Basha's Flees South Scottsdale

In yet another sign of south Scottsdale's decline, Basha's at McDowell Road and 74th Street closed this weekend. The anchor tennant in a crumbling strip mall, the departure of the store is a bad sign for the area and a challenge that the city must deal with before that area falls into blight. The store which has occupied the space for 44 years is going to leave a crater in the community. Time for business and political leaders to step up.

City's Growth is Beyond Its Control

As Phoenix goes, so goes Scottsdale. Like it or not, that is the conclusion that residents and city leaders are coming to as development all around the city impacts Scottsdale for the good and bad. Maybe regional planning wasn't such a bad idea, eh?

Escape From South Scottsdale

South Scottsdale has always been plagued with the woes of bordering Tempe and Maricopa County land. The area created pockets of "no-man lands" where cops rarely go and crime is rampant. This leads, of course, to crime encroaching on the suburban areas in the city's southern area. Now, a rash of home burglaries is spurring long-time residents to flee the area for their own safety. Pathetic. Where is Scottsdale PD when you need them?

Scottsdale Police Refuse To Arrest Illegal Immigrants

In an act that will surely make people even more upset, Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell recently stated that he would not use his police force to round-up illegal aliens in sweeps being coordinated by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Illegal immigration is the #1 issues to many Scottsdale and area residents, yet the police chief steadfastly refuses to enforce the law and crack down on illegal immigrants in Scottsdale.

West Jet Aircarft Must Pay Whistleblower $94K

Scottsdale-based West Jet Aircraft must pay $94,000 in damages to a whistle-blower who called out the company on airplane safety issues. After the unnamed employee exposed shady practices at the West Jet, he was fired for complaining to the FAA. That is, of course, illegal, and the company probably realizes that now.

Scottsdale Police Calls Up, Crime Down

Last year, the Scottsdale police department answered more calls than in previous years, but crime actually fell 4%, that is if Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell is to be believed.