaign, he adopted one of the simplest, yet incredibly effective, slogans we have ever seen: “SAL FOR SOLUTIONS.” It’s a good thing for Phoenix citizens that Sal is for solutions because the city is in desperate need of a … Read More