Scottsdale Progress 02-05-2023

Scottsdale due for super-sized partying

Hotel prices skyrocket in advance of crowds Super Bowl week promises traffic headaches here

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Glendale, indisputably, has “the Big Game.” But Scottsdale, almost inarguably, has “the Big Fun.”

Gregory Hays, a Main Street mainstay for decades, took a break from hawking his books to visitors to answer a question: Why would people come here rather than Glendale for

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

With over a million visitors heading to the Valley for Super Bowl Week, dozens of Scottsdale bars, restaurants and night-

clubs – and police – have begun planning for the influx. Several establishments have added staff, applied for an extension of premises and partnered with big-name brands to

Donkey sanctuary feels pain of Rio Verde water struggle

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

As the owner of Hangry Donkey Sanctuary in Rio Verde Foothills, Rose Carroll can tell a visitor the name of each of her 25 animals and talk about the abuse and neglect they endured before she got them.

Take Bill, for example, a donkey that came to her from Kentucky, where he had been “kept in a little stall in the back of a dark barn all his life. He was really thin and had sores all over him when I got him.”

Many “are so depressed they’ve given

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up” before making it to the sanctuary, Carroll said, and “to see them come back, that makes it worth everything.”

Everything like stretching her budget to cover the cost of hay, which has doubled over the past year.

But now, the sanctuary and the donkeys share the same crisis.

The 7-acre ranch depends on hauled water and its price of that water has almost tripled since Scottsdale terminated the use of its standpipe that served around 700 of the 2,200 homes in the community northeast of the city.

The herd of 25 donkeys on the Hangry Donkey Sanctuary in Rio Verde Foothills consumes 300 gallons of water a day just in cooler months and the community’s water woes have nonprofit owner Rose Carroll worried about the lack of any immediate solution to the problem. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Veteran journalist joins Progress news staff

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

Veteran journalist Tom Scanlon is the new managing editor of the Scottsdale Progress. Scanlon previously covered Mesa, Goodyear, Glendale and Peoria for the Times Media Group.

He left the company near the end of 2021 to launch HARK Valley, one of the local news “Bulletin” newsletters sponsored by Facebook/Meta.

“I’m looking forward to covering Scottsdale,” said Scanlon, who lives just outside the city limits. “And not just local government and news. I’m interested in featuring some of Scottsdale’s characters, from entrepreneurs to artists.”

Executive Editor Paul Maryniak said, “Tom’s skills, drive and commit-

ment to covering all facets of a community will serve our Progress readers well. I’m delighted to have him back.”

Prior to moving to Arizona in 2012, Scanlon covered the local-music scene for the Seattle Times. He has also worked in the social services field, including stints at a few Scottsdale drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities.

Scanlon is a 1984 graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began his journalism career as a sports stringer with the Pittsburgh Press and Post-Gazette. He recently wrote and self-published “The Immaculate Jagoffs of Pittsburgh,” a comic novel set in 1972.

“Truth really is stranger than fiction,” Scanlon said of his foray into novel writing. “Pays better, too.”

Tom Scanlon

Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org.

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NEWS DEPARTMENT

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Menzel raps lawmakers call for his removal

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

In an “open letter” emailed Feb. 1, three Scottsdale state legislators demanded the Scottsdale Unified Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel’s “immediate removal” for comments he made more than three years ago.

State Reps. Joseph Chaplik and Alexander Kolodin, and Sen. John Kavanagh, wrote to the governing board and slammed Menzel for “offensive and hateful comments he made in a 2019 interview.”

“The statements Superintendent Scott Menzel made in an interview about ‘white people’ being ‘problematic’ has made national news, and parents in our districts were shocked that it wasn’t followed with an immediate apology from Menzel or a response from the governing board,” the letter said.

Asserting the SUSD superintendent used offensive and “hurtful” language in a 2019 interview, three state representatives are demanding the “immediate removal” of Dr. Scott Menzel. (File photo)

Menzel told the Progress he was “surprised to see the Fox News Digital story. The interview from 2019 that served as

the basis of their report wasn’t new and it wasn’t ‘news.’”

The Fox News story was published Jan. 27 on the network’s website and states Menzel “blasted the white race as ‘problematic’ and said they should feel ‘really, really uncomfortable.’”

The story reported that Menzel “discussed ‘equity, inclusion and social justice’ in an interview while he worked in the same position in a Michigan district. During the interview he said that the white race was ‘problematic.’”

Not so, according to Menzel.

“Regarding the statement by the three legislators, if they read the full interview they would know I didn’t say anything ‘hateful’ about any group of people,” he said.

I also did not say that white people are problematic,” Menzel said. “In considering the history of this country, including slavery, forced relocation and genocide of the indigenous population, Jim Crow

see MENZEL page 20

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© 2023 Strickbine Publishing,

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

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3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

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2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until February 28th, 2023. Call (480) 274-3157 to make an appointment.

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157… NOW!!

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Suite 119 Mesa AZ

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

Game brings plethora of big events to Scottsdale

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

With the Super Bowl set for Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Scottsdale will be alive with live music, games, celebrity appearances, drinks and loads of activities counting down the days to the big game.

Here are some of the big happenings around town.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Main Street Tailgate - Special performances by Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela and Pearl Ridge Duo

As part of ESPNs on-site coverage throughout the week of the Super Bowl, live music will fill the airwaves in between segments with live performances by Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela along with daily roaming acts

The Singing Cowboy, Johnny Hotshot and The Bronze Cowboy.

When: 11 a.m. Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Pearl Ridge Duo

Where: Old Town Scottsdale on E. Main Street and N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale

Cost: Free Info: experiencescottsdale.com

Suits and Sneakers Feat. Rick Ross.  W Scottsdale will present ‘Suits & Sneakers’ in collaboration with Elevee Lifestyle and produced by Phoenix Fashion Week. Guests can join the dapper evening for a celebration of tailored suits and the latest in sneaker culture with celebrity athletes from the NFL, MLB, and NHL modeling on the runway. FOX Sports personality and NFL reporter Jay Glazer will host and emcee, along with an exclusive performance by rapper Rick Ross.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: The W Scottsdale 7277 E Camelback Road, Scottsdale,

Cost: Tickets start at $100

Info: cottontaillounge.com

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

ESPN Main Street Tailgate- Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela duo

and Chuck E. Baby Duo

Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela return with the Chuck E Baby Duo to provide a day's worth of music during the Main Street Tailgate.

When: 11 a.m. Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Chuck E. Baby Duo

Where: Old Town Scottsdale E. Main Street and N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale

Cost: Free

Info: experiencescottsdale.com

Fred Minnick’s Bourbon Invitational

Football legends will serve as bartenders at this two-day spirits tasting event from author and bourbon connoisseur Fred Minnick. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Phoenix Theatre Company.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, 15147 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite H-135, Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $1,125

Info: fredminnick.com

Superzona Kick-off - Steve Aoki

Twice GRAMMY-nominated music producer and entrepreneur Steve Aoki will perform with his bassy, energetic blend of electronic music. Joining the fun will also be DJ duo The Lost Kings

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Pool at Talking Stick Resort

9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $49 Info: talkingstickresort.com/superzona

The W Super Week - G Eazy performance presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar

Rapper G-Eazy will perform live at W Scottsdale’s Cottontail Lounge. Doors open at 9 p.m. where guests can enjoy the Pepsi Zero Sugar cocktail mixology experience and a lively atmosphere. When: 9 p.m. Thursday

Where: The W Scottsdale 7277 E Camelback Road, Scottsdale,  Cost: Tickets start at $100 Info: cottontaillounge.com

GameOn SuperBash Hosted by Babes and Ballers Super Bowl Party

Max Events, LLC presents Game On

SuperBash in collaboration with Babes and Ballers and will be hosted by Hall of Famer Terrell Davis with a special performance by DJ Paul Oakenfold. Expected celebrities include Stephen A. Smith, Christian Yelich, Larry Fitzgerald, Cam Jordan and others.

When: 9 p.m.

Where: The Wasted Grain, 7295 E Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, Cost: Tickets start at $75

Info: gameonaz.eventbrite.com

Tailgate Time Machine Feat. Baby Bash, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall. Rappers Baby Bash, Slim Thug and Paul Wall are set to get the walls of neighboring Old Town establishments Boondocks and The Hot Chick shaking with a night of bassy tunes, games and lots of drinks.

When: 9 p.m.

Where: The Boondocks and The Hot Chick, 4363 N 75th St., Scottsdale  Cost: Tickets start at $99

Info: thehotchickaz.com/tailgatetime-

In addition to several parties that are set to take to the town, big-name acts like G-Eazy, Shaq, Snoop Dogg and Cardi B are also set to roll into town to jazz up the parties. (Progress File Photo)

machine.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

ESPN Main Street Tailgate- Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela duo and Desert Dixie Duo

Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela return with the Desert Dixie Duo to provide a day's worth of music during the Main Street Tailgate.

When: 11 a.m. Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela, 3 p.m. Desert Dixie Duo

Where: Old Town Scottsdale E. Main Street and N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale

Cost: Free

Info: experiencescottsdale.com

Fred Minnick’s Bourbon Invitational

See Thursday listing.

Scottsdale’s pre-game art celebration

Sports and arts converge for Arizona's most exciting weekend for ticket holders of the WM Phoenix Open and/ or the Super Bowl — who will receive entry into the event.

Once inside, guests can enjoy an open bar and complimentary bites as they gawk at some of the finest art in Old Town, enjoy live music and flamenco performances.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: 7106 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Cost: Free for ticket holders of either the WM Phoenix open or the Super Bowl.

Info: themarshallgallery.com

Shaq’s Fun House

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is bringing Diplo, Snoop Dogg and Myles O’Neal to the Valley for this part music festival, part carnival, described as “Big Game weekend’s most over-the-top event.” Shaq himself will even don his DJ Diesel hat for a performance. Expect oversized rides and attractions, circus performers, a Ferris wheel, food and drink, celebrity guests and more.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $349 Info: 480-850-7777, shaqsfunhouse. com

Rolling Stone Live

This immersive experience brings

together celebrities, athletes, VIPs and influencers together with live musical entertainment, in the name of raising funds for the American Cancer Society and its Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer campaign.

When: 9 p.m.

Where: The Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th St., Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $1,000

Info: rollingstonelive.ticketsocket.com

W Scottsdale super week: Hosted by Friday Beers with a performance by Cardi B

Friday Beers, a comedy platform and lifestyle brand, will host the ultimate pregame party with a live musical performance by rapper Cardi B capped off with brews and more.

When:  9 p.m.

Where: The W Scottsdale 7277 E Camelback Road, Scottsdale,

Cost: Tickets start at $400

Info: cottontaillounge.com

Tailgate Time Machine Feat. T-

Pain

Where: The Boondocks and The Hot Chick, 4363 N 75th St., Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $129 Info: thehotchickaz.com/tailgatetimemachine

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

Main Street Tailgate - Special performances by Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela and Harry Luge Trio

When: 11 a.m. Mark Zubia and Jesse Valenzuela, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Harry Luge Trio

Where: Old Town Scottsdale E. Main Street and N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale

Cost: Free Info: experiencescottsdale.com

GQ Sports Style Hall Of Fame

Cost: Tickets start at $300 Info: gq.com/style-hall-of-fame23#Tickets

Gronk Beach

Former NFL tight end and University of Arizona alumni Rob Gronkowski will be blaring a personally curated music festival featuring artists 21 Savage, Diplo, Bijou, DJ Irie and Somer Ray.

When: Noon

Where: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale,  Cost: Tickets start at $249.99 Info: 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort. com

Sports Illustrated The Party

The Chainsmokers and Machine Gun Kelly are handling the music, with Wynn Nightlife hosting VIP table service. Big spenders can purchase combo tickets that allow access to Shaq’s Fun House and Gronk Beach.

When: 9 p.m.

Rapper

T-Pain is set to pull up to neighboring Old Town establishments Boondocks and The Hot Chick.

When: 7 p.m.

The first class of inductees in the GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame, which honors athletes whose influence extends beyond the field of play. GQ is throwing an exclusive live event featuring onstage conversations with these sports icons about their legendary careers and style.

When: 2:30 p.m.

Where:  The Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th St., Scottsdale

Where: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale,  Cost: Tickets start at $799.99 Info: 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort.

The W is among several venues throughout the City that will host lavish parties headlined by some of the biggest names in hip-hop this week. (Courtesy of The W)

Info: For VIP Table Service email VIP@ spellboundeg.com or call 602-4050099

Big Game Viewing Party Watch the big game from the Casino

Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd

casinoarizona.com

Michael Mina’s First Annual Tailgate Party at the Fairmont Scotts-

Your tailgate expectations will be exceeded by a luxurious grand entrance, photo ops, interactive complimentary cocktail activation, lawn games, and a DJ.

Bourbon Steak A Michael Mina Restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Tickets start at $95 Scottsdaleprincess.com

Sugar Jame The Southern Kitchen

The northern Scottsdale brunch eatery, bakery and bar will hold a buffet, cocktails and live music from a resi15111 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale.

When: 4-9 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $75. Info: sjsouthernkitchen.com.

Coming February

create makeshift bars and experiences to accommodate the incoming crowds. The City considers several factors before approving establishments’ requests to extend their partying spaces temporarily.

“We have a special events committee that's composed of transportation, fire and police and they all are looking at the application from different perspectives,” said Karen Churchard, Scottsdale director of tourism and events.

A major factor is a venue’s location and whether or not it an extension would extend into an area of heavy traffic.

“If you're going to have an extension out into our streets, then streets and traffic (personnel) takes a look at what that means to the flow of traffic. It's also about pedestrians and how they can maneuver and walk through the street and police and fire are looking at the same thing,” Churchard said.

“In some cases, we had to tell some of the bars ‘No, you can't extend on particular sides because it causes too

many pinch points.’ So, we're just looking at it primarily from the public safety perspective.”

Churchard said that the city received over 30 applications for extensions of premises, 27 of which were approved. Most of those fell in the entertainment district between Scottsdale Road and Miller Road along Camelback Road and 6th Avenue.

Among the places approved for an extension of premises are neighboring establishments The Hot Chick and Boondocks. Though under different ownership groups, they joined forces to put on a block party that will close the northbound lane of 75th street.

Those two establishments are familiar with collaborating on an extension of premise application to host a grand event.

“We've done a lot of events like this in the past with Boondocks, so we already have an idea of what we need to do,” said Candice Rascon, spokeswoman for Jocque Concepts – which owns Old Town concepts like The Hot Chick, Diego Pops and The Montauk. “It's just a matter of each year coming back bet-

“Tailgate Time Machine” equipped with makeshift bars provided by big-name partner Red Bull.

This is not the only property where Jocque concepts requested an extension of premises, either: its neighbor concepts Diego Pops and The Montauk will extend into its parking lot for a makeshift bar serving their signature beverages amid blaring music with live DJs.

Rascon saw some changes in the city’s extension process this year aimed at ensuring the establishments’ safe operation.

“Before you can even get approved, you have to let Scottsdale PD know that your safety plan does have emergency exits and everything mapped out for them and go to some training,” Rascon said.

“There they teach us that we want to pay attention to capacity and we want

to know when people have had too much to drink. Before we got approved to do these extensions, we had to go through all those steps with the city to prove that we could handle this.”

Meanwhile, Riot Hospitality Group obtained extensions for five of its properties; Riot House, El Hefe, Cake nightclub, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and The District and Maya.

“Extensions for us provide a little bit more opportunity for guests and residents and or travelers who are tourists to enjoy the hospitality of the entertainment district —more so than if we didn't have the extension. They provide us an opportunity to extend the hospitality,” said Riot spokeswoman Lissa Druss.

Druss also highlighted that the extensions also give her staff and patrons the space to operate safely.

“We believe in operating above and beyond what is required of us for that. Safety is the number one thing for us, for our customers, for our staff and the city,” said Druss. “We enjoy adhering

Brands like Riot House have extended their premises to accommodate an influx of visitors to Scottsdale hoping to keep the good times rolling with a night out on the town during the Super Bowl week. (Riot House/ Facebook)

Super Bowl week, considering the often brutal 27-mile commute from Scottsdale to State Farm Stadium.

“Scottsdale has become a tourist mecca. We’ve got the best hotels, the best restaurants. There's hundreds of restaurants, there's nightlife, there’s shopping–there's a pulse, it’s absolutely dynamic,” Hays boasted.

“There's nothing happening in Glendale. Nothing.”

Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers bristles when people say things like that. He said his favorite fun place around Glendale is Lumberjaxes in Westgate, an ax-throw from the stadium.

“Downtown Glendale has a lot of fun, international food choices,” Weiers said, stressing, “Everybody wants to be in Glendale at the game, and that’s fun!”

Even so, the thousands of hotel rooms around Scottsdale are selling out for Super Bowl week at massively inflated prices.

A few days ago, for example, rooms at the Rodeway Inn that normally go for around $125-150 per night were still available this week – for up to $800. The modest Comfort Suites Old Town had rooms going for upwards of a thousand dollars a night this week, about five times the normal price.

This week, it should be a different story: With sports network ESPN doing live broadcasts with games and live music on Main Street throughout the week, thousands are expected to descend on Old Town like blitzing Eagles defenders.

“Where are they all going to park?” Gregry Hays wondered from his Arizona West Galleries.

The city said Scottsdale Airpark expects to have 33 departure slots and three arivals an hour the day after the game, and that it had 1,189 "operations" throughout the weekend of the 2015 Super Bowl. It is bracing for more, especially after an $11 million runway upgrade and a $5 million project adding five aircraft bays. How many people will descend on Old Town this week?

“I'm thinking 100,000,” said Ike Esses, owner of Esses Rare Objects d 'art. Esses and Hays discussed having Su-

per Bowl Week events almost literally at their doorstep, a contrast to 2015, the most recent year Glendale hosted the Super Bowl with events in Scottsdale.

“Last time, they did (Super Bowl Week) stuff in the waterfront,” Esses said. “I didn't benefit–did you?”

“I did OK,” Hays said.

Scottsdale’s Tourism Development Fund, which collects revenue from visitors’ “bed tax” on rooms, is helping fund Super Bowl marketing, as it has in the past.

According to a 2020 economic development report delivered to City Council, Scottsdale used tourism money to “invest” about $650,000 to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.

That’s nearly doubled, this time around: “Using the city's 2017 gross room sales, the Host Committee calculated Scottsdale's contribution (for Super Bowl LVII) at $1,212,401,” according to the report.

Largely viewed as the biggest annual sports event on the planet, the Super Bowl – and the days leading up to it – comprise a blow torch igniting the city’s economy. Scottsdale generally does well, this time of year, particularly with the WM Phoenix Open luring visitors.

Add in a Super Bowl, and you can almost hear the blips of tens of thousands of credit card transactions.

Indeed, the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University estimated the 2015 Super Bowl had an economic impact of $719.4 million on the region. The city estimated the last Super Bowl generated an additional $1.7 million in revenues for Scottsdale – almost three times its investment.

“The metropolitan Phoenix area successfully hosted the 1996, 2008 and 2015 Super Bowls and each time the game and ancillary events were held, the economic benefits of hosting one of the world's most prestigious sporting events were clearly demonstrated,” the 2020 Scottsdale City Council report stated.

The report’s conclusion: “a bed tax investment of $1,212,401 to host Super Bowl LVIl coupled with the spon-

sorship benefits, extensive television coverage and worldwide media exposure should provide substantial value to the city investment sponsorship amount.”

A return on the investment is already being felt, with most of Scottsdale’s 9,354 hotel rooms booked this week.

The impact should be felt even at places with no connection to sports, such as Sees’s Candy – where visitors are asked, “Can we get any chocolate footballs for you for the Super Bowl?”

At Salty Senorita in Old Town, manager Zachary Lindell was gearing up as Super Bowl week approached. “We’re expecting to be really busy,” he said. “It’ll be stressful – but fun.”

Getting sports junkies who pass “gallery row” along Main Street on their way to ESPN festivities to stop-andbuy, rather than merely window shop, is more of a challenge.

“Will we benefit – having an average sale of $3,000?” Esses pondered.

Hays has far more modest prices at his books-heavy gallery. Whether or not he sees a direct increase in sales, Hays was pumped up about Super Bowl Week.

“It's gonna be fun, festive, vibrant,” he said, perhaps picturing the thousands of new faces he can pitch, in barker-like fashion.

“It's gonna be galvanic.”

And then, Hays, the self-proclaimed “maestro of Main Street,” got back to business, pitching browsing tourists like Patrick Mahomes looking for receivers: “Hello, guys. Beautiful day. You all look happy. I’ll sell you a book and you’ll really be happy.”

Outside his Arizona West Galleries in Old Town Scottsdale, Gregory Hays relaxes during a slow time. He expects thousands of visitors to pass by on their way to ESPN festivities on Main Street during Super Bowl week. (Tom Scanlon/Staff)

to the guidelines that the cities, police and fire set because that is the most important thing for us.”

Old Town was not the only place that saw requests for extensions.

Pub Rock in south Scottsdale – the home of the AZ Chiefs Kingdom on game days – will extend its premises beginning on Wednesday to set up and outside bar, position food trucks to serve food and accommodate events counting down the days to the Big Game, including its famous “Red Shirt Friday.”

Compared to the confined premises in Old Town, Pub Rock operations manager Sean Cobb says that he had an easy time getting an extension, citing his property's large parking lot and history of hosting events.

“Six years ago, we started doing a small extension for the playoffs where we would just go six parking spots over until we made it to that first Super Bowl,” Cobb recalled. “That's when we got the permits to go further out into the parking lot to make this a huge event and be able to put everything into one place so that we can have a huge party here.”

Large crowds equal larger traffic

Because of the influx of partyers, Scottsdale Police are emphasizing ridesharing and called upon partner agencies for help.

“We have a lot of Valley partners, federally, state and locally, that are all helping to staff the WM Phoenix Open with us, as well as be visible in our downtown areas and throughout the city based on what calls for service arise,” said Scottsdale Police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Quon.

Quon said his department will be largely tasked with keeping an eye on the WM Phoenix Open and the Entertainment District.

“What happens for us is we have the golf tournament that starts in the morning, which carries over to The Bird's Nest concert series that ends about 10:30 in the evening and then most people will go to Old Town and continue the celebration,” Quon said.

“This is a literal all-day event that people can go to and now it's growing with the Super Bowl events.”

Quon said the department has been planning its strategy for managing crowds since the announcement was made in June 2021 that the Super Bowl would be played in Glendale.

“When we knew we were going to get the Super Bowl, this has always been in the back of command’s minds,” Quon said. “Based on The WM Phoenix Open and what we were already doing, we started planning for a little bit more of an influx of crowds.

“Last year, they estimated over a million people came through The WM Phoenix Open throughout the week and we know that that will be more this year, so we have been planning for this for the past few months going through contingencies and looking through what could go right and what could go wrong.”

Quon said one of the biggest tasks for the department will be managing large crowds.

“Our big concern during the day is crowd management and making sure everybody is safe on the course and coming to and from the course,” Quon said.

Although Quon is preparing for large levels of foot traffic on the grass at the WM Phoenix Open and in the streets of Old Town, it is the roads in between the

two destinations where safety is a particularly big concern.

Police are encouraging patrons to find sober drivers to chauffeur them around town either through a ridesharing app or by getting to do so.

“It's just going to be hard to find a parking space and traffic is going to be very busy,” Churchard said. “Patience is the big thing, so we encourage people to plan ahead and, and plan extra time to get to the places that you want to go to and have a good time because, ultimately, we do want everybody to have a good time.”

Bulking up on staff

Clubs and related establishments also face the hurdle of hiring enough staff to serve the crowds.

“Since the summer, we’ve been bringing people on and getting them trained and prepared for this week because this is probably the biggest week for Scottsdale in quite some time,” Rascon said.

“We’ve been getting everyone prepared for a busy week and we’ve been constantly having to tell our staff ‘this is going to be a crazy week, but it's just one week where you’ll be working a lot and the next week we'll catch up to

where it's normal life again.’”

Mavrix has boosted its front-of-house staff by nearly 20% in preparation for the busy week – which will only slightly relent because spring training rolls into town a few weeks after the Super Bowl.

“We've increased our staff by about 20% over the last couple of weeks to just increase the volume for servers, bartenders and back house over Super Bowl and then we roll right into Spring Break and spring training,” said JP Mullan, COO of Octane Entertainment, which owns brands like Mavrix and Octane Raceway.

With venues extending size and staff and the increase in police presence, many around the city are echoing the sentiment that they hope to provide a safe and fun experience for those visiting Scottsdale.

“I just hope they all get the opportunity to experience our Old Town Scottsdale, which is such a unique downtown area, and all of its little districts and enjoy all the things that we have to offer,” Churchard said.

Some establishments like The Hot Chick have partnered with neighboring establishments to extend premises into the street to serve beverages and provide games for patrons waiting to get inside of its confines. (The Hot Chick/Facebook)

Inflation, supply chain challenge Open food vendor

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Phoenix-based culinary brand M Culinary Concepts is no stranger to the WM Phoenix Open. For the past 24 years, the culinary brand has supplied and served thousands of pounds of food for the “greatest show on grass.”

Although each year has come with its own trials and tribulations, 2023 is posing some new challenges.

The first was involved buying large quantities of food amid near-record inflation.

“Chicken wings were one of those (items) that spiked and then settled back pretty quickly. However, eggs continue to be a problem – as most people have seen in the grocery store,” said M Culinary Concepts CEO/President Brandon Maxwell. “Milk and butter have also increased because those are some of the products used to make

most things.

Everybody sees it in the grocery store, and there’s no difference in the commercial world.”

Last year, the price of chicken wings saw a nearly 30% increase, though that cost is leveling out.

According to the Consumer Price Index, egg prices shot up 60% in December from a year earlier. This was largely attributed to the fast-spreading avian flu, which has wiped out over 50 million hens.

Not only did this cause M Culinary Concepts to begin ordering goods earlier in the year, but it also had to adjust its contract several times and cut some items off its menus for the WM Phoenix Open.

“We started keying in orders as early as September but the sup - For the 24th consecutive year, M Culinary Concepts will be serving meals at the

WM Phoenix Open. However, the concept was tasked with clearing several challenges this year like staffing, inflation and supply chain backlogs. (Special to the Progress)

Carroll’s cost has gone from about $120 for 3,000 gallons of what is now $330 for the same amount. Her donkey herd consumes about 300 gallons a day just in cooler months.

Her tanks can hold 6,750 gallons of water, but getting it is a challenge.

She has been collecting rain water and last week a neighbor she never met before donated 1,000 gallons.

But those are short-term solutions.

She’s got a well but the water is too silty to use. She ran a GoFundMe campaign to buy a filtration system for the well water. She was hoping to raise $7,500 but garnered more than $8,500 in about two weeks.

“That meant the world to us,” Carroll said. “We were really touched by that. It was unexpected.”

Even with the filtration system in place, the well is only subsidizes the hauled water as it only produces about two gallons per minute.

Between rain water, the well and

A couple of residents of the Hangry Donkey Sanctuary in Rio Verde Foothills drink from a trough, oblivious to the threats to a continued supply of water. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

hauled water, Carroll figures she’s good through the spring.

But she desperately needs to get a better solution in place soon – as do hundreds of others in her community.

Private water utility EPCOR has proposed a long-term solution to provide water, but that is expected to take two to three years to get up and running.

In the meantime, the company has offered to provide the water for hauling from the city standpipe if Scottsdale agrees to process it – at EPCOR’s expense.

But so far, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega has refused to allow that.

State Rep. David Cook has also brokered a short-term agreement with the

Gila River Indian Tribe to provide the water if Scottsdale would process it and allow it to be distributed via the standpipe.

In a similar situation, Damon Bruns, a water hauler who services the area, has struck a deal to get the water from the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe if Scottsdale would treat it.

The city turned down both proposals.

In the meantime, area residents have taken legal steps to try to get water flowing to the area.

Supporters of a domestic water improvement district have filed a Superior Court appeal from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous vote against formation of the district.

Residents opposing a water district

have filed their own suit, claiming state statute does not allow a city to cut off water to an unincorporated area if it has been providing water in the past.

Both suits are winding their way through the court.

Several state lawmakers held an open house Jan. 29 to tell area residents what they are doing to help.

State Sen. John Kavanagh, Scottsdale, said proposed legislation would force Scottsdale to process water at no cost to the city) for the Rio Verde Foothills residents.

The bill has three conditions: The Arizona Corporation Commission must approve EPCOR’s application for a long-term solution by May 30, the water must come from somewhere other than Scottsdale; if the arraignment

costs Scottsdale any water, the deal is off.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, has introduced an identical measure in the House to keep the legislation moving.

Kavanagh said he has talked to three Scottsdale City Council members who want the situation handled voluntarily.

It’s all the same to Carroll if the solution comes from Cook’s plans or Kavanagh’s legislation.

She just needs water and needs it pretty fast.

“There’s so many moving parts and so much arguing, we’re kind of in the middle of it, but if summer comes, I think we might be in trouble,” she said.

laws, redlining—these are examples of ‘problematic’ white racial identity. I believe that we have to look at history honestly in order to build a better future.

Menzel said the SUSD board was aware of the interview when he was hired in 2021, and complained the Fox story “did not include a link to the full interview, which would have provided readers with the context of the interview and the context for responses to questions as part of that conversation.”

The Progress asked board members about the lawmakers’ letter.

"It is a great overreach for a legislative representative to call for the termination of any district school superintendent,” said board President Julie Cieniawski via text. “Especially when the claims are based on twisted bits of information and inaccurate facts.

“The legislature has plenty of work to do on behalf of the communities

they represent. Our Aggregate Expenditure Limit needs to be fixed once and for all,” Cieniawski added. “Promising funds to schools and then upholding the use of those with an archaic regulation is irresponsible."

Dr. Libby Hart-Wells, a board member since 2021, turned the table on the state representatives: “My response to the state legislators' engagement: Fix the AEL.”

The Arizona House of Representatives’ Education Committee voted 8-1 last week for a one-year waiver of the constitutional Aggregate Expenditure Limit on what schools can spend.

If there is no final action by the full Legislature by March 1, schools collectively will be forced to cut nearly $1.4 billion they already have been allocated for the current year about 17% of their annual budgets before the end of June. For Scottsdale Unified, that comes to about $28.4 million and represents six and a half weeks of staff salaries.

The SUSD website states Menzel “is

driven by the moral imperative to provide opportunities that are equitable, inclusive, and just for all students.”

Menzel took over leadership of SUSD July 1, 2020.

He replaced Denise Birdwell, who was fired in 2018 for allegedly receiving payments from Hunt & Caraway Architects, the firm hired to work on the district’s bond projects.

Three years later, Birdwell was indicted on 18 felony counts for allegedly rigging bids and taking payoffs from contractors during her time at the head of the Scottsdale Unified School District and Higley Unified School District in Gilbert.

Before coming here, Menzel was superintendent of Washtenaw Intermediate School District in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for nine years.

Four months ago, the SUSD governing board gave Menzel goals for performancebased pay in the 2022-23 school year.

“From the day I was hired and for as long as I serve as superintendent of Scott-

sdale, my commitment has been and will be to ensure that each and every student in our district is treated with dignity and respect, that they are seen, heard and valued for who they are, and that they are provided the highest quality education in a safe and supportive learning environment,” Menzel told the Progress.

“Our students recite the pledge of allegiance every day. That pledge concludes ‘with liberty and justice for all.’ That is aspirational, since historically groups of people have been treated differently based on the color of their skin.”

Menzel insisted the letter was a publicity-seeking stunt: “For the LD-3 elected officials to mischaracterize the interview and claim what I said was hateful was nothing more than political propaganda.”

Former mayor raps Menzel in letter.

Short-term rental owners learn about human trafficking

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

Robert Valenti has been with his three-bedroom Scottsdale house as a short-term rental since 2019 and is proud of the fact he’s never heard a single complaint from his neighbors.

The only complaints he’s had to deal with have been his own tenants.

Early on, some tenants were leaving the house in bad shape after their stays. So he turned off the automatic booking feature on his Airbnb account and now interviews prospective renters before accepting the booking. That usually scares the bad actors away, Valenti said.

“I don’t want to have any riff-raff in our house,” he said. “We want to respect our neighbors.”

He shared his insights with about 75 other Airbnb hosts at the Scottsdale Airport for an Airbnb-hosted safety forum, which focused on things like

the best way to maneuver through the Airbnb platform, what to do about a nuisance party on their property and how to spot sex trafficking.

They learned Airbnb’s 24/7 safety line that hosts and guests can call if a crisis

arises during the Super Bowl Week.

“If something arises, or you feel unsafe, or there are any other type of safety incident, we don’t want you getting shuffled on the main line,” Ben Breit, a spokesman with Airbnb told the crowd.

“Kind of think of it as the ‘Bat Phone.’ You’re going straight to our safety team in a maximum of 30 seconds and they are specially trained to support you in these types of situations.”

Linda Curry, president of the Arizonans for Responsible Tourism group, encouraged hosts to follow all of their cities’ rules and get registered by that city if required to do so.

“Our coalition was actually in favor of a state bill that passed this last June to give some control to local jurisdictions,” Curry said. “Why did we do that? Why did we support that? Because we have to get rid of the bad players in this industry or we all look bad. The people who have constant nuisance issues disrupting neighborhoods, we’ve got to put a stop to that.

“Local jurisdictions, if they are licensing us, they can also revoke that license so we need to make sure we are complying with all of these local regulations because

see

page 24

Ben Breit, global director of trust and safety communications for Airbnb, addressed a room packed with Scottsdale short-term rental homeowners about human trafficking and safety during Super Bowl Week. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

ply lines were a challenge,” Maxwell said. “We had to shift away from some things because of those shortages.”

Maxwell credits the contract with The Thunderbirds — a Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports.

“We are under contract with the Thunderbirds and the contract does get adjusted based on some of the commodity pricing out there as things shift and evolve and grow,” Maxwell said. “We definitely saw price increases – and we are continuing to do so. But,

overall, I think they are a little bit more reasonable than they were a year and a half ago.”

Because of this, M Culinary Concepts will be bringing 121,000 chicken tenders, 37,000 salmon filets, 28,000 flat iron steaks, 157,000 potstickers, 2,500 gallons of ranch dressing — enough to fill four hot tubs – and 76,500 cookies.

All that food will be prepared by 210 chefs operating out of nine kitchens positioned at big stops on the course – like the 16th hole, the 18th hole and the Members Club.

Although getting food posed one big issue, the other major hurdle was find-

back for incomplete information.

ing enough able bodies to cook.

“We have worked very diligently on staffing this year,” Maxwell said. “We started job fairs early in December, which allowed us to grow our staff to get what we needed.”

He also had to work with the fact that the state minimum wage is now $13.85 per hour.

“Hourly rates are certainly higher than they've been in the past, but we managed to figure out how to best get everybody compensated fairly for the work they do.”

Although there were plenty of headaches leading up to tee-off this year, Maxwell says that he feels this event

has become a bucket-list sports destination and he feels a sense of pride working at it each year.

“It's become an American bucket list item similar to the Indy 500 and some other large golf tournaments like (The Masters) in Augusta,” Maxwell said.

“It's a bucket list thing that people want to check off and it's just grown so tremendously over all those years. It's been remarkable to see the growth.”

a lot of cities think we’re not responsible business owners if we don’t get on top of it right away and get those local licenses.”

As of Jan. 29, there have been 2,849 short-term rental registration applications submitted to the City of Scottsdale. Of those, 1,074 applications were approved, 466 are pending applications, and 1,299 that have been sent

City officials figure there are at least 5,000 short-term rentals in Scottsdale.

The city has opened 2,938 cases against owners for not registering open. The city has closed 157 cases because the rental was licensed or documentation was provided that the property is not operating as a short-term rental.

The crowd also got a quick course on human trafficking, which jumps in lo-

cales when a big event occurs. They got some grim numbers to wrap their heads around, like:

• There are over 100,000 children sold for sex in the U.S. every year.

• Arizona has the 18th highest rate of human trafficking in the U.S.

• The average age of entry into sex trafficking in Arizona is 14 years old.

“I know personally, I love renting Airbnbs because of the privacy it allows, but with that privacy comes opportunity to take advantage of that,” said Dana Hoyes, U.S. campaign director for the It’s a Penalty human trafficking non-profit. “Airbnb has become a profitable way and a less risky way to exploit their victim.

“Trafficking happens in every community throughout the year but we would be remiss to mention that events like the Super Bowl bring in more tourists than normal. With that

comes people seeking entertainment. Unfortunately, some people’s version of entertainment is commercial sex, which increases the number of exploitation and human trafficking victims.”

Some signs that human trafficking is happening include: Someone does not have control of her identity or travel documents; someone is unsure of where she is or how long she’s staying; new and old injuries at varying stages of healing; the person appears to be monitored by someone when interacting with others.

Rachelle Lump, anti-human trafficking program manager with the Arizona Attorney General’s office, said one signal something’s wrong is a lot of men coming into and out of a property.

Added Hoyes: “We also recommend that, if you’ve got a gut feeling something’s weird, it’s better to report than not.”

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Area ranch rescues kids as well as horses

BY MELODY BIRKETT Progress Contributor

Reigning Grace Ranch in Rio Verde Foothills is a nonprofit desert sanctuary where youth, families, veterans and first responders connect with rescued horses.

The 15-acre site near 172nd Street and Dynamite Road, has been owned for 11 years by Amanda and Christopher Moore, who didn’t start out operating a horse rescue that also provided therapy.

“We had a calling to rescue 67 feral horses in our area because they were becoming a nuisance,” Amanda explained. “Maricopa County was asking that they be rounded up and sent off. I knew that sending them off was sending them someplace that wasn’t positive.”

Although they were not operating a nonprofit at the time, the couple reached out to rescue organizations but no one wanted to help “because they thought we were all crazy,” she said.

“We said, ‘How hard could this be? We’ll just do it,’” she added.

“We’re not just city slickers that decided to come out and rescue a bunch of horses. In about a month, we brought in all 67 horses with the help of another couple. We adopted all of them out except for 12. In that time frame, kids in the neighborhood were coming over after school helping take care of them and feed them.”

Amanda said the kids began sharing “private information about bullying, suicide, drugs and depression.”

“I remember going home and telling my husband, ‘There’s something about these horses that are making these kids feel so safe, like a complete stranger, where they can just tell all.’ It was therapeutic. I could see these kids,

as they were peeling their layers back.

“There was growth happening and there was some release. It was really quite beautiful to watch. These kids just got stuff off of their chests that they felt like they needed to share but didn’t want to be judged. And they knew these horses weren’t going to judge.”

Amanda said it makes a difference working side-by-side with the young people. More comes out of them.

She came up with the name for the ranch from a dream she had where she was told how to spell the ranch’s name, and what they were supposed to do as far as taking broken and rescued horses and pairing them with broken and rescued kids.

“We technically started the ranch in 2009,” Amanda said. “The rescue took place in 2009-2010.”

With the onset of the Great Recession, she said, “We decided to start this non-profit in the middle of that storm. We started it in our backyard on an acre and a quarter and then moved to a 5-acre lot where we thought it would

be plenty big enough and quickly realized it was growing faster than we had space for.”

The ranch offers a mentorship program with one-on-one instruction so kids can learn about horsemanship and a lot about life. The couple works with first responders, fire and police and offer volunteer and equine rescue program and a chapel.

“We vet all of the horses on the property,” said Amanda. “The kids learn how to do basic vetting. They learn how to take temperatures, wrap injuries, weigh horses, they learn to groom. It’s basic horse husbandry.”

“Each area of the ranch has a team lead,” she continued. “We have a team lead that sits over the equine house, children’s programming and outreach programming. …We also have a team lead that sits over our critter corner which is our small animals such as our chickens, goats, sheep and pigs.”

The ranch also has a permaculture team that practices sustainability. “We’re in the process of getting ready to do grain harvesting at the

ranch and getting ready to put in a 150-fruit tree orchard so that we can give back to our community,” said Amanda.

“We work a lot with judges, therapists, counselors to kind of create an individualized plan for each child that comes through,” Amanda said, adding that the staff is made up of volunteers.

“We’re kind of a boutique non-profit. We don’t do the normal for the next 12 weeks. We do an intake form. We find out where the kids are at, what they need most.”

Funding is all donation-based. While the ranch is faith-based with Christian values, it’s not affiliated with any denomination.

Kids 5 and up are welcome. Typically, the ranch doesn’t see a lot of college students unless they’re volunteers.

“If they come through a referral, we work with them,” said Amanda. “But typically, it’s more parents bringing their kids…We have 70+ horses on the property ages one year all the way to 40.

Amanda was a high school educator for 11 years in the Deer Valley School District. Christopher has an IT consulting firm.

“When I decided to step out of high school education, I decided to step over and help my husband run his business,” explained Amanda. “That turned out to be very bad for our marriage.”

The couple met when they were competitive dancers at eight years old. “We had something to do in common together,” explained Amanda. “We grew up, got our careers, and went on our way. In that time frame, we grew apart. And then my husband said we need to do something together and have something in common together

Amanda and Christopher Moore own and operate the nonprofit Reigning Grace Ranch, which is a horse rescue where troubled kids find the rescued horses therapeutic and the Moores have developed programs to help them. (YouTube)

again.”

That’s when they decided to get two horses.

“With horses, they’re prey animals and they want to be the only thing you’re thinking about. If they’re going to hand over their leadership to you, they want to make sure you’re aware and are taking care of them,” Amanda explained.

“They’re incredible. I always say they’re truth tellers because of the way they are. Their #1 thing is survival. They have to survive. If you’re not in a place where you’re present and paying attention and doing what you need to do with them, they will be like, ‘I’m going to take over leadership here.’ They’re mirrors. “They’re super incredible animals which is what makes them so incredible for therapy.”

The Moores hope to eventually build cabins on the property so kids can spend the weekend.

Information: azrgr.org, 480-442-8934.

Kids from 5 and up can participate in various programs and connect with rescued horses and other animals at Reigning Grace Ranch. (YouTube)

Cyber Quest Arcade voyages into AZ Boardwalk

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

For nearly a decade, AZ Boardwalk has made a name for itself as a family-friendly fun destination with attractions like Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium and Pangea Land of Dinosaurs.

However, there was always one thing seemingly missing: an arcade.

That changed earlier this month when Cyber Quest Arcade softly opened its doors and has since attracted a slew of visitors.

The arcade features over 50 games including big titles like Hot Wheels Arcade, Space Invaders and a selection of

claw and ticket machines.

“An arcade is going to fit anywhere. But as far as kids are concerned, everybody loves arcades and they’re kind of starting to come back into the mainstream,” said Cyber Quest Arcade general manager AJ Marr.

Although arcades have become staples in malls, casinos and pizza parlors across the nation, Marr said AZ Boardwalk was a location that Cyber Quest had on its radar for years.

“As far as AZ Boardwalk is concerned, it's really cool and there's a lot of fun stuff here like Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea and UFO Experience,” Marr

see ARCADE page 30

Pubs toast Super Bowl with special drinks

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Several Scottsdale bars and establishments are shaking things up by partnering with big names like Bacardi, Hensley Beverage Co. and Jack Daniel’s for specialty drinks, events and other offerings in honor of the Super Bowl.

Additionally, neighboring outposts have teamed up to create large events and cross-promote their best-selling beverages.

Diego Pops and The Montauk

Neighboring restaurants Diego Pops and The Montauk have joined forces to create a parking lot “Super Block” party so customers can get the best of both worlds.

Joining the party is Phoenix-based beverage distributor Hensley Beverage Co. and Bacardi. Live DJs and games add to the week-long fanfare.

Diego Pops will serve its top-selling prickly-pear margarita – featuring agave, prickly pear and house-made sweet and sour – and Diego margarita streetside for guests to sip on as they wait for

a table or mingle outdoors.

The Montauk’s signature drink is Montauk Frosé – a creative blend of Campo Viejo rosé and Ketel One botanical vodka. Its hottest-selling is Mango Tango, featuring a sweet heat combo of jalapeño-infused Bacardi, mango real, lime and Tajin.

Diego Pops

4338 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-970-1007, diegopops.com

The Montauk 4360 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-994-1888. themontaukaz.com

Boondocks and The Hot Chick

Old Town’s Boondocks and The Hot Chick are hosting one of the hottest parties in the Valley – the Tailgate Time Machine.

Featuring acts like Slim Thug, Baby Bash, T-Pain and Fashen over five days, Boondocks and The Hot Chick will block off the northbound side of 75th Street for a large block party equipped with DJs, big-screen televisions and

several outdoor games.

Adding to the fun, Red Bull will set up makeshift bars outside for guests to order drinks from as they mingle, play and groove to the bassy tunes. The outside bar will have liquors like Angel’s Envy, Bacardi, Bombay, Grey Goose and Patron available for patrons to craft cocktails out of.

see PUBS page 30

Nina Ferraro and Stasia Ferraro, 8, try to get some bonus prize tickets from the Ticket Dome game at Cyber Quest family arcade. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Frozen Jack and Coke

No. 7 Smoked Old-Fashioned

said. “From what I understand, … this was kind of a new idea for them.”

Cyber Quest has made a name for itself since 1996 by building arcades in casinos across the nation but AZ Boardwalk posed a unique opportunity for the brand.

“Generally, the way they run things is they do it through a casino program. So, it's kind of a daycare center for when you go to the casino you drop your kids off and then you could go have your fun,” Marr said.

However, the AZ Boardwalk location provides Cyber Quest a place to home in on its main mission: “It's about providing family-friendly fun for all the kids and making sure everybody's having fun,” Marr said.

Cyber Quest utilized its 3,000 square feet of space inside the northeast corner of AZ Boardwalk to pack in some of the latest and greatest games and create an eye-catching prize store featuring items as cheap as tootsie rolls to as expensive as a Nintendo Switch gaming console.

Though it has only been operational for less than a month, Marr has already noticed kids flocking to games where they stand the potential of winning

massive amounts of digital tickets stored on a game card to trade for big prizes.

“Our big games are the ticket rings because it’s bright and flashy and you can win a lot of tickets,” Marr said.

Although a Nintendo Switch is the big prize many kids have begun saving their tickets for, Marr says that the arcade shop also offers some neat toys to choose from - some of which pertain to the other attractions at AZ Boardwalk.

“One of my favorite prizes are these little LED lights that are shaped like

hamburgers that are relatively cheap on the tickets,” Marr said.

“I do have some little aliens down there and there are some little animals, which are some things that are somewhat kind of aimed to be part of the theme, but a lot of the stuff that we put in there is just the things that we think are fun for the kids.”

Although the kids have flocked toward games with the biggest earnings, Marr has also witnessed kids gravitate toward bright and colorful games like Space Invaders – which also happens

to be his personal favorite – and Rabbids VR.

“Space Invaders is always a big hit with everybody because it's bright and flashy and it's a classic,” Marr said. “The Rabbids VR one seems to be drawing in a lot of kids looking at it because it's another one of those bright and shiny ones.”

With the arcade laid out and showing early signs of success, Marr believes Cyber Quest is soon in for lots of traffic.

“We're right around the corner from a spring training facility and with spring coming soon and we also have spring break coming soon,” he said. “For the next month or so it's going to be kind of steadily ramping up and then as soon as we hit that spring break and going into the summertime, I think we're going to be pretty popular.”

If You Go:

Cyber Quest Arcade

Where: 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale

Cost: Games range in price from .50 per play to $2 for more sophisticated challenges

Info: kidsquest.com/location/azboardwalkcq, 480-434-6901

Inside the establishments, they will serve their full drink menus.

Boondocks

4341 N. 75th St., Scottsdale 480-949-8454, boondocksaz.com

The Hot Chick 4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale 480-550-7507, thehotchickaz.com

Mavrix

Located off Loop 101 and Talking Stick Way, Mavrix has become a destination for families looking for a place to bowl, game and enjoy a bite to eat. This year, Mavrix is partnering with Jack Daniel’s to create a drink menu that utilizes the famed whiskey to jazz up its signature drinks.

Kicking off the menu is a twist on the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail, which is infused with Jack Daniel’s, agave syrup, a ball of ice and smoke to give it a smokey, silky finish.

For guests looking to enjoy a colder beverage, Mavrix is offering an adult

twist on a childhood favorite: a frozen Jack and Coke to its menu. Octane Entertainment COO JP Mullan describes as tasting similar to a Coca-Cola slushie. Octane owns Mavriz.

Rounding out its drink menu is a

Jack Daniel’s-infused Lynchburg Lemonade and a Jack Apple Mule – which features Jack apple, ginger beer and a lime wedge garnish.

Jack Daniel’s has also partnered with the restaurant to create upgraded experiences to view the big game on its patio or in its intimate VIP trophy room. Mullan says he thought the whiskey brand was a natural fit for the dining destination.

“We try to think of Mavrix as a good fit for everybody — whether it’s the young crowd or the parents – and we saw Jack Daniel’s offers so much that you can do with the liquor and spirit, so we figured that it'd be a great fit,” Mullan said.

Mavrix

9139 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale 480-291-7500, mavrix.com/thebiggame

The Mexicano

The latest concept from the Maggiore Group, The Mexicano – which recently fet-

ed its first anniversary – will have a hit on its hands with the build-your-own piñata margarita bar where guests can choose the salt rim, tequila and margarita.

Available flavors like prickly pear or passion fruit can be topped with cotton candy, Mexican candy, boba, edible flowers and Sour Patch Kids or watermelon, mango and guava.

This is expected to be a big seller during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Guests can watch the big game in the restaurant, too.

“We aim to bring over-the-top margaritas with our signature build-your-own margarita bar where our guests can craft next-level margaritas and pick from over 30 unique toppings,” said The Mexicano co-founder and chef Joey Maggiore.

“Our piñata margarita is the ultimate party-starter drink because it comes with a custom margarita experience, a tequila shot, and a playful piñata to take home.”

The Mexicano

4801 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix 602-812-2100, themexicano.com

Cyber Quest family arcade manager AJ Marr stands in front of a giant arcade version of Space Invaders. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

PUBS FROM page 29

Jack Apple Mule

Scottsdale approach on water in Rio Verde unreasonable

Hamlet got it right; overweening certainty is not an enviable trait.

In Act 4 in the soliloquy beginning with “How all occasions do inform against me, Hamlet observes: “Rightly to be great, is not to stir without great argument, but greatly to find quarrel in a straw, when honors at the stake.”

Mayor Ortega has taken an extremely hardline position with regard to the water situation in the Rio Verde Foothills area. It was reported in the Scottsdale Progress (Sunday 29 January) that he refused to meet with a group of representatives, including state Rep. David Cook, who are attempting to find a solution to the issue. He only agreed to meet with them separately. He then only met with Representative Cook; the others left because of time constraints. Mayor Ortega states that the city does not take kindly to anyone trying to muscle into our water works. He has also stated that he is a “hard no” on supplying any water to areas outside of city limits.

The water that the city has provided to the residents of Rio Verde Foothills amounts to 117 acre feet per year. This figure is from a memorandum provided to the City Council by the City Manager’s O ce dated Dec. 19, 2022.

The City of Scottsdale has an allocation of approximately 81,000 acre feet per year from the Central Arizona Project. This figure is from the City’s website. In addition, the city receives

Letters To The Editor

16,894 acre feet per year from the Salt River Project. This water can only be used south of the SRP Arizona canal.

The amount of water used by the homes in the RVF area represents approximately 0.14 percent of the city’s CAP allocation water. This is a very small amount of water. Perhaps a straw full.

But of course, it is the principle that is at stake!

The city’s legal position on denying water to the RVF area is very strong and we are all aware that we in the midst of a major drought. The city has a drought contingency plan and is working in concert with others to manage the drought as e ectively as possible.

Many, myself included, support these e orts. It is good to learn that the City has reduced its water use by 6%. We all need to learn how to conserve this precious resource.

In my opinion the most practical longterm solution to the issue is to have EPCOR supply water to the RVF area. EPCOR is a water supplier to many communities and are in the process of moving through the Arizona Corporation Commission in order to serve the area. The city should support EPCOR’s application to the ACC and work with them in their desire to provide water service to the RVF area.

This process will take some time to implement and in my opinion the City should resume the provision of water, on a humanitarian basis, to the property owners in RVF. They of course will have to pay for the water.

This would not be a charitable exercise but it would allow for the development of a secure water source and supply.

- Alex McLaren

Former mayor rips SUSD superintendent

Disrupt, Dismantle and Reconstruct.

Those are the driving words behind a desired transformation of the American ethos through a discriminating government bureaucratic change to our public educational system.

I’ve lived here in Scottsdale for 50 years and have always felt a sense of pride in our city and our country. We should be proud that we all have participated in the creation and sustaining this community of opportunity that welcomes all who want to participate with us in this great city.

In Dr. Scott A. Menzel’s interview with Torchlight Media he refers to White people, with negative connotation, as “affluent” or “advantaged”, or simply “problematic.” He also outlines the process behind his equitybased educational policy that drives his plans to “disrupt, dismantle and reconstruct” our educational system.

“Equity” has become for some a replacement term for “equality,” but they are not the same. “Equity” has very di erent and more commonly used meanings, but as used here is defined as the “quality of being fair and impartial.”

This aggressive transformation process is dangerous for students’ education and is fraught with unfairness and prejudice. The product will be in a constant state of flux, and that with subjective assignments of resources will undoubtedly denigrate the continuity of learning and educational experience of the students.

Dr Menzel indicates that equity decisions made will determine who will “benefit” and who will be “burdened” in this redistribution of resources. His

government-based analysis of subjective data and the derived subjective decisions from the new equity-based ideological education policies will dictate the how, what and by whom our students are taught in our local public schools.

In his interview with Torchlight Media, Dr. Menzel, paraphrases from Robin DeAngelo’s book “White Fragility.” He says, “White people need to feel comfortable and quite frankly we shouldn’t feel comfortable, we should feel really, really uncomfortable.”

He further says in denunciation of merit-based education, “In this country it’s about meritocracy” … “and it’s a “lie.” This is the beginnings of a psychological war on capitalism, earned success and free enterprise opportunity.

O cials based on assembled data and the analysis of it, will assess various groups impacted by social injustice, and then conclude how to redistribute resources based on the cost to remedy that condition

Dr. Menzel also argued that the American system must be “dismantled.” He is of a mind to argue; that he, as a “white male…I have an additional burden and obligation to dismantle.” Nowhere is there any consideration or mention of specifically parents’ input or interaction.

I believe that Dr. Menzel is not a good match for our community. In fact, if he can impose his mission to Disrupt, Dismantle and Reconstruct our school district’s educational system, I believe it would be detrimental to the education of our children and grandchildren.

For all SUSD parents and constituents, please be engaged on this very important subject and let your SUSD Governing Board members know how you feel.

-W.J. “Jim” Lane, Former Mayor of Scottsdale (2009-2021)

Arsenal Soccer taking next step toward pro development

BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

Since 1992, Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club has been one of the go-to programs for youth soccer players to compete at a high level in and outside Arizona.

The club expanded to join the United Premier Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League to cater to players ranging in ages 18 to 30 years old. The semi-professional environment has been a hit ever since for the premier flagship soccer club out of Bell Bank Park in Mesa. But now, Arsenal is looking to further extend its reach in the soccer space.

The club announced on January 19 it would join the United Soccer League, League Two, a division of the USL Championship that houses professional teams such as Phoenix Rising FC. It’s a monumental step for a club that aims to be seen as a direct path to a professional career in the sport for aspiring players.

“This is huge. We thought we were going to stick with the UPSL and WPSL, that was the move we made last year but we’re always looking to expand,” said Ty Iannone, Arsenal’s pre pro general manager and an assistant coach at Desert Vista.

“We’re always looking to create a better soccer environment in Arizona and to benefit our soccer membership at Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club. It felt like the move we had to make when the opportunity came forward to us.”

USL League Two is two steps down from the championship league, which houses professional clubs awaiting an opportunity to join Major League Soccer.

Founded in 1995, USL League Two is a semi-professional developmental league with 16 division across four conferences. Teams are spread out throughout the country, with several in the western part of the United States. FC Tucson was an expansion team in

USL League Two last season.

Arsenal’s League Two team will cater to collegiate athletes mostly but will be open to elite players in the 16- to 17-year-old age group as well as up to 30 years old. The League Two team will now become the flagship for the club. It will still have teams in the UPSL and WPSL also, as those will cater to those who are on the cusp of making the jump to the League Two team.

Arsenal still caters to the younger age groups as well.

“To see how much the club has grown from my time playing here to what it is now, it’s super exciting to be a part of it,” Iannone said. “I’m grateful for it and excited to see where it can grow in the next five to 10 years as we continue to grow.”

While an exciting new venture for the club and its players, it doesn’t come

without added expenses.

Iannone said the cost for the team to travel across the southwest region of the United States will be steep. They’ve looked into various sponsorships from local businesses across the Valley.

While it will be di cult, he is confident the club will be able to achieve their financial goals and put together a competitive team to compete in the USL League Two.

“It’s a big jump up, I’ll be honest,” Iannone said. “It’s expensive but we thought to create a better landscape of soccer in Arizona and to give a better opportunity to Arsenal alumni, collegiate athletes and aspiring professional athletes, we thought, ‘Let’s do this thing.’

“We want to make it as competitive and impactful for the state as we can.”

Arsenal’s League Two team will be coached by Adam Burke, whose soc-

cer coaching experience includes time with the Rising and most recently St. Louis youth teams.

Arsenal will soon hold tryouts for the League Two team. The team will play 14 matches in the regular season, seven of which will be held at Bell Bank Park’s stadium. The season will run from May to mid-July.

“I’m a kid in a candy shop,” Iannone said. “This is something Technical Director Dave Belfort and I have had in the works for a long time. We finally got it approved about a month ago and to get this announced and see the reactions on social media, it was super exciting.

“The hard work isn’t done yet. But as soon as that first whistle is blown on that first game, I know it’ll be super exciting for everybody that was involved putting this together.”

Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club is further expanding its reach into the semi-professional realm of soccer by joining USL League Two, a division of the United Soccer League which is home to the Phoenix Rising. Games will be played at Bell Bank Park in Mesa. (Dave Minton/Sta )

WM Phoenix Open brings the noise to Scottsdale

BY JOE MCHUGH Progress Staff Writer

After record-breaking attendance in 2022 with over 719,000 fans, the WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale tomorrow, Feb. 6.

“We're going to have probably 90,000 people per day at a minimum,” said tournament Chairman Pat Williams.

“Certainly, on the weekend, we’re going to have more, so with the sheer size and scale of our tournament, we'll have almost five or six days of people at our tournament that will match the Super Bowl crowd every day, which is really fun and exciting.”

Organized by the Thunderbirds, the

2023 WM Phoenix Open runs through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12.

It will host free practice rounds, and other peripheral events like Annexus Pro Am, the Special Olympics Putting contest starting Feb.9.

The 132-player field is loaded this year, with a commitment from the world’s top golfer, Rory McIlroy, as well as defending champion and No. 2-ranked Scottie Scheffler.

Other top-ranked players in the field are Xander Schauffele (6), Will Zalatoris (7), Justin Thomas (8), Collin Morikawa (9), Tony Finau (12), Sam Burns (13), Max Homa (16),

see WMPO page 37

New Relévant Gallery features esteemed photographer

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

When Relévant Galleries began exploring the idea of venturing into the southwest, it set

sights on one of the nation's top destinations; Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale.

The gallery officially opened Jan. 26 by welcoming guests into an open, modern space accentuated by west-

ern statues, contemporary Warholinspired art and vibrant photographs shot by renowned photographer David Yarrow of wildlife and western cities.

“We've always been interested in the art market down here and it just seemed to be a logical next step because it kind of goes along with our clientele and kind of our brand,” said gallery Director Justin Montgomery.

Relévant Galleries, which owns galleries in the Denver area and Santa Fe, wanted to make its entrance to the Scottsdale arts scene in style by featuring grand prints of Yarrow’s works in sizes from 50” to 72” diagonally.

“We represent about 100 artists through our parent company — American Design — and Relévant Galleries is a brand and we started to explore by pushing that brand forward with David Yarrow,” Montgomery said.

“We've been representing David for about two years now and it's just exploded with him being one of the hottest artists on the market. We've kind of decided to run with the success and represent him in new markets.”

It also helped that Yarrow shot a stunning series of works before the Scottsdale gallery opened.

“He did a series in Arizona of about eight pieces and we released those for the launch at the gallery featuring monuments like Monument Valley, Winslow and Route 66,” Montgomery said.

In addition to featuring notable scenes from around the state, some big names can be seen in these blackand-white stretched photographs like Cindy Crawford.

“He's got a very deep network from his past shoots to his collaborations to his philanthropy and all of the chari-

see RELEVANT page 37

After record-breaking attendance in 2022 with over 719,000 fans, the WM Phoenix Open returns to TPC Scottsdale, tomorrow, Feb. 6. (Courtesy of the WM Phoenix Open)

Justin Montgomery, regional director for Relévant Galleries, is excited about its new Scottsdale location, featuring the work of esteemed photographer David Yarrow. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Cameron Young (17), Sungjae Im (19), Shane Lowry (20) and Tommy Fleetwood (24). Golfers had to commit by last Friday.

“It’s just going to have a tremendous effect on our tournament overall,” Williams said. “Our fans who are there to see golf, are going to see the best players in the world. It's really exciting for us to have a field that really will rival any major tournament, or one of the majors in golf, so we couldn't be more excited.”

Another player joining the field is 2022 WM Phoenix Open T14 finisher Chris Kirk, who will be looking to capture the title. Kirk has participated in the WM Phoenix Open 10 times in the last 11 years. Only being cut twice in that span, Kirk knows how to navigate the course.

“I think that the course just sets up really great for me,” Kirk said. “It gets a little bit of a reputation of bombers playing well there, but I feel like you’ve got to drive really good out there, especially the par fives, it's really important to hit fairways.”

Kirk was on a roll in the 2021-2022 season, coming off one of the better years. He’s placed well in big tournaments like the PGA Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Honda Classic and RBC Canadian Open, finishing top 10 in each event. His momentum has carried into the new season, as he has played in seven events, only missing two cuts. His success continues this season, missing the same number of cuts.

The WM Phoenix Open is one of 17 tournaments this season designated for a bigger purse. The players will compete for a $3.6 million first-place prize, more than double the 2022 purse. This prize is pulled from a $20 million purse in 2023, $11.8 million above the $8.2 million purse last year, as well as 500 FedEx Cup points.

“I'm expecting a great field, maybe the best field we've ever had,” Williams said. “At the core, what makes this work is the players and we need and want a good field every year. It's very important to the success of the tournament.”

One of the oldest events on the PGA

Tour, the WM Phoenix Open will be entering its 88th iteration. The structure of the golf tournament has evolved, turning from an ordinary golf event to a spectacle.

The 2023 WM Phoenix Open experience will feature many of the things that were at last year’s event, like the return of the 36,000-square-foot Fairway House, a general admission structure on the highest point of the golf course that offers the best views.

Starting on Monday, the first of two pro-am events, the Carlisle Pro-Am, will be held and has free admission.

The following day is a free practice round, where the pros will be in action, sharpening their game and concocting a winning game plan. Tuesday will also include the Special Olympics putting contest, paving the way for the tournament thank organizations for supporting the event.

Come Wednesday, the stars are out to shine in the Annexus Pro-Am. Participants include former Arizona Cardinals running back and Super Bowl champion, Emmitt Smith, ASU alumni and the most decorated Olympic athlete, Michael Phelps and three-time MVP Albert Pujols.

“Wednesday is maybe my favorite day of the week,” Williams said. “Wednesday is our pro-am day, but it's also our shot at glory which, if fans haven't been to that, shot of glory is a fantastic honor and tribute to our military. And we have a really neat event where we'll have some people hit shots at the 16th hole for charity.”

“As much as I am excited, I'm just proud that myself and the support of 54 other active Thunderbirds, and 200 plus more-like Thunderbirds have all worked very hard this year to make this tournament what it will be,” Williams said.

If You Go:

ties that he associates with,” Montgomery said.

“Because of that, a lot of celebrity clientele have embraced him and his program and some of the models that he works with would be Cara Delevingne, Cindy Crawford, Alessandra Ambrosio, Brooks Nader and Josie Canseco. Those are kind of his main muses.”

Currently, photographs of Crawford can be seen in the gallery.

Though celebrity models give viewers of the work faces to hunt for, the real stars of Yarrow's photographs tend to be the animals he captured with his camera.

The gallery features headshots of animals like tigers juxtaposed with unique shots of trained wild animals like wolves and bears in scenes with the models.

The latter photographs end up being mutually beneficial as a portion of the purchase of the photographs will be donated to a wildlife charity the models support.

Annually, Yarrow donates an estimated $5 million to wildlife charities, according to Montgomery.

“He likes to align himself and the brand with anybody who could bring awareness to his philanthropy, the wildlife associations and move the needle with contributions,” Montgomery said.

Although these works rake in large funding for conservation efforts, the works offer a medium of art that is unlike most works that can be seen within the galleries throughout Old Town.

“It's almost larger than life and it presents a story, whether it's the wildlife or the stage set photography, or what he calls storytelling,” Montgomery said. “It just brings you into the work. A lot of the subject matter is staring directly at you, and he does that specifically to bring you into the work.”

Also inside Relévant Galleries, located along Main Street and Scottsdale Road, are western sculptures crafted by famous bronze sculptor Gibbs Singleton and contemporary mixed-media pop art created by emerging artist DeVon.

DeVon has a direct linkage to pop art legend Andy Warhol in that he is the protégé of Steve Kaufman, who was once the legendary artist’s protégé.

Because of this, the gallery has a distinct layout to marry the 20 photographs with a collection of statues and a selection of eye-popping contemporary art.

“We wanted to put the focus and the attention on David Yarrow because he is our superstar artist and then fill the gallery out with the bronze and the pop art,” Montgomery said.

“I think we're a breath of fresh air and from the feedback that we've gotten so far, everybody appreciates the fact that we're here and everybody likes the work that we're showcasing,” Montgomery said.

Relévant Galleries 7165 E Main St., Scottsdale. 480-941-4001. relevantgalleries.com

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on February 22, 2023, at 5:00 P.M in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, for the purpose of hearing all persons who wish to comment on the following:

Written comments submitted electronically at least one hour prior to the meeting are being accepted. A written Public Comment may be submitted electronically to PlanningCommission@ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Public comments will also be accepted at the meeting.

4-AB-2022 (Khan Residence Land Additions) Request by owner to abandon portions of the “old” E. Cholla alignment, adjacent to parcel 217-27-015B, with Single-family Residential District (R1-43) zoning designation, located at 10634 E. Cholla Lane. Owner to dedicate property interests to the City. Staff contact person is Jesus Murillo, (480) 312-7849. Applicant contact person is Jeff Wagner, (602) 689-5187.

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov search “Scottsdale Planning Case Files” or in your URL search bar you can type in https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/

A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE FOLLOWING:

Online at: http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Boards/planning-commission

CHAIRMAN

Attest

CAITLYN GULSVIG

Planning Specialist

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov

PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY MAY REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION BY CONTACTING THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767). REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, OR AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ALLOW TIME TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATION. FOR TTY USERS, THE ARIZONA RELAY SERVICE (1-800-367-8939) MAY CONTACT THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767).

c e s t h a t r e q d v l p m t o f r e a l time, synchronization, custom, & on-demand applica t i o n s & i n v o l v e c o m m u n i c a t i o n & c o o r d i n a t i o n b e t w e e n i n t e r n a l & e x t e r n a l t e c h n i c a l t e a m s P a r t icipate in the creation of reports & dashboards to aid i n t h e m o n i t o r i n g & t r o u b l e s h o o t i n g o f t h e i n t e g r ation processes & will be expected to take a proactiv e a p p r o a c h t o u t i l i z i n g t h e s e r e p o r t s t o m o n i t o r t h e production environment Utilize understanding of integration environment, relationship between system s & t h e f l o w o f d a t a t h r o u g h t h e s / w a r e d v l p m t l i f ec y c l e ( S D L C ) i n o r d e r t o l e a d & s u p p o r t t e c h n i c al p r o j e c t s o n t h e d v l p m t t e a m C r e a t e , t e s t , & m a i nt a i n m i g r a t i o n , i n t e g r a t i o n , s y n c h r o n i z a t i o n , & on d e m a n d w e b s e r v i c e s P r o a c t i v e l y m o n i t o r i n t e g r ation performance to ensure highest level of availability & directs adjustments when necessary Create & m a n a g e d o c u m e n t a t i o n d e s c r i b i n g t h e i n t e g r a t i o n services that have been created to aid in the code rev i e w p r o c e s s T r o u b l e s h o o t i n t e g r a t i o n r e l a t e d i ss u e s i n t h e i n t e g r a t i o n e n v i r o n m e n t s M a k e r e c o mm e n d a t i o n s b a s e d o n o b s e r v a t i o n s & k n o w l e d g e of b e s t p r a c t i c e s . O r g a n i z e , p r i o r i t i z e & m a n a g e m u l t d v l p m t s t r e a m s & d e p l o y m e n t s F a c i l i t a t e c o m m unication & coordination between internal & external t e c h n i c a l t e a m s P r o d u c e & c r e a t e d e p l o y m e n t & other release documentation Support & validate integration production release activities Reqs: Bach' s d e g ( o r f o r e i g n e q u i v ) i n C o m p S c i , E n g g , o r r e l t d field; 4 yrs of exp in providing high level, hands-on t e c h n i c a l s u p p o r t o f T I B C O s / w a r e i n c l B u s i n e s sW o r k s ( B W ) , E n t e r p r i s e M e s s a g e S e r v i c e ( E M S ) , Administrator, HAWK, & CLE, w/ a primary focus on the ESB platform; 4 yrs of exp w/ real time integr a t i o n ; 4 y r s o f e x p i n t h e f o l l o w i n g t e c h n o l o g i e s : J 2 EE, J av a, X M L, X P ath , & S O A P U I ; 4 y r s o f exp w / S Q L k n o w l e d g e o f s t o r e d p r o c e d u r e s ; 3 y r s o f exp w/ dvlpmt & testing of web services; 1 yr of exp managing multi-phase dvlpmt projects The role ma y presently be performed remotely in the State of AZ, b u t t h i s i s s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e A p p l y o n l i n e a t www republicservices jobs or submit resume to Rep u b l i c S e r v i c e s , S B o g a n , 1 8 5 0 0 N A l l i e d W a y , P h o e n i x , A Z 8 5 0 5 4 R e f : E G - C I 0 M - 2 3

C o l l e c t i v e l y K e l l e r W i l l i a m s L u x u r y h a s s o l d o v e r $ 9 8 b i l l i o n i n

2 1 a n d Y e a r t o d a t e K e l l e r W i l l i a m s L u x u r y h a s r e p r e s e n t e d o v e r 4 8 , 0 0 0 b u y e r ’ s a n d s e l l e r ’ s o v e r $ 1 M K W c o n t i n u e s t o e x p a n d g l o b a l l y a n d r e m a i n s t h e n u m b e r o n e r e a l e s t a t e c o m p a n y i n t h e w o r l d a s r a n k e d b y R e a l t r e n d s T h e B V O L u x u r y G r o u p i s n o w i n i t ’ s 3 r d g e n e r a t i o n , M a r i c o p a C o u n t y ’ s # 1 R e a l E s t a t e T e a m o f t h e y e a r

t t s d a l e

The Most Unexpected Real Estate Trend to Come Out of 2022

The market flipped! Nobody expected the bottom to fall out, but like a good upside-down cake, there is opportunity for everyone We will continue to see the shift in the market throughout 2023 with home sales about 20% below the 6 1 million home sales of 2021 and 4 8 million home sales in 2022

For buyer’s the pro’s are long and the con’s are short.

Pro’s:

• More inventory

• Price negotiations

• No need to waive inspections

• No need to waive appraisals

• No bidding wars

• Move in at close of escrow

• Time to think

• Seller paid closing costs

• Seller repairs

Con’s:

• Higher interest rates that are still reflective of 30 year averages

Conclusion: Buyer’s can now marry the house they love and date the rate

For Seller’s the pro’s and con’s are flipped but let’s focus on the pro’s.

• Move up to a larger home with recent equity gains

• Downsize to a smaller home with cash

• Sell NOW and capitalize on equity gains while sitting on the sidelines. You never lose money taking chips off the table

Help Buyers Emotionally Connect

Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer Updating décor with on-trend, inviting style particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms can make a memorable impression.

If you are thinking of selling your home, now more than ever your home must be in TOP condition. At BVO Luxury we offer FREE home improvement and staging consultations

“Anyone who dreams of an uncommon life eventually discovers there is no choice but to seek an uncommon approach to living it ” - Gary Keller, The ONE Thing