December 20, 2017 • Vol. 16, No. 4
POSTAL PATRON CAVE CREEK
www.thefoothillsfocus.com
ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ
Anthem | Black Canyon City | Carefree | Cave Creek | Desert Hills | New River| North Phoenix | Tramonto | Vistancia
Phoenix Water: Extends water haulers’ deadline as new Desert Hills, EPCOR station moves forward TARA ALATORRE STAFF
NEW RIVER- The City of Phoenix has officially extended the water permits issued to the water haulers in the New River and Desert Hills areas through April 30, 2018, giving the communities an extra four months to build a new standpipe and water hauling station to alleviate the ongoing water shortage issues. According to a letter from Phoenix Council Member Thelda Williams’ office, the city was willing to extend the permits because a long-term solution was put into motion recently that allowed EPCOR to build a permanent water station along the northside of Desert Hills Drive, according the letter.
The permits were set to expire on Dec. 31, 2017, leaving residents in the communities without an affordable water source. The water hauler companies must apply for the new permits promptly, and submit new permit applications, complying with all associated deadlines and fees, the letter stated. “While Phoenix empathizes with those who reside outside the boundaries of a water utility, it also understands that living outside a city-service area is a choice available to property owners, and we respect their right to make that decision.” Council member Williams stated in the letter. The water woes in the New River and Desert Hills
Pictured: The plot of land where the new EPCOR standpipe and water hauling station will be located, on Desert Hills Drive near 17th Avenue.
communities started over the summer when the City of Phoenix discovered water haulers had been using dust permits to deliver water obtained from Phoenix fire hydrants to residents in the area. Phoenix stated that the residential use of water was against code, and infringes on the designated water in the city’s 100-year plan. “Ratepayers in Phoenix’s water service territory pay for the infrastructure and long-term resources that ensure safe, clean, reliable deliveries at the tap. The City has an important duty- and the Phoenix City Council has a fiduciary responsibility- to protect this precious commodity
WATER
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Giving back to Arizona’s DHS urges pet vaccinations, precautions as rabies activity in gray foxes increases foster children TARA ALATORRE STAFF
PHOENIXDuring the holiday season many people are looking for ways to give back to the community, whether it is giving to a food drive, gifting toys to less fortunate children, or donating your time to an organization, there are many ways to spread cheer. If you are someone looking to make a positive change in your community this holiday season, consider helping the nearly 17,000 foster care children that reside in the care of Arizona
ELIZABETH MEDORA STAFF
Department of Child Safety. According to DCS, about 33 percent of children in foster care have been in custody for an average of 13 to 24 months, and most of those children are one to five-years-old. All Arizona residents have an opportunity to play a role in enhancing the lives of foster care children, and DCS recommends these ten ways people can help; not just for the holidays but throughout the year:
GIVING BACK continued on page 9
NORTH VALLEY – The Arizona Department of Health Services released a report on Dec. 14 stating that rabies activity in the state’s gray fox population quadrupled in the last year, from six reports of rabid foxes in 2016 to 24 reports in 2017. The infected foxes have been found mainly in southeastern Arizona, but infected animals have been found in multiple counties,
RABIES
Photo courtesy of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
Pictured: Dog receiving vaccinations
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PACKAGE THEFTS:
CHRISTMAS EVE:
LYFT PROMO:
Suspect arrested in
Christmas Eve services
Holiday promotion code for
North Phoenix
around the Valley
discounted Lyft rides
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OTHER : • Bluhm Column
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• Service Directory
15
• Classified Ads
18