First Takes On Scottsdale’s First Mayoral Debate

The just concluded Scottsdale mayoral debate, the campaign’s first, was hosted by the community’s Chuck Todd, Independent Newspapers’ Terrance Thornton. Here are the highlights: *Former City Councilman David Ortega’s “State of the Union” backdrop gets best Zoom look.  Bob Littlefield gets the worst for looking like he was playing a DJ in a dorm room. *Ortega’s parroting of Littlefield’s anti-City … Read More

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Presents One-Of-A-Kind Safe Sanctuary, Hidden Ranch In Its Own Private Valley

(CAVE CREEK, Ariz.) — Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, is excited to present a one-of-a-kind 38-acre hidden, secluded ranch in its very own private valley with rare artesian wells. The historic Golden Star Ranch in Cave Creek is a safe sanctuary with lush gardens and iconic views. The gated property brings new meaning to peacefulness and getting away … Read More

Location & Scottsdale Sapience

While on the Scottsdale City Council Bob Littlefield and David Ortega voted for the Scottsdale Waterfront and two buildings there with 150’ heights. Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips voted for the same heights at Scottsdale Fashion Square and the proposed Museum Square. Scottsdale City Councilwomen Kathy Littlefield and Solange Whitehead also supported 150’ heights for Museum Square. We think all … Read More

Durham and Janik: A Proposal for Reforming Scottsdale’s Ethics Code

By Tom Durham and Betty Janik — The Scottsdale Ethics Code has been in the news lately, largely due to the ethics complaint filed against Council member Guy Phillips. On May 5, 2020 a panel of three independent judges (the “Ethics Panel”) held that Mr. Phillips had not committed any ethical violations. At the May 19 meeting of the City Council, the … Read More

Guest Editorial: Chandler Gets Creative to Help Restaurants

By Recker McDowell — Restaurants are fighting for survival amidst COVID-19. They need all the help they can get to avoid closing permanently and adding to the more than 39 million jobs already lost to the pandemic. The city of Chandler is doing its part by transforming a downtown park into a beer garden and picnic area where diners picking … Read More

Shock of Coronavirus Begins to Wear Off for Americans

Coronavirus Tracking Update Three months after the start of the crisis and two months after the start of this tracking poll, the shock of coronavirus begins to wear off as Americans move towards returning to their normal lives. According to our latest data, the final in this series of tracking, the number of Americans that are at least somewhat worried … Read More

Applause For PV

One of the strengths of the tony Town of Paradise Valley is that it micromanages everything about hotels and non-residential uses.  The approach helps ensure a commitment to quality with volunteers at commission and council levels that rarely let something improper or poor fall through the cracks. And, one of the bad things about the Town of Paradise Valley is … Read More

Guest Editorial: Daytrippers, Locals Essential for Tourism as Economy Emerges from COVID-19

By Recker McDowell — Scottsdale ranks as one of the top cities in the country for ‘staycations’. WalletHub ranked U.S. cities for their recreational amenities (parking, hiking) as well as factors such as homes with pools. Scottsdale ranked 7th best nationally on the list. Plano, Texas near Dallas was first. Local vacations and attracting tourists from California, other Western states … Read More

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Arizona Teacher of the Year Welcome New Innovative Communities Helping Residents with High Rents, COVID-19 Impacts

(PHOENIX) — Current health, job and economic upheavals are not creating, but are certainly magnifying the ongoing need for affordable housing throughout the Valley. Phoenix residents, including first responders, teachers and nurses, along with so many middle-income renters, need newly-built housing alternatives, as the vast majority of new rentals are luxury and come with a hefty price tag, making them … Read More