April 15, 2015 • Vol. 13, No.18
POSTAL PATRON CAVE CREEK
www.thefoothillsfocus.com
ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ
Anthem | Black Canyon City | Carefree | Cave Creek | Desert Hills | New River| North Phoenix | Tramonto
Police situation at the Hampton Inn under investigation
Council approves Cahava Springs project TARA ALATORRE STAFF
PHOENIX – Emergency crews responded to a call at the Hampton Inn in north Phoenix on the morning of April 10. “Officers arrived at the hotel room and found one adult female, obviously deceased, as well as an adult male with what appeared to be self-inflicted stab wounds,” said Phoenix Police Sergeant Vince Lewis. “The male was transported to the hospital in critical condition.” Lewis noted that the incident is being investigated as a “Death Unknown as well as a suicide attempt.” Due to the nature of the case, investigators are not actively searching for any suspects. “The hotel was not evacuated and area businesses remain open as normal,” Lewis said.
CAVE CREEK – On April 6, the Cave Creek Town Council approved a resolution that puts the Cahava Springs Utility District project in motion, which would essentially provide a dedicated funding stream for public infrastructure projects estimated at over $19 million through special assessment bonds. The proposal from Cahava Springs Development would allow the planned subdivision of 772 acres with 230 residential lots to form a special district, which allows it to issue special assessment bonds to the lots sold that are based on home value, and paid yearly by
the homeowner. The bonds will be used to finance town infrastructure projects that provide municipal benefits to Cahava Springs residents, and also town residents living on the north side of town adjacent to the subdivision. “The improvements to be made are outside of the district. We are constructing improvements that are truly public,” said Mark Staff, the owner of Cahava Springs, while requesting the special district during the council meeting. The project was halted due to the recession about eight years ago, but is moving forward
COUNCIL
continued on page 8
Rattlesnake season: What to do if you find a rattlesnake ELIZABETH MEDORA STAFF
NORTH VALLEY – Snake sightings are on the rise. While many snakes inhabiting the North Valley are harmless, dealing with the venomous ones, such as rattlesnakes, can be challenging. Wildlife experts agree that the best way to avoid getting bitten is to not try to move or kill a venomous snake on your own – call a professional to remove the snake safely. Multiple snake removal services are available in the North Valley, including the Daisy Mountain Fire Department. Contact the fire department at (623) 465-7400 for more details
on snake removal. Cave Creek Regional Park Ranger Mark Paulat noted that over 75 percent of snakebites occur when residents attempt to deal with snakes themselves instead of calling someone for help. “The thing to remember about animals is that they are not mean or aggressive,” Paulat explained. “They are, more or less, ‘defensive.’ Given a chance, they will retreat to safety. They are simply responding to what they perceive as a threat.” Paulat listed ways to avoid run-ins with rattlesnakes. “Animals do not recognize your home or garden as such,”
he noted. “They see it as an oasis in the desert. This means water, food, and shelter, usually in that order. Keep landscapes and gardens trimmed up and tidy. Irrigate only as much as needed. Keep the property tidy to reduce hiding places.” Joe Allen of Allen Animal Control sent a photo of rattlesnake relocation that happened this month to The Foothills Focus. In the photo, he is holding the snake with snake tongs. He was called to a home near Cave Creek and Jomax Roads to relocate the over 6-foot Diamondback rattlesnake. “The snake was at a customer’s home on their front porch,”
CRIME WATCH:
MUSEUM:
UNIVERSITIES:
Crime in Anthem
Musical Instrument Museum
Arizona universities dealing
on the decline
celebrates anniversary
with budget cuts
Page 7
Page 13
Page 18
Allen said. “The customer walked out, and it was less than a foot away from him.” Allen noted that the snake had not rattled at the customer and that no one should count on hearing a rattlesnake since they don’t always issue a warning rattle. Hikers may meet a snake while out in the desert. Paulat offered reminders of how to stay safe from snakes while out hiking. “I tell folks to watch where they are walking while out on the trail,” Paulat said. “If you
RATTLESNAKES continued on page 10
Don’t try this at home! Pictured: Joe Allen of Allen Animal Control holds a rattlesnake with snake tongs.
OTHER : • Bluhm Column
6
• Service Directory
19
• Classified Ads
22