by Alexander Lomax Scottsdale’s November runoff has produced its share of colorful accusations. Few are sillier than the claim that Raoul Zubia is a socialist. However, the most revealing fact about Zubia isn’t anything his critics invented. It’s who actually backs him. Where the Socialist Label Came From The charge goes back to the primary. During the primary, the Phoenix … Read More
Guest Editorial: Setting the Record Straight on The Residence at Paiute
By Raoul Zubia Let’s start with what was true, because our neighbors deserved the facts, not fear. Barry Graham’s recent video called The Residence at Paiute a “homeless shelter.” It wasn’t, and getting this right mattered because this project was actually something Scottsdale should have been proud of. The Residence at Paiute was set to bring up to 28 studio … Read More
Scottsdale Hall of Famer: Jim Bruner
Every city has a few people whose fingerprints are everywhere, even though most residents never learn their names. Jim Bruner is one of those people in Scottsdale. With this piece, we launch a new series celebrating the men and women who built the city we enjoy today. Consider it our Honor Roll, the Arizona Progress & Gazette Hall of Fame. … Read More
Mayor Lisa Borowsky builds consensus as Scottsdale City Council moves forward with large water user ordinance
From the Office of Mayor Lisa Borowsky A proposal championed by Mayor Lisa Borowsky to strengthen oversight of new large water users advanced Tuesday when the City Council directed staff to draft a new ordinance governing high-water-demand projects. The action follows a council work study carrying examining regulatory options for future developments and business operations with significant water demands as … Read More
Jon Kyl and the Arizona That Used to Get Things Done
By Vanessa Rogers Jon Kyl died Thursday at 84. The former senator stepped away from public life last December after announcing a dementia diagnosis. At the time, he said his family faced “moments of joy and increasing difficulties.” Now Arizona says goodbye to one of its most consequential public servants. You do not have to share Kyl’s politics to respect … Read More
Mesa Said Yes: Legacy Park and a City That Keeps Building
On September 15, the Mesa City Council unanimously approved a development agreement for Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing. The vote was not close, and it was not contested. At roughly $3 billion in private investment, this is the largest private project in Mesa history. Moreover, the council paired the agreement with annexation, zoning changes, an infrastructure agreement, and a new theme … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Foundation and its Future, 75 years and beyond
By Vice Mayor Maryann McAllen Recently I attended a reception for the book, “Hands-on History , Residents Reflect on Scottsdale’s 75 Years”. It was filled with the Who’s Who of Scottsdale. Former Mayors, local business leaders, and civic volunteers, all of whom had a hand in shaping our beautiful city. The guests included many of the 75 writers who shared … Read More
He Asked for Water. He Got Shot.
By Alexander Lomax Picture the scene. A man selling window washing rolls through a gated north Scottsdale community on a Segway. It is a hot desert afternoon, and he knocks on a door to ask for water. In most places, that story ends with a glass of water. Here, it ended with a bullet in his back. What Police Say … Read More
Guest Editorial: Our Preserve Deserves Respect
By Carla, Preserve Pioneer There are lots of big things going on right now but sometimes it’s important to pay attention to the smaller details as well. What am I talking about? Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the natural treasure that defines our city, has been demoted to an item of lesser importance. In the past, when referring to our Preserve, … Read More