It’s May. Memorial Day and the end of the school year are in sight. Suddenly, you’re thinking about a summer vacation. A little advance planning — and some insider tips — can save you a lot of money. Whether you’re booking airfare, a car rental or a hotel room, there are questions you should ask first.

The city of Phoenix is reaching out to residents over the next few months to get input on the city manager’s trial budget, which does not call for an early removal of the city’s food sales tax.

Desert Vista High School’s dancers invite young dancers to have fun while learning dance techniques at the Spring Dance Clinic on Saturday, March 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Walk-in registration and pre-registration check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. The dance clinic is open to all students in grades Pre-K through eighth grade.

City elections

It’s time to bring out the shamrocks and deck ourselves out in emerald. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 and the 30th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 16. The parade and the Irish Faire are sure to turn downtown Phoenix into one big green party.

You may soon spot something other than hawks and vultures in the sky near the Superstition Mountains.

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.

With cacti and strip malls obstructing the views at times, visitors could easily write Phoenix off as a place where water and culture are scarce. But this metropolis — which includes upscale Scottsdale and college town Tempe — is a nature lover’s oasis with pristine peaks and the vast Sonoran desert.

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but many may assume they are out of luck when it comes to finding a holiday travel bargain. While it’s true that booking early usually secures the best holiday fares and schedules, there are still a few remaining deals to be found for the persistent bargain-hunter. I recently consulted AAA travel pros for a few tips for those seeking last-minute holiday travel deals:

Friends for Life Animal Rescue reduces some dog adoption fees

The fifth annual Tukee Fest Rockin’ in the Park will take over Ahwatukee Park on Saturday with music and games for the whole family.

The ASU Karsten Golf Course is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this month by offering golfers $23 golf fees through Sept. 23. Tee times can be made up to seven days in advance by calling (480) 921-8070 or by visiting www.asukarsten.com.

For many, going to college is the first experience handling their own finances. Follows are 10 tips to help make it easier:

For many, going to college is the first experience handling their own finances. Follows are 10 tips to help make it easier:

Slo-pitch softball teams are being formed for leagues at Chavez Park and Mountain Vista (Wednesday only) for the fall season, starting Sept. 4.

Slo-pitch softball teams are being formed for leagues at Chavez Park and Mountain Vista (Wednesday only) for the fall season, starting Sept. 4.

The 4th Annual Indian Art market will feature Native American entertainers, food, jewelry and craft vendors Oct. 12-14 on the grounds of A. J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler.

Mountain Park Senior Living will be offering a nearly free support group service for local family members who are providing assisted living care to a loved one.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Channel blackouts such as the one that resulted from the recent spat between Viacom and DirecTV have become far more common over the past three years. Consumers can thank the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.

Recent Desert Vista graduate Maggie Black finished 27th at the Girls State Junior Golf Championship that took place at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa on July 2 and 3.

To tip or not to tip?

Marriott Golf recently introduced “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom,” a new military program designed to support the men and women dedicated to protecting America’s freedom.

Slo-pitch softball teams are being formed for leagues at Chavez Park and Mountain Vista (Wednesday only) for the fall season, starting Sept. 4.

Although a sequel to 2010's "Piranha 3D" seems entirely superfluous, don't tell that to the target demo of gorehounds and softcore-deprived teens (if they still exist) who may still take some notice.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disneyland is not just for sugar-soaked kids. Consider, all you grown-up women out there, going for a gals’ day out.