December 24th, 2014 / Vol.13 / No.6
Postal Patron Cave Creek
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
What constitutes commercial? E l i z a b eth M edo r a
ANTHEM – The Parkside Board of Directors voted to table discussion of the commercial vehicle restrictions in a public meeting on Dec. 18. Further discussion and a vote will take place at a meeting in the new year. The definition of “commercial” in the Parkside Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) has been the subject of debate. The Parkside Policy Committee has been working on items deemed in need of an update, including the definition of a commercial vehicle. The restrictions in the current CC&Rs state “… commercial vehicles not exceeding one ton in weight may be parked and kept in a driveway.” The “one ton” line has caused questions, as many passenger vehicles weigh more than one ton – a Kia Soul weighs over 2,800 pounds and a Toyota Camry weighs over 3,000 pounds.
Commercial vehicles cont. on pg. 9
Inside: Events ........................... 4 Movie Review ............... 8 Bluhm ......................... 10 Bookstore .................... 12 Services ....................... 14 Classifieds ................... 17 Pet of the Week .......... 19
Giving back: ‘Life on Commission approves EPCOR settlement Two Wheels’
Local families won bikes in a Dec. 18 giveaway, sponsored by Black Mountain BMX. Nominated children and adults with special needs received free STRIDER no-pedal balance bikes. See the full stor y on pg. 11.
ANTHEM – The Arizona Corporation Commission unanimously approved a proposed settlement agreement for EPCOR wastewater ratepayers. New wastewater rates under the terms of the settlement will take effect on Jan. 1, 2015. The Commission voted to approve the agreement in an open meeting on Dec. 18. This approval came after Administrative Law Judge Dwight Nodes presided over a hearing on the matter and issued a Recommended Opinion and Order in favor of the settlement agreement. The Anthem Community Council supported the settlement agreement on behalf of the Anthem community. Under the terms of the agreement, Anthem ratepayers’ wastewater bills will be
capped at $60.33, with a minimum bill of $31.18. EPCOR will be presenting a full rate case to the Corporation Commission by Sept. 30, 2015. That case will have updated rate costs indicated, with data drawn from 2014. When this rate case is presented, the Commission will vote on whether or not to approve full consolidation of the EPCOR wastewater districts. Full consolidation would offer a flat rate to all ratepayers; Anthem’s wastewater rates would be reduced. Further petitions and comments to the Commission will be welcomed when the full case commences. See more information about wastewater consolidation and the new rates at www. epcor.com/water/Pages/az wastewater-rate-design.aspx.
Anne Frank’s classic story, brought to life by MTA E l i z a b e t h Me do ra
ANTHEM – “I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” Anne Frank expressed this wish in her diary as a teenager. Her wish has come true, as her story of life in hiding from the Nazis, told in her own words in her diary, has captivated millions since it was published in 1947. The story told in Anne’s diary has been made into both a play and a movie. On Jan. 8-11, Musical Theatre of Anthem is bringing ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ to the local stage to present Anne’s timeless story to the communi-
ty. This production combines the work of Wendy Kesselman, the original stage play by Goodrich and Hackett, newly discovered writings, and survivor accounts to create an adaption of Anne’s life story. The unique setting and sobering content of the play have combined to bring the cast members closer, uniting them in their quest to accurately portray the people Anne wrote so much about. The family atmosphere they’ve developed showed through onstage as they worked together through rehearsal. The cast discussed the differences between the characters in this play and other productions they’ve worked on.
MTA
cont. on pg. 13
Pictured is Zoe Tanton, who will be portraying Anne Frank in Musical Theatre of Anthem’s upcoming production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank.’