Only Littlefield responded to my concerns

The pandemic has totally disrupted the restaurant business. Many restaurants will not survive and the ones that do will struggle in the face of operational changes.  

Questions why post-riot patrols were so light

D

Scottsdale is a vibrant community, blessed with engaged residents and natural beauty. We enjoy high amenities and low residential property taxes. 

Council should have

Enrolling in a summer class or two can be a solid choice for many of us. 

With looming restaurant and small business closures, it appears to me that there might be a way to soften some of the economic impact of Covid-19 and social distancing on these establishments.  

Mayor Lane is so out of touch with what his citizens wish that it is fortunate he is not up for re-election. 

Last night’s City Council meeting was a frightening discussion of inaction. Mayor Lane was long winded about obvious things and engaged in needless speculation. And he showed no vision or leadership. 

Pandemic teaches a big lesson on development

We are all doing things we never imagined: Wearing masks and gloves and social distancing (who even knew there was such a thing).  

Our hands are dangerous.

We must be united to fight

The various debates previously taking place in Scottsdale now seem so trivial. The Desert Discovery Center, Southbridge 2 and the latest civic issue that may be creating anger or acclaim still matter to the vested but matter little to a wounded community as a whole.

New group avoids the voice of Scottsdale residents

You’ve heard it before, the onerous and regressive food tax Scottsdale imposed upon its residents for over 60 years. Mostly likely you don’t notice it because it doesn’t add up to that much – about $80 dollars a year for grocery shoppers. 

It was lunchtime and my schedule was empty for a few hours. 

Scottsdale must do better, stop sign proliferation

Football players expect helmet makers to keep up with the times – and keep them safe. And I think car buyers need to do the same with our country’s outdated car safety rating system. 

I know what it is like for teachers who work hard for their students and schools but struggle to afford to live in the same communities they love.

A Council study session is scheduled for Feb. 11 to discussing parking in downtown Scottsdale.

In the first week of December 2019, the City Council voted 4-3 to allow the development of privately owned land on the north side of 5th Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale.

It is a start to another year and decade, which is a time for most people to think about ways to make a meaningful change to their health and lifestyle. 

Now is the time of year when we typically take inventory of our lives and set new goals. Relationships, finances, careers and health are all important aspects that impact our overall well-being. 

With the exponential growth of short-term rental companies like Airbnb and VRBO in recent years, vacation rentals are of increasing concern to homeowners and can put strain on the relationships of neighbors.  

Last week, 17,000 signatures were presented to the City of Scottsdale calling for a referendum on the Southbridge II project in Old Town Scottsdale. 

My family and I have had the opportunity to reflect on our lives. We marvel at how profoundly we’ve changed regarding our relationship with our LGBTQ “family” – a term I never would have used in relation to LGBTQ people a decade ago. 

Don’t buy a puppy until you do your research.

I support the Unger family’s Southbridge II project in Old Town.

On Dec. 4, the City Council majority, on a narrow 4-3 vote, approved the massive Southbridge II project in Old Town. 

Don’t put developers in charge of redevelopment

Editor’s note: The author titled this “My Last Day on Earth by the Late Michael David Allanson, Forever 14.” He was her son.

For more than 56 years, Bill Walton has dedicated his energy, vision, and professional expertise to enhance Scottsdale for this and future generations. 

External incentives not an answer to learning

The darkest years in recent Scottsdale politics – 2016 to 2018. 

In Arizona, one person dies by suicide approximately every seven hours. That’s more than three people every day. Twenty-four every week. One hundred every month. More than 1,000 every year. 

In 2006, more than 80 active citizens, business owners, and merchants met on the second floor of Chaparral Suites. Our driving force was the need to have the voices of the residents and business owners heard at Scottsdale City Council meetings. 

The Scottsdale City Council recently updated the rules for property owners if they want to rent out their homes as short-term vacation rentals.

I have lived in Scottsdale for nearly 60 years and only have positive memories of growing up in this great city. I have enjoyed telling stories about Scottsdale in the 1960s and, with one exception, have never had any individual question the veracity of my recollections.  

Pursuing higher education requires a huge commitment in both tuition and time. For parents of high school students, planning for this next important step in their educational journey is critical. 

We need to do better in next year’s elections

In Arizona, one person dies by suicide approximately every seven hours. That’s more than three people every day. Twenty-four every week. One hundred every month. More than 1,000 every year. 

In 1989, the Scottsdale Galleria debuted in downtown. Promoters claimed the retail center would draw more visitors than the Grand Canyon.

Editor’s note: Scottsdale resident Baylee Clore, a senior at Horizon High School, won second place in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade’s annual essay competition. This is her prize-winning piece.

Did you know that Experience Scottsdale works with thousands of journalists each year to secure articles and television segments to promote travel to the city?

Editor’s note: Scottsdale resident Lauren Kobley, a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory High School, placed third in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade annual essay contest. This is her award-winning piece.

Questions 1, 2 and 3 are very personal to me and my family. The 58 projects in the $319 million program will help our first responders, our seniors and our arts community.