Scottsdale Progress 07-21-2019 by Times Media Group

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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This Week

NEWS................................... 8 Planning Commission split on tall office building

NEIGHBORS................. 16 Pageant queen fights for prison reform

SOUTH .............................21 OdySea now autism friendly

NEIGHBORS .........................16 OPINION .............................. 23 BUSINESS .............................24

ARTS .................................... 25 FOOD & DRINK...................28 CLASSIFIEDS .......................30

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Why city pulled back on $3M condo deal BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

ondo owner Paul Ng was surprised when he found out the City of Scottsdale had planned to buy a commercial unit at the Gateway at Main Street Plaza complex as part of a deal to remove a height restriction standing in the way of the Museum Square development. That deal, nixed by city staff just hours before the Council was set to vote on July 2, would have required taxpayers to shell out $2.25 million for a commercial condo unit and spend another $700,000 on renovations in return for lifting a 15-year-old height limit on city-owned land. Deed restrictions that date back nearly 100 years – one of which is racist with the other banning the sale of alcohol – also have complicated Scottsdale’s agreement to sell the city-owned land for $28 million. The removal of the height limit would allow ARC Scottsdale Holdings to build Museum Square, which includes a 150-foot-high hotel and residential buildings over 100 feet

Condo owner Paul Ng does not believe the Gateway at Main Street Plaza condominium’s HOA Board had the authority to remove a height restriction at the request of the City of Scottsdale and Museum Square developer ARC Scottsdale Holdings without ﬁrst consulting all owners in the community. (Kimberly Carillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

tall on land neighboring the condos. Ng, a past president of the HOA’s board, was surprised by the potential deal because he and other condo owners had not been

consulted. Rather, city staff made a presentation

tions, but the source of the complaint was unknown at the time. But new documents obtained by the Progress via Arizona’s public records laws show that Greenburg – who took of�ice in January – �iled the complaint on June 26 after reviewing audio recordings of two meetings. Greenburg told the Progress that he originally sought to view the meeting details to “to assess the veracity of com-

ments made in an executive session I attended and cannot be disclosed here.” However, due to delays in accessing the information, he was not able to use them for that purpose. Greenburg said he still listened to the meetings because he thought they may contain information relevant to discussions of internal auditing at the district –

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New school board member �iled AG complaint BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

cottsdale Uni�ied School District Governing Board Member Jann-Michael Greenburg �iled the recent complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Of�ice alleging open meeting law violations by current and former board members. The Progress �irst reported on July 14 that the AG is looking into alleged viola-

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CITY NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 4301 N 75th St., Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@scottsdale.org Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Managing Editor Wayne Schutsky | 480-898-6533 | wschutsky@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@scottsdale.org Colleen Sparks | 480-898-5638 | csparks@scottsdale.org Photographers Kimberly Carrillo | KCarrillo@scottsdale.org Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Marketing Director Lynette Carrington | 480-898-5621 Scottsdale Progress 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, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia. com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

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SUSD ��

something he called for during his campaign in 2018. “I felt that based on the publicly available agendas for those executive sessions, the topics of discussion could be useful for the internal auditing discussions and other matters that might come before the board,” Greenburg said. In the complaint, Greenburg alleged that current board members Barbara Perleberg and Sandy Kravetz and former board members Pam Kirby and Kim Hartmann violated open meeting laws in executive sessions on Dec. 14, 2017 and Feb. 28, 2018. Greenburg’s complaint also states that current board member Allyson Beckham was present, but he was unsure whether she actively participated in the conversation. Perleberg, Kravetz, Kirby, Hartmann and Beckham did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the district declined comment on the investigation. Greenburg wrote that during the December 2017 meeting, Beckham and SUSD general counsel Michelle Marshall both left the meeting early. In a video of the public portion of the meeting available on the district’s YouTube page, Perleberg states that Beckham left the meeting early. Greenburg told the AG that left Perleberg, Kravetz, Kirby, Hartmann and former Superintendent Denise Birdwell in attendance. During the second meeting in February 2018, Greenburg alleged, all board members were present along with Marshall and attorneys Susan Segal and Denise Lowell-Britt, both outside counsel for the district. Segal and Lowell-Britt did not respond to a request for comment. Details of the alleged discussions were heavily redacted in the documents provided to the Progress, and Green-

Allyson Beckham

Jann Michael Greenburg

Kim Hartmann

Pam Kirby

Sandy Kravetz

Barbara Perleberg

burg does not specify exactly what the board members discussed. Greenburg alleged that in both executive sessions, the board discussed topics not listed on the publicly available agenda. Arizona state law allows school boards and other public bodies to meet in executive session out of public view in limited situations, including receiving legal advice, discuss potential employment decisions or discuss pending contracts under negotiation. However, in most cases, the school board is required to provide notice before an executive session that includes “a general description of the matters to be considered,” according to statute. Greenburg wrote that “as a matter of prudence and on advice of counsel, I am refraining from revealing the content of the executive sessions in this complaint.” Greenburg wrote that he is prepared to describe the conversations to investiga-

tors from the Attorney General’s Of�ice and requested they review the minutes and sound recordings of the meetings. He also told the AG that he did not believe the alleged violations were “harmless or innocuous.” “Although the open meeting law violations described here predate this complaint by more than a year, there was no lack of diligence in discovering the violations,” he wrote. “I believe the open meeting law violations I describe in this complaint concern matters of signi�icant public interest.” The Attorney General’s Of�ice sent a letter to Segal on July 3 notifying her and the district it was looking into the complaint. The district has 30 days from receipt of the letter to comply with requests by the attorney general to produce meeting minutes, available audio or video recordings and af�idavits from all those present at the meetings.

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‘New’ Coronado principal excited about new year BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

n the months leading up to the new school year, Scottsdale Uni�ied School District of�icially named a number of new principals throughout the district – but at least one of those “new” principals will be a familiar face to students. Coronado High School Principal Amy Palatucci led the campus with the interim title last school year. The SUSD Governing Board removed that temporary designation in June. To say that Palatucci is champing at the bit to get back on campus with her students is an understatement. Coronado High School hosted summer school for the district this year and Palatucci hung out at the gates to greet incoming students – just like she does during the school year. “I stood there and I greeted them because I missed having kids around,” Palatucci said. The passion Palatucci carries for her job – and the Coronado community – is evident the moment she starts talk-

The SUSD Governing Board officially named Amy Palatucci the principal of Coronado High School over the summer. Palatucci was Coronado’s interim principal last school year. (Scottsdale Unified School District)

ing about her plans for the upcoming school year. “There really is a sense of community and a sense of family here,” Palatucci said. “I have loved every minute of it.” She also praised business leaders and the community for taking an active in-

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terest in the school, saying the Scottsdale Charros, SUSD Foundation and the Coronado Foundation for the Future are some of the school’s biggest supporters. With the bene�it of one year on campus already, Palatucci has already de�ined her approach to promoting student success. “I have narrowed it down to three tiers or three levels,” she said. The �irst tier is assessing instruction on a daily basis and providing the necessary support for teachers, so they can prepare students for an ever-advancing and changing world. “What do I need to do to prepare teachers to prepare kids?” she said. Palatucci said she also focuses on nurturing a collaborative environment in which the community feels comfortable bringing their ideas to the table. “I want parents and business leaders to come in and share their expertise, ideas and opportunities that kids can bene�it from,” Palatucci said. The last tier is using targeted interventions to meet the individual needs of each student to give them the best chance to succeed. While Palatucci enjoyed her �irst year at the school, she said, she anticipates great things this school year after having time to plan and prepare. “This year I am really excited to go into it having had the summer to plan,” Palatucci said. Those plans include developing a principal advisory committee at Coro-

nado, which she refers to as the “center of the community.” The committee would be made up of key local leaders who can meet with her regularly to talk about issues important to the school and community. Palatucci also has plans to work within the framework set by the Coronado Success Imitative, or CSI, to �ind new ways to help students succeed. The Coronado Success Initiative is collaboration started in 2017 between SUSD, Arizona State University and other stakeholder groups designed to improve academic performance and outcomes for students at Coronado High School. Within the CSI program, Palatucci said all teachers are challenged to come up with a project that can bene�it students. The focus of the projects could cover a wide range of issues, from speci�ic subjects to social and emotional health. Palatucci said she is currently working with teachers and “going through the project design process” to determine what problems they are trying to solve and what resources they need to solve them. Palatucci also wants to expand the school’s mentorship program, which pairs students with adult mentors on campus. She said the ultimate goal is to pair every student on campus with a mentor. She said the mentor program has had positive results so far and that students benefit from the positive encouragement from adults “who can make them feel that they do matter and they can do it.” She would know. Palatucci said that she was not always the best student and still remembers a speci�ic teacher in school who encouraged her to do better and had a real, tangible impact in her life. That teacher still remembers Palatucci, too. When she was visiting her hometown in Pennsylvania on the Fourth of July “that teacher who made a difference saw me and pulled me out of the crowd.” Palatucci is excited to work with teachers, staff and the community to have a similar impact on students at Coronado. “The best thing I have learned is there is really a strong sense of community here and a family feel I have not felt any other schools,” Palatucci said.

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Despite parking concerns, high of�ice building gets OK BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

proposed 150-foot downtown of�ice building surpassed a major hurdle on July 10 when it received thumbs up from the Scottsdale Planning Commission. Still, The Marquee, a class-A of�ice building that would sit just north of the Scottsdale Galleria Corporate Centre on Scottsdale Road, did not win over every commissioner, with both Christian Serena and Ali Fakih expressing reservations they thought merited further discussion. The Planning Commission ultimately voted 4-2 to recommend the project for approval to the City Council. Serena and Fakih opposed the motion. Vice Chair Prescott Smith recused himself prior to the vote. Both Serena and Fakih expressed support for the use, saying high-end of�ice space makes sense on the site. However, Serena expressed concerns about parking and how the building’s proximity to the street affects the downtown area. Fakih also said he would have liked to have more time to discuss the building’s massing and whether or not the existing pedestrian connections and infrastructure in the area would be able to support the in�lux of employees in the area at rush-hour times like lunch. A spirited back-and-forth between Serena and zoning attorney Jason Morris dominated much of the meeting, with Serena pressing Morris to justify The Marquee’s new 150-foot height request and to commit that the project will provide adequate parking for its tenants. City Council previously approved The Marquee in 2016 at a maximum height of 90 feet. Morris said the developer, Galleria owner Stockdale Capital Partners, is going back through the zoning process to request a Type 3 designation, which allows for heights up to 150 feet. That designation did not exist when The Marquee was approved in 2016. Morris said the proposal is essentially the same except for the added height. Council approved a new character area plan for downtown Scottsdale in July 2018 that created the new Type 3 areas. Serena voiced concerns that the Marquee could contribute to parking problems in the surrounding area, citing a 2015 city study that concluded the Gal-

Planning Commissioner Christian Serena was one of two commissioners on July 2 to vote against recommending the City Council approve zoning approvals for The Marquee, a proposed 150-foot office building near the Galleria Corporate Centre in downtown Scottsdale. (Special to the Progress)

leria was under-parked by 1,981 spaces. It also found that Galleria would remain signi�icantly under-parked even after a recent expansion to the on-site garage. Several residents and local business owners also voiced concerns that the new project would negatively affect parking. Morris, saying The Marquee would exceed the city’s parking requirements, challenged the conclusions of the 2015 report. “There has been a signi�icant change to the uses at the Galleria (since 2015),” Morris said, contending the demand for parking at the Galleria has decreased. At the time of the study, the largest parking demand at the property was by tenant McKesson, which operated a call center “that utilized employees per square foot at much higher ratio than we have today,” Morris said. Commissioner Larry Kush said he recently walked the Galleria garage and found an abundance of open spaces. Serena also questioned what bene�it the city will receive from increasing the increased height and having no or limited stepbacks on Scottsdale Road and Shoeman Lane. “I think the intent when we went to Type 3 is the city will receive a signi�i-

cant bene�it for this 150 feet,” Serena said. “It wasn’t just that arbitrarily goes to 150 feet.” Under the previously approved plan, the developer had committed to building multiple levels of underground parking. Morris said constructing underground parking costs about $17,000 per stall more than above-ground parking and that the previous plan was no longer feasible. “We missed a window because the building at some point just wasn’t feasible based upon the amount of of�ice versus the cost of the underground parking and the rates that could be achieved,” Morris said. Serena said the bene�it to the developer is clear because it will be able to increase the square footage of rentable space in the building by 25 percent and decrease parking construction costs by around $20 million. The developer also will contribute over $2 million in development fees under the new plan versus $685,000 under the old plan. “Given (the developer’s) savings of $20 million, where is the city picking up a similar value aside from $2 million in added development fees?” Serena said.

“People say, ‘What’s the benefit to Scottsdale?’ Jobs are a huge benefit.” –Commissioner Larry Kush

Kush said the bene�it of the project to the city was jobs. “People say, ‘What’s the bene�it to Scottsdale?’ Jobs are a huge bene�it,” Kush said. Morris echoed that sentiment, saying the project provides available of�ice space in an area “that is lacking in those of�ice opportunities.” Morris said the developer has already had interest from potential new tenants and existing Galleria tenants that want to expand. Morris said citizens will also bene�it from the new project. “In terms of the experience for Scottsdale citizens, it is a better project,” Morris said. He said the city will receive dedications and improvements to Scottsdale Road and Shoeman Lane for improvements that the city would have had purchase otherwise.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

Bond group solves sign recycling challenge

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he political action committee supporting the passage of Scottsdale’s bond package in November has taken steps to limit the effect it will have on the environment by committing to recycling all campaign signs after the election. For the Best Scottsdale Political Action Committee is also having its signs made from recycled materials. “It had always been our intention that our signs would be recyclable – that was from the get-go,” campaign co-chair Paula Sturgeon said. As it turns out, living up to that commitment was no easy feat. The campaign initially thought it could recycle the corrugated plastic signs it is using at any recycling facility, but that was not the case because many municipal and private recyclers no longer accept that material, according to the campaign. Following the 2018 election, John Stumbaugh, of the Solid Waste Services department, said the city’s contracted recycler accepts only solid, �lat plastic signs and not the corrugated ones most commonly used during campaigns. According to a campaign press release, “the market for some recycled materials has been drastically reduced recently since China stopped accepting most recyclable material from the United States.” The campaign credited Scottsdale resident and activist Emily Austin with bringing the recycling issue to its attention. The campaign reached out to private recycling companies throughout the Valley and found B&L Polymer Processing in Phoenix, a �irm that will recycle corrugated plastic. “We contacted our sign installer and they’ve agreed to take all the signs when they take them down to B&L Polymer and they will be recycled,” said Mike Scerbo of the Rose + Moser + Allyn public relations �irm, which is working on the campaign. Scerbo said using recycled materials and ensuring the signs are recycled after the election will result in marginal added costs for the campaign, “but certainly it’s well worth it.” It will cost the campaign a few more dollars per sign for the recycled material and a “couple hundred dollars” to have the signs delivered to the recycling facility.

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The For the Best Scottsdale Political Action Committee supporting passage of Scottsdale’s upcoming bond package has committed to recycling all of its campaign signs, which are also made from recycled materials. (For The Best Scottsdale PAC)

Sturgeon said the decision was the right one for the community. ”It’s driven by looking around the table at our steering committee and knowing their depth of passion for this city,” Sturgeon said. “Many of those around the table had been aware of trouble from the last election (with recycling signs) and that we needed to do this right – recycle when we can, reuse when we can, and be good stewards of everything that we’re doing.” Austin, who said she veri�ied that B&L Polymer will accept the signs, applauded the campaign’s decision. “I’m absolutely thrilled,” Austin said. “I challenged (Rose + Moser + Allyn) and basically said you need to use recyclable or biodegradable materials, and they came through.” This is not the �irst time Austin has fought to stop signs from ending up in the trash. Following the last election, she stored signs in her garage and looked for solutions to recycle or repurpose them. Some of those signs, including those for Councilwoman Solange Whitehead, were repurposed as shade structures at Liberty Wildlife, a Phoenix-based nonpro�it that provides animal rehabilitation, conservation and education services At that time, Austin said she was surprised to �ind out most campaign signs were not accepted by recycling facilities. Austin said she wants to reach out to local and state politicians in the future to organize collection points for campaign signs to be collected and delivered to recyclers that do accept corrugated plastics.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

City Council revising rules on recusals BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

he Scottsdale City Council has taken steps to implement new rules governing how often members of city boards and commissions can recuse themselves due to a con�lict of interest. The Council originally asked city staff in February to include those rule changes as part of a larger package of changes to board and commission regulations. Staff came back to the Council with the proposed changes on July 1, though of�icial adoption was pushed to a later date so that staff could update language to better re�lect Council priorities. The recusal issue came to a head in March when community activists complained about the recusal rates on the city’s Planning Commission, arguing the high number of recusals indicated that several commissioners were too cozy with the industry they were supposed to regulate. The issue came to a head when former Commissioner Amy Pasquel made negative comments about activists who voiced concerns over the then-gestating Papago Plaza redevelopment.

Scottsdale Councilwoman Linda Milhaven asked city staff to rework a proposed rule limiting the number of times a board or commission member can recuse themselves for conﬂict of interest. (Progress file photo)

Pasquel, whose husband worked on the development, later resigned. Of�icially, she resigned because she moved to Phoenix. However, some critics pointed to her comments and the potential con�lict of interest as the real driving force. At the time, Alley told the Progress that Pasquel’s con�lict was indicative of a larger issue on the Planning Commission. “If there’s that many con�licts of inter-

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are recusing yourself from would be more likely to demonstrate whether somebody is more likely to demonstrate whether somebody is excessive in it,” Lane said Milhaven suggested tabling the discussing until a future meeting so that staff could rewrite the rule to allow removal of a board or commission member if they recused themselves from 25 percent of total items discussed during a rolling six-month period. The Council supported Milhaven’s proposal, approving it on a 5-2 vote. Councilwomen Suzanne Klapp and Solange Whitehead voted against the measure. Alley said the 25 percent item threshold sounded reasonable to her. “It’s a �ine balance having people on commissions that fully understand the issues they are working on…but if they have continued recusals I still question how they can be effective,” Alley said. Regardless of the speci�ic rule, Alley she is glad the Council is discussing the issue. “Either way, having some sort of standard in place is important,” Alley said. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the new rules at its next regular meeting on Aug. 27, according to a preliminary agenda on the city’s website.

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est, are they really representing the citizens? Or are they representing the developer and the architect and whoever else (they work with)?” Alley asked. The new rules being considered by the City Council would allow for removal of board or commission members if they recuse themselves for con�lict of interest too many times in a preset period of time. The rules brought before the Council on July 2 would have removed commissioners if they had a 25 percent annual recusal rate, based on total meetings. However, the Council asked staff to amend the proposed rule after Councilwoman Linda Milhaven expressed concerns that it did not accurately re�lect the council’s intention. “I think that really misrepresents the impact of a recusal, because one meeting may have ten items and another meeting may have two items,” Milhaven said. “To say, a recusal for a single item on a single day has the same impact, I think that is distorting the impact of the recusal.” Milhaven had the support of Mayor Jim Lane, who also thought the new rules as originally proposed were too aggressive. “The impact of the number of items you

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

DEED ��

to the homeowners association board, which signed off on the deal. Ng is concerned that all the condo owners would not share the pro�its from the height restriction removal, and he does not believe the HOA board had the authority to unilaterally remove the restriction. According to city documents, the withdrawn plan included a city payment of $2.25 million for the ground-�loor condo unit to an entity owned by Madeleine Ferris, a Houston resident who owned developer Arruth Associates with her late husband, Alan. Arruth Associates originally built Gateway at Main Street Plaza as the �irst phase in a larger development that fell apart. Arts District Development LLC – an entity owned by the Ferris family – signed off on a declaration of covenants and restrictions with the city in November 2004. Ferris is now leveraging that agreement to sell a piece of her property at a premium. The commercial unit’s appraised value is $1.45 million – meaning taxpayers would be forking over $800,000 above that so the height restriction can be lifted. “It’s also important to understand that the seller’s asking price from the outset

Condo owner Paul Ng explains why he thinks the HOA board improperly approved a proposed deal with the city, arguing that all the condo owners should have been consulted and had a chance to vote. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

was a �irm $2.25 million,” Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell said. If the deal had gone through, the unit would have housed Museum of the West of�ices displaced by eventual Museum Square construction and would cost the city another $700,000 in renovations. As part of the deal, the Gateway at Main Street Plaza board of directors agreed to remove the height restriction even though Ferris is receiving all the proceeds. “The City of Scottsdale and the devel-

oper of the proposed Museum Square project met twice with the Gateway at Main Street Homeowners,” board President Dick Lamden said. “After hearing a comprehensive overview of the proposed project, noting that the Museum of the West would be the bene�iciary of the space, the board authorized my signing so that the commercial unit could be sold,” he said. Ng said he is not opposed to the Museum Square project and thinks it would

which includes multiple buildings over 100 feet tall. Museum Square is not the first attempt by the city to partner with a developer to redevelop city-owned land. In 2002, the city agreed to a redevelopment agreement with Arts District Group LLC, an entity owned by Alan and Madeleine Ferris of Houstonbased Arruth Associates. The Ferrises' company came to an agreement to purchase much of the land now set aside for Museum of the West, including the land that currently houses the Gateway at Main Street Plaza condominiums just west of Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The condo complex, which includes residential and commercial space at Main Street and Goldwater Boulevard, was intended to be the first of several phases that would have expanded over additional land parcels in the area and included three-story residential buildings, ground level retail and a restaurant.

The developer had also committed to improve the Scottsdale Artists’ School parking lot and the then-functioning Loloma transit station. The deal included staggered options and deadlines giving Arts District Group the right to purchase additional parcels as it built out its project. However, the Gateway condos – once envisioned as the first of many phases – ended up being the only piece that got off the ground. A confluence of factors – referred to as a “financial tsunami” by the Ferris’ attorney in court filings – tanked the project. Ultimately, the city deemed the redevelopment agreement null and void in 2008 when an entity of the Ferris family failed to exercise options to purchase more parcels by deadlines that had been extended multiple times by a succession of city managers. The exact circumstances surrounding the agreement’s demise are the subject of some debate and Ferris

ultimately bene�it nearby businesses. However, Ng takes issue with the fact that he and other owners were not consulted about removing the restriction and that the HOA gave the restriction away for nothing. “My issue here is that nobody over there has the right to sell my interest,” said Ng, who said he has spoken with other owners who feel the same way. Ng believes the HOA is required under Arizona state law to bring the proposal before owners. “If the majority of owners agree (to lift the restriction), then I have to go along with it,” Ng said. “But my personal rights and �inancial rights are being given away to one individual property owner for her own gain.” Arizona law does not give condo HOA boards the power to amend condominium declarations on behalf of all owners. However, it is unclear if that prohibition also applies to this height restriction, which was agreed to separately from the condo’s overarching declaration. Ng also argues that the HOA board has a �iduciary obligation to its members to bring the proposal before them because the height restriction now has a monetary value.

�� DEED �� 14

Height limit re�lects shifting city development goals BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

15-year-old height restriction blocking the proposed Museum Square development has shed light on how the City of Scottsdale’s development priorities have shifted over the past two decades. The restriction was connected to a now-defunct 2002 redevelopment agreement between the city and a Houston-based developer and limits heights of structures to 60 feet on some city-owned land in the area northeast of Goldwater Boulevard and Second Street. Much of that land is currently slated to become Museum Square, a mixeduse development by ARC Scottsdale Holdings. The city agreed to sell the land to the developer for $28 million in 2018. The sale is contingent on the city’s removal of deed restrictions and Council’s zoning approval for the project,

took the city to court in an attempt to enforce some aspects of the agreement after the city nixed the deal. Following the success of the first phase of development, an entity of the Ferris family attempted to secure funding for Phase 2 – a requirement before it could exercise its options on new parcels. The developer secured a terms sheet with JP Morgan for a $45 million loan in October 2007, according to court filings. However, that deal fell apart within months as the savings and loan crisis decimated confidence in the market. Large institutions, including JP Morgan, stopped offering condo construction loans. That effectively killed the deal. At the time, then-Councilmen Bob Littlefield and Ron McCullagh argued the end of the deal could work out in the city’s favor because it would be

�� HEIGHT �� 15

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DEED �� 12

When asked whether or not the city believes the condo board had the power to approve lifting the restriction, Stockwell replied: “It is the HOA’s responsibility to follow their processes to approve the release, just as it is the city’s responsibility to follow its processes to approve the release.” Lamden did not respond to a request for comment about what bylaw gives the HOA board the power to lift the restriction unilaterally. Gateway at Main Street Plaza, originally built by Ferris’ Arruth Partners, is governed by a complicated collection of contracts, covenants and amendments that have gone into effect over the past 15 years. In some cases, the board is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the homeowners while others require a vote of all owners. The November 2004 agreement that imposed the height restriction does include a mechanism for amending the agreement – though it is unclear whether it can be used to nullify the restriction altogether. An amendment requires the approval of “either (a) the owners of not less than two-thirds by area of the developer property if the developer property is not subject to a condominium declaration or homeowner’s association or (b) the governing association of the owners if the developer property is subject to a condominium declaration or a homeowner’s association.” The “developer property” is the Gateway at Main Street Condo building, which is subject to a condominium declaration. The declaration empowers the board to make all decisions without owner approval “unless the condominium documents or the Condominium Act speci�ically require a vote of the members.” Ng said he plans to contact the board and request that any new proposals to purchase the height restriction, by the city or the developer, be brought before all owners in the community. “The developer will have to deal with the HOA, and the HOA will have to deal with the owners, and that’s the way that it should be,” Ng said. That height restriction is not the only roadblock standing in the way of Museum Square, though. “The grantor grants, sells and conveys the property subject to the following express conditions and stipulations…no saloon, bar or house of ill fame shall ever be allowed thereon; that no part of said premises shall ever be conveyed, trans-

The proposed Museum Square development includes multiple buildings over 100 feet tall and cannot move forward without the removal of a deed restriction limiting heights to 60 feet on parcels the developer is purchasing from the City of Scottsdale.

ferred, let or demised to any person or persons other than the Caucasian race.” Those are just a few of the restrictions included in a warranty deed for three parcels of land on the south side of Main Street between Marshall Avenue and Goldwater Boulevard that were sold to Henry and Mary Walthall in 1920, according to documents on �ile with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Of�ice. That area generally now houses Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, the Gateway at Main Street Plaza condos and cityowned land that is in the process of being sold to the Museum Square developer. The 1920 deed, and other potential restrictions on the land, is one factor that led the city staff to pull the proposed city purchase of the Gateway condo earlier this month. Jason Rose, a spokesman for the developer, con�irmed that the deal is contingent on the city removing all deed restrictions. However, Rose does not view the 1920 deed as a major impediment, saying many titles dating back to Scottsdale’s beginnings included similarly antiquated restrictions. “Those are not speci�ic to Museum

Square,” Rose said. “Those are part of almost every title report in Old Town Scottsdale, and cleaning those up is a matter of routine business.” To Rose, removing the height restriction is the major issue. However, the 1920 deed was enough of a concern to city staff, which pulled the condo sale just hours before the July 2 City Council meeting. At the time, staff would only say the item was pulled “due to new information discovered that requires additional investigation and negotiation.” Documents provided to the Progress under Arizona’s public records law revealed that the new information included the century-old deed. Stockwell said “that restriction was recently uncovered by the city. Staff is reviewing the implications on the Loloma Land parcels,” referring to the land under agreement to be sold by the city to ARC Scottsdale Holdings. Stockwell said the racist language in the deed is not a concern because it has long been invalidated by federal antidiscrimination laws. However, other restrictions in the deed

could pose a problem for Museum Square. The deed, in addition to banning bars on the property, also includes a prohibition against the sale of wine, beer and liquor on site. It is likely the Museum Square hotel, which would include a restaurant, would serve alcohol. This would pose a problem if the deed still carries legal weight and any part of the proposed hotel would sit on the parcels subject to the 1920 deed. “I think the core issue is the removal of any restrictions, which would preclude the Museum Square project from being built as proposed, should the City Council choose to approve the rezoning case,” Stockwell said. In addition to the alcohol ban, Stockwell said the city is also concerned about property setback restrictions in the 1920 deed. The deed, which allows for hotels and residential uses, restricts dwelling units from being within 30 feet of the frontline of the property and 10 feet from side street lines. It also prohibits garages and barns from being within 75 feet of the front streetline of the property. Development standards proposed by the developer for Museum Square include setbacks at ground level between 20 and 30 feet. Removing deed restrictions on the land is the city’s responsibility, according to the sale agreement between Scottsdale and the developer. Some Scottsdale residents had criticized the condo purchase proposal for using public dollars to bene�it a developer. Rose also argued that the city will bene�it from removing the height restriction. Rose said the $28 million land sale price agreed to by the city and the developer is based on the height restriction being removed and that the land would not fetch as much money if the 60-foot restriction remains in place. “When we talk about $25 million to $30 million, that’s based on (the proposal) in front of you and the community now,” Rose said. “If you talk about going down to 60 feet, then that number drops dramatically.” According to the city, an appraisal found that the value of the city’s land will increase from $100 per square foot to $121 per square foot if the restriction is lifted. “Since the City’s land burdened by the deed restriction is approximately 405,000 (square feet), the value of the deed restriction termination is well in excess of the difference between the acquisition price and the appraised value for the G-101 condo,” according to a City Council memo.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

HEIGHT �� 12

able to fetch market rates for the land instead of the prices negotiated back in 2002, according to the Scottsdale Republic. That prediction turned out to be prescient. Under the old deal, the city would have netted around $5 million for all of its available parcels – much less than the $28 million ARC Scottsdale Holdings is committed to spending on the land. The Ferrises pinned some of the blame for the failure of the deal on the city, arguing officials dragged their feet on design and entitlement approvals and other commitments needed to move forward with Phase 2. The Ferrises' attorneys argued that the city had failed to live up to its commitment to build a cultural center or museum just east of the first condo complex. That land is now home to Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Under the original agreement, Scottsdale was required to begin work on a museum or gallery shortly after the developer purchased its �irst parcel of land. That didn’t happen. The developer closed on the Annex Parcel – now the Gateway condos – in 2002. The Museum of the West did not open on the adjacent site until 2015, long after the dispute was settled. The Ferrises attempted to purchase the planned museum site, which was allowed under the contract if the city failed to meet its obligations to build a museum. However, the court ultimately sided with the city in the dispute because the developer did not attempt to purchase the museum parcel until after the entire agreement had already terminated. A judge decided the agreement terminated no later than May 7, 2008. Beyond the Gateway at Main Street Plaza, one other vestige of the doomed development agreement remains: the height restriction. The language of the restriction agreement suggests the city agreed to the developer’s request for the height restriction. The contract reads “city and developer desire to impose certain use restrictions on the city property for the benefit of the developer property.”

The Gateway at Main Street Plaza condo complex is all that resulted from a massive redevelopment agreement between the City of Scottsdale and developer Arruth Associates ﬁrst signed in 2002. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

In July 2018, the City Council unanimously approved a new Old Town Character Area Plan that allows for more height in downtown Scottsdale. The purple shaded areas show Type 3 development areas, where heights are authorized up to 150 feet. (City of Scottsdale)

CITY NEWS

In addition to the 60-foot height restriction, the contract banned certain uses from the land – such as gas stations, trailer parks, warehouses and department stores. The city agreed to those restrictions even though the developer had not yet – and eventually didn’t – but the land. Now, that very same developer – Madeleine Ferris of Houston – is attempting to leverage that restriction to maximize the value of a commercial unit at Gateway she is attempting to sell to the city for $2.25 million, well above the $1.4 million appraisal. The city was able to secure a commitment from the Gateway condos to waive the height restriction if the city purchases a condo unit to house Museum of the West offices. Former Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, who was in office at the time the Arts District Development agreement was signed, said that 20 years ago, the city was not looking for the type of tall and dense development slated for the site today. “No one wanted half of downtown to be high-profile development,” Manross said. Manross said the height restriction protected what she viewed as the unique character of the Arts district that included many historic, low-profile buildings. “We were concerned about maintaining the unique character of our downtown with a use that was complimentary to arts community,” Manross said. That vision has changed since Manross left office. Over the years, the city’s development priorities have shifted toward higher, denser development in some areas of downtown. In July 2018, the City Council unanimously approved a new Old Town Character Area Plan that allows for heights up to 150 feet in certain areas of downtown Scottsdale. Developers, including Museum Square’s ARC Scottsdale Holdings, have already begun applying for zoning changes to allow them to take advantage of the Type 3 designation allowing for those heights. Other developments seeking Type 3 zoning including the Marquee office building project next to the Scottsdale Galleria Corporate Centre and Carter Unger’s proposed Southbridge development near 5th Avenue and Scottsdale Road.

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Companies, others offer back-to-school help to draw an estimated 15,000 attendees, kindergarten through eighth grade students and family members can pick up backpacks, notebooks, writing utensils and more while supplies last. The HeroZona Foundation event will also offer college prep workshops from Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University, a carnival-like atmosphere with games, and a free breakfast catered by Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering. Baxter, the mascot of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Sparky, the mascot of Arizona State University; and the Phoenix Suns’ Gorilla will all make special ap-

pearances as well. “Our goal is to make sure that Arizona students focus on getting a good education, instead of worrying about how to purchase the basic supplies necessary to start the year,” said U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and HeroZona Foundation co-founder Alan “AP” Powell. “Through providing the resources necessary for their school year, we are investing in our future leaders and building stronger communities,” Powell added. Over the past six years, the Tools 4

Since the competition, Hua has spent her summer assisting with a workshop at Perryville Women’s Correctional Facility in Goodyear with Arizona Common Ground, a community-based organization founded in 2011 that provides re-entry services to medium- to high-risk youth and adults once released from incarceration back to Maricopa County. “My opinion is that the Arizona Department of Corrections – and all prison systems, in general – should be a place of corrections and rehabilitation. It should not be a place where widespread human rights abuses can occur and then be swept As a current local titleholder in the Miss America Organization, northunder the rug,” Hua said. ern Scottsdale resident Laetitia Hua has dedicated her year of service “Prisons should also not to advocating for criminal justice reform in Arizona. (Karlie Colleen Photogramake inmates come out as phy/Special to the Progress) worse people,” she added. In an effort to reduce recidivism rates, ongoing case management, educational Arizona Common Ground utilizes evi- programming, mentoring and workforce dence-based practices, providing all in- development. “If we are serious about reducing crime, dividuals who are in its re-entry program

Arizona needs to start giving inmates the necessary resources to adjust to society and start a new life,” said Hua, who is vocal about her efforts on Twitter. “Everyone has an interest in making our criminal justice system better,” she continued. “This is about ultimately making our community safer when we’re able to properly rehabilitate inmates so they don’t come out worse.” Hua’s most recent visit to Perryville took place earlier this month. “I am really inspired by how strong these women are – some of them have gone through the most heartbreaking situations and are still hopefully and committed to turning their lives around,” she said. During the re-entry workshop, Hua listened to the women’s stories and offered help on editing the inmates’ resumes, among other services. At the end of one workshop, a woman, with tears in her eyes, approached Hua and thanked her for her advocacy work. “She told me, ‘You have no idea what you just did for me,’” Hua recalled. “Before moments like these, I really doubted whether my advocacy work would contribute anything, and I didn’t know what I could really offer these women. “I realized that just being there and

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

ith the start of the school year right around the corner, many organizations and businesses around the Valley, including Scottsdale, are either still in need of school supplies or ready to hand out supplies to students in need. Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization HeroZona Foundation will host its seventh annual Phoenix Tools 4 Schools event 7-11 a.m. July 27 at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix. At the free event, which is expected

Youngsters in need will start the school year right thanks to numerous Scottsdale efforts. (HeroZona Foundation/Special to the Progress)

see TOOLS page 17

Local pageant queen fights for prison reform BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

rizona has the fourth-highest incarceration rate in the nation, according to the Department of Justice, with an estimated 18 percent of those released returning to prison within six months. Among the people fighting to reduce recidivism – and better treatment of inmates – is Laetitia Hua, a current local titleholder in the Miss America Organization who has dedicated her year of service to advocating for criminal justice reform in Arizona. Hua was crowned Miss Maricopa County 2019 in September and won the Evening Gown and Social Impact Statement portions of this year’s Miss Arizona 2019. At the competition, which took place June 20 to 22, Hua used the beauty pageant stage to give an impassioned speech, during which she implored the audience to join her in her fight for a better justice system. “As a lawyer, I am prepared to change laws and help inmates break the cycle of crime,” said Hua, a northern Scottsdale resident, Chaparral High School alum and graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Edinburgh School of Law.

see LAETITIA page 17

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TOOLS �� page 16

Schools annual event has impacted more than 40,000 students and family members. Leading up to the annual event, members of HeroZona Foundation, along with community partners and volunteers, will pack the backpacks at South Mountain Community College on July 25. Those interested in helping to pack the bags and/or volunteer at the event itself can register online at herozona. org/volunteer. Also taking place July 27, Scottsdalebased Integrity Capital and Phoenix Rescue Mission will hand out school uniforms for children of homeless and low-income families. Integrity Capital and Phoenix Rescue Mission beat their fundraising goal of $15,000 by over $2,000. They ended up raising $17,350, and the money was used to purchase school uniforms. Families can pick up uniforms from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 at Jack L. Kuban

LAETITIA �� page 16

showing them that people in the community care about them means so much to a lot of these women.” Hua studied criminal justice at the University of Edinburgh, where she learned what other countries have done to improve recidivism rates. “Although this was in a very academic context, it made me aware of why putting people in prison and being ‘tough on crime’ without rehabilitation doesn’t work,” she said, adding, “Treating people with human dignity, giving them mental health resources, access to opportunities and helping them adjust to society helps.” In addition to working with incarcerated women, Hua has worked with FWD. us, a bipartisan political organization, the American Civil Liberties Union and elected officials and community organizations to advocate for criminal justice reform in the state. More recently, Hua met with State Rep. Walter Blackman, who asked Hua her thoughts on House Bill 2270, a bill that would have reduced Arizona’s requirement that inmates serve 85 percent of their sentence. The bill, which failed to advance earlier this year, would have also allowed inmates to earn up to 50 percent off their sentence. “I want to help push criminal justice bills forward since most of them died last legislative season,” Hua said. “I will continue

Elementary School in Phoenix. For students in the foster care system, specifically, TruWest Credit Union is hosting its Back-to-School Supply Drive through August 16 at its eight branch locations and headquarters. Items in need include lined notebook paper, composition books, glue, all writing utensils, three-ring binders, scissors and much more. A full list of supplies needed is posted on TruWest’s website at truwest.org/ school-supply-drive. Donations will benefit Helen’s Hope Chest, a Mesa-based nonprofit that supports Arizona’s foster families, and Baty Elementary School in Austin, Texas. Those interested in donating can drop off supplies during business hours at TruWest Credit Union’s McCormick Branch at 7333 N. Via Paseo Del Sur. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix (BGCMP) has teamed up with Twin Peaks for a summer sports equipment drive. “We are thrilled to partner with Twin

see TOOLS page 18

Youngster show off the backpacks they received last year from the HeroZona Foundation, one of many Scottsdale groups and companies helping needy kids get a good start on the new school year. (HeroZona Foundation/Special to the Progress)

Letitia Hua is thankful that her Miss Arizona platform helps her reach a different demographic when it comes to her campaign for prison reform.

finding opportunities to talk to elected representatives about this issue.” Hua plans to meet with Blackman again regarding possible improvements to the bill. Hua is also committed to advocating for better healthcare of inmates. Recently, she received a phone call from a woman whose brother passed away in prison after receiving the wrong medication. “He then died from a fall after he took the meds and had a stroke,” Hua said. “He wasn’t treated by medical staff for two

days. By the time he was taken to the hospital, it was too late, and he eventually passed away from a failed trachea tube and three heart attacks.” Even with requests from his federal public defender, Hua said neither his sister nor his minister were allowed to visit him at the hospital. They were informed by a prison chaplain that he had died. Hua continues to receive calls from people with family members in prison who want Hua to advocate for them – and she said she’s honored to do so.

She said that if she decides to be a practicing attorney, she hopes to work on pro bono cases where she can represent those wrongly convicted. “I’m proud that I get to serve my community in any way,” she said. “Many of the elected representatives I meet with ask for my opinion on criminal justice reform.” Hua is thankful for the Miss Arizona platform, which has helped her reach a different demographic about criminal justice reform. “I think it’s important that we don’t become an echo chamber, and I want to talk to people outside the criminal justice arena to tell them why they should care about this issue,” she said. Hua added that she hopes that young girls, particularly, will also understand that competing for Miss Arizona isn’t about being a beauty queen. It’s about being a leader and taking action. “I want to encourage young girls to grow up wanting to advocate for others and wanting to serve their community,” she said. “We need to stop judging women based on physical appearance.” Hua also encourages people to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard. “Vote for candidates who care about smart criminal justice reform. Volunteer for criminal justice advocacy organizations. Call your representatives and tell them you support criminal justice reform. Our voices matter on this issue,” she said.

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TOOLS �� page 17

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Peaks for this drive,” said Jill Johnson, BGCMP director of strategic partnerships. “The generosity of donors is truly what makes our programs possible. Having Twin Peaks and their customers step up this summer is going to make a huge impact.” Through Aug. 2, any new sports equipment for kids ages 6 to 18, including basketballs, soccer balls and footballs, can be donated at any Twin Peaks location. Those who donate will receive a $5 Twin Peaks gift card to be used at a future date, and the equipment will be used to support BGCMP’s summer camps. “Giving back to the community and being able to help kids is truly rewarding as a local business owner,” said Carolyn Vangelos, Twin Peaks co-owner. “We are so excited to help provide new equipment with the hope that these kids will have the best time at camp.” The Scottsdale Twin Peaks is located at 8787 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Four miles west, Mark-Taylor’s Bellagio apartments in Scottsdale – in conjunction with Tempe-based nonprofit

“Giving back to the community and being able to help kids is truly rewarding as a local business owner. We are so excited to help provide new equipment with the hope that these kids will have the best time at camp.” –Carolyn Vangelos, Twin Peaks co-owner. organization, Love Society – are collecting new, packaged wet hair brushes through Aug. 31. Their goal is to collect 100 wet brushes, which won’t be donated to schools or students, but instead will be used to make “love bags” for the pediatric cancer unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH). In addition to the brushes, the bags will be filled with healthy snacks and fun activities; they are intended to ease the stress of the parents whose children are admitted to the hospital. New brushes can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bellagio apartments at 5635 E. Bell Rd.

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Mystery discussion group

JULY

Sunday

21 Summer Splash pool party

Gather friends and dress to the theme of an ’80s dance party in this pool party complete with a DJ, rock wall, kids activities and more from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Food will be available for purchase. Members will receive an entry for a prize drawing for every guest they bring. Information: 480-483-7121.

Ice Cream Day

The Screamery ice cream parlor will celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a special $5 sale on its delicious banana split ice cream sundaes from noon to 10 p.m. at 10625 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Information: 602-3681362.

Monday

22 New Faces AA meeting

Find recovery from alcohol addiction alongside this support group at 7:45 a.m. at North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 10427 N. Scottsdale Road Club membership is not required to attend meetings.

Breakfast Babies

Parents and their babies can enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast 9 a.m. Mondays at Brunch Café, 15507 N. Scottsdale Road. Families will meet in the large, private dining room and will receive complimentary coffee and a chocolate-covered strawberry with the purchase of any meal. Grandparents are also welcome to join in on the dining, socializing and read-aloud story time. Information: 480-398-7174.

Days

Drop-in e-reader help

Receive help with downloadables. Bring your device, library card and questions from 11 a.m. to noon at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road. Information: 480312-7323.

Kids Cafe

Stop by the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., at 12:30 p.m. for a free lunch provided by Scottsdale Unified School district, followed by an educational activity, for anyone ages 18 and under. Information: 480-312-7323.

Film series

Enjoy the World War I documentary “They Shall Not Grow Old” from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The film is rated R. Information: 480-312-7323.

Tuesday

23 Basketball camp

Kids ages 7 to 13 will have the chance to enjoy a basketball camp weekdays all summer long through Aug. 5 at DreamTeam Academy, 15955 N. Dial Blvd., Suite 3. Camp days include three hours of basketball training with two hours of open court time. In the afternoons, children can watch parent-approved movies, play video games, board games, read books and more. The halfday camp takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $50. The full-day option takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $75. A catered lunch is available for an additional $10. Registration is required. Information: 480-800-8326.

Let’s knit

Learn or practice knitting with others from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Free. Information: 480-483-7121.

Join a lively book discussion group for this month’s heartpounding mystery Michael Chabon’s “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” from 1 to 2 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480-312-7323.

Family story time

Etiquette classes

Registered students 6-8 will practice self-introduction, handshaking, eye contact, smiling, apologizing, phone skills, table manners and more from 10 a.m. to noon July 23 through 26 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 10755 N. 124th St. Attendance is $250. Information: 480-510-6346.

Mustang writers

Meet with other writers to share and critique writing in a pressure-free and supportive group from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480312-7323.

‘The Mustang’

Enjoy the film “The Mustang” from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. The film is rated R. Information: 480-312-7323.

Cadet Nurses celebrate

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps with a presentation drawing from the voices of those who participated in the program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

Wednesday

24 Speedy bridge

Join others in a fast round of bridge at 10:30 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Registration is required. Information: 480312-5810.

I Wish I Read That!

Discuss Andy Weir’s “The Martian” in a lively, informal book discussion from 1 to 2 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480312-7323.

Children up to 5 and their caregivers can listen to stories and music and participate in rhyming activities from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

Shark Week story time

Kids 2-5 can enjoy a fun shark story and make a simple craft celebrating these wonderful creatures of the deep from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Caregivers must accompany children. Information: 480-312-7323.

Thursday

25 ESL class

All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language with experienced teachers and other students from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

Books 2 boogie

Children up to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in music, movement and song from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-3127323.

Reading buddies

Children ages 1 to 4 can get extra reading practice this summer from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Teen volunteers will use iPads, games and crafts to boost children’s literacy skills. Information: 480-3127323.

Book bingo (ages 3–8)

Play bingo based on favorite children’s book characters from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Caregiver assistance for

younger children is essential. Information: 480-312-7323.

Introductory English

This class is designed for students with no prior experience in English and takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

Friday

26 Knitters group

Gather with other knitters to work on individual projects, share advice and talk with others from 1 to 3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

Advanced beginner bridge

Join others in playing a fun game of bridge from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480-3127323.

Meet Your Neighbors

Meet Your Neighbors is a monthly networking event held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. last Fridays. This week, meet the group for lunch at Herb Box Old Town, 7051 E. 5th St., Suite F. Pre-registration member tickets are $15. Guest tickets may also be purchased for $30. There is an additional $5 fee for at-the-door registration. Information: www.scottsdalechamber.com.

Memory Cafe

Join Memory Cafe for a music therapy session designed for community members with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers. The group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

Saturday

27 Etiquette workshop

Registered students 13 to 18 will practice handshaking, eye contact, body language, the art of small talk, social media

etiquette, dating etiquette, job and college interviewing, grooming and more from 1 to 4 p.m. July 27 through 28 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 10755 N. 124th St. Attendance is $285. Information: 480-510-6346.

Water rebate program

Stop by the library to learn about the rebate on WaterSense labeled products with a brief overview of the program as well a question-and-answer session with city conservation staff from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

Sunday

28 Summer Splash

Gather friends and dress to the theme of a luau in this pool party complete with a DJ, rock wall, kids activities and more from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Food will be available for purchase. Members will receive an entry for a prize drawing for every guest they bring. Information: 480-483-7121.

Tail waggin’ tales

Children 6 to 10 can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

Monday

29 Summer stay and play

Children up to 5 have an opportunity to explore, create and investigate with a playbased learning environment program from 10 10 11 a.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

SCORE mentoring

SCORE’s large network of volunteer business mentors will offer questions to business questions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Free. Registration is required. Information: 602745-7250.

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

Devereux marks expanded dormitory for kids BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

North

evereux Advanced Scottsdale Behavioral Health Arizona celebrated the opening of its residential treatment center’s new Marley Dormitory recently. The 5,000-square-foot dormitory project at the north Scottsdale campus broke ground in April 2018 and was funded by a $1.25 million capital campaign. Architectural Resource Team was the architect and Delta Construction was the general contractor on the new dorm, which expanded the 48-bed facility to accommodate up to 52 youths healing from severe abuse. “This new dormitory will allow us to treat even more children while providing them with a comfortable and safe environment in which to heal,” said Lane Barker, executive director for Devereux Arizona. “We were thrilled with the support from our longtime partners like Nationwide, and new friends through the Arizona Community Foundation that recently learned about our needs,” Barker said. “We are fortunate that many local philanthropic people are taking great interest Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona celebrated the grand opening of its Residential Treatment Center’s new Marley Dormitory on July 10. In attendance in the work we’re doing, and we are ex- were, from left to right, Bridget Gesser, architectural designer with Architectural Resource Team (ART); Erica Q. Quintana, principal, ART; Dev Pawar, principal, tremely grateful for all of these contribu- ART; Jamie J. Coffaro, multi-year grant manager, The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation; Lane Barker, executive director, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona (Devereux Arizona); Yvette Jackson, assistant executive director, Devereux Arizona; Mimi Mertel, Mertel Foundation; Anne Jones, principal, Delta Constructions,” he added. tion; Brad Jones, president, Delta Construction; Bradley R. Jameson, director of ﬁnance and IT, Marley Management Corporation; and Toby Amir Fox, consultant, The 10-acre campus offers kids 5-17 a Office of Corporate Citizenship, Nationwide Insurance. (Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona/Special to the Progress) place to live and attend school while re“Our youth live, eat and attend school approaches to LGBTQ inclusion.” “And that sexual orientation, gender ceiving treatment for emotional, mental, “Receiving confirmation that De- identity and gender expression will not behavioral and/or substance abuse chal- on campus. Our goal is to provide a wellrounded, safe and therapeutic experience vereux’s policies and practices are wor- limit access to equal, quality care,” Jacklenges. It is Arizona’s only facility providing for them while they recover from the trau- thy of the HRC’s ‘stamp of approval’ is son continued. “This recognition also afsignificant for us – and all of our LGBTQ firms Devereux’s commitment to diverchildren under 12 specialized program- mas they’ve endured,” Barker said. In June, four Devereux, including the stakeholders,” said Devereux Arizona As- sity in hiring practices and supporting ming in a safe, therapeutic environment northern Scottsdale facility, were recog- sistant Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LGBTQ staff members.” where they can heal. The Devereux Foundation is one of the The residential treatment center was nized by the Human Rights Campaign for co-chair of Devereux’s LGBTQ national supporting and serving LGBTQ youth and committee. largest nonprofit behavioral health orgaestablished in 1978 as a 32-bed center. Jackson said that achieving this recog- nizations in the United States with cenBut with increasing demand, Devereux families. HRC, the largest LGBTQ advocacy group nition sends a clear message to the LG- ters in 12 states across the country and added two modular dorms to meet the growing needs of the community, in turn in the U.S., awarded Devereux Arizona BTQ community that Devereux is a place the Arizona component serves more than allowing 24-hour care to a total of 48 and Devereux Florida its highest level of where individuals can receive “culturally 6,000 individuals annually. recognition for implementing “innovative competent and compassionate care.” Information: devereuxaz.org youths on campus.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

OdySea Aquarium rated autism-friendly BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

South

dySea Aquarium in Scottsdale southern Scottsdale is the first attraction and aquarium in the state to become a Certified Autism Center. That means visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory differences can have the best possible experience. The CAC designation was granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards, a global leader in online training and certification programs for 20 years. The board is committed to increasing the quality of life and services provided to individuals on the spectrum. “We know families with children on the autism spectrum often find it challenging when choosing an attracOdySea Aquarium is the ﬁrst attraction and aquarium in the state to become a certiﬁed autism center tion to visit,” said OdySea Aquarium (OdySea Aquarium/Special to the Progress) Vice President and General Manager Greg Charbeneau, adding: every visit,” Charbeneau said. “This create safe, sensory-compatible op“Our mission to connect visitors certification was a natural step for us tions for parents and individuals on with the wonders of the ocean has no as we continue to provide safe, engag- the spectrum,” said Myron Pincomb, exclusions.” ing and memorable experiences for IBCCES Board chairman. OdySea Aquarium completed the all of our guests.” He said the designation recognizes critical training required to recogAccredited centers must be dedi- “organizations that are taking that exnize the needs of guests on the autism cated to serving individuals with au- tra step to ensure they are welcoming spectrum must provide necessary fa- tism, have at least 80 percent of the and accommodating for all guests, no cility options for them. staff trained and certified and must be matter their needs.” “We have always made the neces- committed to ongoing training. OdySea Aquarium also is one of 12 sary accommodations to make all “Our goal is to partner with the lead- PAL Places in the Valley and has proguests as comfortable as possible – on ing organizations around the world to duced an informative video, digital % ular 50e rege!

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guides and on-site resources for families with children with non-visible disabilities. For example, on OdySea Aquarium’s website, the aquarium ranks its various features for loudness and crowds on a Sensory Scale that uses a 1-to-10 scoring system, with 10 being maximum sensory input. The loudness level is at a 6, the amount of walking at 5, while the crowd level also is 6 while the average stay in hours is three. OdySea Aquarium has also hosted autism awareness days and offers a quiet room for guests who need a break. OdySea Aquarium will also allow guests to return to the aquarium if they want to come back at another time that same day. Studies show that watching fish in an aquarium can not only be effective in reducing anxiety, but aquariums can also help adults and children with autism and ADHD. OdySea Aquarium is a multi-level, state-of-the-art facility that provides a calming environment. As the largest aquarium in Arizona holding more than two million gallons of water, OdySea Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits, including subtle water exhibits, and 370 species of animals. Information: 480-291-8000 or odyseaaquarium.com

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

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First-generation students’ success in community college BY CHRIS HAINES Progress Guest Writer

early one-third of undergraduate students in the United States today are �irst-generation college students, meaning that neither parent has a bachelor’s degree, according to a recent article by EAB (eab.com). At Scottsdale Community College, �irst-generation students constitute about 40 percent of the student body. First-generation students willing to invest even just two years for an associate’s degree can earn substantially more annually than those with only a high school diploma ($44,824 vs. $37,960, respectively, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Attaining a degree helps set these students up for greater opportunities across their career and personal life. Local community colleges like SCC offer many inherent advantages that resonate with �irst-generation college students. Tuition is only $85 per credit hour and has not increased for more than four years, making SCC one of the most affordable options in higher education today. A full-time student can expect to pay about $2,500 in tuition per year. At a four-year public university in Arizona, that expense jumps to about $10,000 per year, and private

schools are even higher. Students can expect the same robust curriculum and educational opportunities on par with other accredited academic institutions. Almost 70 percent of SCC faculty members have a master’s degree and 26 percent have a doctoral degree. The average class size is only 16, helping ensure that students receive the individualized attention and high-quality education they deserve. Learners can choose specialized instruction working toward a high-demand career opportunity or general education and graduate with a certi�icate or associate’s degree or transfer into a four-year university, if desired. For students who are undecided about their major, taking introductory coursework enables them to begin their educational journey while they work with skilled academic and career advisors to determine their future academic pathway. In addition to serving up traditional academic programs, SCC offers multiple career and technical education degree programs that can be immediately applied in their place of employment. Challenges for �irst-generation students can include overall readiness for higher learning, support by family including not having anyone share their own collegiate experiences and being a role model for higher education, and overall �inancial wherewithal through-

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Almost 70 percent of SCC faculty members have a master’s degree and 26 percent have a doctoral degree. The average class size is only 16 helping ensure students receive the individualized attention and high-quality education they deserve. out the student’s educational journey. To address some of these gaps, SCC provides extensive career services, counseling and personal development workshops and classes on campus at no cost. Here, students gain valuable ca-

reer and life skills on goal-setting, time management, test anxiety, relationship issues, determining career interests, and much more. In addition to low tuition at a community college, many scholarships, grants and federal �inancial aid resources are available to lessen the �inancial burden. At SCC, only $35 is required upon registration to hold the student’s place in their classes as they work through the many payment options offered by the college. Any �irst-generation college student interested in seeking higher education should consider their local community college as an option. -Chris Haines, M.Ed., is interim president of Scottsdale Community College. Information: 480-423-6700 or scottsdalecc.edu.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

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Scottsdale preschool expands to 3rd location BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

hizKidz Preschool is taking the leap to the East Valley this fall. What was once PS Academy in Mesa, a K-12 school for students with autism and other exceptionalities, has been converted to WhizKidz’s third location, slated to open in August. This is WhizKidz’s �irst location in the East Valley. The preschool also has campuses in Scottsdale and Phoenix. WhizKidz is an all-inclusive preschool with play-based curriculum and weekly enrichment classes, including music, P.E., art and gardening. At the Scottsdale location – the largest of the three preschools at over 8,000 square feet – students can be seen caring for the zucchinis, tomatoes, kale, sun�lowers and more growing in the garden. WhizKidz also provides diapers and wipes, as well as all-natural meals and snacks for its preschoolers. “We are family centered, so we offer convenient, all-inclusive care, which means parents literally just have to drop off their kids,” said WhizKidz Owner Martha Piccaio. At 5,500 square feet, the Mesa location boasts a state-of-the-art facility with space to cook nutritious meals for the students – meals that accommodate children’s speci�ic dietary needs. The Mesa campus will have nine classrooms, where students engage in handson learning stations, as well as take part in sensory learning and sensory play. Each week, children are introduced to a new letter, number, color and shape, as well as other objects, words, and things that pair with each of those new areas. According to Piccaio, WhizKidz’s curriculum sets the children up for success when they reach kindergarten. “We work with Zoo-phonics [a multisensory language arts program], which is a really good program. [When] a lot of the kids that have been with us for several, several years get to kinder, they’ve already learned what they’re being taught in kindergarten because of the programs that we’re using,” she said.

Martha Piccaio is the owner of WhizKidz Preschool, which has three campuses – one in Phoenix, one in Scottsdale and a Mesa campus to open this fall. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

WhizKidz Preschool will make its way to the East Valley this fall. The Mesa campus will open in August. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

WhizKidz also fosters a community for parents to meet, offers parents all-inclusive care and creates a support system for them to navigate parenting together. “We create really amazing communities,” Piccaio said. “Almost every month, we’ll have a family event, and what that does is it brings parents to meet and just connect. That’s also a big, big gamechanger. We’re not large and corporate. It’s my husband and I, and we’re there at the events and part of the hiring process.” WhizKidz has anywhere from 25 to 30 people on staff.

“We are very particular on the things that we’re looking for that align to our core values and align who we are. So it’s a full circle,” she said. The goal of Piccaio’s is to ensure the parents, in addition to their children, feel a sense of belongingness. “We want people to �ind a place. It’s our psychology: When you feel that you belong somewhere, you stay. And if you feel loved and you feel safe, you thrive. And if the parent feels accepted, they’re most likely to be open to our suggestions,” she said. “We are an extension of their family.”

This year, Piccaio plans to offer parenting workshops free of charge to parents of children enrolled at WhizKidz. “They come to us with questions or wanting feedback and support, and we don’t always have that appropriate answers to their questions,” she said. “So, we’ll bring in a parenting consultant.” The parenting consultant will host training classes off-site, including potty training classes, toddler survival skills and more. “It’s good to have that added resource,” Piccaio said. Piccaio said she always had plans to expand to the East Valley. She was merely waiting for the right building to convert. “We wanted to make sure there was enough space for children, good outdoor areas – all those things that we believe are important for children to have as part of their development,” she said. After looking at many buildings, the once-named Pieceful Solutions K-12 school opened (the academy re-branded in June and moved to its new location in Gilbert this month), and WhizKidz began renovating the building four months ago. “We were really looking to get into the East Valley because there are a lot of young families,” Piccaio said. “We’ve had families who’ve moved from Scottsdale and purchased a home out in the East Valley who have called us back, [saying], ‘You guys have to come out here. There’s nothing out here.’” Similarly, the Scottsdale campus was converted three years ago. What is now WhizKidz used to be BASIS Scottsdale Primary. BASIS Scottsdale Primary has since relocated to 136th Street. Piccaio started WhizKidz in 2007 from her home in Glendale and eventually moved into what was once Sahuaro Preschool in Phoenix, transforming it into WhizKidz’s �irst campus. The Scottsdale campus then opened in 2016. WhizKidz is now enrolling students ages 0 to 5 for the 2019/2020 school year. Enrollment caps at 125 students, and tuition averages about $260 a week. Information: 480-999-4255 or whizkidzpreschool.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Works spanning decades on display at The Gallery BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

ountain Shadows’ The Gallery has recently opened its newest exhibition, “Liner Notes,” featuring works spanning several decades. Liner Notes, which will be open to the public through Aug. 31, challenges the way viewers perceive the use of overall linear design via artwork of three local artists, Brooke Grucella, Vincent Chung and the late Robert F. Clark for William de Lillo. John A. Reyes, The Gallery curator and owner of Reyes Contemporary Art, said the three artists use the line in its many forms: graphically, physically and in the abstract. Visitors to The Gallery will spot welded material à la Clark, pop art embedded with politically driven messages, courtesy of Grucella; and Chung’s neon artwork, with subtle notions to intense feeling and emotion. “The show is three unique surveys of individual artists’ work, spanning from illustrative to sculptural and across several decades,” he said. “That is what makes art really great and satisfying, to see how an artist of another generation deals with similar issues and complexities.” Reyes said the underlying theme in this show is that the artwork does not have a “preciousness” in the making. “[In] all of the artist’s works, even

“High Wire Bicycle,” a piece created by the late Robert F. Clark for William de Lillo, is on display at The Gallery at Mountain Shadows’ current exhibition, Liner Notes. (Mountain Shadows/Special to the Progress)

Grucella’s, the surfaces aren’t perfect or pristine, and that is another underlying theme of the show,” he said. Grucella’s work in Liner Notes uses

vintage cartoon and comic book imagery. While they may seem simplistic at first glance, they are actually a reflection of the current socio-political climate.

ing all that Scottsdale has to offer. Instead, make that trip in the car you spent 10 minutes cooling off worth it by choosing restaurant with a view – and by “a view,” we mean large-scale murals located either inside a restaurant or on the walls of a patio misted so heavily, it could almost pass as your second shower of the day. From Old Town to Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, the following Scottsdale restaurants have some of

the best indoor murals – successfully combining art and cuisine that will please patrons’ eyes and taste buds.

“Just like a Bugs Bunny cartoon would advertise killing Nazis or encouraging people to buy war bonds, the paintings are created to critique our contemporary world,” Grucella said. She added: “These are my intentions. However, people may take something else from the work, nostalgia for the cartoons, or think about items from their childhood, then consider what I am. But it really is up to the viewer what, if anything, they get from seeing the work.” One particular piece, “Thoughts & Prayers,” depicts a spinning gun shooting bullets. This imagery left Grucella thinking about gun control “and the notion that politicians provide “thoughts and prayers” for victims of gun violence, but don’t do anything to change the laws to prevent the nonsense,” she said. “I enjoy her interpretation of current events and political issues and how she ties in a colorful pop-art component to highlight those things,” Chung said of Grucella’s work. “Every single piece tells a story and it’s rewarding to form your own interpretation of it.” Grucella has exhibited regionally and nationally, including a 20-foot-long painting, “Push Comes to Shove,” which exhibited at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Chung, an emerging artist who received his degree from Arizona State

see LINER page 26

Local eateries offer marvelous food – and murals BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

uly in Scottsdale may mean excessive heat warnings, third-degreeburn-inducing car seats and facepalming the moment you return to your car and realize you forgot to put up your windshield’s sun shade. Sure, it may be fry-an-egg-on-thestreet hot outside, but that doesn’t mean it should stop you from explor-

Brat Haus

Scottsdale-based artist Geoffrey Gerstein likes to imagine that life is a picture book – and his whimsical art of depicts just that. Gerstein’s work is on display at Gerstein Fine Art in Old Town, as well at Brat Haus’ original location, just under two miles

away from his gallery. The mural is part of the restaurant’s “Puppy Party Package,” where guests can celebrate their pooches on the dog-friendly patio with locally made treats, beer and brats. 3622 N. Scottsdale Road

Culinary Dropout

Culinary Dropout at the Waterfront

see MURALS page 26

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

LINER �� page 25

University just a few years ago, contributed to Liner Notes mixed media works affixed with neon tubing. “There are some very nice moments in Vincent’s work,” Grucella said. “I like how the shadows from the neon play with some of the painted shapes on the canvases; it is really interesting to see how that neon line plays with the actual lines in the work.” In Chung’s work, viewers will also find traces of dirt and debris for what he describes as “unpredictable markmaking.” “There’s this ‘preciousness’ that is often associated with painting, and in my work, I confront that by working predominantly on the ground both indoors and outdoors,” he said, adding: “I develop my work by leaving hanging threads, frays of ripped cotton or linen, exposed wires so that the nature of the materials are brought to the foreground.” Clark was a prominent jewelry de-

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

At Liner Notes, a few of Clark’s works will be exhibited to the public for the first time, including several welded metal-created wall sculptures from Clark’s “Circus” and abstract series, which were created in Paris in 1979. What Reyes said he enjoys about Clark’s art is the connection of ’70s minimalism of the Brooke Grucella is one of three artists included in The Gallery at Mountain works. Shadows’ current exhibition, Liner Notes. This piece is called “But…”. (Mountain “The circle, trianShadows/Special to the Progress) gle and the square signer with William de Lillo, his lifeare the symbolic long partner and collaborator. embodiment of the universe. Plus, the Though they called France home for works have a Brutalist feel, which also a period in their lives, working for the links to the architecture of the time,” house of Chanel, Nina Ricci, Schiapa- he said. relli and Yves Saint Laurent, the pair In many of the wall pieces, a few of eventually retired in Paradise Valley. the appendages are movable, too – a

nod to Clark and de Lillo’s jewelry. “It’s easy to determine that he does process pieces, meaning he started to make decisions during the fabrication, and I like that,” Reyes added. Grucella said she’s attracted to how delicate Clark’s artwork is, as well as the depth he creates with just thin metal lines. Chung said she enjoys the 3-D elements of Clark’s pieces. “Brass and wire are timeless,” he said. “It was a neat opportunity to be in a show with such an acclaimed artist that is predominantly known for his ornate jewelry pieces.”

If you go

The Gallery at Mountain Shadows Where: 5445 E. Lincoln Drive Cost: Free Phone: 480-624-5400 Website: mountainshadows.com

MURALS �� page 25

wouldn’t be quite the same without the Bob Marley mural brightening up the space. The mural – with Marley’s face surrounded by quotes and lyrics – was created by Tucson-based artist Kurt Schlaefer back in 2015. 7135 E. Camelback Road, #125

The Dragon

In January 2018, karaoke club and lounge Blind Dragon opened, and although the restaurant has since been renamed The Dragon, mural seen inside the restaurant remains. The mural was painted by local artist Randall Hedden, who has nearly four decades of full-time professional art experience. 7419 E. Indian Plaza

Marcellino Ristorante

On the patio located by the front entrance of Marcellino Ristorante is a mural of Castel Sant’Angelo, a mausoleum in Rome. Based on a photograph Chef Marcellino took while visiting Italy, the mural was painted by former employee and artist, Adrian Tovar. 7114 E. Stetson Drive

OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen

Phoenix-based artists Price Goodman and Kiki not only painted the mural seen on the 1,600-square-foot patio, but also the wall art seen throughout

Randall Hedden is the local artist behind the mural at The Dragon in Old Town. (The Dragon/Special to the Progress)

the restaurant that recently opened at The Grove late June. 7300 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, #102

RnR Gastropub

If RnR’s mural – created by Dallasbased artist Josh Mittag – doesn’t make you crave an ice-cold beer, we don’t know what will. 3737 N. Scottsdale Road

Hash Kitchen

Hash Kitchen’s second location in northern Scottsdale opened in 2016, and much like the three other locations, the walls scream “brunch” – with phrases like “brunch goals” and “brunch so hard” seen throughout the restaurant. 14838 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.

Marcellino Ristorante’s mural, painted by Adrian Tovar, surrounds the garden patio. (Marcellino Ristorante/ Special to the Progress)

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

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OBON’s second location a feast for eyes, too BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

BON Sushi + Bar + Ramen at The Grove is like an Easter egg hunt for your eyes and taste buds. Immediately upon stepping inside, you’re greeted by three rows of nearly 20 gold, hypnotizing Maneki Neko cats, also known in Japanese culture as Lucky Cats or Fortune Cats. Look up, and you’ll spot two more of these good luck charms perched on the overhead lighting fixture, their arms bobbing. At the bar of the restaurant that opened on June 27 in McCormick Ranch, the wall’s shelving unit is lined with Japanese pop culture products and games, from a Mario Bros. chess game to Nintendo NES gaming console packaging. On the other side of the restaurant, anime plays on one of the televisions. But the smattering of behind-the-bar knickknacks pales in comparison to OBON’s overall design and aesthetic. The 3,200-square-foot restaurant, located next door to the recently opened Luci’s at the Grove, boasts an open and inviting environment, with a large bar and an expo kitchen where guests can watch chefs prepare each meal. Founded in 2015 in Tucson by Brandon Katz and Andre Joffroy, OBON at The Grove is the second location in Scottsdale. The other is located at the Scottsdale Quarter. “We chose to open our second Scottsdale location in McCormick Ranch not only because it’s one of the most coveted areas in the city, but because it has the charm and the sense of community that we embody at OBON,” said Brandon Katz, founder of Fukushū Restaurant Concepts, in a prepared statement. OBON’s patio is an impressive 1,600 square feet overlooking the Grove’s lush landscape. It boasts a large, photo-friendly mural created by Phoenix natives Price Goodman and Kiki. But it’s what diners will see – and taste – on the plate that’ll keep them coming back for seconds and thirds.

OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen at The Grove opened late June, and to celebrate, the restaurant is offering happy hour specials throughout the month of July. (OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen/Special to the Progress)

OBON offers seven types of ramen, including two veggie options – one of which features barbecue jackfruit. (OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen/Special to the Progress)

Specializing in unique interpretations of traditional Japanese dishes with Korean influences, OBON’s menu was created by chef Paulo Im. “Japanese food is refined. Its heart lies in quality and seasonality fettered with a razor-sharp attention to detail,” Im explained. He added: “Conversely, Korean food is not simple nor is it aesthetically pleasing. Korean food’s philosophy is ‘make do

with what you have and use all of it,’ and it is all about layered flavors, funk and depth. The flavors are bold and offensive.” The menu includes shareable plates, a variety of ramen and sushi, and four different types of steam buns, including Spam, fried chicken, sweet pork belly and barbecue jackfruit. Im grew up eating Japanese food, and his entire career has been spent in sushi restaurants.

“Naturally, it’s what I am professionally familiar with,” he said. But Im, who became a naturalized citizen two years ago, also knows Korean food well, he said, and the Korean elements on the menu carry the most nostalgia for him. “I have a firm foot planted in both cuisines, one in which I am proficient through hard work, while the other is my ethnic identity,” he said. “The menu at OBON is a mix of those two backgrounds.” Im’s favorite dish to serve guests is the Yuzu Yellowtail with orange peel, yuzu kosho, crispy ginger and dashi shoyu. It’s the first dish he created for OBON. “I think of it as the dish that taught me how to create dishes. I created it by tasting a lot of different ingredients until I landed on something that is unique,” Im said. Im said the Yuzu Yellowtail dish set the tone for the rest of the menu. “Every ingredient serves a purpose,” he said. “It is balanced and approachable. If I ever took this dish off the menu, there would be a lot of backlash.” Many of the dishes and cocktails on the OBON menu feature unexpected twists, like the I Want My Umami cocktail, a savory, yet light drink mixture of housemade michelada, Korean pilsner and a shot of soju — topped with a Spam sushi roll. Think of this sesame seed rim-coated cocktail as OBON’s twist on the Bloody Mary. OBON’s Revenge of the Nerdlucks cocktail turns heads, too. Made with vodka, sotol, grape soda, lemon and crème de violette, what makes this beverage a soon-to-be diner favorite is it’s topped with Nerds candy. The edamame served at OBON is far from ordinary, as well, as it’s served with what Chef Im describes as Asian Chamoy — Chamoy being a sweet-and-spicy Mexican condiment. “It has very similar characteristics to tamarind,” Im said, adding that the $8 appetizer complements the I Want My Umami cocktail.

see OBON page 29

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 21, 2019

What’s Cooking

With JAN D’ATRI Progress Contributor Chef Paulo Im created the sumptuous menu at Obon and his favorite dish is Yuzu Yellowtail. (Special to the Progress)

OBON �� page 28

Late-night guests will want to order the Korean animal fries ($11) topped with kimchi, American cheese and chili-sautéed ground chicken. And for those looking for meatless fare, another notable shareable dish is OBON’s cauliflower karaage: chicken-fried cauliflower tossed with a creamy shiso wasabi sauce. OBON’s entrées do not disappoint, either, especially the kanto beef and broccolini dish, where the beef flank is served tender and coated in rich oyster sauce and red garlic oil. As far as sushi is concerned, the restaurant has a variety of sashimi, maki and nigiri rolls, both traditional and modern, as well as signature rolls, like the Angry Tuna and Langostino Roll. OBON also has seven ramen options, including the OBON ramen, a hearty ramen with both pork and ground chicken, enoki, black and red garlic oil, fresno, bonito and a sous-vide egg – all swimming in a hot-and-spicy red and chicken broth. To celebrate the opening of the restaurant, OBON is offering all-day happy hour throughout July. Happy hour specials include a special selection of drinks, small plates and steamed buns and rolls for $3 to $6. “The steam buns have been a huge hit,” Im said. “The bun itself is a piping-hot, pillowy vehicle to deliver what is essentially a damn good Asian slider.” The Fukushū Restaurant Concepts restaurant will also offer a rotating signature roll for around $6 less at $9 a roll, and ra-

“OBON is a place where you can eat haute food, like A5 wagyu, while wearing flip-flops. Or, maybe take a shot of soju while eating a Spam bun. You can dress up or dress down. Our food is approachable, our environment is relaxed, and our music is down to Earth.” men for $10 instead of $15. “OBON is a place where you can eat haute food, like A5 wagyu, while wearing flip-flops. Or, maybe take a shot of soju while eating a Spam bun. You can dress up or dress down. Our food is approachable, our environment is relaxed, and our music is down to Earth,” Im said. “The staff loves to be here, and I have never had so much fun. We are happy and I hope the neighborhood sees that,” he added.

If you go

OBON + Sushi + Bar + Ramen Where: 7300 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, #102 Phone: 623-295-2002 Website: fukushuconcepts.com/obon

Tomato pesto pasta with zoodles offers oodles of delight

know I’m a little late to the picnic. By now many of you own a Spiralizer, but pasta has always been my go-to dish. I never much thought about making noodles from zucchini. But a couple of cranks of a Spiralizer handle made me a believer. I’ve had more fun in the kitchen, spiralizing cukes, potatoes, apples, carrots and anything else I have in my

crisper. But the zoodles are my favorite. Especially with my new favorite pesto. This recipe, courtesy of Chef Lisa Brisch, takes pesto to a whole new level with the addition of cherry tomatoes and capers. Whether it’s zoodles or noodles, you’re going to love this dish. Never would I turn on my Italian roots, but from now on, it’s oodles of zoodles for me.

Tomato pesto pasta with zoodles or noodles

almonds until finely chopped. Add basil, parsley, tomatoes, cheese, garlic, capers, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and lemon juice. With machine running, add oil in steady stream until emulsified. For the noodles: If using pasta, cook according to package directions. Just before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta (do not rinse unless you want a cold pasta salad). Transfer to a large bowl. Pour pesto over pasta, using tongs to toss the mixture together. Add pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pesto. Serve, sprinkling with extra parmesan. 4. If using squash, make the zucchini noodles by cutting off the ends from the squash then carefully running them down the blade of a mandolin fitted with the julienne attachment. (The blade should be set at 1/8-inch thick). Alternately, you can use a spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the squash noodles and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, tossing constantly with tongs, for about 3 minutes just until the zucchini begins to wilt. (Do not overcook the zucchini noodles.) Add enough pesto to completely coat the noodles. Toss gently. Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/ tomato-pesto-pasta-with-zoodles-or-noodles/

(Recipe adapted from Lisa Brisch, Chef at Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School) Ingredients: ½ cup toasted almonds ½ cup packed fresh parsley 2 cups packed fresh basil 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes ½ cup ﬁnely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving 1 large garlic clove 1 tablespoon drained and rinsed capers ¼ tsp red pepper ﬂakes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Noodles: 1 lb pasta OR 1 lb zucchini for Zoodles with Spiralizer (About 2-3 large zucchini) Olive oil for pan. Directions: In a small skillet, toast almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until pale golden and fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Cool almonds to room temperature. In a food processor or blender, pulse cooled

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