Compassion or an Invitation to Danger? Scottsdale Opens Its Doors to the Homeless

You could say many things about Scottsdale; you could say that it’s a great tourist destination, you could say that the weather is great, you could even say it’s snobby (although we tend to disagree). But one word that you rarely hear associated with Scottsdale is compassionate. Does that mean that Scottsdale is uncompassionate? Probably not, but simply more a … Read More

An Ambitious Development Project Planned for Scottsdale: Will It Make It Through the City Council Gauntlet?

The Scottsdale city council took a strong turn away from growth and development-focused dais under Mayor Lane to a rather development-hesitant one under Mayor Ortega starting in 2020. Many projects have failed to secure the needed votes to come to fruition, frustrating numerous developers and other professionals involved. So a new proposed project raised both eyebrows for its ambition and … Read More

SUSD Drama Continues: When Adults Start Resembling the Students They Govern

The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board has been quite the magnet for plenty of…interesting activity over the last couple years. From protests to calls for a new superintendent from partisan challenges, there has been no shortage of drama. And that drama recently took a new turn that is something closer to a scene from a high school movie than … Read More

Tidal Wave

Wow.  Just wow. Over the past several political cycles the Scottsdale City Council has taken a decided turn towards “slower growthers.”  Indeed, the body now has a clear 6-1 majority that leans in this direction. There are a variety of reasons but perhaps the biggest is the realization of the electorate that Scottsdale is indeed a pretty special place and just doesn’t … Read More

The Scottsdale Diamond Fire: Lessons in Bravery, Vulnerability and Recklessness

The recent Diamond Fire in North Scottsdale struck serious concerns, if not outright fear, into many area residents. It is entirely contained at the time of writing, but many residents still can’t claim to be completely out of the metaphorical woods yet when it comes to emotional damage. Widespread fires are not an issue that plague the Valley very often, … Read More

Scottsdale is for Lovers? Apparently, According to New Top 10 List

We know that Scottsdale is a great place to retire, raise a family, golf or party. You may have never thought of it as an ideal place for a romantic getaway for couples, but apparently we also rank highly for that, at least according to a new survey. CuddleNest, a website that appears to be a travel deal website focused … Read More

The Epitome of Modern Luxury: A Contemporary Masterpiece Now Listed for Sale by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Conceived by famed architect Wendell Pickett, the home could eventually become one of highest sales in the history of the exclusive Grey Fox community in Desert Mountain Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has earned its reputation as Arizona’s leading luxury real estate brokerage for good reason. It consistently brings to market some of the most spectacular luxury estates, homes known … Read More

Your Property Taxes are Going Up, Scottsdale. Is It Justified?

Uhh ohh Scottsdale homeowners…your taxes are about to go up. And it’s not just because your home values have risen quite a bit in value either. Indeed, your property tax rate will rise as a result of a 4-3 vote in city council, with Betty Janik against joining Barry Graham and Kathy Littlefield in forming what seems to be an … Read More

Guest Editorial: SB1432 – A Win for Scottsdale, Rio Verde Foothills Residents, and Arizona

By Councilmember Solange Whitehead This past week, Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB1432 into law with an emergency clause. The bipartisan bill creates a path to water security for Rio Verde Foothills residents. I discussed the new law with Mark Brodie on KJZZ’s The Show this week.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A8w7hlBdFg In passing the law, the State ends a water crisis created in part by … Read More