Press Coverage April 2019

5 Phoenix This neighborhood also has two of the city’s largest hospital systems in The North Mountain neighborhood neighborhoods its boundaries: Phoenix VA Health in North Phoenix is a very popular where rents are Care System and St. Joseph’s place for families, young people and Hospital and Medical Center. empty nesters. The abundance of increasing the most coffee shops, boutiques and public AZ Big Media 2. Desert View parks make North Mountain perfect April 30, 2019 for anyone looking for a life of comfort in gorgeous surroundings.

In the last year, rent prices have increased by 15.1 percent in this neighborhood.

4. North Phoenix

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHADE AT DESERT RIDGE

Looking to call the Valley of the Sun • Price increase over the past home? year: 17.9% • Average rent for one-bedroom Or, maybe you already live in in Desert View: $1,372 Phoenix and you’re just looking to • Average rent for one-bedroom avoid costly rent increases when you in Phoenix: $1,029 move next. • Price increase over the past Regardless, rent.com has done some Desert View is an upscale year: 13.1% research to determine neighborhood in Phoenix with a • Average rent for one-bedroom the neighborhoods in Phoenix where suburban feel. The area is great for in North Phoenix: $959 monthly rental prices are increasing outdoor lovers because the • Average rent for one-bedroom the most. neighborhood is bordered by three in Phoenix: $1,029 recreation areas: Cave Creek 1. Central Avenue Corridor Regional Park, Phoenix Sonoran North Phoenix is loosely defined as Preserve and Cave Buttes Recreation the area between Northern Avenue Area. and the farthest northern stretches of Phoenix, all the way to the While the area is highly desirable, the Anthem area. Rent prices in this area rising rent prices are not. Year over are on average lower than some of year, rent has increased by 17.9 the more desirable neighborhoods percent. but that doesn’t mean they aren’t increasing quickly. 3. North Mountain • Price increase over the past year: 22.7% The average rent price for a one- • Average rent for one-bedroom bedroom apartment in Northern in Central Avenue Corridor: Phoenix increased by 13.1 percent $1,288 over the past year. • Average rent for one-bedroom in Phoenix: $1,029 5. Central City

Dividing midtown Phoenix, the Central Avenue Corridor is one • Price increase over the past of the most popular neighborhoods year: 15.1% and is home to many of the city’s • Average rent for one-bedroom businesses. in North Mountain: $838 • Average rent for one-bedroom in Phoenix: $1,029

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Fountain Hills Times alert land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition. Should this occur before the fire ban goes into effect, park supervisors have been authorized to issue temporary fire bans to ensure public safety and protect the parks resources. When temporary fire bans are issued, information will be PHOTO BY ERIC posted on the website, and park DONZELLA ON UNSPLASH visitors will be notified as they enter • Price increase over the past the park. The parks will also stop year: 13.1% The Maricopa County Parks and selling firewood during this time. • Average rent for one-bedroom Recreation Department will in Central City: $1,464 initiate its annual fire ban on While smoking in the parks is still • Average rent for one-bedroom Wednesday, May 1, 2019. permissible, it is discouraged due to in Phoenix: $1,029 “Given the abundance of rain we’ve the extremely dry conditions. Those received this year, we’ve had an who feel they must smoke are urged The Central City area of Phoenix is outstanding wildflower season. to be responsible and ensure that all truly where everything is happening. Unfortunately, as the blooms and cigarettes are properly extinguished Nightlife, bars, concerts, brush die off and dry out, the parks and placed in trash receptacles. A entertainment and tons of dining can are left with dangerous levels of fuel date to lift the fire ban has not been be found here. Being so close to the loads on the ground that can ignite a identified and will be determined by action means you’ll spend more on wildfire with just a small spark,” said the amount of rain Maricopa County rent than the citywide average — R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks receives during the monsoon season. and those prices are increasing. and Recreation Director. “As a land manager, we believe the decision to The following Maricopa County The average one-bedroom implement sooner rather than later is parks are affected by the fire ban: apartment price is up 13.1 percent the responsible thing to do to ensure Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye since March 2018. park visitor and park resource Hills Regional Park, Cave Creek safety.” Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Methodology Regional Park, Hassayampa River We looked at all neighborhoods in A fire ban is initiated to limit the Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional Phoenix with sufficient available possibility of starting a brush fire, Park, McDowell Mountain Regional inventory on Apartment Guide and which could cause serious damage to Park, San Tan Mountain Regional Rent.com and compared the average the parks. The fire ban includes the Park, Spur Cross Ranch price from March 2018 to March use of campfires, fire pits and Conservation Area, Usery Mountain 2019 to find the neighborhoods with charcoal grills; however, it is still Regional Park, Vulture Mountains the highest percentage increase in acceptable to use gas/propane grills Recreation Area, and White Tank one-bedroom apartment prices. in designated areas such as the Mountain Regional Park. If you have ramada areas, semi-developed and any questions regarding the fire ban, The current rent information developed camping sites. call the Maricopa County Parks and included in this article is based on Recreation Department at 602-506- March 2019 multifamily rental Campfires along the shoreline at 2930, or property inventory on Lake Pleasant Regional Park are visit maricopacountyparks.net/. ApartmentGuide.com and Rent.com included in the fire ban due to higher than usual water levels and dried and is used for illustrative purposes Maricopa County only. The data contained herein does brush along the shoreline. Violation not constitute financial advice or a of this park rule, Rule 113, may Parks Enacting Fire result in a citation. pricing guarantee for any apartment. Ban May 1 It is also important to note that By Matt Kling Fire ban hits county during this time of year, the National Published: Sunday, April 28, 2019 - Weather Service often issues red flag 12:19pm May 1 warnings across central Arizona to Updated: Monday, April 29, 2019 - Apr 29, 2019 9:37am Page 2

Press Coverage April 2019

Blevins Loop looking east toward the Superstition Maricopa County regional parks are Springs Mountains. All photos Ray Southwick. starting their seasonal fire ban a little This is by far the flattest and easiest bit earlier this year as a result of of the five trails included in this list, increased rainfall. and a perfect place to take someone riding for the first time. Located just Fire bans are usually implemented in outside of the Phoenix suburb of the latter part of May, but for the Mesa, it doesn’t tend to get as 2019 season, Maricopa County If you’re new to Phoenix you might crowded as the popular Phoenix Parks and Recreation is starting be surprised at not only the number trails. The trails are either slightly the fire ban on May 1. of trails spread throughout the metro uphill or down, and for the most

area’s many parks and reserves but part, rather straight as they meanders Department Director R.J. Cardin by the quality and variety as well. gently down through several desert said an abundance of rainfall That’s right, not all of the trails are washes on smooth, sandy single and generated an outstanding wildflower full-face-helmeted, body-armored, doubletrack. season. technical drop fests (like South

Mountain’s National Trail). There The 3-mile Blevins Loop is the “But now it’s created a lot of grasses are also miles upon miles of center of the trail system, but add in and drying up bushes in the parks beginner-friendly trails for those the curvy Moon Rock Trail or shred that are, quite frankly, creating a who are more cross-country minded through the more rocky heavy fire load and we’re just and downhill averse. That said, don’t Meridian/County Line/Ruidoso concerned about potential damage to scratch these off your list of rides if Trails combo, and the miles start to the parks,” Cardin said. you are at an intermediate or fly by. To add some spice, go up and

advanced skill level. All of these over Cat’s Peak a couple times, The ban includes the use of trails become something altogether which is the only real intermediate, campfires and fire pits in all county different when you ride them with hilly, somewhat technical area of the parks. Cardin said the ban will likely speed and reckless abandon. Each park, and take a look at the desert stay in place until around Labor Day. has side trails and spurs branching landscape, which is filled with off from them that are more difficult saguaro, cholla, and prickly pear cacti Large brush fire if you should so choose to sample as far as you can see. Along the way those. you may see some coyotes, southwest of the jackrabbits, roadrunners, lizards, Valley Friday A few caveats before we begin: quails, and on rare occasions, Channel 15 KNXV - Phoenix Phoenix gets hot from May to early javelina, rattlesnakes, and even deer. Scripps October. Very hot. Every summer April 26, 2019 someone dies on the trails From this point, Pass Mountain is who hikes or bikes in extreme heat directly to the north of the park, and Friday night. The fire is burning in a when they shouldn’t have. Ride 10 miles to the east you have a clear dry area south of the Estrella early, drink a lot, and be careful out view of the impressive Superstition Mountain Regional Park. there. Mountains in the distance (Pass Mountain technically isn’t part OK, time to hit the trails. of Usery Mountain Regional Five2Ride: 5 of the Park but instead is part of Tonto Best Beginner Usery Mountain Regional Park National Forest).

Mountain Bike Trails in Phoenix By Ray Southwick April 25, 2019 SingleTracks.com

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Looking north into the Tonto National Forest. enter at the park’s northernmost trailhead at the end of Wagon Wheel The beauty of this park for Road, and commence a 1.3 mile beginners is that you are never far gradual ascent on Dynamite Trail, to from where you start, and if you get a saddle, which drops after a series tired, you can usually return to your of switchbacks to the San Tan Trail car rather easily. Just avoid going below. The San Tan Trail, when down any trails with “wash” in their combined with Littleleaf and a title. portion of Goldmine, is a 7.5 mile loop that runs around a small valley, The top of Hedgehog Trail. If you want to make things much up and over a mixture of singletrack, more challenging, hop on the Pass doubletrack, and even a wide fire The icing on top of this mountain Mountain Trail in the Tonto road. National Forest and go north from biking cake is reaching the Dynamite the park four miles on the west side saddle on your way back north, as of Pass Mountain. This is an the entire 1.3 miles back to your car intermediate level trail for sure, in is 95 percent downhill, and 100 both terrain and elevation gain, and percent fun. takes riders to an incredible vista point on the very north side of the Like all the Maricopa County Park mountain’s base. regional parks, San Tan has exceptionally clean bathrooms with Don’t be seduced by the power of flushing toilets, drinking fountains, Dynamite Trail. and a nature center. the east side of Pass Mountain, however, and turn around and go San Tan Trail offers a mix of South Mountain – Desert Classic back the way you came once you’ve shreddable features: very fast, long, taken in the scenery. The east side downhill portions; quick dips offers stunning vistas too but is an through washes; and prolonged absolute rocky mess and a downright climbs up, over, and through big dangerous trail unless you have the rock outcroppings and cacti. Rarely right bike and advanced skills. flat, riders are either going up or down, as a good mountain bike trail

should. Though not particularly The Desert Classic saddle on the far west side. Once rocky or uneven, much of the trail is you’re here, you’ve already gone about 7.25 miles. far from buff singletrack. To call this a “beginner” trail is a bit Riders can traverse the loop one of a misnomer. Sure, you never gain way, and then do it again from the a lot of elevation or experience a ton opposite direction for a completely of tech if you stay on Desert Class different trail feel. In the middle of proper, but it is also rocky, fast, and San Tan loop are two trails that full of deep plunges in and out of Vista Point on Pass Mountain. bisect it, Moonlight and Hedgehog, loose washes. The trail is far from which add even more variety. short, at nearly 18 miles if you go to The cost to enter any of Moonlight is mostly downhill going the end of the almost 9-mile trail, the Maricopa County Regional west to east while Hedgehog turn around, and come back. As my Parks is $7 whether you park at a requires a chug to the top before a friend John likes to say, “It’s non- trailhead or drive in. Pro tip: screaming burn down from either technical, but it’s not a beginner trail Entering by bike is only $2, so save direction. Stargazer is a fun, winding either.” A flow trail it is not. $5 by parking nearby and riding in. detour too. Stretched out like a long snake in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park desert sun, Desert Classic is on the Another Maricopa County Regional south side of South Mountain and Park, this is just south of the town of runs parallel to the range at its base. Queen Creek, southeast of Phoenix. The Pima Canyon Trailhead was Though it is quite a sustained climb, recently revamped and is a good the best way to start your ride is to place to start as it offers free parking. Page 4

Press Coverage April 2019

Trails 1A and 8) go up higher into What Desert Classic lacks in beauty Despite claiming to be the largest the mountains and get increasingly (it is downright ugly, brown, and city park in the United States, South difficult with switchbacks and small barren compared to the greenery of Mountain Park, and especially drops, while many of the trails to the Usery, for instance) it makes up for Desert Classic trail, are very crowded north retain the fast and flat sand- in its rugged “Human vs. Mountain” on weekends and holiday mornings. over-hard dirt nature of 100 itself. If persona. This trail taunts you, teases Your best bet is to ride at off-peak you are looking for something more you, and begs you to hammer times if you can and to bring challenging, check out the more through it before this deceptive a bell. Otherwise, you’ll be saying technical and advanced offshoots serpent strangles you aerobically and “On Your Left” more times than higher in the mountains, such as leaves you breathless. Beginner trail? Bernie Sanders at a Trump Rally. Hairball, Cheesegrater, and Voaz. Ride it and see. That said, for whatever reason Arizona hikers and mountain bikers are usually a pretty laid back, courteous sort, and trail conflict is quite rare. This is possibly because they all left the Midwest’s snow behind when they moved here, and are just plain happy.

For the most part, Desert Classic isn’t the most scenic trail, but recent rains did bring a splash of colorful Phoenix Mountain Preserve – Trail wildflowers. 100 Looking north from the 1A Trail.

Some landmarks to ponder: Going While most people prefer Trail 100’s west from Pima Canyon Trailhead, east side, if you have time on you reach a large tan water tank at another day you may want to go 3.5 miles, a big boulder outcropping west of the Dreamy Draw parking known as “Bus Stop” 6 miles, and a lot and sample Trail 100’s west side relatively high plateau at 7.25 miles. too, which continues roughly seven Unfortunately, those who never go miles in a northwest direction. You west of the Bus Stop to the saddle access it by going under freeway 51 miss out as this roughly 1-mile through a tunnel. Other than a few western gem-of-a-segment includes a Sunrise at the Dreamy Draw saddle feels a world away from the city you just left behind. steep climbs and descents in the first long rock garden, some brief but couple miles, the west side is rather techy climbs, and multiple S-curves Beginning at the Dreamy Draw tame thereafter. that take you up to the top. parking lot and trailhead, most people who ride Trail 100 go east McDowell Mountain Regional and ramble up a gradual 1-mile climb Park – Sport Loop to a saddle. Smack dab in the middle of urban north Phoenix, and just off the often congested Highway 51, it is remarkable how quickly the sights and sounds of the city disappear behind you as you descend from the saddle into the expansive desert The trail gets a bit rockier and more challenging as valley below. you go west of the Bus Stop. Even though Trail 100 only goes McDowell Mountains from Long Loop. Like all good trails, Desert Classic three miles east from here before has an obligatory offshoot called terminating at Tatum Boulevard, it is North of the town of Fountain Hills Goat Trail (skip it) and Secret Trail the numerous connector trails that lies McDowell Mountain Regional (ride it), not to mention a 275-foot branch from it for miles and miles Park and over 50 miles of mountain ascent in less than one mile called along the way, both north and south, biking trails. While most of these Helipad Trail that is certainly not that make this an explorer’s dream. trails are rated beginner and “beginner” but worth the trip if you Some of the connectors (such as intermediate, the part you will likely are up for it. Page 5

Press Coverage April 2019

want to check out first is alternates with long, gradual ascents, use of campfires, fire pits, and the Competitive Track, which a few sharp corners, and even a bit charcoal grills; however, it is still includes three racing courses: Sport of exposure. The last two miles acceptable to use gas/propane grills Loop, Tech Loop, and Long before the turn-around point rises in designated areas such as the Loop. Totaling almost 14 miles of about 250 feet in elevation, so riders ramada areas, semi-developed and single-direction riding, Sport Loop will certainly earn their views at the developed camping sites. This has the most beginner appeal. Just top. season, charcoal may be used in the three miles in length, you gradually Other Phoenix beginner trails to grills located in the turf picnic pedal up this trail for about 1.5 miles consider: ramada area at Estrella Mountain before grinning your way back down  Papago Park, Tempe Regional Park. However, campfires through several fast, straight sections  Brown’s Ranch, Scottsdale along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant with occasional dips, twists, and  Estrella Mountain Regional Regional Park are included in the fire turns, to include a few half-pipe-like Park, Goodyear ban due to higher than usual water cambered corners toward the very levels and dried brush along the  Fantasy Island North end. shoreline. Violation of this park rule, Singletrack (FINS), Goodyear Rule 113, may result in a citation. Since the trail surface is so incredibly  White Tank Mountain Regional buff and the layout so well crafted, Park, Surprise It is also important to note that Sport Loop allows beginners to during this time of year, the National challenge themselves with speed and What is your go-to trail for taking Weather Service often issues red flag cornering in a way that is both safe first time riders in Phoenix? warnings across central Arizona to and rare when compared to your alert land management agencies that typical rocky desert singletrack. Like Annual Fire Ban in conditions are ideal for wildfire a catchy hip-hop song, it’s so fun ignition. Should this occur before and short you just may want to County Parks Starts the fire ban goes into effect, park repeat it again and again. May 1 supervisors have been authorized to April 23, 2019 PRESS RELEASE issue temporary fire bans to ensure North Phoenix News public safety and protect the park’s resources. When temporary fire bans MARICOPA COUNTY — The are issued, the information will be Maricopa County Parks and posted on the website, and park Recreation Department will initiate visitors will be notified as they enter its annual fire ban on Wednesday, the park. The parks will also stop May 1, 2019. selling firewood during this time.

“Given the abundance of rain we’ve While smoking in the parks is still Sport Loop in the morning. received this year, we’ve had an permissible, it is discouraged due to the extremely dry conditions. If you For history lovers, the Competitive outstanding wildflower season. must smoke, please be responsible Track is also the home of Unfortunately, as the blooms and and ensure that all cigarettes are the Specialized Cactus Cup, which in brush die off and dry out, the parks properly extinguished and placed in the late 90s saw the likes of Ned are left with dangerous levels of fuel trash receptacles. A date to lift the Overend, John Tomac, Dave Weins, loads on the ground that can ignite a fire ban has not been identified and and Juli Furtado tearing up the dirt. wildfire with just a small spark. As a will be determined by the amount of The trail was hand-cut by inmates. land manager, we believe the rain Maricopa County receives While Long Loop and Tech Loop decision to implement sooner rather during the monsoon season. may be too much for a novice, in than later is the responsible thing to

2013 the park built the Escondido do to ensure park visitor and park The following Maricopa County Trail just north of the Competitive resource safety,” said R.J. Cardin, parks are affected by the fire ban: Track that an aerobically-fit beginner Maricopa County Parks and Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye would find challenging, yet doable. Recreation Director. Hills Regional Park, Cave Creek An out-and-back trail that is almost Regional Park, Estrella Mountain 13 miles in length, the first three A fire ban is initiated to limit the Regional Park, Hasssayampa River miles serves up a series of very fast possibility of starting a brush fire, Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional straight downhills on hard, smooth, which could cause serious damage to Park, McDowell Mountain Regional marble-like singletrack, that the parks. The fire ban includes the Page 6

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Park, San Tan Mountain Regional ban due to higher than usual water Maricopa parks fire Park, Spur Cross Ranch levels and dried brush along the Conservation Area, Usery Mountain shoreline. Violation of this park rule, ban to go into effect Regional Park, Vulture Mountains Rule 113, may result in a citation. earlier than usual Recreation Area, and White Tank BY KTAR.COM Mountain Regional Park. If you have It is also important to note that APRIL 23, 2019 AT 4:04 AM any questions regarding the fire ban, during this time of year, the National call the Maricopa County Parks and Weather Service often issues red flag Recreation Department at (602) 506- warnings across central Arizona to 2930, or visit alert land management agencies that www.maricopacountyparks.net/. conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition. Should this occur before the fire ban goes into effect, park Fire ban to be supervisors have been authorized to implemented issue temporary fire bans to ensure PHOENIX — An abnormally heavy By Sonoran News public safety and protect the parks rainy season has influenced the April 23, 2019 resources. When temporary fire bans Maricopa County Parks and are issued, information will be Recreation Department to enforce The Maricopa County Parks and posted on the website, and park its annual fire ban almost a month Recreation Department will visitors will be notified as they enter before normal. initiate its annual fire ban on the park. The parks will also stop

Wednesday, May 1. “Given the selling firewood during this time. The ban will begin May 1 in an abundance of rain we’ve received effort to limit the possibility of this year, we’ve had an outstanding While smoking in the parks is still starting a brush fire and causing wildflower season. permissible, it is discouraged due to damage to any parks. the extremely dry conditions. If you Typically, the ban begins around Unfortunately, as the blooms and must smoke, please be responsible Memorial Day. brush die off and dry out, the parks and ensure that all cigarettes are are left with dangerous levels of fuel properly extinguished and placed in “Given the abundance of rain we’ve loads on the ground that can ignite a trash receptacles. A date to lift the received this year, we’ve had an wildfire with just a small spark. As a fire ban has not been identified and outstanding wildflower land manager, we believe the will be determined by the amount of season,” Maricopa County Parks and decision to implement sooner rather rain Maricopa County receives Recreation Director R.J. Cardin said than later is the responsible thing to during the monsoon season. in a press release. “Unfortunately, as do to ensure park visitor and park the blooms and brush die off and resource safety,” said R.J. Cardin, The following Maricopa County dry out, the parks are left with Maricopa County Parks and parks are affected by the fire ban: dangerous levels of fuel loads on the Recreation Director. Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye ground that can ignite a wildfire with Hills Regional Park, Cave Creek just a small spark. A fire ban is initiated to limit the Regional Park, Estrella Mountain possibility of starting a brush fire, Regional Park, Hasssayampa River “As a land manager, we believe the which could cause serious damage to Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional decision to implement sooner rather the parks. The fire ban includes the Park, McDowell Mountain Regional than later is the responsible thing to use of campfires, fire pits and Park, San Tan Mountain Regional do to ensure park visitor and park charcoal grills; however, it is still Park, Spur Cross Ranch resource safety.” acceptable to use gas/propane grills Conservation Area, Usery Mountain in designated areas such as the Regional Park, Vulture Mountains The ban includes the use of ramada areas, semi-developed and Recreation Area, and White Tank campfires, fire pits and charcoal developed camping sites. This Mountain Regional Park. If you have grills. It will still be acceptable to use season, charcoal may be used in the any questions regarding the fire ban, gas or propane grills in designated grills located in the turf picnic call the Maricopa County Parks and areas such as ramadas, semi- ramada area at Estrella Mountain Recreation Department at (602) 506- developed and developed camping Regional Park. However, campfires 2930, or sites, and along the shore at Lake along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant visitwww.maricopacountyparks.net/. Pleasant Regional Park. Regional Park are included in the fire

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Smoking in the parks will still be than later is the responsible thing to rain Maricopa County receives permitted, but it is strongly do to ensure park visitor and park during the monsoon season. encouraged to be responsible in their resource safety,” said R.J. Cardin, use. Maricopa County Parks and The following Maricopa County Recreation Director. parks are affected by the fire ban: A date to lift the fire ban has not Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye been identified and will be A fire ban is initiated to limit the Hills Regional Park, Cave Creek determined by the amount of rain possibility of starting a brush fire, Regional Park, Estrella Mountain the county receives during monsoon which could cause serious damage to Regional Park, Hasssayampa River season. the parks. The fire ban includes the Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional use of campfires, fire pits and Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Here is the list of the Maricopa charcoal grills; however, it is still Park, San Tan Mountain Regional County parks affected by the fire acceptable to use gas/propane grills Park, Spur Cross Ranch ban: in designated areas such as the Conservation Area, Usery Mountain • Adobe Dam Regional Park ramada areas, semi-developed and Regional Park, Vulture Mountains • Buckeye Hills Regional Park developed camping sites. This Recreation Area, and White Tank • Cave Creek Regional Park season, charcoal may be used in the Mountain Regional Park. If you have • Estrella Mountain Regional Park grills located in the turf picnic any questions regarding the fire ban, • Hassayampa River Preserve ramada area at Estrella Mountain call the Maricopa County Parks and • Lake Pleasant Regional Park Regional Park. However, campfires Recreation Department at (602) 506- • McDowell Mountain Regional Park along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant 2930, or • San Tan Mountain Regional Park Regional Park are included in the fire visit www.maricopacountyparks.net/ • Spur Cross Ranch Conservation ban due to higher than usual water . Area levels and dried brush along the • Usery Mountain Regional Park shoreline. Violation of this park rule, • Vulture Mountains Recreation Rule 113, may result in a citation. Brush fire burns 420 Area acres west of • White Tank Mountain Regional It is also important to note that Park during this time of year, the National Wittmann, official Weather Service often issues red flag says ANNUAL FIRE BAN warnings across central Arizona to David Baker alert land management agencies that Posted 13 hrs ago TO BE conditions are ideal for wildfire AZFamily.com IMPLEMENTED ignition. Should this occur before the fire ban goes into effect, park NEAR WITTMANN, AZ Apr 22, 2019 Updated 18 hrs ago supervisors have been authorized to (3TV/CBS 5) - Crews are making Wickenburg Sun issue temporary fire bans to ensure sure a brush fire west of Wittmann

public safety and protect the parks doesn't spread. Maricopa County regional parks set resources. When temporary fire bans May 1 as start date for annual fire are issued, information will be The fire called the Forest Fire broke ban posted on the website, and park out sometime on Sunday afternoon

visitors will be notified as they enter near 323rd Avenue and Forest (Maricopa County) – The Maricopa the park. The parks will also stop Pleasant Place. County Parks and Recreation selling firewood during this time. Winds were driving the flames that Department will initiate its annual burned 420 acres so far, according to fire ban on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. While smoking in the parks is still Tiffany Davila with the Arizona “Given the abundance of rain we’ve permissible, it is discouraged due to Department of Forestry and Fire received this year, we’ve had an the extremely dry conditions. If you Management. outstanding wildflower season. must smoke, please be responsible Unfortunately, as the blooms and and ensure that all cigarettes are The fire is 30% contained. brush die off and dry out, the parks properly extinguished and placed in are left with dangerous levels of fuel trash receptacles. A date to lift the Two abandoned buildings have been loads on the ground that can ignite a fire ban has not been identified and destroyed, Davila said. wildfire with just a small spark. As a will be determined by the amount of land manager, we believe the decision to implement sooner rather Page 8

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Right now, there are no evacuations The cause of the fire is under EGG HUNT: The Wildlife World or pre-evacuations, officials said. investigation. Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield The department said the flames Park, hosts its annual Easter Egg burned through grass and desert Things to do around Hunt. Kids search for eggs in the brush. Litchfield Park April area next to the petting zoo, playground and train station at the "Forward progress" was stopped on 17-25 zoo’s northeast corner. Kids 7 and the Forest Fire just before 7 p.m. on APRIL 18, 2019 THINGS TO younger hunt at 1:30 p.m. followed Sunday, the Department of Forestry DO, YOUR LIFE by all kids at 3:30 p.m. The Easter said. Egg Hunt is free with paid Crews were battling the fire from the 4/17 WEDNESDAY admission. Call 623-289-1132 or air and the ground. PERFORMANCE: A MusicEstrella visit WildlifeWorld.com. performance, featuring music No word yet on a cause. created by the Electronic Music 4/22 MONDAY students and performances by COLLEGE VISIT: The ASU Additional resources came from the vocalists and the Estrella Jazz Band, Teachers College transfer specialist Buearu of Land Management, the starts 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts will visit the Estrella Mountain Central Arizona Wildland Response Theater on the Estrella Mountain Community College campus, 3000 Team, Peoria Fire and Medical Community College campus, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, noon-4 Department and the Surprise Fire N. Dysart Road, Avondale. Free p.m. to inform students about and Medical Department. admission. transfer opportunities to their

college. Email 4/18 THURSDAY [email protected]. Fire crews battling HIKE: A fitness hike goes 8-9 a.m. wind-fueled 'Forest at Estrella Mountain Regional 4/23 TUESDAY Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., BLOOD DRIVE: A Vitalant Fire' near Wittmann Goodyear. Bring plenty of water and (formerly United Blood Services) Posted: 5:24 PM, Apr 21, 2019 close-toed shoes and meet at the blood drive will take place 9 a.m.-3 Updated: 51 minutes ago Nature Center for 3-5 mile hikes. p.m. on the Estrella Mountain By: abc15.com staff Call 623-932-3811. Community College campus, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. WITTMANN, AZ — Firefighters 4/19 FRIDAY from multiple agencies are working SCHOOL: Homeschool Happenings 4/24 WEDNESDAY to put out a 420-acre brush fire near is a twice monthly program series COLLEGE VISIT: The U of A Wittmann, Arizona. designed for parents and students transfer specialist will visit the seeking to enhance their education in Estrella Mountain Community Officials say at least two structures the natural history fields. The goal is College campus, 3000 N. Dysart have been destroyed by the wind- to create a well-rounded experience Road, Avondale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to fueled "Forest Fire" 13 miles of natural areas with hands-on and inform students about transfer southwest of Wickenburg. interdisciplinary learning. All opportunities to their college. Email programs will meet at the Estrella [email protected]. Crews from the Peoria Fire Park Nature Center 10-11 a.m. at Department, Surprise Fire, the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 4/25 THURSDAY Bureau of Land Management and 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. COLLEGE VISIT: The ASU the Arizona Department of Forestry Call 623-932-3811. transfer specialist will visit the and Fire Management are also Estrella Mountain Community responding. 4/20 SATURDAY College campus, 3000 N. Dysart FARMERS MARKET: The Estrella Road, Avondale, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. to In addition to fire crews, at least Lakeside Farmers Market is open for inform students about transfer three aircraft are also working to the final time until October, 10 a.m.- opportunities to their college. Email fight the blaze. 1 p.m., at 10300 S. Estrella Parkway, [email protected]. Goodyear. Call 623-386-1000.

As of 11:00 p.m. Sunday night, the fire is 30% contained. 4/21 SUNDAY

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BLM issues Vulture as well as potential impacts of a area has been divided into four right-of-way grant to the Maricopa phases according to the Preferred Mountains County Department of Alternative outlined in the Vulture recreation lease to Transportation, for modifications to Mountains Cooperative Recreation Vulture Mine Road for public safety Management Area Master Plan and Maricopa County purposes and access into the new the Plan of Development submitted April 17, 2019 foothillsfocus 28 recreation facilities. as part of the R&PP lease Views application: “The R&PP Act is a tool that State  Park infrastructure and road and local governments can use to improvements apply for the leasing of public lands  Vulture Peak day-use area for purposes that benefit their local  Vulture Peak campground communities,” Thomas said. “This  OHV area R&PP lease is an example of how

partners and the community have According to R.J. Cardin, Maricopa come together to create a vision for County Parks and Recreation facilities that will enhance the Department Director, “This is not recreation experience on public the first park we’ve managed with lands.” PHOENIX –The Maricopa County the BLM under an R&PP lease. They

Board of Supervisors and Bureau of are great partners, and our teams Based on the analysis in the final Land Management (BLM) signed a have been planning for this day EA, the BLM determined that the lease agreement allowing the Parks together since 2010. Given the approved actions would not cause and Recreation Department to enter feedback we’ve received from the significant impacts. The BLM into a Recreation and Public public throughout the planning subsequently signed a Finding of No Purposes (R&PP) lease with the process, I am confident that those Significant Impact and issued a BLM Hassayampa Field Office. who recreate in the Vulture Decision Record. Under the lease, the parks Mountains Recreation Area will be department will be responsible for pleased with the recreational The BLM conducted public scoping managing approximately 1,046 acres amenities we’ll be rolling out over in 2017 and completed public review of public lands near Wickenburg. the next several years.” of the draft environmental analysis,

including an open-house style The lease will allow for the The Maricopa County Department meeting at the Wickenburg construction and operation of of Transportation (MCDOT) is Community Center, in December recreation facilities, including an playing a significant role in phase 2018. entry station, parking, picnic and one of the development by campground facilities, nature improving Vulture Mine Road and “Preserving and enhancing Maricopa playground, restrooms, ramadas, installing public roadways in the County’s vast open space is a priority trailheads and trails, a nature center, park. of mine,” said Chairman Bill Gates, an amphitheater, and an OHV District 3. “This agreement adds a staging area in the Vulture “MCDOT has been a significant valuable asset to what is already one Mountains Recreation Area. partner in moving this project of the largest parks systems in the forward and is to be commended for United States while also allowing for “The BLM is excited about this their role,” added Cardin. future growth and transportation partnership and looks forward to a needs.” collaborative management approach To learn more about what is planned to the Vulture Mountains Recreation for the area, visit The agreement expands Maricopa Area,” said BLM Phoenix District https://www.maricopacountyparks. County’s park system to 13 parks Manager Leon Thomas. net/park-locator/vulture-mountains- and enhances recreational recreation-area/master-plan/. opportunities for our residents. The Bureau of Land Management Persons who use a

(BLM) released the final telecommunications device for the Out of the 1,046 acres of land to be Environmental Assessment (EA) for deaf (TDD) may call the Federal leased, approximately 98 acres, or 9.5 the lease on January 31, 2019. The Information Relay Service (FIRS) at percent of the total acres, will be final EA analyzes potential 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message developed. Development for the environmental impacts of the lease, or questions pertaining to the Page 10

Press Coverage April 2019

Vulture Mountains Recreation Area. medical examiner would determine In Medieval Europe, all roads led to The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, that she was killed either by blunt Rome. In Arizona, all rivers lead to 7 days a week. Replies are provided trauma to the left side of her head or the Colorado. during normal business hours. a gunshot wound to the right side of her head. In fact, it's no exaggeration to say The approved EA and associated the state of Arizona lies almost documents can be found online at Court records also show that Maxx entirely within the Colorado River http://go.usa.gov/xPkh6. admitted to a witness that he was drainage basin, which also sprawls present and holding Nelson down across southwestern Wyoming and when Kodi shot her. down through parts of Utah, Taylorlyn Nelson Colorado, Nevada, California and update: Maxx Bowe Quaintance was sentenced last year New Mexico. to five years of probation for sentenced for hindering prosecution. Were it not for the vast system of disposing body in dams and irrigation systems that lock Kodi Bowe has accepted a plea deal, up their waters and put them to lake pleading guilty to second-degree work, the Gila and Salt Rivers, along Posted: 1:51 PM, Apr 15, 2019 murder and is expected to be with the Verde River to the north, By: Joe Enea sentenced from 16 to 20 years in would drain the Mogollon Rim and ABC 15 News prison on May 10, 2019. mountain ranges, wash their waters down through the canyons and PHOENIX — A second accomplice Nelson was reported missing by her valleys and deliver them into the in the disposal of the body of family after they said they were Gulf of California. murder victim Taylorlyn Nelson has concerned because she had not been sentenced. called anyone after arguing with her boyfriend. On Friday Maxx James Bowe was sentenced to 10 years in prison after During the police investigation, pleading guilty to hindering officers searched a mobile home prosecution. around Deer Valley Road and 27th Avenue where Nelson lived with her Court documents obtained by boyfriend, Kodi Bowe. ABC15 show that on March 12, Steve Skotnicki 2017, Maxx Bowe, his brother Kodi In the home, police located evidence Bowe, and Kerrie Quaintance went including blood, a bullet hole, and a The modern Verde River cuts to a convenience store to get gas, 9mm shell casing. snacks, food, and ice before going to through ancient lake bed deposits within the Horseshoe basin Lake Pleasant. Police were able to match the DNA upstream of Horseshoe Dam. of the blood to Nelson’s mother. Nelson’s body was sewn into a sleeping bag and attached to the "They provide the exodus of water Witness reports lead police to the across highlands to lowlands and bottom of a paddle boat by ropes. area of Lake Pleasant where cadaver eventually all of these rivers in the dogs alerted them to the evidence of Valley go to the Colorado River, and The bag was weighed down by large human remains. rocks and cut away from the boat, that goes to the Pacific Ocean," said sinking to the bottom of the lake. Brian Gootee of the Arizona Untold Arizona: Geological Survey.

Court records also show that Maxx Tracing The Ancient Bowe and Quaintance were involved Gootee is versed in reading in a sexual relationship and, “had sex Origins Of Arizona landscapes and traces of ancient rivers. Erosion, like a rookie cop on the paddle boat when they Rivers dumped Taylorlyn’s body in the trampling a crime scene, has left few By Nicholas Gerbis lake.” such clues undisturbed, but also Published: Tuesday, April 9, 2019 - washed its share of evidence into the 5:00am Her body was located and removed Valley of the Sun. from the lake on July 20, 2017.A Page 11

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"We know this much: We know that come, it's always been vague," said pieces extending their reach down," this place did collect thousands and Gootee. said Reynolds. thousands of feet — up to 12,000 feet — of sand and gravel and silt Steve Skotnicki uses drill cuttings The Salt's Shifting Course and clay and mud and salt." from water wells to map the Valley's The Salt River's birthplace is hydrological history. preserved today as Roosevelt Lake, The Valley's Vast Basin which overflowed across After the thrusting, faulting and "During drilling projects, that's one surrounding mountains and into the tectonic taffy-pulling that formed the of the few times when we can bring next lowest place: the East Valley. Basin and Range 25-20 million years those materials back up to the ago, but before the Salt surface to look at. They contain a "It amazingly made it through the River arrived, the Valley acted like a wealth of information." Superstition Mountains, cutting the vast collection plate. gorge, made its way south of Sorting those rocks by type and Fountain Hills out into the Valley, South Mountain, the Estrellas, the proportion yields a "sediment probably originating near Granite San Tans, the White Tanks, the fingerprint" of the Salt River's Reef Dam," said Skotnicki. Sacaton Mountains, the McDowell earliest deposits. Together, these Mountains: All were beginning to samples and river deposits found This high-energy torrent, loaded form, but the miles-deep depressions elsewhere in the state offer a sketch with cobbles and boulders, followed separating their uplifted blocks had of where the rivers first arrived, and quite a different path than today. not yet filled in. when. "The ancestral Salt River flowed into "Originally the area around Phoenix "They arrived pretty suddenly, the area of the Gila River Indian was just a closed basin. It didn't have because they're sitting on these Community, Ak-Chin Indian any outlet to the sea, and so water closed basin deposits and then, all of Community. Those deposits are that fell into the mountains just a sudden, you have a river deposit," down there. What it flowed into, we flowed into the middle of the basin said Gootee. don't know; we think that the Gila and accumulated there," said may have been present," said Arizona State University geologist Gootee. Steve Reynolds. When this track became untenable, Then, around 2-3 million years ago, the Salt swung west from the Papago the big rivers appeared. Buttes, assumed its modern course A nameless ancient stream carved and began downcutting. This several levels of stream terraces process formed a series of terraces, within the Tonto Basin as the water each marking a former level of the level dropped following the spillover Steve Skotnicki river. near Roosevelt Dam that helped An air photo of the Verde River create the Salt River. (Steve looking northeast towards Bartlett The lower Salt River, looking Skotnicki) Lake. Like a series of bathtubs downstream from just below Stewart overflowing, the ancient Verde likely Mountain Dam. Triangular deposits The timing roughly corresponds to overtopped its Verde Valley origin, of waterborne material (alluvial fans) the onset of the wetter, colder then Horseshoe basin and finally the (left) from the Goldfield Mountains Quaternary period around 2.6 site of today's Bartlett Dam. were later carved by small streams as million years ago, but no direct the Salt River cut downward. (Steve evidence yet links changing climate All three rivers appear to have Skotnicki) conditions to the formation of the originated in vast basins that filled rivers. up and eventually overflowed or "As you come out of the Salt River, burst. and as you go either to the south or "The question is, well, which one to the north, you rise up through this came first? Did they all come first? "Water from higher in elevation series of levels, each one of which is You know, what's the time frame? spilled over low parts in mountain an old terrace deposited by the And we do know that not all of ranges, and the river then started river," said Reynolds. them came at the same time. But as cutting through those hard bedrock far as answering when they started to

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Today, from where it emerges from does a zone near the San Carlos depredations of climate change, the union of the Black and White River confluence and an area rewriting. Rivers southwest of Fort Apache, downstream of where the Gila joins the Salt River runs roughly 200 miles the Salt, where Phoenix-area westward through Phoenix to near treatment plants discharge treated San Tan Valley Estrella Mountain Regional Park, wastewater. Business Directory where it joins the Agua Fria River San Tan Valley.com and adds its waters to the Gila. The Verde's Vast Lake April 18, 2019

The Gila's Changing Headwaters Sunset Yoga in the Park The Gila River, which today drains 6533 West Phillips Road, San Tan half the state, also once pursued a Valley 85142, Arizona, Pinal County different path. 26 April 2019

Today, the river's headwaters lie near Join us in San Tan Valley at our the Gila Hot Springs and Gila Cliff beautiful San Tan Mountain Dwellings National Monument in Daisy Finch/KZZ | Source: USGS Streamer Regional Park for an outdoor southwestern New Mexico. From White limestone still marks the sunset yoga class that is appropriate there, its waters mingle with those of birthplace of the Verde: a vast lake for all levels. the San Francisco, San Pedro and that once stretched from Chino Santa Cruz Rivers as it runs 630 Valley to Strawberry. Certified Instructor Cathy Glaess miles to link up with the Colorado will guide you through basic poses River at Yuma. "It probably filled up that bathtub of and breathing techniques as the sun

sediment and then spilled over into sets over a beautiful desert But the ancient Gila likely arose in the Bartlett area, probably not for environment. Safford Basin, located in and around long, and then spilled over into the the San Carlos Indian Reservation. Fountain Hills area," said Gootee. Be sure to bring a water bottle, yoga

mat, and a towel or blanket for extra A row of rolling linear hills (middle Today, the Verde River originates knee cushion. (Your mat will be on of image) composed of pebbles and from a series of springs 20 miles dirt ground). cobbles deposited by a river that north of Prescott in the Big Chino flowed through the area prior to the Valley. A number of tributaries, Wear comfortable clothing that Salt River. Saguaro Lake is visible in most notably Oak Creek, join the allows you to move easily. the background. (Steve Skotnicki) river as it plunges thousands of feet

over its 185-mile journey to join the This class is included with your park "That system appears to have ended Salt River in the northeast corner of entry fee of $7 per vehicle or your around 3 million years ago. And then the Salt River Reservation. annual pass. we see the Gila River deposits in

Florence abruptly arrive," said The Verde, which flows freely This is the last sunset yoga session of Gootee. before reaching Horseshoe and the season and we will start again in

Bartlett Dams, is one of only two the fall. Not long ago, great lengths of the Arizona watercourses to receive the Gila used to flow year-round. Today, "Wild and Scenic River" designation. Meet at the main entrance trailhead. the river is dry for much of its The other is Fossil Creek, which length, depending on runoff and feeds into the Verde. demand, because Coolidge Dam — Lennar's The Parks like Roosevelt and other dams on Arizona's rivers are chronicled in the in San Tan Valley the Salt River — stores much of its geology of its land and the history of water. Grand Opens May 4! its peoples, from the Verde's Sinagua Date 4/17/2019 4:41:27 PM cliff dwellings to the Salt's Hohokam However, a riparian conservation Menafn.com canals and the Mogollon Culture of area near the New Mexico border, the Gila headwaters. It is a saga we where it receives influxes from the (MENAFN - PRLog) You're invited are still reading and, through our San Francisco River and various to celebrate the Grand Opening of dams, diversions and the springs, retains water year-round. So The Parks on Saturday, May 4 from

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Press Coverage April 2019

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Round up the inspired bathroom, outdoor living https://www.lennar.com/new- family, tour the model homes and areas and flexible spaces per plan. homes/arizona/phoenix/san-tan-... ) explore the possibilities for your new or call 800-864-1058. home in San Tan Valley with two Additionally, both collections offer beautiful communities to choose Lennar's unique Next Gen® - The Lennar Corporation, founded in from – Arbor and Discovery. Home Within A Home® design 1954, is one of the nation's leading Showcasing a wide selection of created to bring families of all builders of quality homes for all single and two-story designs, generations together. The design generations. Lennar builds Lennar's multigenerational Next features a main home plus an affordable, move-up and active adult Gen® design and a high level of attached suite complete with its own homes primarily under the Lennar Everything's Included® features, private living space including a brand name. Lennar's Financial families of every type can find a kitchenette, sitting area, bedroom, Services segment provides mortgage home that's going to take their bathroom and separate entrance. financing, title insurance and closing everyday living to the next level. The suite is connected to the home services for both buyers of Lennar's through a dual access door to allow homes and others. Lennar's Rialto "Join us for the opening of two new for as much interaction as desired. segment is a vertically integrated home communities that present This layout is an ideal solution for asset management platform focused buyers with an incredible multigenerational families looking to on investing throughout the opportunity to own a brand-new, live together without sacrificing commercial real estate capital Everything's Included® home in a anyone's comfort or privacy. structure. Lennar's Multifamily great San Tan Valley location near segment is a nationwide developer of Queen Creek," said Alan Jones, New homes at The Parks come high-quality multifamily rental Division President for Lennar outfitted with designer upgrades and properties. Previous press releases Phoenix. "Both Arbor and sought-after features through and further information about Discovery offer our popular Next Lennar's signature Everything's Lennar may be obtained at the Gen® floorplan which showcases a Included® program. From energy- "Investor Relations" section of smart layout designed for families efficient appliances, upgraded Lennar's website, www.lennar.com. looking for a home to accommodate kitchen countertops, high-quality multiple generations under one roof. cabinetry, home automation Tour the model and experience technology and much more, all is West Valley Things firsthand how this innovative included as standard meaning no To Do: April 17-24 floorplan is revolutionizing the way extra cost. extended families live together." Residents will have access to a host With a variety of new home designs, of community amenities within their families of every type can find a neighborhood including a tot lot, home fit for their lifestyle. Arbor ( ramada, benches, BBQ grill, half- https://www.lennar.com/New- court basketball and landscaped Homes/Arizona/Phoenix/San-Tan- open space. With the San Tan Thaddeus Rose, Chris Cannella and the rest of the band play ... ) offers six single-level designs Mountain Regional Park nearby, the Wolfhound in Surprise April 19. [Submitted photo] ranging from approximately 1,739 to your new home opens the door to YourValley.net 1,968 square feet including three to an active lifestyle with hiking, biking, APRIL 16, 2019 THINGS TO four bedrooms and two to three picnicking and other recreational DO, YOUR LIFE bathrooms. Discovery presents six opportunities just outside your front single and two-story floorplans door. In addition, minutes away are 4/18 THURSDAY ranging in size from approximately shopping centers, delectable  COMEDY: Brian McKim 1,392 to 2,903 square feet including restaurants, entertainment, top-rated opens his weekend set 7 p.m. at three to five bedrooms and two to schools and Queen Creek. Stir Crazy Comedy Club, 6751 three and one-half bathrooms. New N. Sunset Blvd., Suite E-206, homes start from the low $200,000s. The public is invited to the Grand Glendale. He also performs 7 & Opening event on May 4 located at 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 19 and 7 Floorplans showcase open living 440 W Pinnacle Ridge Dr in San Tan & 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20. areas with large Great Rooms and Valley, Ariz. 85140. For more Email upscale kitchens, sophisticated information, please visit [email protected] owner's suites boasting a spa- www.Lennar.com/SanTanValley ( or call 623-565-8667.

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Press Coverage April 2019

 MUSIC: Rick Smith plays 7 food or drink in the theater. Call 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Call p.m. at Fountain Park inside 623-544-6130. 623-388-4858. Westgate’s Entertainment  HIKE: A fitness hike goes 8-9  GAME SHOW NIGHT: A District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., a.m. at Estrella Mountain “Family Feud”-style game is Glendale. Call 623-385-7502. Regional Park, 14805 W. available for fun 6-8 p.m. at  CLASSES: The World Music Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. Bring CheezHeads, 20283 N. Lake Family Classes series presents plenty of water and close-toed Pleasant Road, Suite 110, “Musical Theater with Cynthia shoes and meet at the Nature Peoria. Call 623-566-6770. Elek” 6:30 p.m. in the Velma Center for 3-5 mile hikes. Call  POETRY: A joint event Teague Branch meeting room, 623-932-3811. between WHAM and the City 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale. 4/19 FRIDAY of Surprise Arts and cultural Join Phoenix Conservatory of  MUSIC: Forever Young advisory commission, the Music Teaching Artists to Orchestra plays 7 p.m. at ongoing Poetry Slam goes 6-8 discover and celebrate music Fountain Park inside Westgate’s p.m. at WHAM Community Art from around the world in these Entertainment District, 6751 N. Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, family-friendly programs that Sunset Blvd., Glendale. Call Surprise. Poetry Slams take include song, dance, a music 623-385-7502. place every other third Friday craft and a story. Free for all  LIVE MUSIC: BTB performs 9 through Aug. 16. Call 623-584- ages. p.m. at Kimmyz On Greenway 8311.  THEATER: “Mamma Mia!” Rock & Roll Bar & Grill, 5930  LIVE MUSIC: Denny & Dan shows at 5:30 p.m. at Arizona W. Greenway Road, Suite 27, performs 5:30 p.m. at I & J Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Glendale. Email Fountain Restaurant, 12221 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, and plays [email protected] Bell Road, Surprise. Call 623- through April 20. Call 623-776- or call 602-938-9330. 583-1222. 8400.  EVENT: Five metal bands –  LIVE MUSIC: Thaddeus Rose  LIVE MUSIC: Flashback Bleed The Fifth, Crippled Ninja, Band performs 9 p.m. at Irish performs 5:30 p.m. at I & J We Steal Copper, Moons Birds Wolfhound Restaurant and Pub, Fountain Restaurant, 12221 W. & Monsters, and Scott Rowe & 16811 Litchfield Road, No. 104, Bell Road, Surprise. Call 623- Redrum – play the Reverend Surprise. Call 623-214-1004. 583-1222. Black Birthday Celebration 7  MOVIE: The Grand Movie  MUSIC: Western Fusion plays 7 p.m. at Starlite Lounge, 4346 W. Series presents “Infinity War” 1 p.m. at The Brookside II Sports Olive Ave., Glendale. Free p.m. inside Sagebrush Ballroom, Bar and Grille, 15170 W. Bell admission. 21+ show. Call 623- Sonoran Plaza, 19793 N. Road, Suite 115, Surprise. Call 934-1913. Remington Drive, Surprise. 623-556-1000.  PERFORMANCE: “EXIST: Giant viewing screens, tiered  OPEN MIC: Try your hand 9 Messengers of the Cosmos” seating and even free popcorn. p.m.-midnight every Thursday goes 5-7 p.m. at E. Lowell Grand Café is open for hosted by Chris Yak at Fuzzy’s Rogers Amphitheatre, 5850 W. additional movie snacks, soda Southwest Sports Grill, 18795 Glendale Ave., Glendale. An and limited bar. Limited seating N. Reems Road, Suite 109, artistic presentation from available, first come first serve. Surprise. Call 623-556-0664. Cirque Roots that integrates art  COFFEE: Coffee and Cosmic  FARMERS MARKET: Sun and science. Free admission. A Conversation takes place 10- City Farmers Market runs 9 second performance starts 7 11:30 a.m. at The Place of a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday at p.m. Saturday, April 20. Spiritual Wisdom, 12630 N. Bell Center, 16820 N. 99th Ave.  JAZZ: Arizona Swing Kings 103rd Ave., Suite 244, Sun City. Call 623-848-1234. Jazz Orchestra presents “A  BINGO: Friday night PORA  MOVIE: “A Dog’s Way Home” Tribute to Bob Hope & the Bingo is open to the public and shows 7 p.m. at the Stardust Radio Stars of the 1940s” provides funds for many local Theatre, 14401 R.H. Johnson featuring celebrity charities at 6:15 p.m. at the R.H. Blvd., Sun City West. impersonator, Lynn Roberts 7 Johnson Social Hall, 19803 N. Recommended donation of $2 p.m. at Arizona Broadway R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City per person Hearing-assisted Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, West. Doors open at 3. Cost for devices available for use. No Peoria. There is a second show 15 games is $10.

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 SCHOOL: Homeschool Access for walk-in traffic is currently recreation access around the lake for Happenings is a twice monthly available on a daily basis and will be activities such as fishing, hiking, and program series designed for permitted from the upper parking camping. parents and students seeking to area. Note that vehicular access to enhance their education in the the Agua Fria Conservation Area is Under the extension, the land will natural history fields. The goal is still closed. remain withdrawn from settlement, to create a well-rounded sale, location or entry under the experience of natural areas with This seasonal closure is typically general land laws, including the hands-on and interdisciplinary Dec. 15-June 15. United States mining laws, but not learning. All programs will meet from leasing under the mineral at the Estrella Park Nature Water level at Pleasant is 1,696 feet leasing laws. Center 10-11 a.m. at Estrella and 93-percent full. Mountain Regional Park, "Lake Pleasant provides drinking 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., water, flood control, and recreation Goodyear. Call 623-932-3811. opportunities to the Phoenix metropolitan area. The extension of this Public Land Order is essential to Bald eagle closure provide continued access to the at Agua Fria arm of recreation opportunities of the lake Lake Pleasant lifted in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation,” said April 11, 2019 Pictured: The closure areas that were in affect at Lake Assistant Secretary for Land and foothillsfocus 238 Views Pleasant for the bald eagle breeding season. The Minerals Joe Balash. closures were lifted on April 4, for more detailed information visit MaricopaParks.net. Maps courtesy The public lands encumbered by the of Maricopa Parks lake and original dam site were withdrawn indefinitely under a The Agua Fria arm of Lake Pleasant public land order issued in 1968. In is an excellent fishing spot for 1999, an additional 1,988.27-acre abundant white, striped and expansion area around the lake was largemouth bass. The top-water bite withdrawn for 20 years. This land is at Pleasant should be picking up but currently being used as the regional anglers will likely need to hit the park. water by 5 a.m. This extension facilitates recreation Pictured: The closure areas that were in affect at Lake access to the LPRP for the more Pleasant for the bald eagle breeding season. The Department of the closures were lifted on April 4, for more detailed than one million people who visit information visit MaricopaParks.net. Maps courtesy Interior extends the park annually. The extension of Maricopa Parks also protects the area’s capital withdrawal for Lake investments, water-oriented LAKE PLEASANT – The bald Pleasant Regional developments, and dispersed eagle closure in the Agua Fria arm of Park recreation. Lake Pleasant was lifted as on the afternoon of April 5. That means Apr 10, 2019 boaters will be able to boat from the Wickenburg Sun Where to celebrate main body of the lake into this area Earth Day around of the Agua Fria arm. PHOENIX – The Department of the Interior has extended Public Phoenix (and find The boat launch at Agua Fria will Land Order No. 7384, which some good deals) continues to protect for an not be accessible this season, but Alison Stanton, Special for The additional 20 years the Bureau of there is now access to the Agua Fria Republic Reclamation’s Lake Pleasant conservation area via the waterways Published 5:00 a.m. MT April 9, Regional Park (LPRP) expansion from the main and north entries of 2019 | Updated 2:35 p.m. MT April area, administered by the Maricopa Lake Pleasant. 15, 2019 County Parks and Recreation Department. The park provides

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and info booths. This year’s theme is conservation, crafts and educational “Where Creativity Goes Green.” demonstrations. Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, April 6. WHAM Community Arts Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, 13. Environmental Education Surprise. Free. 480-823-4120, wham- Center, Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. art.org/recycle-arts.html. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov/earth-day. Party for the Planet! at Phoenix Zoo River Trail and Clean Up Flagstaff Earth Day Celebration (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The day features plenty of Earth- friendly events and activities. Start by Even if you strive to take great care bringing your used clothing, towels, of the Earth every day, it’s always shoes and other textiles to drop off. nice to get your green on during The American Textile Recycling Earth Day celebrations. It’s easy to Service is paying the Phoenix Zoo do that with these Earth Day 2019 for each pound of recyclable material events throughout the Phoenix received. While you are there, check metro area. out the bag-making station, and take part in a hands-on activity to learn A biker rides on Skunk Creek trail near the 75th This year, Earth Day falls on how to identify trees. Play the Ave bridge in Peoria. Glendale is recruiting volunteers Monday, April 22, so a number of matching tile bug game, visit the to help pick up trash and debris along the New River the celebrations take place in the Hug-A-Tree station, learn how to and Skunk Creek trail systems on Saturday, April days leading up to that. Here are shear sheep and much more. 18, 2015. (Photo: Mark Henle/The Republic) events where you can learn more Help pick up trash along the Skunk about protecting our planet. Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April Creek trail system. Come by yourself 13. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin or bring your friends. Complete the Parkway. $16.95-$24.95. 602-286- online form or contact Tonia 3800, phoenixzoo.org/event- Edmundson at 623-773-7764 to items/earth-day. register. Pre-registered volunteers

should check in by 7 a.m. Or, onsite Celebrate Mesa registration starts at 6:30 a.m. Enjoy games, carnival rides, Closed-toe shoes are required; wear entertainment and more. Celebrate layers and sunscreen and bring nature with hands-on exhibits at the gloves. Water and garbage bags will Living Green Village. Highlights be provided. include playing at the renovated

park, a petting zoo, live Details: 7-10 a.m. Saturday, April 13. entertainment, Tot Spot toddler area, Meet at 15000 N. 83rd Ave. in the food trucks and more. vacant parcel across from Skunk

Creek trailhead, Peoria. Free. 623- Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 773-7764, peoriaaz.gov/events. April 13. Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main

Recycle Fashion Show and Art Festival (Photo: "Pod St., Mesa. Free admission; $5 Educate, Rejuvenate and Hydrate Is My Co-Pilot," by Matt Mays) wristband for unlimited Come solo or with a group to help rides. facebook.com/MesaParksAnd Recycle Fashion Show and Art close unauthorized shortcut trails. Recreation. Festival City staff will be on hand to discuss

The sixth annual event highlights safety and impacts to the Chandler Earth Day and Arbor recycled art as way to practice environment when people go off Day Celebration sustainability. The festival teaches trail at this event, which is part of Honor Mother Nature and the Earth kids and adults about the importance Peoria’s Party for the Planet with eco-friendly activities. The of recycling and reusing what might celebration. Closed toe shoes are family-friendly event features live normally be thrown away. Enjoy art advisable. Don't forget a hat, animal presentations, info booths exhibits, music and entertainment, sunglasses and sunscreen. Tools and that promote green living and food vendors, kids’ arts and crafts Page 17

Press Coverage April 2019

water will be provided. Register The lease will allow for the online at peoriaaz.gov. Want more stories about the best construction and operation of things to do, eat and see in the recreation facilities, including an Details: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April Valley? Subscribe to entry station, parking, picnic and 14. Westwing Park, 27100 N. azcentral.com for guides, reviews campground facilities, nature Westwing Parkway, Peoria. and expert advice. playground, restrooms, ramadas, Free. peoriaaz.gov/events. trailheads and trails, a nature center, Cave Creek Earth Day Festival an amphitheater, and an OHV Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 This event will have vendors, staging area in the Vulture sale live music and family-friendly fun Mountains Recreation Area. including crafts, activities and raffles. The festival will be hosted by Tierra The BLM released the final Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary. Environmental Assessment (EA) for the lease on Jan. 31, 2019. The final Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, EA analyzes potential environmental April 20. Frontier Town, 6245 E. impacts of the lease, as well as Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. potential impacts of a right-of-way Free. carefreecavecreek.org. grant to the Maricopa County Department of Transportation, for Earth Day Phoenix Exhibitor Fair modifications to Vulture Mine Road No. 1 clothing boutique:
Buffalo A wide variety of exhibitors, local for public safety purposes and access Exchange (Photo: Mark W. Lipczynski/The Republic) experts and food trucks will be on into the new recreation facilities. hand. Come visit with like-minded A selection of men’s and women’s sustainability leaders. “The R&PP Act is a tool that State clothing, shoes and accessories will Details: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, and local governments can use to be available for $1 apiece, cash only April 22. Cesar Chavez Plaza, apply for the leasing of public lands and bring your own bag. Proceeds Washington Street and Second for purposes that benefit their local benefit the Humane Society of the Avenue, communities,” said BLM Phoenix United States and their work to Phoenix. keepphxbeautiful.org/earth District Manager Leon Thomas. rescue animals from abusive -day-phoenix-festival. “This R&PP lease is an example of conditions and natural disasters. how partners and the community have come together to create a Details: Saturday, April 20. 3450 N. Rec improvements vision for facilities that will enhance Seventh St., Phoenix, and 227 W. on the way as the recreation experience on public University Drive, lands. The BLM is excited about this Tempe. buffaloexchange.com. county takes partnership and looks forward to a management of collaborative management approach Nature Rangers: Earth Day to the Vulture Mountains Recreation Celebration in Wickenburg Vulture Mountains Area.” The Nature Rangers youth program The Wickenburg Sun gives kids from preschool age up to Apr 3, 2019 “Preserving and enhancing Maricopa 12 years a meaningful outdoors County’s vast open space is a priority experience to help build a lifelong Last week, the Maricopa County of mine,” said Chairman Bill Gates, appreciation of caring for the planet. Board of Supervisors and Bureau of District 3. “This agreement adds a Kids will learn how to be good Land Management (BLM) officials valuable asset to what is already one stewards of the Earth and get others signed a lease agreement allowing of the largest parks systems in the to care as well through fun activities. the Parks and Recreation United States while also allowing for Kids must be accompanied by an Department to enter into a future growth and transportation adult; registration is required. Recreation and Public Purposes needs.” Details: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 20. (R&PP) lease with the BLM Hassayampa River Preserve, Hassayampa Field Office. Under the “This agreement coupled with the 49614 U.S. 60, Wickenburg. 928- lease, the parks department will be addition of the Hassayampa River 684- responsible for managing Preserve to our county parks system 2772, maricopacountyparks.net/even approximately 1,046 acres of public two years ago gives Maricopa ts. lands near Wickenburg. County residents – especially those

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Press Coverage April 2019

in the growing West Valley – commended for their role,” added This was the last egg that she would incredible new opportunities to get Cardin. lay this season. into nature,” said Supervisor Clint To learn more about what is planned Hickman, District 4. “With for the area, According to Kenneth Jacobson of cooperative management between visit https://www.maricopacountypa the Arizona Game and Fish Maricopa County and the BLM, rks.net/park-locator/vulture- Department, one of the various residents can rest assured this area mountains-recreation-area/master- reasons for this could be the first- will be developed in a balanced, plan/. time father not incubating the egg thoughtful way that improves access enough and leaving the brunt of it and prioritizes conservation.” on the mother. An Anticlimactic According to R.J. Cardin, Maricopa End To The Bald “The only reason he’d go to the nest County Parks and Recreation is the female would fly out and chase Department Director, “This is not Eaglet Soap Opera him back to the nest. So he was the first park we’ve managed with Near Lake Pleasant helping a little bit but it was under the BLM under an R&PP lease. They By Mythili Gubbi duress on his part,” said Jacobson. are great partners, and our teams Published: Thursday, April 4, 2019 - have been planning for this day 4:28pm This female has been coming to the together since 2010. Given the nest at Lake Pleasant for the past feedback we’ve received from the few years and has produced eaglets public throughout the planning there every season with the same process, I am confident that those male. But, at the beginning of this who recreate in the Vulture breeding season, a younger male Mountains Recreation Area will be came in and ousted the previous pleased with the recreational male. amenities we’ll be rolling out over the next several years.” As a first-time father, he didn’t guard the nest properly, bring food for the Out of the 1,046 acres of land to be Arizona Game and Fish Department mother when she was incubating the leased, approximately 98 acres, or 9.5 egg, or incubate the egg himself. percent of the total acres, will be An image from Arizona Game and When the female laid the last egg, he developed. Development for the Fish Department’s bald eagle camera was more present, but it still wasn't area has been divided into four at Lake Pleasant. enough. phases according to the Preferred Alternative outlined in the Vulture It’s the end of the nesting season for “Usually, the male is on the nest and Mountains Cooperative Recreation the bald eagles at Lake Pleasant, and shares the nesting duties 40 to 50% Management Area Master Plan and no eaglets came from a nest that had of the time. This male was maybe the Plan of Development submitted been a successful breeding location helping out an hour and a half, two as part of the R&PP lease in the past. hours at most every day,” said application: Jacobson. 1. Park infrastructure and road The soap that was closely watched improvements by people all over through the The department plans to continue 2. Vulture Peak day-use area Arizona Game and Fish having the live stream of the nest 3. Vulture Peak campground Department’s live stream is finally next year and will have the camera 4. OHV area over. The feed received more than ready for the next season. 367,000 views. The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is After three attempts at laying eggs Lake Pleasant bald playing a significant role in phase and losing them to ravens and ring eagle pair fails to one of the development by tail cats, a mother eagle’s final egg improving Vulture Mine Road and didn’t make it either. produce hatchlings installing public roadways in the after 4 attempts park. “MCDOT has been a Thirty-seven days after laying the Ally Edelmann, Arizona Republic significant partner in moving this fourth egg, the mother sensed that it Published 10:04 a.m. MT April 4, project forward and is to be wouldn’t hatch and destroyed it. 2019

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Press Coverage April 2019

Nesting efforts end The eagle camera is one of four that offer unfiltered wildlife-viewing for Lake Pleasant experiences. Game and Fish also has bald eagle pair installed cameras that provide underwater views of pupfish and YourValley.com seasonal views of wintering sandhill APRIL 4, 2019 cranes in southeastern Arizona and a Bald Eagle Pair in their nest on a cliff at Lake NEIGHBORS, YOUR LIFE Pleasant (Photo: Arizona Game and Fish bat roost at Cluff Ranch Wildlife Department) Area.

Viewers who have been patiently watching and waiting to All live streams can be viewed see if a pair of nesting bald eagles at at azgfd.gov/livecams . Lake Pleasant will produce hatchlings will have to wait another Viewers can support Game and year, according to Arizona Game Fish’s efforts to conserve and and Fish Department. protect more than 800 native wildlife species by purchasing a The nesting eagles at Lake Pleasant in Conservation Membership package A live-streaming camera installed by Peoria appear to have abandoned their nest at azwildlifehero.com . All the department has been monitoring and won’t produce a hatchling. membership levels come with special the eagles' progress for the past four benefits that range from an attractive months. But now, there is not much Nest now empty after four attempts set of wildlife notecards to an annual to see besides an empty nest of to produce hatchling subscription to the award-winning twigs, branches and stray feathers. Arizona Wildlife Views magazine. For the past four months, viewers

The nesting eagles, who keep their have been treated to round-the-clock IF YOU GO nest on the side of a sheer cliff glimpses of a pair of nesting bald What: Lake Pleasant Paddlefest, above Lake Pleasant, has attracted eagles through a live-streaming hosted by the Maricopa County more than 367,000 views, including camera installed by the Arizona Parks and Recreation 9,200 on Sunday, since the camera Game and Fish Department. Department/Lake Pleasant was activated Dec. 18, according to Regional Park Game and Fish. Now there’s not much to see but an When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April empty nest made of twisted twigs 6 After the female eagle laid a single and branches on the side of a sheer Where: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs egg for the fourth time since Jan. 21, cliff above Lake Pleasant in Peoria, a Road, Morristown she chose to destroy the egg disappointing sign that any hope of About: Event for the whole family Tuesday, possibly sensing an the birds producing a hatchling will with opportunities to try out all types abnormality, officials said in a have to wait at least another year. of paddlecrafts including sit-in and statement Wednesday. The typical sit-on-top kayaks, canoes, rafts, incubation period is 35 days. Some 37 days after having laid a Hobie pedal kayaks, inflatable kayaks single egg for the fourth time since and stand up paddleboards. Live The camera is funded through Jan. 21, the female eagle, perhaps music, games, and vendors. Dress to Heritage and Pittman-Robertson Act sensing an abnormality, chose to get wet, and bring a life vest if you funds, the Southwestern Bald Eagle destroy the egg. The typical have one. Life vests will also be Management Committee, and public incubation period is 35 days. provided. The event is held in donations. Fireman’s Cove at Lake Pleasant The nesting eagles attracted more Regional Park. Arizona Game and Fish has also than 367,000 views since the Cost: Free with paid admission to installed cameras that provide department’s camera was activated the park ($7/vehicle) underwater views of pupfish and Dec. 18. The camera is funded More Information: Terry Gerber, seasonal views of sintering sandhill through Heritage and Pittman- 602 506 9556 cranes in southeastern Arizona and a Robertson Act funds, the bat roost at Cluff Ranch Wildlife Southwestern Bald Eagle Area. Those live streams can be Management Committee, and public viewed here. donations. Page 20

Press Coverage April 2019

Rattlesnakes! Fact & Fiction SanTanValley.com April 1, 2019

Rattlesnakes! Few animals spawn mythology and fish stories like they do. In working with thousands of rattlesnakes and people in the valley, the rangers at the San Tan Mountain Regional Park have heard it all.

Learn to stay safe in the outdoors, what to do if you see a rattlesnake, and most importantly, what not to do. They'll go through the top 10 bits of popular misinformation, why people believe it, and get to the real story.

Live rattlesnakes, gila monsters from all around Arizona will be on display (safely behind locked glass!). Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about our most misunderstood native wildlife. Bring your questions, and they'll see you there!

$7 per vehicle park entry fee. Limited seating for the 11am and 1pm presentations. EVENT DETAILS: DATE: Saturday April 6, 2019 TIME: 2 SHOWINGS 11AM & 1PM LOCATION: San Tan Mountain Regional Park - 6533 W Phillips Rd, San Tan Valley, Arizona 85142 Be sure to arrive early! Meet inside the Nature Center.

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