City News

CONSTRUCTION TO START SOON ON LOOP 101 EXPANSION IN NORTH VALLEY By Katy Reeve While these lane expansions should help traffic A critical component to this project, the ADOT congestion initially, officials expect this portion to Noise Team works to mitigate noise for federal VALLEY RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT AN get busier in years to come as the Phoenix metro projects as required by the National Environmental IMPROVED COMMUTE WHILE DRIVING area continues to grow. Phoenix is currently the Policy Act. For more than 20 years, Arizona THE LOOP 101 BETWEEN PIMA ROAD IN sixth largest city in the U.S. and home to 1.5 million highways and city streets have been resurfaced SCOTTSDALE AND THE INTERSTATE 17 people. The greater metropolitan area ranks 11th with rubberized asphalt as they reach their normal INTERCHANGE. New lanes will be added in each nationwide with 4.7 million and shows no signs of life expectancy. Initially known for helping reduce direction on this stretch of the heavily-traveled slowing that growth. According to the U.S. Census the disposal of used tires, rubberized asphalt has portion of the Loop 101. Bureau, Maricopa County was the fastest-growing only recently been recognized for its traffic noise county in the country in 2017. reduction. According to Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the project will address bottlenecks along The project is expected to start in early 2019 with According to ADOT’s Quiet Pavement and Noise the Loop 101 at Interstate 17, Cave Creek Road, a planned completion date sometime in early 2021. Program website, rubberized asphalt consists of State Route 51 and Tatum Boulevard. On average, The plans according to the Arizona Department regular asphalt paving mixed with rubber from residents in the metropolitan Phoenix area currently of Transportation (ADOT) include the following used tires that would otherwise end up in landfills. spend 35 hours per year sitting in traffic. improvements: Rubberized asphalt has the benefit of being smoother and quieter. Noise readings have shown the • Ramps and frontage road connection rubberized asphalt generally reduces tire noise by an improvements at 10 locations along the average of 4 decibels. Approximately 1,500 tires are freeway used for every lane-mile of rubberized paving, which • One additional general-purpose lane can put a major dent in the 2 million used tires that between Pima Road and Interstate 17 in are generated annually in Maricopa County. each direction • Auxiliary lane between Cave Creek Road In early 2019, ADOT is expected to hold and 7th Street in each direction informational meetings and two community open • Drainage and technological improvements houses, one in Phoenix and one in Scottsdale, • Installing rubberized asphalt overlay to prior to the start of construction. Dates, times and reduce noise locations of the community open houses will be • Constructing noise or retaining walls announced in advance. To learn more about this where needed project, visit ADOT’s Central District Projects at • Improvements to pavement markings www.azdot.gov.

WAYMO LAUNCHES SELF-DRIVING RIDE HAILING SERVICE ON DECEMBER 5, WAYMO Waymo CEO, John Krafcik. “Based on trip based on factors like INTRODUCED ITS COMMERCIAL their comments we worked on ways to the time and distance to SELF-DRIVING SERVICE, WAYMO streamline pickups, made it easier to their destination. ONE, IN THE METRO PHOENIX contact support for questions and began AREA. operating our service at all times of the Waymo One riders can day.” also invite friends and Waymo One will first be offered to family in the car with hundreds of early riders who have been The early rider program will continue as them. Up to three adults using Waymo’s self-driving technology a way for a select group of individuals and a child can ride, since April 2017 as part of their to give ongoing feedback. They’ll help and each vehicle comes early rider program. This diverse and test early features before those new equipped with one child passionate group has provided important capabilities graduate to Waymo One, safety car seat. feedback directly to Waymo’s research where they can be accessed by the driverless rides. At the start, Waymoand product teams and has used Waymo public over time. During the ride, all of the key trip trained drivers will be riding along to for a variety of activities. Some took details will display on the in-car screens supervise the vehicles for rider comfort rides to their local college for classes So, how does Waymo One work? as well as the app, and support will be and convenience. or commuted to work and high school. Riders are given access to the app which front and center. With the tap of a button Others used the service to get to book will be available on iOS and Android on the in-car console and screens, or “There’s a long journey ahead,” Krafcik club each week, connect to busses, or devices. They can use the app to call through the Waymo app, riders can said, “but we believe that Waymo One try new restaurants on date night. a self-driving vehicle 24 hours a day, connect instantly to a rider support will make the roads safer and easier for seven days a week. Waymo One will agent to ask questions. everyone to navigate.” “Their feedback along the way helped be available across several cities in the refine the technology and design Metro Phoenix area. Riders will see These channels will become even more For more information, visit waymo. features that met their needs,” said price estimates before they accept the important as Waymo transitions to fully com/apply.

CITY NEWS

UNIQUE EARLY LEARNING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCED UCP OF CENTRAL ARIZONA IS The Early Learning Center at UCP cared for during the INVITING THE COMMUNITY TO serves all children ages six weeks to day, but is getting VISIT ON JANUARY 10, 2019 FROM five years old in an inclusive environ- that individualized 5 TO 6PM TO SHOWCASE THEIR ment with approximately 70 percent attention from staff FIVE-STAR QUALITY FIRST RATED of the children in the ELC developing and therapists who EARLY LEARNING CENTER (ELC) without delays. The things that set the first hand know and the Laura Dozer Therapy Clinic ELC apart are the adult-child ratio what a developboth located at the Laura Dozer Center and staff knowledge in areas of child mental delay looks at 1802 West Parkside Lane, Phoenix, development, with screening and tools like- whether it be Arizona 85027. for assisting all children at all levels something minor of development. The preparation they that can be corrected receive is designed to transition the in speech therapy children to elementary school, with or something more attention to the developmental needs of severe,” said Valerie all children. Pieraccini, Occupational Therapist and “As a UCP therapist for over 20 years, Director of Early I have personally seen the impact ELC Intervention Therapy has on all of our children develop- and Early Learning center. and language therapy. Whether a child mentally. Having our therapy clinic is a picky eater, late walker or having steps away from the ELC classroom The Laura Dozer Therapy Clinic of- difficulty with paying attention, UCP gives children and their parents ease fers children from infancy to pre-teen therapists can help a child move from in knowing their child is not just being years physical, occupational, speech frustration to inspiration.

PUBLIC SAFETY FEE GOING INTO EFFECT, COLLECTED DURING VEHICLE-REGISTRATION PROCESS ARIZONA MOTORISTS EXPECTING VEHICLE visible functions of the Arizona Department of not only provide necessary dollars for public safety REGISTRATION RENEWALS WILL NOW SEE Public Safety — include response to collisions on but will advance maintenance and construction A NEW PUBLIC SAFETY FEE. The fee was Arizona highways, enforcing state laws designed to of Arizona’s highway infrastructure, including established by state law to support public safety and keep the motoring public safe, arresting impaired the state’s Key Commerce Corridors that support Highway Patrol operations. The fee is in effect for drivers, assisting motorists in distress, air-rescue economic development around the state. registrations due in January, and immediately for operations and patrolling more than 6,800 miles of newly registered vehicles. highways. Over the past decade, much of the Highway Patrol’s budget was considered part of the Arizona Highway The fee will be collected during the vehicle- Most motorists will pay $32 per vehicle, per year. User Revenue Fund, the gas-tax account that supports registration process administered by the Arizona Street-legal golf carts and primarily off-highway Arizona roadways, including law-enforcement Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle vehicles will pay $5. Those who register a vehicle support. The new $32 Public Safety Fee will allow Division. Arizona statute established the method for annually or pay for a two- or five-year registration gas-tax money to support roadway maintenance and collecting the fee and sets the process for determining will pay the entire amount up front for each registered construction, while providing a different source of the amount based on a formula designed to support year. funding for Highway Patrol operations. Highway Patrol operations. Highway Patrol operations — among the most The funds raised through the Public Safety Fee will For more information: www.azdot.gov/mvd.

SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC RECEIVES GRANT FROM SCOTTSDALE LEAGUE FOR THE ARTS THE SCOTTSDALE House. All concerts, except for their our mission of bringing classical PHILHARMONIC RECENTLY Holiday Concert, are FREE to attend. music to the community free of RECEIVED A $1,000 GRANT FROM charge,” says Joy Partridge, President THE SCOTTSDALE LEAGUE FOR The Scottsdale League for the Arts and Co-Founder of the Scottsdale THE ARTS. The funds will be used gives annual grants to nonprofit Philharmonic. to meet the Philharmonic’s expanded organizations that impact the arts or mission of focusing on children’s arts education programs in Maricopa The Scottsdale Philharmonic will knowledge and awareness of classical County. Since 2000, the group has kick off its free 2019 concerts on music. The expanded mission includes given more than $4.5 million to local Sunday, Feb. 10, with a concert at developing an annual children’s arts programs. the Scottsdale Bible Church (7601 E concert and a youth orchestra as well Shea Blvd.), 4 to 6 p.m. Sign up for BARBARA MOSS, as giving four music scholarships for “We’re delighted to receive this email notifications of all the concerts at SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC underprivileged youth through Rosie’s grant to help us continue to expand www.ScottsdalePhilharmonic.com. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR northtatumtimes.com

ARIZONA FINE ART EXPO BEGINS JANUARY 11 IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE

A PARCEL OF DESERT IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE WILL MAGICALLY TRANSFORM INTO A VIBRANT ARTS COMMUNITY FOR 10 WEEKS as renowned artists from across the globe set up their studios and create original pieces of fine art in what has come to be known as one of Arizona’s best venues for collecting fine art.

The Arizona Fine Art EXPO begins Friday, January 11 and runs through Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily under the “festive white tents” at 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Jomax Roads, next to MacDonald’s Ranch. Season passes cost $10; season passes for seniors and military are $8; and children under 12 are free. Parking is free.

The event features 124 patron-friendly artist studios within a 44,000 squarefoot space, where guests have a rare chance to meet the artists, see them in action, and learn about their passion, inspiration and techniques. While the fine art show features several local artists, some artists will travel from Israel, Zimbabwe, Russia, Korea, Mexico, Holland, China, Canada, Peru and throughout the United States to participate in the show.

Throughout the 10 weeks, artisans will sketch passionately in radiograph, pencil, charcoal and pastels; sculpt and fire clay; chisel, carve and shape stone; and saw and carve wood sculptures. Artists also will paint in all media; stain and etch gourds; design lost wax casting; solder and weld jewelry; assemble mosaics, blow glass, plus fuse and kiln form glass sculptures. Art is for sale and commissions are welcomed. Glass blowing classes will be held throughout the 10 weeks.

Patrons can also stroll throughout an enhanced two-acre sculpture garden, which will feature nearly 40 stone, metal, glass and mixed media sculptures.

For more details about participating artists or events during the show, call (480) 837-7163 or visit www. ArizonaFineArtEXPO.com.

KASAI ASIAN GRILL ANNOUNCES REBRANDING AND GRAND OPENING IN SCOTTSDALE KASAI ASIAN GRILL IS A COMPLETE fire. Kasai built their menu on familiar Asian cuisine, day from 3 p.m. till 7 p.m. REBRANDING AND OVERHAUL OF THE creating an authentic yet innovative Asian fusion. RESTAURANT FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAPPORO. At Kasai, dinnertainment is provided by talented chefs “With the launch of Kasai, our focus was to bring back at the teppanyaki tables where a 7-course meal is Kasai is a collaboration between Sapporo’s original the attention to detail and unique dining experience prepared with flair for guests. Service at Kasai provides owners Mike Russello and Patrick King. After selling we created with Sapporo,” said Mike Russello, Kasai each guest with a memorable dining experience. Sapporo in 2009, Russello and King went on to open a owner. “Guests will see brand new teppanyaki tables, a Part of making this experience memorable is the number of restaurants throughout the Valley including; remodeled sushi bar, and an expanded and re-imagined atmosphere, which incorporates dynamic fire inspired Humble Pie, The Living Room, and The Creek Patio Asian fusion menu.” features which dazzle the senses. The Kasai experience Grill. Since then, the co-owners have returned to is defined by superior quality cuisine, unsurpassed Sapporo to rebrand the venue and re-open it under a In addition to quality teppanyaki meals and fresh sushi, service, unparalleled ambiance and exceptional value. new name. Kasai’s menu showcases a number of Asian fusion items including, Chicken Karaage, Asian Pesto Chilian The restaurant will be open from 3 p.m. till 10 p.m. Kasai is a sleek Japanese eatery complete with elevated Seabass, Lamb Chops in a Thai Curry Coconut Glaze Sunday through Thursday, and from 3 p.m. till teppanyaki tables, a redesigned sushi bar, Asian fusion and Macadamia Nut crusted Mahi Mahi. The restaurant 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Kasai Asian Grill is menu, and an expanded bar patio. Named after the also reinstalled their fan favorite Happy Hour menu located at 14344 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, Ariz. Japanese Kasai, for fire, the restaurant showcases a which includes 50 percent off of all drinks, beer and For table reservations and more info please visit, dining room and framework inspired by the element of wine by the glass, and 25 percent off appetizers every KasaiScottsdale.com or call 480-607-1114.

JOIN DESERT FOOTHILLS LIBRARY FOR THEIR 10TH ANNUAL GALA “RED CARPET EVENING” JOIN THE DESERT FOOTHILLS invites the Valley community to cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and a Performers from the Phoenix Opera LIBRARY FOR A “RED CARPET one of the organization’s largest live and silent auction, all within will also delight the audiences with EVENING” OF GLITZ AND GLAM fundraisers of the year. The gala will the beautiful newly remodeled their beautiful voices. AT THE 10TH ANNUAL GALA on take place at the Library, located at Desert Foothills Library facility. Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 6 p.m. 38443 N. School House Road in Cave Entertainment includes performances “Our 10th annual gala is a special The Library, a 501c(3) nonprofit, Creek. by celebrated pianist Nicole Pesce and evening that provides ongoing financial performers from the Phoenix Opera. support of the Library’s objective to To purchase tickets, $200 per person, enrich the community by promoting contact executive director David Nicole Pesce has played for legendary literacy and advancing knowledge Court at 480-488-2286 or dcourt@ sports figures, Hollywood stars and through library resources and lifelong dfla.org. The Library welcomes former U.S. Presidents, including learning,” said David Court, Desert auction donations and sponsorship Muhammad Ali, Shaquille O’Neal, Foothills Library executive director. opportunities are available. All Chris Rock, George Bush, Sr., and proceeds will benefit the Desert Jimmy Carter. She has also appeared For more information on the 10th Foothills Library. in The Moscow Ballet, The Cast of annual gala “Red Carpet Evening,” Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia and visit the Library online at dfla.org or Gala attendees will enjoy hosted White Christmas. call 480-488-2286.

NEW METRICS, TENANTS SHOW DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE FLOURISHING IN AGE OF AMAZON IN THE ERA OF AMAZON Of the new tenants, one of the most WHEN ONLINE SHOPPING anticipated openings is Copper Blues IS FLOURISHING AND MANY Live, a restaurant and venue distinct SHOPPING CENTERS AND MALLS in the Valley. One side is a restaurant- ARE FAILING, DESERT RIDGE a full-size eatery, bar and hotspot MARKETPLACE IS DOING JUST THE OPPOSITE. It is thriving, currently up nearly 40 percent over the past five years, and has evolved to be much more than just an outdoor mall, offering nightly entertainment from local bands, acoustic acts and DJs. The other side boasts as a dynamic state-of-the-art music, comedy and multi-use venue. but an experience. Some of Desert Ridge Marketplace’s With the completion of a $22 million renovation, more than 300 community events a year, 100 retailers and chef driven restaurants, entertainment for all occasions, Desert Ridge other updated amenities include bocce ball courts, children’s play areas, EV charging stations, a splash pad, stateof-the-art video walls, complimentary wifi, and much more. Marketplace has developed into a center with depth and dimension and continues to flourish as other area shopping centers close. “We have several big boxes that normally produce the best numbers out of all their stores in the market, if not the highest numbers,” said “Between the millions we’ve spent in renovations, the diverse programing with 300 unique events offered each year to the top tier success of our retailers, Desert Ridge Marketplace Larcher. “Every year the numbers continue to prove that big boxes have the ability to succeed here, contrary to conventional wisdom on the future of these big stores.” is positioned to have one of its best years yet and we know there a number of factors we can credit right now for this increase in business,” said Vestar President, David Larcher. Desert Ridge Marketplace is also attracting locally owned chef driven restaurants, recently adding Barrio Queen, The Whining Pig Beer & Wine Bar and Flower Child to the list. Desert Ridge Marketplace has 12 new tenants coming to the center, totaling more than 100,000 square feet, within the next several months. One of these include H&M with more nationally recognized fashion retailers to be announced soon. Finally, Larcher noted the number of large private and Arizona state land department sales in the past year, resulting in a substantial number of new homes and residents in the trade area.

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