Rattlesnake Caught in Scottsdale Home

The cute little critter below was found on a front pation and quickly removed by the Scottsdale Fire Department.

Scottsdale Home Resales Down 21%

The Scottsdale home resale market is taking a big hit, plunging 21% in May 2007 compared to May 2006. A variety of factors have resulted in a cascading impact on the real estate market across the country. But the frothy real estate market in Arizona and Scottsdale specifically, is ripe for this type of downturn. There is no question that it is a short-term correction. Scottsdale's desirability is constantly ascending. But the steep losses will no doubt leave some families in a very tough economic position.

Scottsdale Car Auctions Go Head to Head

Two car auctioneers that hold large events in Scottsdale are battling it out for control of a site near 101 and Scottsdale road. Russo & Steel has been holding an annual auto auction on a parcel of land in that area for the past few years. R&S is an upstart competitor going after Barrett-Jackson customers. However, it appears that Russo & Steel did not have the proper permits from the state to hold their auction on the particular parcel of land they were using. Barrett-Jackson uncovered this discrepancy, applied for the proper permits and could take the land right out from under Russo & Steel, effectively wiping out the underdog's event. It's a tough world out there and R&S need to be perform due diligence when producing an event. They screwed up and unfortunately for Russo & Steel, their competitor found out about it before they did.

New Scottsdale Traffic Cameras Coming July 1

Drivers on Shea Boulevard, north Pima Road and McDowell Road will see new photo enforcement cameras being installed in the next several weeks as Scottsdale makes changes to the program.

The City Council last month selected a new operator, American Traffic Solutions, for the city's street photo enforcement program. ATS begins operations on July 1 with cameras in three new locations. Six current locations will remain unchanged.
Scottsdale also is working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on a transition plan for cameras on the Loop 101 Freeway. The changes approved by the Council last month apply only to city streets.

The new Scottsdale street camera locations are:

* Northbound and southbound Pima Road between Los Gatos and Thompson Peak Parkway. These cameras, at a mid-block location between intersections, will monitor for speed only.

* Eastbound and westbound Shea Blvd. between 120th and 124th streets, also a mid-block, speed-only camera.

* Eastbound McDowell Road at Scottsdale Road. This intersection camera will monitor both speed and red-light running.

Barrett-Jackson 2007 Video Review

Here's a 10-minute review from the 2007 Barret-Jackson auction. Makes me excited for 2008!

Know Your Wines? Prove It!

Wine aficionados will be on hand tomorrow night at Armitage in Scottsdale. The wine lounge is holding their fun Brown Bag Challenge on Wednesday night. Come put your taste buds to the test and take home some wonderful wine.

Scottsdale Crime Rises Slightly

FBI data released today show that crime rose 2% in Scottsdale between 2005-2006. While the increase is small, this should not be seen as good news. Parts of Scottsdale are being overrun with criminal activity. People don't feel as safe as they used to on the streets, and for good reason. The Scottsdale Police Department and the the city's elected officials need to spend more time working on crime and blight in Scottsdale and less time quibbling over cost-of-living increases for city employees.

Free Goodies Flowing to Downtown Condo Owners

As people start moving into downtown Scottsdale condos, local marketers are falling all over themselves to offer shopping incentives to the new downtown dwellers. Goodie bags full of plush robes, wine and other top-notch gifts are being showered on new residents. The welcome wagon has never been so couture.

A Look Inside The Scottsdale Princess

Staying with the travel theme, here is video from the inside of a room at the Scottsdale Princess.

The New York Times Visits Scottsdale

Scottsdale is featured in the Sunday paper. The travel article visits some great Scottsdale restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and attractions. The author doesn't miss a beat and correctly concludes that Scottsdale sizzles, regardless of the temperature outside.

Scottsdale Restaurant Review: Olive & Ivy

This is not actually a restaurant review. My experience at Olive & Ivy has been confined exclusively to the bar area. So with that in mind:

Olive & Ivy is a wonderfully charming marketplace/bar/restaurant. You can go there to grab and soda and sandwich, a martini or a full dinner. It's located at Scottsdale's somewhat infamous Waterfront. As you walk in to Olive & Ivy, a deli-style counter greets you with a casual, informal feeling. Wander past the large chalkboard-style menu with a great list of hearty sandwiches and you'll find the bar area. My friend and I sat a small bar table and relaxed in a couple very large, overstuffed chairs. The bar menu was perfect with a blend of refreshing summertime cocktails and delicious appetizers. Mt friend opted for a mojito and I chose a "Grape Crush" - grape vodka with grape juice. Simple, but oh so good.

Next up was the food. Our small sampling featured average hummus with warm pita bread, and above average flat bread with basil, garlic and tomatoes. The generous portion was absolutely delicious. The bread was perfectly cooked and the cherry tomatoes were big and sweet. This is a great dish to enjoy over a few drinks.

Olive & Ivy had a great, festive dynamic vibe all night. We arrived at 5pm; by 7pm the place was packed. It's roomy and can meet almost any need with the options of a deli, bar or restaurant. Next time you're hungry think of Olive & Ivy. You will not be disappointed.

Dirty Scottsdale On ABC15 News

Kudos to DirtyScottsdale! The 3-month old site has landed itself on Channel 15 in the wake of the recent Arizona Republic article. Check out the piece below.

Scottsdale's First Death Row Candidate?

Alleged killer of five, William Miller has found that Miller is mentally competent and can stand trial for trial in the killing of five people, including a fifteen-year old and a 10-year old, in February 2006. A Scottsdale resident, Miller could face the death penalty for the killings which sprang the victims' knowledge of from Miller's shady business dealings and insurance scams.

Princiotta Coin Collection Sold by Killer

The coin and memorabilia collection that served as the motive in the killing of 9/11 hero fireman Sal Princiotta by Jeff Bigham was sold by Bigham after the murder to a coin dealer in southern California. Bigham received nearly $20,000 for Sal's collection, most of which is now untraceable because it was sold off in pieces.

Bigham befriended the retired firefighter in Las Vegas earlier this year. He sold Princiotta a safe for his Scottsdale condo and became aware of Sal's coin and memorabilia collection. Bigham then killed Sal for that collection in a robbery at the condo on May 1. Bigham killed himself in southern California last Friday as police were closing in on him.

Summer Wine Tasting in Scottsdale

Whether it's the patio with a book and a bottle of whites, or the patio, the barbecue and a bottle of reds, you'll be ready if you attend the wine tasting this Friday, June 1 at Cru Fine Wines in north Scottsdale. Join them for variety of whites wines for sipping on the patio and some great reds to enjoy with summer barbecue. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Couple's Yoga in Scottsdale

Yoga has been gaining ground in local gyms for several years. Now, couples can enjoy the relaxing, rejuvenating yoga exercises together in a session designed exclusively for couples in Scottsdale. Touch With Intention is sponsoring the workshop yoga sessions which seek to, "...teach couples the ABC’s of massage and increase their awareness of verbal and non-verbal cues," said Jenn Kaye, founder of Touch with Intention.

Artichokes Going to Final Four

The Scottsdale Community College men's baseball team, the Artichokes, are heading to the college baseball final four in Tennessee. The 'Chokes need to win two games in a row in order to make a run for the championship.

Sal Princiotta Murder Motive Announced

Scottsdale police announced that the robbery of Sal Princiotta's coin collection served as the motive for his murder. Sal's family confirmed that the retired firefighter was associating with a man by the name of Jeff who sold Sal a safe. Jeff - Jeffrey Bigham, a 56-year old part-time Arizona resident - killed Sal on May 1 in an incident involving the safe and a coin and memorabilia collection kept by the hero firefighter. Bigham killed himself in front of police as they were closing in on him in San Bernadino, California on Friday.

Scottsdale DUI Checkpoint Nabs 20 Drunk Drivers

The Insider warned Scottsdale party-goers that there would be a DUI checkpoint setup in the Thomas and Scottsdale roads area. Many people got the message. Unfortunately, about 20 people did not heed my warning, got busted for DUI and are trying to figure out how they will keep their car, job and house without a driver's license. Good luck to y'all - next time check with Insider before heading out for a night of drinking.

Sal Princiotta's Coin Collection Missing from Condo

The coin collection belonging to murdered 9/11 firefighter Sal Princiotta is missing from the hero's Scottsdale condo. Princiotta's murderer killed himself in California on Friday and now clues and motives are beginning to fall into place. It's believed that Sal had previous dealings in Scottsdale with the man who would ultimately murder the retired firefighter and avid photographer. The killer may have sold Sal a safe and was probably aware of the coin collection. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

PETA Awards Scottsdale Business

Scottsdale dry cleaner Monte Carlo Cleaners recently received the Compassionate Business award from PETA. Business owner Mark Mayes states that he will not accept fur, wool or rabbit for dry cleaning. Anyone wishing to have non-animal items cleaned by Monte Carlo can get there by checking this map.

National Trails Days Event at Pinnacle Peak

In honor of National Trails Day, Pinnacle Peak Park is hosting an event on Saturday, June 2 at 6:30 a.m. In conjunction with Scottsdale Healthcare, the park has invited special guest speaker Dr. Jennifer Burke who will discuss heat stress and how it affects the body. The talk will be followed by a guided, sunrise hike along the park trail. Water, trail mix and fruit will be provided to participants. The event is limited to the first 40 people and registration is required by calling 480-882-4636.

Fetish Prom Fretting Continues

The freaks will literally be out tonight as the Fetish Prom comes to downtown Scottsdale. City leaders are howling - and not with delight. Concerned over the supposed message that is sent when such events take place in Scottsdale, several city council members are railing against the kinky party. As usual, their concerns and priorities are off base. This is a niche event for a niche crowd, similar to the Lingerie Bowl. If Scottsdale wants to continue to be regarded as a world class destination, then it can't blush every time someone wants to hold a sex-themed event in the appropriate, downtown club area.

Sal Princiotta's Killer Shoots Self

The main suspect in the murder of 9/11 hero Sal Princiotta killed himself yesterday in California as police were closing in. After fleeing on foot in San Bernadino, the murderer took the coward's way out, shooting himself in the head. Princiotta's dealings with the man are murky, but the suspect apparently sold Sal a safe and may have had significant previous contact with the the firefighter from New York. Princiotta's family and friends continue to be in our prayers. In honor and celebration of Sal's life, please check out his amazing photo collection.

Scottsdale vs. Glendale? No Contest.

AZCentral has a rather silly but fun head-to-head going on: Scottsdale vs. Glendale. The Insider's allegiance is obvious; and seriously, if you want to have a fun night out on the town, a fantastic meal or world-class shopping, then you better head to Scottsdale. The "story's" authors point out that Glendale's stock is rising, with Jordin Sparks and the Super Bowl topping the west side charts. Fair enough. But those victories are flashes-in-the-pan. Here today, gone tomorrow (if you thing Jordin is gonna be hanging around Glendale for long, you've got another thing coming). Regardless, the west side-east side match up is entertaining and does contain a few on-the-money observations:

OBNOXIOUSLY LARGE HOLDING PLACE WestWorld vs. the University of Phoenix Stadium. Think mud for parking lots in Scottsdale vs. the toilet bowl mirage in the middle of the Glendale desert. Advantage: Deuce. They both give us hives just thinking about parking there.

THE SUITE LIFE Springhill Suites by Marriott in Glendale vs. the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. Advantage: It's not David vs. Goliath. It's way more lopsided than that.

CULTURE QUOTIENT Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art vs. the Bead Museum in Glendale. Advantage: OK, now we're just being mean.

Scottsdale ultimately prevails in this tale of the tape of two cities, but Glendale ain't to shabby and is looking better everyday.

Fetish Prom Comes to Scottsdale Tomorrow

The Fetish Prom will make its annual romp through Scottsdale on Saturday night at the Venue of Scottsdale downtown. Boots, chains and whips will be in abundance and on display in the West's Most Western Town. Where are those dozens of women who were so upset recently over the Lingerie Bowl? Wait until they get a look at the Fetish Prom!

More Scottsdale Cops Carrying Tasers

Think twice before acting up in Scottsdale. The local police department just ordered a slew of new tasers. The electro-shock guns have been a controversial part of police actions for several years. Critics be damned as the Scottsdale Police Department plans to be put a taser in the hand of nearly every uniformed cop, bringing the departments taser tally to 425 - enough to take down even a large group of rowdy downtown clubbers.

Sal Princiotta's Body Back in New York

Hero firefighter Sal Princiotta made it out of 9/11 alive - a miracle considering his firehouse, less than a mile from the World Trade Center, lost nearly a dozen men in the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, Princiotta couldn't make it out of Scottsdale. After relocating here, Sal settled comfortably into a Scottsdale condo where he would ultimately be found murdered. His body, transported in a firetruck with a police escort to Sky Harbor Airport, has returned to New York. As for Scottsdale, we regret that Sal ever came out here. Sometimes this great place shows its evil side, and this time, evil won.

Teen Sexual Assualt Victim's Family Suing Business

The family of a 14-year old girl sexually assaulted at Saguaro High School is suing the janitorial company responsible for hiring Roberto Lemus-Retana, the illegal immigrant charged in the crime. Retana's trial is currently underway with the alleged attacker claiming that the sex was consensual because the freshman student needed money.

Drunk Driving Checkpoint Coming to Scottsdale This Weekend

If you absolutely must be a bad citizen and drive drunk this weekend, then you may want to avoid the Scottsdale and Thomas roads area. Police will be setting up camp there over the holiday weekend in order to snag drunk drivers. If past year's lessons are to be learned, there will be plenty of drunk drivers to keep Scottsdale police busy.

Scottsdale Tribune No More?

The East Valley Tribune puts out a local Scottsdale edition known as the the Scottsdale Tribune. Rumors are surfacing that the paper may be jettisoned from the Tribune mother ship in favor of sending the standard East Valley Tribune. to all subscribers The difference is minimal. The papers are nearly identical, with the Scottsdale edition offering only a few local stories to differentiate itself from the larger East Valley edition. Apparently, the Scottsdale version of the Tribune is getting killed by the Arizona Republic, which in turn is getting killed by lack of daily subscriptions and decreasing relevance in the community. Long live the Insider!

Wine & Jazz Friday Night in Scottsdale

Here's a great event for Friday night: an evening of wine and jazz at The Wine List in north Scottsdale. There is no cover fee, and music will be provided by Laura Fial and John Shea. Don't miss it.

9/11 NYFD Firefighter Killed in Scottsdale

New York City firefighter Sal Princiotta, a true 9/11 hero, was recently murdered in his Scottsdale apartment. Princiotta fell ill after working at ground zero in the weeks following that horrific September morning when he lost eleven men from his firehouse including his uncle. Sal's brother, Joe, states that the Scottsdale police never informed him that his brother's death was due to homicide. Stay tuned for details as they continue to unfold.

Scottsdale Exotic Car Club Video

The club shot a short video of some amazing cars during their lunch at Jilly's.

Freshman Girl Didn't Flee Attacker

A 14-year old Saguaro freshman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor was in too much fear to attempt to escape the horrible situation in which she found herself. Paralyzed by fear and unsure of what would happen next, the young victim succumbed to her attacker. The scariness continued in court when defense attorney actually accused the young girl of propositioning the janitor because she "needed money." I suppose that's possible, but one thing is for sure: if the man in the picture was about to attack you, you'd probably be paralysed with fear as well.

Sultry Dogs Hits Scottsdale

Following on the heals of Pink Taco, another dripping-with-sexual-innuendo restaurant has opened in Scottsdale. Sultry Dogs is a late night hot dog shack with sexy women dishing out the wieners with names such as "The Threesome" and "Bareback." Be sure to hit up the Sultry Dogs next time you're in the mood for some a late-night hot dog action in downtown Scottsdale. Check out the restaurant's promo video below.

Jenna Jameson Supports Hillary Clinton

Scottsdale businesswoman, local activist and porn star Jenna Jameson is throwing her support behind Hillary Clinton for President. Jameson feels that a Clinton administration may not come down on Jenna and her friends as much as a Republican might. She's probably right about that, but I don't think Hillary will be touting this particular endorsement anytime soon.

Happy 25th Anniverary to Anderson's Fifth Estate

Anderson's Fifth Estate is a legendary Scottsdale club. It was a Scottsdale club long before Scottsdale clubs were cool, or even in existence. The downtown nightspot has hosted bands large and small and has served as a launching pad for some great Arizona bands. Anderson's 25th anniversary bash is coming up. Put it on your weekend to-do list and come celebrate this great piece of Scottsdale history.

Brandon Falkner Murder Trial Begins

ASU football player Brandon Falkner was killed outside a Scottsdale nightclub in March 2005. Falkner's killer, Loren Wade, gunned down the star athlete after finding his girlfriend with Falkner in da club. His guilt in not in question. What jurors will need to consider at the trial just getting underway is whether the murder was premeditated. Here's a statement from the murderer's attorney Ulises Ferragut:

“Wade took out the gun. He went to punch Falkner with the gun in his hand. The evidence will show (the murder) was an accident.”

An accident? You must be kidding. Hot-tempered Wade called his girlfriend over a dozen times that night. Unable to reach her and upset that he was being blown off, Wade brought his gun to the popular nightspot and killed the man he saw hanging out with her. Yeah, that's an accident.

Darfur Photo Exhibit Comes to Scottsdale

Don't miss the heart-wrenching photo exhibition, "Darfur, Darfur," featuring photographers who risked life and limb to capture the tragedy of Darfur through their lenses. Listen to a report about the exhibit below.

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A Historic Scottsdale Voice Speaks

George Fretz is a Scottsdale giant. He helped plan McCormick Ranch, worked on the city's first sign ordinance and overaw the first general plan. His positive impacts on the city are still felt today. Read a short but interesting interview with George Fretz.

Will Scottsdale Remain Hot? Of Course!

Scottsdale has experienced unprecedented, explosive growth over the past twenty years and has actually handled it very well. The city is a destination for a diverse group of visitors and locals who helped fuel the economic run of the last few decades. The pattern will continue. People will still flock to Scottsdale to live, work and play; housing prices will continue their long-term upward trajectory and business will grow and prosper. Life is good in Scottsdale, despite what some people may tell you.

Barrett-Jackson Train Leaving the Station. Next Stop: Las Vegas.

Las Vegas probably always was the ideal place for Craig Jackson to host his popular classic car auction. However, Jackson wanted the event to be in his backyard - Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite continuous bungling by Town Hall on this issue, Jackson has been committed to keeping his January event in the West's Most Western Town. But recent, unnecessary delays by the city may prove to be just too much to bear.

While Jackson trying to once-again negotiate with Scottsdale for basic infrastructure and amenities at WestWorld, the glittering city of Las Vegas approached the classic car aficionado to discuss moving the show to the West's Most Fun Town. Las Vegas and the Barret-Jackson auto auction are a match made in heaven and a pairing that probably should have happened a long time ago. It's only a matter of time until the auction moves entirely to Vegas, leaving Scottsdale wondering how it could've possibly lost out on all those tens of millions of tax revenue dollars simply because of a persistent, foolish refusal to erect a simple building and adequate parking lot.

We'll miss you and your tax revenues, Craig. Best of luck in Las Vegas.