Scottsdale Transit Needs Fed Funding

The City of Scottsdale is seeking more than $2 million in federal funds to upgrade the city's mass transit system.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: News

Scottsdale Teen Comforts Iraqi Children

An amazing effort by 14-year old Alison Goulder has supplied over 50,000 Beanie Babies to Iraqi kids. The campaign started with the worthy of goal of shipping 1,000 plush toys to youngsters in the war zone. Goulder has received generous support from around the country with Beanie Babies flooding her mailbox daily.

In the interest of fairness, here's another take on the warm and fuzzy campaign.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: News

Turn Up the Scottsdale Radio

Low power FM radio has come to Scottsdale! Check out KWSS for commercial-free radio in your Scottsdale home, around town in the car or anywhere in the world via the web. The guys that run the KWSS have made a substantial investment in the station and deserve the support (and the eardrums) of local residents. Tune it in when you're in town!

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Music

South Scottsdale Seniors Shut Out

In yet another sign that the squeeze is on south Scottsdale senior citizens, the much-hyped McDowell Village Senior Apartments are pricing their expected residents out of the market. Local seniors simply cannot afford the high rents. In fairness, the exorbitant prices are partially due to the maintenance and dining amenities, yet many elderly do not need these services. A compromise should be sought to lower the rents, allow some flexibility in leasing plans and accommodate south Scottsdale residents in their golden years.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: News

Scottsdale GOP Legislator Hit With 5K Fine

State legislator Colette Rosati, a Republican from Scottsdale, was fined $5,000 for allegedly receiving illegal in-kind contributions from a consultant she is cozy with.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Politics

New Scottsdale Restaurant: White Chocolate Grill

The White Chocolate Grill is a new restaurant opening soon in north Scottsdale. Looks like a promising venture and an exciting building. Too bad the restaurant's website is not quite ready for primetime, especially considering the article in today's newspaper (linked above).

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Restaurants

E4 Comes to Scottsdale

A new club is opening in Scottsdale. One thing the area probably doesn't need is yet another club, but there are some, u, elements of this new space which could make the new hodgepodge a cool place.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Nightlife

Scottsdale's Size Just Right

Scottsdale's position as 82nd largest city in the country is just fine for Mayor Manross, and I agree. City size is not an indicator of quality-of-life. While Phoenix seems obsessed with passing Philadelphia in the race to the #5 position, Scottsdale is contently in the top 100 for size.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Census

Stolen Scottsdale Art Recovered

Scottsdale police have recovered one of five pieces of artwork recently stolen from downtown galleries. The recovered sculpture of an American Indian woman is valued at $10,000. Hopefully this find will lead to the recovery of the remaining sculptures.

Familiarize yourself with the other pieces of stolen artwork in case you happen upon one.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Art

Kosher Food in Scottsdale

Yes, you can find kosher food in Scottsdale. Excllent kosher food, as a matter of fact. Check out the Scottsdale Kosher Market (map) next time you're craving some good, Godly food.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Food

Scottsdale Council Races Under Way

The campaigns for city council are getting under way now that the city clerk has petitions available for those interested in running. Challengers will face off against 3 incumbents. All have done a reasonable job thus far, with Kevin Osterman standing out as the best of the bunch.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Politics

Scottsdale Schools Need Tech Upgrade

Scottsdale's school system is in need of a technology upgrade to improve some of their back-end data systems. The updates are indeed needed, but more details and financial information are required before jumping into the deep IT waters with both feet.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Schools

Maloney's Coming to Scottsdale

Maloney's Tavern will be opening in Scottsdale later on this year. The Tempe location is a old-time favorite hangout and fun place to visit. Good luck to Maloney's as they try to break into the ultra-competitive Scottsdale restaurant business at a location has been surprisingly tough for past residents.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Restaurants

Scottsdale Library Closed

The Civic Center Library will be closed this weekend due to maintenance on the air conditioning. The unexpected closure will last all weekend with the library re-opening on Monday.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Library

Scottsdale Public Art Review

Those folks interested in local art thathas not been stolen may be interested in an upcoming meeting the city will hold to review public art proposals. From the City of Scottsdale e-newsletter:

"Residents are invited to review three public art proposals for the District One Municipal Complex Plaza at a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, in the Yavapai Elementary School Cafeteria, 701 N. Miller Road.
Three nationally known artists will make presentations on their ideas for the area and answer questions.
For more information, please contact Jana Weldon with the Scottsdale Public Art Program at (480) 874-4684."

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Art

Success Sprouts in Scottsdale

Sprouts markets in Scottsdale are enjoying great successes. The informal stores are well-stocked with good food at reasonable prices. The 92nd Street & Shea store is definitely worth a visit if you haven't been there yet.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Food

Art Thieves in Scottsdale

A rash of recent thefts have left Scottsdale gallery owners wondering what's going on. The crime spree does raise concerns, but the gallery owners' and Councilman Wayne Ecton's questioning of police goes too far. There are much more serious crimes in Scottsdale that command officers' attention. Until gang violence, rapes and prostitution decline meaningfully in Scottsdale, gallery owners need to just tough it out.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Art

Scottsdale Water Tank Battle

The battle over the future of city water tanks will go to court. A vocal group of citizens has banded together to fight the height of the tanks. The difference between the company's proposal and the residents' request is a whopping 12 feet. There is no question that the tanks are necessary, and they most certainly will obstruct a portion of the coveted mountain views. However, 12 feet should be a small enough difference to bring the two sides to the table in order to hammer-out a compromise.

(The "Choose Your Artwork" feature on the activists' website is wonderful!)

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Water

Scottsdale Ranked 35th Best Place to Live

Money magazine has ranked Scottsdale the 35th best place to live in the U.S. We scored high in the quality of life and leisure activities departments, and we scored low when it came to climate and education. We can't argue with them about the climate (especially in mid-July), and the education issues that the entire state faces are well-documented. However, Scottsdale has been making great strides in our public education system and should be recognized for the improvements.

Also of note, Scottsdale is the lone representative from the Grand Canyon State, which clearly makes it the best place in Arizona to live!

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Best Places

Scottsdale Wants Land for Preservation

Scottsdale will attempt to purchase 52 acres of prime state trust land at a public auction. The city should be applauded for its long term vision, but the auction will be a tough battle for a city wanting to preserve open space being placed in a potential bidding war against hungry local developers.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Land

City Meeting to Discuss Water Upgrades

From the city's newsletter regarding an upcoming meeting to discuss the work being done on the city's water system:

"Residents and business owners can learn more about the upgrade and the construction it will require at a meeting from 9 to 10 a.m. July 15 at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. (Map)

The upgraded water distribution system will improve operational dependability and reliability. The city's goal is to minimize construction impacts to the businesses, residents and to the community. To do so, construction will occur in sections. Access will remain open to businesses and residents. Construction is scheduled to begin next month and be completed by next April."

That's more than 6 months of construction. The upgrades are indeed necessary and the scope of the project is massive. The city should just ensure that the April deadline is firm and we won't be dealing with the issue during this time next year.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Water

Scottsdale Baby

Scottsdale baby enjoying the lakeside view

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Tag: Baby

Seen at Gainey Ranch

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Wildlife

Scottsdale Trolley Rolls On

The popular Scottsdale Trolley will now offer year-round service for those wishing to navigate the downtown area.

Tag: Scottsdale

Cactus Towing Gets Scottsdale Contract

The City Council voted unanimously to award a contract to the embattled car tow firm Cactus Towing. Several council members voiced their concerns regarding allegations of the company's disreputable business practices. However, due to a provision in the city's rules that requires the contract be awarded to the lowest bidder the council had no choice but to do business with Cactus. Luckily, several provisions were included in the final agreement which allow for strict accountability and oversight of the company's operations in Scottsdale.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: News

Britney's Baby Big Deal in Scottsdale

Laurie Roberts has a humorous take on the swirling rumors that Britney Spears wants to give birth to her baby in Scottsdale. Roberts' viewpoint about the ridiculous hype is correct. Her dismal assessment of the significance for Scottsdale is reasonable, if not a bit overstated and a tad bitter.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Britney

Restaurant Review: Garduno's

Garduno's is a Mexican restaurant located at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale. The restaurant is spacious, open and festive. When you walk through the door you get a sense of the grand room you are in, with the high ceilings, old world decor and open, breezy setup. Garduno's accommodated a party of five plus a baby with no problem and no waiting. The menu offers a great variety of choices to please the long-time patrons as well as those new to the epicurean delights of the southwest.

We started off with an order of "mexiskins" - potato skins filled with ground beef, melted cheese and wonderful spices. There were plenty of skins to go round and everyone enjoyed this Mexican twist on a decidedly American dish. Next, the margaritas. Garduno's is known for their margaritas and now I know why. The frozen coconut margarita was superb. The glass was encircled with a light coat of honey and coconut shavings. But it what was inside the glass made this a memorable margarita. The frozen concoction was delicious - all of the right ingredients in the right amounts, masterfully frozen and blended. You could go to Garduno's and just sit at the bar drinking margaritas and you would get more than you money's worth.

For the main course I sampled a shredded beef and cheese burrito. The beef was superb - tender and tasty. The tortilla warm and fresh, but not greasy. The cheese melted perfectly and in just the right amount (some Mexican restaurants tend to go overboard with the cheese). The refried beans leave something to be desired. I prefer a smoother consistency. The portions are generous without being overkill and the price is reasonable, especially considering the Gainey Ranch location.

Garduno's is a nice break from the typical Mexican fare served all over Phoenix. Plus it is an enjoyable place to eat - family friendly with prompt and courteous service. Next time you get a craving for Mexican food and you're in Scottsdale, give Garduno's try. You will not be disappointed.

Tag: Scottsdale
Tag: Restaurants