By Recker McDowell — Cora Phillips, the wife of Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips, has posted a video on YouTube defending her husband. Guy Phillips has been criticized for saying “I Can’t Breathe” during a rally against mask mandates. Those were also the last words used by George Floyd before he died while being restrained by Minneapolis Police. Here is … Read More
Citizens’ Petition to the City Council to Censure Guy Phillips
Citizens’ Petition to the City Council of the City of Scottsdale Censure of City Council Member Guy Phillips Initiation of Investigation: Were “Crimes of Moral Turpitude” Committed? Removal from Office if Crimes of Moral Turpitude Proven June 29, 2020 Petitioners: Josh Miller Michael Norton Summary: Please Read These Words into the Record of the City Council Meeting on June 30, … Read More
Community Comes Together to Help Family Facing Possible Loss of Two Children
Squirrel’s Stories — $500,000 and five months in Italy. That’s the Riley family’s only hope for saving their 5-month-old daughter Keira, who along with her 2-year-old sister Olivia, suffers from a form of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) so rare, they don’t even search for the mutation in today’s genetic testing. The family needs to raise money for treatment by end of July. Tax deductible donations may be … Read More
COGS Withdrawal of Endorsement for Guy Phillips, Scottsdale City Council Candidate
By The Coalition of Greater Scottsdale — The Coalition of Greater Scottsdale (COGS) Board of Directors has withdrawn its endorsement of city council candidate Guy Phillips. In a 24-hour membership online survey, an overwhelming majority of the membership directed the COGS Board of Directors to withdraw Mr. Phillips’ endorsement for a Scottsdale City Council seat in the 2020 election. Some … Read More
Helping A Small Town Community, One Ride At A Time
By Scottsdale Pinetop — Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber, have exploded in popularity over the past several years. In fact, they’re a dime a dozen in big cities like Scottsdale or Phoenix, especially on the Friday or Saturday night. But in many rural small towns, rideshare services are almost nonexistent, leaving some residents without modes of transportation. So, … Read More
Community Spirit: On The Frontlines of COVID-19
By Recker McDowell — Natalie Lewis has seen immediate and great community needs rise out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis, who is assistant city manager for the city of Mesa, said her East Valley city had to move fast to address needs of residents in need of food, small businesses needing help with rent and vulnerable residents including seniors and … Read More
Miller & Norton: 5,000 Signatures Call for Guy Phillips to Resign
By Josh Miller and Mike Norton — In just 24 hours, over 4,500 people have signed two Petitions calling for Scottsdale City Council Member Guy Phillips removal from office. News of Phillips “I Can’t Breathe” moment has swept throughout the U.S. making headlines on nationwide morning news shows and dozens of national newspapers. In a joint statement, the two Petition … Read More
Guest Editorial: Calling Out ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Comments at COVID Mask Rally
By Recker McDowell — There were plenty of questions regarding Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane’s and the city’s response to the looting and property destruction at Scottsdale Fashion Square. But Lane was spot on today with his quick response to Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips’ use of the phrase ‘I Can’t Breathe’ during today’s rally against COVID-19 mask mandates. ‘I Can’t … Read More
Guest Editorial: Opportunity, Action and What to Tune Out
By Recker McDowell — The country and our communities are filled with unrest, and uncertainty. COVID-19, the economy and jobs, race and policing are all sowing worry and divisions. But through all the economic and social angst and anarchy in some cities, there are great opportunities. We have a chance to build communities focused on inclusion and growth. We have … Read More
Community Spirit: Twin Sisters Create Art To Inspire Change
Squirrel’s Stories — These days 15-year-old Sierra and Sophia Smith share more than just a bond of being twin sisters. The Hamilton High School sophomores now share a piece of art called Hands of Freedom. Art, they hope inspires change. “Hands of Freedom originally started off with my sister just putting a bunch of hands on a canvas. A painting … Read More