Press Coverage May 2021 Page 1 Park ranger expecting fire risk, crowds at Lake Pleasant for Memorial Day BY ETHAN ROSALES | MAY 28, 2021 AT 3:00 PM UPDATED: MAY 28, 2021 AT 4:02 PM (Photo via Lake Pleasant Regional Park) PHOENIX– As the Valley heads into Memorial Day weekend, many locals decide to beat the heat each year by spending their time at Lake Pleasant. Cody Contner, a park ranger at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, offered warnings and advice for the holiday weekend. Park officials will be on the lookout for overpopulation of the lake for safety reasons, as well as a continued concern about large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We certainly are expecting large crowds this weekend. Memorial Day is historically our busiest weekend of the year at Lake Pleasant, and we don’t feel like this year will be any different,” Contner told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona Morning News on Friday. “Park staff will be working very hard to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time out there, but we really expect Saturday, Sunday and Monday, all three of those days are going to be quite busy out at the lake.” At a certain capacity that park officials will determine based on parking lot occupancy, the park will temporarily close their entrances for a few hours in order to reduce the amount of people able to enter the park. Contner recommended that people who did not wish to struggle for space or not have to deal with the potential crowds as much should arrive as early in the day as possible to beat the rush, with the park’s gates being open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to the crowd control concerns, Contner shared that park officials also have to ensure that the no-burn ordinance is upheld by patrons of the lake. Due to high temperatures and dry conditions in Arizona in the summer, many places across the state enact no-burn ordinances, but Contner said that these ordinances are typical for this time of the year and the rangers are prepared to cooperate in the event of a wildfire. “We are currently in a fire ban, so that means no wood or charcoal fires, propane fires are completely fine,” Contner said. “Of course make sure you bring plenty of water and stay hydrated out there, those temperatures are going to be hovering around 100 degrees.” Arrest made in hit- and-run that killed cyclist in Fountain Hills The woman killed was in the Valley visiting family. Police searching for driver of truck that hit, killed cyclist in Fountain Hills Volume 90% Author: Adriana Loya (12NEWS) Published: 7:13 PM MST May 27, 2021 Updated: 9:59 AM MST May 28, 2021 FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. — Debra Ceschin was killed doing what she loved to do. “She just absolutely loved the peacefulness and the beauty of rolling through the countryside, it was something that thrilled her,” said Tim Ceschin, Debra’s husband. For the last 15 years, he said she connected with mother nature and explored the world on her bike. On May 25, she took her last ride. “She was just a beautiful soul, a great mother,” Tim Ceschin said. The Ceschin family traveled to the Zion National Park and hiked for three days. Before returning to their home in Leesburg, Virginia, they took a detour to visit extended family in Fountain Hills. For Debra Cheschin, that also meant more time to enjoy Arizona outdoors, her husband said. Early Tuesday morning, she set out to ride to Rio Verde, a nearly 20-mile ride round trip. “She’s ridden that road many, many times, she felt comfortable with it and knew if she got going early enough that there wouldn’t be traffic and the heat wouldn’t be too bad,” said Tim Ceschin. Debra Cheschin was on McDowell Mountain Road near milepost two when a car hit her and took off. She later died. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s office made an arrest in the incident,
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Press Coverage May 2021
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Park ranger expecting fire risk, crowds at Lake Pleasant for Memorial Day BY ETHAN ROSALES | MAY 28, 2021 AT 3:00 PM UPDATED: MAY 28, 2021 AT 4:02 PM
(Photo via Lake Pleasant Regional Park) PHOENIX– As the Valley heads into Memorial Day weekend, many locals decide to beat the heat each year by spending their time at Lake Pleasant. Cody Contner, a park ranger at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, offered warnings and advice for the holiday weekend. Park officials will be on the lookout for overpopulation of the lake for safety reasons, as well as a continued concern about large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We certainly are expecting large crowds this weekend. Memorial Day is historically our busiest weekend of the year at Lake Pleasant, and we don’t feel like this year will be any different,” Contner told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona Morning News on Friday. “Park staff will be working very hard to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time out there, but we really expect Saturday, Sunday and Monday, all three of those days are going to be quite busy out at the lake.”
At a certain capacity that park officials will determine based on parking lot occupancy, the park will temporarily close their entrances for a few hours in order to reduce the amount of people able to enter the park. Contner recommended that people who did not wish to struggle for space or not have to deal with the potential crowds as much should arrive as early in the day as possible to beat the rush, with the park’s gates being open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to the crowd control concerns, Contner shared that park officials also have to ensure that the no-burn ordinance is upheld by patrons of the lake. Due to high temperatures and dry conditions in Arizona in the summer, many places across the state enact no-burn ordinances, but Contner said that these ordinances are typical for this time of the year and the rangers are prepared to cooperate in the event of a wildfire. “We are currently in a fire ban, so that means no wood or charcoal fires, propane fires are completely fine,” Contner said. “Of course make sure you bring plenty of water and stay hydrated out there, those temperatures are going to be hovering around 100 degrees.”
Arrest made in hit-and-run that killed cyclist in Fountain Hills The woman killed was in the Valley visiting family.
Police searching for driver of truck that hit, killed cyclist in Fountain Hills Volume 90% Author: Adriana Loya (12NEWS) Published: 7:13 PM MST May 27, 2021 Updated: 9:59 AM MST May 28, 2021 FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. — Debra Ceschin was killed doing what she loved to do. “She just absolutely loved the peacefulness and the beauty of rolling through the countryside, it was something that thrilled her,” said Tim Ceschin, Debra’s husband. For the last 15 years, he said she connected with mother nature and explored the world on her bike. On May 25, she took her last ride. “She was just a beautiful soul, a great mother,” Tim Ceschin said. The Ceschin family traveled to the Zion National Park and hiked for three days. Before returning to their home in Leesburg, Virginia, they took a detour to visit extended family in Fountain Hills. For Debra Cheschin, that also meant more time to enjoy Arizona outdoors, her husband said. Early Tuesday morning, she set out to ride to Rio Verde, a nearly 20-mile ride round trip. “She’s ridden that road many, many times, she felt comfortable with it and knew if she got going early enough that there wouldn’t be traffic and the heat wouldn’t be too bad,” said Tim Ceschin. Debra Cheschin was on McDowell Mountain Road near milepost two when a car hit her and took off. She later died. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s office made an arrest in the incident,
days after circulating photos of the suspected vehicle involved. A witness told investigators the suspected truck stopped at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, about two miles north of the collision scene, and two unknown males wearing lime green, long sleeve shirts got out of the vehicle and inspected the right front corner. The unidentified males were allegedly seen using tools trying to repair damage in the right front corner of the truck. MCSO, after receiving several tips from the public, arrested 27-year-old Gage Grimes. He was booked on one count of leaving the scene of a fatal traffic collision, the sheriff's office said. “She was just a great, great person and someone everyone is missing right now,” Tim Ceschin said. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact MCSO at (602) 876-TIPS (8477).
Deputies searching for white truck after deadly hit-and-run in Fountain Hills JESSICA GOODMAN POSTED MAY 25, 2021 AZFamily.com
MCSO released a photo of the suspected vehicle involved in the deadly hit-and-run crash in Fountain Hills Source: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- A bicyclist was hit
by a white truck early Tuesday morning near McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) says a white pickup truck struck someone on a bike between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. near McDowell Mountain Road and Fountain Hills Boulevard. The bicyclist, according to MCSO, died from their injuries. A witness told officers that they saw the pickup truck stop at the park just north of where the crash happened with two men inside wearing lime green long sleeve shirts on. Both men got out of the car to see if there was any damage. The witness says they saw the men trying to repair the damage with some tools toward the front right side of the truck by the headlight. MCSO says if you any information, to contact them at 602-876-TIPS (8477) or 602-876-1011 with the report IR21-015241.
Maricopa County bans smoking in certain areas of regional parks BY KTAR.COM MAY 26, 2021 AT 4:25 AM
(Pexels photo) PHOENIX — Smoking is now prohibited in certain areas of Maricopa County’s 11 regional parks as part of increased fire restrictions announced Tuesday. The restriction, which became effective on Tuesday, prohibits
smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or at developed recreation sites such as parking lots and campsites, according to a press release. The smoking ban is part of annual fire restrictions that went into effect on May 1, which includes a ban on the use of campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills. People can continue to use gas/propane grills in designated areas. Regional parks included in the fire restrictions are Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Maricopa County officials enacted the smoking ban based on recent wildfire activity within the White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Cave Creek Regional Park boundaries, according to the release. It also aligns the county’s fire restrictions with the Bureau of Reclamation, Tonto National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Management in the Central West Zone. Smoking outside enclosed vehicles is prohibited year-round in Phoenix parks and preserves. Those who smoke in the designated areas of Maricopa County’s regional parks are asked to ensure all materials are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
A date to lift the fire restrictions has not been established, according to the release. Restrictions are put into effect to limit the possibility of a brush fire starting, as fuel for a fire – including dried grasses, brush and fallen leaves – increase as temperatures rise, according to a previous press release. Most of the state is also experiencing extreme drought conditions, according to the release, leaving vegetation extremely dry and ideal for wildfire ignition. Arizona wildfires have burned more than 17,000 acres so far this year, according to InciWeb.
Historical effort gets revisited in print By Sonoran News May 20, 2021
Retrospective: Saving Spur Cross A quarter of a century ago, something wonderful happened in Cave Creek. The residents came together to fight a proposed development at Spur Cross. The unified effort consumed more than three years and involved the tireless work of many people. On September 9, 2000 Cave Creek residents overwhelmingly voted to tax themselves to buy the land. The front page article announcing the vote is reprinted today. The enormity of that vote cannot be overstated.
Without the incredible effort of the residents of Cave Creek that began a quarter of a century ago, our town would not be what it is today. 2021 is the 20 year anniversary of the purchase of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area (SCRCA) which is jointly owned by The State of Arizona, Maricopa County and the Town of Cave Creek. The purchase agreement was signed in January of 2001. In upcoming issues, we will revisit the most important crusade in the history of the town and all the people who made it happen — Friends of Spur Cross, Preserve Spur Cross PAC, the Cave Creek Town Council and Mayors, and Governor Jane Hull to name a few. Sonoran News archives hold the entire tale so we’re going to take you back. Stay tuned!
(Publisher’s note: If you haven’t been to Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, whether or not you like to hike or ride a bike or a horse, it is worth the drive just for the view or a walk down to The Jewel of the Creek, a lovely, free flowing oasis.)
Scorpion Bay Marina hiring for 2021 season By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Peoria Times Executive Editor May 20, 2021
Scorpion Bay Marina is hiring for the 2021 season with positions ranging from charter boat captains, dockhands and deckhands, general store attendant, marina office, receptionist and boat dry storage attendant (boat launch and retrievals). Applicants must be 18 and older and may apply to support Scorpion Bay as it enters its busiest season. Scorpion Bay Grill team members will be responsible for preparing and serving the extensive menu of fresh burgers, salads, flatbreads, desserts and more to a wide variety of guests. Marina crew members will assist with tasks like guest relations, safety and operations orientations, boat maintenance and cleaning to keep the marina running. “Working at Scorpion Bay is a tremendous opportunity for each of us,” said General Manager Brian Straight. “Being able to show up for work at a dream location, help our guests have a safe and enjoyable visit and collaborate with such a dedicated crew is something I’m incredibly grateful for. As we expand our team, it’s important that we bring on additional hard-working individuals to provide premium service to the wide variety of local and international guests that visit the marina each season.” Full, part-time and seasonal positions are immediately available. Full benefits are available for full-time employees. Email resume to [email protected]. Located 45 minutes from Peoria on Lake Pleasant, Scorpion Bay boasts a world-class marina, with hundreds of covered and uncovered wet slips.
As part of Lake Pleasant Regional Park, visitors can venture out for hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing in the area. Parking is accessible, and the no-cost electric tram takes guests and their gear from the parking lot to the dock. Scorpion Bay is managed by Desert Troon Companies.
Parks employee receives Ironwood Award By Tara Alatorre, Foothills Focus Contributing Writer May 19, 2021
Pictured is the 2021 Ironwood Award recipient, Juanita Armstrong-Ullberg, as she collects native seeds with volunteers as part of the natural resource program she built since joining the department in October 2018. Photo courtesy of Maricopa Parks and Recreation Department Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Resource Specialist Juanita Armstrong-Ullberg was the 2021 Ironwood Award recipient. The North Phoenix resident is the first person from the department to receive the award. The award was created by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) to recognize exemplary government employees who made significant and positive impacts on urban forest management. Armstrong-Ullberg was nominated for the award by Russell Benford, who is a DFFM hazardous fuels program manager.
He wanted to recognize the new programs Armstrong-Ullberg launched since she joined the department in late 2018. He said they are enhancing the stewardship of the 120,000 acres of natural parkland the county manages. “It’s very nice to be recognized for the hard work we’ve been doing,” Ullberg said. “I would like to thank DFFM especially, Russell Benford, for recognizing the hard work that Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department has been doing with the natural resource program.” After spending most of her 20-year natural resource career in the Midwest, she credits her ability to swiftly adapt and learn about the best practices for managing desert ecosystems through relationships she formed in Arizona. “I’ve had to rely on information from partners, things that I did not know firsthand because I had not been here in Arizona to live through it yet,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without the help of others, including partners and volunteers.” She explains that although she was tackling the same ecology issues that she encountered in the Midwest, there was still a learning curve for her, like gaining a deep understanding for the local hydrology and rainy season. “I do feel it gives legitimacy to all the work we are doing,” she said. “I do think that the wildfires last year brought great recognition to invasive species management, and this can only help us with that progress.” She has created close partnerships with local conservation and preservation groups such as Arizona Game and Fish Department, Central Arizona Conservation Alliance,
Arizona Master Naturalist, Lower Gila Collaboration, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, White Tank Mountain Conservancy, Desert Hills Land Trust and Maricopa County’s Flood District. By forming these partnerships, she was able to parlay her decades of experience into creating programs that increase community involvement and outreach. They also implement management practices that mitigate threats and plan for future challenges parks may face. “I think all these programs cumulatively are helping us develop visitor and volunteer stewardship and recognition, and that is really important because we want to conserve and restore these natural habitats and prevent them from becoming destroyed, which can happen fairly easily,” Ullberg said. She is developing several new programs, including a citizen science butterfly and bat monitoring program. “We are very happy to have the hard work of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department recognized, and attention brought to all the programs we have currently going on,” she said. “There is a lot of opportunity for visitors and volunteers to get involved.” Ullberg was recognized for launching the following programs within the last three years:
• Natural Resource Plan: Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department’s first comprehensive Natural Resource Plan that will guide all the parks in managing natural resources including threats, challenges and
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opportunities they may face. The plan also addresses potential challenges from future growth surrounding the park system.
• Integrated Pest Management Plan: Assists and guides parks on best management practices for invasive species removal.
• Eco-Blitz: An interactive citizen science program that provides biological data for the parks that allows visitors to learn more about the Sonoran Desert.
• Desert Defenders: A self-guided program that encourages volunteer stewardship and a collaborative effort between the park and other agencies and organizations that uses a GIS-based field app. Participants are trained to identify invasive species, map them and provide the data to the parks. The data is used by the department to identify and better understand invasive species hot spots and to prioritize removal efforts
• Native Seed Harvesting: Employees and volunteer participants harvest native seeds in the parks as part of restoration processes. The seeds are planted in areas impacted by wildfire, invasive species removal areas and other disturbed areas.
• Native Seed Garden: Planting native seed gardens that will enhance seed species used in restoration projects, including varieties that are found less frequently due to disturbance.
• Floristic Quality Assessment Program (FQA): The FQA is a tool that land managers use to score an area, compare parks and prioritize management efforts. It can also be used to compare changes to plant species diversity over time and determine if restoration efforts are working.
Due to the pandemic, this the award ceremony was held virtually. However, more than 90 people attended from home on April 27, which was Arizona Arbor Day. Ullberg was given two minutes to speak about the programs she developed and how they are positively impacting the local community. To learn more about the programs and upcoming events, visit maricopaparks.net or visit the department’s Facebook page at MC Parks.
The economic impact of Maricopa County’s open space park system By Peoria Times Staff May 20, 2021
Thanks to the pandemic, communities are relying on their local parks and recreation departments for outdoor recreation, health and wellness, and safe open spaces. Well-run parks systems support the local economy.
Maricopa County oversees more than 120,000 acres of open spaces and 11 regional parks that see visitors from around the world seeking outdoor opportunities. To gain a better understanding of the economic impact of our parks, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the ASU School of Community Resources and Development Watts College of Public Service and Community to conduct an economic impact study. “The county conducts visitor surveys to better understand how we are performing and what our visitors do with their time and money in our community,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1. “This partnership with ASU enabled us to take a deeper look inside the data and quantify the value of this precious asset.” The team from ASU analyzed data from the 2018-19 Maricopa County Park Visitor Survey. They calculated the overall economic impact of the parks, facilities and services. “I was excited to learn how much benefit nearby cities and towns receive from the presence of our large county parks. We are talking about millions of dollars in economic impact,” said Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. “And not surprisingly, that impact didn’t stop at the county line. Yavapai and Pinal counties benefit as well.” The following parks were included in the survey: Cave Creek Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Usery Mountain Regional Park and White Tank Mountain Regional
Park. Here are a few of the key highlights identified by the study: Impact of visitor spending In 2019, the eight parks included in the study welcomed 1.67 million recreation visitors. These park visitors spent approximately $93.36 million in local gateway regions. The impact of total visitor spending has resulted in:
• $56.99 million in gross regional product.
• $36.64 million in labor income
• 796 full- or part-time jobs. • $7.68 million in federal tax
contributions. • $5.17 million in state/local
tax contributions. Top industries that benefited the most from visitor spending, in terms of value-added impact, were museums, historical sites, zoos and parks, lodging, and food and beverage retail stores. Impact of park concessionaires Maricopa County Parks is home to numerous small and medium-sized businesses or concessionaires. These concessionaires provide additional recreation opportunities and visitor services within the parks that enhance the visitor experience. In return, the concessionaires contribute to central Arizona’s economy. A total of 557 full- or part-time jobs were generated in the region by concessionaires operating in the county parks. This resulted in:
• $25.11 million in direct revenue earned.
• $51.57 million revenue output generated.
• $30.41 million in gross regional product.
• $21.38 million total labor income.
• $4.67 million in federal tax contributions.
• $3.31 million in state tax contributions.
“While reviewing the data, it is worth noting that the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department receives less than 10% of their operating budget from the county’s general fund. The overwhelming majority of our operating revenue is generated from concessionaire revenue sharing, entrance and camping fees, and events,” said R.J. Cardin, director for the Parks and Recreation Department. “Over the past 10 years, the county has made significant improvements to the county’s regional parks, including the completion of phase one of the 315-mile Maricopa Trail system,” added Supervisor Bill Gates, District 3. “These are not only important investments in our quality of life, but as this study shows, they are an important regional economic driver.” Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2, said he’s excited to see the data supports the county’s investment in the regional park system. “It also shows why we should continue to plan for open space and maintain it for future generations,” Chucri said. “The parks department is working on the Vision 2030 Plan, which builds on the previous master plan and outlines a vision for the next 20 to 50 years. I would like to encourage those interested in the protection of natural and cultural resources to get involved with the project.” Details on the department’s Vision 2030 plan or the complete economic impact study, can be found at maricopacountyparks.net.
Where To See Crested Saguaro Around Phoenix Carol Colborn TravelAwaits.com May 19, 2021
1. Desert Botanical Garden Just 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden, one of the landmarks of the desert valley. This unique garden gives you a great overview of the treasures of desert plant life. And it has one crested saguaro (it used to have three). The remaining crested saguaro is quite tall; however, it’s not that easy to see the crest’s delicate intricacies up close. It is almost at the end of the trail of one of the garden’s five sections. Plan your visit and trek to see it accordingly.
2. Carefree Desert Gardens Carefree, Arizona, is about 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix. It takes pride in its Carefree Desert Gardens, which is at the center of the small suburban town. It features the famous Carefree Sundial, which, at 90 feet, was once the largest sundial in the U.S. And, tucked in the southeastern corner of the garden plaza, near the children’s playground, is a group of plants that includes one young and tall crested saguaro.
3. Cave Creek Regional Park And Frontier Town Carefree has a twin town called Cave Creek, Arizona, whose landmark is the Cave Creek Regional Park and Frontier Town, an Old West shopping and entertainment area. It has a crested saguaro just off the road. From Carefree Desert Gardens, drive southeast on Cave Creek Road for about 14 miles, turn right in North Bartlett Dam Road, turn left after six miles on North Horseshoe Dam Road, and drive for a little over 3 miles. The road is paved except after Mile 3. Stop, look to your left, and you will see a very mature but beautiful single shield crested saguaro about 50 yards up the small hill. 4. Arizonian RV Resort My favorite crested saguaro stands at the entrance of the Arizonian RV Resort, just a few miles from the entrance of the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum, the largest botanical park in Arizona. This is in the town of Gold Canyon, only 20 minutes from major shopping malls and 45 minutes east of downtown Phoenix. It is a short and chunky saguaro, so
you can easily marvel at the intricacies of its crest. Where To See Crested Saguaro Around Tucson
5. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Tucson is the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area of the Coronado National Forest. Before reaching the visitor center and just after the separate building of rest areas, turn right on the walk that leads to the Bajada Loop Nature Trail. At the end of the short walk, turn left to go to the trail. About a quarter of a mile along the trail, you will find a magnificent new-growth crested saguaro. It stands right next to a same-size regular saguaro (without a crest) so you can compare the abnormal crested growth pattern to the regular saguaro growth pattern. There are a few others in the recreation area if you would like to view more.
6. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum About 30 minutes from downtown Tucson is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Right off the parking lot before you even enter through the outdoor museum gates
stands a young crested saguaro with a crest that’s just three feet in diameter. It is the shortest on my list so far, and thus its whimsical form is almost eye-level — even for me. I had a ball taking pictures of this one. 7. Saguaro National Park About a mile or two beyond the museum is the entrance to the Tucson Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park. There are over two million saguaros in both districts of the park. It is estimated that there is one crested saguaro for every 10,000 regular ones. Thus, this park has the largest treasure trove of crested saguaros. At least 27 have been documented in the east (Rincon Mountain District) side and 30 in the west side. Most of them are accessible through hikes on trails but a couple can be viewed from the loop road around the park. If you love to hike, this is the best place to see them. While saguaro crests do tend to be larger and more elaborate, other species of cacti are more than capable of developing similar mutations. At Carefree Desert Gardens, for example, we found a low organ pipe cactus that is crested just beside the crested saguaro. Such crests have even been noted in a variety of succulent plants, from agave to cholla to prickly pear. Due to their appearance and scarcity, crested cacti are coveted by many ornamental plant collectors. This has led to the poaching of such plants. This practice still poses a threat to the known existing population today. But increased public awareness of their illegal removal has led to a drop in this problem. Still, remember that crested saguaros are fragile. In fact, many of those written about (in the Desert Botanical Garden, Tucson Botanical Garden, University of Arizona campus, and the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum) have already perished. If you want to see them, please do so as soon as you can.
Little People Big World: Is Tori Roloff Pregnant Again After Miscarriage? Hints In Cryptic Post TVSeasonSpoilers.com MAY 17, 2021 10:04 PM
Little People Big World family suffered from a huge loss recently. Back in March this year, Tori announced that she had a miscarriage as she and her husband, Zach Roloff, were expecting their third child. Ever since, the family has done everything to support, and Tori finally seems to be recovering. In fact, she is currently on a trip with her family, including Zach and her kids, alongside father-in-law Matt Roloff and his girlfriend, Caryn Chandler. However, it seems like another baby might be on the way for the fan-favorite couple. Here’s all you need to know. Little People Big World: Tori Roloff On A Trip With Family, Is She Pregnant Again? Tori Roloff has been spending time with her family after a traumatic month. Back in March, Tori announced that she and Zachery were expecting baby #3 soon, but sadly, they had a miscarriage. The Little People Big World star dedicated a heartwarming social media post to the lost soul. However, her family has been supporting her ever since and has done everything to make her feel
better. She looked really happy on her, Zach and Jackson’s birthdays this month. Moreover, she even expressed how proud of her kids on the recent Mother’s Day. The family has been hanging out a lot and supporting each other. Well, Tori, Zach, their kids, grandpa Matt and his girlfriend Caryn are currently on a happening trip. Matt and Caryn had already revealed that they were on vacation in Arizona alongside Caryn’s family. Later on, Tori also uploaded some pictures with her little ones as they enjoy their day at the pool in Surprise, Arizona. Mom, dad, and the children seemed to have a fun time on their vacation. Later on, they spent time with Zach’s dad and Caryn as well. They all went for a hike together in White Tank Mountain Regional Park. However, Tori uploaded a picture on her story, which caught a lot of eyes. The picture had her family members in it. While there were only six people in the picture, she wrote “Count: 7,” which fans think might be a hint for an upcoming baby.
Crews continue mop-up of White Tanks Fire near Phoenix By KOLD News 13 Staff Published: May. 15, 2021 at 4:21 PM MST
White Tanks Fire burns in White Tanks Regional Mountains near Phoenix(Arizona State Forestry) TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Crews are mopping up after the
White Tanks Fire in White Tank Mountain Regional Park West of Phoenix burned about 100 acres. The fire is about 30% contained. Officials say some heat remains in washes with minimal smoke. Crews continued to mop up Saturday, May 15, and some resources are being released to be available for possible new starts.
Embrey Sells Escape at Arrowhead Multifamily Property in Arizona NEWS PROVIDED BY Embrey May 06, 2021, 22:36 ET PHOENIX, May 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Embrey has closed on the sale of Escape at Arrowhead, a 324-unit multifamily project in the Glendale suburb of northwest Phoenix, which continues to be one of the most vibrant multifamily real estate markets in the U.S.
Embrey Sells Escape at Arrowhead Multifamily Property in Arizona The new community, scheduled for construction completion in July 2021, reflects Embrey's dedication to luxury and benefits from easy access to Highway 101 and nearby grocery stores, restaurants and retail, including the Arrowhead Towne
Center Mall. Residents enjoy an adjacent paved hiking and biking trail to the west and nearby recreational activities at Peoria Regional Preserve and Lake Pleasant Regional Park. "Embrey has built a national reputation for building places where people want to be and Escape at Arrowhead strongly represents 'The Embrey Way'," said Jimmy McCloskey, Executive Vice President of Development for Embrey. "The property will be managed by Embrey Management Services, which wins awards year after year for its service to residents and its attention to premium lifestyle support details." The property features a resort-style pool and spa with individual cabanas and an adjacent movie yard. Residents have access to a fitness center with a spin studio and yoga patio, a luxury clubhouse with game room and billiards, a business center with conference room, a pet park and spa, and Luxer package room. The individual units feature quartz or granite countertops, wood-style flooring, large kitchen islands with undermount sinks, full-size washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, expansive balconies, spacious walk-in closets, and built-in computer desks. About Embrey Partners San Antonio-based Embrey Partners, Ltd., is a diversified real estate investment company that owns, develops, builds and manages multifamily and commercial assets in targeted markets across the United States. Since 1974, Embrey has developed more than 44,000 apartments and over 6 million square feet of commercial property. Embrey is a leading developer in the multifamily sector, with more than 6,000 units under construction or in development. www.embreydc.com
9 Most Entertaining Experiences in Goodyear, Arizona
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE TravelAwaits.com MAY.6.2021
VIEW FROM STAR TOWER IN GOODYEAR, ARIZONA (PHOTO CREDIT: JULIA DIEBOLT PRICE) Goodyear, Arizona, is a city in the Sonoran Desert of the Southwest United States just 20 miles west of Phoenix. While you might think the town was formed because of urban creep from the growing metropolis of Phoenix, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Goodyear has a rich history all its own. Goodyear was named after Charles Goodyear, founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. But the Hohokam tribe of Native Americans cultivated cotton in the desert long here before Goodyear started using cotton in its rubber tires during World War I. The Hohokam designed canals to efficiently water their cotton crops, which have been a consistent and successful product of the desert.
Whether flying or driving, Interstate 10, a major coast-to-coast highway, makes Goodyear an accessible destination to reach. If you fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and rent a vehicle, a 30-minute, 22-mile drive directly west will put you into Historic Goodyear with its shopping, dining, and lodging. Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing cities in America because of its climate and lifestyle, and it’s appealing because it’s close to cosmopolitan Phoenix yet has a slower pace. Easy access to an international airport makes air travel convenient. The freeway system in and around Goodyear makes vehicle travel expedient. The system is built for population growth and is clean and decorated with a desert motif. The small-town atmosphere and casual lifestyle, combined with 300 days of sunshine a year, make living and vacationing in Goodyear desirable. With a wide range of cuisines across the city that offer exciting dining options and many outdoor activities for all levels and pursuits, Goodyear is an excellent choice for a short or extended desert vacation.
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE 1. Litchfield Park The story of Goodyear cannot be told without including Litchfield Park, which started as a small Goodyear company town at the north end of Litchfield Ranch in 1917. Part of Goodyear, the ranch was sold, and in 1987, the city of Litchfield Park was incorporated. The town of Litchfield Park was named after Paul Weeks Litchfield,
who came to the Salt River Valley in 1916. When Litchfield came to Arizona, he was on a mission from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. His goal was to convince area farmers and ranchers to grow long-staple cotton for the company’s tire production. That mission failed, but he convinced his Goodyear superiors to buy and lease land to grow their own cotton, instead. Visit Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum, where you can learn about the culture and history of Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, and more towns in the Valley of the Sun.
JULIA DIEBOLT PRICE 2. Goodyear Ballpark Goodyear Ballpark is the current spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. Opened in February 2009, Goodyear Ballpark is one of 10 Arizona stadiums in the Cactus League. The Spring Training season runs from the end of February through the end of March. In the off-season, Goodyear Ballpark hosts community events to benefit non-profit organizations, charities, and scholarships. Pro Tip: Visit Saddle Mountain Brewing Company for hearty eats and beer. They supply a special brew to Goodyear Ballpark.
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE 3. Star Tower The Star Tower marks the entrance to the upscale Estrella community on the south side of Goodyear. The Star Tower is a living memorial to the Native American cultures that have studied the sky from this location in the Southwest desert. It offers a view of the night sky without light pollution. The imposing rust-red and grey stone structure is 50 feet tall and depicts the story of the Milky Way in a spiral configuration similar to that of the nautilus seashell. Pro Tip: The real spectacle is a night when the surface lights up with hundreds of bright stars. 4. Outdoors In Estrella — On the Trails With seven Easy, eight Moderate, four Difficult, and five Expert trails in the community of Estrella on the south side of Goodyear, your outdoor experience can be anything you make it. Enjoy a stroll on the highly walkable Easy trails with little elevation change. Or, if you want to kick it up a notch or more, tackle the challenging trails for running, hiking, and biking. As they say in Estrella, “Adventure rarely takes a straight line.” Pro Tip: After taking on the trails, enjoy refreshments at Café Bebida. High octane beverages, smoothies, gelato, sweets, and savories round out the menu. The stunning views are a great place to relax and rejuvenate after your exercise. It’s an
easy walk on paved sidewalks to the Star Tower.
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE 5. Estrella Mountain Regional Park Estrella Mountain Regional Park is located where the Agua Fria and Gila Rivers meet on the south side of Goodyear. Lush green trees, picnic tables, wetlands, and beautiful desert are a joy to see and experience. Fish on the Gila River, play golf, camp, or picnic at the park. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and over 33 miles of trails for hiking are some of the outdoor activities available. Try the Baseline Trail, which is a relatively easy, short hike at 2.4 miles. The Nature Center is open daily with many displays teaching about the desert and the restoration of the two rivers.
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE 6. Avondale And Monument Hill Just over the southeast border of Goodyear lies Avondale, where a historical survey marker adorns the
peak of Monument Hill. This marker designates the zero point tied to almost every legal property description in Phoenix and Arizona. It governs Arizona’s surveys, and the street grid layout in Phoenix begins here. Easily seen from the top of the hill, the Gila River was the original boundary between Mexico and the United States. The initial marker was set in 1851 by the U.S. and Mexico Boundary Commission. It was the first point for land ownership in the Arizona Territory, and all survey marks in Arizona were established from this initial point, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. A breathtaking 360-degree view of the Valley of the Sun makes the effort of getting to the top of this steep climb worthwhile.
JULIA DIEBOLT PRICE The hillside is also known as Rattlesnake Hill. It boasts one of the most unique vantage points to watch car races. A perch here will provide cheap seats for race viewing at Phoenix Raceway during the NASCAR season. Pro Tip: Climbing to the marker may be challenging. It’s a short hill with loose gravel and is windy at the top.
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE 7. The Urban Corner The Urban Corner Scratch Kitchen, located in Historic Goodyear, is a lively destination. More than a sports bar, the menu features traditional Southern cuisine and happy hour specials, plus there’s live jazz music for Sunday brunch and Comedy Night on Mondays. Local talent on Friday nights will have you out of your seat and dancing to the tunes and vocals of the musicians. Nestled between the Phoenix Goodyear Airport — another of the city’s historic landmarks (which is home to numerous businesses, including Aersale, an aircraft MRO, or Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul, company) — and the Agua Fria River, and the Papago Freeway, The Urban Corner is a must-visit destination for great entertainment when you are in Goodyear.
JULIE DIEBOLT PRICE 8. Goodyear’s Bible Museum The Bible Museum in Goodyear is housed inside an unlikely place: the Hampton Inn and Suites. The museum is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Some of the rarest printed Bibles and theological books on the planet reside here. All are encased behind glass or in cabinets. The Bible Museum is also a showroom for the largest dealer of rare and antique Bibles and ancient Biblical manuscripts. You don’t have to buy anything nor make a donation.
Your visit to The Bible Museum may be the most unique and entertaining stop in Goodyear! Allow 30 minutes to one hour. 9. Tuscany Falls East Country Club At Pebble Creek More than 200 scenic golf courses dot the landscape in the Greater Phoenix area. Located on the west side of Goodyear, Tuscany Falls East Country Club at Pebble Creek is nestled in a resort community. The White Tank Mountains, verdant greens, and expansive views make a perfect backdrop to your round of golf. A great layout keeps the pace of play moving. Pro Tip: Stay at the new Springhill Suites in Goodyear. It’s close to Interstate 10 for a quick drive to Phoenix, shopping, dining, and Goodyear Ballpark.
Fire Ban in City of Phoenix Desert Parks and Preserves Begins Today By Staff | on May 01, 2021 The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will put into effect its annual ban of open fires in the city’s desert parks and mountain preserves starting Saturday, May 1. The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department’s annual fire ban goes into effect the same day.
The annual ban of open fires in Phoenix’s desert parks and mountain preserves goes into effect May 1. (Image by City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation)
In consultation with the Phoenix Fire Department, smoking and charcoal fires are included in the ban due to the extreme fire danger that the combination of low humidity, increased temperatures, excessive dry vegetation, and frequent high winds create each spring. The ban applies to Camelback Mountain, Deem Hills Recreation Area, Lookout Mountain, Papago Park, Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, North Mountain Park, Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, and South Mountain Park/Preserve. The ban does not apply to the city’s flatland parks. For those using the city’s desert parks and preserve land, the fire ban stipulates the following:
• Open wood and charcoal fires are prohibited
• Propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas
• Smoking outside enclosed vehicles is prohibited year-round
• Fireworks are prohibited year-round
Motorists traveling through or near Phoenix’s desert parks and mountain preserves should use extreme care with smoking materials and dispose of those only in their vehicle’s ashtray. To protect their homes, residents whose property borders the city’s preserve land may remove dry shrubs, brush, and grasses, and trim dead branches from trees within the 10-foot strip of land that borders their property. By creating this 10-foot “buffer zone” residents can help to protect their homes from potential brush fires in the adjacent preserve land.
Preserve neighbors also should check irrigation lines and pool back-flush hoses to ensure that water is not seeping into the preserve. Outside water sources encourage unnaturally dense vegetation growth, which increases fire risk. For general information regarding removing vegetation, residents can contact a Phoenix Park Ranger at 602-495-5458 or [email protected]. As the temperature increases and humidity drops this time of year, those utilizing the city’s desert parks and mountain preserves should use extra caution. Heat-related illness is common from May to October and generally occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or overexerted their body based on physical condition or age. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and Phoenix Fire Department remind trail users to “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” when enjoying the city’s desert parks and mountain preserves. View a hiking safety checklist and guidelines. For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors. Learn how to keep pets safe during Arizona’s warm weather months. Detailed information about Phoenix’s 41,000-plus acres of desert parks and mountain preserves, and 200-plus miles of trails, is available at Phoenix.gov/Parks.
