Guest Editorial: Mesa Helps Restaurants With Social Distancing

By Recker McDowell — The city of Mesa is allowing restaurants to expand into outdoor spaces as they deal with social distancing and COVID-19 protocols. Mesa joins other cities, including Tempe, in easing codes and lifting permit fees to allow for outdoor expansions. Social distancing makes it difficult if not impossible for some restaurants and shops to have enough existing … Read More

Arizona Poll: Marijuana Legalization Up 40 Points

HighGround Poll:  65% of Arizona voters plan to vote yes on the Smart and Safe Arizona Act PHOENIX (June 1, 2020) – If there is one thing Arizonans can agree on in this deeply partisan election cycle, it’s marijuana. When asked whether they would vote Yes or No on the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, 65% of Arizonans said they … Read More

Scottsdale Down

The movie White House Down came out in 2013.  It focused on terrorists seizing control of the most famous residence in the world.  Fortunately, it was fictitious.  What happened in Scottsdale last night as its house collapsed was anything but. Why has it unnerved and angered so many in the city? Because government failed, so obviously, at its most important … Read More

Two Lanes After Lane

Scottsdale’s first mayoral debate earlier this week was a mundane affair.  But it did reinforce a central tenant in the race:  there are two lanes to the November run-off. Gaining an outright win in August is highly improbable for any candidate.  That means two will move on to an election in November. How is this likely to take shape? Think … Read More

Most Significant Private Art Investment in Scottsdale History: Redevelopment Plans Would Mature And Evolve Scottsdale’s Entertainment District When Economy Needs Investments, Jobs

(SCOTTSDALE) — A redevelopment proposal would mature and take Scottsdale’s Entertainment District to a more sophisticated level when the community and local economy need it most, according to the owner of some 30 properties in the area.  The Scottsdale Collective will help diversify the city’s economy with needed investments and new jobs while COVID-19 continues to decimate the tourism industry. … Read More

Derouin: Time to Outlaw Dark Money for Councilmembers

By James Derouin — The Scottsdale City Council did the wrong thing when it accepted the Independent Ethics Panel report in the Guy Phillips’ matter.  That is because the report created two immense loopholes in the City’s Ethics Code, thereby creating new vehicles for “dark money” for Councilmembers and Council candidates as well. The Panel was applying an ordinance that … Read More

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