"Wings over the Preserve"

The new McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve videos that premiered on Sept. 27th (see this blog of Sept. 22) called "Wings Over the Preserve" are now available on YouTube.  Aerial footage from Mitch Kelldorf and Nelson Rood of H5 Media showed the expanse of the preserve, soon to be the largest urban park in the country.  Watch this introductory video which explains how the preserve came to be such a valuable Scottsdale resource through citizen participation.  Introduction Video "Wings Over the Preserve"  Love the Preserve?  The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC) is in need of new stewards to help with the recent expansion and new trails.  Contact Jill Feinstein at 480-998-7971 x. 104 and check out Become an MSC Volunteer

Lizard Acres at Agua Linda Park

Photos by Lis E White

In addition to the parks created out of the barren Indian Bend Wash, the City of Scottsdale has used a water retention basin, normally a neighborhood eye sore, and turned it into Agua Linda Park (Beautiful water?)  Though this park is small, only four acres, it has a sand volleyball court, basketball court, ramada, and covered playground. Lizard Acres is an amusing public art addition to the park and walkway near MacDonald and Pima Roads, with these larger-than-life welded steel reptiles greeting visitors.   Joe Tyler created these friendly creatures in 2001, as well as other metal sculptures around Scottsdale, such as the rusted metal Saguaro cacti on Shea.  Our young Scottsdale residents may remember these creatures more than the park itself.

Scottsdale Sister Citites

Photo by Lisa E White

Outside of Scottdale City Hall is a sign commemorating Scottsdale's Sister Cities.  As of March 2012, Marrakech, Morocco has been added as our sixth Sister City.  The first Moroccan student exchange is taking place this week with five students and one teacher visiting for nine days staying with Scottdale families.  Students have attended Desert Mountain High School, Chaparral High School, and Friday will attend Arcadia for homecoming festivities.  In addition, today they met with Mayor Jim Lane, toured the Civic Center and Old Town and went to the Heard Museum.  The students had a cowboy experience with line dancing at Handlebar J's, went to the Musical Instrument Museum, and will go to the Grand Canyon on Saturday.  Scottsdale is also has partnered with Alamos, Mexico; Kingston, Canada; Cairns, Australia; Interlaken, Switzerland; and Haikou, China.  "The Sisterhood of Cities leads to the brotherhood of people."  Begun by Eisenhower in the 50's, this understanding of cultures is still much needed today.

SCC Inspiration

As you walk on the campus at Scottsdale Community College from the Student Union to the art building near the Peace Garden, look down.  Inspiring quotes, many by Native Americans, are set in concrete.  Not only do they make us think, but they remind us of the Native American land on which SCC is built.

Cereus Monstrose Cactus

Photos by Lisa E White

Cereus Peruvianus Monstrosus, or the Monstrose Apple Cactus, is one of my favorite cacti to paint.  Today is the first day of this blog in which I have included a sample of my artwork.   Cereus are columnar cactus, night-blooming, and produce a nice apple-type fruit.  The irregular, knobby ribs of the monstrose make this cactus produce interesting shadows.  Some grow into tall columns, and others break up into many tree-like branches like the one shown from my neighbor's yard.  Cereus are blooming like crazy this week, having loved the monsoon rains.  Guess they don't know it is autumn.

Hummercam

Photo by Jim Ekins

Birds adapt to the urban environment better than most animals.  This hummingbird made her nest on the stray wires of a patio light/fan fixture.  Our neighbor set up a "HummerCam" to record this great National Geographic quality event which you can watch here: Noan's blog  A female hummingbird makes her nest from twigs and leaves like other birds, but loves lining it with soft things like feathers, cotton or dryer lint.  She glues it all together with spider webs which allow the nest to be flexible as the hatchlings grow.  The eggs are the size of jelly beans, and the nest about the size of a walnut.  Mama bird eats bugs combined with nectar and regurgitates it for the babies' nourishment.  Nectar alone won't do.  After about three weeks, the baby birds are ready to leave the nest, but mama will show them the best places to find nectar and bugs, and the cycle continues with the mother or another hummingbird often reusing the same nest.

Scottsdale International Auto Museum

Photos from Scottsdale Int'l Auto Museum

Scottsdale is the home of some of the nation's largest car auctions, with seven main auctions in January alone, such as Barrett-Jackson, R-M, Gooding's, Russo & Steele, or the Silver Auctions.  GRG founders Leo Gephart and Cactus Jack Gartley, who opened this new non-profit international auto museum last year at the Pavilions, both have over 40 years experience as collectors. Visitors can see this Howard Hughes 1936 Lincoln and the new all electric Tesla Roadster sports car.  GRG Scottsdale International Auto Museum sits in the old Mervyns site at Indian Bend and the 101, where they fill the 75,000 square foot space with cars owned by Gephart and his friends, and others on loan, making the collection constantly rotating as cars go up for auction.  For ten dollars, visit this museum seven days a week, from 10-6 Mon-Fri, and until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  

Bird's Eye View of McDowells Sept. 27

"Wings Over the Preserve" will premiere at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts this Thursday, September 27th.  The yellow area shown is preserve and park areas, nearly equalling the rest of the city land area, and 40 times the size of Central Park.  Open House begins at 5:00, with the video and discussion at 6:00.   Marshall Trimble, Arizona's official state historian, will host the event which will give viewers a bird's eye view of the McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve including the southern mountains and the new trails opening next month.  Today until about 2 p.m., the Tom Thumb trail is closed for restoration because helicopters will be transporting 50 tons of rock, supported by the Eagle Scout project of Daniel Kovach.  October is McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve month as new acquisitions and trails, paved parking to accommodate horse trailers, etc., will be opening to the public.  October's cooler weather will make it perfect to hike these new and improved areas.

Jack Knife on Marshall Way

Photos by Lisa E White

The bronc-riding cowboy is the symbol for the City of Scottsdale, and is the centerpiece for the city seal.  Renowned Arizona artist, Ed Mell, won a contest for this Scottsdale Public Art sculpture at Main Street and Marshall Way in the Art Gallery District.  Since the galleries of Scottsdale have both traditional and contemporary art, Mell took this Scottsdale icon with its Old West traditional style and gave it a contemporary feel using his own angular style.  Ed Mell thinks of himself as a painter, but this large bronze sculpture shows his versatile talents.  Scottsdale is lucky to have such an important piece by Mell riding high over Marshall Way.  Yee-haw!!

Inside Scottsdale City Hall

Top photo SPL Digital Library, Mid and bottom: Lisa E White 

Bennie Gonzales designed the interior of Scottsdale City Hall based on the Native American kiva, or ceremonial meeting room, in order to facilitate a democratic involvement with city government.  The room is built into the ground, giving the floor level a balcony-like overlook, adding overflow space when the kiva itself is full.  The open space and top lighting, which includes beautiful stained glass, make the room inviting and accessible.   The Mayor (Jim Lane) and six city council members are elected at large, with three of the six city council members being elected every two years for a four year term.  The public is invited to meetings usually held on Tuesdays, to watch the meetings on Cable Channel 11, or to stream meetings to your computer.  An eight-week Scottsdale City Government 101 course begins in March 2013 to explain the workings of this participatory government.  Scottsdale 101

(Bottom picture is Mayor Lane at the council podium with 16 exchange students from our sister city of Interlaken, Switzerland.)

Scottsdale City Hall

Photo SPL Digital Collection

Scottsdale City Hall is the cornerstone of the Civic Center in Old Town Scottsdale.  This award-winning complex was designed in 1968 by architect Bennie M. Gonzales, who mixed ancient ideas with modern materials.  Sculpted double-thick adobe walls, bright white exterior, and deeply recessed windows provide a "green" design applauded today for protecting the building from the hot sun.  Gonzales also designed the nearly mirror image Civic Center library (see blog June 6) and later the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts which opened in 1975 (see blog Aug. 19).  Tomorrow: inside City Hall.

September Clouds

Photo by Lisa E White

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." 
Edward Abbey

Silhouette of Camelback near Dawn

Photo by Lisa E White

A slightly different view of camelback.  On 101st Street South of Cactus, you will find this camel checking you out.  The same family from the blog of March 30th, who was photographed walking their white horse, Whisper, and black llama, Pongo, once again have a camel.  All the kids (even old ones like me) love to come see these beautiful animals.  Camels have been bred in Scottsdale for decades, probably because of the nice desert climate.  You might catch this one walking with his owner along Cactus with his horse, llama or dog friends.  Such a fine sight to see!!!

Enjoy Cool Patios for Restaurant Week

Photos foxrc.com

When I went to Blanco Tacos and Tequila yesterday, I realized it was the first day of Arizona Restaurant Week.  Of the 200 valley restaurants (and many in Tucson) participating, sixty-two are in Scottsdale.  For $30, you can enjoy a prix-fixe menu including appetizer, entree and dessert.  At Blanco's, and many other restaurants, the $30 is for two people.  It is a fancy food happy hour all week!!!  What a great way to try something new, especially some of Scottsdale's more expensive restaurants.  The weather this week will be perfect for al fresco dining.  In addition to Blanco, Fox Restaurant Concepts has North and The Greene House at Kierland, Olive and Ivy and Culinary Dropout at the Waterfront, and True Food Kitchen at Scottsdale Quarter.  Check out all participating restaurants and deals at:  AZ Restaurant Week 2012

I ♥ George and Son's Asian Restaurant

Photos byLisa E White

For the best Asian restaurant in Scottsdale, go to a little gem on the corner of Via Linda and Frank Lloyd Wright called George and Son.  George Yang will likely be present and stop by your table to make sure everything is good, and regale you with stories of everything from golf and going to college in Utah, to his life in Burma.  After a few visits, you feel like family.  In addition, the food and service will make this restaurant worth a return visit.  Pictured are pot stickers, my favorite, but more unusual is the George's Bird Nest, which is shrimp, calamari and scallops in a garlic brown sauce nested in a noodle basket.  Menu items come from all over Asia with Burmese specialities, vegetarian dishes, and curries.  Try their lunch buffet from 11:30-2 each day for a taste of dishes that will bring you back for dinner.  The buffet food is real menu dishes, so much better than a restaurant that specializes in buffets.  And you'll find that George has a great taste in wine, reflected in his extensive wine list.   

George and Son Menu

Indian Bend Wash Flood Control

Photos scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/greenbelt/indianbendwash

Indian Bend Wash cuts the city of Scottsdale in half, running North to South from the McDowells to the Salt River.  Recurring floods caused the Army Corps of Engineers to plan a deep concrete channel through the city for flood control.  Newly opened Saguaro High School flooded regularly in the late 60's.    A citizen's group lobbied for a greenbelt of parks, but not until Scottsdale was hit with one of the worst floods on record in 1973 did voters approve a bond to turn the plan from concrete to a greenbelt of parks.   Now Scottsdale residents enjoy an oasis of parks, lakes, bike paths, tennis courts, golf courses, dog parks, baseball fields, and playgrounds forming 11 miles of continuous green space.  Can you imagine a 170-foot wide, 23-foot wide concrete channel cutting through the city?  I love our concerned citizen groups and great mayors like Bill Jenkins and Herb Drinkwater for their "green" vision for our city.

Fall Skies

Photo by Lisa E White

September brings Scottsdale shorter days and temperatures dipping under 100 degrees.  The sky at 5:30 a.m. is now dark, with a hint of sun.  This morning, one cloud caught the first of the dawn's rays, causing it to form a white swoosh across the otherwise cloudless sky.  A small rainbow formed in the misty crown on top.  Dawn is a special time in the desert, filled with quiet calm. Today, not a single air conditioner hummed.  Autumn is near.

SCC Peace Pole and 9/11 Memorial

Photo by Lisa E White

Ten years ago on September 11, 2002, a peace memorial was dedicated on the Scottsdale Community College campus near the art building.  Two saguaros represent the World Trade Center, a barrel cactus represents the Pentagon, and hedgehog cacti represent the field in Pennsylvania.  Also in this Peace Memorial Garden is a peace pole with "May Peace Prevail on Earth" written in the twelve languages taught at SCC in 2002 including two Native American languages of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Pipaash (Maricopa) and Tohono O'odham (Pima).  Peace be with you.

Scottsdale Wildcats!!

Photo u.arizona.edu

My neighbors thought I was crazy when I came home from walking my dog with tales of having seen a mountain lion.  Everyone thought, "Surely, she doesn't know the difference between a bobcat and a mountain lion."  The tail was the first clue -- long and large.  She jumped onto a six-foot fence and into a back yard like my cat jumps onto the counter.  (They can jump 20 feet in height.)  She was small, maybe 70 pounds, and a plain camel color.  She had no furry jowls or tufts on her ears like the cats in this blog pictured 2/28 and 5/21.  Our neighborhood has washes running through it that connect directly to the desert of the McDowell Mountains, perfect terrain for these beautiful animals.  Even though I had two eye witnesses with me, the skepticism continued.  Since that day, many sightings have been recorded in the Scottsdale Ranch area.  The good news is cougars usually avoid humans.  If you encounter one, do not turn and run, as that may trigger a chase instinct.  Stand tall, extend your arms and open your coat (on the rare event you wear a coat), kick rocks at it.  Throw anything you don't have to crouch down to get such as a water bottle.  Don't bother to call the police unless the mountain lion is posing a threat, as cougars have a right to live here, too.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Photo assumptionaz.org

Photo Thad Roan Flickr.com

Another example of Scottsdale beautiful church architecture is the Greek Orthodox Church found on Cactus Road East of Hayden.  Opened in October 2001, the church's construction by Advanced Architect Concepts continued with the completion of the large copper dome in 2009.  Sept. 9th marks the beginning of the new sessions of Sunday school.  And look for the Greek Food and Culture Festival in November.  Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

(See other Scottsdale church architecture on this blog: May 20, Aug. 5, and Aug. 26)

Cool off at Scottsdale Swimming Pool Bars

Photo by azfoothills.com

Photo by azcentral.com

Scottsdale is known for its restaurants and nightclubs.  On a hot summer day, what would be nicer than to spend time dipping in and out of the pool sipping on a cocktail or cool drink?  The Old Town Group, who brought Scottsdale Stingray Sushi and Jimmy Woo's, opened a pool bar in Old Town Scottsdale called Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club.  In May, they opened El Santo Cantina and Patio Bar in North Scottsdale in the old Jilly's American Grill on Butherus and Scottsdale Road.  Enjoy the Baja-style menu that adds Mexican spice to food and drinks.  But wear a swim suit under your clothes, because they have a strict dress code.  A friend was not allowed in wearing jeans.  The scene is mainly for 20-30 somethings, but a fun place to enjoy a beach cabana without flying to Bora Bora.   Feliz Cinco de Mayo -- 365.  El Santo Cantina  Opening: azcentral.com

Bischoff's Shades of the West and Southwest Art

Photo by Lisa E White

Photo by Julie Santamaria

If you really want to know Southwestern trends or buy a souvenir, stop by Bischoff's Shades of the West which has a key location in Old Town Scottsdale on the SW corner of Main Street and Brown.  Since 1971, this store has carried great novelties such as cactus jellies, scorpion suckers, cowboy boots and hats, Southwest blankets, etc.  In the back, an entire room is devoted to metal works including everything you need to turn your house into a Southwestern Palace, from towel racks to door knobs.  Take home prickly pear syrup to make the perfect Arizona cocktails.  Also, look for clothing from your favorite college or professional sports team.  For fine art, cross the street to the pistachio green-colored Bischoff's Southwestern Art, opened in 1999 in a former bank building.  Native American, Western and Southwestern art can be found here along with authentic Navajo rugs, jewelry, kachinas, pottery, etc.  Knowledge of Southwestern art comes to Anselm Bischoff through his grandfather who was a collector and trader of Native American art at his trading post in Canyon de Chelly.   Both this museum-like store and Shades of the West are must-sees for visitors to Old Town Scottsdale. Bischoff's Southwest Art

Camelview Theaters

Photo by harkinstheaters.com

Photo by Lisa E White

Camelview Theater near Scottsdale Fashion Square was the last theater opened by Red Harkins in 1973.   His son, Dan Harkins, now runs 30 theaters with 428 screens. (See this blog, Cine Capri, Aug. 13.)  Camelview is one of the only places in the entire valley showing great indie and foreign films.  One of Scottsdale's most interesting architectural styles, these three "mushrooms" provide shade at the entrance, with a hazy fog of mist to cool visitors.  The neon lights add a striking feature to the facade, with the turquoise uplighting creating a glow on the rusted-steel columns. Since Scottsdale has restrictions on neon lights now, the vintage neon adds a unique quality to the canopies.  The Great Phoenix Jewish Film Festival is held here each February, with dates of Feb. 9-24, 2013.  Submissions for GPJFF are accepted before September 15, 2012.

Little Shop of Horrors = Poisoned Pen Bookstore

Photo from Google Street Shot

Scottsdale has its own Indie bookstore in the Old Town Scottsdale art district on Goldwater and 1st Avenue.  Whereas I enjoy going to Barnes and Noble, I prefer small book stores run by well-read locals.  The Poisoned Pen sells mainly fiction, specializing in crime novels and mysteries.  With over 250 author talks and book signings each year, the store carries over 1,000 autographed copies.  Tomorrow, for example, Clive Cussler and Thomas Perry will sign The Tombs: A Fargo Adventure at 7 p.m.  Join one of several book clubs, or arrange with the staff to have your own book club meet there.  You will enjoy the staff picks for new fiction.  For upcoming events, check out:The Poisoned Pen

Micro-beauty

Macro photo by Denise Schultz

“Each thing in its way, when true to its own character, is equally beautiful.” 
― Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

Arizona History Museum at Papago Park

Photo by Lisa E White

If you want to know how Arizona has grown and changed in the 20th century, stop by the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Papago Park just West of Scottsdale Road and North of Curry.  Before air conditioning, the Valley of the Sun was sparsely populated.  This museum explores the effects of WWII on development, with great displays on Japanese Internment and the POW facility which housed German prisoners during WWII in Papago Park.  Read about the German submarine crew that tried to escape via the Salt River.  Good luck!! In addition to other great displays, many interesting personal stories and Arizona memorabilia, enjoy special exhibits on the history of Cactus League baseball, Sandra Day O'Connor, and 100 years of transportation.  The first Tuesday of each month (tomorrow) is two for the price of one, though the admission is only $5.  And, yes, you can trip down memory lane as you remember those great, juicy hamburgers from Bob's Big Boy.

"Knight Rise" a skyspace by James Turrell at SMoCA

Photo by spa.contactdesigns.com

Take a trip to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) to visit Knight Rise by the installation artist James Turrell.  Located in the sculpture garden, an oval room, built by architect Will Bruder, mimics the oval "skyspace."  Sit on the concrete bench and relax.  Turrell is known as a light and space artist, but his work requires the element of time.  The average viewer may spend as little as four seconds looking at a piece of art, 30 seconds for important pieces.  If you breeze by a Turrell, you will be underwhelmed.  Over time, this oval oculus reveals the changing sky and ambient light which varies dramatically from time of day and time of year.  View it at different times of day, as SMoCA is open Thursday (free), Friday and Saturday evenings until 9 p.m. to experience the night sky.  Through his study of psychology, Turrell offers opportunities to play with perception through his art, all of which takes time.  "Knight Rise" may have multiple meanings to you; however, it is named after the director of SMoCA in 1999, Dr. Robert Knight.  Check out other Turrell installations such as the one located in the Great Hall at the Phoenix Art Museum,  Mohl ip, a 10'X20' neon light installation which gradually changes hues as you continue to observe.  Or look for Turrell's Roden Crater, an on-going project in Flagstaff where he has purchased a volcanic crater that he is turning into a large, naked-eye observatory.

Blue Moon over Scottsdale

Photo by Lisa E White

A blue moon is not as rare as old wives' tales imply, as it occurs every 2.7 years (next one is July 31, 2015).  Here the moon isn't as blue as the blue uplighting on the palm trees at the Shops at Gainey Ranch  which bring an eerie glow to the geometrically sculpted trees.  This year for the blue moon, remember our first moonwalker, Neil Armstrong by looking at the moon and giving a wink. ( Remember Neil)  Thanks to Neil and NASA, the moon is not as mysterious as it once was, but it is still a marvel to behold.