The East Valley Tribune appears to be readying a Scottsdale blog. Taking a tip from The Insider, the Trib calls the blog-to-be "Inside Scottsdale." The site has no content yet, but could be in the offing soon. The Arizona Republic, the Trib's main competitor, recently upgraded their blogs making them much more robust and engaging. Also, the Tribune has unveiled their Mesa blog; likewise for the Republic. Other communtity blogs will certainly provide more eyeballs on each paper's Web site, and with declining newspaper subscriptions that is a good thing for those outlets. We welcome more Scottsdale voices in the blogosphere and look forward to engaging in a productive discussion for the betterment of our city.
Good thing we have nearly a year's head start on 'em.
The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is walking around City Hall with hat in hand. The Center needs some upgrades and improvements in order to stay competitive with the Valley's burgeoning arts scene. The Performing Arts Center is a Scottsdale institution and city leaders should step up to conduct a thorough study of what is needed to bring the venue into the 21st century. Scottsdale cannot be caught flat-footed while other Valley cities ramp up their arts programs and invest in facility upgrades. The council needs to carefully consider their options or we will be left behind in the chase for art lovers' dollars.
Not surprisingly, Councilwoman Betty Drake, who never met a conflict-of-interest she wasn't involved with, is expressing reservations about helping Scottsdale's art scene. Perhaps she would be easier to convince if promoters brought in some performing horses.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was seen today at the north Scottsdale Costco store. The Insider spotted Kurt heading into the store in black workout gear. The Cardinals quarterback was recognized by a few shoppers right away and autographs ensued. Warner seemed friendly and happy to sign for the surprised folks gathered nearby.
Scottsdale chefs are in the spotlight once again. Check out this roundup of culinary culture in Scottsdale including national TV coverage, soul food and local events.
The 35th annual Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale continues over the weekend. Dozens of ultra-rare cars and celebrities' vehicles are up for sale this year. This event is an institution in Scottsdale and a point of pride for the city. Scottsdale residents should be proud of the efforts by municipal leaders to work with Craig Barrett to keep this world-class event right here in Scottsdale. If you're not lucky enough to be in the West's Most Western Town this weekend tune into the Speed Channel for live coverage of the auction.
As the tourism season moves into high gear, visitors have a new option for a quick tour of a portion of downtown Scottsdale. Free horse-drawn carriage rides are being offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 until 4 p.m. through March.
Carriage drivers will pick riders up and drop them off on the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Craftsman Court in Downtown Scottsdale. Visitors and residents who take advantage of the free rides can expect a 20-minute ride that takes them through the Fifth Avenue area of downtown. KC's Classic Carriage Co. is providing the service.
A recent spate of accidents is prompting some local leaders to call for enhanced safety measures for Scottsdale's roads. Cameras on 101 may be the big Scottdale transportation story, but attention muststill be paid to our local streets and neighborhood roads. Safe freeways and local roads are crucial to mantaining a even a moderate qualityof life.
The Scottsdale Insider is back! After a holiday break and some wonderful travel I am happy to be back dishing up the latest Scottsdale news. Thanks for your kind thoughts during the holiday absence. Expect regular posting now that I have returned to the West's Most Western Town. As usual, there are plenty of things happening in Scottsdale!
The East Valley Tribune appears to be readying a Scottsdale blog. Taking a tip from The Insider, the Trib calls the blog-to-be "Inside Scottsdale." The site has no content yet, but could be in the offing soon. The Arizona Republic, the Trib's main competitor, recently upgraded their blogs making them much more robust and engaging. Also, the Tribune has unveiled their Mesa blog; likewise for the Republic. Other communtity blogs will certainly provide more eyeballs on each paper's Web site, and with declining newspaper subscriptions that is a good thing for those outlets. We welcome more Scottsdale voices in the blogosphere and look forward to engaging in a productive discussion for the betterment of our city.
