Community

Hello Neighbor!

HI, MY NAME IS...

Dan Shufelt.

I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS AND I LOVE IT

BECAUSE… It has all the amenities for daily life, great schools, and easy access to hiking trails, the airport, and downtown activities.

A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES…

My life changed last year when I stepped down from my role as CEO of Arizona Helping Hands and shifted my focus to other roles. A typical day now includes managing assets for an Arizona trust and interacting with many of the charity leaders who I’ve developed relationships with over the years. I keep active by hiking, running/walking, intermittently playing golf, and writing a blog about the importance of being involved in charitable activities (givingbackmovingforward.com). I clear my mind by sweating it out on my mat at hot yoga classes at Just Be Yoga.

MY FAMILY IS… Cheryl, my wife of 43 years, and our two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS... Physical activity. Getting outdoors in the Arizona sunshine, regardless of the temperature, keeps my motor running.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… A math teacher. In college I had the worst teacher for two semesters of calculus who turned me off on math as an option. I shifted my major to accounting. It was a great decision as an accounting degree opened doors for me, working my way up through CPA firms and establishing a solid, successful business career.

THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS…

Sweet Caroline. I’ve always been a Neil Diamond fan.

THE PEOPLE WHO MOTIVATE ME THE MOST ARE…

Nonprofit leaders. Having been in that role myself, I understand fully how hard it is to live a mission 24/7 and devote so much energy to a cause you believe in. People like Denise Resnik (SAARC and First Place Phoenix) and Barb Blalock (Treasures 4 Teachers) who have founded game-changing charitable organizations are such inspirational motivators.

THE PERFECT DAY… As an early riser, I love to start the day with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, then working out, and end it relaxing with a crossword puzzle or a good television show to wind down. Outdoor time, hiking with my wife, playing basketball or tennis with my grandson, and walking around the block with our three grandkids from Munds Park are all moments to be treasured.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… This is a question I can’t answer. There are so many great organizations that my blog will have content for years. I’ve written about many of the charities I love, including Harvest Compassion Centers, Jacob’s Hope, NourishPHX, and more. I wish that everyone would take the time to learn about charitable causes and investigate how you can get involved and give back.

THE MOST MEMORABLE GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED

WAS… A 12-string Gibson guitar my parents gave me for my high school graduation.

MY DREAM VACATION… Would be to return to Alaska. My wife and I took an “Uncruise Adventure” years ago and had an opportunity to kayak in Glacier National Park, get close to whales, and experience navigating the water much more intimately than on a big cruise ship.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED

WAS… From my former boss, now my friend, business partner and mentor, Len Miller. Len made the statement that every businessperson has an obligation to get involved and give back to the community. I have learned, and now preach, the importance of utilizing the gifts we’re given of time, talent, and treasure to help others.

Real Estate To Sell or Not to Sell in 2022?

By Joseph Callaway

Congratulations, your 2,000 square foot 85254 home went up in value by about 70% in 2021 alone. To put all this in perspective without the percentage mumbo jumbo – Your average 2,000 square feet home in the magic 85254 zip code was worth $462,360 four years ago at the beginning of 2018. It went up to $494,160 in January 2019 and it jumped to $569,600 only a year ago. Today your modest Scottsdale mailing address home would sell for a whopping $785,700.

So, when do you cash in? Bear in mind that, unless you rent for a while you are suddenly a buyer at these new higher prices. Does it make sense to sell? Well, it certainly doesn’t make sense to let the higher prices keep you from buying. After all, you just got a lot from the sale of your home. If you are downsizing or moving to another state, you will probably be money ahead and if you are moving up now is better than later as prices will probably continue to rise.

One thing to think about is capital gains tax on your sale. The first $250,000 in gains ($500,000 for a married couple) is excluded from taxation. This makes it a good idea to move every few years as this exclusion applies repeatedly with each house you sell. If this appeals to you, check with your accountant to be sure about what you are doing.

Bottom line: all the old platitudes still apply. Take care of your home and eventually it will take care of you. In the meantime, there is nothing better than home ownership. Those monthly mortgage payments are just like a savings account and, in time, you will have more money than you would ever expect to save up. Plus, you get to make it your own, pick your own paint colors, and dream the American dream.

Joseph Callaway is co-owner of Those Callaways Team, an independent brokerage operating in 85254 for 25 years. For additional information, visit ThoseCallaways.com or call 480-596-5751.

Scottsdale Continues Work to Address Short-term Rental Concerns

By Brent Stockwell, Assistant City Manager of Scottsdale

The Scottsdale City Council recently voted unanimously in favor of two proposed updates to the city’s Vacation Rental ordinance and Nuisance Parties and Unlawful Gatherings. The updates to both ordinances, which takes effect January 7, will remove loopholes, increase fines, and improve the city’s enforcement abilities when handling short-term vacation rental complaints.

A 2016 state law restricting cities and towns from regulating vacation and short-term rental properties removed a Scottsdale law that prohibited rentals of 30 days or fewer. Since that legislation took effect, residents have repeatedly asked the city to help mitigate the negative effects of these rental properties – now estimated to number more than 4,000 in Scottsdale.

In 2020, the city formed a Short-Term Rental Working Group to further explore these issues and offer potential solutions, primarily focused on improving monitoring and enforcement of rules that are allowed under state law. The working group made nine recommendations that the City Council adopted last summer.

Among the recommendations were changes to state law that would strengthen local authority over shortterm rentals. These changes are outlined in a letter to state legislators from the Scottsdale Mayor and City Council.

Besides amending state law and strengthening city ordinances, other working group recommendations that are moving forward include increasing enforcement, improving communication, and providing educational opportunities to both residents and short-term rental owners and hosts.

SCOTTSDALE’S EFFORTS TO ALLEVIATE SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL COMPLAINTS BEGAN IN 2019

In fall 2019, the Scottsdale City Council amended an existing city code requiring owners of short-term or vacation rentals to provide emergency and complaint contact information. The amendment also emphasizes that these rentals may not be used for non-residential purposes such as restaurants or event centers.

Additionally, the City Council adopted a citywide Nuisance Parties and Unlawful Gatherings ordinance that makes it easier to hold property owners accountable for repeated unruly gatherings or parties. This ordinance applies to all private residences whether they are long- or short-term rentals, or owner occupied.

While the two ordinances brought some relief, the working group recommended that these city ordinances be strengthened to better protect neighborhoods.

PROPERTY OWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY

Every vacation or short-term rental property in the state is required to have a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax license from the State of Arizona Department of Revenue. Additionally, all rental units in Scottsdale are required to register those units with the Maricopa County Assessor per Arizona Revised Statute 33-1902.

Owners of vacation and short-term rentals in Scottsdale are also required to provide the city with complaint/ emergency contact information for each property, in accordance with Scottsdale City Code Section 18-150. Additionally, any person designated as a vacation or short-term rental’s emergency contact must respond inperson to the property within one hour of the city’s notification in the event of an emergency.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Scottsdale’s vacation and short-term rentals page provides resources and information for neighborhoods and property owners to help everyone understand the rules, comply with registration requirements, and get help when needed. Scottsdale also developed a useful online course as part of its Neighborhood College series for residents to understand how to address short-term rentals in their neighborhoods. Both can be accessed at ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

It’s a new year and many of us are looking for ways to lead healthier, happier lives in 2022 and beyond. Luckily, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center, a full-service physical therapy practice, is here for locals in need of expert help kickstarting their health and wellness journey.

“FYZICAL is well known for our quality one-on-one care we provide with a concierge feel to our private practice physical therapy group,” says Sandi Salazar, MSPT, Nike GPS, CAFS, physical therapist and owner of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center’s Phoenix location. “FYZICAL doesn’t just treat balance and vestibular disorders, although we are proud to be the Valley experts for these complex disorders. We are a full-service physical therapy practice treating everything from ankle sprains, sports injuries, back and neck pain, to the more complex vestibular disorders.”

MAKING THE MOVE TO HIGH STREET

As of early February (they estimate their official opening date will be February 1), FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center is moving to High Street. The new office will be located at 5415 E. High Street, Suite 107, in Phoenix. FYZICAL is still seeing patients though at their current location, 20950 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 390, in Phoenix, up until the move.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the move,” Salazar shares. “We may be new to City North but have been serving the Desert Ridge and Scottsdale communities for the past five years at the Desert Ridge Medical Campus and rapidly growing by reputation and word of mouth since. Prior to joining FYZICAL, our niche private practice had been providing care for the community since 2006 with a dedication to the highest quality of care, where you don’t just feel like a number.”

NEW LOCATION, SAME QUALITY SERVICES

Salazar says that she and her team joined the FYZICAL franchise family in 2015. Since then, the practice has continued to grow. “FYZICAL is a completely new take on patient care and physical therapy,” she explains. “We have highly skilled, quality providers that work with our proprietary equipment—some of which is NASA engineer-designed—to allow for a high quality of care and results. FYZICAL is the number one physical therapy franchise and number 66 on ‘Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list.’”

Whether it’s balance issues or another issue that a new client comes into FYZICAL for, Salazar wants locals to know that physical therapy doesn’t have to hurt— especially because of her practice’s unique approach to structural body work. FYZICAL also takes most insurances and private pay, and is adhering to the highest of COVID-19 safety standards.

For all her new and current clients—and the community at large—Salazar and her team want everyone to be aware of their own balance issues and needs. FYZICAL not only treats balance issues, but several other health concerns as well, including: cervicogenic dizziness, neurological rehabilitation, myofascial release manual treatment, concussion management, sciatica, neck/ back pain and disorders, orthopedic and sports related injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis, to name a few.

“Among our various treatment interventions, we also utilize a unique, but highly effective form of myofascial release for structural body work, postural correction and pain relief,” Salazar adds. “This form of myofascial release is amazing for treatment of a variety of issues, from neck and back pain to heel pain. The best part about this approach is that it is virtually pain free, and you won’t leave feeling bruised.”

NOT IN PAIN? FYZICAL CAN HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR SWING!

Because of its outdoor location and the ability for players to physically distance themselves from one another, the already popular game of golf has experienced an upswing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, a University of Arizona study found that golf contributes $3.9 billion to the state’s economy. With near perfect weather, it’s the ideal time to hit the green. If you’re a golfer and looking to improve your game, don’t forget about balance. According to the experts at FYZICAL, working on balance is a crucial way to improve your swing.

“Not in pain but feeling like your golf game could use a boost? FYZICAL has a TPI-trained therapist to help you with your game,” Salazar says. “Restricted joint motion or a hidden balance issue could be sabotaging your game. Having a golf performance assessment could uncover any issues and help you take your game to the next level.”

“Golfers tend to be a very motivated crew when it comes to doing whatever it takes to improve their game and keep them on the course,” she continues. “So, what if I told you a balance deficit you were not even aware of was killing your game? This hidden demon could be the missing link to the game of your dreams.”

Let’s face it, most of us are not even aware that we have an issue with our balance or balance has the stigma of being an issue for “old people.” The reality, however, is that most of us are walking around with a deficit in our balance system. An underlying balance deficit is often the trigger for many joint aches and pains because the body is having to work harder to compensate for that deficit, Salazar explains. The body naturally compensates for that balance deficit by limiting or slowing down our motion, allowing it to feel more stable. Over time, we start to notice this motion loss most pronounced in our thoracic spine (mid-back) and hips, which are vital to the golf swing.

“Improving balance will allow for faster trunk and hip rotation, which directly translate to greater power behind the swing and greater distance to the drive,” Salazar says. “Improving balance can also lead to longevity on the golf course and endurance during and after a round of golf.”

LOVE YOUR LIFE WITH THE HELP OF FYZICAL

“FYZICAL draws people from all over the Valley for the unique services we provide, with some coming from as far away as Maricopa. Whatever your need, FYZICAL is here to help get you back to loving your life,” Salazar says. “Let’s face it, life is more fun when you are able to do what you love, do it well, and do it without issue. Connect with us today and see how FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers can help you love your life.”

Salazar adds that any new patient who mentions this story will receive a free golf performance assessment, a free balance assessment, or half off on a myofascial release treatment. Visit fyzical.com/phoenix or call 602-404-8012 for more information.