Scottsdale Names City Attorney

December 10, 2009 in On the Fly | No comments

–Posted by Editor Kimberly Hundley

Dec. 9, 2009

Council appoints Bruce Washburn to

city attorney’s position

The City Council has appointed a deputy city attorney with more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors as Scottsdale’s new city attorney.

Deputy City Attorney Bruce Washburn was named to the position at the council’s Tuesday, Dec. 8 meeting.

Washburn has worked for Scottsdale since May 2003. Prior to his appointment, he had been serving as the deputy city attorney responsible for the litigation department. Since the city attorney’s position became vacant in July, he was one of three deputy city attorneys who had assumed many of the duties of the city attorney.

Washburn also has provided legal services to the city relating to bankruptcy, condemnation, contracts, purchasing, real estate transactions, code enforcement, planning, transportation, revenue recovery and financial services matters.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this position and I look forward to working with the council and staff in the days ahead,” Washburn said.

Before his career with Scottsdale, Washburn was with Ayers & Brown, P.C., of Phoenix, was a senior attorney with an Iowa utility company and had been a partner in two private law firms. He also was a law clerk for New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice LaFel E. Oman.

He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law.

The city attorney is one of six charter officers appointed by and reporting to the City Council.

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Road Closures Dec. 5-6 in Downtown Scottsdale

December 5, 2009 in Uncategorized | No comments

WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERT – City of Scottsdale

The 22nd annual Runner’s Den Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon and 5K run/fitness walk is Sunday, Dec. 6 in downtown Scottsdale.  The event starts and finishes at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts amphitheater, located at 75th Street and Main Street.  To accommodate the approximately 1,700 participants, the following streets will be closed:

**Beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 until noon on Sunday, Dec. 6, 75th Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Street will be closed.
**On Sunday, Dec. 6 from 7 a.m. to noon, 2nd Street will be closed between Miller Road and 75th Street and Miller Road will be closed from 2nd Street to Osborn.

In addition, the far right curb lane will be coned off and reserved for the runners along the route.  Police will control traffic at all major intersections.  The route includes the following streets:
**Scottsdale Road, northbound from Camelback to Doubletree Ranch Road
**Doubletree Ranch Road, eastbound from Scottsdale Road to Hayden Road
**Hayden Road, southbound from Via de Ventura to Osborn
**Osborn Road, westbound from Hayden Road to Miller Road

Drivers should yield to runners at all times and also may experience significant delays exiting and entering their neighborhoods along the route as the participants in the half marathon spread out during the race.

For complete event details, including the event route, visit:  http://www.raceplaceevents.com/event.php?event=401003

-Posted by Editor Kimberly Hundley

You’ve spent 2 days relishing relatives and gravy and shopping… are you ready for something completely different? Today, until 2 p.m., please make a trip out to Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary in Cave Creek for a good cause … and holiday shopping of a different color. It’s really not far from Desert Ridge, if you’re out shopping anyway (between Pinnacle & Dynamite; Mapquest)

Here’s the info on Open Ranch Day:

On Thanksgiving weekend, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28, Tierra Madre hosts its first-ever holiday event, Open Ranch Day. Visitors to the ranch can visit the rescued horses, enjoy refreshments, and browse hundreds of Christmas-themed horse-y items such as wall hangings, miniature horseshoe tree decorations, bags, horse paintings, clothes and other gift ideas.

Bring the kids to have their pictures taken with Santa while they’re sitting on a horse! For a really special keepsake, commission one of the horses to paint a picture (you’re welcome to help out with the brushwork), and take the artwork home with you.

Jim Gath, Executive Director
27115 N. 45th St., Cave Creek
480-747-1070
jim@tierramadrehorsesanctuary.org
www.tierramadrehorsesanctuary.org

A Q&A with Jim

Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary in Cave Creek gives a home to horses with nowhere else to go. A young thoroughbred who broke his knee racing, a half-blind quarter horse, show horses who outlived their “usefulness” … about 30 rescues live in the stables under the care of Jim Gath. Cost to keep a horse for one week is about $200.Gath, who’s devoted his life to his “kids,” as he calls the rescued horses, says fundraising is a constant concern for the 501(c)(3).

How did Tierra Madre evolve into a horse sanctuary, and how did you become a full-time official caretaker?
For a while, Tierra Madre was a boarding and training facility. I had 11 horses of my own, who’d made their way here from one situation or another. Some of my boarders realized after 10 or 12 months that having a horses was much more than they’d bargained for. They wanted to sell them. I told them the horses were happy here and they wouldn’t get much for them, so why not leave them here? Pretty soon, I realized that giving a happy, healthy home to unwanted horses was a higher calling—one I thought needed doing and that I embraced.

What is “Horses Helping Horses”?
Our horses actually paint original works of art, with the proceeds going toward their own upkeep or to another equine cause in dire need of funding. Each print is “signed” by the artist and mounted and framed. A brief bio and color photograph of the artist accompanies each piece. The paintings cost $85, plus $30 shipping.

How can supporters interact with the animals?
Our gates are almost always open to visitors. I urge people to come out and meet the “kids.”

Tell us about your Adopt-A-Horse program.
People can make regular monthly donations that will go directly to the care of one particular horse—whomever they choose. If the adopter lives in the area, he or she is welcome to come on a regular basis and hang out, brush and groom, and play with their horse, and really have a relationship with them. Sorry, but no riding.

For those who live outside the area, the program still allows them to be a big part of a particular horse’s life. We’ll send them regular photos and written updates. For another small donation, we’ll get their horse to paint an original work of art for them.

What does a contribution help buy the horses?
Our feed and supplement bills run close to $3,500 a month. Our vet bills run easily that much, usually more. Our horse-shoeing bill runs about $600 a month. Any contribution we take in goes directly toward meeting those costs.

How else can people help?
They can come out and volunteer any time. And make tax-deductible donations any time, too!

If Santa brought Tierra Madre a bucketful of gold, how would you use it?
That’s easy. The first thing I’d do is set aside enough gold to make sure all of our bills would be covered for the next year. Then, if anything was left over, I’d use it to build some more pens and paddocks so we could give some more homeless horses a wonderful, happy, healthy place to live.

November 28, 2009 | No comments

City, NSCC & Mayor Talk Airpark, Dec. 10

November 23, 2009 in Uncategorized | No comments

Greater Airpark History, Economy Topic for December Mayor and City Council Breakfast
The public is invited to learn about the Greater Airpark area and its history at the upcoming Mayor and City Council Breakfast.
The event will be from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Scottsdale Quarter, 15169 N. Scottsdale Road, fourth floor. Coffee and juice will be provided.
The event will feature remarks from Mayor Jim Lane, Councilman Robert Littlefield, and North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Representatives Jason Bressler and Tom Lakatos who will speak about retail economics. In addition, city staff members Dave Meinhart will talk about the Airpark Transportation Plan and Harold Stewart will discuss business signage.
As part of the 2011 General Plan Update, the city is reviewing the Greater Airpark Community Area Plan. Half of the six phases have been completed. The current stage, expected to be done in February, includes revising the draft plan based on public input. For more information about the plan, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/planning/areaplans/GreaterAirparkCAP.asp.
The breakfast program is free and open to the public. RSVPs are not necessary. For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at (480) 312-2433.

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Airpark Meet Your Neighbors, Nov. 20

November 20, 2009 in Uncategorized | No comments

Airpark ‘Neighbors’ to Mix & Meet, Nov. 20
The Airpark Committee of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce invites Airpark business neighbors to the next “Meet Your Neighbors Luncheon,” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 20, at the Scottsdale Airport, 15000 N. Airport Drive. The informal event, open to Scottsdale Chamber members and non-members, allows local Airpark businesses to get to know each other, develop new relationships and make new business contacts. The September event, for example, sparked projects between Scottsdale Penske Automotive Group and Tommy Bahama; and Leap Frog Forums and The Horwitch Group. Cost is $5 and includes lunch, networking and a raffle ticket. To RSVP, contact Committee Chair Laureen Leston at laureen@laureenleston.com; 602-918-8808.

Fairmont Cooks Up 3 T-Giving Options

November 17, 2009 in On the Fly | No comments

The Fairmont Scottsdale Offers a Cornucopia of

Thanksgiving Dinner Options

Thursday, November 26, 2009

What: This Thanksgiving, Valley residents can enjoy an award-winning dining experience without doing the dishes. The Fairmont Scottsdale is offering three different dining options for families to celebrate this holiday:

  • LV Bistro – A holiday brunch buffet will be available from 10 am – 3 pm and will include flavors of fresh American cuisine including baked cinnamon apple French toast, smoked salmon tasting, Dungeness crab cakes and an array of organic and farm fresh dishes. Pricing is $52 for adults, $27 for kids 6 – 12 and children 5 and under dine for free with the purchase of an adult entree. For dinner, indulge in Thanksgiving fare or choose from one of the many a la carte items from 6 pm – 9 pm.
  • The Grill – A holiday brunch buffet which will include live music, complimentary champagne and world-class views. The brunch pricing is $62 for adults, $30 for kids 6 – 12 and children 5 and under dine for free with the purchase of an adult entree. The buffet will include a raw bar and seafood station complete with a variety of oysters, clams, stone crab clawws and house cured Loch Duart salmon. For guests that prefer land to the sea, there will be a carving station with whole heritage turkey, flank steak and an array of fresh, organic salads.
  • BOURBON STEAK – In addition to the regular a la cart menu, BOURBON STEAK will be offering a special three-course Thanksgiving menu is $47 per person which includes butternut squash soup, heritage turkey dinner complete with giblet stuffing, bourbon-pecan yams and crème fraiche whipped potatoes and a gingered-pumpkin pudding for dessert.

Where: At the Fairmont Scottsdale, located at 7575 E. Princess Drive in Scottsdale

More Info: For more information, or for reservations, please dial 480-585-4848. Reservations are recommended.

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Cohen Named Chairman of Scottsdale Boys & Girls Clubs

November 9, 2009 in On the Fly | No comments

David S. Cohen Named

Chairman of the Board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale is pleased to announce David S. Cohen as chairman of the board for 2009-2011. A volunteer with the organization for more than a decade, Cohen has served as the chairman for the Angels for Kids annual giving campaign as well as on the facilities committee, development committee and capital campaign cabinet. Cohen assumes the role from immediate past chairman Mike Thorell.

“Being involved in building several of the clubs over the years and seeing first-hand the success of the programs offered at each branch is very rewarding,” said Cohen. “Now more than ever, there is an increased demand for our programs, and during my term I want to make sure we have as much impact as we can on the future leaders of our community.”

In addition to his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Cohen is the principal and co-founder of Encanta Homes, where he oversees the strategic direction and comprehensive development of growth plans for the company. Prior to establishing Encanta Homes with business partner Todd A. Stevens, Cohen and Stevens co-founded Hacienda Builders in 1991, an award-winning Scottsdale-based home builder with a reputation for quality craftsmanship and outstanding service.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale has provided more than 100,000 Northeast Valley youth with a positive, supervised environment to explore the power of their potential. Today we serve 16,000 children and teen through the organization’s nine branches and 12 outreach sites located in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Hualapai Indian Community and other Northeast Valley neighborhoods. The Club offers more than 100 youth development programs emphasizing five core areas: the arts; character & leadership development; education & career development; health & life skills; and sports, fitness & recreation.

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You’re Invited to Free Party at Ice Den, Nov. 10

November 5, 2009 in On the Fly | No comments

Over Easy North and 18° Neighborhood Grill, the two new restaurants located inside the Ice Den in North Scottsdale, are celebrating their grand opening with a big party to be held Tuesday, November 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy complimentary food and cocktails.

Plus, NHL Phoenix Coyotes players, Petr Prucha and Martin Hanzal, will be on-hand signing autographs and taking pictures with their loyal fans, along with the team’s mascot Howler. Drawings will also be held for many exciting giveaways, including Coyotes game tickets, autographed NHL paraphernalia, skating and dining gift certificates and more. While you’re there, party goers can try out the Visual Sports simulator. Play golf, hockey, baseball, football and more. Who knows? Maybe Howler will challenge you to a puck shoot out.

“This is an exciting time for our two restaurants in the Ice Den. We invite everyone to stop by and see what the buzz is about in North Scottsdale,” said Eatwell and Drinkalott partner Quinn Goldsberry. “The grand opening will showcase Over Easy and 18° Neighborhood Grill’s high-quality food that’s offered at reasonable prices in a unique fun, family-friendly environment.”

18° serves many comfort food favorites. Menu highlights include roasted chicken, salads, ground-fresh hamburgers, mac and cheese, and made-from-scratch pizza. Over Easy also serves all of your breakfast favorites, along with a few truly unique menu items such as The Wolfpack and Big E’s Pile Up. Look for Paris-trained Chef Aaron May to bring his culinary flair to many standard American favorites at both restaurants.

“We’ve recognized for some time that restaurants of this distinction were missing at the Ice Den, as well as in our surrounding community,” said Michael O’Hearn, President of Coyotes Ice, LLC.  “Since we opened the restaurants’ doors last month, our Ice Den patrons have expressed that the food and dining experience has been a ‘huge’ and ‘wonderful’ change of pace to the usual ice rink fare. Now we look forward to having everyone who lives and works in North Scottsdale corridor to check us out as we officially celebrate our grand opening next week.”

Eatwell and Drinkalott, the restaurant group behind popular Valley restaurants Over Easy South and The Lodge, has partnered with the Ice Den in opening the two Ice Den eateries.

Over Easy North is open seven days a week, serving breakfast and lunch. 18° is open seven days a week, offering lunch, dinner, happy hour and late night dining. For more information regarding the restaurants, please visit www.18-degrees.com and www.eatatovereasy.com. For Ice Den specific information, please contact Coyotes Ice Executive Director, Justin Maloof at (480) 473-5804 or jmaloof@coyotesice.com.

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Frys.com Open Won’t Return to Grayhawk

November 5, 2009 in On the Fly | No comments

–Posted by Editor Kimberly Hundley

Official press release:

Tournament moves to northern California after three years at Grayhawk Golf  Club

“While we’re saddened that the Frys.com Open is leaving Scottsdale, we’re quite pleased with what the tournament was able to accomplish in its three years here at Grayhawk,” said Grayhawk Golf Club’s Del Cochran.  “Fry’s Electronics was an outstanding partner and we wish the tournament tremendous success.”

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The PGA TOUR and Fry’s Electronics announced  that the Frys.com Open, an official event on the PGA TOUR, will be moving to CordeValle in San Martin, Calif., which is south of San Jose and north of the Monterey Peninsula.  Next year’s event is scheduled for October 11-17 during the 2010 PGA TOUR season.

The Frys.com Open had a successful three-year run at Grayhawk Golf Club, culminating with a 2009 event full of fireworks.  Troy Matteson shot back-to-back 61’s, a new 36-hole PGA TOUR scoring record, and outlasted up-and-coming golfers Rickie Fowler and Jamie Lovemark in a two-hole playoff to earn his second career PGA TOUR victory (his first win came in 2006 at the Frys.com Open in Las Vegas).

The 2009 tournament also featured 4 aces, including a rare albatross (double-eagle) /ace combo in the same round by Nicholas Thompson, a PGA TOUR first.  Cameron Beckman won the 2008 tournament in a 2-hole playoff to jump from 175 to 86 on the money list to secure his card; while former Masters champion Mike Weir won the inaugural event in 2007.

Gregg Tryhus, president of Grayhawk Development, said, “We’ve developed some close personal relationships with the Fry’s family,” Tryhus said.  “We’re grateful they trusted us with their event for three years, and we’re confident they will have many more successful events.”

Located 30 minutes south of title sponsor Fry’s Electronics’ world headquarters in San Jose, Calif., CordeValle is an 18-hole, par-72 Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design that stretches across 7,169 yards of Northern California’s hillsides, canyons and broad meadows.

“We are very excited about moving the Frys.com Open to California and CordeValle,” said Kathy Kolder, executive vice president and a founder of Fry’s Electronics.  “Grayhawk Golf Club was such a great host site and the fans in the Valley were tremendous supporters for the Frys.com Open the last three years, we can’t thank them enough.”

The Frys.com Open strives to make an impact in the community through charitable donations and in three years has raised more than $1.7 million for charities like the American Institute of Mathematics, Thunderbirds Charities and the Fore Adoption Foundation.

The Frys.com Open is part of the PGA TOUR’s Fall Series and features a full-field (132 players), four-day tournament with a $5 million purse and $900,000 payout to the winner.  For more information go to www.frysopengolf.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/frysopengolf.


Delicious Delivery: Barro’s Pizza at Grayhawk Plaza

November 5, 2009 in On the Fly | No comments

-Posted by Editor Kimberly Hundley

I love, love, love Barro’s pizza. I grew up near the first location and practically lived in the corner booth.  This month, Barro’s will open a new locale at Grayhawk Plaza. Over the years, I’ve developed a severe addiction to the following delivery order: pepperoni and onion topping, small, extra-sauce, please leave in the oven for a couple extra minutes so the pepperoni starts to crisp on the edges.

Congrats to Mike & his family on this 28th location of the family-owned biz. If you live near the plaza, definitely give Barro’s a try. It just might become your favorite too.

Here’s the official press release:

New Scottsdale Location at Grayhawk Plaza Marks Fourth New Restaurant Opened in 2009

As national quick-service restaurants wrestle with the sagging national economy, a Carefree-based pizza concept continues to grow throughout the Valley as it prepares to open its 28th restaurant this month at Grayhawk Plaza in Scottsdale.

Grayhawk Plaza, located one mile north of the Loop 101 on Scottsdale Road, opened in 2001 and is recognized as one of Scottsdale’s premier neighborhood shopping centers.  Close to the entrance of the affluent master planned community of Grayhawk, the center is anchored by a 58,000-square-foot Bashas’ Supermarket and also includes a Walgreen’s, Tutor Time Day Care, Pei Wei, Leslie’s Poolmart, and Blockbuster Video.

The center is located in close proximity to some of north Scottsdale’s most successful residential developments, including DC Ranch, Ironwood Village, Pinnacle Peak Country Club and McDowell Mountain Ranch.

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