DC Ranch News - March 2023

Christopher's at the Wrigley

Spring is in

Spring break. Growing up, those words were magical. They evoked a sense of excitement for whatever that cherished week off would include—running around the neighborhood with friends, playing games or hitting up the local frozen yogurt shop, TCBY. Or perhaps, if we were lucky, our parents would take us camping or to the beach. Spring break hinted of springtime, with all the promises of new blooms, baby birds and sunshine. Here in Scottsdale, it’s no different. The desert landscape comes alive, and activities from spring training games to eating al fresco fill calendars.

Jenna Kohl Community Council Executive Director

March is the perfect month to try something new. Give pickleball a try at one of DC Ranch’s pickleball clinics, discover a new wine at Grapenuts, join neighbors on the Landscape Stroll, or try out the new Pescada on Market Street. Whether with a significant other or a group of friends, opportunities for a fun night out are plentiful; check out the feature story on pages 10-11 for ideas.

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.

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

In addition to springtime activities, the Ranch is abuzz with developments: new board members for the Ranch Association and Community Council will be announced; the 25th anniversary is in full swing; an update to DCR2025, the community’s strategic plan, is underway; updated community-wide standards will roll out. To keep up to speed on initiatives impacting DC Ranch, check out DCRanch.com, attend a board meeting, and read community emails This Week on the Ranch and Ranch Roundup. Your DC Ranch team endeavors to provide timely updates on City of Scottsdale plans, nearby development and other projects that impact life on the Ranch.

Cheers to getting out and trying something new!

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DC Ranch Community Values

• Sense of Community

• Environmental Stewardship

• Family

• Healthy Lifestyles

Living Connected

• Diversity & Inclusiveness

• Lifelong Learning

• Artistic & Cultural Opportunities

• Relationship with Larger Community

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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Ranch Association Board Election

The Ranch Association has two open positions with three-year terms on the Board of Directors. The candidate application period closes on March 3, and interested residents are encouraged to apply on DCRanch.com. Residents who would like to meet the candidates will have an opportunity on March 13 at The Homestead Community Center.

Only Neighborhood Voting Members vote in Ranch Association Board of Director elections and must return their ballot to The Ranch Offices on Market Street by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 3. Please call The Ranch Offices at 480.513.1500 with any questions.

Wildflower season

Fostered by frequent rains this winter, wildflowers have started to sprout throughout the Sonoran Desert. March is the perfect month to view this glorious rainbow of color along the 50 miles of paths and trails within DC Ranch.

Curated more than 20 years ago during the community’s initial development, the Wildflower Program is a unique agreement between DC Ranch and the City of Scottsdale that creates a blanket of flowers on the desert floor when conditions are ideal. The color of wildflowers throughout the community is a memorable and dramatic backdrop for residents and visitors.

The Ranch Association Landscape Department oversees the program and

Election Timeline

March 3 Candidate applications due | 5 p.m.

March 13 Meet the Candidates Night | 4 p.m.

March 15 Ballots mailed to NVMs

April 3 Ballots due to The Ranch Offices | 5 p.m.

April 3 Results announced at Board meeting | 6 p.m.

Community Standards for plant density:

DCRL-12 & 13

Many neighborhoods in DC Ranch have a plant density requirement which is the minimum number of plants in a set amount of square footage on a property. For example, 1:25 means that 1 plant is required for every 25 sq. ft. in the front yard areas. Density requirements vary by landscape zone and Village. Within this plant density, each neighborhood has a base shrub—in PU1 it is Turpentine, in PU2 & Country Club it is Bursage, in the Parks at Silverleaf & Horseshoe it is Damianita, in Upper Canyon and Arcadia it varies between Bursage, Turpentine and Damianita. DC Ranch has an approved plant list of over 300 different plant species, and a prohibited plant list. Artificial plants (excluding artificial turf) are not permitted, in pots or otherwise. Visit DCRanch.com for your approved plant palette.

Desert Marigold Mexican Gold Poppy Desert Bluebells Scarlet Flax

California Poppy Indian Blanketflower

Cosmos (multiple variety)

Turpentine

Bursage

Damianita

MONTHLY PLANNER

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

Total Body Aqua Fit

Wednesdays and Fridays

9 to 10 a.m. | Desert Camp Pool

Pickleball Drop-in

Wednesdays | 6 to 8 p.m.

Sundays and Fridays | 8 to 11 a.m.

Desert Camp Pickleball Courts

Speaker Series: The Art of Appraisal

Wednesday, March 1

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | The Homestead

Ages 21+ | RSVP

Are you a fan of shows like Antiques Roadshow? Join resident speaker and expert art adviser Kat Thatcher as she discusses the factors that go into consideration when appraising fine and decorative arts. Doors open at 6 p.m.; speaker begins at 6:30 p.m. Light bites and beverages provided.

Grapenuts: Wine Madness

Wednesday, March 8

6 to 8 p.m. | Desert Camp

Ages 21+ | RSVP

Join a blind tasting competition to determine which wine from which region reigns supreme. Wine will be provided.

Women’s Club: Spring Social

Thursday, March 9 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Desert Camp

Ages 21+ | Free

Come meet other women in the community for refreshments and friendly conversation on the beautiful North Patio.

Starlight Concert Series

Friday, March 10 | 6 to 8 p.m. Market Street Park | All ages | Free

Enjoy a night of live music under the stars! Residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn seating, snacks and drinks. View band lineup on DCRanch.com.

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

Social Hour

Friday, March 24

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Desert Camp Ages 21+ | RSVP

Mix and mingle during a relaxing happy hour on the North Patio. These casual gatherings provide a nice way to end the week and chat with friends or get to know new neighbors. Light snacks, beer and wine provided.

Landscape Stroll

Saturday, March 25

Session I: 8 to 9 a.m. Session II: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Desert Camp | All ages | RSVP

Learn about the local wildflowers, different landscape features along the path and trail system and the importance of desert flora in the community during this beautiful 1-mile stroll with DC Ranch Landscape Manager Jeff Rons.

Sunlight Concert

Sunday, March 26

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Desert Camp All ages | Free

This family-friendly afternoon concert will feature a local rock band on the North Patio. Bring lawn seating, a picnic and come enjoy the spring weather and live music!

Birding in Sedona

Friday, March 31 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Departs from The Homestead Ages 18+ | $55

Travel to Red Rock State Park for a fun-filled day with the Park Manager. Residents will enjoy a two-hour guided hike while learning the best ways to spot birds, bird watching etiquette, and how to use binoculars and field guides. Transportation and a boxed lunch included.

By Kat Thatcher | Resident contributor

Curious about attending this famous contemporary art fair and don’t know which to visit? Basel, Miami, Hong Kong and now Paris has a unique vibe. First, get the pronunciation down; it’s “ba-zzle” like dazzle not basil like the herb.

The fair was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1970, where a group of collectors and dealers made a splash hosting 90 galleries from 20 countries. This has grown to 200 galleries featuring 4000 artists from 5 continents. Held mid-June, it has a Parcours division for site specific artwork in the city’s old town, which makes strolling the leafy riverside hamlet even more pleasant. The main fair is held in the Messe Basel Convention Center, but there are satellite shows and exhibitions throughout, all easily accessible by the prevalent tram system. This fair attracts European collectors and aristocrats, so prepare to encounter sophisticated Euro culture and cutting-edge performance art. Attendees: 95,000.

In Miami, Art Basel has proven enormously popular. Started in 2002, it began with 160 galleries from 23 countries. It draws

a larger Latin American base, mainly showcasing artwork from North and South America, and now includes 283 galleries from 38 countries at the Miami Beach Convention Center. A powerhouse in its own right, it has spawned dozens of satellite shows, concurrent museum exhibits and an enviable nightlife program. Kicking off the holiday season, the fair is the first week of December. Prepare for sold-out venues packed with celebrities, collectors and wanna-bes. Book hotels early, close to the main sites you’ll be visiting and plan ahead, as a 10-minute

rideshare during the event is likely to take 50. Attendees: 76,000.

Though I’ve attended the above events a dozen times, I have yet to visit Hong Kong’s version, held every March. Founded in 2013, this is an important complement to the growing contemporary Asian market. This fair returns after a covid-hiatus, with art from 176 galleries and 32 countries at the Hong Kong Convention Center. It also has a strong “satellite booth” presence, a virtual program begun in response to travel bans.

Art Basel

Attendees: 88,000. 2022 launched the newest Art Basel edition; Paris+ par Art Basel. This is being held in October at the Grand Palais Éphémère during renovations but will root in the Grand Palais come 2024. Nodding at Paris’s place as an international cultural capital, the fair will also work closely with museums for special exhibitions. Follow Thatcher on Instagram @TheArtfulTourist.

DC Ranch Survey Results

The Community Council conducts a demographic and interest survey every three years to gather resident feedback and help plan for the future. The 2022 Resident Survey was conducted online by WestGroup Research.

Employment/school status

Significantly more DC Ranch residents this year reported to be retired compared to 2019 (50% vs. 38%). 2016 2019 2022*

New residential community at 94th and Bell

DC Ranch will be getting new neighbors to the south. American First Builders submitted their initial plans to the city of Scottsdale for 55 residential homes to be built on the northeast corner of 94th Street and Bell. This land is not part of DC Ranch. The project is working its way through the city approval process.

New traffic signal improves safety

The city of Scottsdale is working to install a new traffic signal at Pima and Trailside View. This intersection has long been a safety concern for DC Ranch and its residents.

Building permit issued for hotel at Crossings

Delmastro Building Contactors has paid for and pulled a city of Scottsdale building permit for the long-planned hotel to be constructed at DC Ranch Crossings. The hotel pad, located at the south end of the center, is original

*Multiple answers within household

The survey was open from Sept. 26 through Oct. 9, 2022. A total of 865 residents (one per household) completed the survey, representing approximately 28% of all households within the community. The statistical margin of error for the 2022 study is +/- 3.0% at the 95% confidence level.

to DC Ranch’s development of the Crossings. The architectural elements of the hotel blend well with the shopping center’s design. The hotel will have approximately 120 rooms on four floors. Ingress and egress will be from Pima Road and Trailside View. Initial groundwork is planned for spring, with groundbreaking in summer 2023.

“I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE FINEMARK TEAM IN MY LIFE. I TRAVEL 35 WEEKS OUT OF THE YEAR AND THEY ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO HELP, WHICH ALLOWS ME TO FOCUS ON PLAYING GOLF.”

always available.

AZAHARA MUÑOZ Professional Golfer

Conceptual drawing

By Alison Bailin Batz | Lifestyle contributor

OMAKASE IT TO ME

Most dates revolve around dinner. That is easy. So why not take things to another level by splurging for a specialty prix fixe tasting menu instead? Quiessence is an outdoor oasis located at The Farm at South Mountain. The only thing that shines brighter than sparkling lights strung from above along the mature, majestic trees is the menu. Executive chef Dustin Christofolo is a wizard of flavor, plating each perfectly portioned dish on his prix fixe menus with precision, care, and a creative eye. Café Monarch, which has earned the designation as being one of the top three most romantic restaurants in the nation by Trip Advisor, features a bucketlist chef’s tasting menu nightly ranging from six to 14 courses. Roka Akor also blows guests away with its tasting menu, which is called “Omakase.” Loosely translated to mean “to entrust the chef,” it is a celebration of the highest-end eateries across Japan over several hot and cold courses, plus dessert. Finally, there is Christopher’s, which just received one of the highest scores possible from Gayot, an international guide to travel, food, hotels, shopping, and attractions. The tasting menu here is as whimsical as it is technically astounding. The venue now also boasts one of the region’s top sommeliers in Jason Caballero on its staff, so the wine list is on a whole other level.

Dates delight: Enjoy Valley to offer

SIP WITH THE SOMMS

Speaking of Caballero, he is putting his title to the test this month along with the other best and brightest stars of the Arizona sommelier world through Somm Brawl. Every week since January, Caballero and fellow sommeliers have come together at the award-winning The Mick Brasserie in Scottsdale to try their hands at finding the perfect pairings for chef Brent Menke’s one-night-only tasting menus.

On March 13, guests are welcome to attend the final event which will determine the 2023 Somm Brawl champion. And while a program with the word “brawl” in it may not sound romantic, the epic pairings that these talented hospitality leaders come up with are like nothing else available in the region. Couple them with Menke’s Michelin-level talent? It makes for the most memorable of evenings out on the town.

Love is in the romantic adventures the Valley, including best

TAKE FLIGHT

Looking for something even more outside the box? Among the best ways to create intimacy is to experience something new together. Why not try a hot air balloon ride, for example? Rainbow Ryders offers nightly sunset rides that fly couples across the vibrant Sonoran Desert and cap off the adventure with sparkling wine for two.

Cafe Monarch

Quiessence

Harley Bonham Photography

Dates that delight: all the Valley has offer

air with these adventures across including these bets:

BLISS OUT

While day spas are often stereotyped as the choice spot for a girls’ day and mother-daughter pampering sessions, they are also the ultimate way to enjoy a day of bliss as a couple. The best spas out there—notably the 44,000-squarefoot Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottdale Princess, the Hammaninspired Joya Spa at the Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia, three-story Spa at The Phoenician, and the Asian-inspired Spa at Sanctuary Resort offer ample opportunities to pamper couples via side-by-side massages, relaxation areas, adult-only pools, and co-ed immersive water therapies and bathing rituals. Many also have healing programs that may be customized for couples, including singing bowl therapy, energy balancing rituals and CBD treatments.

WILD THING

OdySea Aquarium is another hidden hotspot for those looking to do something different. In addition to its 65-plus exhibits and 500 species of animals, OdySea offers a host of VIP experiences, many with adults in mind, including SeaTREK underwater walking program, a charismatic Penguin Interaction Program, the chance to get up close and personal with a cuddly sloth, and even a behind-the-scenes shark tour. Like OdySea, the Phoenix Zoo is considered by many a spot squarely for families. But in reality, it is the perfect outdoor oasis for couples looking to create new memories. The Premium Adventure, a fully custom and private experience, is a best bet for those looking to go over the top. It features a 90-minute personalized tour plus one premium encounter with a one-horned rhinoceros, flamingos, a giant anteater, elephants, stingrays, tortoises, or group of reptiles.

PICK A PERFECT PATIO

Patio dining is a way of life in the Valley. However, sunshine alone cannot a good patio make. Setting the standard for romantic outdoor dining in Arizona for decades, the often duplicated but never replicated patio at LON’s at the Hermosa Inn is nestled into a resplendent garden with breathtaking vistas of the lush desert and Camelback Mountain. The space itself boasts five massive wood-burning fireplaces, plush couches, scattered dining tables and trickling water features to add to the sense of place.

Spa at The Phoenician

OdySea Deep Sea Escalator

Flamingo Encounter at the Phoenix Zoo

Establishing the DC Ranch Archives: A Call to the Community

by Nicole Richard | Resident contributor

Late last year a small group of residents volunteered to form the DC Ranch Historic Committee. The group members boast a wide range of skills and backgrounds but ultimately, it is a shared love of history and storytelling that brought us together. We all agree that DC Ranch is a special place and its history is valuable.

DC Ranch was founded 25 years ago, but its history stretches much farther back. The Anglo-American settlement of the area began in 1885 when Dr. W.B. Crosby purchased land and registered the “DC” brand. Edwin Orpheus Brown purchased the land in 1919 and used it to raise cattle. At its height, the ranch grew to include over forty thousand acres and supported 4,000 heads of cattle. In addition to the Brown family, the early days of DC Ranch include other characters such as Kemper Marley, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, DMB Development, Vernon Swaback and the City of Scottsdale, just to name a few.

The committee aims to capture these stories and many others and keep them for future generations. Therefore, an archive is being established for DC Ranch, led by a professional archivist. The mission is to promote knowledge and understanding of DC Ranch and the surrounding area by collecting, preserving, contextualizing, and making publicly accessible a rich array of resources that document the histories of DC Ranch.

We must act quickly—with each passing year these stories and many others are in jeopardy. We need your help to save this information. Are you an original homeowner? Do you own preserved historical documents (photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, etc.) or knowledge concerning the founding or early days of DC Ranch? Consider donating items, submitting copies of those items or providing an interview that can be added to the archives.

Please visit DCRanch.com or contact history@dcranchinc.com for information on how you can make contributions.

Pickleball serves up fun

6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit DCRanch.com for more information and to make court reservations.

Pickleball Drop-in

Meet other neighbors for a friendly game on Wednesdays (6 to 8 p.m.) or Fridays and Sundays (8 to 11 a.m.) on the Desert Camp courts.

the interest in playing pickleball. Horizon Park (15380 N. 100th St.) has ten lighted pickleball courts available for drop-in public use; not reservable. They are free to use and are open from sunrise to 10:30 p.m. daily. Visit scottsdaleaz.gov for all court locations.

COMING SOON

Pickleball Clinics

Saturdays, March 4, 18, 25

Desert Camp courts

Ages 16+ | $14 per class

DC RANCH - SILVERLEAF EXPERTS

has 5 bedrooms with guest house, office and 6 car garage. $15,995,000

North Scottsdale new 5,200/sf contemporary on 1 acre with Great room, double island kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, game room, pool, spa, BBQ, and landscaped. $4,295,000

Sensational 360° city light, sunset and mountain views incliuded with this 4,524/sf home on 10 acres with 4 BR (2 masters), 3.5 BA, 4 car, pool & spa. $2,395,000

North

Beginner

6:30 to 8 a.m.

Discover the exciting sport of Pickleball with this instructional clinic. A certified pickleball instructor will teach beginners the basic rules of the game and how to hit the ball. Please remember to bring a paddle and water bottle.

Pickle and Social is expanding its brand westward with a massive location at the new 22-acre mixeduse complex The Sydney, off 90th street and Loop 101. The site will include four outdoor and eight indoor pickleball courts. It will also feature a 7,500 square-foot full-service restaurant and bar, a rooftop bar, a 2,500 square-foot Fairway Fieldhouse where guests will enjoy access to four Full Swing simulators, a private bar, an outdoor putting green and a 3,000 square-foot green space equipped with an ACL Cornhole Yard, yard games and a 30-foot outdoor live music stage.

Did you know?

Technology is evolving to help manufacture pickleball paddles that reduce noise made when in contact with the ball. Consider purchasing a Green-Zone approved paddle.

Near Lost Canyon on 1.65 acres, this 5,000/sf contemporary with casita has 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, living, family, & game rooms, pool, spa, sport court and 4 car garage. $2,995,000

Silverleaf lot with south facing 270 degree city light, mountain & golf course views. This 1.36 acre easy to build-on lot is near the guard gate and needs minimum site work. $3,995,000

Serene is North Scottsdale’s newest community of 21 gated single level contemporary homes with lavis interior finishes ranging from 2,800-3,800/sf. Starting at $2,000,000

Mirabel Country Club new single level contemporary with a Great room floor plan with 4 bedrooms, office, 5.5 baths, guest retreat, pool, BBQ, and a 4 car garage. $3,995,000

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We’ve re-located a total of 18 times. Mike Domer handled our last three home sales and purchases in Silverleaf and North Scottsdale. He is by far the best Realtor® we have ever used.” Frank Rudolph Mike Domer was Ranked #1 in Scottsdale Home Sales By the

Intermediate

8:30 to 10 a.m.

This course is designed for players looking to advance their game. A certified pickleball instructor will cover topics including 3rd shot drops and drives, reflex volleys, push dink strategies and more. Please remember to bring a paddle and water bottle.

Studies have shown that noise levels above 70 decibels over an extended period of time may cause hearing damage whereas, in a pickleball match, the noise level ranges from 39 decibels to 80 decibels. To reduce the noise, many paddle manufacturers have begun pairing a Polypropylene honeycomb core with a surface cover to make the paddle as noise free as possible.

Surface Core

Silverleaf contemporary to be built has city light, golf course & mountain views. The 9,866/sf home

Paradise Valley 6,564/sf contemporary under construction with 5 bedrooms including guest house, 5.5 baths, covered patio, fire pit, pool/spa and 4 car garage. $6,995,000

Scottsdale,

The fastestgrowing game in the nation shows no signs of slowing down.

If you haven’t picked up a paddle yet, here are some ways to get in the swing.

By Alexandra Duemer | Community Council

Spring into the Home & Landscape Expo

By Kathren Coleman | Ranch Association

The Ranch Association is holding the fourth annual Home & Landscape Expo at The Homestead Community Center on March 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. Residents will have an opportunity to learn about important topics impacting DC Ranch homeowners and their properties, from Firewise clearing to the approval process for installation of artificial turf. Valley home and landscape design specialists with experience in custom homes and master planned communities will be available to answer questions and provide service offerings. Kids are invited too, as the Scottsdale Fire Department will bring trucks for education and fun. Those in attendance will be eligible for door prizes; snacks and beverages provided.

An outdoor exhibition will highlight a variety of vendors that have performed work in DC Ranch and are qualified to provide services in the areas of landscaping, tree maintenance, exterior lighting, interior design, water management and irrigation, artificial turf, mosquito control, home painting and color trends.

Staying Firewise in DC Ranch

Fire season is on the horizon in Arizona, and the Ranch Association is working closely with the City of Scottsdale Fire Department to keep DC Ranch Firewise in 2023. Leading the community towards a Firewise certification is Meghann Hill, Director of Community Services and Mike Wells, Director of Operations joined by Captain Steven Hunter, a 35-year veteran of the Scottsdale Fire Department and a founding member of the team that established Firewise for the City of Scottsdale almost eight years ago.

Scottsdale Fire has recently expanded its community focus on fire mitigation, with the creation of a Community Risk Reduction office under the

Presentation topics

DC Ranch Community Standards and Guidelines

Artificial turf installation modification process

DC Ranch modification policy changes for 2023

Firewise presented by Scottsdale Fire Department

Fire truck schedule

4 p.m. Ladder truck

5 p.m. Engine

6 p.m. Brush truck

Vehicle presence for all three hours is not guaranteed. Scottsdale Fire Department vehicles and staff will be on-call and must depart quickly in the event of an emergency.

direction of Captain Hunter. Their objective is to have roughly 200 communities achieve Firewise certification in the next several years.

The Firewise USA® program from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is designed to help communities protect residents, homes and communities. Currently, 125 Arizona communities are Firewise certified, with DC Ranch being one of the largest communities to become certified.

To be considered for Firewise Certification, the Association’s Board and the Firewise Committee completed a three-year action plan, broken down by year, that identified and prioritized actions to reduce risk. In 2022, the first phase of the Firewise action plan addressed clearings in the neighborhoods of Arcadia, Horseshoe and Camelot. The second phase of

Firewise will address areas in Country Club, Windgate, Terrace Homes East, Terrace Homes West, Park and Manor, The Estates and Montelana.

Becoming a Firewise Certified community demonstrates to residents that the Association’s Board of Directors are taking prudent steps to help reduce the potential for wildfire. The Firewise Committee, Board of Directors and staff have worked with Scottsdale Fire to finalize a certification package and anticipate receiving National Firewise Certification later this month. Once certification is received, new Firewise signage will go up throughout the community and along paths and trails.

For more information, please visit DCRanch.com/Firewise.

Weese

Want to know what’s happening in your community?

DCRanch.com

The DC Ranch website is the community’s go-to resource for information. The site offers an expansive main menu, easy navigation, search tool, activities calendar and an interactive map. Digital versions of publications like Ranch News, Ranch Roundup and the seasonal Program Guides are also available.

Email

Get the community’s latest news delivered right to your inbox. Email is an excellent way to learn about events and programs, community meetings and neighborhood alerts. Residents can update preferences any time.

Text Messaging

Stay in the know with text messages to your mobile phone. Choose from these categories: Emergency, Neighborhood Alerts, Events and Programs, Community Centers and Community Meetings. Message & data rates may apply.

Social media

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @dcranch

Use #dcranch to share photos and stories with the community.

DC

CONTACT US

RANCH RESIDENTS CAN VISIT DCRANCH.COM/STAYCONNECTED TO SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AND TEXT MESSAGES.

By Dr. Wendy Wells | Wellsource

The term feng shui translates to “wind” and “water.” The Chinese have used this practice for thousands of years to align and enhance chi, the life force or vital energy that inhabits everything. Chi is composed of yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy), and by balancing these energies, it improves energy flow in any space.

There are many different ways to optimize energy flow in your space. Generally, ways to do this incorporate using aspects of the natural elements. Chinese culture holds there are five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. By adding, subtracting or mixing elements, it is possible to add positive chi to different areas in your home. Below are some suggestions that can be applied to your space.

Get rid of the clutter. One way to change the energy flow in your space is to get rid of clutter. You should be able to easily move about your space and only own items which are useful to you. Sell or donate old items such as clothes, shoes or décor.

Grow more plants. Plants help improve air quality in indoor spaces by reducing carbon dioxide and toxic substances in the air. According

to feng shui, they may also increase creativity and growth by adding the wood element. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, incorporate the color green.

What is Feng Shui?

Utilize natural light when possible. By opening your curtains or shades during the day, ambient light adds the fire element. If your home has few or no windows, consider adding a salt lamp, candles or even an electric fireplace. When possible, full-spectrum light bulbs are preferred. Fireplaces and wood stoves also help draw the fire aspect into the space. Fire can enhance love, leadership and boldness qualities in those who live in your home.

Place a few decorative items. Certain items such as stone statues, decorative rocks, or even old books can add elements of earth that can improve strength and stability. Colors such as tans, yellows or browns can also be incorporated.

Something shiny. Placing gold, silver or steelcolored items adds metal elements in your space. Gold or silver picture frames, pictures with white in them, hanging jewelry or a metal pendant, etc. can add focus and order to your space.

Add some blue. By adding in blue decorations such as a blue vase or a painting with blue hues, you can add in water energy which can balance emotion and create inspiration. A small water feature such as a fountain is another option.

Whether you’re a seasoned Spring Training attendee, or don’t know what a fly ball is, these insider tips will help you to make the most of your Spring Training experience:

Buy your tickets online While you can buy tickets at the stadium, you’ll spend less time waiting in line if you purchase them ahead of time (they might be cheaper as well!). General seating tickets are sold through each team’s website on MLB.com.

VIP Tickets to Scottsdale Stadium can be purchased through the Scottsdale Charros and VIP tickets to Salt River Fields can be purchased through the stadium.

Park and ride While there is public parking near Scottsdale Stadium, it fills up fast. Consider parking at a nearby lot or garage in Old Town Scottsdale and hopping on the free Old Town trolley, which extends its route to Scottsdale Stadium starting 90 minutes before and ending 30 minutes after each game. Parking for Salt River Fields is available on site. Rideshare services are available and prevalent at both stadiums if you choose not to drive.

By Joanne Zeterberg | Experience Scottsdale

Every year, a ritual known as Spring Training makes its way to the Valley of the Sun, bringing with it 15 teams who play more than 200 games at 10 stadiums in the span of 30 days and attract nearly 2 million attendees. It’s a can’t-miss experience for friends, families and baseball enthusiasts looking to soak up the warm Arizona sun.

Catch the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium or the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. All Cactus League teams rotate through these stadiums during Spring Training, so you won’t miss out on cheering for your favorite team!

Scottsdale Stadium is located in Old Town and recently underwent major upgrades including a new clubhouse, a 10,000 square-foot event center, an expansion of the Charro Lodge VIP seating area, new bleacher seating and a new main entry.

Salt River Fields is the only major league baseball facility to be built on Native American land and you’ll find nods to the local heritage throughout the stadium. It’s also a short drive from Talking Stick Resort & Casino, and there is a free shuttle between the two. Because two teams play at this facility, there is a game occurring here every day of the Spring Training season.

An insider’s guide to spring training

Come hungry Each year the stadiums introduce a mouth-watering line-up of new food, some of which is local to the area. Bring sunscreen and drink lots of water The Arizona sun is warm, even in March. Make sure to layer up on sunscreen before and during the game. Both stadiums allow you to bring in one sealed bottle per person and have water fountains throughout the park to refill. Water is also available at most stadium food concession stands.

Bring the kiddos Even if baseball won’t hold their attention for the full length of the game, there’s lot of room for children to roam and explore (particularly if you buy lawn seats).

Salt River Fields even has a Cold Stone Kids Fun Field that opens 70 minutes before games and is open through the 7th inning. Located on the main concourse in right field, the area offers a whiffle ball field and a Cold Stone Creamery cart.

Scottsdale Stadium

Salt River Fields