North Tatum Times, January 2023

A Big Step Backwards for Solar Power in the Golden State

By Erick O’Donnell

“Two steps forward, one step back,” such is the nature of progress in a democracy, where competing interests and opinions inevitably come in conflict. This expression can help stave off pessimism by keeping one’s focus on the long term.

For the people rooting for America’s clean-energy revolution (including us, of course), that makes it an especially useful metaphor to keep in mind after a big defeat for solar power. Such a defeat occurred earlier this month in California, where the state’s utility regulator voted to sharply reduce how much utilities must pay customers for the surplus energy produced by their solar panels.

Make no mistake, though; the decision in California is a big step backward for solar energy in America. In fact, the reduction, part of a policy package called Net Energy Metering 3.0, is the largest such cut in American history. Effective April 15, it slashes what owners of new rooftop solar systems get for their surplus power by 73%, from an average of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour to 8 cents. Many public commenters opposed the move, according to local reporting.

It’s not hard to see why. A state’s buyback rate is essential to the financial viability of distributed solar power and determining whether the purchase of a system represents a logical investment for a household. A similar rate cut in Nevada in 2016 caused the pace of new installations to plunge by 90% in the following years. The Solar Energy Industries Association told the commission the proposed cut would put solar energy out of financial reach for millions of California homeowners.

From tax cuts to vehicle-emissions standards, California’s policy changes have historically spawned waves of similar experiments in other states, which makes this policy regression even more ominous than the state’s gargantuan size alone would make it. For better or for worse, California’s experiments are hugely influential, so it will be crucial for solar-power advocates to speak up against the influence of this decision before it spreads to other states. Luckily, the facts about solar power are on our side.

California’s electric utilities won this concession from their regulator by arguing that the state’s one-toone buyback rate (paying system owners the same amount for their surplus energy as the utility charges) fails to account for the grid’s fixed costs, thereby shifting costs to ratepayers who don’t own solar systems.

That’s the same argument, by the way, that won similar cuts in other states, including this one. In Arizona, the price APS pays its customers for the power they export to the grid will drop by 10% on Sept. 1 from its current price of 8.5 cents, and it’s scheduled to drop by an additional 10% in each of the next several years on Sept. 1. Homeowners who go solar this year will be grandfathered in to the 8.5-centper-kWh rate for 10 years. While not as steep a drop as the one scheduled to take place in California, it’s important for homeowners in Arizona to go solar as soon as possible to lock in the highest buyback rate.

But this idea does not stand up to scrutiny. As a review by the Brookings Institution explains, rigorous studies on this issue—whether commissioned by regulatory bodies or conducted independently by academics—point in the opposite direction, showing that distributed solar generation produces net benefits for ratepayers and society when all costs and benefits are factored in.

“[N]et-metered systems do not impose a significant net cost to ratepayers who are not net-metering participants,” declared a study by Vermont’s utility regulator. The agency further described the state’s net-metering policy as a successful part of Vermont’s strategy for converting its energy base to renewable sources.

In 2014, only two years before Nevada’s utility regulator ended net metering, it concluded that the one-for-one compensation policy conferred $36 million worth of financial benefits to all customers of NV Energy, not just solar-system owners. It further concluded that rooftop systems would save money for the grid by reducing the need for expensive upgrades, estimating total lifetime savings at $166 million over the lifetime of systems installed through 2016.

The same year, Minnesota’s regulator determined, based on a comprehensive assessment of all societal benefits of the technology, that the overall value of solar power exceeded its retail price. Those benefits include the avoided costs to society of fossil-fuel use, as well as the eliminated need for new power stations and the displacement of more expensive power sources.

Other state-sponsored studies have yielded similar results, according to the Brookings review. And an analysis by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory determined that, while net metering would have only a “relatively modest” effect on ratepayers, it could reduce earnings for the shareholders who own the for-profit utilities.

That last detail is interesting considering these companies’ well-known penchant for guarding their profits through political means. The Energy and Policy Institute reported earlier this year that, between 2008 and 2021, more than 70 investor-owned utilities contributed more than $61.6 million to a set of political-influence groups—known as Section 527 organizations—at the state level. Investigative reports, meanwhile, have described in detail the influence-peddling role played by these groups, detailing how they arrange private policy discussions over matters of public interest, including the states’ clean-energy plans. Given the pervasiveness of this practice, it makes sense for all ratepayers (whether they believe in clean energy or not) to ask themselves: are my state’s energy policies being decided in my interest?

Whatever the answer to that question, there are actions you can take today that are in your interest as an energy consumer, and one of those actions is to become an energy producer. So, call SunSolar Solutions today at 623-562-9009 to have a design prepared for your home free of charge.

Tune In January concerts at the Musical Instrument Museum

THE WINTER CONCERT SERIES AT THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM OFFERS A RANGE OF APPEALING GENRES.

BLUES

Davina and the Vagabonds

Jan. 15

Jazz-blues band Davina and the Vagabonds brings audiences 100 years of American music and original songs that recall the American Songbook, offering edgy nostalgia to older generations and fresh new music to younger ears. The rollicking quintet, led by Davina Sowers’s singing and keyboard playing, features acoustic bass, drums, and a spicy trumpet and trombone horn section. The group’s sound is clean and focused, with an emphasis on acoustic instruments, and its shows are filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, dark theatrical moments, and tender gospel passages.

JAZZ

Tatiana Eva-Marie

Jan. 17

Tatiana Eva-Marie explores the music of composer Django Reinhardt through her own original arrangements and lyrics in her latest project: Djangology, a tribute inspired by her French and Romani heritage and her love for the Parisian art scene of the 1920s to the 1960s. Acclaimed by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, Eva-Marie performs regularly in New York City and around the world. She has performed at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, SummerStage in Central Park, Denmark’s Riverboat Jazz Festival, Bahrain Jazz Fest, Le Méridien and Le Bal Blomet in Paris, the Tanzcafé Arlberg Music Festival, the jazz aux sources Festival, Switzerland’s

Cully Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Deva Jazz Festival in Romania.

PIANO

Michael Kaeshammer

Jan. 20

Acclaimed Canadian pianist and singer Michael Kaeshammer has invested a lot—countless hours at the keyboard, hundreds of recordings, thousands of live performances, and millions of miles on the road—in pursuit of a mastery of 12 notes across 88 keys. The virtuoso has earned an international following as a triple threat: a technical master of many different styles, an eloquent singersongwriter, and a charming and engaging performer. His signature style weaves classical, jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, stride, and pop into a sought-after sonic tapestry.

AMERICAN TRADITIONS

Legends of Hawaiian Music Featuring Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono Jan. 26

Keola Beamer’s contributions to slack-key guitar (kī-hō‘alu) during the 1970s sparked public interest in the style and launched a revival of the tradition. His 1978 release “Honolulu City Lights” is the best-selling recording in the history of Hawaiian music. Today, he is one of Hawaii’s premier singer-songwriters and a master of the Hawaiian slack-key guitar. Henry Kapono helped forge the sound of Hawaiian music in the 1970s as half of the duo Cecilio and Kapono, whose laid-back contemporary island rock voiced the feelings of an entire generation of Hawaiians. As a solo artist, Kapono is a Grammy-nominated and award-winning singer-songwriter.

For more information, visit mim.org.

Davina and the Vagabonds

Michael Kaeshammer

Legends of Hawaiian Music Featuring Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono

Tatiana Eva-Marie

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Event features world-class artists and wine tastings

VERMILLION PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE KIERLAND FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL ON FEB. 4 AND 5. FEATURING MORE THAN 100 WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS, WINE TASTINGS, FINE DINING, AND LIVE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AT KIERLAND COMMONS, 15205 N. KIERLAND BLVD., THE EVENT COMPLIMENTS THE LIST OF SCOTTSDALE’S SIGNATURE EVENTS INCLUDING BARRETT-JACKSON AND THE PGA WASTE MANAGEMENT OPEN.

On display will be a collection of original art representing a wide variety of cultures and artwork in a range of subject matter and media. Subjects include still life, landscape, portraiture, nature, and abstract. Original works include sculptures in bronze, clay, glass, metal, and wood – from the minute to the monumental. Other works include paintings on canvas, mixed media, fiber art, sparkling handblown glass, oneof-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, fine photography, and more!

During the weekend, patrons will also enjoy exploring Arizona’s wine regions with wine tasting from 15 of the state’s best wineries, while strolling along Main Street and listening to the upbeat sounds of live music. A variety of delectable

foods from a selection of gourmet cottage vendors, local confectionaries, and trendy food concessions will contribute to the festival experience.

The Kierland Commons is a must-stop for art and wine lovers! It has been voted the best shopping center in the Valley and boast some of Arizona’s best restaurants like Mastro’s Ocean Club, Postino Wine Café, Zinc Bistro, and the Mission. Make a day of it and experience everything the Kierland Commons has to offer.

The event is free to enter, you only pay for wine and beer tastings. The event is free to enter, you only pay for wine and beer tastings. Wine tasting is $35 per person pre-sale and $45 at the gate. Each ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets. Meanwhile, beer tasting is $20. Each ticket includes a commemorative beer glass and 10 tasting tickets.

The art festival starts at 10 a.m. both days, while the wine garden opens at 11 a.m. For more information, call 623-7346526 or visit vermillionpromotions.com.

Exhibition Honors Legacy of Artist Rip Woods

Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Public Art ROOSEVELT “RIP” WOODS INSPIRED OTHER ARTISTS TO FURTHER THEIR EXPLORATIONS, AND SCOTTSDALE PUBLIC ART AIMS TO HONOR THE

LONGTIME PHOENIX ARTIST’S LEGACY WITH A NEW EXHIBITION, “RIP WOODS: CREATING MAGIC,” RUNNING JAN. 9 THROUGH MARCH 30 AT SCOTTSDALE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY, 3948 N. DRINKWATER BLVD.

“Rip Woods: Creating Magic” shows selections by Wood along with the work of some of his past students and friends, including Ron Bimrose, Susan Copeland, Carolyn Lavender, Helen Parkhill, Don Robbins, and Woods’ daughter, Dee Dee Woods.

“Rip Woods was one of my first painting teachers at Arizona State University,” says Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections and exhibitions for Scottsdale Public Art and co-curator of this exhibition. “He was a wise and gentle soul, who influenced many local artists. I’m thrilled to be able to exhibit his work and the art of a few other artists who still hear his voice.”

Born in Idabel, Oklahoma, Woods grew up in Phoenix. His long art career was a standout in the Valley for his early and recognized talent and his commitment to creating much-needed exhibition opportunities for black artists.

Woods conjured visions of reality that were messages to the world, cloaked in satire and humor. His work is mysterious and symbolic, often referring to historic

African masks and rituals, while reflecting on modern African American life experiences.

The artist once said, “My work represents survival, ritual, and magic, all of which helps in my quest for personal clarity through art.”

Woods received both a bachelor and master of art in education at Arizona State University. He taught in the Phoenix Union High School system and privately for eight years before joining the faculty of ASU, where he taught graduate and undergraduate painting and drawing for 27 years.

This exhibition is co-curated with Woods’ daughter, Senina Woods Harris.

A free opening reception for the exhibition will be held at 4 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 12, at the Civic Center Public Gallery. The curators and many of the exhibiting artists will be present, and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit scottsdalepublicart.org/exhibitions.

The Scottsdale Public Art exhibition “Rip Woods: Creating Magic” will open Jan. 9 at Scottsdale Civic Center Library.

Sip, Putt & Score this January at Desert Ridge Marketplace

THE HOLIDAYS MAY BE OVER, BUT THE FUN NEVER COMES TO AN END AT DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE. This January, guests of all ages can enjoy new and exciting experiences including Sip & Stroll, LIT Mini Golf, live local bands, and more.

On Thurs., Jan. 12, Desert Ridge Marketplace plans to kick off a new Sip & Stroll program in The District. Guests aged 21 years or older are invited to visit approved Sip & Stroll stops, grab their favorite beverage, and drink it in designated outdoor areas – seven days a week. Approved Sip & Stroll stops include Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, Copper Blues Live, Dave & Buster’s, Sid’s Garage, Spitz Mediterranean, and The Whining Pig Beer & Wine Bar.

LIT Mini Golf returns to The District every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Jan. 13 to Feb. 5 in honor of the WM Phoenix Open. Test your putting skills

at an 18-hole neon-lit course and enjoy hole-in-one offers from your favorite restaurants and retailers. Plus, stay tuned for details on how you can score a pair of tickets to the WM Phoenix Open with purchase (while supplies last).

The 6th Annual Lunar New Year Festival will also return on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. 9 Dragons Kung Fu takes over The District Stage for a morning of cultural performances, dramatic lion dances, art, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

To top it all off, you can enjoy the hottest local bands at The District Stage every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This month’s lineup includes performances from New Philosophy, Come Back Buddy, Metropolis Man, and more.

Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. For more information, visit shopdesertridge.com.

Photos courtesy of Desert Ridge Marketplace

HealthCare. Better Together.

Compassionate Care, Close to Home

At Abrazo Health, we believe that health and care are inseparable. That’s why our family of nurses, doctors and staff are dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for you and your loved ones.

To find a physician, scan the QR code or visit AbrazoHealth.com

City News

City of Phoenix Offers $3,000 Incentive to 2023 Certified Aquatics Staff

THE PHOENIX PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING $3,000 IN INCENTIVE PAY FOR CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS.

The city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department needs to hire pool managers, assistant managers, and hundreds of lifeguards ahead of the 2023 pool season to safely open as many of the city's 29 public pools as possible. Eligible certified managers, assistant managers and lifeguards will receive $500 on the first paycheck, and the remaining $2,500 as a one-time payment at the end of the 2023 pool season.

To receive the pay, a person must become certified as a lifeguard, work the entire summer through Labor Day weekend, and finish in good standing.

Also, for the first time, the department is offering a new 'Shallow Water Lifeguard' position. Shallow-water lifeguards will guard four feet of water and under.

The $3,000 incentive pay reimburses individuals for the cost and time spent obtaining the lifeguard certification and, when combined with the base hourly rate of per position, increases the rate of the following positions to:

• Pool Managers: $20.91/hour + $3,000 incentive = $30/hour

• Assistant Pool Managers: $18.28/ hour + $3,000 incentive = $27.65/hour

• Swim Lesson Instructor: $16.51/ hour + $3,000 incentive = $25.88/hour

• Lifeguards: $15.72/hour + $3,000 incentive = $25.09/hour

• Shallow Water Lifeguard: $14.97/ hour + $3,000 incentive = $24.34/hour

The department is also offering a $250 employee referral payment.

Certification classes have already begun and are available for registration at multiple locations through March. Lifeguards must complete the necessary training during the scheduled class times.

StarGuard Training for lifeguard certification is required to become a lifeguard with the city of Phoenix. Those interested in becoming a lifeguard should register for a certification class right away. Applicants must be at least 15 years old. To learn more about joining the Phoenix Aquatics team, visit phoenix.gov/lifeguard.

City News

The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show Returns to the Valley

Improve your green thumb, shop DIY projects, and celebrate 30 years of home shows in the Valley.

THE MARICOPA COUNTY HOME & GARDEN SHOW, THE LARGEST HOME SHOW IN THE SOUTHWEST, RETURNS TO THE ARIZONA STATE FAIRGROUNDS, 1826 W. MCDOWELL RD., PHOENIX, ON FRI., JAN. 13 THROUGH SUN., JAN. 15, FOR THEIR 30TH YEAR. Support Arizona businesses and enjoy sampling delicious food and beverages at Taste the Desert. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the outdoor garden atmosphere and walk away with culinary knowledge from local vendors.

“The new year brings opportunity for renewal and improvement. This show gives attendees an opportunity to feel educated about any item they take home,” says Katie Jones, Maricopa County Home Show manager. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our 30th anniversary of bringing the Home Show to the Valley and hope to provide endless inspiration for your home in 2023.”

Among the hundreds of home improvement, design and landscaping products, and services offered are the following unique show attractions and seminars that are included free with admission:

Taste the Desert: A hands-on culinary education and tasting with local food & beverage experts and aficionados! Daily seminars on wine pairing, coffee roasting and brewing, Kombucha, teas, mastering flavor profiles, and more!

Greenhouse: Wander through a stunning assortment of house plants, cacti, succulents, exotic plants, pottery, terrariums, trees, soil, supplies, and décor.

Handmade Headquarters: Sign up for free make-and-

take crafts, including customized candles, silk flower arrangements, peyote stich bracelets, and more.

DIY Terrariums: Create your own eye-catching terrarium to bring home. Select your plant and fillers, and make a beautiful, customized space for your new house plant.

DIY Bonsai: Receive an introduction to the art of bonsai: choose your juniper tree, learn potting, pruning, basic styling techniques, wiring, and aftercare. The class comes with a terra cotta bonsai pot, pruners, and your own little book of bonsai to take home.

House Plant 101: Leave with the knowledge to grow healthy house plants that will thrive all year long

Take a dive into water filtration and learn about how different systems work

Discover tips to creating delicious meals on your next camping trip

Learn how to install your own turf

Vacation Cabin: Stop by and tour a “move-in ready” high end vacation cabin, available for rent in Flagstaff. This beautiful, modern home has everything you need for a comfortable, relaxing getaway in the mountains.

Ask a Master Gardener: The University of Arizona Master Gardeners are highly trained experts in everything from vegetable gardens to trees to soil prep. Watch and learn as they discuss and demonstrate the basics of gardening, and how to maximize your space. Discover how to prep your garden for an early spring

harvest, what and when to plant to be a successful desert gardener, and how to get the most from your citrus trees.

Exotic plants: Explore a local plant shop’s offering of exotic plants, terrariums, succulents, and house plants. Whether you have a green thumb, or you can barely remember to water your plants, this knowledgeable team will help you find the perfect bit of greenery to thrive in your home and brighten up any corner or entryway.

For more information about the Maricopa County Home & Garden Show, call 602-485-1691 or visit mchomeshows.com.

Affordable Pet Care

Expanding veterinary practice offers low-cost pet care.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit

DR. KELLY’S SURGICAL UNIT, A CONVENIENT VETERINARY CLINIC THAT OFFERS SPECIALIZED PET CARE AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OF TRADITIONAL VETS, WILL OPEN A NEW BRICK-AND-MORTAR LOCATION, AT 4727 E. BELL RD., IN NORTH PHOENIX THIS MONTH TO EXPAND THEIR FOOTPRINT TO SIX LOCATIONS.

Currently, the business provides services all over the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, focusing on low-cost surgical operations including dental work, spays and neuters, mass and tumor removals, bladder stones, and other procedures.

“Our business strategy was created to provide worried parents with a reliable location for their pets’ care,” says Douglas Patriquin, co-owner and CEO of Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit. “We take great pride in offering treatments and procedures at just a third of the typical price so that more pets can receive the high-quality care that they deserve.”

Many community members are faced with difficult financial decisions, and pet care is no exception. There is a high demand for easily accessible, low-cost pet care, but unfortunately, many financially exploitative veterinary clinics prey on pet owners in need. Dr. Kelly’s brings trustworthy care to the Valley, allowing pet parents to receive the treatments they want without having to make the considerable financial sacrifices requested by many traditional veterinarian offices.

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, unlike most veterinary practices, specializes in affordable surgical care. They currently have five doctors in four locations in the Phoenix market, including two mobile surgical units, the new Phoenix location, and a brick-and-mortar in Peoria at 8914 N. 91st Ave. Tucson has two doctors in two locations as well. Their unique service menu and convenient access model enable them to serve the entire Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, thanks to business partners all over town.

The practice is unique in that it provides amenities such as an extensive surgical prep area, large surgical areas that accommodate two doctors, a recovery area for post-operative care, in a highly efficient building, with the floor plan designed to accommodate the specialized services they provide; each doctor can perform over 18 surgeries per day.

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit was founded in 2016 by Dr. Kelly Patriquin, DVM, and Doug Patriquin, who sought to establish a veterinary clinic that could serve more pets. Since its inception in 2016, the clinic has performed over 100,000 affordable pet surgeries, assisted over 150,000 clients, and served over 80 different pet rescue organizations. The clinic expanded by 60% in 2022, 50% in 2021, and 160% in the previous three years. In 2022, they will see another 60% increase while 2023 will add 2-3 more locations.

For more information, please visit drkellysvet.com.

City News Art on the Boardwalk

Artisan creations and gift items abound at Sundance Creek Promotions’ winter festival.

DISCOVER ARTISAN CREATIONS AND GIFT ITEMS AT WINTER ART ON THE BOARDWALK

BY SUNDANCE CREEK

PROMOTIONS. Located at the Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 East Vía de Ventura, the outdoor festival celebrates winter Arizona-style in the heart of Scottsdale’s Talking Stick entertainment district from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri., Jan. 20, to Sun., Jan. 22, with free admission and parking.

Art on the Boardwalk will feature talented local and regional artisans exhibiting fine arts, crafts, home décor, and specialty gift items within the intimate setting of the Arizona Boardwalk’s center courtyard. Guests can enjoy live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. by The Chacons, a brother and sister duo playing pop and classic rock songs with a soulful, jazz vibe.

Meanwhile, children may create their own work of art and enter the coloring contest. Meet princess characters from Timeless Enchantments Arizona, an inclusive and diverse nonprofit charity group that volunteers to bring magic and smiles throughout Arizona. Princess characters will take pictures with guests from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 21.

Budding artists from Salt River Elementary will display their masterpiece interpretations of Pablo Picasso in the student art exhibit. Attendees can vote on their favorite to help the top three student artists win a prize.

“Art on the Boardwalk connects artist and art enthusiast with a dazzling array of art and specialty gift items. The oneof-a-kind items by masterful local artists and vendors will fill that empty spot in your home and impress anyone on your

shopping list,” says Dina Giovale, event producer, Sundance Creek Promotions. “Make sure to ask about customizations and special commission items to get the perfect size, shape or color for yourself or your home.”

The first 50 adults will receive a free tote

bag on Friday morning at show opening when they come to the Sundance Creek Promotions booth.

For more information or to become an exhibitor, visit sundancecreekpromotions.com or call 480-297-1179.

Photos courtesy of Sundance Creek Promotions

Education

year with me grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for the Daisy Mountain Fire Department and local Phoenix police officers during lunch hours. Additionally, for Veterans Day, Desert Willow honored veterans with lunch, notes, and a kindergarten presentation. We also hosted a visit from the Embassy of Spain to renew their designation as the only International Spanish Academy in Arizona! We are looking forward to beginning our Spanish Conversation Club and Kiwanis K-Kids Club in the next semester. Learning for life––loving to learn!

LONE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: The first semester at Lone Mountain was an amazing one! From the before and after school clubs and athletics of cross-country, choir, volleyball, and Kiwanis K-Kids, students are learning about ways to make an impact in their community and school. Students academically are focused on the engineering design process in STEAM class, are achieving high levels of learning in the classroom, and

practice daily how to be responsible, respectful citizens both at school, home, and in the community. Lone Mountain is a great place to be, and the Eagles are truly SOARing to success as evidenced by an A letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education.

HORSESHOE TRAILS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: The first semester at Horseshoe Trails was a smashing success! Student literacy and math stations have been in full swing since September for all grade levels. Students are loving computer science curriculum that’s being offered as a special encore class and Fall Cohort of Stallion Strides Horsemanship classes are wrapping up in December. Teachers have been meeting with their grade level professional learning communities from around CCUSD on each half day to discuss, analyze, and strategize how to maximize student achievement for all students. And the PTO has been amazing at organizing different team building events for our school that also support local businesses in downtown Cave Creek and Carefree.

SONORAN TRAILS MIDDLE SCHOOL:

It was another busy semester at Sonoran Trails. We currently are offering 14 clubs that are student led with almost 300 students participating. Additionally, we concluded baseball and softball seasons where all teams finished in second place in the region. With Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in place, we collaborate and look at data weekly with departments to focus efforts on helping students succeed. From those strategic meetings, we go back and reteach and/or enrich the learning in classrooms. Students complete a short assessment bi-weekly to show mastery of the Arizona State Standards. Finally, with the rollout of positive behavioral intervention and support (PBIS) in place, we are teaching students how to be STAR students (Safe, Trustworthy, Accountable, and Respectful). There is a common language heard on campus with what students need to do to be successful both academically and behaviorally and it is both reinforced and celebrated with pride.

CACTUS SHADOWS HIGH SCHOOL:

The Falcons had a fabulous first semester. Fall sports participants had a challenging season but continued to work hard. Girls golf brought home a state championship. The student council was hard at work and hosted the Big Blue Pep Rally and Nightmare on Falcon Street Homecoming event, along with a very fun homecoming week. The school was full of spirit, as many of the staff and students participated in spirit week. Teachers were off and running on day one, working in their professional learning communities as departments and collaborating to provide the best learning experience for students. They have begun preparing students for the state standardized tests that they will take in the spring. Meanwhile, winter sports are up and running. Coaches and assistants do a great job with student athletes. We also received news that CSHS is an A-rated high school as rated by the Arizona Department of Education. Plus, we scored in the Top 10 of all traditional, grades ninth through 12th, high schools across the state of Arizona.

PVSchools

Join the community for the 13th Annual PVSchools Community 5K Fun Run, an event encouraging active lifestyles.

Held Sat., Feb. 4 at Horizon High School, 5601 E. Greenway Rd., Check in starts at 7:30 a.m. The Kids’ Dash for youth ages 10 and under beings at 8:45 a.m., and the main race starts at 9:05 a.m. Awards for first, second, and third place male and female finishers in each age division will be given. Team awards will also be given for race participation. Participants who register by Jan. 6 will receive a t-shirt.

Runners will exit the Horizon High School football field south at the back gate and head east on Nisbet Rd up to Greenway Rd. Runners/Walkers will proceed down 64th St to Acoma then up 56th St back to Nisbet to renter and finish on the field. There are two aid stations on the course: One is on 64th St just south of Greenway. The other is at the elementary school on Acoma near 60th Street.

The 2023 PVSchools Community 5K Fun Run is supported by Race Entry, United Healthcare, VSP, Sun Life Financial, Delta Dental, Valley Schools, and the Paradise Valley Unified School District. For registration and information, visit runsignup.com/ Race/AZ/Phoenix/PVSchoolsCommunity5KFunRunWalk.

Located in north Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) serves a broad group of students in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment.

Our students experience active and engaged learning, opportunities to enhance critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking, and ways to positively impact today’s societal issues..

Whether you’re attending college for the first time, taking a class to transfer to a university, expanding your skill set, or wanting to explore a new interest, PVCC can help.

We provide an array of services to ensure your success, such as academic advising, career counseling, early college, financial aid (for those who are eligible), a learning support center, and Veteran resources.

What’s more, we are the only community college in Arizona recognized as one of the nation’s Top 150 Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute, the nation’s signature recognition for America’s community colleges.

Paradise awaits….contact us for a campus tour today!

Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Unified School District

Family Arizona State Parks and Trails Opens Registration for Spring Family Campout Program Learn to explore the great outdoors through camping adventures.

Photos courtesy of Arizona State Parks and Trails

Arizona Family Campout Program weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. Arizona State Parks and Trails staff introduce families to camping through hands-on activities. You will learn how to set up a tent, get an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping.

Registration is now open for this popular learning program that helps families of all ages enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during a weekend camping experience.

Register now for campout dates starting in March. Events sell out quickly, so early registration is encouraged. The Family Campout Program teaches

families the basics of tent camping, as well as various outdoor activities such as kayaking, archery, geocaching, astronomy, and more! Plus, Arizona State Parks and Trails provides the equipment, including tents! Each event also includes a service project to teach conservation and preservation at the park. This is an exciting experience for kids to discover the joy of time spent outside.

New this year is a weekend at Alamo Lake State Park, where families will learn camping, outdoor meal prep, and fishing at this popular destination. Families who are interesting in learning more about reeling in a big one will gain fishing knowledge and experience.

Family Campouts offer valuable lessons to any family interested in learning more about the outdoors for just $90 for a family of four. Children must be over 5 years

old. Families can register for one event per season. The activities vary depending on the park, participant ages, and weather conditions, but all guarantee a fantastic outdoor adventure.

• March 11 – 12: Alamo Lake State Park, Wenden

• March 18 – 19: Catalina State Park, Tucson

• April 1 – 2: Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia

• April 8 – 9: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Show Low

• April 22 – 23: Red Rock State Park, Sedona

• May 6 – 7: River Island State Park, Parker

• May 20 – 21: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood

• June 3 – 4: Lyman Lake State Park, St. Johns

To learn more about the program, see reviews from previous families, and register for a spring date, visit azstateparks.com/family.

Learning to build a campfire during a weekend campout.

Kids’ Corner Winter Science Experiments for Kids

WINTER SCIENCE

The changing seasons are perfect for incorporating different types of science activities into your learning at home. Kids love themes, and a winter theme makes science so engaging!

The science experiments for kids listed below are fun hands-on experiences to get those little minds thinking. These activities will invite kids to explore, test, think, observe, and discover! Experimenting is great because it leads to discoveries and discoveries spark curiosity.

WINTER SCENT LAB

The sense of smell is amazing, especially since it’s so often connected to memory. Our sense of smell is regulated by the olfactory bulb, which happens to be in the limbic system, the part of the brain where memories are stored. This

science experiment for kids is a fun way to experiment with the sense of smell and how we recognize each different smell we encounter!

To do this experiment, you’ll need:

• 5 small empty glass jars

• Water

• 5 cloves

• A cinnamon stick

• A tablespoon of vanilla extract

• 4 peppermint Altoids

• A sprig of pine or fir tree

• Food coloring

To set up the scent lab, place each of the scented items in separate jars. Add food coloring to the jars to disguise what the smell is – for example, don’t color the cinnamon stick jar red, as color can often be associated with smell. Then, fill the jars with water and close them up.

Let sit for 24 hours to help the water really pick up the smells.

Once the water has absorbed the scents, remove any undissolved items from the jars. Place the finished jars on the table and place sticky notes down with the scents listed on them. Ask your kids to open each jar and match it to one of the sticky notes. Even if they created the scents in the lab, they will enjoy reopening them and matching the scents up!

MELT A SNOWMAN

This is a fun way to introduce a little bit of chemistry to your kiddos. There’s a lot to learn and explore in this hands-on science experiment! Here’s what you’ll need for this activity:

• Baking soda-based fake snow (if you need a recipe, try 1 cup of shaving cream and 1 cup of baking soda)

• White vinegar

• Droppers

• Googley eyes, baby carrots, sticks, and any other items you need to decorate your snowman

First, make the fake snow. Next, have your kids take the snow and make a small snowman on a plate or tray. Don’t forget to decorate and dress him up! Once they’re done, fill droppers with vinegar and let your kids take turns squirting the vinegar on the snowman, making him fizz and “melt” away.

This science experiment is showing what happens when a chemical reaction takes place. A chemical reaction is all about what happens when an acid reacts with a base. In this case, the vinegar and baking soda combine, and carbon dioxide is released causing bubbles and fizzy froth.

Cover Story The Best Vision for The Valley

Doctors

King and Kopstein, two of the most experienced eye surgeons in the country, are Arizona’s

If you’re tired of glasses or contacts and would like a permanent solution to your vision problems, the experts at King LASIK and K2 Vision RLE provide customized vision correction surgery with unrivaled results. Fortunately for Valley residents, King LASIK and K2 Vision RLE opened their first Arizona location last spring at 21803 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite #100, in Scottsdale.

Christian Monea, CEO of King LASIK and K2 Vision RLE, explains that—while new to Scottsdale—King LASIK was founded in 2002 in Seattle, Washington

while Drs. King and Kopstein formed K2 Vision RLE in 2018. Together, the two practices offer vision solutions to patients at every stage of life.

“We added K2 Vision RLE in 2018 to help older patients fix their vision—perhaps get it back to what it once was—but aren’t necessarily a fit for a LASIK procedure,” Monea says. “I see people all the time who want to get rid of their glasses and contacts; they want a vision solution and the freedom that comes from being able to see better. By offering both LASIK and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), we help

patients obtain the best vision possible at nearly any age. We not only have surgeons with decades of experience performing hundreds of thousands of procedures, but also continuously invest in the newest, most proven technology and medical advances.”

VISIONS SOLUTIONS FOR ANY STAGE OF LIFE

long needed a place where people can find a vision solution no matter their stage of life.”

In addition to Dr. King, the practice also features the expertise of Dr. Andrew Kopstein, M.D., who has completed more than 45,000 lens procedures and focuses on RLE patients. And, added to the team, Dr. Lorne Schlecht, M.D., brings decades of experience to K2 Vision, with over 50,000 lens procedures to his credit.

“Between Dr. King, Dr. Schlecht, and myself, we have the experience to be able to help you find the right procedure,” affirms Dr. Andrew Kopstein, M.D.

KING LASIK AND K2 VISION RLE OFFER TWO MAIN VISION CORRECTION OPTIONS

• LASIK Procedures: Almost always more affordable than a lifetime of eyewear, LASIK is a safe, cost-effective laser surgery that boasts precise correction and fast recovery. The experts at King LASIK and K2 Vision RLE note that this procedure can correct near sightedness, far sightedness, and astigmatism, and is most often performed on patients ages 18 to 49.

• RLE Procedures: Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the eye’s dysfunctional lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) for highly customizable, clear vision. K2 Vision RLE can improve everything from nearsightedness (myopia) to severe farsightedness (hyperopia or presbyopia), even in older eyes, and is a permanent solution to cataracts. It can eliminate

the need for glasses, contacts, and readers, and is most performed on patients over age 50, though of course individual cases vary.

How do you know which procedure is best? “Most often, if you’re under 45, LASIK is usually the way to go, but, at age 50 or so, when distance vision problems now include the need for reading glasses, or perhaps you’ve started to develop a cataract, that’s when an RLE procedure is most commonly the best fit,” Monea explains. “There’s sometimes a grey area between 45 and 55, but our expert staff and experienced surgeons will guide each patient to the surgery that is the best fit for their individual vision needs.”

“As miraculous as LASIK can be, it’s not always the right solution to someone’s vision problems,” adds Dr. King. “That’s why Andy [Dr. Kopstein] and I started K2 Vision—to provide life-changing vision-correction procedures for people who may not qualify for LASIK.”

“It’s a fact, if you get old enough, you’re going to have cataracts, which means you’ll eventually need to have your failing natural lens replaced,” explains Dr. Kopstein. “If you’re already struggling with both distance vision and you need reading glasses, having refractive lens exchange now can give you so many more years of great vision. Plus, K2 Vision RLE eliminates ever developing a cataract.”

EASY STEPS TO BETTER VISION

Step 1: Visit kingk2vision.com to schedule a free

virtual LASIK or RLE consultation.

Step 2: You will receive a confirmation text and email with the date and time of your consult. You’ll get a Zoom consultation link, or they can do your consult over the phone.

Step 3: They’ll send you several helpful reminders of your appointment. (No need to play phone tag or trade voicemails.)

Step 4: At your scheduled time, you’ll meet with an experienced surgeon who will answer all your questions. They’ll also provide you with a personalized price quote for your procedure.

Step 5: After your virtual consult you’ll be able to schedule a convenient time for your in-person exam to ensure you are an ideal candidate.

Want Better Vision? The Choice is Clear. Monea says the best part of his job is seeing patients’ vision improve, sometimes after a lifetime of bad vision. “While we’ve done thousands of these procedures, seeing patients’ vision get better has a ‘wow factor’ every time,” he says. “You can trust you’ll be in good hands from start to finish. We’ll provide thorough recovery instructions so you can heal safely and comfortably and set up follow-up appointments to track your progress.”

To get started, Valley residents can book an appointment with King LASIK and K2 Vision RLE at KingK2Vision.com or by calling 877-551-2020.

This content is sponsored by King LASIK and K2 Vision RLE.

Inspiring Teens Provide Support to Peers Dealing with Dating Violence, Abuse

By Amy Wolff Photos courtesy of BLOOM365

Teen dating violence statistics are staggering. According to a 2018 Centers for Disease Control study one in 11 females, one in 15 males, and one in four LGBTQ+ high school students have experienced physical dating violence in the last year. And roughly one in nine females, one in 36 males, and one in three LGBTQ+ high school students have experienced sexual dating violence.

For Valley nonprofit group BLOOM365, stopping abuse at the root of the problem and preventing dating and domestic violence before it begins, with a special focus on 11 to 24-year-olds, is the ultimate mission.

One of the most unique things about BLOOM365 is its Peer Advocate program. It includes roughly 40 local high school and college students who are trained to recognize the signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and reframe conversations and actions to cultivate a culture of safety, empathy, respect, and consent.

Harshitha Ram, a sophomore at Pinnacle High School, became a peer advocate to be part of something bigger

and help create meaningful change in the lives of her fellow students.

“The work we do at BLOOM365 is something I am very passionate about, and I strongly believe in ending the cycle of abuse in my generation,” she says. “Through the peer advocacy program, I’ve learned how to create an impact within my school and community.

BLOOM365 educates young people on healthy versus unhealthy relationships and helps build skills to avoid controlling, abusive, and violent behaviors both now and later in life. The organization also provides trauma-informed emotional support, counseling, and safety services to enhance healing and well-being for young people who have been victimized.

“My work as a peer advocate is dear to my heart because it means that I can make a difference in the lives and experiences of every person around me,” says Clara McAdams, a junior at Barry Goldwater High School. “When a peer comes to me and discloses interpersonal violence or toxicity in their relationship, the first step I take is to listen. I give them an outlet to express their emotions, fears, and concerns. I

strive to alleviate the silence they have felt in their relationship.”

Peer advocates participate in an immersive and highly engaging training that educates young people ages 13 to 24 years old about the risk factors, red flags, and root causes of domestic, sexual, teen-dating violence, and bullying and how to prevent them. Through the program teens and young adults gain skills they can use to support peers who have experienced unhealthy, controlling, toxic, or abusive friendships or relationships. They also learn steps they can take to create a safe space for survivors to seek help and perpetrators to unlearn abusive behaviors.

“For me, my goal is to always be empathetic and try to understand other people’s perspectives and experiences,” says Nidhi Konanur, a sophomore at Mountain Ridge High School.

After completing the Peer Advocate Academy, participants can apply for a paid Lead Peer Advocate internship position to uproot abuse on their school campuses.

To learn more about the Peer Advocate program and BLOOM365, visit bloom365.org.

Taste of Southern Italy

Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen brings robust flavor to the forefront.

By Gretchen Pahia Photos courtesy of Sfizio

In Italian, the word sfizio translates to the English word whim, something you don’t need but for whatever reason, you want. With that in mind, there’s no denying why you’d want to dine at Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen.

The restaurant opened about a year ago near Desert Ridge Marketplace, filling a niche for neighbors seeking a locally owned restaurant that emphasizes high quality ingredients. Chef Rocco Pezzano and his family run the local eatery and they serve dishes rooted in Italian tradition with flavors matching what you’d find in southern Italy.

The menu isn’t large but offers a robust selection of dishes to satisfy Italian cravings. Whether you are enjoying a family night out, dinner with friends, or a date night, Sfizio delights the tastebuds.

Looking for a pizza? Check out one of their authentic from-scratch brick oven pizzas including their versions of a margarita, calabrese, prosciutto, Americana, or you can

put together your own creation with a build-your-own pizza or calzone. Feeling more like a pasta dish? The pasta dishes are handcrafted, and the menu includes top-rated items such as frutti di mare, jumbo shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, fresh cod fish, and squid ink pasta in a light spicy red sauce. Sfizio’s version of lobster mac and cheese is another delectable option, as is the shrimp risotto. They also offer main entrees including delicious braised short ribs, pollo (chicken) parmigiana, eggplant tortino, and more. There is also a solid kids menu if there are a few younger members of your party there to enjoy a meal.

As expected, there’s an extensive wine list at Sfizio, along with signature Italian cocktail creations including a bellini, negroni, blood orange cosmo, and many others. For those abstaining, there’s soda, lemonade, iced tea, and coffee.

Reservations aren’t required but the popular spot can get busy on weekends, so be sure to keep that in mind if you’re looking to dine with a larger party. Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen is located at 21050 N Tatum Blvd Unit 110. To make reservations or order a meal to go, call 480687-8107 or visit sfizioitaliano.com.

Neighbors

Hello Neighbor!

round. I hail from NYC, and I was tired of shoveling snow.

A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… looking at animal videos on Instagram, working at work, working at home, exercising, watching tv, and making fun videos about skincare and dermatology!

MY FAMILY IS… in NYC! Both my parents and my brother live in Queens. My work family is my family here and I am excited to meet new people and make new friends.

ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… fruit! I eat five to 10 servings a day!

MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” It makes me feel happy and reminds me of why family is important.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a pediatrician. I didn’t do this, but I am a pediatric dermatologist, so I came close enough! Pediatricians are god’s gift to earth.

THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Hot in Herre” by Nelly!

THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… My mom. She came to this country and made me who I am. She sacrificed a lot to make me and my life possible.

THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… “The Sweater Weather” SNL skit.

MY LIFE IS… busy but fun. I love what I do, and I love staying busy. I am a leader in my field, and I hope to pave the way for up-and-coming medical students and residents.

THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my razor scooter that I received as a kid. It was a thing –my thing. It was fun and I used it to its potential.

MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… a trip to the Maldives! Give me the huts on the water, please!

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED... you can’t worry about things out of your control. Own what you can control and run with it

HI, MY NAME IS… Dr. Karan Lal and I am the only double board certified, and fellowship trained adult pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in the country and I’m in your backyard!

I’VE LIVED IN PHOENIX FOR A FEW MONTHS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… I can be outside all year

THE PERFECT DAY… starts with drinking coffee and enjoying my day at work. Then I would go work out and end my day playing with my bird and watching tv.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… AZ Exotic Bird Rescue. Learn more at azexoticbirdrescue.org.

Real Estate

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution? Organized Home?

By Holly Henbest, Realtor

Did you know Jan. 14 is National Organize your home day? I don’t know about you, but when the holiday decorations come down, the decluttering of my home begins. January is the ideal time to freshen and de-clutter your home and although it can seem daunting, we have some great tips and advice for you. If you’re thinking about selling your home anytime soon, this is especially for you.

This is our suggested path to a clutterfree home.

TIP #1: Start with your holiday décor. Don’t put it back into storage if you don’t love it. Also, if it’s broken, get it fixed before you put it back in storage or make the decision now to toss it. You won’t want to deal with getting it fixed next year when it’s time to decorate, so get it fixed now. This is especially true for trees with broken lights. If you wait until next year to get them fixed, you’ll be adding frustration to your holiday decorating plans.

TIP #2: Start small and with areas that have items that need to be tossed and minimal decision making is needed.

1. Medicine Cabinets: Toss anything that is expired, or you know you won’t use any more. Don’t hold on to the last couple of tablets from your prescription from two years ago. Look at your aspirin and all medications to see what you really use and what is obsolete. Toss what you can. That box with one bandage left in it, the cough syrup you’d have to shake for 30 minutes to get a drop out…toss them!

2. Refrigerator: Look at your salad dressings, condiments, and sauces––toss anything that is expired, or you know you’re not going to use. Empty out the refrigerator completely and clean it. Start fresh!

3. Kitchen Cabinets: Sugar, spices, flour, cake mixes, canned goods, soups, etc.––look at expiration dates and if you know you haven’t used the cream of tartar in six years, then say goodbye!

4. Junk Drawer: Do you have 10 keys to things and have no idea what they are for? Do you have pens that don’t work, broken pencils, and dried up glue? Toss, toss, toss!

TIP #3: Transition from the toss phase to the donate phase. What do you no longer use, but could be valuable to someone else?

1. Linen Closet: Do you have sheets

and towels that have collected dust and probably need to be re-washed because you never use them? Or better yet, sheets to a bed you don’t have any more? Then it’s time to donate. How many towels do you really need? Donate away!

2. Clothes Closet: Does it still fit? Is it out of style? When’s the last time you wore it? Ask yourself these questions and think about how you feel when you look at that dress or pair of pants. We’ve all heard about the “sparking joy” feeling and it’s true. If you look at an outfit and it doesn’t spark joy, then listen to your gut and create a donation pile.

TIP #4: The garage is its own category and needs to be tackled on its own. Here are my suggestions for the most organized garage.

1. If you store items in plastic containers, only use containers that are clear so that you can see what’s inside. The idea of red containers for Christmas and orange containers for Halloween sounds good, but you’re still going to gaze up at them and wonder what’s inside, so only buy clear containers.

2. When you go to purchase containers, be sure to get way too many and in a few different sizes. Better to return what you don’t use, than to have to make multiple trips to the store to get more.

3. Once you have your container supplies, the best first step is to empty out as much as you can. Decide what you can toss or donate and then decide if there is anything you should give to someone in your family. Especially if you have family members who might appreciate having a family heirloom item such as your box of china that’s been collecting dust in the corner.

4. Make a list of any items that need repair. Do you have bikes with flat tires? A bike with flat tires probably isn’t worth storing unless you’re going to use them, so get them fixed. Spring is coming and you’ll be out riding bikes soon!

5. Review your duplicates and donate anything extra. For example, how many hammers and screw drivers do you have?

6. You probably have a lot of old paint. Remember that blue room that’s now white? You don’t need that blue anymore. You can throw away paint that is totally hardened. If you have paint you don’t use, you can buy paint solidifier and add it to the paint and then you can toss it.

7. Try to organize areas of the garage for different categories. Have an area for holiday décor, tools, paint, documents, etc., so then you won’t have to search every nook and cranny to find something.

TIP #5: Set some goals!

We recommend you start small and then have some weekly goals. You can’t organize a whole house in one weekend, and you want to make thoughtful choices with items you’re going to toss and donate, so don’t overdo it too quickly. Week 1 – Drawers & Cabinets

Week 2 – Closets

Week 3 – Dressers

Week 4 – Garage Week 5 – Attic

We hope your 2023 is off to a great start and you enjoy an organized and de-cluttered start to the year. If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’ll be even more ready to get your home listed and prepared to move too!

Holly has been a Desert Ridge resident since 2000 and has been a Realtor since 2006. She is the leader of The Henbest Team with Realty One Group. Holly is ranked in the top ½ of 1 percent of Realtors in Arizona and is a certified luxury marketing expert. She has been ranked #24 in the Top 50 Realtors by the “Phoenix Business Journal” for the past several years and recognized by “So Scottsdale!” magazine as a Real Estate Superstar for 2019, 2020 and 2021. She’s also been the #1 ranked realtor at Realty One Group/North Scottsdale for the past several years. Learn more at henbest.com.

Out with the Old, In with the New

By Libby Banks, the Law Office of Libby Banks, PLLC, Estate Planning

As we start the New Year, I want to talk about older methods of estate planning versus newer, more efficient, and cost-effective means of planning.

Your estate is simply what you own. For most reading this article, that at least includes a home, a retirement account, bank accounts and maybe a brokerage account. In the not-so-distant past, planning for your estate at death meant preparing a last will and testament. Today, we use the revocable living trust more often.

There are many benefits to using the revocable living trust, but often people think that only the wealthy need a trust. I think that instead, we should consider the trust as simply the more modern way of planning where your assets go on your death. The trust does that, and more.

HERE ARE A FEW ADVANTAGES OF USING THE TRUST: The Revocable Living Trust Helps You if You Are Incapacitated

Both a will and a revocable living trust contain instructions for distributing your assets after you die. However, a revocable living trust also contains your instructions for managing your assets should you become incapacitated. In the trust, you name your successor trustee who steps into your shoes to pay your bills and manage your finances when you can’t.

A Revocable Living Trust Avoids Probate and Reduces Expenses

A will says who will receive the assets in your estate after your death, but it does

not automatically transfer your assets. Instead, your executor must probate the estate, starting with submitting the will and an application to the probate court and asking the court to appoint them executor. Until they have the appointment papers, they cannot do anything with your estate.

A revocable living trust, on the other hand, appoints your successor trustee who can step in to take charge of your estate promptly. The trustee can quickly gather, sell, and distribute your assets to your beneficiaries with no need for a court’s involvement.

HOW THE TRUST WORKS

When you set up a trust, you transfer assets from yourself to the trust. While you are alive and able, you are the trustee and the only beneficiary. For a married couple, managing your assets in the trust won’t feel much different than it does when you hold your assets in joint tenancy. You maintain full control of your assets, doing the same things with them you did before: write checks, buy, and sell, direct your stockbroker. Even your income tax returns stay the same.

Transferring assets to the trust is also relatively simple. In my office, we transfer all the Arizona real estate into your trust and assist you in retitling your other assets. Once you understand how to title assets, you won’t need to call us unless you want our help.

The revocable living trust makes sense for most of us.

To find out if it makes sense for you, take advantage of my free initial consultation for estate planning. Call 602-375-6752 or visit my website at libbybanks.com.

Call us today to schedule your

Our Estate Planning in Phoenix and Scottsdale is highly customized to meet your unique family situation, assets, values, and personal goals. Our complimentary first meeting allows you to get to know our Estate Planning team and talk about your unique situation and what plan will best fit your needs.

Remember, when you choose us you are not only hiring someone to prepare your Estate Plan, you are choosing a seasoned Estate Planning attorney to guide you through this often complex process and raise questions you might not have considered. You are choosing an experienced team to create a plan that serves your family in the way that you want and, after you are gone, a trusted advisor that your loved ones can depend on.

Come see us in our new, convenient office located just down the street at 5010 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 602.375.6752 | www.libbybanks.com | libby@libbybanks.com

ARIZONA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

When: Jan. 22

Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale

What: A curated and judged exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a celebration of automotive design, supporting the arts and local artists. Info: arizonaconcours.com

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

When: Jan. 27 & 28

Where: The Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix

What: The Simon & Garfunkel Story is an immersive concert-style production that chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Portrayed by acclaimed performers, the show features state-of-the-art projections along with original film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more. Info: pccticketing.com

ARIZONA WINE FESTIVAL

When: Jan. 27 - 29

Where: Phoenix Heritage Square, 115 N. 6th St., Phoenix

What: The “best of the best” will be poured at the annual Arizona Wine Festival. The region’s top vineyards will again be sending their emissaries to Phoenix Heritage Square for the sampling pleasure of city folk who haven’t made it out to our state’s blossoming wine country lately. Live music will also be on tap featuring the Motown sounds of Sandra Bassett on Saturday. Info: experiencearizonawine.com

6TH ANNUAL DOGGIE STREEET FESTIVAL

When: Jan. 28

Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix What: Enjoy this not-to-be missed companion animal adopt-a-thon and fun celebration of furry best friends. Check out fantastic pet products and services, yummy eats, vet tips, music, auction prizes, and much more. Bring your friendly dog.

Info: doggiestreetfestival.org

STREET EATS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

When: Jan. 28 & 29

Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: Over 40 food trucks will sell all types of food, the event will include live music, lawn games, eating contests, a local vendor marketplace, a free kids’ zone, and more.

Info: saltriverfields.com

ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC

When: Feb. 3 – Feb. 5

Where: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear

What: Dozens of hot air balloons will liftoff at the Goodyear Ballpark, the spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. The Arizona Balloon Classic, as the only continuous hot air balloon race and festival in the Phoenix metro area, offers wholesome family fun for one spectacular weekend, and you won’t want to miss it.

Info: abcfest.com

CROSSWORD ANSWER from page 38 SUDOKU ANSWER from page 39

A Flock of Seagulls’ 1982 hit (2 words)

European Council for Nuclear Research, acr.