Sweet Charlotte was found abandoned and was lucky enough to be able to go to Friends for Life in Gilbert. She’s estimated to be about 6 years old.

Editor’s note: This is part one of a continuing summer series on the proposed South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway.

Brock Wilson, captain of the Desert Vista Volleyball team (one of two captains, the other is Ryan Adams), played Salpointe May 7 and swept them 3-0. The Thunder, seeded No. 1, lost 3-1 to No. 4 Gilbert in the state semifinals.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Soccer Club has had plenty of success since forming in 1999, and yet the club was able to pull off a first on May 4.

Higley Unified School District athletic director Art Wagner, 42, was found dead near Higley High School Wednesday morning, according to the Gilbert Police Department. Police say the matter is still under investigation, but believe Wagner died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa has opened its fourth location in the Valley, bringing a full-service salon and day spa to Gilbert at 81 S. McQueen Road. It has a location in Ahwatukee.

It was a small turnout with a lot of passion at the Protecting Arizona’s Resources and Children (PARC) meeting on Saturday, May 11.

Something I didn’t get a chance to acknowledge at the time was the very cool gesture by the Gilbert volleyball team.

The scenes were about 20 miles and three hours apart on Thursday, but nonetheless felt much the same.

Where are the “silver linings” for the Ahwatukee Foothills area from the proposed South Mountain Freeway?