DC Ranch News - December 2023

RANCH

NEWS O n e C o m m u n i t y, F o u r V i l l a g e s : Country Club | Desert Camp Desert Parks | Silverleaf DECEMBER 2023 Page 9

Hot Cocoa Stroll continues holiday tradition on Market Street Page 12

Local Lens: Important events that created the Preserve

25

th

Anniversary Commemorative Issue How ranching, cattle

play a significant role in DC Ranch's history

Page 14

Ranch Spotlight: Looking back at DC Ranch pioneer Dale Gardon Page 19

New Brown’s Ranch Homestead Trail: History worth preserving

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID Phoenix, AZ Permit No. 1026

Roots run deep As 2023 draws to a close, what better time to look back and reflect on DC Ranch’s roots as a working cattle ranch.

DC Ranch’s history is special and unique; it’s the foundation for who we are as a community. Like those that lived on and worked the land before its development, DC Ranch has a spirit of living with the land and a synergy with the native desert environment.

Jenna Kohl Community Council Executive Director

DC Ranch News is a not-for-profit newspaper published by the DC Ranch Community Council to promote the DC Ranch lifestyle.

The publication strives to build community by connecting current and future residents along with DC Ranch stakeholders through interesting stories and pictures.

Ranch News offers value to its advertisers and perpetuates DC Ranch’s community values.

DC Ranch Community Council spotlights local businesses as a service to the community and for information purposes only.

DC Ranch does not recommend or endorse any described products or services.

As the daughter of a history teacher, it was instilled in me at a young age that knowing one’s history is critical to understanding who we are as people, a culture, a community. Truly appreciating DC Ranch as a distinctive and extraordinary community cannot happen without knowing where we’re from.

The DC Ranch Historic Committee, made up of residents, has taken on the lofty yet essential role of capturing and sharing the DC Ranch story. The Committee members have a broad range of experience—storyteller, author, founding resident, active community volunteer, even a professional archivist!

Committee member and resident Nicole Richard is an experienced archivist and has spent her career collecting, preserving, and providing access to records that hold value.

Nicole shares that “working with DC Ranch is a natural fit.”

Community Engagement Director Jona Davis Senior Communications Manager Elizabeth Dankert Communications Coordinator Alexandra Duemer Communications Coordinator Kathren Coleman 480.513.1500 communications.team @dcranchinc.com dcranch.com

She is actively harnessing the history of this special place including recording the voices of current community and fellow committee members.

You can see Nicole’s work, and that of the entire committee, Nicole (second from left) throughout this commemoworking as an archivist rative edition of Ranch News. at Columbia University.

Thank you to the Historic Committee and all residents who are part of leaving a positive and strong legacy on the Ranch for current and future generations.

Cheers to our 25th Anniversary as a community, and best wishes to you and your families for a healthy and happy holiday season.

DC Ranch Community Values A division of Republic Media 200 E. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 Advertising Lisa Schubert lschubert@gannett.com VP, Sales–Local Kevin Martinelli Editor Jim Williams Art Director Miles Abernethy

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• Sense of Community • Environmental Stewardship • Family • Healthy Lifestyles

• Diversity & Inclusiveness • Lifelong Learning • Artistic & Cultural Opportunities • Relationship with Larger Community

Living Connected DC Ranch seamlessly connects people to the beauty of both the created environment and the natural Sonoran Desert. Residents feel a sense of community, connecting with each other in friendship and common interest.

It is a thoughtfully crafted community designed with unprecedented attention to detail. DC Ranch has a distinctive governance structure with ample resources that exist to ensure a legacy of an amenity-rich and active way of life.

The highest standards and a convenient north Scottsdale location establish DC Ranch as a nationally desirable place to live with an exceptional quality of life and premium home values.

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B o o k y o u r P r i va t e p a r t y I 4 80 . 4 04 . 74 65 December 2023 | Ranch News

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R A N C H U P D AT E S

Resident gate access Community transponder update Standards Corner: Six months required for rentals in DC Ranch The Ranch Association Board of Directors has elected to modernize the community’s gate access technology and will implement the use of vehicle headlight tags in conjunction with the current windshield tags. The new tags will improve access at resident gate entry for both manned and unmanned gates and replace all hard card transponders that are currently in use. Headlight tags are non-transferrable and will require residents to register each vehicle they wish to have access to the neighborhood via the resident entry lane. Headlight tags will roll out by neighborhood beginning in January.

Where to find NVM election results

The Neighborhood Voting Member (NVM) election winds down at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. Residents can find results and information regarding their neighborhood’s 2024 NVM on DCRanch.com after Dec. 18. The term for 2024 NVMs begins Jan. 1.

Cool it on irrigation Looking to save money,

improve water usage and increase landscaping health during the winter months?

Water management experts recommend turning off irrigation between December 1 and March 1 for landscaping with established native plants and trees. Create a goal to irrigate minimally while maintaining a landscape that is aesthetically vibrant and supports plant health. The Ranch Association does not irrigate most common area plants and trees during this period.

Other ways to reduce water usage on residential property include replacing grass with artificial turf, checking irrigation system for leaks or runoff, learning more about how much water plants in the landscaping plan require to prevent overwatering, trimming trees and vegetation correctly based on season and growth, and replacing plants during the fall planting season to ensure robust and appropriate growth. Additionally, the City of Scottsdale offers consultations with certified Irrigation Specialists to check for leaks or program an irrigation clock. Call 480.312.5650 to schedule an appointment or visit Scottsdaleaz.gov/water for more information.

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Ranch News | December 2023

According to DCR-18 Rental of Property, if a property owner

desires to rent or lease their property, they should observe the following: the rental/lease term may be no less than six months in duration, and the property may only be rented or leased once in any six-month period.

Rental or lease terms of less than six months are not allowed within any neighborhood in DC Ranch. Leasing is defined as regular, exclusive occupancy of a unit by any person other than the owner for which the owner receives any consideration or benefit.

All rental property listings and advertisements must reflect a minimum residency of six months. Owners or residents who do not follow the tenets of DCR-18 are subject to enforcement of the standard by the Ranch Association Board of Directors and Community Standards Department.

How to register a tenant with DC Ranch DC Ranch endeavors to welcome all new residents and provide full amenities to both renters and owners. Owners should submit the Tenant Registration Form on DCRanch.com no less than five business days prior to the rental move-in date to help speed up gate and community access for renters. Any changes to the lease term (extended, shortened, and/or cancelled) must be provided to the Ranch Association in writing to maintain appropriate community access for tenents.

Parking for the holidays With the holiday season upon us, it is important to be

mindful of street parking. Please instruct service providers and contractors to park with the flow of traffic and avoid parking in cul-de-sacs, near parks, islands or medians. Parking is prohibited in any area that restricts traffic to less than one full lane, to allow for emergency vehicle access. Parking on sidewalks, in front of alleyways, and blocking mailboxes or trash cans is not permitted. Overnight street parking between 2 and 6 a.m. is only permitted with prior approval from DC Ranch gate access staff; the form can be found on DCRanch.com. For special occasions or holiday parties, please contact your gatehouse (East Gate for unmanned neighborhoods) in advance for assistance with access.

M O N T H LY P L A N N E R Ongoing programs All Levels Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays | 9 to 10 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center Strength and Balance Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center Yoga Basics Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9 to 10 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center Zumba Gold Fridays | 10 to 11 a.m.

The Homestead Community Center

Nights of Lights Dec. 1-31 | 6 to 10 p.m. nightly The Homestead

Winter Celebration: Rockefeller Ranch Saturday, Dec. 2 | 6 to 8 p.m.

All ages | $12 | The Homestead

Welcome the holiday season with family and neighbors at a New York City-inspired holiday event. Residents will have a jolly time ice skating under the stars, watching a Rockette-style performance, sipping on hot chocolate, enjoying holiday crafts and basking in the glorious lights—like they do in New York's famous landmark!

Early registration ($12); regular registration ($15) Nov. 24-Dec. 2.

Don't miss out on a dazzling holiday spectacle! Every night during the month of December, residents are invited to experience the enchanting lights that adorn the perimeter of The Homestead. Be sure to capture a memorable photo in front of the stunning 18' color-changing tree.

Yappy Hour

Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

All ages | RSVP | The Homestead

Bring your leashed four-legged friend to a festive holiday gathering. Beverages, snacks and pup treats provided.

Women's Club: Gift Exchange

Friday, Dec. 8 | 5 to 7 p.m.

Ages 21+ | RSVP | The Homestead

Celebrate the spirit of giving with a merry-making gift exchange. All ladies are asked to bring a wrapped gift (limit $25 value). A delicious assortment of snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Events are subject to change.

Check DCRanch.com/calendar for the most up-to-date listing information.

Please note: To sign up for all activities, you must create a CivicRec account. Details at DCRanch.com/CivicRec.

Speaker Series: Arizona Winemaker Wednesday, Dec. 13 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Ages 21+ RSVP | The Homestead

Owner of Vino Stache Winery and DC Ranch resident, Brooke Lowry Ide, will discuss her interesting career path to vinology in the Sonoita-Elgin region of Arizona, where she produces 100% Arizona-grown and cellared wine. Beverages and light bites provided. Doors open at 6 p.m., speaker begins at 6:30 p.m.

Food Truck Night + Movie Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5 to 7 p.m.

The Homestead

Take a pause from the hustle and bustle of the season by taking a night off from cooking and watching the beloved holiday movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York indoors on the big screen.

Gives: Group Service Project Saturday, Dec. 16 6:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ages 16+ | $10 Departs from The Homestead

Join neighbors and volunteers to assist with activities and craft stations at the annual Winter Wonderland event with Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Transportation and a Gives volunteer shirt will be provided. Space is limited.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus

Youth Field Trip: Goldfield Ghost Town

Tuesday, Dec. 12 Session I: 4 to 5 p.m.

Session II: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Ages 0-10 | $15 | The Homestead

Thursday, Dec. 28 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ages 8 – 16 | $34 Departs from The Homestead

Mrs. Claus is visiting the Ranch to spread some holiday cheer!

Bring your little one for a fun holiday celebration that includes cookie decorating, holiday crafts, songs and games with Mrs. Claus and photo opportunities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Young wranglers are invited for an exciting trip to the historic Goldfield Ghost Town. Highlights include a tour of the Mammoth Gold Mine, the thrill of panning for gold and riding on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. Please bring a packed lunch to eat on site. Bus departs at 8:30 a.m.

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Ranch News | December 2023

December 2023 | Ranch News

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Favorite recipes courtesy of The Country Club at DC Ranch by Chef Tim Loving Tested and approved by Marina Sominsky | DC Ranch Historic Committee

Chicken Tortilla Soup • 1/2 large yellow onion, diced • 1/2 seeded jalapeño • 1 bunch fresh cilantro • 1 14 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes • 1 Tbs. cumin • 1 Tbs. chili powder • 3 garlic cloves • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo from can

JUST

• 1 bag corn tortilla chips • 8 cups chicken stock • 4 each 6 oz. chicken breasts, cooked and pulled or diced • 2 Tbs. vegetable oil • Salt and pepper

1. Heat large stock pot on stove with 2 Tbs. vegetable oil.

2. Saute the onion, jalapeños, garlic and canned tomatoes.

3. Cook until onions are translucent and aromatic, about 5 minutes on medium to high heat.

4. Add the spices and cilantro and continue to sweat the mixture.

5. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

6. Add one bag of tortilla chips to the soup and bring back to simmer, if the broth looks thin add more tortilla

chips as needed to thicken the broth.

7. With an immersion hand blender or blender, blend the soup to a puree.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Ladle soup into bowl, top with diced or pulled chicken, diced avocado, some crumbled tortilla chips and a sprig of cilantro.

Elote Corn Dip

• 1-4 cups grilled or roasted corn (cut off the cob) or canned • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter • 1 jalapeño, diced and seeded • 3 Tbs. mayonnaise • 2 Tbs. cotija cheese • 2 Tbs. cilantro leaves, chopped • ½ tsp. chili powder • 1 lime, juiced • 1 clove garlic, chopped finely • Tajin seasoning (optional) • 1 bag tortilla chips

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat.

2. Add corn kernels and jalapeño and saute on medium for 8-10 minutes.

3. Stir in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, chili powder, garlic and lime.

4. Place in a serving bowl, sprinkle with Tajin and serve with tortilla chips.

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Ranch News | December 2023

EXCITEMENT

Get ready to live your best life at The Village! We’re not just about fitness; we’re a vibrant community that loves social activities. From monthly happy hours and local hikes to cooking classes and exciting excursions – we have it all. Come and check out the Village, let us take you on your next adventure, make new friends, and have a blast trying new things.

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NEWSWORTHY

Market Street event continues holiday tradition

By Pam Longbine | Whitestone REIT

The annual Hot Cocoa Stroll holiday event, sponsored and produced by Whitestone, will take place on Market Street at DC Ranch on Thursday, Dec. 7. This popular and long-standing tradition is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season.

All of Market Street will be adorned with a canopy of twinkling lights, holiday décor and plenty of holiday spirit!

The road will be closed to traffic so visitors can stroll the festive walkways and enjoy hot cocoa and tasty treat stations provided by Market Street restaurants, retailers and businesses on this special night.

The Friendly Grinch and Ralphie the Wayward Reindeer will lead the parade which kicks off the festivities. Enjoy free photos, visit with Santa, live holiday music, dance performances, holiday train rides, arts and crafts stations, and giveaways.

You won’t want to miss special performances from the Copper Ridge School’s string orchestra and music theatre group and dance performances by DC Dance AZ. Dicken’s Carolers will be there in classic harmony and BOOM Percussion Group will engage the audience with energetic performances all night long.

5:30 p.m.

Holiday Parade! Santa and his Merry Friends parade up Market Street

5:30 p.m.

Festivities begin all along Market Street

6:00 p.m.

Copper Ridge School performs (near plaza)

6:00 p.m.

DC Dance AZ performs

6:45 p.m.

DC Dance AZ performs

7:00 p.m.

Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Plaza

8:00 p.m.

Festivities end

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In 1885, the post surgeon at Fort McDowell, William Dorr Crosby, registered the “DC” cattle brand with the intention of using it to run cattle near the Fort.

The opportunity never materialized. Crosby was transferred to the Presidio in San Francisco.

In 1904, Edwin Orpheus Brown came from Wisconsin to assist his widowed sister-in-law with the operation of her general store in Scottsdale. In short order he became a partner in the general store, Scottsdale’s postmaster, town irrigation director, vice-president of the Western Oil Company, controlling stockholder of Farmers State Bank, owner of the local cotton gin, and owner of the local waterworks and ice plant.

Prior to 1910 Brown decided to expand into ranching. His early ranching was done in the flatlands around Scottsdale.

During the years 1916-1919, Brown relocated his ranching to the McDowell Mountains, acquired the DC cattle brand from Mrs. D. R. Smith, and Frazier Spring from Frank Frazier. Acquisition of the spring was a masterstroke; Brown appreciated its value and aggressively pursued the development of pipelines from the spring to tanks and troughs across his ranch.

At its peak, the Brown ranching operation encompassed 44,000 acres, of which approximately 24,000 were owned, the remainder leased. Its borders were roughly Bell Road to the south, Lone Mountain to the north, the crest of the McDowells to the east, and Pima road to the west. The southern portion of the ranch, where the DC cattle brand was first used, became known as DC Ranch. The DC brand, no longer linked to Doctor Crosby, was rechristened “Desert Ranch” or “Dad’s Cows” by the Brown family. The northern portion of the ranch became known as Brown’s Ranch.

range, he was equally at home at the poker table, was a generous and enthusiastic spender, and a man not much given to business reflection.

To compensate, he acquired a partner—Kemper Marley.

Marley was an extraordinary entrepreneur. He maintained diverse interests in cattle ranching, land development, liquor and beverage distribution, and land swaps.

Marley and E.E. aggressively pursued a program of land exchanges with the federal government between 1948 and 1954, the net effect of which was to convert more than 15,000 acres of Brown’s Ranch land from lease status to direct ownership. In the process debts were incurred by E.E., who was often bailed out by Marley. There was, of course, a price. Marley acquired use of the DC cattle brand in 1952. In 1963 Marley and E.E. registered the brand as joint tenants. Other financial settlements followed.

When E.E. rode off to the Big Cattle Ranch in the Sky in 1966, his children and second wife, Goldie, were surprised to learn that Kemper Marley had acquired sole use of the DC Cattle Brand and claimed the overwhelming share of Brown’s Ranch property and assets.

How now, Brown's cow?

Fourteen years of litigation followed. The legal battle between Goldie and Marley was particularly contentious.

Goldie would not live to see the ultimate settlement. She died alone in the early 1970s, at the ranch house located near Brown’s Mountain. The Superior Court of Arizona issued a deciBy Len Marcisz | Contributor sion in 1972 with regard to the Brown-Marley litigation, partiThe ranch is said to have supported herds tioning the Brown’s Ranch land and assets. Marley retained much ranging from 3000 to 5000 head, making it the dominant ranch on the of the former lower ranch or DC Ranch property. The Brown heirs western slope of the McDowells. Cattle breeds included Longhorns, Herefords, and Goldie’s estate split the balance. and Brahmans.

Marley liquidated his holdings over The ranch hands were predominantly from Mexico. One of these was the time to local developers, such as ranch foreman for many years, Gerbacio Noriega, a reliable hand, well DMB/DC Ranch, before he passed respected by other ranchers in the area. away in 1990.

Cattle drives occurred twice per year, spring and fall, and involved driving Leonard J. Marcisz serves on the Board cattle to and from stockyards in Phoenix. The typical drive would last two of Directors of the McDowell Sonoran or three days, starting from near Brown’s Mountain, north of today’s Conservancy and as Vice Chairman of Dynamite Road. The herd would be driven down the Alma School extension the Scottsdale Historic Preservation —a dirt track at the time—past Greasewood Flat, down to the area of today’s Commission. A writer and lecturer on DC Ranch where the cattle would be watered at tanks filled via pipes from the history of the McDowell MounFrazier Spring. The herd would then be driven down to the Tovrea stockyards tains, his articles have appeared in Phoenix, near today’s site of the Tovrea Castle. in the Conservancy’s publications, Brown’s Ranch was arguably the most prosperous of the local operations, various magazines, and in the “Field owing to the prudent business sense of its founder, E.O. Brown. When E.O. Guide for the McDowell Sonoran Brown died in 1937, the ranch assets went to his heirs, principal among them Preserve.” In partnership with local his eldest son, Ellsworth Edwin Brown, also known as E.E. or Big Brownie. historian Bob Mason, he has also arranged for the curation of historE.E. was not a spoiled rich kid. He was a rancher, cowboy, and outdoorsman.

He enthusiastically embraced the ranching life. But he was not a businessman ical artifacts from the McDowells at the River of Time Museum in in the mold of his entrepreneurial father. As much as he was at home on the Fountain Hills.

(Clockwise from top) DC Ranch cattle drive to the Tovrea stockyards; Gerbacio Noriega, the ranch's well-respected foreman; E. E. "Big Brownie" Brown, son of DC Ranch founder E. O. "Pop" Brown; 1963 photograph of the upper Brown's Ranch headquarters; Goldie Brown, wife of E. E. Brown, takes a rest from riding; clipping from a 1953 issue of The Arizonan of the E.O. Brown family; William Dorr Crosby the original registrar of the "DC" cattle brand.

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Ranch News | December 2023

December 2023 | Ranch News

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LOCAL LENS HOW WILL YOU PREPARE THE NEXT GENERATION?

Will they inherit your values along with your wealth?

Important events that created the Preserve

Your values have helped you succeed—and they are the most special thing your children and grandchildren can inherit. Having a plan is essential.

We can help.

By George Hartz | DC Ranch Historic Committee

20909 N. 90th Place, Suite 102 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255 • 480-333-3950 www.finemarkbank.com • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender

October 3, 1994 Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater convened a meeting of the Scottsdale City Council at a spectacular outdoor setting at WestWorld. At this meeting the Council adopted a resolution formally dedicating the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They initially set aside four and a half square miles —about half city owned land and the other half donations from two developers working in the area.

Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value.

That same day Mayor Drinkwater sealed the deal by escorting City Council members and other supporters on a horseback ride to view the spectacular mountain scenery targeted for the Preserve.

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Ranch News | December 2023

February 10, 1998 An exciting ceremony was held at DC Ranch to celebrate an agreement for the City to purchase 5,275 acres from DMB for $95 million. DMB also agreed to donate a further 1,918 acres for the Preserve, including three of the highest peaks—McDowell Mountain, Thompson Peak and Tom’s Thumb.

Mayor Sam Campana presided, joined by DMB officials and Preserve supporters. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve was becoming a reality— with DC Ranch at the center.

Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides an awe-inspiring backdrop to DC Ranch and is one of Scottsdale’s crown jewels. But it might not have happened. Its establishment is a unique example of grassroots community activists spotlighting the issue, generating widespread support among residents and developers, setting audacious goals and making it happen. Two pivotal public events leading to the creation of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve took place at, or in view of, DC Ranch. The 25th anniversary is a great time to remember and celebrate these moments from our history.

By the 1970s it was clear that Scottsdale was growing rapidly and expanding northward. The land near and on the McDowell Mountains was ripe for development. Fortunately, not everyone thought that dotting the McDowells with homes and filling the surrounding desert with subdivisions was a great idea. In 1976 the City of Scottsdale attempted to ban development on slopes of 25º or more, but that ordinance was struck down by the Arizona Supreme Court. It was apparent that zoning was not the best method for preserving the McDowell Mountains and, in the early 1990s, residential development began entering the McDowells.

In 1992 the City of Scottsdale appointed a McDowell Mountains Task Force (MMTF) to consider preservation options and approaches. Based upon MMTF recommendations Scottsdale established the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission in 1993 to begin the process of defining the borders of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Later in 1993 the Commission recommended a preserve targeted at 25.7 square miles.

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As part of the celebration for the 20th anniversary of DC Ranch, a committee was formed to create a time capsule to honor the community’s legacy.

The capsule was buried near the playground at The Homestead Community Center. The plan is for the time capsule to be reopened in 2038 as DC Ranch is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The capsule contains photographs of residents and staff from various events, handwritten messages from people who shared their fondest memories about DC Ranch and a variety of other mementos.

DC Ranch Oral History Project announced

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By Nicole Richard | DC Ranch Historic Committee

Are you an early resident who has seen

the growth of DC Ranch over the years? If so, we want to hear from you. The DC Ranch Oral History Project is an exciting initiative of the Historic Committee that aims to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich history of the community by collecting the stories of people who have experienced it firsthand.

The first phase of this multi-phase project will collect stories from the community’s original residents (as noted on your deed) by neighborhood. A member of the committee will reach out to select homeowners this winter to explain the project in detail. However, those who have moved homes within DC Ranch over the years may fall through the cracks and we don’t want to miss your story, so please contact us. The interviews will be transcribed, cataloged and made publicly accessible on an online platform.

If you are interested in participating, a committee member will go over the questions and set up a time to meet and record your story starting in late January. The committee hopes to complete phase one by May 2024. For those who can’t make it in person, the interview can be conducted virtually or at your home. We want to know things like: • What was the driving factor that led you to purchase a home in DC Ranch?

• Did you participate in any community events or activities?

• How have you contributed to the community?

• How has the community changed over the years?

What about the kids, you ask? The committee wants to hear from those that grew up in DC Ranch too. These stories will be collected during phase two of the project. Additional phases that will capture the breadth of our community are still being planned, so stay tuned for more information as the project unfolds.

To learn how to get involved or to share a story, please email history@dcranchinc.com.

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December 2023 | Ranch News

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R A N C H S P OT L I G H T

A lookback at DC Ranch Pioneer: Dale Gardon

It’s all in the details

By Jeremy Stevens | Community Council, originally published in Feb. 2018

While DC Ranch has evolved over the past 20 years, one thing

is for certain—it just gets better with age. And for good reason, too. Dale Gardon, who worked for Vernon Swaback Associates as the architect of DC Ranch, was charged with designing the finest master-planned community of its time.

“This was DMB Associates’ first entre into master-planned communities,” said Gardon. “It was a chance to influence something they hadn’t done before, but that meant it had to be the best in every possible way.”

Having designed communities in the West Valley and Fountain Hills, Gardon was well-versed in creating successful residential developments.

But for DC Ranch, he needed to think outside of the box.

“Conventional wisdom stated that repetition and sameness were keys to maintaining home values,” said Gardon. “If everything looked the same, the community would appreciate as a whole.”

Having grown up in neighborhoods on the East Coast, Gardon believed diversity and character could also bring value to a master-planned community—so long as it was done right.

“We partnered with more than a dozen builders to create homes of varying styles, sizes, and scope so that residents of different economic and life stages could live in tandem,” said Gardon.

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“What we have learned from DC Ranch is there are three aspects to development that are equally important: architecture, planning, and creating a sense of place. Without one, the community has a much harder time thriving long-term.”

Though a more streamlined approach would have been easier for the developer, the builders, and the city of Scottsdale, Gardon believes the unique neighborhood design created a sense of community. Along with diverse architectural styles also came a focus on “front-porch” living —a throwback to an important aspect of community life that, for some reason, faded away in the post-World War II era.

“I remember people sitting on their front porches when I was growing up. The neighbors would wave as my friends and I rode by on our bikes.

Everyone knew one another,” said Gardon. “But since that time, so many developments focused on moving people to their walled backyards— that really prohibited neighbor interaction.”

Ranch News | December 2023

With DC Ranch, Gardon took a chance and flipped conventional wisdom on its side. He designed neighborhoods which focused on front-porch living surrounding a central park or gathering space, placed pocket parks at the end of cul-de-sacs for neighbor interaction, and created places like Market Street where the community could gather.

“What we have learned from DC Ranch is there are three aspects to develop-

ment that are equally important— architecture, planning, and creating a sense of place,” said Gardon. “Without one, the community has a much harder time thriving long-term.”

The welcome development of DC Ranch is attributed to the collective understanding that the details matter. And when all the pieces come together, a truly remarkable community can flourish.

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most Congratulations to Weese Harris Hanover Group for being named to the 2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

Weese Harris Hanover Group Jason Weese, CIMA®, CFP® Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor 425.990.2212 • jason.weese@ml.com Mark Harris Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor 480.607.8730 • mark.s.harris@ml.com Colby Hanover Senior Vice President Private Wealth Senior Business Manager 425.462.8140 • colby.hanover@ml.com

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Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Merrill Private Wealth Management is a division of MLPF&S that offers a broad array of personalized wealth management products and services.

Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CIMA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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December 2023 | Ranch News

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Ranch News | December 2023

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December 2023 | Ranch News

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By Robbi Henrickson | DC Ranch Historic Committee

While there are many tales of wildlife encounters in the early years, this one might be the most unique. While teeing off on the The Country Club at DC Ranch 15th hole, the golf ranger advised golfers to head directly to the 16th hole because three longhorn steers were wandering about on the 15th fairway. A cowboy on horseback rode up to wrangle the steers back to where they belonged.

In 1998, DC Ranch residents experienced the very

start of our vibrant community. A few of us may remember that there once was a plan for homes and a resort atop the McDowell Mountains, reached by a gondola, and a 4-lane highway through Windgate Pass, connecting Thompson Peak Parkway with Fountain Hills.

It is an honor to be among the first DC Ranch residents, and to have served in many roles over the years. We saw the beginnings of the family-oriented, front porch philosophy come to life. We saw the beauty of these mountains and desert enhanced by the native plant landscaping approach and thoughtfully designed homes which blend into the surroundings.

Remember when…

We also have had some unique memories about how it was “in the good old days” of the late 1990’s. Yes, we pioneers had some hardships (no 101 freeway!) but we also got to witness our community grow into this beautiful place we call home.

The first DC Ranch community meetings were held at the Marriott Hotel. At one of those meetings, the attendees were lucky enough to participate in a brainstorming meeting to name our future school.

Copper Ridge was the winner!

(From top) Looking up to Windgate Pass in 1999. Country Club road was just a dirt path.

Proposed Market Street layout.

Many amenities were still in the planning stages, but we knew there were great things to come. For example, we had to trek many miles to find the nearest grocery store.

It is hard to even imagine it now. But, where there are currently 16 lanes waiting at the Pima Road/Thompson Peak Parkway stop lights, there were only 4 lanes at four-way stop signs. Even harder to imagine, Thompson Peak Parkway ended at Desert Camp Drive’s east side.

Some properties changed their purposes over the years.

For example, a church owned the site that is currently where Rosewood Homes is located. A Scottsdale library was under consideration east of Market Street.

If you have a story to share with the DC Ranch Historic Committee, please email history@dcranchinc.com.

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Ranch News | December 2023

By Nicole Richard | DC Ranch Historic Committee

A new interpretive trail highlighting the history of DC Ranch is

set to open mid-2024. The Brown’s Ranch Homestead trail, located within the City of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, is situated just north of Brown’s Mountain. The Preserve is stewarded by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy which protects 30,500 sustainable desert habitat acres and is the largest urban park in the United States.

Access to the trail will be via the Brown’s Ranch trailhead, one of eight trailheads within the Preserve, on Alma School Road north of Rio Verde Drive. The trail, less than one mile in length, will feature the remnants of the historic upper ranch. The Brown family cattle ranch was active here from about 1916 into the 1960s.

The trail’s realization has been years in the making. Back in 2016, the Conservancy contributed to a cultural resource master plan report to the City of Scottsdale (COS) detailing the management and preservation of cultural resources within the Preserve. A major recommendation

issued from the report specified that an interpretive trail be designed and implemented around the historic Brown’s Ranch site.

Later that year, archeologists from Logan Simpson Design led Conservancy PastFinders and Field Institute volunteers to painstakingly document the surviving features. The survey began with a thorough literature review and an oral history interview with Brown family ancestors. These careful steps provided the researchers with deep contextualization and nuanced understanding of the project site.

Ruins of a pit scale used to weigh cattle, Brown’s Ranch homestead.

New Brown’s Ranch Homestead Trail:

Don Meserve

History worth preserving

The report also notes that the site is eligible to be included for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. To be included on this list, the site would need to be at least 50 years of age and meet at least one criterion. The site satisfies three.

The application process for inclusion on the list is long and arduous.

As of this writing, the COS has not yet submitted the required paperwork.

The report warns that “archeological sites are nonrenewable resources that are highly sensitive to both intentional vandalism and unintentional damage.” The creation of the trail and potential inclusion on local, state, and national historic places lists serve to protect the site. The survey also serves as a benchmark to monitor the site’s condition in the future. Frequent visitation may also

contribute to a site’s deterioration.

Do your part to protect this rich landscape. Visitors to the Preserve are reminded to stay on designated trails.

The survey documented features including house ruins, a garden (including a relic pomegranate tree), chicken/turkey coops, the foundation of a tack room/bunk house, water tanks with adjacent wells and pump stands, troughs, a pit scale, cattle loading chutes and a grain hopper.

According to Chris Crum, Pastfinders Assistant Chair and project lead for the Conservancy, the trail is thoughtfully being designed to provide “maximum visibility of key areas and minimal impact to the environment and archeological remnants.”

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H a ppy Holidays from s ilv er le a f r e a lt y

10739 E Diamond Rim Drive – Silverleaf 5 Bed | 7.5 Bath | 12,128 SF | $25,990,000 Mike Sweeney 480.250.3036 Deborah Beardsley 480.250.5828

11235 E Wingspan Way - Silverleaf 6 Bed | 8.5 Bath | 11,556 SF | $24,220,000 Laura Lester 480.734.7273 Rhonda Claxton 602.571.5538

20567 N 112th Street - Silverleaf 6 Bed | 8.5 Bath | 13,272 SF $19,995,000 Laura Lester 480.734.7273

10323 E Robs Camp Road – Silverleaf 5 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 9,686 SF | $18,950,000 Brock Mackenzie 480.227.1368 Deborah Beardsley 480.250.5828

11173 East Feathersong Lane – Silverleaf 6 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 7,698 SF | $14,995,000 Steve Sommer 602.818.2726 Brock Mackenzie 480.227.1368

21018 N 104th Street #1491 – Silverleaf 30.18 Acres | 1,314,743 SF $6,495,000 Mike Sweeney 480.250.3036

21315 N 113th Place #1881 - Silverleaf 4.46 Acres | 194,482 SF $3,495,000 Steve Sommer 602.818.2726

18927 N 101st Street – Silverleaf 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3,439 SF $3,195,000 Mike Sweeney 480.250.3036

21331 N 102nd Street #1407 - Silverleaf 4.16 Acres | 181,129 SF $2,788,000 Mike Lehman 480.734.7271

For more information on available listings or to find out what your property may be worth contact Silverleaf Realty today.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date @SilverleafRealty.

480.725.4608 • SilverleafRealty.com North Scottsdale - 18801 North Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite 100 - Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Old Town – 7000 E Main Street - Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Northern Arizona - 1098 Forest Highlands Drive - Flagstaff, AZ 86336 All property is subject to availability. © 2023 Silverleaf Realty. All rights reserved. All Silverleaf and DC Ranch lot owners are eligible to apply for membership to the private golf club; however, lot ownership is separate from Silverleaf Club or The Club at DC Ranch membership and does not provide guarantee of acceptance. Additional membership fees and restrictions apply. Prices subject to change.