Prospective buyers are encouraged to view Artesian Ranch’s full interactive floor plans and details at www.MaracayHomes.com or tour the model home from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15. Opening prices start from the mid $300s.

The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is hosting a Homebuyer Information Session at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, at the Sunnyslope Senior Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave. The session will feature available Move-In Ready (MIR) homes in established Phoenix neighborhoods as well as newly built green homes at the Gordon Estates subdivision located at 16th and Apollo streets, between Southern Avenue and Baseline Road.

Owners of The Lakes Golf Course have decided not to continue to fill a lake on Lakeside Boulevard in Ahwatukee now that the golf course has shut down for business. That is forcing the neighboring homeowners association’s pond to dry up and residents are scrambling to save stranded fish and turtles.

I received a postcard in the mail several weeks ago announcing a public hearing on May 21 to provide an opportunity for the public to provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Study on the proposed South Mountain Freeway. None of my neighbors received the same postcard when I talked to them. Why were some of the public left out of the mailing? They may not have been informed of this public hearing, but I have comments to make.

REALITY TIME is fast approaching on the conclusion of the public comment period on the proposed Loop 202 for the South Mountain Freeway, as we have just until July 24 to submit our opinions.

Tis the season where neck ties, golf balls, and mid-priced polo shirts begin to fly off the shelves. That’s right, Father’s Day is just around the corner. And besides the annual tradition of the final round of the U.S. Open being played, that Sunday in June is our opportunity to remember, appreciate, and show a little love to the men in our lives who went above and beyond the call of duty as fathers.

Humorist Dave Barry has said, “the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. The wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

The Wild Horse Pass Development Authority has more than 2,700 acres of land to develop surrounding Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino and while there is no definite long-term goals for the space, officials say they’re open to any development that would make the area a tourist destination.

Zipps Sports Grills plans to open its 10th Valleywide location at 48th Street and Warner Road this July.

State Farm recently announced its role as the anchor tenant in the Marina Heights development on Tempe Town Lake. The company will be hosting a career fair in Phoenix June 11-12 to fill 900 positions in many departments in the Papago Buttes and Gateway facilities, where the company expects continued hiring throughout 2013. The job openings include full- and part-time positions and some bilingual opportunities.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is offering the community a unique chance to discover Cuba through a fully-inclusive “cultural connections” program.

The owners of a medical marijuana dispensary attempting to open in Ahwatukee Foothills have been granted more time to do so.

The scores junior golfers post make most weekend hackers shake their heads.

Five years ago Ahwatukee Foothills resident Joe Busone made headlines when his firing from a corporately-owned restaurant caused many of his employees to walk out with him. Those employees inspired him to open a restaurant of his own, and over the weekend of June 1 the business celebrated four years of doing what the staff loves.

After being stuck in a storm drain for a week, Ellie was sick and scared, but with love and good care she’s gotten her “sparkle” back. Ellie is very curious and just has to see what’s hiding in an open drawer, cabinet or a box because if it’s hidden, it must be something special. Although not a big talker, she does chatter at the birds and will let you know its snack time or if I need your help with a toy that got stuck. Affectionate but not needy, Ellie is happy to just be in the room with you, although I she loves to snuggle at bedtime.

Every Sunday in Ahwatukee Foothills, residents can browse through a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, jellies, breads and other products all grown or produced within a 15-mile radius of the area at the Ahwatukee Farmer’s Market.

The First Tee of Phoenix will host the ninth annual Splish Splash Golf Bash at its South Mountain facility, 9510 S. 7th St., on June 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.

My Gym Ahwatukee • 4142 E. Chandler Blvd.

State senators voted Wednesday to ensure that if you like to hang your clothes out on the line you have a choice of new homes to buy.

Thunder Mountain Sports, 1334 E. Chandler Blvd., will have sand volleyball all summer through July 26.
The divisions are 12U girls, 14U girls, and Open (18U), with Friday being the day of competition most weeks.
The price is $55 per player on a doubles team and the price for a four-person team will be $110 for the season. Non-USAV members might have to pay an additional fee.
For more information, contact Tristan Moreland at azcat@cox.net.


The rookie class at Mountain Pointe next year is a rather large one.


As Christy Everson was nearing age 40, she made a decision: She wanted to have a child, even though she was single and it meant doing it all alone. Her daughter, conceived via a sperm donor, is now 2 1/2 years old, and Everson hopes to have a second child.


The Court of Appeals won't stop the state from continuing to fund a controversial voucher program, at least not now.