Anita Carr

Anita Carr died on September 21, 2007 and left behind a wonderful legacy for her family and our community. Her lifelong passions were dogs, horses, wolves, and all wildlife. She remained committed to the wildlife and preservation of the Sonoran desert where she lived and which she loved. While terminally ill and in the last months of her life, Anita, along with her husband Dan, negotiated a settlement for an environmental lawsuit - a battle which Anita waged for seven years - to preserve the habitat of the local Sonoran desert. The negotiated settlement was that the developer agreed to donate $50,000.00 each to two local wildlife organizations: Wild At Heart and Southwest Wildlife. Anita is survived by a proud family: her husband Dan, her children Jay, Jeff, and Ann, stepchildren Cathy, Ronald, and Richard, and grandchildren Emily Grace, April, Heather, Marion, Jake, Josh, Sara, Jena, Alexis, and Caden. Anita died at her home in Cave Creek, AZ, after a long and courageous struggle against cancer. She was 65. Posted December 18, 2007.

Mayor Mary Manross has announced success in halting the auction of 1700 acres of state trust land. The acreage is part of land within Scottsdale city limits projected for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. During a television interview on December 11, 2007, Governor Janet Napolitano said that Manross was instrumental in halting the auction of 1700 acres that Scottsdale voters have indicated they want to include in the preserve. Mark Winkleman, Arizona State Land Commissioner, had previously announced that some or all of the 1700 acres would be auctioned in 2008. The land includes acreage between and adjacent to northern Pima and Scottsdale Roads. The Governor said that Mayor Manross “made some good arguments” in favor of the state's not auctioning the land. Governor Napolitano has taken up the cause of state trust land reform. Napolitano said good progress is being made with the state legislature and she expects that reform will be on the ballot as early as 2008. Posted December 18, 2007.

Scenic Drive "Obliteration" Update. Good news. The City of Scottsdale is now producing a transportation master plan for the city. As part of its analysis, transportation has run computer models using data provided by the Maricopa Association of Governments that factor in expected growth, probable traffic patterns in surrounding communities, etc. As a result of these studies, the designation of Scottsdale Road from Happy Valley north to Carefree Highway has been changed to four lanes, minor arterial. Pima Road from Dynamite Blvd. north to the city limit will have the same designation. The matter was discussed at the November 29th transportation commission, which voted 5-0 in favor of the change from six lanes. The changes were discussed and given informal approval by the city council at its December 11th meeting..  Friends of the Scenic Drive had opposed the widening of these road sections to six lanes (See October 15th post, "Friends of the Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association ...").  The "minor arterial" designation should be very helpful in protecting the Sonoran character of the foothills. Posted December 18, 2007.

 The Foothills Community Foundation wants to thank everyone who volunteered to create or participate in the 54th Annual Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant. Unfortunately, the Pageant was cancelled due to bad weather on Saturday and damage to the set and equipment on Sunday. We would like to acknowledge those people who would have made the event a great success! Meribeth & Matt Reeves and there sizable crew of luminaria workers planned to put out a spectacular display around the five-mile trail to Spur Cross. Steve Norris prepared the impressive choir. Toby Payne was once again in charge of providing and installing the lighting and sound system that would of transformed the desert into a beautiful performance space. Meribeth Reeves provided the poster design, Doug Foley provided the printing and Vickilyn Hussey did all publicity for the event, hoping to bring even more people in to enjoy the annual event. To read complete letter. Posted December 18, 2007.

The City of Scottsdale says that teens looking for a cool summer job with appealing pay and benefits can apply with the city’s aquatics program.  Applications for various positions are available, and training classes start soon.  Don’t delay, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/hr/jobs.asp for details. Posted December 15, 2007.

  Scottsdale Police are asking park users to be aware of what they leave behind in their vehicles when visiting Scottsdale's parks. A majority of vehicle burglaries are committed without any force. The following tips will reduce the opportunity of you becoming a victim of a crime: 1) Remove all valuables from your vehicle including purses, wallets, laptops, golf clubs, and personal items, 2) Secure items in the trunk if you are unable to remove them 3) Lock your doors and remove your keys from the ignition, 4) Consider installing an alarm system and using a steering wheel lock, 5) Enroll your car in the Watch Your Car Program at http://www.AZwatchyourcar.com. For more information contact the Scottsdale Police department at (480) 312-5000.  Posted December 15, 2007.

Students receive dictionaries during school assembly program.

            The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak donated and delivered 300 student dictionaries to third grade students at Granada East primary School during October. Rotary members that participated in this promotion of higher education project were Sherry Mischel, club president, Eloise and Gene Koonce, Robin Craig, Shirley Prouty, Peter Mc Sorley, and Joe Wolfe. This year the club has donated over 700 dictionaries to three different primary schools in the Valley. For many of the students, this is the first book they have ever owned.  Posted November 14, 2007.

            Grayhawk Community Park development will benefit from a $225,614 grant received by the City of Scottsdale. This grant supplements the Bond 2000 budgeted funds of $8.2 million. Plans for this new community level park located on Hayden and Thompson Peak Parkway will include four lighted multi-use fields, a playground, lighted basketball courts, and a maintenance compound. For more information on the planned park, visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/neighborhood/grayhawkcommunity.asp. Posted November 14, 2007.

            Scottsdale North Marketplace, the northeast Valley’s newest upscale neighborhood shopping center, officially opened to the public during November. Located at the southeast corner of Scottsdale and Lone Mountain roads, it is anchored by the new 27,728-square-foot AJ’s Fine Foods store, which will feature an extensive selection of wines and a wine-tasting area, dining bistro with daily chef-prepared hot entrees; wood fired pizza oven, boulangerie with specialty items, and an outdoor barbeque and patio seating. The new center features an assortment of specialty retail services, boutiques, home furnishings and restaurants, including Bella Day Spa, Adam & Eve Medspa, The Quintessential Bride and Formal Wear, Martinizing Dry Cleaners, Casa Paloma Interiors, and Chase Bank. Posted November 14, 2007.

Staff celebrates opening of new First National Bank office.

            First National Bank recently opened its newest location in Pinnacle Peak at 8711 East Pinnacle Peak Road (Southwest Corner of Pinnacle Peak and Pima). Bank staff celebrated the grand opening in style in late October with many clients, prospects, neighbors, and friends. According to Cynthia Adam, Relationship Manager, First National Bank is a privately held, family owned, and customer focused business. For additional information about the new location, call (480) 419-5971. Posted November 14, 2007.

           Troon North Park information is available online at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/troonnorth. The site includes a map of the approved master plan and a Power Point presentation that was given at October’s public meeting. Visitors can also enter comments for consideration by City of Scottsdale staff. Posted November 14, 2007.

            Southwest Wildlife’s Education Department will be hosting a variety of wildlife /conservation special events, tours, and programs over the next several months. Nature Center and tailored school trips are available in addition to monthly programs for preschoolers, homeschoolers, and Girl Scouts. Community and school outreach programs, designed to meet the needs of the requesting organization or individual, are also available on a variety of subjects such as Arizona’s wildlife, predators, the Mexican Gray wolf, and Arizona’s lost cats, jaguars, jaguarandi, and ocelots. School outreach programs are designed to enhance students’ wildlife and conservation studies and are offered for grades Pre-K -12, either in the classroom or in assembly format. A variety of subjects is available. Information is available online at www.southwestwildlife.org (choose the Classes, Programs, and Camps option) or by calling (480) 471-3621. Posted October 15, 2007.

            Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak opened on November 5th and will serve residents of northeast Phoenix, north Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Rio Verde, and Anthem. The new facility will have access to all of the other services provided through Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. The new facility includes a family-friendly ER with 12 private rooms and four observation beds, 56 telemetry-capable inpatient beds, eight-bed ICU, six operating rooms, two interventional labs, general surgery, internal medicine (including cardiology and gastroenterology), orthopedics, ear, nose and throat, maxillofacial and plastic surgery, hand surgery, full radiology and cardiology diagnostic services, and Arizona’s first Ambient Experience MRI and CT suites. It’s located at 7400 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Posted October 15, 2007.

            The City of Scottsdale has announced that residents can request a self-audit water kit. Following the step-by-step instructions, users can discover ways to reduce water use and find leaks that can be fixed to save money and conserve water. To learn more, visit www.wateruseitwisely.com or call (480) 312-5650. Also, to reduce holiday water consumption, add pine needles from Christmas trees to the compost pile or bag them for mulch. For more conservation tips, visit www.wateruseitwisely.com or call (480) 312-5650. Finally, holiday wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons are not recyclable and don’t belong in mauve recycling containers; place them in the black garbage containers. Plain cardboard gift boxes can be recycled. For more information, call Solid Waste Management at (480) 312-5600. Posted October 15, 2007.

            The City of Scottsdale says that Scottsdale property owners are now saving money on their flood insurance thanks to the city’s flood prevention and management efforts . Scottsdale recently scored tops in the state during a federal audit of flood plain management, ranking in the top five percent of all U.S. cities and counties. As a result, Scottsdale's rating from the National Flood Insurance Program improved, collectively saving flood insurance policyholders nearly $200,000 a year ($23 per year for each of the 8,386 policyholders in the city). Policyholders in designated special flood hazard areas will see flood insurance premiums, previously discounted by 15 percent, now reduced by 20 percent. Policyholders outside the special hazard areas will see their premiums reduced by 10 percent, rather than the previous 5 percent discount. Because unpredictable weather, Scottsdale urges all residents to consider carrying flood insurance. More information can be found at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm. Posted October 15, 2007.

            The City of Scottsdale has made several announcements related to on-going development projects. The Classic Residence facility at Silverstone (formerly Rawhide site) has been approved by the city's Development Review Board (DRB). A design team is currently preparing final plans in order to seek building permits. In addition, another residential site to the west of the Classic Residence site has been submitted for DRB review. Developers also indicate plans to be submitted for an additional residential site in the near future. For more information, Greg Williams senior planner, (480) 312-4205, gwilliams@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
            The initial phase of recreational improvements at the Grayhawk Park, located at the southwest corner of Thompson Peak Parkway and Hayden Road, have been approved by the city's Development Review Board. Improvements include ball fields, basketball courts, a playground and some open turf areas along with expanded parking areas. For more information, contact Jeff Ruenger, associate planner, (480) 312-4208, jruenger@ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Posted September 15, 2007.

            The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is seeking volunteer docents. If you're looking for an exciting way to spend your time, use your people skills and help enrich the lives of  others? invites you to learn about the fascinating world of contemporary art, meet interesting people, and make a difference in the community by becoming a Museum guide. Docents are volunteers who are trained by SMoCA's Education Department to give tours of the museum's exhibitions to school children and adults. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to participate in the docent program. Come have a cup of coffee, meet some new friends, and find out more about this fun and rewarding experience for prospective Museum guides. On Monday, September 10th, 9:30 a.m. SMoCA is holding a free coffee and information session at Stage 2 Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 East Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For information and to RSVP, call (480) 874-4641. Posted August 19, 2007.

            Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills has expanded its "smart building efforts." The Habitat Desert Foothills’ “smart building” program promotes building strategies that provide healthy indoor air quality, durability and energy efficiency for homeowners. Only energy efficient appliances are installed, and water conservation and passive solar heating strategies are integral in the design for the homes. Plans for the Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills current building project at Blue Ridge Drive and Cave Creek Road include building healthy, energy efficient and durable housing at the lowest possible cost. This strategy will greatly benefit new residents in the long run, as well as allowing this local affiliate to be a good steward of the Desert Foothills community’s natural resources. abitat for Humanity Desert Foothills is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry dedicated to building decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need in Desert Foothills. Since2001, Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills has worked with 16 families to build homes. For more information, visit www.hfhdf.org.  Posted August 19, 2007.    

The Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA) has announced a new Peak Awards Program for Students. The program is designed to enable students to take advantage of the A Peek at the Peak magazine (The Peak), a community service magazine, to have fun, receive recognition, and bolster their self-confidence. The article “Peak Awards for Students Announced” introduces the program. If you are aware of a middle school or high school student who lives in The Peak’s distribution area who enjoys writing and photography, encourage them to participate. Posted August 19, 2007.

Friends of the Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association has formed a committee to design new "memory" exhibits for the scenic drive exhibit area that will include information about the heritage of the Desert Foothills and Pinnacle Peak area. The idea for the exhibits comes from the Pilgrims who were impressed by the Indians' simple, community-oriented approach to preserving and sharing local historical information.
            The exhibits will provide information about native peoples, mining, military, ranching, homesteading, annexation, preservation, and other topics related to our area’s unique past. Volunteer committee members include Horst Berkner, Judy Conklin, Les Conklin, Barbara Copeland, Herb Grasse, and Marg Nelssen. The committee plans to showcase their designs at Cookout at the Ranch. The new exhibit will be funded by the nonprofit organization. The public's support is welcome. For additional information, read "Let’s Create Our Own Memory Trail – Part I." Posted August 17, 2007

                       The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has launched a new online ticketing system. Read all about it in this press release. Click Here. ( PDF 84 KB). Posted August 19, 2007.

             The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has begun a series of significant property enhancements, including a complete casita guest room and suite makeover, as well as a transformation of the Lobby, Lobby Lounge and the Acacia restaurant. “With these enhancements, we are emphasizing a forward-thinking approach to technology and design,” says General Manager Tom Kelly. “Our goal is raise the bar of luxury in the Southwest, while preserving the distinct sense of place of our home in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.”      The approximately $14 million project will enhance the Resort’s 210 guest rooms and suites with a complete softgoods makeover and technological enhancements, including wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, MP3 player docking stations and electronic private bars. The project also will encompass the Lobby, Lobby Lounge and the Resort’s signature contemporary steakhouse, Acacia. The current back-to-back fireplace will be converted to an open fire pit, framed by glass to better highlight the views, thereby creating a seamless experience between the indoor dining area and outdoor patio. Similar to the Lobby Lounge patio, the exterior of the Acacia patio will be enclosed in a low glass wall rather than the current wood railing. Also included in the Acacia development will be the addition of a new private wine tasting room, modeled after the communal tables of a Spanish tapas bar, and set with high stools to create a comfortable, engaging social setting for a private tasting or dinner. Additionally, Acacia will receive wood floors throughout, new sconces and lighting, and custom seating elements designed to invoke a residential, lively experience.
     For more information on Four Seasons, visit www.fourseasons.com. The resort is located at 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 513-5020. Posted July 12, 2007

     Friends of the Scenic Drive, a division of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, has announced a tentative schedule for its 2007-2008 Scenic Drive cleanups. Picking up litter is more enjoyable than you would expect and you'll leave will a sense of pride having helped your community. And, there will be at least 13 miles of roadside (6 1/2 miles on each side) that will look terrific. New volunteers are welcome. Join 40-100 other volunteers and sign-in at the location that is most convenient for you. Our volunteers man two sign-locations: #1. northern Scenic Drive entry sign (located on west side of Scottsdale Road just south of Carefree Highway, in front of Terravita Marketplace), #2. Scenic Drive monument sign area (located on east side of Scottsdale Road 3/4 mile north of Happy Valley Road, across from MacDonald's Ranch). The tentative dates are Saturday, October 27, 2007, 7:45 a.m. (City-wide Treasures and Trash), Saturday, December 8, 2007, 8 a.m., Saturday, January 19, 2008, 8 a.m.,  Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8 a.m.,Saturday, April 19, 2008, 7:45 a.m. (City-wide Scottsdale Pride Day). For details and an up-to-date schedule, visit www.scenicdrive.org (Events).  Posted July 12, 2007     

               The Scottsdale Cultural Council has awarded $57,714 to 16 nonprofit organizations through its 2007-08 Community Arts Grant Program. The Cultural Council received 25 applications requesting a total of $163,625 in support. An all-volunteer panel reviewed the grant applications and made funding recommendations to the Cultural Council. The grants are funded by the City of Scottsdale through a direct appropriation to the Cultural Council and provide support for Scottsdale and Valley arts and cultural organizations to foster community engagement, professionalism and long-term growth in Scottsdale's arts community. Posted July 12, 2007.

     The City of Scottsdale has announced that its "Fall Parks and Recreation Classes & Programs Brochure" is due out July 20. Activities vary and range from belly dancing to pottery to swimming lessons. The brochure is mailed directly to your household if you have registered or been wait-listed for a program over the previous year. You can also request to be placed on the mailing list by calling (480) 312-7957. The brochure will also be available online at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Sports/brochure.Registration for After-School Programs begins July 24 and for leisure education classes on August 8. Posted July 12, 2007.

     Scottsdale City Manager Janet M. Dolan has been elected chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Management Committee. Dolan was elected to the position by fellow members of the Management Committee, which comprises the managers oradministrators of 25 cities and towns, three Native American Indian Communities, Maricopa County, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Regional Public Transportation Authority. The Management Committee is responsible for providing recommendations to MAG’s governing body, the Regional Council, on technical matters and policy implications. The committee provides input on issues such as air quality, transportation, human services, population and employment projections, and other regional issues. Dolan moves into the chair position after serving as vice chair since January 2006. She also served as chair of the MAG Transportation Review Committee from 2002 to 2005. In 2001, she served as a member of the MAG Governance Task Force, which resulted in the creation of the Transportation Policy Committee and for the first time allowed private sector representation on a major policy committee. Posted July 12, 2007.

    The City of Scottsdale has announced that its Water Quality Report is available on the city's Web site at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/Quality/default.asp. The publication contains a large amount of information on the city's drinking water supply and conservation efforts. It details where drinking water comes from, what's in it and how it is treated. Published annually as a requirement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the report is being mailed to all Scottsdale water customers. For questions about Scottsdale's water quality or the Water Quality Report, please contact a Water Quality staff member at (480) 312-8732. Posted July 12, 2007.

     The City of Scottsdale has a full text search engine to assist users in locating documents. Online access to documents such as City Council agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions and contracts has been available since December 2005 on the Scottsdale Web site. Search capabilities, however, were limited to dates and document numbers making it sometimes time-consuming to find a specific record. Under the new full text search tool, users enter the type of document they are seeking, a date or date range and then have an option of entering a word or phrase in a keyword search field. By including more details, a data base search returns a more specific list of responsive documents and makes finding information easier. The new keyword search feature is part of the city's electronic document management system that provides important public documents in an electronic format for easy access over the Internet. Here is a link to the new site: http://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/clerkdocs2/Disclaimer.aspx. Posted July 12, 2007.

     Preserve News Watch, an e-newsletter published by Matt Kalina of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, tracks local news coverage of Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve and provides links to the stories. Matt's newsletter is a terrific way to keep up-to-date. The June 13th issue, which we've posted here, links to an article that reports state trust land sales and leases are expected to set a record, along with remarks by State Land Commissioner Mark Winkleman.

        Southwest Wildlife hired Michelle Myers (pictured right) in February as its new Education Director. Michelle comes to Southwest from the Arizona Science Center, where she had been their family program coordinator. Michelle has also been the night camp assistant manager, an animal keeper, and an outreach specialist for the Phoenix Zoo. Michelle and Hillary Williams Assistant Education Director, have already proven to be a spectacular, enthusiastic team, dramatically increasing the number educational programs over the past few months.
        Community Wildlife Programs, which may be held at parks, libraries, or your group’s location, are designed to meet the needs of the individuals or organization requesting the programs. They also offer teachers the opportunity to enhance their students’ wildlife and conservation studies with classroom presentations and school assemblies which are based upon Arizona state curriculum standards and offered to grades Pre-K - 12.
        Nature Center Programs offer the opportunity to look into the eyes of living wild animals, including: mountain lions, gray foxes, kit foxes, raccoons, coatis, Mexican gray wolves, porcupines, coyotes, javelina, deer, bobcats, and bears! Possible programs include Nature Center tours, school field trips, Kindermornings (preschool programs), Camp Wild (day camps for kids), Home School Tuesdays, and Girl Scout workshops.
        The Nature Center also occasionally hosts Special Children & Family Wildlife Events. Two upcoming events: Wild Desert Nights (July 28) and Jennifer Ward will launch/read/sign her new children’s wildlife book (November 10).  For more information on the wildlife education programs available at Southwest Wildlife, please visit www.southwestwildlife.org or call the Education Department at (480) 471-3621.

The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people, has launched an innovative online carbon calculator that allows people to better understand how their daily choices can affect global warming and the future of our planet. The calculator is distinctive in showing how individual choices and actions either increase or decrease a user's impact on global warming. It provides information about the choices people make each day in their homes, their travels, and even in their daily meals. Unlike other calculators, it puts these choices in context, allowing them to better understand the relative impact of their actions.
          The calculator also provides tips and suggestions for reducing emissions and allows people to compare their overall impact to national and worldwide averages. It estimates emissions of all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide. Because some of the gases that drive global warming and climate change stick around in the atmosphere for up to a century or more, today's actions will make a difference to several generations that follow. The carbon calculator can be found on The Nature Conservancy’s Web site www.nature.org/carboncalculator. Learn more about the Conservancy's climate change efforts at www.nature.org/climatechange/. For more information about the Conservancy's work in Arizona, visit www.nature.org/arizona.

Grayhawk Community Park, located at the southwest corner of Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway, is a future 56-acre City of Scottsdale park. Preliminary plans for Phase I of the park include four lighted multi-use fields, parking, a maintenance building, a restroom/concession building, lighted multi-use courts, and a playground. The city held several community meetings in 2006 to solicit the public's input on the design and amenities, and the city is currently in the design phase. As the design nears completion, the next step is the city's Design Review Board, which is anticipated to occur in July. Following approval by the Design Review Board, Phase I will go out to bid and construction will start soon after. Construction is expected to begin in the Winter 2007 with park completion estimated in Spring 2008. Phase I is estimated to cost $8.2 million and is funded through the Bond 2000 program. For more information on Grayhawk Community Park visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Parks/neighborhood/GrayhawkCommunity.asp.

The City of Scottsdale has clarified regulations for residential exterior lighting in environmentally sensitive lands (ESL) areas. The Environmentally Sensitive Lands overlay applies to 2/3 of Scottsdale located roughly north of the Central Arizona Canal and is designed to protect and maintain the unique desert character of this area. The ESL ordinance includes requirements related to exterior lighting. The city recently approved a zoning interpretation related to residential exterior lighting in ESL to clarify what types of light bulbs and light fixtures meet city regulations. Additional information is provided on-line at: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/design/Lighting/SFRinESL.asp.

The City of Scottsdale has announced that its citizen property tax rate will decrease next year. You can read the press release by clicking here: Truth in Taxation Notice.

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy has announced five free BBB (Back Before Breakfast) summer hikes. All the hikes will begin at 6 a.m. and be completed by 9 a.m. No reservations are required. The hikes will be held on the following Saturdays, June 16, June 23, July 4, July 14, and July 21. For more information about each hike, refer to the applicable date in the events calendar.

Mel Cassio creates many of the business advertisements that you see in The Peak. Mel's a graphic designer and Web developer. In fact, the Lewis and Clark Museum in St. Louis had Mel develop its Web site. Mel has a sense of humor and suggests that you "start your week with this. It only takes 60 seconds." The Peak followed the instructions and it worked for us. Before you visit Google, read the instructions.

1. Go to www.google.com, 2. Click on "maps," 3. Click on "get directions," 4. Type "New York" in the first box (the "from" box), 5. Type "London" in the second box (the "to" box), 6. Click on "get directions." Hopefully, you will laugh when you get to step #23.

                       The Scottsdale Fire Department is urging residents to renew the batteries in their smoke alarms. With 70 percent of fire deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms, it is important to ensure you and your loved ones are safe. Change your batteries now and replace them if necessary. For more information on smoke alarms, contact Patty Jo Angelini, Fire Department public education officer, at (480) 312-1815 or www.scottsdalefd.com.

                       The Phoenix City Council approved in February the State Land Office's final zoning case of the state land area west of Scottsdale Road, from Pinnacle Peak to Jomax roads. As part of the zoning case and with Scottsdale staff input, the State Land Office agreed to remove C-2 commercial zoning previously planned for the southwest corner of Jomax and Scottsdale roads, reduce the density of the majority of the land along the southern edge of Jomax to the original RE-35 (1-acre/DU) and approve scenic corridor setbacks along Scottsdale Road of an average width of 100-feet for commercial development and 50-feet for residential development zoning. GPPA, The Peak, and Friends of the Scenic Drive had lobbied against the upzoning of the Jomax property because it is on the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, which was established by residents in 1963. For more information, call Tim Conner, principle planner, (480) 312-7833, tconner@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.

            The Arizona State Land Department has put approximately 1,700 acres within the Scottsdale voter-approved Preserve boundary into the planning process for a potential future auction and development. The planning process is moving ahead and could take nine months or more. During that process, the developer doing the planning for the state will study the land and seek input from interested parties including adjacent neighborhoods and area and user interests. Scottsdale Mayor Manross has emphatically urged the state to table the planning request. In the March 2007 issue of the organization's newsletter, Carla, Executive Director, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, writes "... you can help by contacting the State Land Commissioner's boss, Governor Napolitano, and asking her to table the application. During her State of the State address, the Governor made some very positive comments about the need for state trust land reform and committing to smart growth in Arizona. We think that respecting local open space land, like the Preserve, would be a big step in that direction. Her contact information is at http://azgovernor.gov/contact.asp and I would encourage you to e-mail, write or call if possible. The more of us that speak up the greater the chance we will be listened to."  The Coalition of Pinnacle Peak has also requested that its members contact the governor and request that the application be tabled. For additional information, including the location and photographs of threatened land, see January 2006 E-Brief Monthly article.  

            Paper or plastic? Next time you shop, ask for paper. Plastic grocery bags are the #1 contaminant in the City of Scottsdale's curbside recycling program. Paper bags can be recycled and also can hold loose items. For more information, call (480) 312-5600 or visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle. P.S. If you've ever picked up roadside litter, you know what a problem the plastic bags are in our Sonoran environment. They get stuck on the needles and thorns of our desert vegetation, which is not good for the vegetation or the volunteer!

             The Desert Foothills Library (DFL), a recognized passport acceptance facility, has expanded its passport service from three days a week to four. Nancy Mackie, the library’s passport acceptance agent, now assists applicants every Monday and Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Passport photo hours are also available at DFL during those hours. Nancy spent most of her career in foreign postings while working as a Department of State American Citizen Services Officer. She’s a world traveler and knows first-hand about the importance of proper travel documentation. Appointments are strongly recommended. Please call the library in Cave Creek at (480) 488-2286 for more information.

           Pinnacle Peak Park offers free, guided hikes Tuesdays through Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. Hikes last approximately two hours and cover a little more than a mile, all while discussing the elements of the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Hikers should bring appropriate clothing for the weather, good hiking shoes, and water. Call the park at (480) 312-0990 for details.                

                       The City of Scottsdale’s digital map center provides online access to Scottsdale’s Geographic Information System maps and databases. Call (480) 312-2356 or visit http://eservices.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/dmc/ for details. Also, Web users can watch and listen to city council meetings through a live video and audio link to CityCable 11. It’s available at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov by following the home page link to CityCable 11 programming. Call (480) 312-7948 for details. On Saturday, May 5, Scottsdale residents can recycle unwanted electronics including computers, office, and entertainment equipment from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the city’s Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. For a list of acceptable items, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle or call (480) 312-5600.

                     The Desert Foothills New Horizon Band is a nonprofit organization that includes players over 50 years of age with all levels of musical ability. The band includes beginners, musicians who have not played since high school, and individuals who have played all their lives. The band practices twice a week at the Sonoran Trails Middle School. No auditions are required to join the band, just a love of music and a desire to be part of a great group. Seniors can expand their musical knowledge under the direction of two directors. Ron Phillips is a retired music educator and was chairman of the music department of Grand Canyon University. Bill Wells had a successful musical teaching career in Arizona public schools and is now retired. If you’re interested in joining the band, call Ron at (602) 992-1550 or Bill at (623) 979-6859. See Community Events  of this Web site for information about the group’s April 19th concert.

                         Ingram & Associates, Inc. in Rio Verde is offering a free guide to tax-qualified long-term protection. The IRS has announced improved 2007 tax incentives for the purchase of long-term care insurance by “pass-through” entities, such as partnerships, limited liability companies, s-corporations, sole proprietors, and some professional corporations. Ken Ingram says that more business owners are purchasing long-term care insurance because of a “triple play” of benefits: tax deduction for business, no or partial reportable income for employee, and no benefit taxation. To receive the guide, call (480) 518-2920 or 1 (800) 444-8376.

             The Desert Foothills Library (DFL) and the Scottsdale Public Library (SPL) have enhanced their Web sites. Through DFL’s site, www.desertfoothillslibrary.org, anyone can now search the library’s on-line catalog of books, periodicals, reference materials, and audio visual resources. Users can also manage their library accounts online and e-mail library staff. SPL has a brand new site at the same old address, www.scottsdalelibrary.org. The new site features a new look, easier navigation, online class registration, online access to librarians, online tutor help for students, MP3 downloads of books, movies, and more. Visitors view all of the library’s databases for research purposes.

                Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills plans to build four homes in 2007. The homes will be built in Cave Creek. Families are selected based on three criteria. First, the family must have the need for simple affordable housing. Two, the family must have enough income to cover monthly house payments and other expenses. Third, the family must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity. The homeowners pay a zero percentage mortgage, covering the construction costs of the home. Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills, a nonprofit organization, has worked with 16 families to build homes. For more information, visit www.hthdf.org.

                The City of Scottsdale is the winner of a national competition to identify the 100 Best Communities for Young People. In partnership with Capital One, the 100 Best competition honors communities, ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America, for their commitment to providing healthy, safe, and caring environments for young people. A complete list of winners can be found at www.americapromise.org.

                        The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak donated $8,000 to Pinnacle Peak Park to cover the cost of a helicopter that was needed to lift supplies to be used in trail repairs. The park closed on Tuesday, January 9th and volunteers from the club assembled at 8 a.m. to assist in the "heavy lifting." Led by club member Brian Carson, a building contractor (pictured here), volunteers secured  loads to a rope that were then hydraulically lifted to the helicopter hovering overhead. The helicopter then flew to the trail on the mountain, lowered the supplies to trail workers below, and returned for another load. Supplies included large rocks, cement, and heavy wooden beams to be used for steps along the trail. (See additional photographs).
            The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak has been an important supporter of the park, donating and helping to construct two rest areas along the trail. Club volunteers also help to maintain the trail on regular basis.
            The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak meets weekly for lunch at Pinnacle Peak Country Club from 12 to 1 p.m.  The country club is located at 8701 E. Pinnacle Peak Road (just west of Pima Road). For information, visit www.pinnaclepeakrotary.org.

                      Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation & Educational Foundation released three herds of javelinas back into the will during the past summer. Individual javelinas are brought to Southwest because they are injured, sick, displaced by human activity, or orphaned. Being a member of a herd is vital to survival, so herds are formed that include adults that have been rehabilitated and bottle-raised orphans. It’s a long process for a javelina from rehab to becoming part of a herd, but the reward is great, the ability to once again freely roam the Sonoran desert.
            Southwest Wildlife offers unique gift opportunities for the holidays. With a donation of $25 or more, you can help sponsor the care for the animal of your choice. All sponsors receive a 5X7 photo of the animal and a sponsorship certificate. For a donation ranging from $75 to $600, people can “adopt” a large or small animal for one year, covering the cost of care and feeding for that year. A donor receives an 8x10 photo, an adoption certificate, and in some cases a paw print. For information, visit www.southwestwildlife.org.

            The City of Scottsdale provides citizens access to numerous programs and services and the newly released Neighborhood Resource Guide is a great tool to learn all about them. If you’re a newcomer to Scottsdale, a part-time homeowner, long-time resident or commercial property owner, visit the Pima North Neighborhood Resource Center, 8787 E Hualapai Dr. (Pima Rd. & South of Thompson Peak Pkwy) to get your free copy of the guide or call (480) 312-3111.

            Friends of the Scenic Drive and the City of Scottsdale are discussing a series of improvements to further differentiate the drive and enhance its character, and Friends would like your input. Some of the ideas  are simple and relatively inexpensive to implement. Friends, a division of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, is anxious to move forward with these and has indicated a willingness to share in the funding where possible.

        Some improvements will require more study and possibly a larger comprehensive approach. As the list is refined and priorities are agreed to, staff and Friends will set out to develop work programs for the highest, most achievable priority enhancement ideas for implementation. Review Improvement List and Provide Feedback.

            The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak, in partnership with Arizona Musicfest, is seeking musical instruments in good working condition. The instruments will be provided to deserving, needy youngsters so that they can practice. Why not find a loving home for that old trumpet, violin, or … that you have around your home. A tax deduction form will be provided. For details, contact Gary Cohen at (480) 595-0793.

The City of Scottsdale has launched a new Web site to promote downtown. If you're scrambling to find things to do with your out of town visitors, or just looking for something new and different to do, maybe finding a new place to get a bite to eat, or discovering a shop to buy that one-of-a-kind gift. The answer is just a click away, according to the city. The site, www.scottsdaledowntown.com, provides updated information about downtown businesses, events, theaters, museums, shops, restaurants, and more.
            “This attractive, useful and easy-to-navigate Web site is a significant way for the city to support downtown businesses – all while serving our residents and guests,” says John Little, Executive Director for the Downtown Group. “It illustrates how much downtown has to offer. Our ultimate goal is to prolong the continued economic vitality of downtown by encouraging people to explore, live, work and play in this unique place in the heart of our community.”

City of Scottsdale managers  and staff from the planning and transportation departments met with Friends of the Scenic Drive, a division of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA), on August 4, 2006. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss future enhancements to the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive (Scottsdale Road from Happy Valley to Carefree Highway). The meeting was arranged by Tim Conner, who coordinates  projects related to Scottsdale's scenic corridors.
            A variety of improvements were discussed to reduce visual pollution and protect the desert roadsides. GPPA offered to help fund and implement improvements where possible. City officials agreed to develop a list of possible enhancements along with a schedule of implementation. Friends of the Scenic Drive and the city have worked together in the past on several enhancement projects, including re-vegetation and the painting of utility boxes, posts, the backs of traffic signs dark brown to reduce visual pollution. To learn more about these projects visit www.scenicdrive.org.

                  Phantom, pictured here with his mother at Dogman Ranch, was born on July 21, 2006, four days before this photograph was taken. The horses are owned by Don Leitzen. Don is a volunteer for Paw Placement, an Scottsdale-based nonprofit that rescues horses and dogs. For information about Paw Placement visit www.pawplacement.org or call (602) 712-1599.
       Dennis Liddel, North Scottsdale resident and professional photographer, was driving past the ranch during a July rainstorm when he noticed the pair of quarter horses. Dennis, whose wildlife photographs have been featured on The Peak's covers, donates his time to photograph the animals at Southwest Wildlife and Wild At Heart, organizations that GPPA supports with annual donations. You can contact Dennis at Unique Desert Photography (480) 563-0780 or delanmktg@cox.net.

 Scottsdale Cares, the City of Scottsdale’s voluntary donation program, funds 20 social service agencies. The council recently approved a total of $220,000 to fund a variety of direct human services to Scottsdale residents such as outreach to deaf persons, employment for severely disabled adults, support groups for the mentally ill, a hotline for troubled teens, and home-delivered meals to the elderly. Since the May 1995 inception of Scottsdale Cares, Scottsdale residents have donated more than $1.5 million by voluntarily adding one dollar to their utility bills. For more information about Scottsdale Cares, call Valerie Kime Trujillo at (480) 312-2464.  

Friends of the Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA) are integrating their activities and boards of directors. The merger of Friends into GPPA was approved by the IRS in 2003. Friends will continue as a division of GPPA. The integration will enable the 501 C (3) to more effectively accomplish its mission and community activities. These activities include publishing A Peek at the Peak magazine, organizing the annual preservation benefit, Cookout at the Ranch, maintaining and enhancing the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, conducting regular roadside cleanups, and making donations to causes supported by the group.

            GPPA thanks Edie Shannon for three years of outstanding service as president. During her term, Friends received the Governor’s Pride in Arizona Award for community leadership. Edie also led the effort to repaint plant exhibit signs and stones along the six mile drive, organized Friends’ roadside cleanups, and worked with the City of Scottsdale to minimize the environmental damage caused by the installation of the city’s new water line along Scottsdale Road between Happy Valley and Jomax Roads. Because of Edie’s leadership, last year’s preservation fund raiser, Cookout at the Ranch X, was one of the most successful to date, attracting 450 guests. Under Shannon’s guidance, Friends was merged with the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. Edie, a long-time North Scottsdale resident, is a frequent contributor to A Peek at the Peak (The Peak) magazine (see Peak People for bio). To learn more about Friends, visit www.scenicdrive.org.

            Scottsdale First Assembly of God Dream Center opened it new complex at 28700 N. Pima Road (west side of Pima Road at Dynamite Blvd.) during March. It is a family oriented church, with services for all ages. It features children's education, summer youth programs, facilities for home school groups, and a cyclist stop. It will also provide opportunities for those interested in community reach out projects. The facilities will provide a place for Christian concerts and the performing arts. The grounds will include a pristine prayer garden and plein air painting for local artists amidst the beautiful desert. Pioneered by the Rev. David and Sharon Friend in 1999, the church has gone from meeting in hotels with two members to meeting in the Scottsdale Airpark with 1500 members in the span of 7 years. For additional information, including service times, call (480) 367-8182.