Arizonans have devised a variety of ways to retreat from the scorching summer heat, including relaxing indoors or poolside, or escaping it entirely for a summer vacation. However, there’s one thing that can’t escape from the sizzling temperatures — your ride.

The new Ahwatukee Auto Spa, at 4601 E. Chandler Blvd., is open for business and is hoping to become a one-stop shop for Ahwatukee Foothills residents for drinks, snacks, gas and a car wash.

After 24 years in the trenches, I’d like to think that I’ve mastered many of the hurdles of parenting. Four kids have been shepherded through almost all their rites of passage: kindergarten, eighth-grade graduation, and first dates.

In our wi-fi world of planes, trains and automobiles, travel is taken for granted; in days gone by, it was considered a prerequisite for a well-rounded education. It not only broadened the mind, but also deepened one’s experience and knowledge of the world. That vintage wisdom holds true today, making events like the Gilbert Global Village Festival on Saturday a red-letter day.

Although it’s not much, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” really deserves credit where credit’s due. Its 2009 predecessor was one of the dumbest action movies of the past 10 years. In this sequel, director Jon M. Chu of those “Step Up” movies makes an attempt to incorporate some humor, creative action sequences, and impressive visuals. That doesn’t mean “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” is a good movie, but at least it’s an improvement. The film could have gone down the route of the “Transformers” series, which only got worse with every entry.

Walking into an automotive garage on McDowell Road filled with scrap metal and rusted auto parts, in the center is a beautiful mint-green 1932 Ford sedan.

Mention the name Leonardo da Vinci and what comes to mind? The “Mona Lisa” or “The Last Supper” most likely. While it is for these works the Renaissance artist and inventor is best known, his portfolio of brilliance is much broader, as the Arizona Science Center portrays in its new exhibit “Da Vinci — The Genius.”

The Public Works Department will host a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event for Phoenix customers from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 21, Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23, at Desert West Park, 6602 W. Encanto Blvd.

Wes Anderson’s delightful “Moonrise Kingdom” became the indie smash of 2012 thanks to its blend of top-notch talent, clever writing and irresistible charm – a seemingly simple combination but a surprising rarity in Hollywood’s current landscape. It’s no wonder that it nabbed a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, an honor that Anderson and co-writer Roman Coppola share.

I recently became the proud owner of a new (well, new to me) car ... and I’m proud to announce that I’m still alive.

Nobody plays deadpan strait man better than Jason Bateman. Nobody plays belly laugh shocking better than Melissa McCarthy. Based on this promising mismatched duo, “Identity Thief” looked like it might be the first sidesplitting comedy of the New Year.

For anyone who has ever felt cheated or anxious walking out of a car dealership, the local non-profit Automobile Buyer Services (ABS) is for you.

An Ahwatukee Foothills man scored the original 19-foot-long black, bubble-topped car used in the 1960s “Batman” TV show for $4.2 million Saturday night at the Barrett-Jackson car auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

As the tree goes up, the holiday decorations come out and homes fill with family and friends, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is reminding pet owners to please keep their pets away from the following hazards this holiday season:

The American Cancer Society has volunteer opportunities available for those making resolutions this holiday season to give back and help others.

A new report published by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Research Center titled “Land Use and Traffic Congestion,” found that residents of some higher-density neighborhoods in the Phoenix metropolitan area drive substantially less than similar residents who live in lower-density and automobile-dependent suburban neighborhoods.

As the son of two immigrants, I watched my parents work incredibly hard. But because of good public schools and federal college aid, I was able to go from a kid whose parents didn’t speak much English to working for President Clinton in the White House and serving my country in uniform in the Navy reserve. That ladder of opportunity that is the bedrock of the American middle class is eroding and Washington isn’t doing enough to save it.

As the son of two immigrants, I watched my parents work incredibly hard. But because of good public schools and federal college aid, I was able to go from a kid whose parents didn’t speak much English to working for President Clinton in the White House and serving my country in uniform in the Navy reserve. That ladder of opportunity that is the bedrock of the American middle class is eroding and Washington isn’t doing enough to save it.

Dear Mikey,

Well, Bob Beane got part of it right (“Death reduction via sensible gun control is possible,” AFN, Aug. 15). Current and former gun controls have done little to curb mass violence.

Arizona’s child seat belt law is about to change. And parents need to be aware it’s fairly different from what Arizona has had in place for years.

Crime numbers have dropped significantly in Tempe over the last decade, according to Tempe Police Department data, and Arizona Mills mall — once one of the worst areas of the city for auto theft and other crime – has worked hard to fix its own safety status.

AARP Driver Safety is celebrating and recognizing teachers this summer through the Educator Appreciation Promotion.

Crime numbers have dropped significantly in Tempe over the last decade, according to Tempe Police Department data, and Arizona Mills mall — once one of the worst areas of the city for auto theft and other crime – has worked hard to fix its own safety status.

Recently, the city of Phoenix unveiled a newly refurbished garbage truck that had originally been targeted for replacement. Instead, the city partnered with DaDee Manufacturing, a local business in south Phoenix, to re-build parts of the truck. Each truck typically costs $250,000 to purchase brand new. By choosing to rebuild 10 trucks, the city will save more than $1 million.