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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com
Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
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, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com
623.398.5541
Purchasing my first home ignited a passion for real estate that has only grown over time. As both a Realtor and a proud Estrella resident, I’m committed to helping my neighbors achieve the best results, whether they’re buying or selling My goal is to ensure you get the most value from your transaction while helping maintain the beauty and rewards of living in our wonderful community
I’m not just a Real Estate Expert I’m also your Neighbor!
Life in ESTRELLA
Public Roadways Regulation Vote
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARS. § 33-1818 and how does it affect our community?
Arizona Revised Statute § 33-1818 was amended effective October 30, 2023, requiring planned communities that regulate public roadways to hold a membership vote by June 30, 2025. This vote determines whether Members authorize the Association to continue regulating public roadways within the community.
Why does this apply to Estrella?
Our Declaration regulates public roadways, including:
- Overnight parking restrictions
- Commercial vehicle street parking
- Recreational vehicle street parking
When will the vote take place?
Voting begins March 26, 2025, through an electronic platform provided by Election Buddy. The special meeting to conclude voting is scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 6:00pm. Attendance is not required for your vote to be counted. If quorum isn’t met, the meeting will be rescheduled.
What does a YES vote mean?
The Association maintains its authority to regulate public roadways and current street parking restrictions remain in place.
What does a NO vote mean?
- The Association loses all authority to regulate public roadways
- The decision is permanent and cannot be reversed
- It’s uncertain whether the City would implement or enforce parking regulations
What are the current rules?
- No parking on streets between midnight and 5:00am
- No commercial and inoperable vehicles parked on streets
- No recreational vehicles stored/parked on streets
What is the Board’s position? Vote YES
- Promote Safety of Estrella’s Children, Bikers & Pets
- Preserve the community’s residential character
- Protect public safety, including emergency vehicle
- Maintain adequate navigation space on roadways Are the results permanent?
Yes, if authority is lost, the law doesn’t allow future votes to restore it.
Will a NO vote lower assessments?
No, assessment fees will not be reduced.
Will other property restrictions be affected?
No, only the Association’s authority over public roadways is affected.
Who can vote?
- Only property owners with current association dues
- One vote per lot/household regardless of number of owners
- For multiple property owners, they must share one vote
Will voting members be used?
No, each household will cast their own vote. How many votes are needed for quorum?
- ECA needs at least 10% of ballots submitted
- VCA needs at least 20% of ballots submitted
What if quorum isn’t achieved?
The meeting will be rescheduled. If quorum isn’t reached by June 30, 2025, the ability to regulate public roadways will be lost.
Do gated neighborhood residents vote?
Yes, every household can vote regardless of neighborhood.
Does this affect gated neighborhoods?
No, this only affects public roadways. The Association will still enforce parking restrictions in gated neighborhoods with private roadways.
Do ECA and VCA need separate votes?
Yes, each association is holding separate, simultaneous votes.
Which association do I belong to?
A comprehensive list of neighborhoods in each association can be found at www.LifeInEstrella.com
- ECA includes neighborhoods like Avalon, Copper Ridge, Legend, and others
- VCA includes neighborhoods like Acacia Foothills, Arroyo Vista, Echo Ridge, and others
Submitted by ECA and VCA Board of Directors
Ladies Luxury Day
“A Spring Jewelry Affair”
When: April 23rd, 2025
Girls Day Out:
Bring your girlfriends to experience our Spring Jewelry Collection
Enjoy Refreshments, Hors d'oeuvres & Petit fours
Win Raffle Tickets by attending the event and event activities
-Fill out a Wish List, Make a Purchase & Trade in Old Jewelry for New.
50 Swag Bags Given During the Day
-First 50 ladies that walk through the door will receive a Swag Bag.
Build a floral bouquet for charity
15350 W McDowell Rd. Goodyear, Az 85395 (623)925-1815
Matza
The Bread of Humility
Passover is celebrated in early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan (April 12-20, 2025). This eight-day festival commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery, marked by miraculous events including the Ten Plagues and the Splitting of the Red Sea.
After the final plague, Pharaoh urgently sent the Israelites away. They left so hastily that their bread didn’t have time to rise. This is why, during Passover, Jewish tradition prohibits eating leavened bread and instead requires eating Matza – a flat, cracker-like bread made by quickly baking a simple mixture of flour and water without allowing it to rise.
Throughout Passover, Jewish homes are thoroughly cleaned of all leavened products and crumbs. This
practice carries deep symbolic meaning: leavened bread, with its height and expansion, represents ego and pride, while the flat, humble Matza symbolizes humility. Jewish tradition refers to Matza as “the bread of faith” because pride leaves little room for higher truths or faith in one’s life, whereas humility creates openness to spiritual growth.
If Matza represents such virtue, why isn’t it eaten year-round? Both leavened and unleavened bread symbolize necessary qualities for a meaningful life. Self-confidence is essential for creating positive change, but excessive pride prevents growth beyond one’s comfort zone.
The Passover Seder, a fifteen-step traditional feast held on the first two evenings, includes several important elements:
• Eating Matza
• Consuming bitter herbs to remember the harshness of slavery
• Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate freedom
• Reciting the Haggadah, which tells the Exodus story
This annual practice balances our year-round confidence with a season of humility, teaching us the paradoxical wisdom of both strength and openness in our development as human beings.
Happy and Kosher Passover!
Submitted by Rabbi Z
Green Thumb
Community Garden Event: Kitchen Scraps & Gardening Fun Blooms in Estrella!
The recent energy of our local gardening community was a chef’s kiss at the recent Community Garden event! We gathered on a sun-kissed morning, transforming the garden into a hub of shared knowledge and participation. The focus of the day? Unlocking the hidden potential of everyday kitchen scraps and turning them into flourishing gardens. Neighbors learned the art of regenerative gardening, discovering how to coax new life from discarded vegetable ends and stems.
Adding to the day’s excitement was the presence of Mike from Jackrabbit Nursery. Mike’s passion for horticulture was infectious, and his lively Q&A session was a highlight for all attendees. He effortlessly navigated gardening questions, sharing invaluable insights and common gardening challenges. From soil composition to pest control, Mike’s expertise guided the path to successful gardening in the desert.
Our next event, The Spring Fling, is Saturday, April 12th from 10-11 at the Estrella Community Garden at the Presidio Resident Club. This hands on event
is a blend of creativity and practical gardening skills. Re-purposing the beauty of pressed flowers as we craft personalized greeting cards. Imagine capturing the essence of spring in a handcrafted card, perfect for sharing with loved ones. This activity offers a unique opportunity to express your creativity and add a touch of nature to your cards.
Our knowledgeable Master Gardeners will be on hand to guide you through the art of herb preservation. Learn the secrets to drying, freezing, and other methods that will allow you to savor the fresh flavors of your garden long after the growing season has ended. Imagine the aromatic delight of using your own homegrown herbs in your culinary creations throughout the year!
A gentle reminder to all aspiring gardeners: the form to request a garden plot for the upcoming season will soon be available. Please be sure to submit before the June 1st deadline. We look forward to seeing your gardens thrive!
Submitted by the Estrella Garden Committee, Denna Walker & Jen Polansky
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, Estrella Resident
Blue Line Painting
Cabinet Reeinishing
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 slow-cooked 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!
Home Sweet Home
Boost Your Curb Appeal This Spring: Make a Great First Impression
With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior and boost its curb appeal. Whether you’re thinking about selling or simply want to take pride in your home’s appearance, small upgrades can make a big impact. After all, the front of your house is the first thing guests—and potential buyers—see. Here’s how to enhance your home’s charm just in time for the warmer months.
Refresh Your Landscaping
Winter can leave lawns looking dull, so start by raking up debris, trimming overgrown shrubs, and reseeding patchy grass. Add pops of color with fresh flowers or potted plants near your entryway. Choose seasonal blooms to create a welcoming, vibrant look. Fresh mulch in flower beds also goes a long way in making your landscaping look polished and well-maintained.
Upgrade Your Front Door and Entryway
Your front door is a focal point, so make sure it stands out for the right reasons. Add a fresh coat of paint to give it a fresh look, consider updating door hardware, house numbers, and your mailbox for a cohesive, modern look. A stylish welcome mat and a seasonal
wreath can also add warmth and personality to your entryway.
Power Wash for a Fresh Look
A good power wash can make your home look years newer by brightening surfaces and removing stains. Don’t forget to clean windows inside and out for a sparkling, well-kept finish.
Enhance Outdoor Lighting
Solar-powered pathway lights, updated porch fixtures, or soft landscape lighting can enhance safety and add a touch of elegance. Good lighting not only improves aesthetics but also makes your home feel more inviting.
Add
Simple Finishing Touches
Consider repainting shutters, adding decorative accents like window boxes, or replacing outdated porch furniture. A clean and well-styled exterior signals to buyers that your home is well cared for, increasing its market appeal.
Spring is the season of renewal—why not give your home the refresh it deserves? Investing in curb appeal now will ensure your home is looking its best, whether you’re staying put or preparing to sell!
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
MOUNTAIN
FAMILY & COSMETIC DE
IT’S TIME TO GROW IT’S TIME TO GROW
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.
Teen Lifeline
National Telephone Day, April 25:
Call or text a teen in yourr life to check in, say hello and let them know you care.
Strong, positive relationships with others can be protective and prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These protective relationships can be especially important this time of year, as research indicates the number of suicides rises during the spring months.
“Whether it’s finals, graduation or friends moving on and moving away, the end of the school year is more stressful for our teens than we realize,” says Nikki Kontz, clinical director at Teen Lifeline. “Please use your phone on April 25th and throughout the next two months – to check in with a teen and see how they are doing. It could save a life. It’s important for teenagers to know that the adults in their lives care about them.”
A teen’s cell phone, as Kontz explains, can be an important relationship building tool for parents, caregivers, family members and friends. “Some teens who are nervous about opening up in person will be more likely to share their feelings through text messages, especially when they are struggling with something,” says Kontz.
On National Telephone Day, Kontz recommends reaching out with simple messages, which could include:
• Just checking in. How are you doing?
• Thinking about you today – how’s it going?
• Doing OK at school?
• Feeling good about finals or do you need some support?
• I miss you, let’s make plans to see each other soon!
• I love you! How are you today?
During the spring, and all year round, adults are encouraged to pay attention to common warning signs a teen may be considering suicide. These can include:
• Talking about death, wanting to die or feelings of falling apart
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Feeling depressed, sad or hopeless for more than two weeks
• Extreme mood swings
• Isolating or withdrawing from friends, family or usual social activities
Adults who suspect a teen may be having thoughts of suicide should ask the teen about it directly. Asking the question will not plant the idea of suicide and it can give them permission to speak freely. If a teen replies that they have been thinking about suicide, thank them for their honesty and then ask questions about how they’ve been feeling and why.If a teen is in immediate danger call 911 or take the child to an emergency room. If the teen is not in immediate danger, create a plan to get help by calling Teen Lifeline or seeking a referral to mental health services or counseling. Be sure to minimize suicide risks by locking up all medications, sharp objects and poisonous chemicals and securing all firearms.For more information, visit TeenLifeline.org
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, Estrella 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!
