December 27, 2017 • Vol. 16, No. 5
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
Maricopa County: ‘Burn Cleaner, Burn Better,’ campaign aims to reduce smoke pollution TARA ALATORRE STAFF
PHOENIX – Maricopa County’s “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better,” campaign aims to improve air quality this year by issuing no-burn days countywide, implementing a fireplace retrofit program to reduce smoke emissions, and offering vouchers towards the purchase of outdoor propane burning fire pits. The county is aiming to reduce the amount of high pollution advisory days (HPA), which is when the highest concentrations of ozone and harmful particulate matter approach the federal health standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The program encourages people to
make voluntary efforts to limit activities that contribute to the air pollution through awareness and incentives to reduce harmful emissions caused by smoke, according to the campaign’s website operated by Maricopa County Air Quality Department. Maricopa County’s campaign, “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better,” was launched in 2016, in partnership with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, after the county was close to violating the federal health standard regarding air quality, said Bob Huhn, Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s Communication Supervisor. “If we can cut the emissions
West Side Cave Creek expected to get water station by February CAVE CREEK – On Dec. 18, the Cave Creek Town Council unanimously approved the purchase of a standpipe bulk loading water station that will be located at the town’s wastewater treatment plant near the Carefree Highway and 44th Street; providing its west side residents with a potable water source just months before Phoenix prepares to turn off the faucet for water haulers in the area. The water station will provide
a reliable, clean water resource for Cave Creek residents living on the west side of town, which have relied on water haulers for years, and have been actively petitioning the town to build waterlines so they can gain access to municipal water; even threatening to sue the town over a year ago. The Town Engineer, Dave Peterson, recommended
CAVE CREEK WATER continued on page 11
Infographic courtesy of Maricopa County Air Quality Department
from smoke, which in this case it is something we can control and the residents can help us with by abiding by the no-burn days, and also switching over to
gas fire places,” Huhn said in an interview. “That will not only help keep our air cleaner, but our residents healthier too.” Tiny particles found in wood
smoke known as particulate matter (PM) 2.5 pose health risks, especially to asthmatics, children and the elderly. About 30 times smaller than a human hair, PM 2.5 can lower lung function when it is absorbed through the blood stream, according to AZDEQ’s Website. The county is offering some Phoenix residents a free retrofit for their home’s wood burning fireplaces with a device that reduces the pollution emitted from the chimney similar to a catalytic converter. Or for homes that meet the installation requirements, the county will replace an indoor wood burning
BURN BETTER continued on page 3
Giving back: Supporting Anthem Pets Animal Rescue ELIZABETH MEDORA STAFF
ANTHEM – The new year will be here in just a few days, and while you’re making your resolutions for 2018, consider giving a helping hand to pets in need by supporting Anthem Pets Animal Rescue this coming year. Anthem Pets has helped hundreds of lost pets find their homes since the rescue began, in addition to taking in homeless pets and adopting them out.
GIVING BACK continued on page 7
YCSO:
NEW YEAR’S:
Deputy saves owl trapped in
Holiday promotions for ride-
barbed wire, releases it.
sharing services
Page 9
Page 13
Photo courtesy of Anthem Pets
Pictured: Cassini, available for adoption at Anthem Pets
AZGFD: Top 5 winter fishing holes
Page 14
OTHER : • Bluhm Column
6
• Service Directory
15
• Classified Ads
18