From Me To You...
Here’s a hard question many parents dodge: Do I have a favorite? In my case, absolutely. I’ve always been transparent with my children that the position of favorite is there to be earned at any time.
This philosophy tends to raise eyebrows, but I stand by it. Parenting isn’t a democracy; it’s a meritocracy with occasional bouts of benevolent dictatorship. The “favorite child” slot in our household operates like a prestigious but volatile stock—values can rise and fall based on performance, attitude, and whether someone remembered to take out the trash without being asked.
Last month, my youngest child held the coveted title after spending quality time with his grandfather, watching a football match on the internet together. Earlier in the year, one of my daughters reigned supreme after stepping in to help one of her siblings in a thoughtful and meaningful way without being asked.
My oldest claimed the throne recently, when she created a duck scavenger hunt in my house while I was away. Over 150 mini ducks were hidden all round the house and it has been so much fun looking for them. We are still looking for the last 5 ducks...
The beauty of this system is its transparency. There’s no whispering about who mom loves most—it’s announced at dinner like a quarterly earnings report. “Congratulations to Emma, who maintains her position as favorite for a second consecutive week after handling Grandma’s inappropriate comments at Sunday dinner with remarkable grace.”
Critics might suggest this approach fosters unhealthy competition. To them I say: have you seen the world these children are inheriting? Better they learn about performance reviews in the supportive confines of home than be blindsided later. The unexpected benefit? My children have developed an impressive array of skills in their quest for the top spot. One became a surprisingly competent travel agent, another mastered the art of making restaurant-quality pasta.
So yes, I have a favorite child. Check back later to see who holds the title next.
Catherine Uretsky Editor, Mountain View Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Peoria 411
To Grow or Not to Grow – That Is the Question
I have been in my City Council position for a month and have already received over 100 emails asking about what Peoria will do with all the undeveloped land in the Mesquite district. We have about 90% of all the undeveloped land in Peoria. This includes the new North Peoria Gateway (the 1,650 acres along the 303 and along Vistancia’s east boundary) and the new Innovation Core (the 6,500 acres starting just north of Paloma Park and going north all the way to the Carefree Highway, State Route 84). The opinions vary widely, from: “We want to keep open spaces and no more building” to “We need to build Peoria into a major city with all the amenities.”
Which side are you on? Or maybe you want a blend of open spaces (parks and trails, etc.), but you are open to commercial and industrial buildings being built in our district, which will bring in additional retail, restaurants, and service companies.
How do we decide? What is the “best option”? The answer? No one really knows. You are living in Peoria at a time of many large decisions. How much
IT’S TIME TO GROW
is too much development? How many employment, commercial, and industrial companies do we need to keep our tax rate low (businesses pay taxes, which ultimately can lower our local tax rate and keep city services at a high level)? Believe it or not, you are the decision-maker. Will you get everything you want? Of course not, but we are used to that as adults. Can you have a noticeable impact on how Peoria is developed? Yes, definitely. How? Start learning what is coming in future months and years to North Peoria. My job is to get the information to you early, so you have a chance to participate in the “yes” or “no.” It also allows you to be involved early to avoid any “surprises” in North Peoria development.
Please sign up for my email newsletter and follow me on my Council Facebook page so you can learn what’s coming and then voice your opinion. Better yet, become involved to the point of joining a Peoria City Board or Commission. That will amplify your local power. You have more voice than you think, but it takes a little work.
Submitted by Matt Bullock, City of Peoria, Mesquite District, Councilmember
The Doctor Is In
Set Your Intentions: Part 2
As promised, this month, we’re looking at SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Let’s unpack that:
A specific goal forces you to hone in on exactly what you’re after and focus your efforts:
• What needs to be accomplished? Be clear about exactly what it’s going to take to achieve your goal by asking yourself what specific steps need to be taken.
• Who is involved? Assess who else might be involved in your goal achievement and what you want or expect from them.
• Why do you want to accomplish this specific thing? Dig in and ask yourself why it’s important in your overall life and happiness to accomplish your goal.
• Where will the work toward your goal take place? Where are the resources you’ll need to reach your goal?
• That which is measured can be improved. Start with an initial evaluation of where you are and create periodic assessments that show your progress toward your goals. Seeing your progress also encourages you to stay the course.
• An achievable goal is a realistic one. Take an honest look at what you can actually accomplish in the time you give yourself, lest you feel discouraged when you miss the mark.
• Your goal must have relevance to your daily life. Make sure your goal is something you truly care about. Ensure that the timing is realistic. If you’re about to leave on vacation, setting a goal to eat healthy, exercise daily or purge your cabinets isn’t realistic. Make sure your goal aligns with your overall life goals and desires.
• A time-bound goal involves a deadline and includes a plan of attack with a timeline. What needs to happen each day or week to help you stay on track toward goal achievement? Deadlines for smaller objectives within a bigger goal make things
more manageable, which means less overwhelm.
Use these guidelines to set solid, realistic goals and increase your odds of success. For instance, saying you want to lose 50 pounds this year is very different than looking at what you can specifically do each week in terms of food intake and exercise to break that goal down into a loss of a pound or two per week.
Tune in next month for the final installment in this series. In Part 3, we’ll look at a better setup for success than setting new year’s resolutions.
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D.
DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
CONCERNED
CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
Draft Day
Arizona’s Rising Stars
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Arizona’s collegiate football programs have produced an impressive collection of talent. Four standout players were invited to the NFL Combine this year. Among this elite group, one prospect could potentially hear his name called within the first 15 picks.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
**Projection: 1st Round, Top 15**
McMillan has established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in this year’s draft class. His final collegiate season was nothing short of dominant, amassing 84 receptions, 1,319 yards, and 8 touchdowns en route to First Team All-Big 12 honors. Standing at 6-foot-5, McMillan combines exceptional ball control with precise route-running ability. His size, reliable hands, and skill at winning contested catches make him a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. ESPN’s Matt Miller projects McMillan to be selected ninth overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Jonah Savaiinaea (OL, Arizona)
**Projection: Late 1st Round**
Savaiinaea’s draft stock soared following an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, where he showcased
remarkable versatility along the offensive line. His technical proficiency, powerful base, excellent hand placement, and awareness in pass protection have scouts viewing him as a potential day-one starter. Some analysts predict Savaiinaea could land with the Baltimore Ravens at pick 27.
Cam Skattebo (RB, Arizona State University)
**Projection: 3rd-4th Round**
Skattebo’s remarkable campaign included 1,711 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 45 receptions for 605 yards and 4 additional scores. He may slide down draft boards due to the current running back market valuation and questions about how his skills will translate to the professional level. Nevertheless, his versatility makes him an intriguing mid-round prospect.
Tyler Loop (K, Arizona)
**Projection: Undrafted Free Agent**
Special teams prospects rarely hear their names called during the draft, but Loop’s versatility could make him an exception. Converting 18 of 23 field goal attempts while averaging 41.8 yards per punt last season demonstrates a flexibility that NFL teams increasingly value. This dual-threat capability could ultimately land him a spot on an active roster, even if he goes undrafted.
Hike For Hope
HIKE IN MEMORY OF YOUR SPECIAL PERSON AT BILLY’S PLACE 12TH ANNUAL HIKE FOR HOPE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025
The 12th annual Hike for Hope, Riding the Waves of Grief, benefiting Billy’s Place will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 8:00 am.
It will start and finish in West Wing at Copper Hills Church near Sunrise Mountain located at 27035 N Black Rock Blvd in Peoria, AZ.
This mission-based event is family friendly, made for all ages, and will feature therapy animals, music, raffles, activities, food and fun to make for a memorable event.
All hikers will start at the registration table anytime between 8 and 10 am and then move through the activities and the self-guided hike with their group at their own pace. You’ll need about an hour to complete the hike!
New for this year, there is no registration fee to participate. We want to make it possible for everyone to hike in honor of their loved one, removing the potential barrier of cost. Click down below to register for the hike, explore sponsorship opportunities, and grab a yard sign featuring your special person’s photo!
Cook With Zona
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada
I know we all love an easy weeknight meal! This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The chicken gets slowcooked to perfection, and the blend of spices gives it just the right amount of flavor.
Once it’s ready, the possibilities are endless! You can top your tacos with jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, or whatever you love. It’s a totally customizable meal that’s perfect for feeding the family or having a casual get-together with friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 6-8 hrs
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion
• 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla (for serving)
• Sliced jalapenos (for garnish)
Steps:
1. Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, black beans, and corn in the crockpot.
2. Combine red enchilada sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded monterey jack cheese, chili powder, ground cumin, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
5. Serve the chicken enchilada mix in a tortilla or over a bed of tortilla chips. Garnish with sliced jalapeños.
6. Enjoy!
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
The Bug Guy
The Battle of April:
Phoenix Valley’s War on Pests
As temperatures in the West Valley climb faster than property values, April marks the unofficial kickoff of the annual human-versus-pest Olympics. While winter visitors pack up their RVs and head north, local critters are preparing for their summer invasion.
First on the scene are the scorpions, nature’s proof that evolution occasionally has a dark sense of humor. These prehistoric pincer-wielding nightmares glow under blacklight, creating what pest control veteran Bob Killinsect calls “the world’s least enjoyable rave.” Locals know the drill: shake out shoes, check toilet paper rolls, and maintain a blood pressure-raising vigilance that would impress military commanders.
By mid-April, the ant colonies begin their strategic operations. These industrious insects somehow
communicate across vast distances to share the breaking news that you’ve dropped a single crumb in your kitchen. “They move with military precision,” explains entomologist Dr. Maria Bugsworth. “One minute your counter is clean, the next it’s hosting the ant version of Woodstock.”
Not to be outdone, rats begin their springtime search for real estate. “They have expensive taste,” jokes local exterminator Vince Vermin. “They go for the citrus trees and swimming pools—basically looking for the same amenities as California transplants.”
April also welcomes mosquito season, these tiny vampires emerge from hibernation with the enthusiastic hunger of tourists at a casino buffet. Swimming pools left uncleaned transform into mosquito maternity wards faster than you can say “West Nile Virus.” Meanwhile, cockroaches maintain their year-round presence with the persistence of political campaign ads. These survivalists could outlast nuclear winter but somehow can’t resist the deadly allure of a roach motel.
So as April unfolds in the West Valley, remember you’re not just a homeowner—you’re a defender of your domain in the desert’s ancient battle between humans and the creatures that refuse to acknowledge property lines.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
It’s Hot!
As we head into the month of April, temperatures have already hit the 90s, and seasoned residents of Arizona know what’s in store: an inevitable climb into a brutally sweltering summer. Unlike other states that have the liberty to gradually adjust to summer temperatures, the Valley of the Sun requires preparation before we all face the dry, blistering heat.
* Get an early air conditioning check—you never want to be on a waitlist when temperatures soar above 100 degrees and your AC is broken.
* Install sunscreens, fix pool pumps, and test irrigation systems. To avoid price gouging, make an early trip to the hardware store for shade cloth and weather stripping.
* Examine your trees for early trimming to maximize shade coverage for your home. While you’re at it, assess dead plants and consider replacing them with more heat-resistant varieties before the intense summer heat arrives.
* Now is the time to shift your exercise routine to early mornings before the heat becomes unbearable.
* Small businesses should start planning for misting systems and shade structures. After all, few customers will linger outdoors without protection from the scorching heat.
* Prepare your vehicle for extreme temperatures by checking coolant levels, inspecting tire pressure, and installing a sunshade. Consider getting your battery tested, as high temperatures can accelerate battery failure.
* Stock up on hydration supplies and create a heat emergency kit with electrolyte drinks, cooling towels, and portable fans. Keep these items in your home, car, and workplace to stay prepared for unexpected heat waves.
The key to desert living is preparation. As temperatures inevitably skyrocket, Valley residents know that preparing now could mean the difference between merely surviving and actually thriving during Arizona’s notorious summer months.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com Difficulty: Easy
Kids Competition
Calling all artists! Take out your crayons, pencils and paints and make this the most beautiful duck you have ever seen. Have your parents post a picture of your art on our Facebook group, Vistancia Matters. One winner will be chosen at random for 2 free tickets to the Wildlife World Zoo and their art will be published in our magazine next month. Good Luck!
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