I have read so many good books lately I couldn’t decide which one to review. It was a toss up between “The Obituary Writer,” by Ann Hood and “The Secret Keeper,” by Kate Norton (I don’t know about you but any title that contains the word “secret” draws me like a magnet — maybe it was that early Nancy Drew conditioning).

The amount of emotion that poured out of Rachel Ressler nearly matched the sweat and dedication she put into her Desert Vista soccer career.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton would like to see more recycling in the city of Phoenix.

I am a registered Republican and I vote in every election. I own a swimming pool maintenance company, and have had a 47-year career, to date, in the residential pool industry: new construction, maintenance and repair, mostly right here in the Valley of the Sun. I am a Phoenix native.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce firmly believes that thriving businesses build a thriving community. The chamber is a visible business leader that advocates and drives business opportunities. Through business alliances, we are a catalyst for more than 450 member businesses and provide a regional voice benefiting our community.

I am a registered Republican and I vote in every election. I have an MBA from Arizona State University and I am retired from AT&T after a career of 32 years. I have been married for 49 years, have two grown children and three granddaughters with a fourth one due later this month.

The signature play of Matt Guida’s astounding junior season looked like a split-second decision, but was actually days in the making.

Cheeky and snarky but with an infectious energy, “Pitch Perfect,” a comedy set in the cutthroat world of competing college a cappella groups, makes us fall in love with the very thing it’s making fun of. It’s ridiculous and predictable but also just a ton of fun, so you may as well give up and give in to your inner musical theater geek.

Homelessness is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I grew up in a family in which giving back and helping those in need were top priorities. I am committed to ending homelessness in Phoenix, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because our city will be better for it. I recently welcomed a senior policy adviser on homelessness to my team. Jodi Beckley Liggett has a big job ahead of her, because homelessness affects every corner of our city.

Homelessness is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I grew up in a family in which giving back and helping those in need were top priorities. I am committed to ending homelessness in Phoenix, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because our city will be better for it. I recently welcomed a senior policy adviser on homelessness to my team. Jodi Beckley Liggett has a big job ahead of her, because homelessness affects every corner of our city.

All Drew Manusharow needed was a little push.

All Drew Manusharow needed was a little push.

Trying to do a basic act of good for the environment could have cost Madison Clarke’s school a championship.

Trying to do a basic act of good for the environment could have cost Madison Clarke’s school a championship.

Metro will hold a groundbreaking Wednesday to celebrate a new light rail segment that will link downtown Mesa to Tempe and Phoenix.

Metro will hold a groundbreaking Wednesday to celebrate a new light rail segment that will link downtown Mesa to Tempe and Phoenix.

At 58 years old, Ahwatukee Foothills resident Scott Kipp hopes to still be a long-distance runner well into his 80s.

The city of Phoenix will celebrate Community Development Week by honoring nonprofit agencies and businesses that have used Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in an exemplary manner. Members of the city’s Community Development Review Committee also will be acknowledged for their work in providing resident input into the CDBG planning process.

Students attending Arizona’s three state universities saved approximately $40.1 million on their textbooks over the last five years as a result of cost-saving measures adopted by the Arizona Board of Regents.

The average American has 116 synthetic compounds in their body, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. We’re exposed to toxins from food additives and preservatives, the environment, smog, exhaust and pollution, heavy metals, digestive distress, dry cleaners, obesogens, non-organic foods, pesticides, xenoestrogens, chemicals, and so much more.

The average American has 116 synthetic compounds in their body, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. We’re exposed to toxins from food additives and preservatives, the environment, smog, exhaust and pollution, heavy metals, digestive distress, dry cleaners, obesogens, non-organic foods, pesticides, xenoestrogens, chemicals, and so much more.

The left side of the Desert Vista infield just might hold the key to the Thunder’s season.

The left side of the Desert Vista infield just might hold the key to the Thunder’s season.

Feb. 14, the centennial of Arizona's statehood! What a fantastic opportunity for Arizona to have created a week-long celebration, spearheaded by our "supposedly" business friendly Republican governor and Republican dominated Legislature. These leaders could have been the catalyst for Arizona's hotels, restaurants, and other tourist friendly establishments to jump on board and capitalize on a once-in-a-century opportunity. It could have brought tens of thousands of winter-weary tourists to sunny, warm Arizona, dumping tens of millions of dollars into our ailing state economy. If coordinated properly, the centennial celebration could have included events in every town and city throughout the state, could have touted our many great attractions, and could have culminated with a day-long celebration at the Capitol in America's fifth largest city, ending with an unforgettable fireworks display.

Vacant storefronts and restaurants are finally starting to fill spaces that emptied in the recession, and that retail turnaround is strongest in the East Valley.