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Tidbits of Good Stuff, Breaking News
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The "good stuff" below includes announcements made
by causes supported by The Greater Pinnacle Peak
Association (GPPA), local nonprofits, and businesses
that support The Peak, GPPA, and/or Friends
of the Scenic Drive.
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and this Web site are published as a community
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Complete Our Brief Web Site SurveyWhat
do you like about The Peak/GPPA Web site? Are there improvements we can
make? Let us know by completing our confidential, brief, 13-question
survey. We thank you in advance for your support.
Complete Confidential Survey |
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Convenient, free
home e-delivery of The Peak magazine's is
now available. Subscribe to GPPA's monthly e-Peak Newsletter
and you'll automatically receive e-mail notification when each
bi-monthly issue of our magazine is available online and on stands.
The availability of the online version has dramatically
increased the distribution of the magazine. Readers need only
visit this Web site to read the latest edition of the magazine. One
reader commented that "I like the way you can flip through the pages"
just like a printed magazine. A north Scottsdale reader says that "now
it's easy to "send" The Peak to my friends in Boston. I gave them
a subscription to the newsletter and they also get The Peak e-delivered." Les Conklin, The Peak's
editor said, "I like the online version because it dramatically expands
the exposure of advertisements, and that means unmatched value for
advertisers.
The print edition is still available at all its
normal distribution points. Friends of the Community continue to receive
the print version in the mail. GPPA continues to distribute its
monthly e-Peak Newsletter. Click on
this link to read the current issue online. Posted: June 17, 2009. |
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GPPA
Increases Print Distribution of
The Peak. GPPA thanks the many local businesses that
volunteer as distribution points for A Peek a the Peak (The
Peak) magazine. We're pleased to announce that we have expanded
The Peak's distribution area, making printed copies of The Peak
available to residents living in the more densely populated parts of
north Scottsdale and northeast Phoenix.
With these additional pickup
locations, The Peak magazine is now available at more than 75
locations from Shea Boulevard in the south to Cave Creek Road in the
north, and from Cave Creek Road in the west to Rio Verde in the east.
We've expanded the distribution of The Peak to increase the
exposure of advertisers, editorial contributors, Friends of the Scenic
Drive, GPPA, and the nonprofits we support.
The new locations include Sam's
Club on Northsight Boulevard, Big Lots on 90th Street, Smart & Final at
Thunderbird and Scottsdale Roads, and Safeway Stores on Shea Boulevard,
N. Frank Lloyd Wright, E. Greenway Parkway, E. Villa Linda, and N. Cave
Creek Road. You'll also find this magazine at Whole Foods on E. Mayo
Blvd. in Phoenix and on E. Raintree Drive in Scottsdale. You will find a
complete list of locations where you can pickup The Peak in our
advertising kit.
The
online edition
of The Peak is available to anybody, anywhere, anytime. Using your browser
and mouse, you can flip through pages and zoom in on advertisements and
articles that interest you. If the advertiser has a Web site, you can
use the hot link in our
online Marketplace to visit and obtain more information.
If
your business, organization, or HOA is interested in making The Peak
available without charge to your customers or members, call The Peak at
(480) 361-6498. Posted: January 9, 2010. |
Judge
for yourself. The Peak will post ALL the entries from its
2010 Summer Fun Photography Contest on its new SmugMug Web site. See
if you can select the entries that were chosen by the judges. Winners
will be recognized in the September/October issue of The Peak.
Using the Images
From The Peak service, you can select photos, print
them in various sizes and on mugs, t-shirts, postcards, and more. Order
processing, payment, customer service, and shipping are all handled by
Smug Mug, a quality photographic processor. To learn more and enjoy some
fantastic photographs taken by Desert Foothills and Pinnacle Peak
residents, see Images From The Peak. |
The Desert
Foothills Land Trust has received a $22,000 grant from the Nina
Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust to allow them to enhance their volunteer
and land stewardship programs. The grant was made as part of the
Charitable Trust’s total award of $1.75 million to 28 organizations in
Arizona on July 14. “This grant offers an opportunity for the Land Trust
to better engage our community in direct land conservation work, at the
same time we increase our capacity for land stewardship and other
programs. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust’s support of our work
will allow us to capitalize on this opportunity, and we are tremendously
grateful for their investment with us,” said Land Trust executive
director Sonia Perillo.
Desert Foothills Land Trust will work to recruit and
train volunteers in the North Valley communities it serves, including
Carefree, Cave Creek, North Phoenix, North Scottsdale and Anthem. Many
of these volunteers will help the Land Trust with land stewardship and
management on its 600-acre system of nature preserves.
Those interested in volunteering can contact the Land
Trust to sign up for their training program at 480/488-6131 or visit
their website at www.dflt.org for more
information. |
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Cave Creek Unified School District:
"Welcome Back." The start date for students is Monday, August 9th.
Read the Superintendent's Welcome Back letter to employees and parents.
Read Letter. |
Arizona Game and Fish Department's New Wind
and Solar Guidelines to Help Wildlife. The Arizona Game and Fish
Department recently announced the availability of newly-developed wind
and solar power guidelines aimed at helping alternative energy
developers consider wildlife conservation in their project planning. The
new guidelines will assist energy developers in identifying potential
impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitats from their proposed project
development and potential alternatives to avoid, minimize, and/or
mitigate for these negative impacts.
“Game and Fish recognizes the importance of renewable energy and
supports the development of these facilities in Arizona,” says Game and
Fish’s Habitat Branch Chief, Josh Avey. “However, as the department
tasked with managing and conserving the public’s wildlife resources, it
was important that we prepare these recommended guidelines to help
developers consider and minimize their project’s impacts to wildlife
during the early planning phase.”
The solar guidelines are organized around five of the key development
stages: 1) wildlife protection regulations, 2) Arizona Game and Fish
Department regulations and review, 3) gathering preliminary information
and conducting site screening, 4) identifying potential impacts to
wildlife, and 5) mitigating the impacts.
Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading causes of species
extinctions. The department is working to protect interconnected
networks of large natural areas in Arizona that support viable
populations of wildlife, while providing ample opportunity for people to
enjoy and benefit from the presence of wildlife.
To view these and other development-related guidelines, visit
www.azgfd.gov/hgis/guidelines.aspx |
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Scottsdale Ranks in Top 10 "Best
Cities for Families." Parenting Magazine recently ranked
Scottsdale No. 8 among its top 50 “Best Cities for Families.” The
magazine rated cities based on the community’s health, safety,
education, economy and recreation. Scottsdale was rated No. 1 in the
nation for safety and No. 3 for recreation. Parenting chose the cities
by conducting a nationwide survey of women from the magazine’s
MomConnection research panel to pinpoint their top criteria in choosing
a place to raise their families. For more information about the
Parenting Magazine rankings, visit the magazine’s Web site at: http://www.parenting.com/gallery/Mom/Best-Cities-2010-Top-50-Cities/9/. |
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CNN Money Ranks Scottsdale Among Best Places
to Live. Scottsdale received additional national recognition
recently when CNN Money ranked Scottsdale No. 71 on its "100 Best Places
to Live." The magazine had this to say about Scottsdale. "Known for its
zillions of golf courses (it's a stop on the PGA tour), upscale
shopping, top-notch restaurants, and resort spas, Scottsdale has a lot
to offer visitors and residents alike. Its hot, dry climate and
proximity to the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains make for terrific
hiking; aging snowbirds flock here each winter. And its proximity to
Phoenix means plenty of culture and a variety of jobs. . ." For more
information, go to http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/snapshots/PL2718116.html |
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Mayor's Youth Council Deadline
is August 31. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who live in or attend
school in Scottsdale and are interested in learning about local
government are encouraged to apply for the Mayor's Youth Council. Those
who are accepted will learn about local government, how it provides
services to citizens and have the opportunity to represent the best in
Scottsdale's youth at a variety of city sponsored events. In addition,
those who are accepted will have an opportunity to share ideas and
opinions with city leaders. Call (480) 312-7922 to get started. The
application deadline is Aug. 31. |
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CityCable 11 Wants Your Feedback.
CityCable 11 is interested in learning more about your viewing
habits, what you like and what you'd like to see more of on the channel.
Access the survey at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/citycable11/channels,
then click on "take our viewer survey" on the right hand side of the
page. For more information, call (480) 312-7948. |
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Scottsdale Library Newsletter.
The library's newsletter is jam-packed with information about programs
and other reading-related opportunities that the entire family can
enjoy. Sign-up for a library card and you'll also receive an newsletter,
like this, every month.
Newsletter, July Issue. |
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Scottsdale Planning
Commission Meeting Update, June 24, 2010. The commission voted
3-3 on the text amendment, which means that the case is passed on to the
city council with a "denied" status. While the commission disagreed on
the text amendment process, they did favor the use (assisted living
facility). Many residents pposed the project either in writing or by
speaking at the meeting. No residents spoke in favor of the case at the
meeting, despite staff's recommending approval. The next step is for the
Scottsdale City Council to hear the case. No date has been set.
About the Case
The City of Scottsdale Planning Commission acts as an advisory board to
the Scottsdale City Council. The commission is considering a request for
a text amendment in the city's zoning ordinance to allow for a high
density health care facilities in residentially zoned areas. The
applicant's proposed facility will be located on the SW corner of
Scottsdale Road and Lone Mountain Road. The applicant previously
requested a change to the Scottsdale General Plan but withdrew the
application. There was widespread opposition to the requested change on
the part of north Scottsdale residents.
Additional Reading
GPPA's letter of opposition (PDF)
Winfield Owners Community Association's letter of opposition (PDF)
City of Scottsdale's case fact sheet, staff report, and the applicant's
submission
https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/eservices/cases/casesheet.aspx?caseid=37491
Meeting Information
The planning commission meeting will be held on the above date and time
at the City Hall Kiva Forum, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale. The
city recommends calling (480) 312-7000 the day before the meeting to
confirm the meetings date and time.
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Threat to North Scottsdale's Sonoran
Desert Character. GPPA-Friends of the Scenic Drive urges concerned
residents to attend the Wednesday, June 23rd meeting of the City of
Scottsdale Planning Commission and voice their opposition to Case
5-TA-2009
About the Case
The City of Scottsdale Planning Commission acts as an advisory board to
the Scottsdale City Council. The commission is considering a request for
a text amendment in the city's zoning ordinance to allow for a high
density health care facilities in residentially zoned areas. The
applicant's proposed facility will be located on the SW corner of
Scottsdale Road and Lone Mountain Road. The applicant previously
requested a change to the Scottsdale General Plan but withdrew the
application. There was widespread opposition to the requested change on
the part of north Scottsdale residents.
Additional Reading
Meeting Information
The planning commission meeting will be held on the above date and time
at the City Hall Kiva Forum, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale. The
city recommends calling (480) 312-7000 the day before the meeting to
confirm the meetings date and time. |
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Political Sign Problem.
North Scottsdale resident Chris Baker writes, "As a longtime
resident of north Scottsdale, I have always been impressed and thankful
for the work done to keep political signs off of the scenic drives of
both Pima and Scottsdale Rds. Getting politicians to agree upon anything
is quite the accomplishment and one that has been beneficial to
protecting what I believe most of us think is some of the most pristine
and beautiful desert in the world. Thus, I was somewhat surprised this
morning to see political signs from a Jim Ward on both Scottsdale and
Pima Rds. in the area of Pima and Westland and Tom Darlington and
Carefree hwy.
Les Conklin, Greater Pinnacle Peak Association - Friends of the
Scenic Drive, responds. "When candidates apply for a sign permit,
the city has always informed them about the voluntary ban. We will check
to see if this is something the city is now doing. None-the-less, for
about 15 years our volunteers have contacted offenders and requested
that the signs be taken down and we will continue to do that (it's not
as easy as you think to track down the right people and we could use
help from residents ). If candidates don't respect the Pima and
Scottsdale scenic corridors, we suggest you vote your displeasure. |
Memorial services for Councilman Tony Nelssen began at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, June 8, at WestWorld’s Equidome, 16601 N. Pima Road. Councilman
Nelssen passed away May 26 at his home after battling cancer. The
program included the reading of a poem written by Bob Frost, a former
city employee and Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Eulogies were given
by Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane, Councilman Bob Littlefield, family friends Amy
Ganley and John Washington, and Nelssen’s children, Hannah and Ian.
Councilman Nelssen, who served on GPPA's board and The Peak's editorial
staff, began his service on the Scottsdale City Council in June 2006. He
was active in civic affairs for more than two decades prior, serving on
a variety of city commissions and advisory groups, as well as
neighborhood and civic associations.
In lieu of flowers, the Nelssen family has asked that donations be made
in Tony Nelssen's name to any of the following: 1) Scottsdale Police
Department's Mounted Unit. Donations may be made payable to the SPD
Mounted Unit, and mailed to Police Headquarters at 8401 E. Indian School
Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 2) Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park,
www.pinnaclepeakpark.com/foppp.asp, 3) Greater Pinnacle Peak
Association, www.gppaaz.org/friends_donations.htm. |
Foothills Animal Rescue (FAR), which is
committed to compassionate and humane treatment of dogs and cats in need
through rescue, shelter, fostering, and adoption within Maricopa County,
plans to open a new cage facility in mid-June at 23030 North Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Executive Director Dawn Kavanaugh says "FAR is
seeking volunteers that can commit to working at least one shift per
week in the office or with the animals. Our hours will be: Monday-
closed, Tuesday- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday- Friday- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Saturday- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday- 12 p.m. - 4 p.m." FAR's Animal
Rescue Resale Boutique is now open at 23030 North Pima Road, Scottsdale.
Shop guilt free and know that your purchase will save the lives of
countless animals in need!
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GPPA-Friends of the
Scenic Drive
submitted a letter on March 16th to the City of Scottsdale
opposing the use of the text amendment process for high-density
specialized health care building on Desert Foothills Scenic Drive.
Read Letter (PDF).
After attending the City of Scottsdale open house for the project, an
additional letter was submitted.
Read Letter (PDF)Also read COPP Opposes Text Amendment Case,
and Help Block the End Run. Posted: March
18, 2010. |
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The City of Scottsdale's
Mediation Program can help residents
solve neighborhood issues, providing a way for community members to
resolve conflicts themselves, in a peaceful and civil manner. Assisted
by a skilled mediator, people are able to talk to each other in order to
seek a mutually satisfactory solution. The mediator will not make
decisions, but will guide the disputing neighbors toward a resolution.
The process is free, private and voluntary. If you have an issue with
your neighbor that you would like to resolve, call (480) 312-2342 or
access a mediation request form at
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/departments/CNR/Mediation_Program.asp. |
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Scottsdale
Leisure Education registration begins on May 5th. Choose your
passion or find a new one! Registration for the Leisure Education
classes, programs and activities begins at 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, for
Scottsdale residents. If you’re looking to get fit, learn something new
or pick up a new hobby there are plenty of opportunities. Go online now
to see the choices at http://Recreation.ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Questions?
Call the Parks & Recreation Leisure Education Office at (480) 312-7957. |
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Scottsdale residents can
recycle unwanted electronics from
7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the city's Corporation Yard,
9191 E. San Salvador. Items accepted include computer, office and
entertainment equipment. For a complete list of acceptable items, visit
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle or call (480) 312- 5600. |
The Arizona
Commercial Real Estate Magazine recently named Appaloosa
Library the winner of its Most Sustainable Project award. The
21,500-square-foot full service Scottsdale branch library features a
teen center, early learning and story room, a café/newsroom, quiet
lounge and study rooms.
The library is designed to merit a LEED Gold
rating with the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is a national standard
for "green" buildings that use environmental techniques to conserve
materials and resources, and reduce energy consumption while
contributing to the health of its occupants. Environmentally-friendly
features include low-water-use fixtures and the use of photovoltaic
cells to provide some of the building's electricity. For more information on the Appaloosa Library, visit
http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/main/appaloosa_facts.cfm |
The City of
Scottsdale warns of fire danger. As the temperatures heat up,
the desert grasses that grew with spring rains dry out, creating a fire
danger. Protect your home from wild land fires by creating a 30-foot
defensible space around your home. Remove perennial grasses and thin
overgrown bushes. Remove dead branches from living trees and all dead
vegetation from the ground. Lastly, keep a rolled up garden hose with a
nozzle attached to an outside hose valve connection. For more fire
prevention information, visit www.ScottsdaleFD.com.
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The Scottsdale Fire Department warns
residents to watch children around water.
It’s warming up. But no matter the weather, children are drawn to water.
Install multiple layers of protection between your home and pool such as
a pool fence with self-closing, self -latching gates, and door alarms
that sound when opened from the inside. Secure all doors, ates and pet
doors that lead to the pool area. Teach children to swim. Keep toys and
objects away from the pool and spa areas. Secure spas with childproof
covers. And keep a phone by the pool to call 911 in case of an
emergency. And . . . watch children around water. . . every second.
Visit www.ScottsdaleFD.com for more water safety information. Sco |
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COPP Opposes Text Amendment
Case, Read Newsletter. In the March, 2010 edition of COPP News, the
Coalition of Pinnacle Peak asks
residents to attend the March 16th open house and voice their opposition
to the use of the text amendment process to obtain approval of a
high-density specialized health care facility at the corner of
Lone Mountain Road and Scottsdale Road.
Read COPP News (PDF). Also
read Help Block the End Run. Updated:
March 10, 2010. |
Help Block the End Run.
The Greater Pinnacle Peak
Association - Friends of the Scenic Drive urges you to attend the
March 16th City of Scottsdale open house and join us
and other residents in opposing the new and novel application for a text
amendment for a high-density health care facility on the southwest
corner of E. Lone Mountain Road. The open house is from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
at the Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road. The
entrance to the library is south and east of the intersection of
Thompson Peak Parkway and McDowell Mountain Ranch Road. There is no
formal agenda, so you need not arrive at 5:30 p.m.
To understand why your support is
vital, preview "Government 101"
by Howard Myers from the April issue of The Peak magazine. Howard
explains the dangers of using a text amendment to change zoning.
Howard's article provides contact information for members of the
Scottsdale City Council and Planning Commission. Also review,
General Plan End Run Continues and Friends
of the Scenic Drive Opposes ... Application. Updated: March 10,
2010. |
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Terravita Golf Club, an award-winning private, member-owned and
operated 18-hole golf course located in north Scottsdale, raised more
than $5,700 for Arnie’s Army Battles Prostate Cancer at the opening day
event late last year. The TMGA annually participates in the nationwide
fundraising effort. The event was led by member Don Winterhalter, who
was assisted by George Tyson and Jim Buckalew. “We have a very high
member participation rate each year,” said Terravita Director of Golf
Steve Mallory. “The money was raised through a voluntary event entry fee
and by hosting hole-in-one and closest-to-the-pin contests during the
TMGA opening event.” Terravita has contributed more than $24,000 to
Arnie’s Army during the past five years. Posted: March 9, 2010. |
Arizona Game & Fish has
announced that three California condors
have recently diedfrom the biggest challenge to the species’
recovery. The condors, including a female and her chick from the
previous year, were recovered by The Peregrine Fund. Testing confirmed
the presence of lead fragments in the digestive tracts of all three
birds. Lead shuts down the condors’ digestive system, which leads to
starvation, weakness, and death. In recent years,
radio tracking data has identified increased use of southern Utah as a
major foraging area for the flock. To aid condor conservation, the
Arizona Game & Fish Department started a non-lead ammunition outreach
program in 2003 to hunters drawn for hunts in the condor’s core range.
Surveys show that 85 percent of hunters took voluntary measures in 2009
to reduce the amount of available spent lead ammunition in the condors’
core range. Now, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is implementing
a similar program for hunters on the Zion unit in southwestern Utah.
Did you know that in 1982, there were only
22 surviving California condors? Captive breeding programs were
established in the 1980s, and California condors now live in the wild in
Arizona, Utah, California, and Mexico. The condor is the largest flying
land bird in North America. The birds can weigh up to 26 pounds and have
a wingspan up to 9½ feet. Prior to reintroduction, the last wild condor
in Arizona was sighted just south of the Grand Canyon in 1924. There are
now 74 condors in Arizona and Utah. Visitors to the Grand Canyon and
Vermilion Cliffs may be able to observe the birds, especially during the
spring and summer. Posted: March 9, 2010.
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Scottsdale Fire Department
representatives are available to check
backyards to identify danger zones that could potentially lead to
drowning. You will be provided resources so you can remedy any issues or
potential dangers. To learn more about pool safety and to set up a Water
Safety Survey site visit, go to:
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/watersafetysurvey or call (480) 312-1817.
Posted: March 9, 2010. |
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Scottsdale Parks and Recreation
offers a variety of leisure
opportunities. You can preview upcoming recreation programs online
and then printed. The summer brochure covering classes, events, and
programs taking place June through August, as well as the upcoming fall
after-school programs, is available at
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/sports/brochure, Questions? Call (480)
312-7957. Posted: March 9, 2010. |
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Scottsdale's Curbside Recycling
Program enables residents to lower the City's cost of providing
residential solid waste services, resulting in lower service fees to
residents. Since its inception in 1996, the program has diverted more
than 348,000 tons of material from the landfill and resulted in
cumulative savings of $12.6 million. To learn more about the curbside
recycling program, contact Solid Waste Management at (480) 312-5600 or
visit
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle. Posted: March 9, 2010. |
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The City of Scottsdale reminds residents that they can sign a
maximum of three council candidate petitions, which are being circulated
for seeking a place on the August 24, 2010, general election ballot.
Three council seats will be open in the election. If necessary, a runoff
will take place November 2, 2010. Posted: February 7, 2010. |
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The Cave Creek Gallery Association, celebrating its one year
anniversary, thanks the public for its support during the past year. Our
“Art Nights in Cave Creek” have been very successful and lots of fun,
and will be continued in 2010! Through these monthly Art Nights in Cave
Creek, the participating galleries are attempting to bring art back to
the forefront of people’s lives, advocating everyone to purchase art
they want to live with. For more information, please visit our website:
www.ArtIsAPartOfYouLiveWithIt.com. Posted: February 7, 2010 |
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The Boulders 25th Anniversary Celebration that was held in
January generated $61,000 for local nonprofits, more than doubl the
original goal. A check for $12,369.00 (each) was donated to the
following: Arizona MusicFest, Desert Foothills Land Trust, Southwest
Wildlife, Desert Foothills Food Bank, and Desert Foothills Library. For
more information/reservations about the Boulders Resort & Golden Door®
Spa, call (480) 488-9009 or visit
www.TheBoulders.com. Posted: February 7, 2010 |
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Arizona Game and Fish
says that February's winter storms and
accompanying deep snows made it challenging for wildlife in the short
term, but wildlife biologists do not expect significant impacts to most
species, especially large animals such as elk, deer and antelope. Most
wild animals are adapted so they can survive days without eating,
possibly even a week or more if necessary. Older animals or those in
poor condition can succumb to the added challenges and stress caused by
deep snow. The good news is that the storms helped to alleviate the
existing drought. The department is monitoring the situation and will
take action as needed. Posted: February 7, 2010 |
Scottsdale Fire Department
can check your home for drowning hazards.
Thanks to a free Water Safety Survey program, Scottsdale Fire Department
representatives will check backyards to identify danger zones that could
potentially lead to a drowning. You will be provided resources so you
can remedy any issues or potential dangers. Additionally,
representatives will regularly walk neighborhoods throughout the city to
promote water safety and the program. For more information or to
volunteer to help with this effort, contact Public Education Officer
Lori Schmidt at (480) 312-1817 or lschmidt@scottsdaleaz.gov. To learn
more about pool safety and to set up a Water Safety Survey site visit,
go to http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/watersafetysurvey.
To learn more about Scottsdale's barrier requirements, visit
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/codes/pools/enclosures. Posted: February
7, 2010 |
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Scottsdale Leadership Class XXV applications are available online and
potential class members are invited to join Scottsdale Leadership at the
Applicants Reception on Monday, March 22 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the
Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountain. Applicants will meet and talk
with advisory board members, board of directors, alumni and current
class members. RSVP for the reception by Tuesday, March 16 to Scottsdale
Leadership at info@scottsdaleleadership.org or (480) 627-6710. For more
information, or to download an application, visit
www.scottsdaleleadership.org/coreprogram.
Posted: February 7, 2010 |
The Gateway Trailhead at Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve has
received a "platinum" designation, the highest certification possible
through the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership Energy and
Environmental Design program. LEED is a national standard for "green"
buildings that use environmental techniques to conserve materials,
resources and reduce energy consumption while contributing to the health
of its occupants. Only six Arizona structures are certified as LEED
platinum. The Gateway Trailhead, designed to have a minimal impact on
our desert, includes solar power generation, rainwater harvesting,
rammed earth walls constructed of native soil from on-site excavation,
structural steel made of high recycled content, native landscaping and
parking lot and path surfaces made of stabilized, decomposed granite.
For more information about the Gateway, visit
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/documents/greenbuilding/Gateway+Access+Trailhead.pdf
Posted: February 7, 2010 |
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Scottsdale Special Election,
March 9, Read All About It! Read a concise description of the six
propositions that will be voted upon in the February, 2010 issue of COPP
News. Also, COPP reports that there is no news about the use of text
amendments to increase urban sprawl. Read COPP News. |
The Desert Foothills Library
in Cave Creek is expanding early family
literacy reading programs thanks to a grant from the Library Services
and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Arizona State Library. Families,
children and early educators will benefit from the expanded programs
that include the creation of an interactive learning environment at the
library, enhanced and expanded weekly story times grouped according to
age, parent and care giver early literacy instruction, and additional
age-appropriate equipment and materials for the children’s area. For
more information, contact the Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School
House Road in Cave Creek, call 480-488-2286 or visit
www.DesertFoothillsLibrary.org.
Posted: February 7, 2010 |
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Help our community by filling out a Census survey. Look for the form in
your mailbox starting in March. The 2010 Census form only takes about 10
minutes to complete. It's critical to get surveys returned because 1)
local governments miss out on about $1,500 per person for every person
missed, and 2) the federal government saves about $90 million for every
one percent increase in the response rate. For more information, visit
http://2010.census.gov. Posted:
February 7, 2010 |
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Arizona Press Women seeks students for $1,000 journalism scholarship.
A
$1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school journalist again
this year by Arizona Press Women, a statewide organization of women and
men who work as editors, writers, photographers, teachers and public
relations specialists. The deadline for entries is April 11, and high
school student-journalists can download a scholarship entry form at the APW website,
http://www.azpw.org/scholarship.html. The scholarship
recipient will be honored April 24 during APW’s annual spring conference
in Phoenix. Posted: February 7, 2010 |
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Scottsdale's municipal channel, CityCable 11, will broadcast a
series of public forums to help educate residents about issues that will
appear on the March 9 ballot. For more information about the election,
visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/elections
or call (480) 312-2411. Posted:
February 7, 2010 |
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The City of Scottsdale says that its AmAZing Swim Program is
offered at city aquatic facilities. Lap swimmers track yardage, then
record information in the AmAZing Swim binder at the front desk of each
facility. All swim skill levels are welcome and encouraged to
participate. To begin your amAZing swim, visit any Scottsdale pool. For
specifics and hours of operation please call or stop by one of
Scottsdale's Aquatic Centers, or log on to
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks.
Posted: February 7, 2010 |
Scottsdale is offering lifeguard training and water safety
instructor courses in preparation of summer pool season. Positions
available at all four city aquatic centers. Applicants must: 1) take a
lifeguard training course and become lifeguard certified, 2) Fill out an
application for a lifeguard position. To download a form, visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/HR/Jobs,
3) Mail or drop off the application at: 7575 E. Main St. Scottsdale, 4)
Attend a skills test and interview from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays on these
dates and locations: March 13, Eldorado Aquatic Center, April 3 at
McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
To sign up for a class or for more information, call Lindsay Adarme at
(480) 312-6655 or e-mail
Parks&Rec@scottsdaleaz.gov. Posted: February 7, 2010 |
The Scottsdale Police Department is offering these tips to help
make your next visit to a city park an enjoyable one for you and your
pet, as well as other park visitors. 1) All dogs must remain on a leash
while in any city park except while in a designated off-leash area.
Parks with designated off-leash areas are Chaparral, Horizon and Vista
del Camino parks. 2) Leashes must be attached to the dog and can be no
longer than six feet. 3) Any dog litter must be removed immediately. Dog
litter bags are available at all city parks. 4) All dogs must be
licensed and display the current year's tag. Note that any dog-related
violation is considered a criminal misdemeanor offense. For more
information on the city's off-leash areas, visit
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/offleashareas.asp. Posted:
February 7, 2010
|
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The Greater Pinnacle Peak Association
and Friends of the Scenic Drive urge north Scottsdale residents to
participate in the Scottsdale General
Plan update. The plan is a
collective vision for how we want the community to evolve during the
next 10 to 20 years. Do you want north Scottsdale to evolve so that it
replicates existing urban areas in the Valley of the Sun? If you don't
help define the future direction of our area, someone else will, and you
probably will not like the result.
For more information about the General
Plan Update, visit
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/generalplan/update.asp or contact Sr. Planner
Carrie Wilhelme at (480) 312-2205 or generalplan@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
Facebook
is a convenient way to link to the city’s Web site and also share
information with other residents. You’ll find the page under “Scottsdale
General Plan Update 2011.” Posted: November 17, 2009. |
|
COPP News
describes items that will be voted upon in the March 9th
Scottsdale special election. "The End Run Around Scottsdale's General Plan"
continues. The Coalition
of Pinnacle Peak's January newsletter provided detailed information
about the continuing attempts to break existing protective zoning along
north Scottsdale's scenic corridors and the Desert Foothills Character
Area. Since the February issue of COPP News was published, The Peak has
learned that the city is scheduling another open house for at least one
of the projects that have been overwhelmingly opposed by residents.
Read COPP News. Posted:
February 14, 2010. |
|
The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
announced that Arizona was recently selected as the "Best Domestic
Tourism Destination" by readers of Global Traveler magazine. More than
25,000 people responded to the magazine's annual survey, which is in its
sixth year. Last year, Arizona hosted 37.4 million overnight visitors. A
good portion of them - more than 8 million - spent at least one night in
Scottsdale. Those visitors generated a local economic impact of $3.6
billion and provided $29.4 million in tax revenue. One in eight
Scottsdale jobs is directly related to tourism. For more information on
Scottsdale tourism, visit the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Web site at:
http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/. Posted: January 8, 2010. |
Arizona Game and
Fish Department
has announced that its long-awaited and modernized “Arizona Fishin’
Holes” booklet is available. “I give my personal guarantee this is a
must have for all Arizona anglers or those who aspire to such a lofty
outdoor pursuit,” said Rory Aikens, the department’s fishing report
editor.
"We have brought this wonderful fishing guide
into the 21st century. We truly crafted it to be glove box, cell phone,
laptop, and GPS-unit friendly,” Aikens promised. There are GPS
coordinates for each lake, up-to-date resource telephone numbers, and
even Internet addresses so you can easily get the latest fishing
information, even as you travel to your favorite fishery. The booklet is
priced at $8 and is available at all Arizona Game and Fish offices. To
get the latest fishing tips and reports either by email, news feed,
Facebook, Twitter, or online, visit
www.azgfd.gov/fishing.
Posted: January 8, 2010. |
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The Spa at Four Seasons
Resort
Scottsdale has unveiled a new menu of facials utilizing the
mineral-rich Omorovicza product line. This unique skincare line and new
menu of facials is both effective and naturally based, according to Spa
Director Lia Rowland. Botanicals such as jojoba oil, sage, and orange
blossom are incorporated into many of the products, making it the
perfect fit for the resort’s Sonoran Desert destination. For more
information about the Omorovicza product line and the complete new menu
of facials, please call (480) 513-5145. The Four Seasons Resort
Scottsdale at Troon North includes a 12,000-square-foot, full-service
spa featuring 14 treatment rooms, including two private spa suites. The
spa offers an extensive array of seasonal, indigenous, and innovative
skin and body treatments, scrubs, clay wraps, facials, and massages. The
resort is located at 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale. For
information, call (480) 513-5020. Posted: January 8, 2010. |
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Condé Nast Traveler
magazine
recently announced their 2010 Reader’s Choice Award recipients in the
January issue. The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa was named on the
prestigious Gold List: World’s Best Places to Stay for the tenth
consecutive year. The 16th Annual Condé Nast Traveler Gold List is
considered the ultimate annotated guide to the world’s finest properties
and one of the largest consumer polls in the nation. The survey asked
readers to rate travel destinations using criteria such as service,
location, rooms, cuisine, amenities, and facilities. For more
information, call 480-488-9009 or visit
www.TheBoulders.com. Posted:
January 8, 2010. |
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The City of Scottsdale has information
about feral cats on its Web site at
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/health/Feral_Cats. The site serves as a
resource and referral since Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
oversees such issues and offers programs to help control the feral cat
population. Different from strays, feral cats have little or no human
contact and struggle to find food and shelter. They are usually not
spayed or neutered and reproduce at an alarming rate. The county's
programs are available to businesses, residential properties, homeowner
associations, and cities and towns. If you would like more information
about the feral cat population, contact the county at (602) 506-PETS or
visit
http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/FieldEnforcement/FeralCats.
Posted: January 12, 2010 |
|
Congratulations Carla! On December 7th, the McDowell Sonoran
Preserve Commission voted to recommend that the Scottsdale City Council
designate the road to the Gateway of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as
Carla Way. Former mayor, Mary Manross, testified at the meeting, "I
think if my predecessors Mayor Drinkwater and Mayor Campana were here,
I'm pretty confident we'd all be standing up here together saying the
same thing, that there really isn't any individual ... in this community
who has been more the heart and soul of the preserve." Friends of the
Scenic Drive also appreciates Carla's enthusiastic support of Cookout at
the Ranch and for helping to forge the relationship between the McDowell
Sonoran Land Trust (now the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy) and Friends of
the Scenic Drive (now a division of GPPA). We hope that some day, the
city will add a Gateway exhibit that describes the meaning of "Carla's
Way." Posted: December 14, 2009. |
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Friends of the Scenic Drive, a division
of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, opposes
the new applications for a text amendment and CUP (cases 5-TA2009,
35-UP-2009) for a high density health care facility on the southwest
corner of E. Lone Mountain Road. Friends is convinced that if this
approach to zoning changes is allowed, much of north Scottsdale will be
overtaken by urban sprawl. To learn why Friends opposes the
project, read "Oppose Urban
Sprawl," and "Signs of the
Times." To view the applications, call (480) 312-7000; for
more information or to comment, E-mail projectinput@scottsdaleaz.gov.
The city contact is Joe Collins, (480) 385-2727. Posted: December 14,
2009. |
|
AARP's Tax Aide
Program asks, "Are you good with numbers and want to give back to
your community?" If so, volunteer tax counselors are needed to provide
free tax counseling and tax return preparation for those with moderate
to low incomes. Volunteers are needed at various Scottsdale locations.
You'll receive free training to help prepare basic tax returns and can
choose from flexible hours and convenient locations Between Feb. 1 and
April 15, 2009, more than 90 Arizona sites served more than 44,000
taxpayers. Prior tax preparation experience is not necessary. For more
information, contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or visit
http://www.aarp.org/taxaide.
Posted: November 17, 2009. |
|
The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak and the Boy
Scout Troop 603 will be picking up and
recycling Christmas Trees on Saturday, January 2nd and Saturday, January
9th. For information, visit
http://www.thepeakaz.org/rotary.htm. Posted: November 17, 2009. |
|
Pinnacle Peak
Park offers a variety of fun and
educational programs throughout the fall and winter. Enjoy a guided
interpretive hike and learn about the plants, animals, geology and
history of the Sonoran Desert. Or, try a night outing on a Full Moon
Hike or at an Astronomy Talk. The park is at 26802 N. 102nd Way. Call
(480) 312-0990 or visit
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/pinnaclepeak for more information. Posted:
November 17, 2009. |
|
The City of Scottsdale's Parks & Recreation
Department offers a wide variety of spring
fitness, health and relaxation classes. A brochure is available for
this spring's parks and recreation classes and programs. Spring classes
are now available to view online. Spring registration begins in early
December. For more information, call (480) 312-7957 or visit
http://Recreation.ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Posted: November 17, 2009. |
The Arizona Game & Fish Department's
recently completed survey of the desert bighorn
sheep population on the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service’s Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Arizona
resulted in a population estimate of 410 sheep. The survey estimate is
down from the 2008 survey estimate of 436 sheep, but it is still
slightly above the lowest recorded estimated level of the 2006 survey of
390.
Once a very robust population, the size of the herd on the refuge has
dropped significantly since 2000. Wildlife experts attribute the decline
to a variety of potential factors including drought, predation, water
availability, disease and human disturbance. Due to the significance of
this sheep population, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) and
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) are conducting an ongoing, joint
study to collect data on these and other suspected causes of the
population’s decline. The project study is scheduled to run through the
fall of 2010.
An extensive Web site dedicated to the Kofa NWR bighorn sheep is
available at www.azgfd.gov/kofa.
Posted: November 17, 2009. |
|
Appaloosa,
Scottsdale's newest addition to its stable of award-winning library
locations, is open. The library is located Silverstone community, site
of the former Rawhide Western Town. Appaloosa is a 21,500-square-foot
full service branch library that houses a teen center, early learning
and story room, a café/newsroom, quiet lounge and study rooms. The main
public reading room houses 80,000 volumes and there will be 48 public
computers.To get the latest news on the Appaloosa Library, call (480)
312-READ or visit:
http://www.scottsdalelibrary.org/. Posted: November 17, 2009. |
Scottsdale's CityCable
Channel 11 is presenting two informational programs on the
upcoming flu season and how you can protect yourself and your family. A
program entitled "2 Flues and You," will play every Wednesday at 12:30,
4:30 and 7:30 p.m. in November. The program discusses the seasonal and
H1N1 flues, who is most at risk and what you can do to protect yourself.
A second program, "Fired Up," is hosted by Scottsdale Fire Chief Willie
McDonald. "Fired Up" plays every Friday in November at 12:30, 4:30 and
7:30 p.m. For more information on the H1N1 flu, visit: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/H1N1.
For more information on CityCable Channel 11 programming, visit:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/citycable11. Posted: November 17, 2009.
Keep scrolling for additional information from Scottsdale Healthcare
about H1N1 (September post). |
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State University's W.
P. Carey School of Business will bring its highly rated
part-time MBA program to a new location convenient to the Pinnacle Peak
and Desert Foothills areas at the northeast corner of Bell Road and 82nd
Street. The school offers one of the best part-time MBA programs in the
country, with an evening MBA program ranked "Top 25" in the nation by
U.S. News & World Report. For more information on the new Scottsdale
location of the W. P. Carey School of Business, visit:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/News/10-30-09-News_9685. Posted:
November 17, 2009. |
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Marcelle Chase, a long-time GPPA member, writes that Curves of
Cave Creek/Carefree has moved to 6501 E. Cave Creek Rd. Suite 5; in Cave
Creek. Marcelle writes, "If you're a voman and you're feeling blue, do
not stay home alone. Instead, go to Curves (formerly at 25 Easy Street,
in Carefree). Read entire
article. Posted: October 6, 2009. |
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Jennifer Konerko and
her husband Paul, first baseman and team captain of the Chicago
White Sox, stepped up to bat for the Desert Sun Early Childhood
Playground. Extensive improvements were made to the playground, through
the generosity of The Konerko Family Charitable Foundation. Diminutive
representatives of the preschool classes told the Konerko family how
they felt about the playground and presented scrapbooks to Jennifer
Konerko. “In the life of a preschool child, it all begins on the
playground,” says Nancie Schauder. “This playground is an extension of
our preschool classroom and we are incredibly grateful to the Konerko
family for this gift to all of the children.” The Desert Sun Elementary
School, located in Scottsdale, serves grades K-5 in the Cave Creek
Unified District. It is among the few public elementary schools in
Arizona to receive a distinguished GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10.
Posted: October 15, 2009. |
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The Bajada Nature Trail at the Gateway to
Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Thompson Peak Parkway)
isaccessible to anyone would like to learn more about the Sonoran
Desert. Along this half-mile trail, visitors can immerse themselves in
nature, enjoying interactiv e displays that engage them with the
environment. Importantly, the trail is barrier free, allowing members of
the disabled community to experience the most diverse habitat in the
Sonoran Desert. For additional information, visit
www.mcdowellsonoran.org or call (480) 998-7971. Posted: October 15,
2009. |
|
Fitch, a national ratings agency, announced in
October that Scottsdale is retaining the "AA" rating for
$71.2 million in excise tax debt issued through the Scottsdale Preserve
Authority (SPA). The SPA is a financial authority set up by the city
specifically for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Bonds sold by the
authority are paid through a portion of city sales tax revenues
dedicated for the acquisition of property in the preserve, which now
exceeds 11,000 acres and is targeted to grow to about 36,000, about
one-third of the city. Fitch noted that Scottsdale's sales tax revenues
have "declined markedly over the past year as the national recession has
deepened." However, the agency said the city's ability to fund its debt
payments is sound and "the long term prospects for Scottsdale . remain
positive because of its demographics, economic diversity and appeal to
businesses, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts," .Posted: October 15,
2009. |
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Black-tailed prairie dogs are making a
comeback after vanishing from Arizona’s landscape nearly 50 years
ago. ailTwenty-seven black-tailed prairie dogs captured in New Mexico were
released in late September into the wild at the Las Cienegas National
Conservation Area near Sonoita in southeastern Arizona. This release
follows a release last October of 74 black-tailed prairie dogs in the
conservation area. “Black-tailed prairie dogs play a key ecological role
by helping maintain grasslands for other animals to forage and serving
as important prey for eagles and hawks,” said Eric Gardner, nongame
branch chief with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Because of the
far-reaching effect they have on other species, successful
re-establishment would benefit the whole ecosystem by maintaining
species diversity.” This black-tailed prairie dog release was a
collaborative effort between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and
the Bureau of Land Management. Posted: October 15, 2009. |
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The
Arizona State Parks Board
has approved a $3.25 million matching grant to Scottsdale to acquire
about 400 acres of state trust land for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Scottsdale hopes to purchase the property from the State Land Department
later this year or in early 2010. No date has been set to auction the
property, which has an estimated value of about $6.5 million. The
acreage, part of the McDowell Mountains, lies between the alignments of
Deer Valley Road and Pinnacle Peak Road on the north and south, and
between the 104th and 112th street alignments on the west and east.
Scottsdale has already acquired or protected more than 11,000 acres and
has a long-range goal to expand the preserve to about 36,000 acres,
nearly a third of the city’s land area. The city is funding land
purchases from the proceeds of two dedicated sales taxes approved by
voters in 1995 and 2004. The parks board on Sept. 11 unanimously
approved the Scottsdale application for a Growing Smarter State Trust
Land Acquisition Grant. Using the grant funds for a portion of the
purchase will mean that more of the city’s dedicated sales tax dollars
will be available for future purchases. Posted: September 15, 2009. |
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Scottsdale
Healthcare opened its annual
clinics providing flu and pneumonia shots for adults on Sept. 14. With
many public health officials expecting a worse-than-usual flu season,
the clinics have been opened earlier this year to help individuals
prevent catching and spreading the flu. Vaccinations are given on a
walk-in basis. Flu shots are $25 and pneumonia shots are $35. Medicare
is accepted, and the Medicare card is required. Cash or checks are
accepted. Clinics are open Monday-Friday through December, except
holidays. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Scottsdale Healthcare flu shot
clinic locations: Medical Plaza IV Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical
Center 10200 N. 92nd St., Ste. 100, Scottsdale (480) 323-3818,
Scottsdale Medical Center, Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center,
3501 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 231, Scottsdale (480) 882-4770, 9201 E.
Mountain View Rd., Ste. 120, Scottsdale (480) 323-4680, Scottsdale
Airpark,16101 N. 82nd St., Ste. A8, Scottsdale, (480) 323-1880.
Who should get a flu shot? Anyone who wants to reduce their chances
of getting the flu generally can get vaccinated. However, certain people
should be vaccinated each year, including: children aged 6 months up to
their 19th birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older,
people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, people who
live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, people who
live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.
Who should get a pneumonia shot? You should get a pneumonia shot if
you are age 65 or older, have serious long-term health problems such as
heart disease, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, lung disease, diabetes
or liver cirrhosis, have lowered resistance to infection due to certain
health issues, are an Alaskan Native or from certain Native American
populations. Posted: September 15, 2009 |
Scottsdale
Healthcare
encourages individuals to protect themselves and others, as well as
be prepared in case loved ones catch the flu by taking the following
steps: 1) Get your seasonal flu shot. Seasonal flu immunization clinic
dates and details will be announced in the media. Also watch for
information on a separate H1N1 vaccine, which is still in development.
2) Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands after covering a cough or
sneeze or blowing your nose. Scrub with soap at least 15 seconds or rub
hands together with alcohol-based hand gel until the gel dries. 3)Try to
cough or sneeze into a tissue, or cough into your sleeve. Remember to
throw the tissue away and wash your hands. 4) Avoid touching your eyes,
nose or mouth. If you touch something contaminated with germs, then
touch your eyes, nose or mouth, the germs may spread.5) Maintain a
healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy, getting plenty of exercise and sleep,
managing stress and staying hydrated can help keep your immune system
strong. 6) Stay home if you are ill. This will help protect others from
getting sick, as well as help you recover. 7) Establish back-up child
care plans. Arrange in
advance to have someone available to care for children if needed cue to
provider illness or facility closings. 8) Monitor your vacation time.
Make sure you have enough time in your vacation time bank in case you
become ill or have to stay
home to care for sick family members. To stay updated on flu
recommendations by visiting the Maricopa County Department of Public
Health at www.wearepublichealth.org or the Arizona Department of Health
Services at
www.azdhs.gov. For information about Scottsdale Healthcare flu education
presentations, call (480)-882-4636. Posted: August 30, 2009. |
|
Arizona Musicfest has
hired Lynn Bowers
as Managing Director,” announced Jim Morrissey, Chairman of the Board,
Arizona Musicfest. After attending the Jordan School of Music at Butler
University in Indianapolis, Bowers spent her corporate career in the
banking industry. During the last ten years of her twenty year tenure
with Wells Fargo, she managed the Nonprofit Banking Division, working
with 250 nonprofit customers. She joins Arizona Musicfest after
consulting nonprofit organizations. Bowers has served on numerous
nonprofit boards over the years, including United Blood Services
Community Leadership Council, Alliance for Audience, The Bead Museum,
and New Arizona Family, Inc. She has served on grant committees for the
Arizona Commission on the Arts, and is currently a Commissioner of the
Phoenix Arts Commission, and Chair of that organization’s Arts Education
Committee. For additional information, please contact Arizona Musicfest
at (480) 488-0806 or azmusicfestoffice@azmusicfest.org. Posted: August
30, 2009. |
|
Biologists recently presented the Arizona
Game and Fish Commission with compelling data indicating that recovering
the critically important Kofa desert bighorn sheep herd from near
record-low population levels will be challenging due to additive
mountain lion predation. Monitoring of one radio-collared mountain lion
revealed it had killed 14 bighorn sheep since February, an average of
one bighorn sheep about every 10 days. At this rate, this one lion is on
pace to kill an estimated 37 bighorn sheep annually. By comparison, the
estimated annual yearling recruitment from the Kofa National Wildlife
Refuge bighorn sheep herd is only 39 animals. Additionally, biologists
reported last week that the same radio-collared lion has made a 15th
kill. The animal killed was a bighorn lamb within the Kofa Predation
Management Area near the Little Horn Mountains. Eleven of the bighorn
sheep killed were within the department’s Kofa Mountains Complex
Predation Management Area. The Kofa NWR bighorn sheep population
provides 76 percent of all bighorn sheep recruitment in a greater
isolated metapopulation in southwestern Arizona and is a critical core
in sheep restoration for Arizona and the southwestern U.S. For history
on the struggling Kofa bighorn sheep population, visit www.azgfd.gov/kofa.
Posted: August 30, 2009. |
Arizona Game and Fish
has announced that its Native Fish Cam at the Bubbling Ponds Fish
Hatchery has been honored with Earth Cam’s Top 10 Cam award. “We have
installed an underwater camera at our Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery near
Sedona, which is where we raise unique native fish like the endangered
humpback chub that is found in the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon,”
said Brian Ference, the webmaster for Game and Fish. For a journey below
the surface to see these amazing native fish that are uniquely adapted
to aquatic habitats in the Southwest, simply click on http://www.azgfd.gov/fishcam
or just visit the department’s Web site at
www.azgfd.gov.
The Native Fish Cam is routinely
moved, so at any time you might see Colorado pikeminnow (that can reach
up to 100 pounds), roundtail chub (found in Fossil Creek), razorback
sucker, bonytail chub, and many other native fish species, most of which
are endangered. Posted: July 1, 2009. |
Arizona Game and Fish
says that biologists were cautious in their predictions for the success
of a black-tailed prairie dog colony established late last year
in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area near Sonoita. After all,
the 74 animals released in October faced some foreseen and many
unforeseen challenges. However, early surveys conducted this month
indicate the original adults are faring well and have begun to establish
a foothold in their new community with the addition of at least two
litters of pups.
Biologists’ pre-release projections
targeted a 10 to 20 percent survival rate for the originally released
animals. Surveys conducted in June show the colony is at the upper-end
of that projection with 19 percent survival.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department
reintroduced the species to southern Arizona to repopulate the animals
to where they once existed nearly 50 years ago before they vanished from
the state’s landscape. They are a critical keystone species in Arizona,
maintaining grasslands for other animals to forage and serving as
important prey for eagles and hawks. They affect a number of other
species, so their successful reestablishment would benefit the entire
ecosystem by maintaining species diversity. Posted: July 1, 2009. |
Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson
Peak Hospital celebrated its 100th high-tech
daVinci robotic
surgical procedure in early June, a significant milestone for the
Northeast Valley’s newest hospital. The 100th surgery, a prostatectomy,
was performed by urologist Dr. Bernard Gburek, who completed the
Thompson Peak Hospital’s first daVinci surgery on Dec. 17, 2009. Dr.
Gburek also performed Arizona’s first-ever daVinci robot-assisted
prostatectomy in 2002 at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center.
The daVinci robotic surgical system is used for minimally invasive
laparoscopic procedures, resulting in smaller incisions, less
post-operative pain, and faster recovery times. Surgeons are currently
performing urology, gynecology, GYN oncology, and general surgery
procedures with the system at the Thompson Peak Hospital and Scottsdale
Healthcare Shea Medical Center. The surgeon makes only a few small
incisions instead of a large open incision as in traditional open
surgery. Surgeons guide a four-armed robot using three-dimensional HD
magnification and special computer-guided precision instruments. Two
handles at the surgeon’s console maneuver tiny instruments inserted
through dime-sized incisions. Only a few sutures are needed instead of
the large incisions required with traditional open surgery. Potential
patients who would like more information, can call (480) 323-3350 or
visit www.shc.org. Posted: June 10,
2009. |
City of Scottsdale has
announced that residents dropped off 38,000 items during its May
electronics recycling event. More than 900 participants dropped off
everything from cell phones to computers during the event, diverting
materials that otherwise would end up in area landfills. The city's
electronics recycling contractor, ScrapComputer.com, instead refurbishes
the equipment or disassembles it for recycling or resale of parts. Since
the first electronics recycling collection event was held in 2002,
11,690 participants have brought in more than 339 tons of electronics.
The next event is scheduled to be held on Oct. 10. For more information,
contact the city's Solid Waste Management Division at (480) 312-5602 or
visit:
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/recycle/recyclingelectronics.asp." Posted: June
10, 2009.
|
|
The City of Scottsdale held
an open house on June 4th to give residents an opportunity to preview
two controversial amendments to the Scottsdale General Plan. The
Coalition of Pinnacle Peak, which strenuously opposed both amendments,
issued a "COPP Alert" that
summarizes the amendments and COPP's objections. At the hearing, the
city distributed a fact sheet that provides introductory
information about General Plan amendments and the amendment process.
In addition, the city distributed
fact sheets summarizing
Case-2-GP-2009 (SW corner of Lone Mountain and Dynamite) and
Case-3-GP-2009 (NW corner
of Dynamite and Pima). GPPA supports COPP's positions and also
opposes these amendments. Schedule of upcoming public meetings: Planning
Commission Open House, 8/26/2009, Scottsdale Water Campus, 8787 E.
Hualapai Drive, 5 p.m., Planning Commission Hearing, 9/23/2009, City
Hall Kiva, 3939 Drinkwater Blvd., 5 p.m., and City Council Hearing,
10/27/2009, City Hall Kiva, 3939 Drinkwater Blvd., 5 p.m. Posted: June
4, 2009. |
|
GPPA has
announced that Cody Williams, a
graduating senior from Cactus Shadows High Schools, is the 2009
recipient of GPPA's college grant of $1,000. GPPA makes the award
annually to a high school student who is enrolled and accepted for
college in the coming spring. For additional information about the award
and Cody Williams, visit the Contests
section of this Web site. |
The Society of National Association
Publications (SNAP) has announced that GPPA's A Peek at the Peak
(The Peak) magazine has won a 2009 EXCEL award for its
editorial
"On the Road
to Groundhog Land."
(
PDF 84 KB) The editorial, which discusses urban sprawl as it relates to
Scottsdale and our area, was written by The
Peak's editor, Les Conklin, and was published in the "Sneak Peeks"
column in the September 2008 issue. The Peak also received a
silver award in the 2005 EXCEL competition.
 The
award
letter, written by SNAP's Amy E. Lestition, Executive Director and Julie
S. Walker, Chair, Excel Awards, states "Congratulations! On behalf of
the Board of Directors ..., it is our distinct pleasure to congratulate
you as a winner of the esteemed EXCEL Award in the following: A Peek
at the Peak magazine, "On the Road to Groundhog Land" was awarded a
Silver Award in the Magazine Editorial category. In a year with an
extraordinary number of high quality entries, it was more difficult that
ever to win an award but you did. Your submission displayed superior
quality and truly is The Best and the Brightest in the
association community. Your accomplishment will be recognized at the
29th Excel Awards Gala on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the Capital Hilton
in Washington, D.C."
SNAP is a
non-profit, professional society consisting of association publishers
and communications professionals. Founded in 1963, SNAP is headquartered
outside of Washington, DC. SNAP is made up of 1,400 association
publishers, editors, designers, advertising sales managers, circulation
supervisors, and production professionals. SNAP's mission is to enhance
the effectiveness of print and electronic publications professionals to
meet their association's communication and business goals. Last year's
magazine winners included many well known nonprofits, such as AARP,
World Vision, U.S. Naval Institute, Penn State Alumni Association,
Habitat for Humanity, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers. For a complete list of this year's winning publications, read
SNAP EXCEL
announcement and for a joint press release read
April 28th release. For information about SNAP, visit
www.snaponline.org. Posted:
April 28, 2009 |
Two Scottsdale General Plan
amendments have been filed by developers to rezone residential property
that is rural and equestrian in nature (described as "antiquated" by one
of the developers) to commercial uses.
Case 3-GP-2009
(
PDF 84 KB) is to upzone the NW corner of Pima Road and Dynamite Road (both Scenic
Corridors) and Case 2-GP-2009
(
PDF 84 KB) is to upzone the SW corner of Lone
Mountain Road and Scottsdale Road (also a Scenic Corridor). Both
cases will be considered by the Scottsdale City Council in September.
Past city councils have
approved the Desert Foothills Character Area, the Desert Foothills
Overlay, classified the northern reaches of Pima and Scottsdale Road as
Scenic Corridors, supported the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, supported
burying power lines (the only Improvement District passed in the history
of Scottsdale), and included portions of the Desert Foothills in
the Planned McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Past councils have also rejected
previous attempts to rezone residential lots to higher intensity uses.
Now, we have a new city council and it's not known if they will
continue to support the unique rural desert character of the foothills.
The editorial for which The Peak received a Society of National
Publications EXCEL award describes efforts to preserve the uniquely
beautiful Desert Foothills landscape. See
"On the Road
to Groundhog Land."
(
PDF 84 KB). Posted: May 10, 2009. |
|
Scottsdale
Healthcare says it has completed multiple
disaster drills to help prepare for a crisis outbreak of flu in the
event of a pandemic situation. In April 2007, hundreds of simulated
patients with avian flu symptoms were seen at the Scottsdale Healthcare
hospitals. The drill was held in response to heightened concerns over a
possible bird flu pandemic as part of the second annual Coyote Crisis
Campaign. The exercise tested readiness and collaboration among
hospitals, business, academic institutions, military and government,
including health agencies at the county, state and federal levels. A flu
disaster drill held in 2006 activated the medical centers’ emergency
operations centers to manage and conduct mass immunizations of hospital
employees. Posted: May 10, 2009. |
Arizona Game
and Fish says that a female bald eagle
in Arizona has defied the odds and successfully raised her offspring to
fledging: a considerable feat for a single parent in these tough times.
Bald eagles normally raise their young as a team, with parents taking
turns foraging for food and protecting the young in the nest. Young
eaglets left in a nest alone are susceptible to both temperature
extremes and predators. But, in this case, the male eagle disappeared
days after the nestling hatched. His fate is still unknown.
Nestwatchers assigned to
monitor the nest on the lower Salt River noted the female assuming all
of the parenting duties in the absence of a male. The decision was made
to provide supplemental food along the river’s edge to help insure the
survival of the young bird and prevent abandonment of the nest and
hatchling. Despite the supplemental feeding efforts, the female proved
to be effective in providing for herself and rarely took advantage of
the supplied fish, perhaps due to the availability of trout from the
winter stocking.
Arizona expects to have
nearly 50 breeding pairs of bald eagles this year and hopes to match or
exceed the 2008 record year of 53 eaglets surviving to make their first
flight. Posted: May 10, 2009. |
|
Scottsdale
Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital has earned Cycle II Chest Pain
Accreditation, providing the community a recognized facility for
rapidly diagnosing and treating chest pain to prevent further injury to
the heart. Now in its second year of operation, the hospital was
recently reviewed by the Society of Chest Pain Centers for the first
time. Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital bypassed the
less-advanced Cycle I level of accreditation because of its ability to
provide a higher level of care through detailed coordination of
emergency services among clinical staff and departments, as well as with
emergency medical personnel. When fire department members and paramedics
are in the field, they can do an EKG, call the emergency room at
Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak, and speak to a physician to
coordinate the patient’s care. In addition to a collaborative approach,
Chest Pain Centers must meet high standards for patient care, diagnostic
and rehabilitation services, and community education programs. Posted:
May 10, 2009. |
|
The City of
Scottsdale reminds residents not to forget Vista del Camino Food
Bank this summer. Food supplies for families in need can run very low in
the summer when kids are home from school and other household expenses
are higher. Please bring your non-perishable food items from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Friday to Vista, 7700 E. Roosevelt. Items most
needed include canned foods, boxed cereals, baby food and formula,
diapers and toiletries. Call (480) 312-2323 for more information.
Posted: May 10, 2009. |
The Arizona Game and
Fish Department invites you to attend one of the free
bat workshops being held throughout the
summer to learn the answers to these questions and find out more about
these shy, misunderstood creatures. The workshops will provide an
opportunity for the public to watch an amazing sight as thousands of
Mexican free-tail bats exit their roost for the evening at Phoenix’s
largest bat colony, near the Biltmore area. The programs begin with a
talk by bat biologists and an opportunity to see live bats up close.
Participants will then watch the mass exodus using special night vision
and ultrasonic sound equipment to hear the bat’s inaudible echolocation
sounds. The remaining workshops will be held on Friday, June 12 at 7:15
p.m., Friday, July 17 at 7:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., and
Friday, Sept. 18 at 6:15 p.m. Arizona is home to 28 bat species,
including two species that are nectar-feeders and pollinate plants like
the saguaro and agaves. Mexican free-tailed bats are found throughout
Arizona in the summer and most migrate south in the winter. It has a
wingspan of 11 to 13 inches, and it roosts in caves, tunnels, and
crevices in tunnels, bridges and buildings. Bats are most frequently
observed between April and October, but many species are active
year-round in the state. They are the only mammal that can truly fly
and, contrary to popular myth, bats are not blind.
Those attending a workshop
should park at the commercial building located at 2400 E. Arizona
Biltmore Circle. The building is on the northeast corner of 24th Street
and Arizona Biltmore Circle, just south of Lincoln Dr. The workshop will
be held on the southwest corner of that intersection at the Maricopa
County Flood Control District Tunnel, next to the Squaw Peak Police
Precinct. It will be marked with signage. The public is encouraged to
arrive on time: The bats leave at sunset and won’t wait! For more
information about bats in Arizona, visit
www.azgfd.gov. Posted: May 10, 2009. |
|
The City of
Scottsdale has announced that a section of Union Hills Drive between
Pima Road and Thompson Peak Parkway has been renamed Legacy Boulevard.
The change is designed to avoid confusion for drivers and to create
consistency between Scottsdale and Phoenix roadways. There are several
sections of the Union Hills alignment that cross through both cities.
Creating a new name, Legacy Boulevard, for the entire stretch of road
will reduce confusion for drivers and residents. A new section of Legacy
Boulevard will soon be open between Scottsdale and Hayden roads. The
section between Hayden and Pima roads will be completed in the next
several years. Posted: May 10, 2009. |
Scottsdale
Public Library is participating in the
Culture Pass Program, which
allows participants free entry to the Valley's top entertainment and
educational destinations, including museums, cultural centers, and
historical sites. This is a first-of-its-kind partnership that unites 13
local arts and cultural organizations with six greater Phoenix area
public libraries. Passes are available for checkout at all four
Scottsdale libraries. Libraries have a limited number of passes, and
they are available on a first come, first served basis. For more
information on how to participate in the Culture Pass Program, call the
library at (480) 312-READ or visit
www.ScottsdaleLibrary.org.
Whether you are 2 or 92, you can participate in one of the Summer
Reading Programs at the Scottsdale Public Library. Stop by one of the
library locations to pick up your Summer Reading Log for children,
teens, or adults. Scottsdale Libraries – a great way to spend the long
days of summer without spending money! Visit
www.ScottsdaleLibrary.org
for more information. Posted: April 18, 2009. |
|
Cave Creek
Coffee Company, also known as C4 Martini & Wine Bar announces the
unveiling of the in house roasting room and licensing of Cave Creek
Coffee Roastery as the "exclusive roaster for the Cave Creek Coffee
Brand." Cave Creek Coffee Roastery "roasting room, a state of the art
wholesale facility, is located at 37611 N. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek,
just around the southwest corner from C4. Cave Creek Coffee Roastery
already has a firm business foundation with customers like Tonto Bar &
Grill, Cartwright's, Roaring Fork, Razz, Silverleaf Club, Desert
Mountain and Richardson's, among others. Cave Creek Coffee Company and
Wine Bar is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch dinner, and
everything in between. It's located at 6033 E. Cave Creek Road. For more
information visit www.cavecreekcoffee.com or call (480) 488-0603.
Posted: April 21, 2009. |
Arizona Game
and Fish Department says that 92 people
braved the cold weather and long nights for an opportunity to call in:
“we’ve got one.” The dedicated volunteers joined Arizona Game and Fish
Department personnel for five nights in the Aubrey Valley to spotlight
for the elusive, nocturnal, endangered black-footed ferret. In all, the
group of participants caught 33 ferrets, 24 of which were unique
individuals, meaning they are wild born and had never before been
trapped. Two of the ferrets captured were first documented in 2006,
displaying longevity in the wild.
The black-footed ferret
was twice thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered
in 1981. After a disease outbreak, a mere 18 of the black-footed ferrets
remained in the world. Those final 18 were captured and captive breeding
efforts began in 1985. In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley was selected as
a reintroduction site and it was five years before the first
documentation of wild-born ferrets. A fall spotlighting effort will take
place in October. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the
black-footed ferret field station at azferret@azgfd.gov to receive more
information. Posted: April 18, 2009. |
|
Children are
drawn to water, especially now as summer approaches. Install
multiple layers of protection between your home and pool, such as pool
fences with self-closing, self-latching gates and door alarms that sound
when opened from the inside. Secure all doors, gates, and pet doors that
lead to the pool area. Teach children to swim. Keep toys and objects
away from the pool and spa areas. Secure spas with childproof covers.
Keep a phone by the pool to call 911 in case of an emergency, and watch
children every second. Visit
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/fire/preventdrownings.asp for more water safety
information.
Use
Water Wisely! Watch plants for stress in June, usually the driest month of
the year. And when watering with a hose, set a timer as a reminder to
turn it off. Visit
www.wateruseitwisely.com or call (480) 312-5650 for more water
conservation tips. Posted: April 18, 2009. |
|
Reduce, Reuse,
and Recycle, the three R's, can help you minimize the negative
effect of garbage on the environment and health of our community. Here
are some tips for a greener home. Replace paper napkins and towels with
cloth. Create and use note pads from once-used paper. And leave messages
for your family on a reusable message board. Posted: April 18, 2009. |
|
The Scottsdale
Fire Department says you can protect your home and family from
danger of wildfires by creating a 30-foot defensible space around your
home -- the space that helps firefighters protect your house from
approaching flames. To create this space, remove all dead brush and
grass, remove low lying dead or dying branches from trees, and clear
flammable items and foliage from under wooden decks and overhangs. If
you need more information, call the Fire Department at (480) 312-FIRE.
That’s 312-3473. Posted: April 18, 2009. |
|
Scottsdale
Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Michael Foley, MD, has been honored
as the first “featured member” on the Society for Maternal-Fetal
Medicine’s Web site. Dr. Foley was selected from among approximately
2,000 active members. A practicing specialist in maternal-fetal medicine
and an expert in critical care obstetrics, and known as a humanitarian,
Dr. Foley is a sixth-degree black belt and co-founder of the Center for
Humane Living, an organization dedicated to enhancing spiritual and
personal growth through an innovative approach to traditional martial
arts education. Dr. Foley teaches martial arts out of his home and has
written a book entitled “The Art of Humane Living - Martial Arts as a
Path to Peace.” Posted: April 18, 2009. |
Step UP!,
a parent-initiated fund-raiser, seeks donations from district residents
and businesses to minimize damage from an estimated shortfall of $4.9
million, said Step UP! spokesperson Gregory Smith. These donations could
save teacher positions when the district governing board votes on
layoffs by April 14.
"The district might
eliminate all phys ed teachers at elementary schools," said Smith, a
parent in Cave Creek. "Music and art could be sliced in half there.
Librarians and computer labs are targeted, too."
The governing board is
pressured to lay off teachers because salaries and benefits comprise 83
percent of the budget. A list of potential cutbacks shown at public
budget forums includes pay cuts for teachers and administrators, along
with district staff layoffs.
Step UP! asks parents to
donate $200 per student or $350 per family by April 10, and businesses
could sponsor students at $200 each. "It's just over a dollar per school
day for each kid, but it could exceed $1 million if all parents donate,"
Smith said. "We could save teachers."
Anybody can donate any
amount, even if they don't have children in the district. "Arizona has
the lowest spending per student in the nation," Smith said, quoting the
National Education Association. "People who donate are helping the
children who represent our nation's future. The better our kids are
educated, the better we compete in the global economy."
Federal funding formulas
provide more money for less affluent areas. Although the impact of
federal stimulus aid remains unclear, it's expected to be doled out
largely to schools serving many subsidized school lunches.
"Cave Creek is in an
ironic situation," Smith said. "We have good demographics but that
prevents us from getting enough funding. And because it's a small
district, we don't have much bureaucracy or fat to cut."
Donors can send a check
to CCUSD at P.O. Box 426, Cave Creek, AZ 85327. Checks mailed by April
10 should arrive before the governing board makes its budget-balancing
decisions. |
|
In late February, GPPA and Friends of
the Scenic Drive accepted the conceptual plan for the proposed
Desert Foothills Scenic Drive Memory Park. The plan, which
includes a detailed project narrative and illustrations, was developed
by Douglas Sydnor Architect and Associates. The park, which is
designed for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to local resorts,
will provide information about the history, flora, and fauna of the
Desert Foothills and Pinnacle Peak areas. A volunteer design committee
met with architect Doug Sydnor to develop the plan. Members of the
committee were Horst Berkner, Clayton Poulson, Marg Nelssen, Gerry
Rosenthal, Ken Lew, and Les Conklin. For additional information about
the park, visit
http://www.scenicdrive.org/about_drive.htm. Posted: March 15, 2009. |
Pets on Wheels
of Scottsdale needs volunteers to make weekly visits to Scottsdale's
health care centers with their pets. There are many rewards and everyone
wins. If you are interested in volunteering your pet's love to enhance
the lives of the elderly and/or infirm in nursing homes and cancer
centers, call (602) 735-6886 for more information. Or, visit
www.petsonwheelsscottsdale.com.
Posted March 15, 2009. |
The Arizona
Game and Fish Department has developed a Web
page to provide more information and answer questions on the
recently collared jaguar in southern Arizona. The new Web page contains
a summary of the capture and collaring of Macho B, along with press
releases, a timeline of events, photographs and answers to frequently
asked questions. The new Macho B Web page address is
www.azgfd.gov/machob.
The jaguar was
incidentally captured Feb. 18 in an area southwest of Tucson during a
research study aimed at monitoring habitat connectivity for mountain
lions and black bears. The cat was fitted with a satellite tracking
collar and then released. It was hoped that the collar would provide
biologists with a better understanding of how jaguars use the borderland
habitats.
Initial location data
indicated the jaguar was doing well and had moved more than three miles
from the original capture site, but data monitoring more than a week
later revealed a decreased level of activity. A response team was
activated to assess the animal’s condition in the field. Due to weight
loss, on Mar 2 the cat was brought immediately to the Phoenix Zoo for
further medical assessment. It was determined then through blood tests
that the jaguar was in severe and unrecoverable kidney failure, and the
decision was made to euthanize the animal. For more information about
jaguar conservation in Arizona, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/es/jaguar_management.shtml.
Posted March 15, 2009. |
Arizona Game
and Fish has announced that it has released two endangered species
of fish at Maricopa County’s McDowell Mountain Regional Park, north of
Fountain Hills. Gila topminnow and desert pupfish were
reestablished by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Maricopa
County Parks and Recreation, on March 13th, at the regional park as part
of a Safe Harbor Agreement for topminnow and pupfish. More than hundred
topminnow and several hundred pupfish were released into the park’s
Pemberton Pond. This reestablishment is only the second stocking of
topminnow and pupfish to occur as part of the Safe Harbor Agreement. The
first occurred outside of Tucson.
Although once common
throughout most of the Gila River basin, the Gila topminnow and desert
pupfish now naturally occur in only a fraction of their historic range.
Habitat loss, alteration and the introduction of non-native fishes have
contributed to declines in natural populations of these two species that
provide natural vector control, effectively preying on mosquito larvae
and helping to control mosquito-borne illnesses. As native species, they
pose fewer threats to other native species sharing the same habitat than
non-native, mosquito-control species that have been introduced. McDowell
Mountain Regional Park is located at 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive
in Fountain Hills. For additional information on the park, visit
www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell. To learn more about the Gila topminnow
or desert pupfish, visit www.azgfd.gov. |
|
In March, the Arizona
Game and Fish Department wrote, "While you are lying in your bed at
night, 20 people are sleeping in tents so they can wake up at the crack
of dawn to help protect our state’s bald eagles." According to
the department, the nestwatch program is an integral component of
Arizona’s bald eagle management plan and has helped save the lives of
over 60 eagle nestlings since the program began in 1978.
This year’s nestwatchers
began a four-month tour of duty on Feb. 6. They’re watching 11 breeding
areas, most along the Salt and Verde Rivers in national forests, on
Native American lands, and in Maricopa County parks. They'll observe
from dawn to dusk, collecting data about the eagles’ behavior, educating
the public, and notifying rescuers of any life-threatening situations
for the birds.
A recent statewide survey
identified four new breeding areas, bringing the total number of
breeding sites in Arizona to 59. In addition, at least 11 eggs have
already hatched, 36 pairs of bald eagles have laid eggs for the year,
and a total of 42 breeding areas are occupied by breeding adults. By the
end of the breeding season, biologists expect nearly 50 pairs of bald
eagles to breed in Arizona this year. For information, visit
www.swbemc.org/nestwatch_p.html and
www.azbfg.gov.
Posted March 15, 2009. |
|
The Cave Creek
Unified School District says that Arizona school districts are
considering the use of geothermal technology to reduce utility
costs, and they received good news in March. Data received from test
wells drilled in the Cave Creek Unified and White River Unified School
Districts provided conclusive evidence to predict successful use of
GeoExchange HVAC systems within the state. Dr. Kent Frison, Associate
Superintendent of Operations and Finance stated, “... geothermal
technology is definitely an alternative energy source we will be
seriously studying, especially because of the potential budget
reductions the district is facing from the state deficit." For
information about the school district, visit www.ccusd93.org.
Posted March 15, 2009. |
|
Congress is now
considering legislation (H.R. 1018) that would amend the 1971 Wild
Free-roaming Horses and Burros Act, removing the limitations on
areas where horses and burros can roam, requiring the creation of
sanctuaries, bolstering the Bureau of Land Management’s horse and burro
adoption program, and changing the circumstances and methods by which
free-roaming horses and burros could be removed.
Arizona Game and
Fish Department Director Larry Voyles told a congressional committee
that the legislation would change how free-roaming horses and burros are
managed and could result in adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat, as
well as to the horses and burros themselves. He offered several
recommendations: 1) Continue to limit free-roaming horse and burro herds
to the areas where they were found upon enactment of the 1971 act; 2)
Make law and policy drive refinement of methods (such as techniques
modeled after wildlife population census studies) to accurately assess
free-roaming horse and burro populations and accurately set “appropriate
management levels” (AMLs) for horse and burro herds; 3) Federal agencies
should continue to use AMLs as target numbers for managing free-roaming
horse and burro herds; 4) Law and policy should facilitate research into
innovative tools for herd management, including efficient removal and
fertility control, continued use of tools such helicopters for
inventory, roundup and removal efforts; and 5) Congress must appropriate
funds sufficient for the management of free-roaming horse and burro
herds within AMLs and the land’s capacity to support them, as one
component of diverse and thriving ecosystems. For information, contact
Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000,
(602) 942-3000.
Posted March 15, 2009. |
GPPA and
Friends of the Scenic Drive have been working with Douglas Sydnor
Architect and Associates, Inc. to develop conceptual plans for a Desert
Foothills Scenic Drive Memory Park. Existing exhibits, located on the
east side of Scottsdale Road, just south of Jomax Road, will be
incorporated into the new park's exhibits. The new park will provide
information about the history of the Pinnacle Peak and Desert Foothills
area. Sydnor's firm is located in downtown Scottsdale and is currently
designing the new City of Scottsdale Appaloosa Library that will be
located at the former Rawhide location (sw corner of E. Pinnacle Peak
and N. Scottsdale Roads).
At their February 4th
meeting, Doug Sydnor reviewed the
project narrative and
conceptual and character plan drawings for the Memory Park (click to
view drawings) with the design committee. The group will meet again
in late February to review the final conceptual plans and implementation
cost estimates.
The design project is
being funded by GPPA and Friends, using funds raised from Cookout at the
Ranch, Friends of the Community donations, and A Peek at the Peak
magazine. For additional information about the park, call GPPA at (480)
361-6498 or visit www.scenicdrive.org. Posted: February 11, 2009. |
The Cave Creek
Unified School District has announced that Ciara
Petronzio, a sixth grade student at Desert Arroyo Middle School has been
named one of our state s top two youth volunteers in the 14th annual
Prudential Spirit of
Community Awards, a nationwide program recognizing young people for
outstanding community service. Ciara will receive a $1,000 award, an
engraved
silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C. for several days of
special
recognition events in early May. Only 102 young people nationwide, one
middle
level and one high school student in each state and the District of
Columbia,
receive this honor. For additional information, contact Nedda Shafir,
Public
Information Officer, at (480) 575-2063,
nshafir@ccusd93.org. Posted:
February 12, 2009 |
|
GPPA and
Friends of the Scenic Drive have opened "The Peak's
Amazon
Store." The online store enables visitors to purchase books written by
local authors, some of whom contribute articles for publication in A
Peek at the Peak magazine. Writers will also find books that will
help them improve their writing skills. The store also showcases books
about local history, flora, and fauna. GPPA receives a small commission
from Amazon for purchases made through the storefront. Proceeds of the
store support GPPA's causes. For more information,
visit the store. Posted: January 23, 2009. |
Rotary Club of
Pinnacle Peak member Linda Babb hosted Nadera Admadzai, president of
the Rotary Club in Kabul, Afghanistan, while Admadzai attended a
conference at a local resort. Adhadzai is an MD graduate of Kabul
University and is attending George Washington University as a Fulbright
Scholar, working on her MPH Masters of Public Heath Degree. Nadera
presented a research paper at the conference. Rotary International is a
104 year old service organization with clubs in over 200 countries
around the world. The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak meets each Thursday
at Pinnacle Peak Country Club in Scottsdale, at 12 noon for lunch. For
information, please call Pat Wolfe, club president, at (480) 585-0587. Posted:
February 12, 2009. To see advertisement from The Peak, click on
"thumbnail" >>> |
The Rotary Club of
Pinnacle Peak recently learned that Bill Gates has announced that
he's making an additional contribution of $255 million to Rotary's Polio
Plus fund. Polio Plus, the most ambitious program in Rotary’s history,
is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating
polio. For more than 20 years, Rotary has led the private sector in the
global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. Of the amount
contributed by Gates, $100,000 is to be matched by Rotarians by the year
2012.
Rotary International and its
partners are on the brink of eradicating polio worldwide. In 1985, when
Rotary began its campaign there were 350,000 polio cases in 125
countries. Today, polio is endemic in four countries, the lowest in
history. The countries are Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Historically, polio has been the world’s greatest cause of disability.
If polio isn’t eradicated, the world will continue to live under the
threat of the disease. More than 10 million children will be paralyzed
in the next 40 years.
The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak has
weekly luncheon meetings at the Pinnacle Peak Country Club. For
information about the club, check the
club's
Community Events listing. Posted: January 23, 2009. |
|
Scottsdale Public
Library continues to see increase in users. In November 2008,
library usage was up 24 percent compared to the previous year. In
addition, new customers to the library were up five percent. Patrons
continue to take advantage of new technology, with Wi-Fi usage up 34
percent and the downloadable book service usage up 65 percent. The
library is also offering a new service that allows customers to make an
appointment to meet with a librarian for in-depth research issues.
Reservations are available online or via phone for one-on-one help with
business research, homework, job searching and reading interests.
Posted: February 12, 2009 |
|
McDowell Sonoran
Conservancy has announced that tools were delivered to remote sections
of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. On Feb. 5, a helicopter airlifted
and deposited strong boxes and sets of work tools to pre-selected sites
throughout the interior of the Preserve. Paid for by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, the construction of the strong boxes, work tools
and the use of the helicopter will save time and effort during work
projects at remote sections of the Preserve. Volunteers and City staff
will no longer need to carry the tools into the work site and can spend
resources more effectively. The value of this donation to the Preserve
is in excess of $20,000. Posted: February 12, 2009 |
GPPA and Friends
of the Scenic Drive have a new community service that actually puts the
"fun" into our fundraising, and
it won't cost service users a penny. GPPA now has its own travel Web
site, which can be accessed from the Book
Travel/Shop section of this site.
This service is like
having our own Expedia® just for our supporters and friends! Everything
needed is right there. You can access to the same airlines, hotels and
rental car companies, cruises and vacation packages that you'll find on
all the other major travel Web sites, and you'll benefit from some of
the lowest travel prices on the Internet!
Here's How it Works -
every time you use a travel Web site like Expedia®, the travel companies
pay commissions for your reservation. When you book travel on our Web
site, GPPA will receive royalties from YTB totaling a whopping 60
percent of those commissions! With your help and other GPPA supporters
like you, we can raise funds to thousands of dollars to support the
nonprofit missions of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association and Friends
of the Scenic Drive. Remember to bookmark the site,
www.ytbtravel.com/gppatravel, to its handy the next time you want to
travel (and also help a good cause). Posted: January 16, 2009.To see advertisement from The Peak, click on
"thumbnail" (PDF) >>> |
|
GPPA and
Friends of the Scenic Drive has retained Douglas Sydnor Architect
and Associates, Inc. to develop plans for a Desert Foothills Scenic
Drive Memory Park. Existing exhibits, located
on the east side of Scottsdale Road, just south of Jomax Road, will be
expanded and improved to create the park. The new park will provide
information about the history of the Pinnacle Peak and Desert Foothills
area. Sydnor's firm is located in downtown Scottsdale and is currently
designing the new City of Scottsdale branch library that will be located
at the former Rawhide location. For additional information about the
park, call GPPA at (480) 361-6498 or visit
www.scenicdrive.org. Posted:
January 16, 2009. |
|
The Heard Museum
North Scottsdale has announced that its Let’s Talk About series will
be held every Tuesday thru March 17th at 11:30 a.m. Covering a wide
variety of topics about American Indians, the series provides a forum
for the community to interact with experts and hear about a variety of
topics. This lunchtime learning series offers something for everyone!
Enjoy the lecture, and then enjoy lunch in the café. For more details,
including a description of scheduled lectures, visit the Events section
of this Web site. Posted: January 16, 2009. |
|
Friends of the
Scenic Drive has unveiled new Web
site graphics and navigation to make the popular site easier and more
enjoyable to use. The site,
www.scenicdrive.org, originally came online in 1996, making it one
of the first nonprofit sites in Arizona. The site provides "a treasure
trove" of information about the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, Sonoran
flora and fauna, and things to see and do in our community, the Valley
of the Sun, and Arizona. Friends of the Scenic Drive is now a division
of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association (GPPA) and the latest round of
enhancements also integrates the Scenic Drive site with this site.
Posted: January 16, 2009. |
|
GPPA
invites you to the inaugural “A Peak at the Theater”
on Saturday, February 7th (Note. 1/12/2009 ... Full House, no
more seats available for this night). Les Conklin, GPPA’s president says, “If you’ve never
enjoyed a show at the Black Box Theater, this is an opportunity that you
don’t want to miss, and IT’S FREE.” Les continues, “My wife and I have
enjoyed performances staged by the Desert Foothills Theater for years
and we’re always amazed at how good this community theater is. The
actors are usually terrific and watching them in the intimate Black Box
Theater has made their performances even more enjoyable. Personally, I
cannot think of a better way to thank The Peak’s readers,
advertisers, volunteer writers, photographers, and distributors than to
introduce them to the Desert Foothills Theater and have them enjoy Neil
Simon’s comedy, “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” Don’t be shy. Seating
is limited. Call (480) 488-1981 to reserve, and click on The Peak
advertisement to the right for more information. Posted: December
14, 2008.
|
The
Scottsdale
Fire Department says that U.S. fire departments respond to an
average of 240 home fires annually caused by Christmas trees, according
to a national study. These fires cause an average of 16 deaths, 25
injuries and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually. Here are
fire safety tips keep you and your loved ones safe during the holiday
season: (1) If you choose a fresh tree, put it in a sturdy stand far
away from heat sources, and keep it watered. (2) Water it constantly. A
6-foot tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days. A dried out tree
can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds. (3) Place the
tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways. (4) If you
purchase an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as fire-retardant
or resistant. (5) Use only flame resistant materials to trim a tree. (6)
Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to a small child; and the smaller the
child, the smaller the dose that can cause serious medical problems.
Poinsettia leaves are not fatal if swallowed, but can cause a skin rash
and an upset stomach. (7) Don't overload electrical outlets. Use no more
than three sets of lights per single extension cord. (8) Always unplug
all lights before leaving home or going to sleep. (9) Make sure all of
your home's smoke alarms are in working order and have fresh batteries!
The following link
provides a demonstration showing how flammable a dry Christmas tree can
be as opposed to a tree watered regularly. This test was conducted by
the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories. For additional safety
information, visit the Fire Department's Web site at
http://www.ScottsdaleFD.com or
call (480) 312-FIRE. Posted: December 14, 2008.
|
The City of
Scottsdale says that its efforts are paying off to reduce fuel
consumption in city vehicles. The latest data shows an 11.9 percent drop
in municipal fuel usage this fiscal year compared to last. According to
the city, direct cost savings are hard to calculate because of the
changing price of fuel, but conservation efforts have clearly made a
difference. The city's fleet management division has begun a shift to
smaller vehicles and has hosted employee seminars that stress such tips
as consolidating trips and reducing vehicle idling time. The city has
set a goal to reduce overall fuel consumption in its vehicles by 15
percent. Reducing fuel use does more than just save money. National
studies show that each gallon of gas used produces about 20 pounds of
carbon dioxide emissions. For information on Scottsdale preservation and
environmental programs, visit:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Topics/EnvironmentPreservation.asp.
Posted: December 14, 2008.
|
|
The Game and
Fish Department will be stocking the 224-acre Tempe Town Lake with
almost 24,000 rainbows through March. Trout are also stocked throughout
the winter in such places as the Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Canyon
Lake, the Verde River between Cottonwood and Camp Verde, and Oak Creek.
For a complete winter stocking schedule, visit
www.azgfd.gov. Posted: December 8,
2008. |
|
Arizona’s bald
eagles have begun their breeding activities, and outdoor
recreationists are asked to help protect important breeding areas by
honoring the closure of 21 areas across the state. Land and wildlife
management agencies close the areas for part of the year, beginning in
December, to protect the state’s 48 breeding pairs. Some of the closure
areas are located near popular recreation sites. “Even though the bald
eagle is doing well in Arizona, they still require the public’s help to
reproduce successfully,” says Kenneth Jacobson, head of the Arizona Game
and Fish Department Bald Eagle Management Program. “Human activity near
active bald eagle nests can cause a breeding pair to leave its eggs
uncovered, leading to a failed breeding attempt. It can take only 30
minutes for a breeding attempt to fail.” For information, contact Tonto
National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300. Posted:
December 8, 2008. |
|
Friends
of the Scenic Drive, a division of the Greater Pinnacle Peak
Association (GPPA) thanks the sponsors,
organizers, exhibitors, and many individuals and businesses that helped
make Cookout at the Ranch XIII a success. (Learn
Who They Are). Special thanks to the ever-dependable volunteers who
have supported this annual event since its inception (Learn
Who They Are). Posted: November 14, 2008. |
Southwest Wildlife offers unique
holiday and birthday gift ideas, adopt or sponsor an animal that is under its
care. It's a great way to help your child or grandchild learn to
appreciate wildlife and it's a gift they will always remember.
Sponsorships provide
money to help care for the animal of your choice. Sponsorship of any
animal is $30. Sponsors receive a personalized sponsorship certificate,
and a 4 X 6 photo of the animal sponsored. You may choose to sponsor
animals such as a porcupine, skunk, gray fox, javelina, deer, bobcat,
and more.
An adoption donation will
provide a portion of the funds necessary to care for an animal for an
entire year. In reality, those annual costs may be much higher. For
example, it costs over $3,600 per year to care for one mountain lion!
Adoptive parents receive a personalized adoption certificate, bookmark,
special greetings* throughout the year (*email address required to
receive special greetings); and other items depending upon the level of
adoption.
For more information about Southwest Wildlife and these
programs,
please visit
www.southwestwildlife.org. Posted: November 14, 2008. |
|
The Arizona Heritage Project
under the direction of Cactus shadows high School teacher Barbara Hatch
recently received the Spirit of Literacy Award from the Scottsdale
Public Library. Three students represented the project at the award
presentation: Caitlin Campbell, Patrick Ward, and Carolina Nick. To
learn more about the program, visit
www.srpnet.com/community/azheritage.aspx. Posted: November 10, 2008. |
|
The McDowell
Sonoran Conservancy recently received a $100,000 grant
from Arizona
Public Service in partnership with REI and Boeing companies. The grant
will be distributed over four years. It will pay, in part, for an
environmental program coordinator who will work with families and
children in the preserve. The goal will be to introduce youth to the Sonoran Desert and instill the importance of being good stewards to the
natural environment. The program will include a camp, hikes, lectures,
and hands-on experiences, plus a partnership with local schools and the
Conservancy. For more information on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve,
visit
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Preserve. Posted: November 10, 2008. |
|
Pinnacle Peak
Park provides a terrific opportunity
to learn about the plants,
animals, geology, archaeology, and local history on a moderate, 2-mile
hike. Every day except Monday, park staff provides guided education
talks starting at 10 a.m. at the park, 26802 N. 102nd Way. Please call
(480) 312-0990 if you have questions. Posted: November 10, 2008. |
|
The
Arizona Elk Society has
partnered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to increase
the reward for information regarding the poaching of two bull elk near
Ash Fork. Arizona Elk Society is matching the reward offered by
Operation Game Thief; bringing the total possible reward to $8,000. The
two elk were poached in Game Management Unit 10, north of Ash Fork, on
Sept. 24. After killing the elk, the poachers removed the antlers from
the animals and left both elk to rot in the field. “This incident is the
most senseless act I’ve investigated in the past 15 years” said Scott
Poppenberger, wildlife manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
“It really demonstrates the vulnerability of the resource to abuse by
disrespectful criminals. I want to be clear: the individuals involved
with this incident are not sportsmen.” Game and Fish investigators have
collected a substantial amount of physical evidence in the case that
will help identify the suspects. “If you’ve heard anyone discussing this
incident, or if you saw anything suspicious in the area or know where
these individuals are, we ask that you contact us.” Anyone with
information about this incident is asked to contact Operation Game Thief
at (800) 352-0700. Posted November 14, 2008. |
|
Friends
of the Scenic Drive volunteers cleared
13 miles of roadside
litter on Saturday, October 18th. Former Friends president, Edie Shannon
and volunteer Tim Horn both recounted that a Scottsdale police officer
stopped at their respective cleanup locations and thanked them for their
service. The officer asked Edie, "How long have you been doing this?"
Edie replied, "For 14 years". Friends of the Scenic Drive was one of
Scottsdale's first Adopt-A-Road partners and is responsible for the
largest section of road in the City of Scottsdale. The Desert Foothills
Scenic Drive is the northern-most sections of Scottsdale Road, covering
from Happy Valley Road t o Carefree Highway. The effort was managed by
Edie and BJ Shannon, Howard and Carol Myers, and Horst Berkner. More
than 40 volunteers participated. The group's
next
cleanup is December 6th and volunteers are welcome.
Friends
continues to develop plans for a Scenic Drive Memory Park that
will include exhibits related to Desert Foothills history, people,
places, and preservation. The November issue of A Peek at the Peak
(The Peak) magazine provides a description of the preservation
exhibit. For the latest information about the exhibits, including the
preservation exhibits,
visit the Scenic Drive Web site and click on
Memory Park.
Friends
of the Scenic Drive is a division of the Greater Pinnacle Peak
Association. Posted: October 18, 2008. |
|
Arizona Game and Fish
Department has announced that black-tailed prairie dogs
have been
returned to a historical site in Arizona. Nearly 50 years ago, they
vanished from Arizona’s landscape, but thanks to a multi-partner
reintroduction effort, black-tailed prairie dogs are making a comeback.
Seventy-four black-tailed prairie dogs captured at the Ladder Ranch in
New Mexico were recently released into the wild in the Las Cienegas
National Conservation Area near Sonoita. The reintroduction aims to
repopulate these animals to where they once existed in Arizona. The
animals used to reestablish black-tailed prairie dogs in Arizona were
chosen based on their similar genetics to the population that previously
existed in the state. Acclimation cages were used to prevent the animals
from dispersing too quickly upon release and to allow them to adjust to
their new environment. In time, the animals will burrow themselves out
of the acclimation cages and be free to establish an underground network
of tunnels. Black-tailed prairie dogs are approximately 15 inches long
and weigh 2-3 pounds. These tan animals with black-tipped tails are
highly social, living in coteries or family units. Family groups live
close together to form larger colonies or towns. |
|
Scottsdale’s Adopt-A-Road program needs volunteers to help remove
trash from the sides of roads. These volunteer efforts not only help to
beautify our city, but save tax dollars too. Call (480) 312-6280 for
details. Posted: October 6, 2008. |
|
Scottsdale's Solid Waste Management Department has advised
residents that holiday wrapping paper, bows and ribbons mess up recycling
collection. They are not recyclable and don’t belong in mauve recycling
containers and should be placed in the black garbage containers. Plain,
cardboard gift boxes can be recycled. Need more information? Call the
department at (480) 312-5600.Posted: October 6, 2008. |
The City of Scottsdale says there are a number of
ways to save
water and they are start with you. Consider a cover for your swimming
pool to
reduce water loss through evaporation. For more conservation tips, visit
www.wateruseitwisely.com or call (480) 312-5650. Posted: October
6, 2008. |
The Rotary
Club of Pinnacle Peak recently delivered
200 reference
dictionaries to third grade students at Palomino Primary School in
Phoenix. The Rotary
Club feels this is a valuable educational tool and are committed to the
concept that reading is the basis for all learning, by giving each
student their own dictionary. “Students learn to read until the third
grade, but from the third grade on they read to learn.”
The Rotary Club of
Pinnacle Peak is made up of local business and professional leaders. It
is part of a worldwide organization that provides humanitarian service,
encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build
goodwill and peace in the world.
The club meets each
Thursday at 12 noon till 1 p.m. at the Pinnacle Peak Country Club, 8701
E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. Visitors are invited to attend a
luncheon meeting and hear great speakers and learn more about Rotary.
Potential New Members are welcome. Further information is available on
the club’s Web site
www.pinnaclepeakrotary.org, Posted: September 25, 2008. |
The Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale
will be displaying a Shelter Box and related equipment at Cookout at the
Ranch XIII. The club has purchased a
Shelter Box that will be sent to a disaster area
somewhere in the world
when needed. Shelter boxes contain a 10-person tent and ancillary
equipment designed to enable a family of up to 10 people to survive for
at least six months. The box costs $1000 and can mean the difference
between life and death to disaster victims. During the recent natural
disasters that occurred in Myanmar and China, a total of 1800 boxes were
sent by Rotary Clubs throughout the world to these area.
Rotary Club of Pinnacle
Peak is made up of local business and professional leaders who are
committed to providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical
standards in all vocations, and helping build goodwill and peace in the
world.
The Club meets each
Thursday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Pinnacle Peak Country Club,
8701 E. Pinnacle Peak Road in Scottsdale.
Visitors are invited to attend a luncheon meeting to hear great speakers
and learn more about Rotary. Potential new members are welcome.
Further information is available on the Club's website at
www.pinnaclepeakrotary.org. Posted: July 13, 2008 |
 |
|
Claire
Miller (behind saguaro), Bob Cafarella, Scott Hamilton(with
shovel) |
Scottsdale's
Preservation Division won the SRP Environmental Stewardship
Crescordia during Valley Forward's 28th annual Environmental
Excellence Awards program on September 6. The award recognizes sustained
environmental performance, singled out three employees –
Preservation Director Robert Cafarella, Preserve Manager Claire Miller
and Trails Planner Scott Hamilton - for their roles in bringing the
vision of
the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to reality.
More than a decade ago,
Scottsdale citizens initiated the vision for what ultimately will be the
preservation of approximately 36,400 acres of
Scottsdale's McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert. When completed, the
preserve will encompass nearly one-third of the city's land area and
will be one of the largest urban preserves in the country. The
Preservation Division was recognized for guiding the ongoing stewardship
of the
preserve, managing planning for the future and for exemplifying a
commitment to preservation of the Sonoran Desert.
The Preservation Division also
worked closely with and assisted the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust , the
grassroots, volunteer-driven non-profit organization that works in
tandem with the city on the preserve, was the recipient of Valley
Forward's President's Award in 2005. The organization has since changed
its name to the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.More information on the
Valley Forward awards and local winners is available at
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/News/09-11-08.asp. Posted: September 14,
2008. |
|
The Arizona
Game and Fish Department’s real-life data shows that the bald
eagle population in the state has been growing four percent annually
Paradoxically, a demographic model recently developed by the department
predicted that the population at best would remain stable or would have
declined at a rate of 3.6 to 5.5 percent (depending on the data input)
during the same period. In reality, bald eagle numbers over the past 30
years
have grown more than 400 percent in Arizona with the number of breeding
pairs increasing in that time from only 11 pairs to 56 in 2008. The
state
also welcomed a record 53 fledglings to the skies this year, a 26
percent increase over 2007. For additional information, contact the
department at
(623) 236-7575. Posted: September 14, 2008. |
Arizona Game &
Fish has announced that on September 3, 2008, the first Gila
topminnow fish were reestablished in their native Arizona waters as
part of a new program aimed at enlisting the help of non-federal
landowners to conserve this endangered species. More than two hundred
fish were
released into the TimBuckTwo pond near Amado, south of Tucson, on
private land. The fish for this inaugural release came from Arizona
State
University (ASU), where breeding stock is maintained for the species. In
addition to ASU, Desert Harbor Elementary School in Peoria also
maintains a captive population of Gila topminnow.
“These fish were once
common in southern Arizona below 5,200 feet, but populations declined
due to habitat loss and competition from non-native
species,” says Jeff Sorensen, native fish and invertebrate program
manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Today’s stocking is
particularly important because these fish are of the rare Redrock
lineage that only existed in captivity until today. This release will
help us increase
the numbers of this important lineage.”
Gila topminnows prey on
mosquito larvae and help to control mosquito-borne illnesses. As a
native species, they pose fewer threats to other
species sharing the same habitat than non-native species that have been
introduced in the past. They grow to approximately two inches long and
are
the only native fish in Arizona to give birth to live young. They prefer
shallow, slow-moving waters, and they were once the most common fish
species in the Gila River basin. Posted: September 14, 2008. |
| The
Arizona Game and Fish Department reports that captive
desert
tortoises are being abandoned or illegally released back into the
wild when people can no longer care for them. “We cannot stress enough
how detrimental it is to both the captive and wild tortoises to let a
captive tortoise go free in the wild,” said Cristina Jones, Arizona Game
and Fish Department’s turtles project coordinator. “Captive desert
tortoises can transmit diseases that harm wild populations, and captive
tortoises aren’t prepared to find food and water in an unfamiliar area
and often die.” The public is advised not to handle desert tortoises.
Under the Endangered Species Act, the desert tortoise is recognized as a
threatened species in parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. If
a person sees a tortoise, he or she should not remove the animal from
its habitat. People who can no longer care for their desert tortoise
should contact the Phoenix Herpetological Society at (602) 550-7029 or
the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7767. Posted: August
10, 2008. |
A
Musical Instrument Museum is
being planned for the Desert Ridge area of northeast Phoenix. According
to Minell Sefelt, who writes The Peak's "Here and There in Art"
columnist, the museum will eventually display approximately 5,000
instruments from virtually every nation on earth. The building will
house a recital hall, research and conservation offices, and a
restaurant. Musical clips and videos will give visitors a chance to hear
instrumnets being played.
Bill De Walt is the
president and director of the museum. Robert Ulrich, chairman and chief
executive of Target Corporation, is credited with conceiving and guiding
the museum's development. , The museum will be located on the southwest
corner of Tatum and Mayo Boulevards, |
|
Wild At
Heart welcomes first captive bred cactus ferruginous pygmy owls.
Four new fledgling owls were welcomed this spring from two pairs of
adult cactus ferruginous pygmy owls. The breeding program is part of an
experimental research project to investigate the possibilities for
recovering the species. It is carried out by the Arizona Game and Fish
Department in conjunction with Wild At Heart, a raptor rescue and
rehabilitation center supported by GPPA. After monitoring last year’s
unsuccessful captive breeding attempts, several changes were implemented
that proved important this year, including a change in the nestbox
design, adding a substrate to the nestbox, and the installation of
cameras to monitor the pairs and their eggs. The pygmy owl was
previously considered an endangered species from 1997 to 2006. The
birds’ status is currently being reconsidered by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. The pygmy owl is less than 7 inches tall and weighs
about 2 ½ ounces. It nests primarily in woodpecker holes in saguaro
cactus found in southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. These
little birds are aggressive hunters that eat reptiles, insects and small
birds and mammals. Posted: June 17, 2008. |
Scottsdale's Parks and Recreation division recently launched the
Scottsdale Sports Complex Web site: www.ScottsdaleSportscomplex.com.
This complex is a state-of-the-art, 71-acre competitive sport facility
offering tournament level playing conditions. The facility accommodates
a variety of flat field sports such as soccer, lacrosse, football,
Ultimate Frisbee and rugby. The site also provides tournament and league
coordinators with detailed information about the facility, including an
opportunity to search available dates and times. In addition to sports
fields, the complex has a full, lighted basketball court, a shaded
playground, multi-use paths and open park space for drop-in public use
as well as a public art component and two restrooms.
For more information,
contact Sr. Recreation Coordinator Jona Davis at (480) 312-7520 or
jdavis@ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Posted: June 17, 2008. |
| The
Scottsdale Pride Commission asks, "What's the No. 1 littered item in
the world?" Cigarette butts! Billions are discarded on roads and
sidewalks, and in parks. What's more, cigarette butts are not
biodegradable. The Scottsdale Pride Commission, an affiliate of Keep
America Beautiful, asks you to do your part. If you smoke, please use
your car ashtray, take a second to find a proper receptacle where you
can dispose of a cigarette butt or keep a pocket ashtray with you when
outdoors. Posted: July 13, 2008. |
| Game and
Fish Department credits aggressive on-the-ground management to a
soaring
growth in the Bald eagle population in Arizona. Bald eagle numbers
over the past 30 years have grown more than 400 percent with the number
of breeding pairs increasing in that time from only 11 pairs to 56 in
2008. Studies indicate the bald eagle population in central Arizona has
been growing at a rate of 1.3 breeding areas per year since 1978. The
department believes bald eagles in the state have reached population
levels where existing threats do not endanger it with imminent
extinction. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, a leading partner in
recovery efforts for the species, attributes the success to cooperative
on-the-ground management. Through the Southwest Bald Eagle Management
Committee (SWBEMC), a broad coalition of 23 government agencies, private
organizations and Native American tribes, a plan is in place to help
ensure the continued success of the bald eagle population in Arizona.
Posted: July 13, 2008 |
| Pinnacle
Peak Park has a weather station with temperature and rainfall being
reported twice daily to the National Weather Service. A new station is
currently being added which will provide wind speed, humidity and a rain
gauge that records both rain amount and when it fell. Hikers in the park
will find this new information useful for safety purposes and will also
provide staff with environmental data for flora and fauna studies.
Posted: June 17, 2008. |
The
Scottsdale Fire Department encourages residents and businesses to
take steps to protect their property and loved ones from
dangerous wildfires. Residents and businesses are encouraged to do their
part in helping reduce the risk of a brush fire by following these
simple tips: Create a 30-foot fire safety zone around your home and
other structures; this zone should be an area free of dried or dead
grass and vegetation, Trim your trees and remove any dead branches or
leaves, Keep your gutters, eaves and roof clear of leaves and other
debris, Keep a rolled-up garden hose with a nozzle attached to outside
hose valve connections, Properly dispose of cigarettes, When camping,
follow local agency rules for campfires; do not build a fire without
making sure open fires are allowed, and always follow fire safety
information, Add a spark arrester to off-road vehicles and other small
internal combustion engines, such as generators.
For current fire
restrictions go to
www.azstatefire.org or call (877) 864-6985. For information on
invasive plants, home safety checks lists and additional wildland
prevention resources, visit www.ScottsdaleFD.com or call (480) 312-FIRE
(3473). Posted: June 17, 2008. |
|
The Desert
Foothills Scenic Drive Memory Park is moving closer to reality.
Horst Berkner and Marg Nelssen have contributed proposed layouts for the
park's exhibits that will provide information about the history of the
Desert Foothills area. During the summer months, The Peak
magazine will be used to provide information to the community about the
design of the proposed park. The May/June issue includes the initial
layouts that have been created by Berkner and Nelssen. The article also
provides details about the park's introductory exhibit.
Read Desert Foothills Scenic Drive
Memory Park, Part I. |
| The City
of Scottsdale is planning to sell $120 million in voter-approved
general obligation bonds, mainly for capital projects such as public
facilities and roads. In preparation
for the sale, three major bond rating agencies have reaffirmed the
highest possible ratings for Scottsdale’s general obligation bonds, and
one of the agencies has upgraded ratings
for another variety of bonds used for land purchases in the McDowell
Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale had requested the ratings reviews from the
agencies, Moody’s, Standard and
Poor’s and Fitch, in preparation for bond sales to be finalized in May.
About $20 million will fund land acquisitions in the McDowell Sonoran
Preserve. Scottsdale also is
planning to sell about $110 million worth of Municipal Property
Corporation bonds to pay for water and sewer projects. Posted April 13,
2008. |
| The City
of Scottsdale airs green building programs on Thursdays City Cable
11. Please see the program schedule for times at
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/citycable11.asp. Posted April 13, 2008. |
| Foundation
for Senior Living offers home energy audits. For information, visit
www.azhomeperformance.com or
call (602) 532-2976 ext. 1. Posted April 13, 2008. |
|
The
Scottsdale Fire Department encourages residents, businesses and
building contractors to prepare for upcoming warmer weather and wildfire
season. Residents can help
keep their neighborhood and the community safe by providing proper
defensible space around homes and following the city's wildfire
prevention guidelines to ensure protection
of Natural Area Open Space. The Fire Department also is providing
builders a series of guidelines that will help prevent and control
wildfire incidents near local construction
sites. Brochures are available at the city's One Stop Shop and other
service counters or at fire stations. For more information on fire
prevention, visit www.scottsdalefd.com or call
(480) 312-FIRE. Posted April 13, 2008. |
The Scottsdale City Council has approved a series of dust control
measures designed to bring the Valley into compliance with EPA air
quality standards for particulates - fine dust particles that can harm
health. The controls affect unpaved areas, vacant land, off-road
vehicles and leaf blowers. Two of the measures approved last Tuesday by
the City Council will go into effect on April 18. They are: 1) limits on
leaf-blower use (landscapers and homeowners will be prohibited from
using leaf blowers to blow debris onto public streets), 2) broadened
prohibitions on ATV use (all-terrain and off-road vehicles generally
will not be allowed on unstabilized surfaces, even if riders have the
owner's permission to use the vehicles on private property). Additional
measures, such as requirements to either pave or treat unpaved parking
lots and driveways will take effect within six to 18 months. Scottsdale
is developing a list of approved surface treatments for dust control,
and will be seeking public input on the types of stabilizers or
palliatives that would be effective. More information on the approved
dust-control measures is available at:
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/asset20016.aspx. Posted March 11, 2008.
|
Paper or plastic? Next
time you grocery shop, ask for paper. Plastic grocery bags are the No. 1
contaminant in the Recycling Program. Paper bags can be recycled and
also can hold loose items. Better yet, consider purchasing reusable bags
to bring your groceries home. For more information, call (480) 312-5600
or visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
Posted March 11, 2008.
|
| Pinnacle Peak Park, the City of
Scottsdale's largest park at 150 acres, welcomed its one millionth
visitor on February 29th. The visitor, Kim Kucharski of Scottsdale, was
greeted by Mayor Mary Manross, who presented her with an engraved
walking stick to commemorate the feat. The engraving on the stick
states: "I was the 1,000,000 visitor at Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale,
AZ." Kim is a teacher at Grayhawk Elementary School and was very
surprised and thrilled at the achievement. She hikes the park five to
seven days a week. To count visitors, the park uses two systems. The
first is an electronic counter that records when people break a beam
that is placed across the trail. The second is a hand counter. When both
counts are tallied, the numbers are very close. For more information
about the park, visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/Pinnacle.asp or
call (480) 312-0990. Posted March 11, 2008. |
|
Desert Foothills Scenic Drive
Enhancement Planning. Friends of the Scenic Drive is providing
input to the City of Scottsdale on the planned beautification of the
northern part of Scottsdale Road, known as the Desert Foothills Scenic
Drive. Friends has invited representatives of HOAs and neighborhoods
near the Scenic Drive to provide input at a meeting that will be held on
February 27th. The article "Desert
Foothills Scenic Drive" by Judith Wagman, the editor of the
Coalition of Pinnacle Peak's newsletter, COPP News, introduces the
Bond 2000 program and summarizes the enhancements being considered by
the City of Scottsdale. "What
Scenic Drive?" by Les Conklin, the president of the Greater Pinnacle
Peak Association, provides background information about the Scenic Drive
effort. "How Good is Your Memory"
by Desert Les proposes that historical exhibits be included as part of
the enhancements and test readers' knowledge of local history. Posted
February 10, 2008. |
Friends of the Scenic Drive
representatives Horst Berkner, Herb Grasse, and Les Conklin met with
Tim Conner and Madeline Clemann of the City of Scottsdale in early January to discuss future
enhancements to the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive (Scottsdale Road from
Happy Valley to Carefree Highway). Tim
Conner, coordinates projects related to Scottsdale's scenic
corridors and has worked with Friends on a variety of projects and
issues related to the Scenic Drive. Madeline Conner is the city's
manager of transportation services.
Based on previous input
that it has received from residents, Friends of the Scenic Drive, and
city planning staff, the city is considering a number of enhancement
options, including undergrounding utilities, creating a comprehensive
trail system, landscaping disturbed areas and enhancing intersections.
Friends has proposed that a series of "memory parks" that feature
historical exhibits related to the various parts of Scottsdale be
created along Scottsdale Road and has designed a memory exhibit for the
Scenic Drive exhibit area, which is located on the east side of
Scottsdale Road, just south of Jomax. Meanwhile, a group of Scottsdale
artists have proposed a series of individual historical displays for
other parts of Scottsdale Road. It was agreed that Friends would meet
with the artist group to discuss combining their efforts. Friends also
suggested that one or two additional memory parks could be established
along the Scenic Drive, perhaps using available space adjacent to
shopping centers, which would both provide parking and help the centers.
An updated "Streetscape Design Guidelines for the Desert Foothills
Drive" is available from the city and has asked for additional input
from Friends by the end of April. Friends is seeking resident feedback
on ideas for improvements, including development of historical exhibits.
To participate or for additional information, E-mail preserve@scenicdrive.org
or call (480) 361-6498. For more information about the overall
Scottsdale Road streetscape enhancement project,
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/projects/CapitalProjects/ScottsdaleRd.asp. Friends of the Scenic Drive is a
division of
the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. Additional information will be
posted on this site in the near future. For additional information, also
see August 2007 posting to Scene and visit
www.scenicdrive.org. Posted
January 14, 2008. |
|
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. |
|
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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