Scottsdale Airpark News April 2023

Relax. Rebalance. Reset.

Cereset helps ease symptoms of life challenges

Hole in One

Putting World rolls into Scottsdale Promenade

UNiTEC

CONTRACTING GROUP

Hello from your neighbors at United Contracting Group! We're a Commercial and Residential General Contractor here in the airpark, and we wanted to let you know that our services are at your disposal! Our business model revolves around quality, integrity and reliability. We'll be here when you need us, and will not disappoint! We have the knowledge, experience and resources to provide any contractor service you may need, but here are a few of the services we're famous for

What do you live for?

1900

PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine steve@scottsdaleairpark.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Michael Hiatt mhiatt@timeslocalmedia.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timeslocalmedia.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

David Minton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Bailin Batz, Jan D’Atri, Joan Fudala, Alex Gallagher, Weiss Kelly, Rachel Sacco

DESIGNER

Veronica Thurman vthurman@timeslocalmedia.com

ADMINISTRATION

Courtney Oldham production@timeslocalmedia.com

serves the fastest-growing area in Arizona. Scottsdale Airpark News is delivered to businesses in and around the Greater Airpark Area. ©2023 Scottsdale Airpark News

For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the first of the month previous to the month you would like it to run. All submissions are handled on a space-available basis. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by properly addressed envelope bearing su cient postage. Scottsdale Airpark News has made every e ort to authenticate all claims and guarantees o ered by advertisers in this magazine, however, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. The tradename Scottsdale Airpark News is registered. Reproduction of material in Scottsdale Airpark News in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Times Media Group sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. Scottsdale Airpark News is printed by American Web on recycled paper fibers with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards.

Scottsdale Airpark News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com.

Distribution Services Provided By 480-898-5641

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

AIRPARK BusinessNews

Aerial Engagement, Starr Insurance unveil safety partnership

Aerial Engagement, a Scottsdale-based professional flight simulator venue, has entered a safety partnership with Starr Aviation Insurance, a division of Starr Insurance Companies.

Starr created the Starr Safety Partnership to provide its pilot policyholders with discounted access to a network of premium safety and service providers. As a member of the partnership, Scottsdale’s Aerial Engagement will offer policyholders its lowest rates on the rental of its Advanced

Aviation Training devices for initial or recurrent training.

“Simulators have come a long way since the huge leap forward in avionics of two decades ago,” says Fairfax O’Riley, founder and president of the Scottsdale flight simulator training venue.

“More than ever before, simulator technology allows us to create realistic scenario-based training on the ground to test and improve a pilot’s aeronautical decision making. Because we can offer this

Thunderbird Field II scholarship goes to CGCC student

Airpark-based Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial Inc. gave a 2023 Aviation Scholarship to Cintia Cantor Navas, a Chandler-Gilbert Community College student earning an associate degree in applied science in airway science technology with flight emphasis.

Tbird2 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of aviation in Scottsdale honoring all military veterans, creating educational opportunities for Arizona students studying

all aspects of aviation, and supporting Dogs4Vets.

While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navas worked as an air traffic controller and was also deployed to Japan. After being honorably discharged as a sergeant, she continued her career in aviation.

She is studying to complete her degree in airway science technology while working as a flight dispatcher for the University of North Dakota (UND) Aerospace

training safely, at a fraction of the cost of airplane rental, we are seeing the usage of simulators grow rapidly.”

Andrew Madison, Starr Aviation assistant vice president and director of loss control, says, “This partnership allows Starr clients to easily expand their experiences and pilot skills while promoting safety, safety management system facilitation, and training. It also gives the aircraft owner an extra measure of safety assurance.”

Info: aerialengagement.com

Foundation training center in Mesa. She has already completed her instrument rating and is working on her commercial rating. Upon graduation, Navas will be a certified flight instructor and anticipates enrolling at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or UND to earn her bachelor’s degree. This would allow her a chance to join one of the military reserves as an aviator and still pursue a career as a pilot in the airlines.

Info: tbird2.org

AIRPARK BusinessNews

Banner Health to build medical campus in Scottsdale

Banner Health is finalizing the purchase of 48 acres of land on the southwest corner of Hayden Road and the Loop 101 freeway to build a comprehensive medical center and support services.

With an investment of more than $400 million, the project will include an acute care hospital, adjacent medical office building and a cancer center. Banner Scottsdale Medical Center will be a full-service, destination hospital with a focus on key areas of distinction for Banner, including cardiovascular, orthopedics, cancer and neuroscience programs.

This new, digitally enabled medical center will provide seamless integration with Banner’s ambulatory and virtual sites of care, furthering Banner’s mission of making health care easier so life can be better. The project complements Banner’s comprehensive, marketwide network and brings Banner services and options to those who work and live in the Northeast Valley.

The Northeast Valley population is projected to grow by more than 17% in the

David DuJordan

coming decade. As part of this growth, it is expected that Banner’s insurance products will expand in the region as well, with more covered lives residing in the area. Banner is committed to expanding services ahead of this growth to ensure easy access to care for Scottsdale residents and Banner plan members. Banner’s health insurance division currently has approximately 50,000 members who reside in the Northeast Valley. Many of these members participate in value-based health plans that require convenient and affordable care.

“Our strategic growth plan is focused on convenience and access, with facilities close to home for our patients, members and their families,” says Scott Nordlund, chief strategy and growth officer for Banner Health. “Scottsdale is a natural growth area for Banner, and we are committed to ensuring our patients and health plan members have care close to where they work or live when they want and need it.”

The four-story, 384,000-square-foot Banner

Pickle’s vice president of operations

North Scottsdale’s Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop promoted David DuJordan to vice president of operations. The national role was created for DuJordan, who has been with the brand in multiple roles since 2015, to ensure proper processes are developed and maintained as it relates to hiring, training, retention, customer service and other day-to-day operations.

The brand is looking to grow nationwide.

DuJordan brings more than 30 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant industry to the role. In addition to his eight years with Mr. Pickle’s, DuJordan has worked with brands including Carl’s Jr., TCBY and On the Border. He also served as director of operations of the Sacramento National Airport’s concessions, managing 13 concepts at one point.

“When my business partner, Dean Johnson, and I purchased Mr. Pickle’s in 2020 when the original husband-wife owners decided to retire, we had a vision

Scottsdale Medical Center is expected to open in 2026 with 106 licensed patient beds and 20 observation beds, along with shelled space for expansion as the community grows. The medical office building will house physician offices, specialty care and other clinical services. Banner has partnered with SmithGroup for the project design and Okland Construction as the contractor.

This medical campus project will create 1,000 health care-related jobs over the next five years and more than 2,500 jobs at full development. Construction and ancillary jobs will also be associated with the facility development.

Banner’s existing presence in the market includes primary care clinics, specialty clinics, urgent care locations, outpatient imaging, physical therapy centers and the Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, which has provided inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to the community for more than 40 years.

Info: bannerhealth.com

to bring the cult favorite brand primarily located in Northern California to our home state of Arizona as well as open the door to expansion nationwide,” says Mike Nelson, Mr. Pickle’s chief executive officer.

“Dave was unbelievably integral to making this happen. Today, we have two restaurants in Arizona with four more set to open in the next year as well as franchise agreements to expand the brand throughout California. You do not have that level of success without a plan and processes, and we could not have done it so quickly without Dave.”

In addition to his primary responsibilities, DuJordan — who will divide his time between the North Scottsdale headquarters and Northern California franchisee support center — will also work with Nelson and Johnson on everything from lease negotiations to managing general contractors on new location buildouts.

Info: mrpickles.com

named Mr.

David DuJordan was named Mr. Pickle’s vice president of operations.

AIRPARK BusinessNews

Trevor Wilde of Wilde Wealth Management honored

Banner Health is finalizing the purchase of 48 acres of land on the southwest corner of Hayden Road and the Loop 101 freeway to build a comprehensive medical center and support services.

With an investment of more than $400 million, the project will include an acute care hospital, adjacent medical office building and a cancer center. Banner Scottsdale Medical Center will be a full-service, destination hospital with a focus on key areas of distinction for Banner, including cardiovascular, orthopedics, cancer and neuroscience programs.

This new, digitally enabled medical center will provide seamless integration with Banner’s ambulatory and virtual sites of care, furthering Banner’s mission of making health care easier so life can be better. The project complements Banner’s comprehensive, marketwide network and brings Banner services and options to those who work and live in the Northeast Valley.

The Northeast Valley population is projected to grow by more than 17% in the coming decade. As part of this growth, it is expected that Banner’s insurance products will expand in the region as well, with more covered lives residing in the area. Banner is committed to expanding services ahead of this growth to ensure easy access to care for Scottsdale residents and Banner plan members. Banner’s health insurance division currently has approximately 50,000 members who reside in the Northeast Valley. Many of these members participate in value-based health plans that require convenient and affordable care.

“Our strategic growth plan is focused on convenience and access, with facilities close to home for our patients, members and their families,” says Scott Nordlund, chief strategy and growth officer for Banner Health. “Scottsdale is a natural growth area for Banner, and we are committed to ensuring our patients and health plan members have care close to where they work or live when they want and need it.”

The four-story, 384,000-square-foot

Banner Scottsdale Medical Center is expected to open in 2026 with 106 licensed patient beds and 20 observation beds, along with shelled space for expansion as the community grows. The medical office building will house physician offices, specialty care and other clinical services. Banner has partnered with SmithGroup for the project design and Okland Construction as the contractor.

This medical campus project will create 1,000 health care-related jobs over the next five years and more than 2,500 jobs at full development. Construction and ancillary jobs will also be associated with the facility development.

Banner’s existing presence in the market includes primary care clinics, specialty clinics, urgent care locations, outpatient imaging, physical therapy centers and the Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, which has provided inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to the community for more than 40 years.

Info: bannerhealth.com

Scottsdale Bar Association schedules CLE program

The Scottsdale Bar Association will host attorney Denise Blommel and her talk, “New Faces = New Laws: Federal Labor and Employment Law Update,” during the organization’s CLE luncheon program on Tuesday, April 11. Sponsored by Coash Court Reporting &

Video and The Shely Firm PC, the program will be presented at Gainey Ranch Golf Club, 7600 Gainey Club Drive, Scottsdale, from noon to 1:15 p.m.

To register, visit scottsdalebar.org and find the “events” page.

Barron’s has named Wilde Wealth Management Group chief executive officer Trevor Wilde to its annual list of top 1,200 advisers nationwide and No. 1 overall in Arizona. (Wilde Wealth Management/Submitted)

Attorney Zora Manjencich joins Radix Law

Zora Manjencich joined Radix Law, following eight years with the Arizona attorney general’s office where she served in various senior-ranking roles.

She brings decades of jury and bench trial experience and a solid background to Radix’s existing practices in the areas of litigation, crisis management, government affairs and vulnerable adult matters.

“There are not many attorneys in Arizona with a resume like Zora’s,” says Andy Kvesic, managing partner at Radix Law. “We made a great team prosecuting fraud and public corruption matters together at the Arizona attorney general’s office, and I am excited to

bring that same high level of energy and professionalism to our clients at Radix Law.”

Manjencich began her career as a civil litigator, then served as deputy county attorney and assistant bureau chief at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in both the sex crimes and vehicular crimes units. She also practiced commercial litigation at private law firms in Arizona and Missouri. In 2015, Manjencich joined the

Child Crisis Arizona hosting fundraiser

Child Crisis Arizona — which serves vulnerable children, youth and families and is committed to ending child abuse and neglect through prevention, education and intervention programs — will host its milestone 45th anniversary event, a Blue Hawaii-themed gala, at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale on April 15, starting at 6 p.m.

In addition to a formal seated dinner and program, which will include an update on the

Arizona attorney general’s office.

“After spending many years in public service, I was ready to join a law firm that had the courage and experience to make a real difference in our community by improving the legal system and improving the lives of our clients,” Manjencich comments.

“The vision of Radix Law aligns exactly with mine, and I am thrilled to be joining the firm.”

Info:

radixlaw.com

new net-zero campus being built in the Valley, Child Crisis Arizona has plans to entertain guests with a slew of interactive elements throughout the evening, including a “pool bar pull,” which is a twist on a blind wine pull and includes the chance for donors to win high-end bourbons, tequilas, island rums and other specialty spirits; a shaved ice bar; casino games for prizes; and a series of fundraising games.

Also expect a silent auction; dancing; a

paddle raiser; and live music from Notes from Neptune, an acoustic jam band best known for taking popular songs from the past 50 years and reimagining or rearranging them in playful and soulful ways.

Tickets start at $400. Individuals or business interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Justin Duran at justin.duran@ childcrisisaz.org.

Info: childcrisisaz.org 

Attorney Zora Manjencich joined Radix Law. (Radix Law/Submitted)

Chugga Chugga Ch rs!

Samantha DelBrocco inviting drinkers aboard her Champagne Train

By Alison Bailin Batz

If thirsty, chances are that Samantha DelBrocco can help.

“While attending Arizona State University in the mid-2010s, I was lucky enough to earn an internship with PepsiCo, which included working at its Chicago headquarters,” DelBrocco says.

“When I graduated in 2017, I was overjoyed to earn a full-time position with Gatorade back home in the Valley.”

Hard worked helped her star rise quickly. Today she is a member of the senior analyst team for Tropicana.

But that is far from all.

Last year, DelBrocco was invited by friends to Nashville.

“During the trip, we booked this openair tractor-trailer that has been outfitted as a party bus of sorts, but visually so diff erent than anything I had ever seen before,” DelBrocco says. “In it, we had control of the music and plenty of space to dance and take photos. It was beyond memorable.”

The adventure was so memorable, in fact, it changed the course of DelBrocco’s life.

“I got to thinking about Scottsdale. Could something like that work here, I

wondered for several months,” DelBrocco says.

In August of last year, she decided it could.

“Except I had a vision of creating something on the grandest of scales. Something that would turn heads. Something that would be unlike anything the Valley had ever seen,” DelBrocco says.

She decided on a bus. As in a full-size school bus.

“I was able to purchase a retired school bus last year, bright yellow and full of traditional seating,” DelBrocco says. “I then spent about three months gutting it to make my dream come true.”

Enter the Champagne Train, which debuted in Scottsdale in late 2022.

The “train” is the 40-foot retired school bus, but now completely reimagined as a bright pink ultimate VIP lounge on wheels. It features a licensed driver and profes-

of pink to make ultra-friendly for Girls Night

Samantha DelBrocco founded the Champagne Train in 2022, splitting her time between her entrepreneurial venture and a position with PepsiCo. (Champagne Train/Submitted)

The exterior of Samantha DelBrocco’s Champagne Train is a female-friendly shade

Out. (Champagne Train/Submitted)

sional bartender on board. Visually, the interior is modern and chic with pink and white accents throughout as well as a neon sign that says, “But First, Champagne…” and multiple art installations.

There is also customizable Bluetooth stereo system on board so guests may choose from a variety of themed playlists or opt to link their own accounts and act as their own DJs all night long. The lighting on board dims by design, and select windows roll down to allow for a more open-air experience if one so desires.”

“We also wanted to provide a safe way to take interactive photos and even film TikTok dances or Instagram reels for guests on board,” DelBrocco says. “So, we mounted a ring light as well as cellphone holder to the wall of the bus, which allows guests to take hands-free photos and videos with perfect lighting every single time.”

As for seating, gone are the two-person vinyl benches most commonly found in a school bus. The Champagne Train offers a plush couch with seating for at least four in the back and then a combination of benches, sleek barstools and velvet lounge chairs, all pink or white.

Completely private, each tour can ac-

commodate up to 23 guests, and there are several packages from which to choose. The OG package starts at $695 and is a twoand-a-hour adventure either fully on board or with stops at train partners including Wine Girl Scottsdale and The Beverly. In addition to the driver and bartender, this standard package comes with trendy cups and décor, cocktail mixers, ice, and coolers for drinks.

“Guests may bring their own spirits, beer and wine, and the train concierge can work with the group to develop a custom menu themed to the occasion, or for an enhancement we can put together everything from charcuterie and cake pops to a train stocked with requested spirits, beer and wine so no one has to bring a thing,” DelBrocco says.

The train concierge can also work with the group on to add on additional time aboard as well as book bottle and VIP experiences with its partner bars to make the evening extra special. She can even get the bartender to dress in a specific theme to match the evening’s planned events.

In addition to the standard tour, every Friday (except during the holiday season), the Champagne Train off ers its Buff alo Chip package. This three-and-a-half-hour

experience takes guests for a Westernthemed romp from Scottsdale to Cave Creek, with a stop at the Buffalo Chip to see live bull riding, dance, and indulge in the Arizona entertainment icon. This package starts at $750, and the same enhancements are available.

There is also a Bottomless Mimosa package, which is available during the day on weekends with optional stops at brunch spots and/or day clubs, a Wedding Transportation package, a Holiday Light tour package and an hourly transport rate. Additional culinary and beverage packages will be added in coming months as well. Also expect other themed rides for the summer months or Halloween.

“While we’ve had some fun wedding packages and even celebrity bookings to date, notably Kyle Cooke from Bravo’s ‘Summer House’ and ‘Winter House’ franchises, who joineds us with his Loverboy brand of canned cocktails this past spring, we are all about taking care of our locals, especially the ladies,” DelBrocco says. 

At cocktail parties, on the tee box and amongst the ladies who lunch, there’s a subtle whisper about an unusual design mecca—Consignment. The valley’s most savvy shoppers and discerning designers are regulars at Avery Lane Fine Consignments and they are rewarded with great deals on one-of-a-kind home décor. Avery Lane’s design style is “Paris Apartment” which is a curated aesthetic of items collected from a lifetime of international travels, inherited from generations or salvaged when the flat upstairs was vacated. And, the 30,000 sq. ft. of inventory is like a Parisian merry-go-round—constantly changing and revolving. Come check it out … sit for a spell … we’ll pour the champagne. Discover more at AveryLaneHome.com

AIRPARK Buzz

Native Son

Chief Jeff Walther watches over his hometown

By Tom Scanlon

Whether you live in a modest apartment or a mansion, whether the sounds of wailing sirens or howling coyotes fill your nights, his boots have probably been on your block.

If his face is familiar, he may have written you a speeding ticket, escorted your inebriated child home on prom night, or rang your doorbell to investigate a noise complaint.

Maybe he even kicked down your door – if you’re a drug dealer.

Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther may be the city’s “top cop” now, but he worked his way up through the blue ranks on the its streets. Hired as a patrol officer in 1994 he moved on to detective, SWAT member, patrol sergeant, training lieutenant and commander.

Ask Walther how his skills at target shooting compare with the rest of his officers these days and he says with laugh, “There’s plenty better than me. I’m just an administrator.”

But his experience – and those who know him – tell a different story: This native son has covered nearly every inch of the city’s 184 square miles in four decades. And he seems to be as skilled at chatting as handcuffing.

“He’s very charismatic,” Councilman Barry Graham says of Walther. “He’s an effective listener and has a presence that puts others at ease.”

“Effective and likable,” Councilwoman Solange Whitehead says. Vice Mayor Kathy Littlefield agreed with that assessment – which is a good thing because Walther will need those skills in the coming months.

Littlefield, Whitehead and Graham, along with Mayor David Ortega, are among the council members who must vote on Walther’s request for a revamped police training center that will cost upwards of $20 million – more than double the original price tag when voters in 2019 approved the project as part of a $319-million bond package just three years ago.

Also part of that bond package was an $18 million fire training facility, which has ballooned to $33 million.

The elected officials who praise him say they trust Walther. He says he understands he has to earn that trust, sharing bad news as well as good.

Indeed, though no major crime hit the city during the tourist-bomb of the Super Bowl and WM Phoenix Open, just three days after the Chiefs topped the Eagles, Walther received notice that any police chief would dread.

Except for jail, the last place chiefs want to see their officers is at AZPOST. At monthly meetings of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, officers who have been investigated for wrongdoing can lose their right to wear a badge.

On February 15, two cases involving former Scottsdale Police Department officers were on the agenda.

Just moments after telling the Scottsdale Airpark News how proud he is of his force, Walther discussed these cases without sugar coating them.

During the February AZPOST meeting, one former Scottsdale cop turned in his peace officer certification – required to be a police officer

Police Chief Jeff Walther prepares to shoot on the same range he first learned police techniques 38 years ago. The Scottsdale native says his officers and new ones coming in desperately need an upgraded training center, which will now cost around $20 million, double its original budget.

(Tom Scanlon/Sta )

anywhere in Arizona – and proceedings to take another officer’s certification away formally started.

In the latter case, Cameron Douglas was off duty just after midnight October 25, 2021, when on-duty officers found him asleep at the wheel of a vehicle stopped at Hayden Road and Shea Boulevard. A pistol and shotgun lay on the passenger seat.

After a test showed Douglas had nearly three times the legal limit of alcohol, Douglas was fired by Walther.

The chief says he understands the pressures and traumas of being a cop.

When a Scottsdale officer is arrested for driving under the influence, “I will look at those on a case-by-case basis,” Walther says. “But in Douglas’ case, he can no longer be a police officer.”

More recently, Cody Lutz was the subject of an internal affairs investigation “related to integrity.”

“We were moving to dismiss Lutz based on an integrity issue,” Walther says. “First and foremost, he was willfully dishonest and admitted to doing so. Secondly, he admitted to forging the signature of another officer on a piece of evidence. He would have been terminated for those integrity violations.” Walther added the investigation started with a citizen complaint of theft; “We could not prove that allegation.”

Lutz voluntarily relinquished his certification to AZPOST, after violating a cardinal rule: “What you can’t do is lie,” Walther says. Honesty and integrity are two things Walther demands of his officers, who work in a fast-changing world.

Now 52, looking fit enough to still chase down a suspect, Walther’s salt-and-pepper hair and a few smile wrinkles hint at the time he has spent on the police force.

‘I hope you said no’

As a kid in then-sleepy Scottsdale, Walther grew up in an era when cops were considered good guys–and he wanted in on that.

After graduating from Horizon High School, he studied criminal justice at Northern Arizona University, then landed a job with Scottsdale Police. The salary came just in time, as the childhood sweetheart he married at 19 was pregnant. They now have three grown children and five grandchildren.

In 2019, the Walthers made a massive life change: He retired, and they moved from their beloved –

…continues on page 14

TWO-STORY SINGLE-TENANT OFFICE/WAREHOUSE BUILDING

AIRPARK Buzz

…continued from page 12

though fast-growing –hometown to Alpine, a mountain town of a few hundred in far northeastern Arizona.

And so, Walther “missed” the Fashion Square riot of May, 2020. Shocked, he watched the looting and plundering from Alpine.

Did he feel he should have been there or was he glad he missed it?

“Both,” answered Walther, who, when he grins and looks sideways, somewhat resembles Woody Harrelson, though he is hardly as off-the-wall as the actor.

Want to talk about why you don’t trust the cops or why their funding should be cut? Bring it on, says Walther – as long as you’ll listen to his side.

“We want to participate in the narrative on law enforcement in this country,” he says. “There are too many police organizations that don’t want to participate in the narrative. And that’s hurt us.”

“Not participating in the narrative is hurting communities because what we’re seeing is that over the last two and a half, three years, a steep, steep decline in the number of people who actually want to be police officers.

“Now, they may want to be police officers, but because of the negative narrative on law enforcement in this country and other countries, they’re like, ‘Yeah, I don’t think I want to do that.’ That’s my fault. I need to participate as a police chief. I need to participate in the narrative.”

“Let’s you and I talk about the national narrative–you tell me (complaints) for 5 minutes. And then I want to spend the next 55 minutes telling you about what Scottsdale PD is doing and how we’re different and how we connect with the community.”

The Fashion Square riot came during local and nation-wide protests over the murder by Minneapolis police of George Floyd.

A few months later, then-Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell, who came under criticism for the department’s handling of the riot, announced his resignation to work in the private sector.

Up in Alpine, Walther took a call from Jim Thompson, Scottsdale’s city manager.

To borrow a line from “The Godfather”: “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in…”

When Thompson asked Walther to take over as police chief, he says he would have to think about it, then discussed it with his wife.

“She says, ‘I hope you said no,’” Walther says. Then, she thought about it and all the city and the department had meant to them and done for their family.

“I changed my mind,” she told Walther.

“How could we say no?”

So Walther gave a conditional “yes,” stressing he would take the job starting December 1, 2020, on an interim basis. That turned out to be permanent…but Walther stresses that doesn’t mean “forever” as that house in the wilds of Alpine beckons.

When Thompson asked him in March 2021 to be permanent chief of police, Walther told him: “I will give you the national average for a police chief: Three to five years.”

With a few years to go on that timeline, Walther feels like he has made progress on his goal of taking what he felt was already “good” and making it “great.”

“We’re a progressive police department, with a national and international reputation,” he proudly says.

Unlike many police departments, Scottsdale doesn’t have gaping holes; a recruit class of 17 would nearly fill the 20 vacancies.

Walther’s pitch to newcomers of potential transfers from other cities:

“Come here, where you can still make a difference. You can make a difference, and make a living.”

And it’s a pretty good living: According to a recent Scottsdale Police Department recruiting pitch on its Facebook site, “We’re the 2nd highest paid agency in the Valley with unparalleled support from our community!”

Starting pay for a new officer, according to the department’s website, is $32.10, or about $67,000 per year.

Super-busy

On an average day, according to Walther, Scottsdale police respond to about 600 calls a day. That number ballooned to 600 on Feb. 11, the unofficial “party day” of the WM Open at TPC Scottsdale. “At the Open, we made 88 ejections and 18 arrests,” Walther says.

But, the chief noted, there were hundreds of thousands in attendance.

And, Walther says, during the WM Open/ Super Bowl week, “We had no significant incidents. None. No shootings, no stabbings.”

He says the presence of officers from Scottsdale and many outside agencies at events around the city was a comfort to visiting tourists and a deterrent to would-be offenders.

And now: Spring Training.

The chief’s advice to rookie cops working the ball games?

“Have a great time,” Walther says, with that Woody Harrelson grin.

While typically far more mellow than Super Bowl revelers and WM Open partiers, policing Spring Training games and the bar scene shares a similarity, Walther stressed.

“It is about crowd management. There are going to be a lot of people and people are

going to have too much to drink. You know, let’s treat people with dignity and respect. And then when they commit a crime, they commit a crime and then they’re taken into custody or cited for it.”

Top top cop

Last year, after barely more than a year as Scottsdale’s top cop, the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police named Walther Chief of the Year.

“Chief Walther epitomizes the very best in leadership regarding serving the community,” his nomination form proclaimed, stressing “the police department’s holistic role in society.”

Whitehead says that is spot-on: “Scottsdale police and our community are really tight. That’s well earned.”

She added that starts at the top, with Walther: “He’s just practical, down to earth and funny. And he really cares.”

Littlefield seconded that. “The only time I hear a negative comment (about Scottsdale police) is when someone gets a ticket.

“Or,” Littlefield added with a chuckle, “complaints about speeding.”

Littlefield added: “The only time I hear a negative comment (about Scottsdale police) is when someone gets a ticket

“Or,” she added with a chuckle, “complaints about speeding.”

So true, Walther agrees.

“While the citizens seem to support the police, you certainly can’t please everyone,” he says. “what makes it hard is that 50% of the people will say we need more traffic enforcement, because traffic is out of control, people are driving like crazy–and what are you going to do about that?

“And the other 50% will say, you know, ‘I saw a bunch of officers out on the street and they’re writing me tickets and photo radar is out there–and you’ve got to stop this!’ There’s always competing interests.”

Same thing in the Old Town Entertainment District: Some clubs complain there are too many cops bothering people while those who live around Old Town tell Walther he needs to shut down noisy bars.

“So there’s competing interests,” Walther says, “between our business owners and our residents.”

Being a listener, an administrator, dealing with the comparatively petty dramas of Scottsdale 2023 sometimes makes Walther pine for the good old days when he was a young cop back in the 1990s.

“Working street crimes,” he says, with that knowing grin, “chasing bad guys all over the Valley.

“That was great.” 

AIRPARK Buzz

A Watchful Eye

Former mayor keeps tabs on Scottsdale’s issues

By Tom Scanlon

Tall, confident and smiling as usual, William James Lane –better known as “Jim” – strode out of Scottsdale City Hall as 2020 ended. Since 2004, the place had been his second home, first as a one-term councilman, then for a dozen years as mayor.

Lane “termed out” after three straight

Tall and lean, slightly hunched over as he recovers from shoulder surgery, the 72-year-old spends his time like many of his fellow Scottsdale retirees: gardening, reading, researching – and keeping up with the news, both national and local.

On the Scottsdale level, there are a few things that raise his brown eyebrows in Clark Gable fashion (his wife says he also gets compared to Mike Ditka, the former football coach).

He is almost fiercely proud of what he says his accomplishments are: Pushing through charter reforms to limit the power of city ad-

From his central Scottsdale home, former Mayor Jim Lane says he keeps active with business interests, gardening–and keeping an eye on city news and issues. (David Minton/Sta )

is reflected, I think, in some of the folks that are on the council right now and were elected by that same group of citizens.

“So I think some of it has changed and slipped away. And I think some of the authority that they should have, has slipped into the administrative side…and primarily, with a strong city manager.”

That would be Jim Thompson, who was city manager during Lane’s last years as mayor; the two didn’t have a match “between his idea of how the city should be run and mine,” Lane notes.

Lane and current Mayor David Ortega are also a little different – to put it mildly.

stints, and was not eligible to run for mayor again…not right away, at least.

But is he done leading Scottsdale for good?

As loquacious as they come, Lane’s light blue eyes twinkle as he says a lot of things about that. But there’s one word he avoids: No.

“People say that all the time,” Lane says with a chuckle. “They’ll say, “Would you come back? Are you planning or would you? Would you like to go back? What would you like to do? Would you like to go back and be mayor?’

“I say there’s a lot of things I’d like to do,” he concluded, with a knowing grin. “Let me just say that that’s not on the top of the list.”

One of the last things Lane did in office was his Sept. 21, 2020, rescinding of the city’s mask mandate, going against the advice of public health authorities and medical professionals to cancel a requirement Lane himself made three months earlier.

One of the first things Ortega did: reinstate the city’s mask mandate.

It’s hardly just a piece of cloth that separates the two.

“What people always used to say to me,” Joanne, Lane’s wife of 43 years, says, “is the thing they admired the most about Jim was that you could go into his office and you could talk to him. He might not always agree with you, but he always listened.”

Councilwoman Solange Whitehead laughed when asked what comes to mind when she thinks about Lane.

“He’s got one of my favorite lines,” she says. “He was always pleasant to work with. And my favorite thing he says was: I was ‘the most agreeable diagreer’ he knew.”

ministrators vs. elected officials; revitalizing Old Town; helping create the medical-biotech “cure corridor.”

He says his “philosophy of running the city as business” is “a point of pride as far as something that was accomplished–and it rang through the entire term of 12 years.”

Asked if he thinks the city is continuing that philosophy, he gives a grim grin, looking down at his loafers for a moment.

“There’s been a big shift in politics just generally in people’s minds. And a certain amount of fear and hysteria, you know, through the pandemic and things like that, that have really changed the sort of the psyche of our entire city,” Lane says. “And it

That way of charming your opponent wouldn’t be says about Ortega by some people – such as Cody Reim and Christy Jackman, two Rio Verde Foothills leaders singled out for criticism after Ortega and the city cut off their water.

After harsh words for Rio Verde’s problem, (“There’s no Santa Claus”; “water is not a compassion game”), Oretga turned his ire to state lawmakers (“irresponsible”) who came up with a plan to force Scottsdale to resume making water available to the community.

Last week, as County Supervisor Thomas Galvin led a sharply worded rejection of Scottsdale’s plan for temporary water to RVF, Ortega called Galvin “an annoyance.’

AIRPARK Buzz

Some would argue Ortega is simply sticking up for his city’s residents in protecting their most valuable asset – even Lane says he can see that.

Yet, even while he edged around direct criticism of Ortega, it’s safe to say Lane likely would handle this crisis differently.

Rio Verde Foothills

Lane knows all about the water issue, as the unincorporated area had been provided access to Scottsdale water (via a standpipe in northeast Scottsdale) long before Lane took office.

He says that in 2017, there was a threat to shut that access, abruptly: “They had a one-year permit to truck water away from a hydrant…It was a mess. But the bottom line is they had a one-year permit and they had been using it for 13 years.”

According to Lane, Scottsdale Water Director Brian Biesemeyer flatly stated, “ ‘We can’t do it anymore’ – and he gave them 30 days to find another source. He was enforcing the permit…Brian was well within his authority.”

Lane says he stepped in: “I insisted that they give (the community) more time than that.”

The Scottsdale Airpark News asked Biesemeyer if this was accurate; he did not respond.

Lane sat back and shrugged, though not dismissively.

“Everybody’s got their own situation, their own personalities and how they deal with this kind of thing,” Lane says. “But it’s a touchy enough issue. And when you’re talking about survivability, the value to your homes and everything else, you’ve got to work these things with kid gloves.

“And frankly,” he added, “with a little bit of humanity in the way you even approach it.”

As for Scottsdale rejecting Galvin’s plan – and then Galvin and his fellow supervisors rejecting Scottsdale’s plan—Lane struggled to remain detached.

“That was precipitated, I suppose, in part by an approach to it. I know that David was probably trying to protect Scottsdale residents and that’s fine,” Lane says of Ortega. “That’s altogether good sense. But it didn’t necessarily have to be says the way it was – or at least the way it was reported.”

Informed Galvin called Ortega “a national embarrassment,” Lane raised his eyebrows. “I like Galvin and I think he had a reasonable approach to this thing,” the former mayor says.

“But, on the other hand, that doesn’t help either.”

Even so, it’s unlikely that Lane will visit City Hall to try to coach Ortega through this

crisis.

“I don’t need to be bugging him and poking my head in there,” Lane says.

Choosing his words carefully, Lane summarized his relationship with Ortega: “It’s been a bit of a challenge.”

Lane says he tried to ease Ortega’s transition into office and sensed his help was not appreciated. “I haven’t really been back since,” Lane says.

Ortega did not respond to a request to provide his version of this.

A return to the spotlight

Lane remains second in longevity to the late Mayor Herb Drinkwater, who served 16 years before voters approved a three-term limit for future mayors.

After two years of relative silence, Lane’s even keeled but definitive voice again rang out when he forcefully weighed in on the Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Scott Menzel controversy.

In January, Fox News did a story on a 2019 Michigan interview Menzel, in which he used the word “problematic” to describe some white history.

That was closely followed by a widely publicized February 1 “open letter” from three state lawmakers to the SUSD board demanding Menzel’s “immediate removal.”

Though his tone was more understated, Lane supported this notion in a February 5 letter to the Scottsdale Airpark News in which he stated, “I believe that Dr. Menzel is not a good match for our community. In fact, if he can impose his mission to Disrupt, Dismantle and Reconstruct our school district’s educational system, I believe it would be detrimental to the education of our children and grandchildren.”

Two weeks later, Lane was the first public speaker at the February 21 SUSD board meeting.

“Dr. Menzel has says many of the things you’re looking to try to avoid, in his interview,” Lane told the board. He began to expound on his argument – but was cut off, reaching the board’s 1-minute time limit per speaker.

No such limitations recently, as Lane chatted with the Scottsdale Airpark News on a number of topics during a 90-minute interview.

From the comfortable home near Cactus and Scottsdale roads where Lane has lived for decades, Lane showed he is keeping a close eye on the school district and other Scottsdale hot issues.

In 2007, Lane’s campaign promised transparency and fiscal accountability as he

challenged incumbent Mayor Mary Manross.

Voters picked Lane by just 590 votes. After that, Lane steadily gained popularity. In the next two elections, John Washington, a longtime community activist, and Bob Littlefield, a former three-term councilman, challenged Lane, telling voters the mayor he supported subsidies for big business and that debt and overdevelopment ran rampant under his watch.

In 2016, a whopping 64% of Scottsdale voters went for Lane.

Lane led the approval of several 150-foot developments in downtown Scottsdale – desperately needed for economic development, he says.

Lane expressed disgust for a “no-growth mentality” he sees in the majority of council.

But, he added, “I think we have a great city government really in a lot of respects and I think that we have great people working there and they’ve done good things…But they need good leadership.”

As for what keeps his mind occupied post-City Hall, Lane says he is involved in the technology field, though informally.

“I dabble in talking to folks for folks,” he says. “But it’s not a compensation thing. It’s because of my interest in what they’re doing in the technology and innovation side of it, which is huge for me

One more go-around?

Scottsdale City Charter, Article 2, Section 18:

“Limitation Of Terms. “No mayor shall serve more than three consecutive elected terms as mayor.”

The key word there, at least for Lane fans, is consecutive.

Discussion of this brings his wife from the kitchen, where she is preparing for a small dinner party, to the Lane living room.

When people run into her and say, “We want your husband back,” how does she answer?

“I’m very proud of the job he did,” she says.

“Anything he wants to do, I’ll support…I still have people walk up to me and say, ‘Your husband just did such great things for the city.’”

So, Jim Lane, what’s it going to be?

Will you run again, in 2024?

He chuckles. “People tell me that I can come back–sitting out one term–and do it again,” he says. “There’s hardly a day goes by that people don’t come up to me and ask me.”

Asked how they phrase it, Lane says it’s usually three words:

“‘We need you.” 

This won’t last long!

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

LRelax. Rebalance. Reset.

ee Gerdes of Airpark-based Cereset says most health problems are based on brain disharmony, including sleep issues.

“Just about anytime we have anything ‘off’ in our lives or in our medical world, personally, our sleep issues are off. When sleep is off, we don’t get an opportunity to reset our brain, which means we don’t get an opportunity to get a significantly high immune system.”

With Cereset’s BrainEcho, technicians noninvasively support the brain to relax to rebalance to harmonize and reset itself for optimal regulation, according to its mission statement.

The company can help mitigate issues associated with aging, insomnia, sleep apnea, chronic stress, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, anger, memory, brain fog, persistent COVID-19 symptoms, post-concussion symptoms and other life challenges.

“We see sleep as a baseline, if you will,” he says. “After that, even if it’s something that has to do with an injury, there are aspects of

either anxiety from fear of not healing or depression from having to deal with this for a long time. Those can come up, too, now, especially in the world now. When you look at the news, it’s a traumatic experience. It’s just wild.”

Gerdes says he is seeing an increasing number of clients who have a “portfolio of issues,” among them sleep, anxiety and depression. Some of them are post-COVID-19 or post-vaccination issues.

“Clients who came to use before the pandemic who contracted COVID came back to us because of difficulties they were having following that disease,” he says. “We were able to see those brain patterns before and after COVID.”

Cereset helps ease symptoms of life challenges

Gerdes says COVID-19 attacks the brain similar to aging — on steroids. He shared it with doctors who never saw it presented in that manner.

“This is the brain functional pattern,” he says. “It’s not the chemistry or how someone’s feeling. We can see that and see it in detail. We have a pretty clear picture of what’s going on. We’re not just new folks who threw something together. We’ve spent $50 million in 20-plus

Russell Scholl is the president and CFO of the Airparkbased Cereset, which helps mitigate issues associated with aging, insomnia, sleep apnea and more.

Lindsey Burzumato undergoes treatment in a BrainEcho session room.

years to build this technology to look at the brain in a very granular way.”

Gerdes says he’s addicted to this line of work. A few months ago, he met a woman outside of the office who had major sleep issues after her mother died. Cereset worked with her and allowed her return to a regular sleep pattern.

Using sleep medication isn’t beneficial, he adds, as it increases the likelihood of that person having Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“Her mother had Alzheimer’s,” he says. “She was hypersensitive and afraid of that. I assumed that the problem she was facing had to do with the death and the trauma of it.”

Cereset worked with her, but at first it didn’t hold.

“She would get good sleep for a few nights, a couple of weeks, and then she had sleeping trouble again,” Gerdes says. “This went on for two to three months.

“I couldn’t figure out why. She had essential tremors, too. I read in a study that they had traced areas of the brain that they thought were compromised in essential tremors. I initially calculated the basic protocol for it and asked her to come in and try the protocol. I didn’t charge her. She came in on a Wednesday, I think; had a session; and then Wednesday night she slept eight hours straight. On Thursday her essential tremor in one hand was gone. In the other hand, it was gone three quarters. It could be an anomaly.”

He tried again with a different patient and the tremor didn’t change much, but the patient’s sleep pattern did.

“I thought, ‘Oh, man, we’re 96% effective in sleep,’” he says. “I thought maybe we could pick up a couple of percentage points. I like things to be perfect.”

The science to Cereset, Gerdes admits, is partially luck. He just “stumbles on things following a lot of viewing and data analysis.”

“We call it a science of observation,” he adds. “We’re not theoretical science in any way. We observe what’s going on. We happen to have a way to support the brain that is natural, noninvasive and has zero adverse effects. We’re highly safer than drinking a can of soda.”

Formerly known as Brain State Technologies, Cereset went to a franchise model because in a licensing model, it couldn’t teach licensed technicians to adhere to the process. In a franchise model, it dictates how everything’s used. It’s like McDonald’s. All the menus are the same, and so is the look, the feel and the hamburger.”

Gerdes entered this field after he was assaulted in 1992. Four youth attacked him with a baseball bat while he was locking a

gate in San Francisco. The result was a mild traumatic brain injury.

“That experience was one of being in purgatory,” he says. “It was very, very life threatening overall. I couldn’t come out of many of the symptoms. I didn’t sleep hardly at all. I had dizzy spells out of the blue, headaches, brain fog at times. I didn’t know where this was coming from.”

He says every possible medical intervention and psychotherapy failed to help him or made the symptoms worse. He even went to a shaman.

“I tried everything,” he says. “After some years of that, you start giving up. I have a big heart and a soft spot for people who face a lot of chronic illnesses.”

Before the assault, he was a pastor and worked with a congregation; after the assault

and the continual struggles, he wasn’t a big believer in faith, but he recorded his brain patterns to determine what was going on and found himself to be highly differentiated in the left-and-right hemispheres of corresponding lobes. Then he wondered how to change that, as he knew he felt a bit better on the days when his brain was more even — more in balance and harmony. So how does one change an infinite system to make it more harmonious? That was the big question. He had a dream one night — one cannot change infinity; one can help it view itself, to repair itself. Maybe resonance — the echoing of notes back to the brain as a reflection of its own process in a more harmonious, healthy state. He tried it. It took many attempts, and then — he could sleep.

His faith encouraged him — after all, he had firmly believed that we were each made in the image of God. He could also then believe that not only was there a living and personal God, but a God who had loved and guided him when he had been like a prodigal son.

“The difference in the two lobes was amazing,” he says. “The sections of the orchestra didn’t play well together at all. I set out on a journey to help the brain help itself by harmonizing itself. It took hours and weeks to get the brain to change.”

It did. Lee slept. And 22 years later, with plenty of tune-up sessions and evolving technology, he still sleeps like a rock. It is incredible that Cereset has completed three very successful clinical trials in sleep and has assisted over 170,000 clients in achieving healthy sleep, greater wellness and more, he says. 

Lee Gerdes is the founder/chief executive officer of Airpark-based Cereset.

Sonya Crittenden, pictured here in the Client Center office, is the director of education and client services for Cereset. (Chris Mortenson/Staff)

Hole One in

Putting World rolls into Scottsdale Promenade

By Alex Gallagher

utting World founder and CEO Tim Suzor lives and breathes golf.

He’s a golf pro and coach of more than 30 years and a lifelong fan of the sport. He takes a simple approach when he teaches. “When we teach golf, we usually start with the fundamentals,” Suzor says.

“However, I’ll start about a foot away from the hole and we’ll work our way back because it’s important to give people success

right out of the gate, to hear the ball go in the cup, and then learn skills like chipping and pitching.”

Three years ago, he thought he could parlay that into a business — Putting World. It opened February 1 in the 25,000-square-foot former home to OfficeMax off Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Scottsdale Road.

“This is 25,000 square feet that I felt could be a great venue for events where we could get 400 people in

years get

Putting World boasts 18 holes and challenges putters by using lasers to set the distance from the hole.

(David Minton/Staff)

Tim Suzor, founder and CEO of Putting World, opened a new indoor putting course and training facility on February 1, just in time for the busy Scottsdale tourism season. (David Minton/Staff)

Several suites are also available for meeting space or group events at Putting World.

here at a time and have 72 players on the course at a time,” Suzor says.

The course is a technological marvel, as it utilizes lasers to pinpoint the starting point of each hole and balls that track each stroke and the distance traveled.

He gave Putting World a Scottsdale flare by adding a restaurant caddied by a chef-driven menu and specialty cocktails. Additionally, it boasts a pro shop selling clothing, putters and covers; a build shop to customize putters; private performance studios and a decorative ambiance of 50

86-inch televisions; a chandelier made of putters; and light fixtures that resemble inverted golf holes.

Putting World offers day passes as well as four membership levels ranging from junior to diamond. The facility also accommodates an outdoor patio and a mezzanine as well as an intimate space for highest-tier members.

The diamond membership grants members luxuries like their own liquor and putting lockers, access to private rooms, and full-course access.

Although Putting World is only in its first few months of operation, Suzor already sees his concept growing to markets like Minneapolis, Chicago, Las Vegas and the Dallas/Fort Worth area and teased that he could eventually expand globally. 

Putting World also features a full-service bar and restaurant overlooking the greens. (David Minton/Staff)

(David Minton/Staff)

Members can also purchase accessories like a selection of colorful putter head covers that fill the wall in the pro shop at Putting World. (David Minton/Staff)

Calling It a Career

Red Cross regional CEO

Kurt Kroemer retires

By Alex Gallagher

After piloting the Arizona and New Mexico region of the American Red Cross through pandemic and several other health crises, regional CEO Kurt Kroemer retired in March.

The Scottsdale resident started in the role in 2016, but he spent nearly a decade serving in various roles with the organization.

From 1999 until 2008, he worked his way up the nonprofit’s ranks, starting in the government relations office, then deputy chief of staff to the CEO, vice president of strategy and vice president of biomedical

services.

In all his roles with the American Red Cross, Kroemer says he kept the same focus that had prompted him to work for the humanitarian organization in the first place.

“I always think about, and I’ve talked to people about living a life of consequence and how when you’re done with whatever you’re going to be doing in your life, can you look back and say, ‘I’ve done something good?’” he said.

“Helping people was a motivating force for me, and with the Red Cross every single day somewhere we were doing something good. We are alleviating human suffering, which allowed me to go home every night and look myself in the mirror and know that we had helped somebody that day. That’s very rewarding.”

This mentality carried him through some of the toughest crises that the nation had faced.

“Soon after I started with the Red Cross, 9/11 happened, and so I saw a lot of things that we did there that imprinted on my mind,” he recalls. “The Red Cross had a lot of conversations with families who lost loved ones on 9/11, and oftentimes they just wanted someone to listen to their story.”

It would be the first of many times Kroemer found himself offering a compassionate ear for victims and survivors to tell tales of terror to.

“I’ve met lots of people along the way that have been impacted by a disaster, and I’m often interested in their resilience,” he said. “People are often very resilient, and I find that very courageous, so that too is motivating to see people somehow get through a disaster by picking themselves up and getting to a better place.”

However, Kroemer’s quest to do more good deeds eventually

After piloting the Arizona and New Mexico region through several crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, Red Cross regional CEO Kurt Kroemer has decided to call it a career and retire to his DC Ranch home.

(David Minton/Staff)

pulled him away from the Red Cross for a role with the Scottsdale-based nonprofit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he was a member of the senior leadership team and his first experience in Scottsdale, a city he quickly fell in love with.

Although his next career change in 2012 took him to San Francisco, Kroemer always had an interest in settling down in Scottsdale.

Then, in 2016, he did just that after he returned to the Red Cross as the CEO of the New Mexico and Arizona region.

“It was just the right place at the right time, and I knew I was more than not only comfortable with the Red Cross, but I knew that I could find meaning with them,” Kroemer says.

Although this gave him the opportunity to re-settle in Scottsdale and buy a home in the DC Ranch area, his focus remained on growing the Red Cross.

He says he inherited a region that was in good shape but saw room for its growth.

“What I wanted to make sure of is that we were reaching out to all the different communities that we were going to serve,” Kroemer says. “I think it’s important for the Red Cross to reflect the communities that we serve, and we’ve spent a lot of time over the past six and a half years trying to get connections through all the different communities through these two states.”

Although Kroemer initially panicked in March 2020 when pandemic struck, he quickly found himself marveling at how the nonprofit was able to pivot from being a provider of in-person humanitarian aid to virtual and socially distanced assistance.

In the pandemic’s early months, Kroemer and his team provided shelter by putting up people in hotels and serving them meals.

“We’ve been able to deliver on our mission at a higher level than we were before the pandemic, and we’re delivering more services today than we were in 2019,” he says.

After navigating through the pandemic, Kroemer felt that the region was in better shape than he entered it and decided it was time to call it a day.

Although he admits he struggles to sit still, Kroemer says he is looking forward to retirement and plans to continue cycling around the city with his wife Lani and perhaps taking some family trips.

Although he is bidding his job adieu, Kroemer teases that this might not be a permanent farewell from the Red Cross.

“I cannot stand still, and I have a very hard time doing nothing,” he says. “Maybe at some point, I’m going to jump back into something as a volunteer or some space that I find really compelling … but for the next three to four months I’m going to explore what’s compelling to my soul.” 

Five Stars

Scottsdale Airpark eatery De Babel gets big nod

By Alex Gallagher

Falafel and fattoush salad have offered a refreshing and healthy option for diners at De Babel.

When guests set foot in the homey Middle Eastern restaurant in the Scottsdale Airpark called De Babel, they are quickly greeted by spotless floors; the aroma of freshly cut chicken, lamb and beef; and the sounds of French fries and falafel being made to order.

Behind the counter, owner Marwan Kandeel carefully crafts the meals. For his commitment to perfection and authenticity, Yelp has named De Babel one of Yelp’s top 100 places to eat this year.

“We don’t want to compromise on the quality of food or the quality of service or cleanliness or hygiene or safety,” Kandeel says. “We believe a good product would sell itself. Good service is obvious, and a clean restaurant is obvious.”

A native of Jordan, Kandeel has worked in the industry for 30 years. He landed his first job at age 14 at an Italian restaurant before jetting off to Dubai, where he worked for chains like Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Cinnabon for over two decades.

When Kandeel arrived in the United States, he was employed by Sheraton Hotels in Houston before moving to Scottsdale.

“I always wanted to settle somewhere with good opportunities and a growing, sustainable market, and the United States was the place I thought I could settle with my wife and start my own business,” Kandeel says.

Owner Marwan Kandeel says patrons won’t leave hungry at his Middle Eastern Restaurant De Babel. (David Minton/Staff)

(David Minton/Staff)

The dream began to take shape when Kandeel found an intimate space off the Loop 101 and Raintree Drive for De Babel. “Babel” is “Babylon” in Hebrew. Kandeel opened his doors in July 2021 and after a few weeks was swamped.

“I wanted to associate the restaurant and the authenticity of something really back in time,” Kandeel says.

He longed to blend authenticity with the customers’ ease of satisfying their taste buds.

“The customization is unlimited,” Kandeel says. “People can customize the meals, the sandwiches, the toppings and condiments, or they can customize something new every time they come in.”

His demand is often so high that Kandeel must stop delivery orders during his peak hours. This hasn’t impacted his business, as it still boasts a five-star rating on Yelp, which recognized De Babel as a top 100 place to eat.

Kandeel is still not backing down on his commitment to quality and selling his big sellers like the “late-night chicken” sandwich, chicken tawook plate and hummus with pita bread.

Because of this, he plans to continue to hire the help he needs, while feeling honored by the award.

Although the award is an honor, Kandeel says it keeps him accountable.

“It’s actually a heavy responsibility for many reasons,” Kandeel says. “Now

we’re challenged to maintain that trust, and I also worry that this could drive increased traffic, which could cause some kind of delays because we want to keep the operation smooth to where people get their food quickly.

“This is a big challenge when we have people lining up outside the door, and we want to respect their time.”

“Being recognized by such a prestigious award, it’s something really good,” Kandeel says. “I left everything behind in my life, and this makes me feel proud because I made the right decision and we will continue to try to hire more people as much as possible to be able to compete with the new sales train.” 

De Babel

14884

A top seller at De Babel is the mixed grill, with lamb tikka, beef kafta and chicken tawook. (David Minton/Staff)

Hummus and stuffed grape leaves round out the menu at De Babel, located in the Scottsdale Airpark off the Loop 101 and Raintree Drive. (David Minton/Staff)

The hand-cut truffle cheese fries at De Babel craft a flavor explosion at De Babel. (David Minton/Staff)

After having a long-standing affinity for the space, Jackson and Monique Armstrong secured the winning bid on the space at 4209 N. Craftsman Court in Old Town and converted it into Pour Decisions, a bar geared toward millennial women. (David Minton/Staff)

Raise Your Glass

New Scottsdale bar, restaurant toasts to ‘Pour Decisions’

By Alex Gallagher

Nearly 15 years ago, Chandler residents Jackson and Monique Armstrong became regulars at Dos Gringos in Old Town Scottsdale off Craftsman Court between Third and Fifth avenues.

Like most, they were sad when the bar closed its doors in the fall of 2015.

Nearly eight years later, the taps have begun flowing again at the 10,000-square-

foot establishment, but this time under a different concept.

After a lengthy bidding process, the Armstrongs secured the winning bid on the space. What emerged was Pour Decisions, a modern bar and restaurant geared toward millennial females.

“In my head, what I wanted was something that was going to be for our age demographic that would also revitalize the street and definitely the space,” Jackson says. “Everything on (the other side) of Scottsdale Road is for a younger crowd, and the people that grew up going to this bar now have some nostalgia when they come in here.”

Pour Decisions features a rooftop bar, inside restaurant seating, and an outdoor patio equipped with a bar and an intimate stage for live music.

“A patio bar is probably the most soughtafter thing in Scottsdale since there are only a couple in the city that are not affiliated with a hotel,” Jackson says. “Everybody also likes to hang out on a patio. So when

you get a rooftop on top of that, it’s a double whammy.”

After signing a lease in December, the Armstrongs took advantage draped the restaurant’s simple frame with floral décor, neon lights, murals and flat-screen TVs.

Although the Armstrongs hoped to open the doors in time for the Super Bowl, they unveiled it on March 22.

With its opening date now in the rearview mirror, Pour Decisions is serving a selection of craft cocktails and elevated bar food like pizzas, salads, sandwiches and tacos.

“The food menu is not just old crappy bar food,” Jackson says. “It’s really supposed to be an upscale version of a nice bar to go to.”

The cocktail menu packs the punch.

Pour Decisions offers fun at every twist and turn by offering patrons a rooftop, a patio or an indoor space to enjoy a meal and a beverage at. (David Minton/Staff)

“We know that people eat and drink with their eyes, so when people order a cocktail, we want it to be a cocktail that the entire table will want because of how good it looks,” Monique says.

Monique hopes the cocktails and the efficient mixologists set Pour Decisions apart from the pack.

“I want something that’s going to stand out among the rest because there are a lot of mixology bars and a lot of cool craft cocktail bars that have started to come back in the last couple of years,” Monique says. “We also want to have a selection of different types of cocktails that touch on each appeal.”

Although it is a tough choice, Monique says some of her favorites are the Mezcal, Pretty Ricky and the Frosé.

The Armstrongs are hoping to expand the offerings at Pour Decisions, by hosting country concerts and corporate and charity

events.

“We kind of let the community dictate what they want here, and it’s leaned a lot more into country music because there are not a lot of places up here that are doing that at all,” Jackson says. “We built this

bar for the female demographic more than anything else, and we know that the female demographic right now is into country music since it’s the music they can dance and have fun listening to.”

More than anything, Pour Decisions’ owners hope to become a destination for patrons looking to enjoy a gorgeous drink, delicious food and a lively atmosphere.

“We’re big on experience and atmosphere, and we want people to walk in and experience what we’re trying to represent here in Scottsdale, then tell 10 of their friends about it after they leave,” Monique says. 

Pour Decisions

4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale

480-452-6123, pourdecisionsscottsdale.com

One of the big selling points for the Armstrong’s was a rooftop bar, which overlooks the astroturf courtyard seating and covered spaces at Pour Decisions. (David Minton/Staff)

Glamming up Pour Decisions are neon lights that beam over chic interiors, creating an idyllic background for a date night or night-out photo. (David Minton/Staff)

Pour Decisions distinguished itself from the competition by integrating a custom-painted mural into its interior for diners to gawk at and capture the perfect photo of a night out. (David Minton/Staff)

To top off their orders, customers can order a variety of toppings, including feta cheese, which is freshly crumbled daily. (David Minton/Staff)

The Modern Mediterranean Eatery

Hummus Republic dips into the Scottsdale Promenade

By Alex Gallagher

Raffe Papazian and Anthony Torian are perfectionists.

When they decided to bring a Hummus Republic Modern Mediterranean Kitchen franchise to Scottsdale, they needed everything to be just right first — especially because the lunch competition is fierce.

“We didn’t want to open prematurely,” Papazian says.

The two spent a year working with interior designers and other contractors to configure the eatery, which eventually opened on March 21 at the Scottsdale Promenade, between Rinaldi’s Deli and a UPS store.

“This was the target area,” Torian says. “If you’re going to launch a new concept, this is the area you want to do it in because of the traffic and the different brands that surround it.”

Hummus Republic had 20 restaurants in California, New Jersey, Texas and Washington before landing at the Promenade. The two discovered the brand after they visited a California location.

“We went out to California, and after

we tried the food, we fell in love with it,” Torian recalls. “After that, we spoke to the owners of that franchise and started moving on from there.”

After securing the space, the next job was to find a general manager. Papazian found the perfect person.

“I was working at Five Guys at the time, and I was doing my thing when the phone rang and it was Raffe,” general manager Nicholas Marano recalls. “He told me I had served one of his friends and he said, ‘They loved you. They thought you were

fantastic. They loved your work ethic, and they loved how you kept the crew happy.’ I just wanted to know if I could get you in here for an interview.”

Fortunately for Papazian, Marano was eyeing a change of scenery and accepted the role, something in which he sees a lot of potential.

“There’s nothing more exciting than being part of an expanding company and a new company,” Marano says. “There’s so much growth and opportunity that can present itself, and I’m no longer limited to

Anthony Torian and Raffe Papazian opened their franchise of Hummus Republic Modern Mediterranean Kitchen at The Scottsdale Promenade on March 21.

(David Minton/Staff)

waiting for someone to pass the torch. The torches are lit every day, and I just have to reach out and grab it. About 90% of this group that we have working here followed me over, too.”

At Hummus Republic, guests create their own meal, starting with a pita, wrap or bowl. From there, they choose a base like organic Mediterranean couscous, warm garbanzo beans, kale, farmers mix or spinach; the type of hummus, ranging from traditional to roasted eggplant hummus; a protein and then toppings. Protein includes Moroccan steak, lemon chicken, chicken shawarma, vegan beef, falafel and mushroom shawarma.

“Everything is prepared fresh daily,” Torian says. “All of our sauces are made in-house, and even the falafels are all

dropped in the fryer as soon as they’re ordered.”

The favorites among the staff vary.

“I’m pretty crazy about the Moroccan steak,” Papazian says with a laugh.

“The thing I’ve been ordering lately has been the street-style sweet potato fries, which comes with eggplant, fried jalapeños, chickpea croutons, kale salad, pickled red cabbage, olives, feta and tahini,” Marano says. 

Hummus Republic

Customers at Hummus Republic choose their own proteins, like lemon chicken, pictured, to be added to their wraps, pitas or bowls. (David Minton/Staff)

Hummus Republic general manager Nicholas Marano was discovered by owner Raffe Papazian at his previous job and has brought vibrancy to his new employer. (David Minton/Staff)

Guests at the Scottsdale Promenade have another option for light bites or filling meals, as Hummus Republic has expanded into the shopping center.

(David Minton/Staff)

FOOD & WINE

Lighter, brighter wines to welcome the new season

By Alison Bailin Batz

hile Valley winters are never harsh, this year’s flurry of rain, wind, and even a kiss of snow makes the warm, sunny days of spring all the more welcome. Patio and pool season are officially back, and that calls for a toast. Here are some red, white, pink and even bubbly sips to enjoy throughout spring.

ONEHOPE Vintner Collection California Pinot Grigio

A light, dry, refreshing offering, expect a brightness in every sip with hints of juicy peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots to the nose and sip. The clean finish with a touch of minerality is perfection here. $25

Clif Family 2022 Rosé Of Grenache

Made from 100% Mendocino County Grenache and aged 100% in stainless steel, this is a crowd pleaser in every sense of the word. Visually stunning, its bouquet is just as lovely. And the flavor notes? A perfect combination of watermelon, strawberry and peach with just enough acid for balance. $30

Chandon Garden Spritz

Spice things up this spring with this zesty sparkling offering, which is blended with bitters made from locally sourced oranges, dry orange peels and herbs. The bubbly blend, which has no artificial flavors and no artificial colorants, is a dizzyingly delicious sparkling citrus blast. $31

Silver Trident 2021 Symphony

No. 9 Sauvignon Blanc

Symphony is right! This buzzy blend of all things tropical — bananas, mangos and coconut — comes together in perfect harmony with Meyer lemons and ultra-ripe peaches in every sip. It has that zip of acid as most sauvignon blanc do but finishes so smooth that it is perfect for by the pool on ice. $36

Jordan 2017 Chardonnay

heaven in a glass. $44

Capo Creek 2021 Playlist

An inspired white blend made from primarily Rhonestyle grapes including clairette blanch, roussanne, grenache blanc, viognier, petit manseng and picpoul, it is a celebration of stone fruit, pear and lime perfect for a picnic or by the pool anytime of day or night. $45

Halter Ranch 2021

Viognier

Hello, apricot! It is impossible not to taste the juicy-yet-tangy fruit in every sip of this surprisingly soft, rich white. A 100% viognier, the apricot also has some other friends in the glass, notably peaches, white flowers just beginning to bloom, ripe melon, and cream. $45

Larkmead Vineyards, 2021 Lillie Sauvignon Blanc

Aged for nine months in 47% new French oak helps gives this bright beauty a burst of floral and tropical fruits on the

able wine is silky yet lingering on the nose and palate with notes of Meyer lemon, stone fruits and honeysuckle that will make the hair on one’s arm stand on end (in the best possible way). $50

Baldacci Pops Sparkling Wine

Bright and crisp, Pops is special in that it is the only wine produced from the vineyard’s 2020 harvest. The nose on this wine is a stunning combination of red apple and raspberry with a hint of cherry blossom, and the flavor profile offers notes of green apple and citrus zest. $50

Bricoleur Isla Rose Brut Rosé

Spring is a celebration of life, which makes this pink bottle of bubbles extra special. It was made to honor the birth of co-founders Mark and Elizabeth Hanson’s first granddaughter, Isla. It tickles the nose with fragrant ripe strawberries before opening up on the palate with layers of cherry and orange blossom before finishing crispy and clean. $60

nose, ranging from white peach to lemon curd. These elements are deftly balanced with a delightful minerality and even a hint of nuttiness, almost a touch like chardonnay. $49.99

Given the 2017 harvest was smaller than most, this vintage of Russian River Valley Chardonnay has a bright crispness that literally tastes like spring. There is honeysuckle and pear, but also some zesty, oak-kissed citrus and a touch of white peach. $42

2019 Schramsberg Blanc De Noirs

Schramsberg pioneered the blanc de noirs (white wine from red grapes) style in the United States, and this vintage will make anyone understand why they continue to be leaders in this seductive style. There is a lot to taste here, including passion fruit, ginger, orange zest, tropical fruits and strawberries, and all of it is

2017 Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut

A classic, award-winning expression that showcases the best of Napa’s sparkling wine scene, this ultra-brut opens with enticing hints of vanilla, nuts and exotic yuzu. Balanced and crisp with something new to discover in every sip, there is clear melon and pear at the onset, but also citrus, tart green apple and sweet pear as it lingers on the palate. $49

Gary Farrell Winery 2019 Chardonnay, Olivet Lane Vineyard

Made with the surrounding environment in mind, this exceptionally sustain-

2018 Palmaz Vineyards Amalia Chardonnay

Though the founder of the winery, Julio Palmaz, wanted to solely focus on cabernet, his wife Amalia made him open to the idea of delighting in a few select whites. And thank goodness, because this is a revelation. It opens with honeysuckle before giving way to green apple in all of its tart glory and then finishing with mango and spiced honeycomb. $80

Le Cuvier Littoral Cuvée Red

Bold yet with juicy fruit notes, this Paso Robles award winner is an ideal spring dinner party wine. It is a Bordeaux blend with a lovely combination of blueberry, clove, currants and black cherries in every sip. $84

Moraga Bel Air 2020 White

This 100% estate sauvignon blanc is harvested by hand before being fermented primarily fermented in stainless steel, though some is also fermented in new French oak. The result is intense aromatics of honeysuckle and peaches jumping from the bottle or glass. The minerality and acid to the taste is perfection, as are the notes of stone fruit. $92 

What's C king WITH JAN DʼATRI

Ultimate

By Jan D’Atri

For grilled cheese lovers, this sandwich takes your craving to a whole new level. So, say “Cheese, please!” the ultimate way.

This grilled cheese sandwich version is loaded with all the things that go best with cheddar, like apples and bacon. A good grilled cheese sandwich never goes out of style. Kids love them, adults love them,

Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 4 crisp apples, cut in 1/4-inch slices (I used honey crisp)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened, plus 2 tablespoons

• 1 cup mayonnaise (I used Best Foods)

• 12 slices white bread

• 8 ounces Gruyere or cheese of your choice

• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar, shredded

and they’ve proven to be one of the most popular food truck favorites across the country. But we must tackle a controversy while building this big boy.

That is, do you spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread? I say butter on the inside and mayo on the outside! I’ve actually switched my loyalty from butter to mayo for the outside of the sandwich because mayonnaise produces the most beautiful, evenly cooked crust! For this ultimate grilled cheese, I’ve used

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the bacon on a baking rack set over a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Cook bacon halfway. Then brush maple syrup on both sides of bacon and cook until crispy and caramelized, continuing to brush with maple syrup periodically. Set aside. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter. Over medium high heat, cook sliced apples until softened and slightly grilled on each side. Set aside. Lay 12 slices of bread on a board and spread each one with mayonnaise. Flip the slices

aged cheddar and Gruyere. Use any cheese combination you like.

I’ve also brushed maple syrup over the bacon during the cooking process. The sweet and salty add so much to the cheese sandwich! Finally, grilled apple slices bring all the flavors home. The combination of all of these ingredients really makes this sandwich memorable. So now you have the grown-up version and a real tasty ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. 

and spread each one with butter. Sprinkle equal amounts of shredded cheddar to all 12 slices (buttered side). Add a layer of apple slices, 2 pieces of bacon and Gruyere cheese to 6 of the slices of bread. Close sandwich, making sure mayonnaise is on the outside. Press down gently. Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet (or panini press). To the skillet add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Grill sandwiches on both sides until rich golden brown. Allow to cool for about a minute before slicing in half. Serve with chips or tomato soup (and a dill pickle).

Experience Scottsdale, city sharing new strategic plan

By Rachel Sacco Experience Scottsdale

Iso often hear from visitors that they leave Scottsdale relaxed and rejuvenated — feeling better than when they first arrived. Through our promotion, management and stewardship, Experience Scottsdale aims to ensure that visitors not only leave Scottsdale feeling better but leave Scottsdale better as well.

With the newly released Tourism & Events Strategic Plan, Experience Scottsdale and our partners at the city of Scottsdale will strive to maximize tourism’s economic benefits while minimizing its impact on our delicate, Sonoran Desert environment. Our goal is to allow our community to flourish now and into the future through strategies that support and sustainably grow tourism in the short and long term.

Tourism has the power to enrich and transform our community. As one of the country’s most recognized and desirable luxury destinations, Scottsdale welcomes visitors from around the world. In 2021, visitors generated over $54 million in tax revenue, accounting for 17% of the city’s total privilege tax collections. Because of Scottsdale’s visitors, we all enjoy upgraded parks and sports stadiums, new dining and nightlife options, arts and culture attractions, and more. In this way, visitors help make Scottsdale a dynamic and vibrant place to visit, work and live.

Residents recognize these benefits. Last year, Resonance Consultancy conducted a sentiment survey and found the Scottsdale community unanimously believes tourism is very important to Scottsdale’s economy. That survey was part of Experience Scottsdale and the city of Scottsdale’s five-year tourism strategic planning in partnership with the placemaking experts at Resonance. The Tourism & Events Strategic Plan is the result of an extensive multi-year process that included an analysis of key trends, an assessment of our tourism assets, a market analysis and a visitor study, as well as stakeholder interviews and public open houses.

A person rides through a stand of saguaros at MacDonald’s Ranch. (Jenna McKone for Experience Scottsdale)

Next month, Experience Scottsdale and the city of Scottsdale’s Tourism & Events team will share the final vision that will guide Scottsdale’s tourism industry over the next five years during a webinar that is free and open to the public. Representatives from Experience Scottsdale and the city will cover the strategic planning process, as well as the strategies and action items that fall within eight key areas of focus: community well-being, culture and creativity, festivals and events, meetings and events, outdoor pursuits, placemaking and

entertainment, sports tourism, and travel and hospitality.

This is a living, working document that will guide our energies, resources and collective actions in areas that will positively impact the visitor experience and the residents’ quality of life over time. For Experience Scottsdale, that means focusing on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and positioning Scottsdale as a destination for arts, well-being and sports, among other programs and initiatives we’ll pursue this coming fiscal year and beyond.

Experience Scottsdale and the city of Scottsdale look forward to sharing the Tourism & Events Strategic Plan with you during our webinar on May 10. It’s the perfect occasion to share the future of Scottsdale’s tourism industry, as it coincides with the 40th National Travel & Tourism Week, an annual tradition that celebrates travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities and elevating quality

of life.

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please register by visiting experiencescottsdale.com. 

Rachel Sacco is the president and CEO of Experience Scottsdale, which establishes Scottsdale as a year-round, luxury travel destination.

A man hikes at sunrise in Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert. (@whereintheworldisb for Experience Scottsdale)

A family hikes at Pinnacle Peak Park. (Delight in the Desert for Experience Scottsdale)

REMEMBER When

During Mayor Mort Kimsey’s term, the Scottsdale town marshals began using two- and three-wheeled motorcycles for parking and law enforcement transportation. Kimsey is show here on the bike.

(Scottsdale Historical Society/Submitted)

Riding through Scottsdale’s motorcycle history

By Joan Fudala

Motorcyclists have been gathering at Scottsdale’s WestWorld every spring for Arizona Bike Week; this year, it’s March 29 to April 2.

They find the Scottsdale Airpark area a biker-friendly destination, with many dealerships, riding safety classes and great biking weather. Scottsdale’s motorcycle legends and lore date far earlier than the recent advent of Bike Week.

Take a ride through our motorcycle history:

• Motorcycles have been a mode of transportation in Arizona dating back to Territorial Days, circa 1900. An article in the 1915 Arizona Republican said two youth rode their motorcycles from Acre City (Van Buren/32nd Street) to

The newly created Scottsdale Water Department debuted its meter readers riding on electric, threewheeled, motorcyclelike carts in 1971.

(Scottsdale Heritage Connection/ Scottsdale Public Library/Submitted)

Scottsdale on a Sunday excursion.

• During the 1930s, the Indian Motorcycle baseball team played the Scottsdale Blues team in Scottsdale.

• Long before becoming Scottsdale’s first mayor after the town incorporated in 1951, Malcolm White served as a motorcycle patrolman.

• Among the 46 entries in Scottsdale’s second annaul Sunshine Festival (later named the Parada del Sol parade) were motorcycle police. During the 1950s, the Arizona Roadrunners Motorcycle Club performed at rodeos and had a polo drill team.

• One of the featured acts at the 1958 Arizona State Fair was the Pallenberg’s Bears, riding a motorcycle, juggling, playing musical instruments and performing other tricks.

• The town of Scottsdale authorized purchase of threewheeled motorcycles in 1960 for use by town marshals (forerunner of the Scottsdale Police Department) for parking enforcement. The Scottsdale Progress reported in February 1961 that the city council “approved purchase of a Harley Davidson two-wheel motorcycle for police use at a cost of $1,394.95 including tax. This bid was submitted by Arizona Harley Davidson Co. The purchase provides the local police department with one three-wheel cycle, two two-wheel cycles and four police cars.”

• In February 1960, Thunderbird Field No. 2 (now Scottsdale Airport) hosted an air show that included feats such as wing walking and the transfer of a man from a motorcycle to an airplane.

• South Mountain Speedway at 10001 S. Central in Phoenix held professional motorcycle races in the 1960s. Motorcycle races were also held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The Arizona Republic’s April 4, 1961, edition claimed that “former Scottsdale resident Jack O’Brien … is hailed as one of the better cycle racers in America and along with Joe Leonard is rated as one of the favorites. O’Brien’s father Jack Sr. still resides in Scottsdale …”

• When a summer storm knocked out power in Scottsdale and cut off communications at the police department, police officers brought a motorcycle police station lobby and resumed radio contact with their units using the bike’s radio … by lantern light.

• In 1963, a Pinnacle Peak area businessman and colorful character Don Pablo applied to Maricopa County for a permit to build a 65,000-seat sports amphitheater on the northeast corner of Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale roads. One of his planned uses was to be motorcycle racing. Several landowners filed suit, and although the amphitheater was approved, racing of any kind was not. It was never built, but Don Pablo’s curio stand at that corner was a popular weekend drive through his death in the 1970s. Today, it’s the site of the much quieter The Pinnacle of Scottsdale shopping center.

• Motorcycle Accessories of Scottsdale & Glendale operated in the 1970s at 3024 N. Scottsdale Road, and Motorcycle City was located at 2608 N. Scottsdale Road, advertising Suzuki, BMW and Moto Guzzi bikes.

• The Scottsdale Progress reported in its August 19, 1971, edition “Teenager Gary Wells made his debut in motorcycle stunt riding at Beeline Dragway Wednesday night by soaring over 12 1971 Rambler Gremlins.” Over 8,000 spectators watched the 14-year-old clear the cars.

Serving-up Award-Winning Professional Hospitality Staffing for Private & Corporate Events Nationwide

REMEMBER When

• The city of Scottsdale’s new water department’s meter readers began using an electric cart (like a three-wheeled motorcycle) in 1971 and 1972 to glide down neighborhood streets. They could read meters without getting off the open vehicle (unlike those who had previously used a pickup truck).

• World-renowned motorcycle stunt man Evel Knievel headlined the Wings and Wheels Spectacular at Beeline Dragway near Scottsdale in November 1972. A frequent visitor to Scottsdale in the 1970s, he was known to stay at the Granada Royale Hotel (now the Embassy Suites). In 1974, he performed his stunts at Beeline for ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” When it aired, the Main Street bar Mabel Murphy’s hosted a special showing. In 1975, Knievel played in the Phoenix Open Pro-Am, paired with tour professional golfer Tom Weiskopf. Knievel played in the 1976 Pro-Am tournament, paired with George Gobel and Tom Seaver.

• In 1978, 60 motorcyclists from Germany — all top salesmen for the Bavarian Motor Works — toured Arizona on their bikes, traveling 1,200 miles. According to the October 17, 1978,

Arizona Republic, which quoted Scottsdale’s Motorcycle City Parts Manager Don Sewell, “Arizona was selected tour state because the Germans thought, ‘It’s

the prettiest state in the United States and has wide open spaces that make travel great.’”

• Wings of Phoenix Motorcycle Show

Scottsdale Police Department’s motorcycle unit not only enforces the law, but represents the department in community events, like this 1984 Parada del Sol parade. (Scottsdale Historical Society/Submitted)

The Scottsdale Airpark is the site of numerous motorcycle dealerships, like this Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale location, billed as the largest in the world. (Joan

REMEMBER When

was held in August 1982 at Thomas Mall (now Arcadia Crossing), with over 50 custom bikes on display. It benefited the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

• Arizona Bike Week began circa 1997. By its eighth year it offered a festival of motorcycles, tours, parties, racing, contests and a five-day Cyclefest

at Rawhide (then at Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak roads). Now held at WestWorld of Scottsdale it includes demo rides, bands, a motocross stunt show, Miss Arizona Bike Week contest at the Handlebar Saloon and a tattoo contest. See azbikeweek.com for information.

• During the 2000s, Hayden Road in the Scottsdale Airpark became the epicenter for motorcycle dealerships. Among the many brands, the HarleyDavidson of Scottsdale dealership is billed as the largest Harley shop in the world, and offers a barber shop, tattoo studio and a variety of special events, from bikini bike washes to live music and food trucks.

• According to the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation’s website, there are 210,000 registered motorcycles in Arizona. An Arizona drivers license is required to operate a motorcycle. Motorcycle classes are offered by TEAM Arizona at HarleyDavidson of Scottsdale and GO AZ Motorcycles in Scottsdale. Heads up, drivers! Motorcycles are here to stay in Scottsdale and around Arizona. Let’s be safe out there. 

Fudala/Contributor)

ADVICE fromWeiss

APRIL 2023 Business Horoscopes

By Weiss Kelly, PMAFA

ARIES 3/21-4/20

You’re encouraged to take professional or personal risks this month. The full moon on April 6 is telling you to let go of anything or anyone who is nonproductive. Jupiter, the planet of luck, is in your sign. That’ll give you the confi dence and follow through to address self-care. Your fi nancial status is the focus after April 20. Reinvent yourself.

Personal power days: April 18 and April 19

TAURUS 4/21-5/20

Our lives and society in general will change in chaotic ways in the year ahead. You have to step out of your comfort zone. The banking crisis will force you to be more creative with business. Interest rate hikes will threaten your basic needs (April 21 to April 30). Limit your spending. Review your fi nances.

Personal power days: April 20 and April 21

GEMINI 5/21-6/20

Focus on matters at home. The fi rst eclipse is on April 20, putting you on a new path. Gemini is associated with communication, and I’m telling you that “digital” is your new mantra. The new moon signals a new approach.

Personal power days: April 22, April 23 and April 24

CANCER 6/21-7/22

April will be challenging and trigger emotions regarding family and business aff airs. Things will improve after April 7. Be cautious about fi nances. Agreements are confusing. Prices are going off the fi nancial radar; address these situations and be proactive.

Personal power days: April 25, April 26 and April 27

LEO 7/23-8/21

April’s showers may not bring those May flowers. This month’s Aries/Taurus energies highlight your creative and financial potential. Stock market investors should expect to see shockwaves. When the sun goes into the money sign of Taurus on April 20, you’ll hear echoes of recession and inflation. Underline the week ending the 21st, when confusion, conflicts, rumors and hidden truths reign. The last two weeks are more socially active.

Personal power days: April 1, April 28, April 29 and April 30

VIRGO 8/22-9/23

You like order and organization, but April will shift your agenda. Sun enters the sign of Taurus on April 20, allowing you to set a detailed plan. You’ll survive the housing chaos. Financial dealings will work out well by the end of the month.

Personal power days: April 2, April 3 and April 4

LIBRA 9/24-10/23

You’ll need to compromise in your professional life. Two major planets switching signs last month set you on a new path, allowing you to let go of your worn-out values. Be cautious in forming any partnerships because the planets are slowing down. Don’t overspend.

Personal power days: April 5 and April 6

SCORPIO 10/24-11/22

You like to be in control. Try not to react impulsively to the fi nancial crisis. Starting with April 7, you’ll have to deal with matters or people from the past. There are communications snafus; don’t sign anything without looking at it closely between April 7 and May 30.

Personal power days: April 7, April 8 and April 9

SAGITTARIUS 11/23-12/21

The black moon eclipse on April 20 will put you on a track of greater control. International aff airs are restricted. Happenings this month are difficult to predict. We will never go back to Kansas; we now reside in the AI world. Become tech savvy.

Personal power days: April 10 and April 11

CAPRICORN 12/22-1/19

All your hard work of the last two to three years has paid off , leaving you with a greater sense of reality and selfconfidence. Expect huge upsets in the corporate world. If you have a service or trade job, robots could take over.

Personal power days: April 12 and April 13

AQUARIUS 1/20-2/18

We will fi nally leave our past behind. This is the true age of Aquarius. The digital age of intelligence is where you may feel most comfortable. Take on a new trade between April 1 and April 21. Don’t panic about fi nancial matters; be conservative. You’ll feel the pull of a new career. Is it necessary?

Personal power days: April 14 and April 15

PISCES 2/19-3/20

Saturn has entered your sign for two years. Monetary stress will arise, some related to health care and medical issues. Take on part-time work. An art renaissance is taking place. Make sure and attend a cultural or creative event. A return to spirituality can be healing.

Personal power days: April 16 and April 23 