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Discovering the Magic of the Pacific Northwest
Hello, Tempe!
While we all love our beautiful desert sun, there is something incredibly magical about escaping to the lush, green landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. This month, we are trading the saguaros for towering pines and coastal fog as we take you on a journey through Oregon and Washington. In this issue, I am thrilled to share my personal travels through Oregon. From the quirky, coffeefueled streets of Portland to the historic charm of Astoria, and finally, the breathtaking, windswept shores of Cannon Beach—it was a trip for the books. And yes, of course, there was plenty of wine tasting along the way!
The adventure doesn’t stop there. We also follow Jett’s incredible trek through Spokane, Washington exploring the vibrant culture and stunning natural wonders our neighboring state to the north has to offer.
Finally, we bring it all back home with a feature on local artist Danielle Conti. Danielle beautifully bridges our two worlds, splitting her time between Arizona and Oregon. Her stunning artwork captures the raw, contrasting beauty of both landscapes, and we can't wait for you to read about her creative journey.
So, grab a cozy cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s explore the Pacific Northwest together. Warmly,
WENDY
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Wendy Bates | wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jett Arredondo | jett.arredondo@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Skye Minor | skye.minor@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Stephanie Slezak
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Wendy Bates, Jett Arredondo, Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
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inside the issue
Where the Pines Meet the City
An
Finding Beauty in the Familiar
For
city scene
1-7: Tempe Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid brought together girls and young women for an impactful day all about leadership, empowerment and connection at the Girls Change The World Summit, powered by Shine Your Light. Presented by the City of Tempe, Girls Rule Foundation and Rio Salado College, the 7th annual summit was open to girls ages 14-19 and designed to inspire a new generation to lead and succeed.
8: TCAA Vicinity guests, Alan and Shelley Newman, Kim Naig, and Dr. Nathan Delafield, M.D. 9: Diedre Smith, La Tasha Byers, Arthur Greenway, Mike Parker, Amanda Watsky, Phillip Scharf, CEO of TCAA, Dr. Tony Byers, Dr. Nathan Delafield, M.D. 10: Corey Woods, Tempe Mayor, presents at the TCAA’s Vicinity event. 11: Scott Bordow, board member (left) enjoys TCAA’s Vicinity Event, a Celebration of Community Spirit. 13: Berdetta Hodge, Deborah Nardozzi, Arlene Chin, Louraine Arkfeld and Tanya Chavez. 14: Dean Nelson, singer of band Dean Nelson
Photography by Heather Kirchhofer of Agnes Art & Photo
business monthly
Kaos Hospitality introduces its newest concept, 212° Shabu Shabu.
Kaos Hospitality, the team behind Three Thirty Three, has introduced its newest concept: 212° Shabu Shabu. The interactive dining experience celebrates the Japanese art of cooking with water, inviting guests to prepare premium meats, seafood, and vegetables in simmering broths. The name references water’s boiling point, 212 degrees Fahrenheit, while shabu shabu translates to “swish swish,” the sound of thinly sliced meat moving through the broth while cooking.
Taste in Tempe is inviting locals and visitors alike to reconnect with their inner foodie through a celebration of the city’s dynamic dining scene. Taking place July 12 through July 26, the limited-time culinary program features specially curated prix-fixe dinner menus at a variety of Tempe restaurants, including Caffe Boa, Bar Capri, Cocina Chiwas, North Italia, and Blanco Cocina + Cantina, each offering a three-course dining experience with a starter, entrée and dessert or cocktail.
Over Easy Raises $52K+ for Phoenix Children’s Through Annual Fundraiser
Over Easy raised $52,350 for Phoenix Children’s. Every dollar raised contributed to 150 cases of eggs donated to the United Food Bank by Hickman’s Family Farms and Sysco. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring our community together for a cause that truly matters,” says Ryan Field, co-owner of Over Easy. “Both Phoenix Children’s and the United Food Bank make an incredible impact on Arizona families, and we’re proud to help support their missions.”
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Wonders
Coastal Breezes & Forest Canopies: An Oregon Escape
ARTICLE BY WENDY BATES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Shortly after our daughter went to the University of Arizona, John and I scheduled our first “empty nester” vacation in July of last year. Our journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest began in Portland, a city that perfectly balances urban energy with breathtaking natural beauty. As nature lovers, our first stop was Washington Park, the city’s crown jewel. Exploring it was a sensory delight, and we quickly discovered two attractions that are absolute must-sees. First, we wandered through the International Rose Test Garden, surrounded by vibrant colors and sweet fragrances. Afterward, we visited the Portland Japanese Garden, which felt like a masterclass in tranquility and thoughtful design.
From the park, we set out to explore the region's incredible vineyards, starting high in the Portland hills at Amaterra Winery. This architectural marvel offers incredible views alongside locally sourced dining. As a self-proclaimed cabernet lover, I was surprised to find that their rosé was actually my absolute favorite wine of the day. The next day, we shifted to the Willamette Valley countryside to visit Hawks View Winery in Sherwood. This quaint hillside winery offered us a sophisticated tasting experience, exceptional Pinot Noir, and stunning, sweeping views of Mt. Hood.
The next day, we returned to Astoria, a stop that felt especially meaningful to me. Childhood visits with my grandfather left lasting memories here, and it was special to share that connection with my husband. We enjoyed seeing how this historic town has evolved into a vibrant, creative hub, with local shops and galleries lining the downtown streets.
Our time in Astoria was filled with unforgettable moments. One morning, we woke before dawn for a sunrise walk, standing together in the cool mist as the first light appeared behind the bridge. We spent hours taking in the views along the riverwalk and, after a day of exploring the coast, found an unexpected favorite at Pho Mekha, where bowls of warm pho provided the perfect ending to the day.
CONTINUED >
“Our trip came full circle where it felt most grounded. We returned to Washington Park for one last quiet morning walk.”
Next, we transitioned just south to Cannon Beach, a picturesque, upscale beach town. We both absolutely loved the vibe here, where cedar-shingled beach cottages surround a highly walkable downtown filled with local art galleries, charming boutiques, and plenty of sweet treats. Of course, we walked right down to the shoreline together to take in the famous, towering Haystack Rock. For a food highlight, we stopped at Public Coast Brewing Co. to try their famous, must-have gluten-free clam chowder alongside some fantastic local craft brews.
Rounding out the journey, we took a scenic drive through Tillamook, taking in Oregon’s famous dairy country and its rolling green pastures. From there, we headed to the Columbia River Gorge for a drive along the historic highway, stopping to admire waterfalls cascading through the mossy canyon walls. Finally, our trip came full circle where it felt most grounded. We returned to Washington Park for one last quiet morning walk, looking up among the towering redwoods and reflecting on the journey.
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Where the Pines Meet the City
An easygoing girls’ getaway revealed Spokane’s blend of natural beauty, local character, and unexpected charm
ARTICLE BY JETT ARREDONDO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Some trips are packed with must-see attractions and carefully planned itineraries. Our girls' getaway to Spokane was something different. It was less about checking boxes and more about finding ourselves pleasantly surprised by a city that felt welcoming, unpretentious, and full of character.
From the moment we arrived, Spokane seemed to invite us to slow down. Our Airbnb, tucked among towering pines, felt miles away from the pace of everyday life. Mornings were quiet, evenings stretched a little longer, and the surrounding landscape served as a reminder that nature is never far away here.
Throughout the weekend, we found ourselves drawn to places that reflected the city's personality. One afternoon was spent at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, where sweeping views of the Spokane Valley paired perfectly with good conversation and a glass of wine. Another led us to Radio Bar, a laid-back local favorite where the easygoing atmosphere made it feel like we'd stumbled into a neighborhood gathering rather than a tourist destination.
What stood out most, however, wasn't any single destination. It was Spokane's ability to blend natural beauty with a strong sense of community. A stroll through Riverfront Park revealed rushing water, public art, and gathering spaces filled with families, visitors, and locals enjoying the day. Everywhere we went, the city felt connected to the landscape around it.
CONTINUED >
Of course, some of our favorite memories came from the places we never planned to find. We spent time in local spots like The Screaming Yak Bar & Grill and Stormin' Norman's Shipfaced Saloon, the kind of neighborhood bars where stories are shared freely and strangers quickly become part of the conversation. Those unexpected moments often became the highlights of the trip.
Spokane wasn't a destination that had been sitting at the top of our travel lists. In many ways, that made it even better. Between afternoons overlooking the valley at Arbor Crest, walks along the river, and evenings spent swapping stories in local bars, the trip felt refreshingly uncomplicated. Surrounded by towering pines, good friends, and a city that never seemed to be trying too hard, we were reminded that some of the best getaways aren't about seeing everything, they're about being present for whatever you find along the way.
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Finding Beauty in the Familiar
For artist Danielle Conti, inspiration often begins with a place she once overlooked
Born and raised in Arizona, Conti admits she spent much of her life taking the desert for granted. The sunsets, glowing mountains, and dramatic skies simply felt normal. It wasn't until she began traveling that she realized how unique those landscapes truly were.
"I just thought it was dry and boring," she says. "It wasn't until I started traveling to other places that I realized how amazing the desert really was."
That realization helped shape the artist she would become.
After high school, Conti attended Mesa Community College before transferring to Arizona State University to study Art History. While there, she participated in a study abroad program in Florence, Italy, an experience she still describes as transformative.
"It wasn't just the museums that celebrated art—the entire city embraced it," she says. "That's when I realized how important artists are in the bigger picture of our history."
Today, her paintings often explore two landscapes she loves deeply: the Arizona desert and the Oregon coast.
Seven years ago, Conti and her husband purchased a small, run-down cabin on the Oregon coast. The property needed extensive work, but it sat on a lake with sweeping views and was only minutes from the ocean. Despite the challenges, her husband saw its potential.
"He looked at me and said, 'I know I can do it. I can make it something special,'" she recalls.
Over time, the cabin became exactly that—a family retreat surrounded by forests, water, and the slower pace of coastal life.
"In Oregon, everywhere you go is scenic," Conti says. "We're truly surrounded by nature."
The contrast between Oregon and Arizona continues to inspire her work. Oregon offers soft light, drifting clouds, and mist-filled mornings. Arizona delivers dramatic sunsets, brilliant colors, and mountains illuminated by the setting sun.
While her paintings are rooted in real places, she's no longer interested in recreating them exactly as they appeared.
"It's more important for me to capture the feeling," she says. "There's a sense of awe that nature can evoke."
That pursuit has become the common thread connecting every stage of her journey—from discovering the beauty of the Arizona desert, to studying art in Florence, to finding inspiration on the Oregon coast. Each experience has taught her to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the landscapes that shape us.
For Conti, painting is more than documenting a scene. It's an attempt to preserve a moment—the light on a mountain at sunset, clouds drifting across a coastal valley, or the feeling of standing quietly in nature and realizing how extraordinary it is. Through her work, she invites others to experience that same sense of wonder long after the moment has passed.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
