Partnership Enables Thriving Wellness Spa to Secure a Permanent Home, Accommodate Ongoing Growth

What started in a small studio suite nine years ago has since grown into one of Scottsdale’s most in-demand wellness spas, and Laser Skin Couture now has a permanent home thanks to Owner Missie Madeja’s dedication and determination – and a helping hand from Scottsdale Community Bank

The wellness spa, which maintains a 98% client retention rate and offers everything from Botox, fillers and laser treatments to IV therapy, weight-loss management services and acupuncture, has become a top choice among Scottsdale and East Valley residents looking to “love the skin they’re in.” Beyond traditional treatments, Laser Skin Couture also offers a wide range of bespoke services including menopausal support, Korean skincare solutions, stem cell therapies and salmon sperm facials, among others. As its lineup of clients and available services grew, so, too, did the need for more space, prompting Madeja to seek out a building that could serve as a permanent home.

Initially, Madeja considered taking out a Small Business Administration loan to fund the purchase of the building, but she found the process to be overly complicated and daunting. A chance meeting with a bank professional at a luncheon had her reconsidering, and on the advice of a friend, she found her way to Scottsdale Community Bank and its First Vice President of Lending, Orlando Castaneda.

“Orlando and his team were exceptional,” Madeja said. “The whole team embraced me like they knew me forever, and everybody wanted to help in whatever capacity they could. When I moved into the new building, Orlando even stopped by to congratulate me on the purchase. It made me smile from ear to ear – it’s true caring.”

Castaneda said working with small business owners and helping them expand and succeed is one of the highlights of what he and the Scottsdale Community Bank team do.

“Working with someone like Missie, and helping her see her vision through to fruition, is a big part of why we’re in this business,” said Castaneda. “It was an honor to play even a small part in helping her expand Laser Skin Couture into the powerhouse it is today, and we can’t wait to see where she takes her business in the future.”

With her flagship location now firmly in place, Madeja plans to expand the business even further, with two additional locations in the works in parts of the Valley primed for population growth. She sees the building she purchased with the help of Scottsdale Community Bank as an important step in the ongoing expansion process, giving her the stability and momentum she needed to begin planning the next stage of growth.

“We all start out with a dream and a vision, and we think we can do everything ourselves,” Madeja said, of launching a business in the area. “There are resources out there, but it’s always good to branch out. You have to know when to pass the baton and have experts hone in on certain areas to help you grow. I wouldn’t have been able to get that building without Scottsdale Community Bank’s assistance; I can’t say enough about it. I wasn’t a number.”

For more about Madeja and Laser Skin Couture, visit LaserSkinCouture.com.

Band of Arizona’s Most Influential Sports Writer of All Time to Follow Up on Last Year’s Polo Party performance; Treat Crowd to Cover of Oasis Smash Hit

Lauded Arizona sports authority and Whiskey’s Quicker guitarist Dan Bickley is set to deliver another memorable moment at this year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, treating fans to a first-time performance of Oasis’ smash hit, “Champagne Supernova,” at the state’s top-selling champagne event.

The special performance, slated for Saturday, Nov. 8 at the two-day event taking over WestWorld of Scottsdale, celebrates the Polo Party’s signature champagne culture and follow Bickley’s electrifying performance at last year’s Polo Party, where he teamed up with international opera superstar James Valenti to perform unexpected renditions of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” The unforgettable performance was one of the highlights of last year’s festivities, and Bickley’s return promises to raise the bar even higher for this year’s edition.

“Dan Bickley is arguably the most influential figure in Arizona sports media history,” said Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships Co-Founder Jason Rose. “And with more champagne flowing here than at any other event in the state, his band’s upcoming take on “Champagne Supernova” couldn’t be more fitting.”

Bickley expressed an eagerness to feed off the energy of last year’s show and give fans yet another reason to remember the Polo Party. “This event is like nothing else in Arizona, blending sports, fashion and music with a high-energy environment,” said Bickley. “I still get people approaching me and commenting about last year’s performance, and I can’t wait to make this year’s even more memorable.”

In addition to Bickley’s performance alongside Whiskey’s Quicker, this year’s Polo Party will also feature a first-of-its-kind on-field showdown, with international polo superstar Ricky Cooper taking the field between Saturday matches to race a 2026 Bentley GT atop his polo pony. The two days of festivities also include six polo matches, among them the first-ever Army vs. Navy matchup, and plenty of fan-favorite tents and special events, from the return of the Casa Amigos DayClub and Barrett-Jackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge to the Canine Couture Fashion Show by Lugari Pet Salon and the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show by Phoenix Fashion Week.

This year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships also coincide with the WestWorld Art & Wine Experience, a weekend-long event that will take place onsite.

Tickets and tables are now on sale at ThePoloParty.com, with additional updates and information coming soon.

In a rare and special moment in sports, fans are invited to join Actor Kevin Costner on Saturday, October 25th at 6:30pm at Scottsdale Stadium for a screening of the actor’s Oscar nominated film Field of Dreams following the championship game at the Western Wiffle Ball Classic.

To get FREE tickets to the movie night and the championship game visit BLWWiffleBall.com.

The Western Wiffle Ball Classic, which is attracting wiffleball players from around the country takes place from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7408 E Osborn Road, Scottsdale.

Costner’s role in the 1989 film Field of Dreams inspired countless backyard wiffle ball fields, a movement the film’s iconic quote, “If you build it, they will come,” perfectly captures. The film’s connection to baseball has led to public events, games, and it inspired fans to create their own “fields of dreams” in their backyards, often with wiffle ball.

Fans entering the stadium after 6:30pm will receive FREE admission and seating, which will includes stadium and in-field seating. All seats are first come first serve. No assigned seats.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the same stadium and watch Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner,” said Western Wiffle Ball League Founder Logan Rose. “I was one of those kids inspired by the movie and thanks to my parents we built our own wiffle ball field in my backyard so I could literally play on my own field of dreams and here we are today meeting the man who inspired it all.”

Rose, a Valley resident founded his own league and event as a teenager during the pandemic. Today the Western Wiffle Ball Classic is proud to welcome teams from more than 20 states, including Arizona, California, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, among multiple others, as they battle for bragging rights and a trophy on the same field the San Francisco Giants call home each spring.

In addition to featuring teams from across the nation, this year’s Western Wiffle Ball Classic will also welcome several particularly high-profile players, including Las Vegas, Nevada’s Jordan Bohnet and New York’s Jordan Robles.

“We’re excited to welcome some of the biggest names in the game to this year’s Western Wiffle Ball Classic in Scottsdale,” said Rose, “Attracting talent like Bohnet and Robles shows just how far this event has come and helps cement the Classic as one of the top wiffle ball events in the country.”

Teams playing in the Western Wiffle Ball Classic have between three and five players and register to compete in either Recreational or Competitive divisions, with strike zone dimensions, pitching distances and eligible equipment among the key differences between them. The top team in each division then walks away with a permanent place in Western Wiffle Ball Classic history.

In addition to the tournament itself, this year’s Western Wiffle Ball Classic will also include a Home Run Derby, giving players a chance to showcase their power at the plate as they compete for a separate trophy. 

To get free tickets or for teams interested in taking the field during Big League Wiffle Ball’s Western Wiffle Ball Classic can register to play at BLWWiffleBall.com. For more information, check out BLWWiffleBall.com or follow developments on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

For sponsorship inquiries or general questions, email wiffleblw@gmail.com.

Let’s be honest: in Scottsdale, complaining about the roads is practically a civic pastime. Right up there with debating roundabouts and grumbling about cyclists. But here’s a plot twist: Scottsdale just ranked as the fourth-best city in the country to drive in, according to financial website WalletHub. Yes, you read that correctly. Fourth. In the entire nation.

Before you dismiss this as some kind of statistical sorcery, let’s talk about why Scottsdale actually earned this distinction. The city ranked first (as in number one) in traffic and infrastructure among 100 major U.S. cities. That’s not about potholes; that’s about the bigger picture of what makes driving pleasant (or at least tolerable).

So what exactly went into this top ranking? The traffic and infrastructure category includes annual hours spent in congestion, number of days with precipitation, cold weather days, average commute times, alternative-fuel stations per capita, road and bridge quality, roadway miles per 1,000 persons, and Waze driver satisfaction ratings. Suddenly, living in a place where it’s sunny 299 days a year and rarely dips below freezing seems like a pretty sweet driving deal, doesn’t it?

Here’s where Scottsdale really shines: minimal traffic congestion, short commutes, and, let’s give credit where it’s due…300-plus days of dry, beautiful weather that never turns your morning commute into a white-knuckle ice-skating adventure. Those factors matter enormously when you’re behind the wheel daily.

Now, about those roads. Yes, Scottsdale’s Pavement Condition Index came in at 64 out of 100 in May, slightly below the national average of 68. City officials acknowledge this and have responded decisively: last year’s budget included $22.3 million for pavement overlay projects, while this year’s investment jumped to $52.9 million. That’s not just incremental improvement; that’s a historic commitment to fixing what’s broken.

The bottom line? While we all love a good kvetch about road conditions, Scottsdale drivers really do have it pretty good when you consider the complete package of what makes driving enjoyable.

By Scottsdale City Council Solange Whitehead

Last November’s resounding Prop 490 victory was challenged – yet again – by the Goldwater Institute. On Tuesday morning we prevailed in court.

To be clear, voters in every Scottsdale precinct approved both Propositions 490 and 491 this past November. Despite frivolous legal challenges and an egregious misinformation campaign to defeat Prop 490, Scottsdale voters stuck to their guns and voted to invest in our continued prosperity.  The importance of these propositions that fund Scottsdale parks, Preserve wildfire mitigation, and public safety cannot be overstated.  Preserving open space, maintaining world class parks, and retaining local control have been community priorities for generations.

Rather than accept the court’s ruling. the Goldwater Institute is appealing the decision and thereby wasting more of our resident’s tax dollars in an effort to overturn our votes.  Their actions appear to go against everything that the institute namesake, Senator Barry Goldwater, cherished.  According to his grandchildren and as evident in his writing and photography, Senator Goldwater was an environmentalist that appreciated and wanted to protect Arizona’s wild places.

Photo Credit: TSMC Arizona

It’s been a big few years for Arizona, and more specifically the tech sector. They have been able to land a number of massive new developments and headquarters, but a more recent news story has us wondering something which would have sounded absurd only 5 years ago…is Phoenix becoming a capital city for Artificial Intelligence?

Phoenix’s transformation into a global semiconductor powerhouse accelerated dramatically this week when Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced plans to secure additional Arizona land to create an “independent gigafab cluster.” TSMC CEO C.C. Wei revealed that strong AI-related demand is driving the company to speed up its Arizona expansion and roll out advanced process technologies sooner, with the new land acquisition supporting its staggering $165 billion vision for the Valley.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment in Phoenix’s emergence as America’s AI epicenter. TSMC is accelerating its development timeline by two to three years, preparing to upgrade technologies faster to 2-nanometer chips and more advanced processes given robust demand from U.S.-based AI customers. This isn’t just incremental growth: it’s a complete recalibration of what Phoenix represents in the global technology landscape.

What makes this expansion particularly significant is the ecosystem it’s creating. TSMC’s Arizona plan aims to turn the site into a self-contained semiconductor manufacturing facility capable of producing 100,000 12-inch wafers monthly, complete with on-site packaging, testing, nearby supply chain partners, and a talent pipeline. The company has already expanded its Arizona internship program from 130 to 200 slots, investing in the next generation of semiconductor professionals.

For Arizona, the implications extend far beyond chip manufacturing. Mixed-use developments like NorthPark and Halo Vista are sprouting around TSMC’s north Phoenix campus, creating what local observers describe as “a city within a city.” The Arizona Commerce Authority reports 200 new residents arriving daily, transforming the North Valley into an international hub attracting talent from across the globe.

Phoenix’s ascent as the AI capital reflects a broader strategic imperative: national security through domestic chip production. As U.S.-China trade tensions escalate and AI demand explodes, Arizona represents America’s answer to semiconductor dependence: a desert transformed into what one executive called “serious silicon real estate.” With TSMC’s latest commitment, Phoenix isn’t just participating in America’s AI revolution; it’s leading it.

Arizona’s 1st Congressional District race was bound to be an interesting one; it always is. But a recent addition to the race makes it even more compelling with potentially even more interesting new entrants to come.

The race took a dramatic turn this week when Arizona GOP Chair Gina Swoboda announced her candidacy with a coveted endorsement from President Donald Trump. The race, already fascinating due to Rep. David Schweikert’s decision to vacate the seat, just became one of the most compelling congressional contests in the nation (read our full coverage here).

When Schweikert announced in late September that he would leave Congress to pursue the Arizona governorship, citing frustration with Washington’s dysfunction and a belief that “Arizona is savable” while D.C. is not, political observers knew the floodgates would open for candidates eyeing his competitive seat. The district has become increasingly competitive in recent cycles, with Schweikert narrowly defeating Democratic challenger Amish Shah by just 3.8 percentage points in 2024, a loss that was almost a blowout compared to some of his other recent victories.

Swoboda’s entry changes the calculus entirely. As the first major Republican to officially jump into the race, she comes armed with significant advantages: Trump’s “complete and total endorsement,” name recognition from her role leading the state party, and a platform centered on economic growth, border security, and taxpayer protection. Her campaign emphasizes “commonsense conservative principles”, a message she believes resonates with the district’s affluent, educated voters who want results over rhetoric.

The Trump endorsement cannot be understated. In Republican primaries, the president’s backing typically clears the field or severely hampers competing candidates. While other Republicans have filed statements of interest, including state legislators and local figures, none carry Swoboda’s combination of Trump support and statewide profile. With the Trump endorsement firmly in hand, Swoboda jumps out to an early lead in what promises to be a hard-fought Republican primary, positioning herself as the prohibitive favorite to carry the GOP banner into what will undoubtedly be one of 2026’s most watched congressional races.

Photo Credit: Scottsdale Police Department

Congratulations to 27-year-old Brett Carlin, who has earned this week’s prestigious distinction of being Scottsdale’s Most Embarrassing Export. In a city known for luxury cars and audacious flash, a city of peacocks showing off their feathers, Carlin managed to stand out…but not in the way his Instagram followers might have hoped.

Our hometown hero was indicted this week on two counts of unlawful flight from law enforcement and two counts of reckless driving, which is legal-speak for “being an absolute menace to society while filming it for the ‘gram.” Because apparently, nothing says “influencer lifestyle” quite like baiting cops into high-speed chases and documenting your journey toward a felony conviction.

The highlights of Carlin’s content creation strategy? Driving his motorcycle at over 180 mph on Loop 101 while weaving through traffic, intentionally provoking police pursuits, and, the real chef’s kiss? Waving at officers before tearing off at speeds that would make a fighter jet jealous. It’s performance art, really, if the art form you’re going for is “How to Lose Your License and Freedom Simultaneously.”

Here’s what makes this particularly Scottsdale: We’re a city that prides itself on sophistication, where people meticulously curate their personal brands around wine tastings and gallery openings. And then along comes this guy, whose brand is apparently “chaos tourist with a death wish and a GoPro.”

The Arizona Department of Public Safety received numerous tips from concerned citizens who watched Carlin’s videos and thought, “Hey, maybe someone should stop this guy before he turns another motorist into an unwilling extra in his increasingly terrible content.” DPS listened. They arrested him on October 1st, and he’s now enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame from behind a $20,000 secured bond.

To be fair to Carlin, he did achieve his goal of going viral…just not in the way that typically leads to lucrative sponsorship deals. Unless there’s a brand out there looking for a spokesperson who screams “poor life choices,” he might want to pivot his content strategy.

So here’s to you, Brett. You’ve given Scottsdale something we didn’t ask for: a reminder that influencer culture can occasionally influence people to do spectacularly stupid things. May your next viral moment be your mugshot serving as a cautionary tale.

Stay here for any breaking news.

It is rare that Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs comes to Scottsdale, but it came paired with an even more unusual conversation in our city: the importance of broadband. But it’s an important conversation that was had here, as well as an irony worth acknowledging.

Scottsdale, with its gleaming tech campuses and fiber-optic infrastructure serving residents who take high-speed internet for granted, seems an odd setting for a conversation about digital connectivity gaps. Yet that’s precisely why it matters; these discussions need to happen where decision-makers are, in communities that have already reaped the benefits of robust broadband.

The reality is that while Scottsdale residents stream 4K content and work seamlessly from home offices, nearly a third of Arizona households, close to 800,000, remain underserved or completely unserved when it comes to reliable internet access. This isn’t just a rural inconvenience; it’s a fundamental barrier to economic participation, healthcare access, and educational opportunity in the 21st century.

Arizona’s ambitious broadband expansion, fueled by nearly $1 billion in federal BEAD funding, represents more than infrastructure investment. For communities across tribal lands, where Arizona’s 22 federally recognized nations face disproportionate digital divide challenges, reliable internet means telemedicine visits become possible, students can access online coursework, and economic development opportunities finally reach geographically isolated areas. For residents in places like Bullhead City, where daily internet interruptions made basic email communication frustrating, fiber optic connections transform daily life in ways that urban dwellers rarely consider.

The state’s strategic middle-mile network, with fiber optic conduit running along I-17, I-19, and I-40, demonstrates forward-thinking infrastructure planning. Arizona owns this network (a rarity among states), positioning it to serve an estimated 80% of unserved and underserved households. This backbone, developed through partnerships between ADOT, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and private sector entities, creates the foundation for last-mile connections that will reach individual homes and businesses across rural Arizona.

What makes this particularly significant is the timeline and scope. Within two to three years, this massive broadband push promises generational change for Arizonans regardless of geography. Children in remote areas will access the same educational resources as their suburban peers. Ranchers and tribal entrepreneurs will compete in digital marketplaces. Healthcare providers will reach patients hundreds of miles away through telehealth platforms.

For those of us comfortable in Scottsdale, Tempe, or Phoenix, broadband feels like a utility as basic as electricity or water—something we notice only when it fails. But that privilege blinds us to the economic and social isolation that lack of connectivity creates elsewhere in our state. When state leaders advocate for broadband expansion in communities that already have it, they’re forcing a necessary conversation about equity and opportunity that transcends zip codes.

Arizona’s broadband expansion isn’t just about technology deployment; it’s about ensuring every corner of our state can participate fully in the modern economy. The conversations happening in Scottsdale today will determine whether rural and tribal Arizona gets left behind or brought along into the digital future. That’s a subject that demands attention from everyone who cares about the state’s economic trajectory—even those of us who’ve never experienced what it’s like to wait ten minutes for an email to send.

By Ronald Sampson

Scottsdale City Council has been a bit…contentious recently. With plenty of battles amongst members, it has nearly been asking for cooler heads. And it was with perhaps perfect timing that that request was answered.

Longtime Scottsdalian Raoul Zubia recently announced that he will be running for city council next year. He brings decades of dedicated service to our community, combining professional expertise with a deep personal commitment to preserving what makes Scottsdale special.

As a lifelong resident and Coronado High School graduate, Zubia’s roots in south Scottsdale run deep. His 25-year banking career provided him with the financial acumen and strategic thinking that our city needs, while his retirement has freed him to focus entirely on community service.

Zubia’s resume of civic engagement is impressive. He’s served as Chairman of the Scottsdale Human Services Commission, where he gained firsthand insight into the needs of vulnerable residents. As President of Partners for Paiute Board of Directors, he’s worked to provide funding and resources to those in immediate need. His leadership extends to the Charros Foundation, Coronado Promise Committee, and the Parada Del Sol Committee, where he serves as an announcer for one of Scottsdale’s most cherished traditions.

Most recently, Zubia was appointed Vice Chair of the Protect and Preserve Scottsdale Task Force, demonstrating the trust current city leaders place in his judgment on critical issues affecting our open spaces and quality of life.

His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2021, he received Scottsdale Leadership’s prestigious Hodges Alumni Achievement Award, and in 2024, he was inducted into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame—recognition of his lasting impact on our community.

You’ll have numerous options next year when it comes to who to elect (or re-elect) to city council. One thing is clear about Raoul Zubia though; he brings passion, integrity, and a proven track record of putting Scottsdale first. We could do much, much worse than having him helping lead our city.

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is hosting a public Town Hall at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.

“This Town Hall is about transparency and accountability,” Mayor Borowsky said. “I want to hear directly from residents. Your questions, concerns, and ideas matter acutely as I fight to put the interests of Scottsdale first.”

Residents are encouraged to attend and bring questions to be posed directly to Mayor Borowsky during the open Q&A session. Mayoral staff and volunteers will also be present to provide background and updates on each issue.

Event Details:
Mustang Library
5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
Open Q&A with Mayor Borowsky
Free and open to the public

The event is expected to be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and gives the residents of Scottsdale an opportunity to hear directly from Mayor Borowsky on the issues that matter.

Some interesting analysis from our friends to the north. Please check out this article from coloradopolitics.com.

By Sofia Solano

Denver families are cutting back on groceries, skipping family outings, and facing a housing affordability crisis — yet their tax dollars are helping fund one of America’s highest-paid chief executives. Rick Smith, chief executive of Axon Enterprises, took home a staggering $165 million last year. And a portion of that outrageous salary is thanks to Denver’s contract with Axon — a company that makes tasers and body cameras.

In effect, Denver taxpayers and workers are footing the bill for corporate greed, while our communities face mounting costs, unsafe policing practices and growing fear among immigrant families. The City of Denver’s contract with Axon is set to expire this December — and before it’s renewed, our leaders must ask who this deal truly serves.

Smith’s $165 million payout made him the highest-paid chief executive in the United States in 2024 — far outpacing even the top executives of Wall Street or Silicon Valley. At the same time, Axon has dramatically increased the prices of its products, forcing taxpayers to spend more on Axon products.

We’ve learned Axon’s chief executive plans to visit Denver in just a few days for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference. This is a critical moment for our city to send a message loud and clear: Denver will not continue to subsidize corporate profits at the expense of our people.

Every dollar spent on overpriced contracts for tasers is a dollar not spent on what our communities truly need — safer streets, stronger schools, affordable housing and access to good jobs. Public funds should serve the public good. Yet for 14 straight years, Denver’s residents — especially low-income and working-class families — have seen property taxes rise while the returns in safety and quality of life remain unclear.

Tasers are not as safe as we’ve been led to believe. Across the U.S., they have caused injury and, in some tragic cases, death. Communities deserve real investments in safety — not more weapons that perpetuate fear or deepen mistrust between residents and law enforcement.

Before approving any more public funds for Axon, Denver’s City Council must conduct an in-depth review to determine:

• Whether the costs of Axon’s equipment outweigh any supposed benefits;
• What alternative suppliers or community-based safety investments could provide better outcomes; and
• How taxpayer funds can be better directed toward projects that build trust, opportunity, and equity.

Axon Enterprises does not reflect the values of our community – values rooted in fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity. The renewal of this contract would represent a failure to prioritize the public interest over private profit.

We call on city leaders to take immediate action to align Denver’s public spending with the values of fairness, safety and community well-being.

Our communities deserve safety without fear, opportunity without exploitation and dignity without exception. Denver should not continue writing blank checks to corporations that put profits before people. It’s time to stop Axon’s contract renewal — and start investing in what truly keeps our communities safe and thriving.

Sofia Solano is executive director of the Colorado Jobs with Justice.

Scottsdale Unified School District is facing a difficult decision that’s sending ripples through our community: the potential closure and repurposing of two neighborhood schools. And the choice they’re seemingly leaning towards is the wrong one.

Scottsdale Unified is considering repurposing Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon K-8 School, citing low student enrollment as the primary reason. Both schools currently have fewer than 300 students enrolled. This isn’t just a Scottsdale problem: Valley-wide, districts are facing declining enrollment and rising operating costs, forcing administrators to make tough choices about resource allocation.

But they are taking the wrong approach to this. Instead of looking to compete, they are looking to capitulate. Instead of looking to improve, they are rewarding failure.

The schools under consideration serve distinct Scottsdale neighborhoods. Pima Elementary, located near Osborn and Granite Reef roads in south Scottsdale, has served the community since 1959 and was rebuilt shortly before the pandemic. Echo Canyon Elementary, near 62nd Street and Camelback Road, opened in 1990.

These are true neighborhood schools where generations of families have built connections and memories.

But they are looking at this the wrong way… this is more a story about competitiveness and potential opportunities for improvement. Let me explain…

You don’t have to be a parent to know that public schools have some competition now. With the ESA program and the often extremely permissive usage of taxpayer funds for charter and private schools, the traditional public school has to work a bit harder to keep students. Does moving them into already packed classrooms accomplish this, or will it push parents to put their students in the smaller classrooms and more attentive teachers of charter or private schools?

Leadership is choosing disruption and destroying community anchors over repurposing and reinvention. And this is after Pima received an $18 million rebuild just years ago.

SUSD could find a way to take advantage of those smaller class sizes. To level up the education that is provided to those students and more effectively compete against the alternatives. To provide a classic win-win.

Imagine an added arts focus for an amazing Echo Canyon campus. Or brilliant new interactive science labs for Pima. Imagine an engaging educational product…if you can do that, congratulations, you’re doing more than SUSD leadership can.

Scottsdale has built its reputation on quality education, but our state also has a reputation for reinvention and ingenuity. This might be the perfect opportunity to utilize those skills in a way that benefits everyone, but especially our public schools and their students. Instead we have leadership that has had years to figure out these issues and have failed us. And if they can’t think or create their way out of a paper bag, then we need to put in leaders who can.

By Alexander Lomax

Congressman David Schweikert

Congressman David Schweikert has decided that after eight terms in the House, he’s ready for a promotion…or at least a different title. The longtime Republican representative has dropped his congressional reelection bid to run for Arizona governor, presumably because dealing with Congress wasn’t quite frustrating enough.

Here’s the thing about Schweikert’s gubernatorial ambitions: he’ll face U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson in the Republican primary. That’s right, two candidates who already have name recognition and established campaign operations. Schweikert is jumping into a race that’s about as welcoming as asphalt in July. Both Biggs and Taylor Robson have Trump endorsements, while Schweikert brings… well, his congressional voting record and a willingness to leave a competitive seat behind. Bold strategy, let’s see how it plays out.

Schweikert’s departure has turned Arizona’s 1st Congressional District into open season. Dr. Amish Shah, who narrowly lost to Schweikert by approximately 4 points in the most recent election, announced his 2026 candidacy and faces a crowded Democratic primary field that includes Marlene Galan Woods. On the Republican side, there are many, MANY rumored candidates, ranging from sports luminaries such as Danica Patrick and former ASU coach Todd Graham, to battle-tested winning politicos such as Matt Gress, Joseph Chaplik, and Justin Wilmeth. Regardless of who is just a rumor and who is real, there should be no doubt that a handful of legitimate power players and compelling candidates are having conversations about this race right now.

Let’s be honest about what this all means for the average Arizonan: you’re about to be absolutely buried in political communications. We’re talking mailers stuffed in your mailbox daily, YouTube ads you can’t skip, Facebook feeds clogged with “URGENT” campaign messages, and television commercials that make you nostalgic for pharmaceutical ads.

The congressional race is currently considered a “toss-up” by Cook Political Report, which means both parties will throw enormous resources at it. Add in the governor’s race, and Arizona voters are essentially going to spend most of 2026 as unwilling participants in a political bombardment campaign.

There may be one saving grace…for the first time in what seems like half of a century, there won’t be a U.S. Senate seat in play next year. But that is little comfort as the statewide races will be expensive ones, leaving aside this Congressional race which could plausibly exceed $40 million in spending in total…just in a Congressional district. The campaign ads will be constant and they will be brutal.

Stock up on patience now…you’re going to need it.

The 26th Annual Scottsdale Firefighters Charities Dinner at Mastro’s City Hall proved once again why this event has become one of the Valley’s premier charitable gatherings. With a goal of exceeding last year’s record-breaking $100,000 raised, the evening celebrated both the selfless work of Scottsdale’s 300 firefighters and three remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of community service.

The 2025 CARE Awards, standing for Contribute to Achievement and Re-define Excellence, honored an inspiring trio. Max Ashton, who overcame being born mostly blind to become the youngest blind person to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, now serves the Foundation of Blind Children, advocating tirelessly for those with visual impairments. DJ Foster, the legendary Saguaro High School standout who went on to play for the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, currently mentors the next generation as Director of Player Development at Arizona State. And Autumn Curiel, who transformed unimaginable tragedy into powerful action after losing her son Preston Lord to teen violence, co-founded Justice 4 Preston Lord to combat youth violence and empower victims across Arizona.

The evening also recognized Chad Gibby as Firefighter of the Year; a 26-year veteran whose dedication to training engineers, mentoring recruits, and serving with professionalism has made him indispensable to the department and beloved by his peers.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of sponsors who understand the value of investing in community safety and charitable giving. Title sponsor HonorHealth led an impressive roster of generous sponsors listed below.

The Scottsdale Firefighters Association, staffed by members of Local 5050, doesn’t just protect the city…they consistently give back, supporting organizations like Scottsdale JAG, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Vista Del Camino Food Bank, and the 100 Club of Arizona. From Fill the Boot campaigns to toy drives, these firefighters prove that heroism extends far beyond emergency responses.

In a world that often focuses on division, this dinner reminded us what’s possible when community leaders, generous sponsors, and dedicated public servants unite around a common purpose: making Scottsdale and the Valley a better place for everyone.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: 

Honor Health

The Bob Ramsey Social Justice Foundation

Galloway Financial

Maricopa Ambulance 

Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale

The Hatten Family Trust 

Optima 

Riot Hospitality Group

Scottsdale Quarter / George Kurtz

East Valley Institute of Technology 

HCW / Ceasar’s Republic

M Culinary Concepts

Rose Allyn Public and Online Relations

Scottsdale Charros

Baker Development 

Collector’s Garage at WestWorld 

Yam Holdings / Bob Parsons 

Peachtree Partners

Pro em

All City Towing 

Savannah Bananas. Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

While we may not have a major league team, Scottsdale is synonymous with baseball come springtime. But now Scottsdale baseball fans have something new, wild, and wacky to get excited about in 2026: Banana Ball is coming to town. Well, sort of.

For those unfamiliar, Banana Ball is the brainchild of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball entertainment phenomenon that’s been taking the country by storm. This isn’t your grandfather’s baseballit’; s a wacky, fast-paced style of play featuring creative rules that put fans inside the action. Players stop mid-game for dance breaks and perform trick moves designed to get crowds on their feet. Think Harlem Globetrotters meet America’s pastime, baseball meets the TikTok generation.

The Bananas have become so popular that founder Jesse Cole drew 2.2 million fans this year and expects that number to grow to 3.3 million in 2026. That explosive growth has led to the creation of the Banana Ball Championship League, expanding the concept beyond just one team.

Here’s the good news for Scottsdale: two teams from this new league—The Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters—will square off at Salt River Fields on March 28-29. It’s an exciting opportunity to experience this fresh take on baseball entertainment right in our backyard.

The not-so-great news? The Savannah Bananas themselves won’t be stopping in the Valley of the Sun. While getting any Banana Ball action is certainly a win, it’s a bit like getting the opening band when you really wanted the headliner. The Bananas are the original, the team that started this whole movement, and their absence from Scottsdale feels like a missed opportunity.

Still, this is a positive development for Scottsdale’s sports scene. With tickets available through a lottery system open until October 31, local fans should jump on this chance to see what all the buzz is about…even if the main attraction is playing elsewhere.

Photo Credit: Giants.com

Former Arizona State running back and recreational bulldozer Cam Skattebo, drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is making waves in the Big Apple, a media market that is well known as as hot of a spotlight as it gets in sports. His success is reverberating all the way back to Tempe, where it’s elevating both the Sun Devils program and head coach Kenny Dillingham’s national profile.

Skattebo’s signature backflip celebration after scoring a two-point conversion against the Chargers captured national attention, earning coverage from People magazine and generating viral moments that remind the sports world of Arizona State’s resurgence. Pro Football Focus named him to their rookie team of the week, Sports Illustrated profiled his bruising running style, and Newsweek called him “a glimmer of hope” for a Giants team searching for playmakers, especially with the devastating news of 2nd year wide receiver star-in-the-making Malik Nabers tearing his ACL.

For Arizona State, this mainstream recognition is invaluable. Skattebo is handling a workhorse role with 25 carries in recent games, demonstrating the durability and toughness that Dillingham’s program is building its identity around. The young head coach, who attended high school in Scottsdale before becoming an ASU alumnus, is proving he can develop NFL-caliber talent despite inheriting a program in turmoil.

The timing couldn’t be better. It’s been over two decades since Arizona State produced an NFL star with this level of immediate popularity and cultural impact. The last Sun Devil to generate comparable buzz was Terrell Suggs, who broke the NCAA sack record in 2002, became a first-round pick, and went on to a Hall of Fame career with 139 career sacks and two Super Bowl rings.

Skattebo’s emergence validates Dillingham’s recruiting pitch and coaching philosophy. When elite high school prospects see a fourth-round pick becoming a featured player and fan favorite in the NFL’s largest media market, it sends a powerful message: Arizona State can be a pipeline to professional football again.

For a program that’s rebuilding its reputation, Skattebo’s backflips aren’t just entertaining—they’re branding gold, reminding the nation that Sun Devil football matters again.

Photo Credit: ABC 15

Scottsdale wears many labels. To some, it’s a world-class golf destination. To others, it’s a vibrant nightlife hub or a luxurious tourist retreat. But beneath the polished exterior and glamorous reputation lies something far more meaningful: a genuine community that rallies around its own when it matters most.

The story of Coach Brown at Grayhawk Elementary School perfectly captures this spirit. When the newly-hired physical education teacher faced a life-threatening health crisis just months into her first year, complications from bladder cancer, the community response was immediate and overwhelming.

Coach Brown had quickly become beloved at the school, launching a cross-country program, expanding after-school sports, revitalizing Field Day, and even introducing pickleball to PE classes. Her dedication to the students was evident, but what happened next revealed the true character of Scottsdale residents.

Parents, teachers, and students didn’t just send well-wishes. They organized fundraisers, arranged food deliveries, and made regular visits to ensure Coach Brown knew she wasn’t facing this battle alone. Strangers became family, transforming what could have been an isolating, terrifying diagnosis into a story of collective love and support.

This week, Coach Brown returned full-time to Grayhawk Elementary, her recovery a testament not just to medical care, but to the healing power of community compassion.

This is the Scottsdale that doesn’t always make headlines. It’s not about designer boutiques or championship golf courses…it’s about neighbors showing up for each other. It’s about recognizing that behind every teacher, every small business owner, every resident, is a person worthy of support and dignity.

So yes, Scottsdale is a tourist destination and a golfing paradise. But more importantly, it’s a place where a community can transform a first-year teacher’s darkest moment into proof that she matters, that she belongs, and that she’s never truly alone. That’s the Scottsdale worth celebrating.

Alexandra Gehrke and Jeffrey King. Photo Credit: Scottsdale Progress

A shocking healthcare fraud case unfolding in Scottsdale serves as a stark reminder that even in our affluent community, vulnerable residents need protection from medical exploitation. Alexandra Gehrke and Jeffrey King, dubbed the “glam-flam couple,” admitted to fraudulently billing insurance companies over $1 billion, targeting some of our community’s most defenseless members.

The scale of this operation is staggering. The couple specifically targeted elderly Medicare patients, many terminally ill in hospice care, for medically unnecessary wound grafts, ultimately collecting over $600 million from Medicare and other healthcare programs. These weren’t victimless crimes; real people, facing their final days, became unwitting pawns in an elaborate scheme that prioritized profit over dignity.

What makes this particularly disturbing is how quickly it escalated. Starting at the end of 2022, Gehrke and King stole hundreds of millions in barely more than a year. They built an entire network of complicit healthcare workers, demonstrating how easily our healthcare system’s trust-based foundation can be exploited.

For Scottsdale families, this case offers crucial lessons. When elderly loved ones receive home health services or hospice care, oversight matters. Ask questions about treatments, understand billing statements, and be skeptical of providers pushing expensive procedures on vulnerable patients. The prosecution revealed that Gehrke wooed co-conspirators with promises of immediate riches and devised a business model that rewarded greed at the expense of patient care.

With Gehrke’s sentencing now scheduled for October 7 and King’s for October 10, prosecutors are recommending at least 20 years for Gehrke, calling it “one of the most financially impactful health care fraud schemes in American history”.

While our community waits for justice, we must commit to vigilance. Healthcare fraud thrives in silence and complacency. By staying informed and advocating for our vulnerable neighbors, we can help prevent future exploitation and ensure Scottsdale remains a community that truly cares for its most fragile members.

Scottsdale has officially claimed the crown as America’s premier golf destination for 2025, and the implications for Arizona’s tourism industry are nothing short of extraordinary. According to The Action Network’s comprehensive analysis of over 400 U.S. cities, Scottsdale’s combination of exceptional course availability, reasonable lodging costs, and perfect weather creates an unbeatable formula that’s driving substantial economic impact across the state.

The numbers tell a compelling story. With 25 public golf courses per 100,000 residents (the highest concentration in the nation) Scottsdale has transformed itself into a golfer’s paradise. But this achievement extends far beyond city limits. Arizona’s dominance in the rankings, with five cities in the top 20 (including Yuma at #3, Goodyear at #7, Mesa at #11, and Phoenix at #16), positions the entire state as the undisputed golf capital of America.

For Arizona’s tourism sector, this recognition is invaluable. Golf tourism represents a lucrative market segment that brings visitors during both peak and off-seasons, filling hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues year-round. The relatively affordable lodging costs, around $1,080 for a five-day stay in Scottsdale, make Arizona accessible to a broader range of golf enthusiasts compared to pricier coastal alternatives.

The economic ripple effects are substantial. Golf tourists typically stay longer, spend more, and return repeatedly, creating sustained revenue streams for local businesses. From resort properties and golf equipment retailers to restaurants and transportation services, the entire hospitality ecosystem benefits from Arizona’s golf tourism magnetism.

As climate change makes other traditional golf destinations less predictable, Arizona’s year-round sunshine and minimal rainfall become increasingly valuable assets. This natural advantage, combined with world-class course design and infrastructure investments, ensures that Arizona, led by Scottsdale, will remain at the forefront of American golf tourism for years to come, cementing the state’s reputation as a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Arizona Progress & Gazette recently obtained some data from a poll conducted last month in Scottsdale, and it should give numerous audiences reasons to squirm.

The poll was conducted by a highly respected local polling firm and surveyed 400 Scottsdale voters late last month.

Axon’s favorability rating is just 23.9%. The Scottsdale based taser manufacturer has been battling citizens and city hall over its unpopular plans to build about 2,000 apartments at the site of its new headquarters near Hayden and the101.  The corporate HQ was previously approved.

Axon also went on a spending spree at the Arizona Legislature and got a law passed to block a public vote on those apartments. Axon’s total unfavorable rating is 19%. The rest are neutral or have no opinion.

The Axon law is even more unpopular than the company. Just 17.2% agree with a law that threatens to tase an election on Axon’s apartment proposal. 75.8% oppose this special interest legislation. Only 7% are neutral or undecided.  Here is how the question was posed:
After Scottsdale residents gathered enough signatures to place the Axon development project on the 2026 ballot, the state legislature-at Axon’s urging-passed a new law, signed by Governor Hobbs, that blocks certain local referendums related to zoning decisions. This change effectively allowed the Axon project to move forward without a public vote. Regardless of your opinion on the Axon project, do you agree or disagree with the state passing a law that limits the ability of local voters to challenge city decisions through a public referendum?

Survey results that dealt with development and traffic may explain why Axon and its legislation are cratering in the poll.

58.8% say the number of new apartments recently built in Scottsdale is too much, 8% say it is too little, and 26.8% say the number of new apartments being built in Scottsdale is about right.

The survey said 56% feel there is too much real estate development in Scottsdale, 7.4% say it’s not enough, while 32.1% say it’s about right.

77.6% of those surveyed say traffic is congested in Scottsdale. 20.2% say local traffic is not congested, and only 2.2% have no opinion.

While the poll finds Scottsdale dislikes special interest legislation, the rate of development and traffic, residents do like their firefighters. The Scottsdale Firefighters Association has a favorability rating of 72.8%.  Its unfavorable rating is just 3.7%. 20% are neutral or have no opinion.

The recent results suggest any development proposal in Scottsdale these days is a difficult sell and that reducing opposition and/or justifying a need is a prerequisite for approval, because the electorate remains ornery, which was the primary reason for the significant council turnover that took place in 2024.

By Mary Manross, Former Scottsdale Mayor and Chairwoman for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC
and Carla, Preserve Pioneer and Campaign Coordinator for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC

In most campaigns there are winners and losers. Not when it comes to the passage of Propositions 490 and 491 in Scottsdale which happened on November 5th. We believe everyone in Scottsdale wins.

Proposition 490 will help revitalize and maintain Scottsdale’s parks, beginning with the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, and will provide ongoing care and protection for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  It will provide funding to prevent and fight fires in and around the Preserve, and funds for increased police rangers for the parks and the Preserve.

Almost sixty years ago Scottsdale had the wisdom and foresight to create the Greenbelt and, thirty years ago, to create the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They are two of Scottsdale’s greatest decisions and treasures. That wisdom and foresight are still with us today as evidenced by this vote.

Proposition 490 contains legal safeguards to ensure the money is properly spent. And we think these safeguards, and the benefits of the measure will win over many who voted no and maybe even some critics. Now that the voters of Scottsdale have spoken overwhelmingly in support of Proposition 490, we look forward to working with the new Mayor and Council to see that it is implemented properly and responsibly.Read More

By Carla (Carla), Preserve Pioneer

This year Scottsdale was fortunate when it came to wildfires. Next year we might not be so lucky.

As every summer gets hotter and drier, nature and human caused fires are a fact of life in Scottsdale and our Preserve. Thanks to the quick response and hard work of our Firefighters  – plus a little luck with wind direction  – we have avoided a catastrophic fire this year.

But next year, unless Propositions 490 & 491 pass, we won’t have as many tools to help prevent fires.

Year round our Fire Department does excellent outreach work with developments in Northern Scottsdale to address not planting invasive species and removing fire loads. They also work with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to get grants which provide for wildfire prevention. Specifically invasive plant removal and preventative measures along our Preserve boundary and major roadways.

But Scottsdale did NOT get a grant to fund this work in 2025!

Proposition 490 would add Fire Department funding to provide quicker response times; increased Fire prevention programs; a second Technical Rescue Team; and additional resources to better protect you and your neighborhoods.

Proposition 491 – which is not a tax increase or budget override  – would allow Scottsdale to spend the money it already collects on programs and services that residents want and need. Without its passage, city services will face cutbacks, including in public safety.

Please join the Firefighters, who dedicate their lives to protecting you,  in voting YES-YES on Props 490 and 491. It’s critical to Scottsdale’s safety and future quality of life.

Carla (Carla), Preserve Pioneer

Data Orbital, in conjunction with AZ Free News, is pleased to announce the results of its latest statewide, live caller survey of likely General Election Voters. The survey was conducted from September 7th 2024 – September 9th 2024. The survey measured support for candidates in Arizona’s Presidential contest. This survey was sponsored by AZ Free News.

For President, the Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris trails Republican former President Donald Trump by a slim 46.0% to 46.2% margin. 7.7% reported as being undecided or refused the question.

Speaking with AZ Free News about the Presidential race, George Khalaf, President of Data Orbital, stated “That 7.7% undecided number, I would say, is going to be one of two things: 1.) Either individuals that are saying that they are likely to vote but don’t end up voting or 2.) People that really are truly undecided. But I would be shocked if the true undecided number is in the high single digits”. Khalaf goes on to explain, “I would guess that right now, the true percentage of people that are undecided is maybe one or two percent, if that. This is a high-profile race and so most people have made up their minds. But I think a portion of people that are undecided likely will not end up making a decision on November 5th”.

By Jeanne Beasley
Candidate for Scottsdale School Board

As students return to school this week, let’s consider what we can do to help support and strengthen our local public schools. I am running for a seat on the Scottsdale Unified School Board on November 5, alongside Gretchen Jacobs and Drew Hassler, to serve our community positively.

We are parents, professionals, and community leaders who have had students in our Scottsdale schools and believe that strong communities should have strong public schools. Families shouldn’t have to look elsewhere for the excellent academic opportunities and well-rounded extracurricular experiences they desire for their children.

Our campaign, “Just Be Honest,” will bring a new era of transparency, accountability, and integrity to SUSD. Our mission is to ensure that every decision made is in the best interest of our students, families, and teachers.Read More

With just five days remaining until Arizona’s 2024 primary election, let’s take a closer look at how Republicans and Democrats are performing across the state.

Focusing first on the Republicans, a total of 1,156,580 GOP ballots have been requested. Of these, 1,089,498 are from registered Republicans and 67,082 from Independents. These numbers surpass the total requests from both 2020 and 2022, which were 1,035,288 and 1,059,348, respectively. Currently, Republicans have a 32.7% ballot return rate, while Independents have a 49.2% return rate, resulting in an overall return rate of 33.7%.

At this stage in the election, GOP ballot returns across the state are ahead of 2022 but are behind 2020. In 2020, returns at this time were 426,571, compared to 375,714 in 2022. So far in 2024, a total of 389,458 GOP ballots have been returned.

Now looking at the Democratic side, total ballot requests stand at 1,063,267, with 1,008,909 from Democrats and 54,358 from Independents. This exceeds the totals from both 2020, which had 1,044,288 requests, and 2022, which had 1,041,271 requests. Democrats are returning their ballots at a 29.4% rate, while Independents are returning at a 48.9% rate, resulting in an overall return rate of 30.4%

At this stage in the cycle, Democratic returns are lagging behind both 2020 and 2022. In 2020, Democratic returns were 439,383, and in 2022 they were 368,745. Both figures are notably higher than the current returns in 2024, which stand at 322,984.