Scottsdale is the “West’s Most Western Town” but some neighbors (hardly all) want to stop that notion west of Scottsdale Road, along Cactus. As we have written about before there is the place a renowned businessman and his wife hope to build an equestrian paradise on six acres called Rancho Paraiso. It seems a natural fit for a community that … Read More

Many times we side with neighbors fighting the good and necessary fight against developer overreach. But as we have opined already the bizarre activism by some neighbors against an enrichment of the Cactus Corridor defies common sense.  But we do appreciate their reminding us of pop culture. For across the street of one of the nicest equestrian ranches ever proposed … Read More

*Restaurant and bar impresario Mark Drinkwater is re-entering the business at Scottsdale & Lincoln in a building that used to house a breakfast joint and, after that, a failed Italian concept. *Arizona Governor Doug Ducey raised money last week through the mail for southern Arizona Congresswoman Martha McSally.  This week he is doing it for Congressman Trent Franks at a … Read More

As Mayor Jim Lane said in his 2012 re-election campaign Scottsdale is the best city in America.  Hyperbole took him one step further in last week’s State of the City when he called his community “the best city in the world.” But even great cities have changes and challenges.  For “The West’s Most Western Town” it has been to keep … Read More

After serving on the Scottsdale City Council nearly 3 decades ago when he basically saved the Cactus League from extinction Jim Bruner was elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Well regarded and well liked Bruner was the prohibitive favorite for an attractive new congressional district.  Then Jerry Colangelo got to thinking about bringing Major League Baseball to town.  … Read More

Among the many reasons for attending a college or university is problem solving.  They teach it.  And you’re supposed to learn it, directly and indirectly through maturation and matriculation. Here in the Valley Arizona State University doesn’t just teach it, they lead by example. When revitalization of the old Los Arcos Mall site at Scottsdale and McDowell Roads became intractable, … Read More

*With the retirement of long-time Maricopa County Supervisor Andy Kunasek, Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates becomes the prohibitive favorite in the race to replace.  It will be interesting to see if anyone of significance steps forward for what may be a fool’s mission. *Celebrity pollster Frank Luntz will be making a Paradise Valley appearance this week at a fundraiser benefiting … Read More

We are fans of what Scottsdale Fashion Square is seeking to redevelop and stay relevant in a rapidly changing retail landscape.  But it is a lot.  While Mayor Lane and others have turned off the subsidy spigots for developers generous heights are another form of the same.  That’s why the Scottsdale City Council shouldn’t simply be acquiescent obligers.  They should … Read More

Today’s bombshell announcement that popular and principled U.S. Congressman Matt Salmon would not seek re-election is a political earthquake in Arizona Republican circles.  Kudos poured in from diverse voices such as Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Kyrsten Sinema.  All of the kind words are deserved.  Now attention will turn to Salmon’s possible replacement.  Whoever wins the GOP primary in August will … Read More

Several weeks ago it seemed the demagogues were about to drive Scottsdale down by driving away the top school in the country and Scottsdale.  Economic developers in other cities were frothing: if the best city in the Valley said bye-bye to BASIS would or should any company say hello? Then Governor Ducey weighed in . . . and the Wall … Read More