Phoenix Metro Area

Fireworks Over Phoenix

25th Annual Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth

July 4
Steele Indian School Park
Phoenix

FREEDOM WIRELESS FABULOUS PHOENIX FOURTH— Help celebrate our country’s freedom once again at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Rd.  The fun will begin at 6 p.m. with an expanded fireworks display beginning at 9:20 p.m. There will be two stages of entertainment, Kids World area, Classic Car exhibit, refreshment vendors, and more! For more information call 602 262-6862.

For More Information
http://www.phoenix.gov
Phone: 602-262-6862
Phoenix, AZ

Downtown Mesa

Celebration of Freedom

July 2 through July 3
Downtown Mesa
Mesa

Visit downtown Mesa for the inaugural Arizona’s Celebration of Freedom festival. There will be classic cars, motorcycles, beer gardens, art, music, games, and more.

Celebrations start Friday with the ever popular, “Motorcycles on Main” and a flag raising at Stage America. Along Main street bands will be playing music and businesses and restrautants will be open for your shopping and dining pleasure.

Saturday night includes an American classic car show and the official Salute to America program featuring musical performances, brief comments by Mayor Scott Smith and others and a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to a special selection of patriotic songs.

Each night, the event includes “fun zones” and specific program areas up and down Main Street. The Wet Zone, a “you-will-get-soaked” area at the event, is sure-to-be popular with kids and adults with more than a dozen water activities. The Family Fun Zone, your traditional county fair area includes games, pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests, carnival games for the kids and more.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC, FREE PARKING

Fri., July 2, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sat., July 3, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Downtown Mesa (Street Closures: Main Street, from Morris just west of Robson to Centennial just east of Center Street Center, Macdonald, and Robson 1st Street to 1st Avenue)

For more information go to www.azcelebrationoffreedom.org.

July 4th- A Star Spangled Shoot Out!

July 4
Rawhide Wild West Town
Chandler

5:30pm – 11pm

Celebrate your independence this July 4th western style with us right here at Rawhide! If it’s a party yer lookin’ for, we’ve got you covered with cowboys, gunfights, food, fun, family and fireworks!

Attractions & Entertainment:

• Live music throughout town
• Action Packed Performances
• Aerial Fireworks Display

Admission: $10 per person (ages 6 & up), Kids 5 years old and under are Free.
Admission cost includes Rawhide attractions, entertainment & Aerial Fireworks Display.

For More Information
http://www.rawhide.com
Phone: 480-502-5600
Chandler, AZ

If you’re looking for something different to celebrate this year—a chance to get away from the crowds—there are celebrations going on throughout the state. Phoenix.org will highlight a few for you.

Around the State:

Prescott Rodeo

Perhaps you are looking for a Rodeo. At just under a two hour drive, the Prescott Rodeo and dance is sure to please. Or maybe you’re looking for a more small-town rodeo. In that case, why not make the trip to Taylor, AZ, or Eager, AZ, where both towns will be hosting rodeos, and enjoy a scenic drive through the Tonto National Forest while you’re at it.

Should you be looking for a non-traditional way to celebrate the fourth, there are events going on which will be enjoyable and certainly entertain.

Clarkdale Train

Head on up to Flagstaff to watch an outdoor movie on the square, and while you’re there, catch a Renaissance Faire and Mountain Music Festival or the 77th Annual Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture.

Superior, AZ is also offering a unique experience. Make the one-hour drive to Superior and enjoy a Dragonfly Walk; sure to be a highlight in the non-traditional celebration of the Fourth of July weekend.

Or perhaps, you’d like to spend your day riding the Firecracker Express through the majestic tunnels of the Tonto National Forest in Clarkdale. For the athlete, head to Tucson to spend the fourth participating in the 15th Annual Holualoa Firecracker Triathlon. Whatever you choose, Arizona has much to offer.

Lake Powell

Looking for a scenic place to watch the fireworks? Here are a few options in the beautiful state of Arizona. Head north to the city of Page and watch the colors as they gleam off Lake Powell.  As a closer option, choose to visit Parker, AZ and enjoy the fireworks on the Colorado River. If you’re planning a trip to the east-side of the state, make Pinetop one of your stops to enjoy fireworks over Sunrise Lake.

While there are sure to BBQs going on in neighborhoods and backyards all over the state, should your mouth be watering for professional Barbequeing, head to Williams, AZ where teams will compete for $10,000 in prize money. At a closer option, Maricopa, just outside South Phoenix, will also be hosting a city-wide BBQ.

Maybe you’re looking for something to do with an old-fashioned feel. Well, look no farther! Visit Clarkdale to eat a pancake breakfast, ride the train and a live band concert. In Williams, AZ you can join in a game of vintage baseball, railhead shoot and hometown parade.

Tucson Music Hall

If you’re looking to light up the weekend with the sounds of patriotic music, head to the Tucson Music Hall to enjoy the Arts Express Choir and Orchestra.

Regardless of what your tastes are, we’re confident that one of these activities highlighted by Phoenix.org will be right for you and your family. If you know of an event that is not listed here that you would like our readers to know about, please contact us and we will be sure to update this article.

Have a safe and happy fourth!

Check out other celebrations happening throughout Arizona!

Railhead Shooting Competition

July 1 through July 4
Williams Shooting Range
Williams

43rd Annual 4th of July Celebration

July 2 through July 4
Veterans Memorial Park
Sierra Vista

2010 Light Up the Sky Festival

July 2
Maryvale Baseball Park
Maryvale

6th Annual Art Barn 4th of July Arts and Crafts Festival

July 2 through July 4
Pinetop
Pinetop

Frontier Days Parade

July 3
Courthouse Plaza
Prescott

Independence Day Celebration

July 3
Alpine

31st Annual Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Show

July 3 through July 5
Courthouse Plaza
Prescott

30th Annual Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Festival

July 3 through July 4
Pine Community Center
Pine

Show Low Main Street Farmers’ Market & Art Walk

July 3 through July 31
Festival Marketplace
Show Low

4th of July Celebration

July 4
City Park
Benson

Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks

July 4
Paul Mason Sportsplex
Casa Grande

11th Annual Fantastic Family Fourth of July

July 4
Cottonwood Kid’s Park
Cottonwood

Freedom Fest

July 4
Florence Pool & Heritage Park
Florence

Fourth of July Celebration

July 4
Patagonia

Family Style 4th of July

July 4
Medigovich Field
Tombstone

Bisbee’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration

July 4
Tombstone Canyon
Bisbee

4th of July Fireworks & Celebration

July 4
Veterans Memorial Park
Douglas

14th Annual 4th of July Parade

July 4
Historic Downtown
Flagstaff

Star Spangled Spectacular

July 4
Crossroads at Silverbell Park
Marana

July 4th Celebration

July 4
Pioneer Park
Prescott

Prescott Valley 4th of July Celebration

July 4
Mountain Valley Park
Prescott Valley

39th Annual Fourth of July Celebration

July 3
Sunset Park
Wickenburg

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

Emil Nasser Stadium

Winslow

24th Annual Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony

July 4
Caballero Park
Yuma

Rodney Glassman is running for US Senate

On Tuesday, May 25th Phoenix.org was given the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with former Tucson city councilman Rodney Glassman.  Mr. Glassman is currently running for Senator John McCain’s seat in the senate on the democratic ticket. During our interview we were able to discuss local Arizona issues such as the new immigration bill, border control, boycotts and education.

The team at Phoenix.org would like to thank Mr. Glassman for his time and hopes that you will enjoy the results of this interview.

If you are interested in hearing from local personalities or politicians then please contact Phoenix.org to suggest an individual to interview.

Now please enjoy the interview.

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Phoenix.org: The response to the recent immigration law created by the state of Arizona has garnered national attention, with intense support as well as intense opposition. Do you think that Arizona made the proper choice with this law, if so why or why not? Do you have any ideas that you think would help Arizona deal with the issues that come with being so close to the border?

Rodney Glassman: Washington and John McCain have failed us. John McCain has been in Washington for 28 years and has really taken all sides of the immigration debate, while the problems have only gotten worse and the people of Arizona are searching for answers. The recent Arizona immigration law was created out of frustration. It is simply a rash attempt to score political points while not focusing on the issue, which is that immigration reform needs to be done at the federal level and it needs to be championed by our US Senator, who so far has refused to acknowledge the issue.

We are a nation of laws, we need to secure our borders and keep Arizona families safe, while at the same time we need to acknowledge that the economic realities of our county do not match our current immigration policies. Arizona cannot do it alone to solve the problem, it needs to be the federal government, we need to make sure that the US Senator that we elect from Arizona is someone who is able to bring all of the various stakeholders to the table together.

2010 and the immigration issue truly is about electing a consensus builder someone with a track record of solving problems; we need someone that can bring people together to move our state forward and champion immigration reform at the federal level. We do not need a US Senator that runs away from the issue. We need a US Senator that will tackle the issue. That is the kind of US Senator I plan to become.

Phoenix.org: Do you have any specific ideas that you think would help Arizona deal with the issues that come with being so close to the border?

Rodney Glassman: Well, first and foremost we need to secure the border which means using the appropriate resources. We hear time and again the concept of a wall. The reality is that in rural areas where no one is living a wall is simply a waste of resources. We need to utilize technologies, technologies like the kind that have been created and developed in Arizona, such as unmanned aerial vehicles which can monitor the border utilizing technology. Sadly and ironically we have had a US Senator that for the past 28 years has consistently said that he does not want to bring resources to the border, but we need to secure the border with the appropriate technologies.

Additionally we need to have a guest worker program that matches the economic realities of the state. We need to have the ability for individuals to come to Arizona to work and return home so that our agricultural industries, our restaurant industries, our tourist industries are able to function and we need to have a plan for the 11-12 million undocumented individuals that are already here. But in order to accomplish any of these things we have to have a senator that is a capacity builder, a senator that is willing to work with all the various stakeholders and my background is unique, having served on the Arizona Farm Bureau Board of Directors, having worked in the home building industry, having worked for a congressman that represents a significant segment of our Latino population. I have been endorsed and supported by a variety of stakeholders that represent a myriad of opinions in regards to the immigration issue and that is the type of person that we need in Washington DC and championing this issue.

Phoenix.org: Also regarding the immigration law, some local governments and organizations have been calling for boycotts on Arizona and Arizona based industries. How do you believe Arizona should deal with these actions from others?

Rodney Glassman: The reality is that in these difficult economic times Arizonans can’t afford a boycott. Arizonans are struggling with record high job losses and foreclosures. A boycott on Arizona really harms those who need the work the most. We have to be careful not to punish millions of Arizonans from the actions of a few leaders from the fringe. Arizonans truly want a fresh approach and are ready to work for new direction for Arizona’s future. While I have relationships and respect for some that have called for this boycott, the reality is that we need federal immigration reform and we need a champion that is willing to take that to Washington DC.

Phoenix.org: Some claim that there is a feeling of overall discontent in the air coming from the voters this election cycle. Would you agree with this assumption that voters are more upset this year then they typically have been in the past? If so, why do you think that is and how do you plan on dealing with this mentality as a candidate and possibly a US Senator?

Rodney Glassman: People and voters are frustrated sending representatives to Washington DC, like John McCain, who for 28 years forget the fact that they represent Arizona. Arizonans have a US Senator in John McCain that has built a very strong reputation by giving speeches in New Hampshire about what he does not do for Arizona. To have a US Senator like John McCain, who for the past three decades has spent time shifting positions and doing nothing to solve our problems, has created a significant amount of discontent.

Our campaign is unique in that I plan on raising a family in Arizona. I am the candidate that plans on bringing resources to Arizona, on creating Arizona jobs and supporting Arizona schools. And what Arizonans want is a US Senator who is committed to putting Arizona first and to moving our nation forward.

Phoenix.org: You have been discussing the issue of “water conservation” recently and you also have a degree in Arid Land Resource Science. Due to the desert nature of Arizona naturally the allocation of resources, especially water, is an important one. What are some of your plans or ideas that you want to see put into effect regarding water and other resource conservation?

Rodney Glassman

Rodney Glassman: Arizona sits at the bottom of the Colorado river and therefore water and water conservation will continue to be an important issue for our state. As a candidate for the Tucson City Council I campaigned on requiring rainwater harvesting on all new commercial developments, gray water plumbing on all new homes and solar power water heating on all new homes. As I campaigned I not only received the endorsements of the Sierra Club and local labor unions but I also received the endorsements of the Tucson Association of Realtors, the Tucson Homebuilders Association and the Tucson Chamber of Commerce. So within two years of being elected to the city council I was able to bring all of the stake holders that are interested in conservation and development around the table together to make my campaign commitments realities. Additionally as the vice mayor of the city of Tucson I was invited to speak by mayors and councils across the state from Avondale to Mesa, and Sajarita, all the way north to Flagstaff, from Fountain Hills to Oro Valley and Prescott to Sierra Vista because they were interested in the concepts of sustainability that I have accomplished through consensus building.

The reality is that water conservation is not a republican or democratic issue, it’s an Arizona issued and at the macro level we need to do more as a state to leverage our renewable energy resources. The fact that the city of Portland received more solar dollars on an annual basis then both the cities of Phoenix and Tucson is wrong. This once again demonstrated that we do not have a senator in John McCain that is an advocate for bringing resources home or for championing Arizona’s future.

Phoenix.org: The state of Arizona, and even more especially the city of Phoenix, have recently both gone through a quite extensive bursting of a real estate bubble. This has left a lot of people owing more money on a mortgage than their house is worth and also caused a high level of foreclosure and vacancy rates. What do you think Arizona should do, if anything, to try to reduce the volatility of the local housing market? Do you have any advice for those that are struggling to hold onto their home?

Rodney Glassman: First and foremost we need a US Senator that cares about working families. Currently more that 50% of home owners in Arizona are upside down on their mortgages, yet they do not have a voice in the US Senate in Washington DC. For too long free-wheeling Wall Street practices fattened bankers wallets yet when the house of cards fell apart the American housing market fell apart too and Arizonans and homeowners across the country were stuck with the bill. We need a US Senator who is committed to stop playing political games and to hold Wall Street accountable. John McCain’s five largest contributors are the five largest financial institutions in the country. There is a sad irony when (Las) Vegas casinos are under more regulation then the bankers on wall street (which) have the power to negatively impact Arizonans and put them into the housing crises today.

The truth is that Arizonans need an advocate for working families, they need an advocate who is willing to demand that the banks return their phone calls, who is willing to champion bringing jobs to Arizonans, the best way to keep Arizonans in their homes is with a vibrant and strong economy and that will only come with a United States senator who is committed to getting Arizonans back to work.

Phoenix.org: On your website you mentioned your desire to improve our economy through a high quality education, you also mentioned your desire to “attract” and “reward” great teachers that will make a difference in the lives of their Arizona students. How do you plan on attracting and rewarding local Arizona teachers?

Rodney Glassman: We need to value teachers in Arizona for the great work they do and on the impact that they have on future generations. More and more of our smartest young people are heading off to make their fortunes in business as opposed to investing their educational career in improving the educations of others.

We need a US Senator that plans on being a customer of the Arizona educational system with his family. We need a US Senator that appreciates the importance of education and believes that it is a priority of our state and our country, to be investing in our schools. One of the first questions and business person asks when considering moving their business to Arizona is “Where are my children going to go to school? Are they going to receive a quality education?” Is there any better advertisement then to have a United States Senator who not only supports our local school system but is also a customer of the local system?

We need a champion for our educational system in the highest office in Arizona and that’s a US Senator. That means bringing dollars home from Washington D.C. so that Arizona does not have one of the highest student/teacher ratios in the country, it means connecting local businesses to local schools to make sure that there is a strong and vibrant relationship. Because quality schools have an impact on public safety, they have an impact on the quality of lives as Arizonans and they have an impact on our economic development as a state.

Phoenix.org: Immediately prior to announcing your run for US Senate you were a city councilman for Tucson, Arizona. How has your experience in local government prepared you for the ability to serve nationally as a US Senator?

Rodney Glassman: As a Tucson City Councilman and the Vice Mayor of the City of Tucson I was able to hone my skills as a public servant and as someone focused on constituent services. I often wonder just how spectacular our state would be and how spectacular our nation would be if every US Senator worked with their constituents with the same level of care and consistency and the same level of investment as a city councilman has. As a councilman I learned the importance of making commitments and of following through and of turning those commitments into policies. I learned the importance of being responsive and I built a track record on keeping my word, following through and on always answering my phone calls and my emails.

Those are the kinds of concerns that I hear as I travel across Arizona, that our current US Senator is not keeping in contact with his constituents, that he is not returning phone calls or answering emails and that frankly he is more interested in serving Washington DC then serving Arizona. I plan on being a United States senator that will work in Washington DC but will raise a family in Arizona.

Phoenix.org: Do you spend much time in the Phoenix metro area? When you do what are some of your favorite things to do and places to eat?

Rodney Glassman: Well, I was fortunate enough to meet a beautiful and intelligent Sun Devil while I was at the University of Arizona Law School. My wife’s parents live in Phoenix so for the past three years we have been spending a significant amount of time in the valley.

Some of our favorite places to eat in the valley are El Portal by the capitol building which has excellent Mexican food, as well as La Grande Orange which has great pizza. We also really enjoy BBQ from Honey Bears on Central. Of course, our personal favorite is home cooked meals with the in-laws. But everyday I have to remind myself to “eat responsibility” because after graduating from law school and passing the bar I made the decision to join the United States Air Force JAG Reserve CORE so I serve as an attorney in the air force, I am attached to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. One of the requirements that they had in order for me to get my commission is that I worked for about six months to take off 60 pounds. The Colonel gave me two choices, she told me that I could either grow 4 inches or lose 60 pounds and I chose the later.

Phoenix.org: Wow! Well I think you made the right choice. Rodney, do you have anything else that you would like to tell the readers of Phoenix.org?

Rodney Glassman: Two weeks ago the Tuesday election demonstrated that voters across the country are frustrated  and tired of sending people back to Washington DC that don’t represent the states from which they come from. However, in Arizona something else spectacular happened and that was the passing of proposition 100 because with the passage of prop 100 Arizonans demonstrated that they are concerned with the future of their state and that they are willing to invest in education and that they are willing to invest in public safety because they want to improve the quality of life.

Our campaign, which people can learn about at RodneyGlassman.com, is a campaign that is committed to Arizona’s future, Arizona’s education, Arizona’s jobs and sustainability. I am the candidate that represents the next generation of Arizona leadership and I am a candidate that plans on being a champion representing Arizona’s future.

This is where the fun starts...

To view any of the pictures in greater detail simply click on them. To view our complete portfolio from Phoenix.org’s Camelback Mountain hike click here.

Don’t let anyone fool you, even though it is only1.2 miles up, hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix can be quite a feat. It is not just that even in April it can be well over 90 degrees outside (only a crazy person would try to do it in the Summer), it is not just that there are portions so steep that I wanted to buy life insurance before attempting them or even that the trail is so crowded that at least you are comforted in the thought that if you did happen to fall off a cliff and have an unfortunate splat below that at least you would leave this life knowing that hundreds of absolute strangers would have in a way shared that moment with you. No, Camelback Mountain is not a difficult hike simply because of any one of these things alone, but instead as a result of all three of them combined.

As anyone who has climbed the mountain anytime after 2am knows, the first part of an ascent up Camelback begins with about an hour of fruitlessly searching for a parking spot. Naturally, after you find one you realize that you forgot your water bottle so you will have to leave the spot you spent the last hour looking for only to come back from the grocery store with overpriced water bottles and start the search for a place to park all over again.

Map of the Overflow Parking Lot: Click for larger Version

Here are just two small pieces of advice for you. One, there is an overflow parking lot just at the point where McDonald Drive turns into North 44^th Street. It is about a 25 minute walk to the trailhead but I personally guarantee that it will be a lot shorter then driving around for 30 minutes looking for a place to park in the neighborhoods, eventually giving up on that and waiting in line to park at the trailhead for 30 minutes then finally losing your sanity and parking at the overflow anyway. Just park at the overflow first thing, you are going to end up doing it regardless whether it is the first or last place you look. Second, the closest grocery store to the north is on Tatum and Shea and their bottles of water are actually reasonably priced.

Starting the Hike:

The trail starts out deceptively simple, nothing more that a short 300-500 yards of progressively steeper dirt steps. While most of us, myself included, broke a sweat early on in the hike, by the time you reach the end of this simple portion of Camelback you are starting to think pretty highly of yourself, 500 yards done on a hike that is only a mile and half anyway makes us all feel kind of good but as you turn right around a corner you notice that your accent has not even begun yet. Seeing what is coming up next, after the first 500 yards of simplicity,  is sort of like being invited inside the home by a beautiful girl after your date and thinking that you must be doing pretty well, only to see her 6’5 300lbs father cleaning his guns at the kitchen table, needless to say it is a little depressing.

Trust me, it is steeper than it looks!

The first really steep portion is equipped with a mounted metal rail to assist you for over 50 yards as you attempt to climb up what appears to be a scene out of movie cliffhanger. Truly the worst part of this portion of the climb is asking the people that are coming back down how close you are to reaching the top and seeing their snide smiles and hearing their obnoxious laughs. Truth of the matter is that you are nowhere near the top at this point, just don’t tell yourself that and you should be fine.

The nice thing about finishing this first hard climb, apart from finishing the climb, is that you are rewarded with a nice view of the valley. You are starting to get high enough that you actually feel a good deal above the valley

This is probably the first decent view from Camelback

around you and that is a nice experience. The area just after this first steep climb is more of a transition from one part of the mountain to another. Naturally as you make this transition you will be gaining a lot of elevation. The major difference between this part of the hike and the portion before it is that while the portion before, albeit steep, was on relatively firm ground and had an additional handrail for support and guidance. This second part is just as steep but it is done over scattered rock fall and small boulders and there is no handrail to help you feel good about yourself. It is on this second portion of the hike that you will reach your halfway mark, yeah, .75 of a mile down.

The third portion is similar to the second; you will be crawling, sometimes even using your hands, over large rocks as you make your way up a small ravine. As you reach the top of the ravine you will hook to the left to start you final assent on the mountain. Warning, if you do not hook hard enough to the left you will soon find yourself off of the main trail overlooking the southwest valley thinking, “This sure is pretty… I wonder where everyone else went”. If you find yourself in this situation do not despair, you are not the first (it has happened to as least one other person that I know of).

If you see this you are probably lost... find the trail.

A mistake such as this is easily remedied and it will be no time at all until you find yourself inching your way over the final assent of the mountain and are rewarded with the opportunity to rub shoulders with about 100 other hikers, all as sweaty as you, as well as the opportunity to take some wonderful pictures of the valley below. If you are lucky enough you will meet some interesting individuals on the top as well. I was fortunate enough to meet a gentleman from Scotland and had a pleasant conversation, if you are reading this my Scottish Friend; remember

Very happy to arrive at the summit

you were going to send me an email.

Either way you look at it climbing Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, AZ is tough, but it is also worth it. The view from the top is the best in Phoenix, the climb can be invigorating and the company is certainly interesting. I recommend that everyone take the opportunity at least once. As for me, I am just hoping that my next assigned review for Phoenix.org involves a water slide.

If you would like to request a review of a local Valley of the Sun activity please contact Phoenix.org. Thanks for reading!

Arizona Science Center

Whether you only have a hour or two to fill, or whether you are looking at a full day experience for you and your children, the Arizona Science Center is a great choice when you want an educational experience that will never be forgotten. There are three full floors of exhibits, experiments and adventures. What other place on earth can your child lay on a completely real bed of nails, ride a bicycle across a suspended cable, or even experience what a hurricane or tornado feels like?

Staff members from Phoenix.org were invited to do a walk-through tour of the Arizona Science Museum in early April and naturally we jumped at the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with one of the Valley of the Sun’s most beloved adventures. Below you will find a little write up of our time at the center as well as some pictures that were taken during the visit.

The first thing that a person notices while walking into the Arizona Science Museum is the sheer size of the structure. The open design allows a visitor to look from the bottom floor up through both the second and third floors. This certainly is a far cry from what was present back in 1984 when the center was a small 10,000 square foot storefront exhibition space located in the parking garage level of the downtown Phoenix Hyatt. Now-a-days the Center boasts over 120,000 feet of display space alone, an I-max movie theater, three full floors of exhibits as well as a gift shop and concession stand. We are not kidding when we say that there are literally hundreds of things that a person or child can find to do there, and most of them will leave the child having learned something new.

Jamie on the Sky Cycle

The first exhibit that we saw while touring the facility was the Sky Cycle, a metal bicycle that is counterbalanced with a weight that allows riders, after they have been strapped in, to ride the bicycle across a metal cable. Oh ya, did we mention that while doing this the riders are 14 feet in the air! The ride typically lasts about 3 minutes and consists of the rider pedaling the bicycle about 60 feet across the extended cable and then pedaling backwards over the length again to get back to the platform. Typically at some point in time most riders, after beginning to feel comfortable with the balancing of the bike, will actually shift it back and forth which causes the bike to sway. This supposedly makes the experience even more exciting although it is not something that I chose to do.

After our experience at the Sky Cycle we were ready to try something a little less adventurous so naturally we found our way to the “Get Charged Up” exhibit where we could take a relaxing few minutes and lay down on a bed of nails, yes, you heard me right, we laid down on a bed of nails! To be more direct a person actually lays down on a flat piece of Plexiglas with hundreds of circular holes in it. After the person is settled on the Plexiglas they press a red button and in a uniform movement

Jamie on the Bed of Nails

nails slowly extend from the holes and lift the person’s body about an inch and a half above the level of the plastic. The nails are sufficiently dull enough and your weight is sufficiently distributed enough that not only do you not feel any pain while laying on the nails but you actually have to pay very close attention to even be able to tell that your body is being raised up by the nails.

Also in the “Get Charged Up” exhibit are smaller exhibits on generators, pulley’s and an electromagnetic workbench where objects move before your very eyes. The pulley tug of war was fun, especially for my 130lbs wife that, thanks to a properly located pulley (as well as a “positive mental attitude” in her opinion) was able to out-pull me in a tug of war contest. If only we could have used a pulley system back in elementary school. Surely then my class would have won the coveted “Tug-of-War” trophy that I so desperately wanted.

Dancing Iron Shavings

Just off the stairway between the 2^nd and 3^rd levels is what is called the “Music Landing”. This was one of my favorite areas of the Center. There is one exhibit made up of iron shavings that move in time to the music of your choice. “Flight of the Bumblebee” has never been so entertaining as it is when piles of iron shavings dance back and forth with the pitch of the piccolo. There are also a series of large pipes that when your ear is placed up against the bottom cause you to hear a very low pitch, showing that there is truly music everywhere.

On the third floor you will find three of the best exhibits in the Center, these are “Forces of Nature”, “The Science of Fear” and “My Digital World”.

“Forces of Nature” is a large circular standing platform complete with a television screen above you. The narrator then explains the various types of natural forces that we experience in Arizona from floods, to monsoons to intense desert heat. The participants then get to experience each of these “Forces of Nature” with wind and rain present for the monsoon and heat lamps that turn on for the desert scenes. It is quite the experience.

The Drop in "The Science of Fear"

The “Science of Fear” allows a participant to experience many of the most common types of fears such as the fear of spiders, fear of heights and the fear of falling. The fear of falling exhibit was one of the most popular. In this one the participant is strapped securely to a bench and the bench is then suddenly dropped backward making use of a pivot joint in the bench. As if the fear of falling was not enough a camera also takes of picture of the face of the participant just as the free fall begins.

One of the most memorable exhibits at “My Digital World” was the facial structure reorganization exhibit. In this exhibit you were able to adjust a picture of your face and warp it into shapes and forms that seem to be strait from Picasso’s newest painting, he does have a new painting doesn’t he? In this exhibit I was able to see a picture of my lovely wife’s face that in all honesty I hope I never have to see again.

Facial Reconstruction: Not a Great Idea

Our final experience at the Center was a 30 minute video in the IMAX theater on Black Holes. The video was very interesting and seeing it projected on a dome that was 30 feet above your head just added to the excitement and mystery that are black holes.

In conclusion the Arizona Science Center is a wonderful place to spend a day, or an hour, with your children or even someone else’s. They have affordable entrance fees, especially if you sign up for a yearly package and it is the kind of place that children will enjoy going back to again and again. We recommend that you take the time to experience it for your self, and tell them that Phoenix.org sent you…

Phoenix.org routinely does reviews of local attractions, restaurants, and more. If you know of a location that you would like to have reviewed then please contact us and let us know.

The first part of this interview can be found at:

http://phoenix.org/blog/phoenix-org-exclusive-interview-with-j-d-hayworth-part-1-of-2/

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: It seems that in this current economy, especially in Arizona, that many private businesses are taking rather large steps in order to stay afloat. Some are laying off workers, some are reducing benefits or requiring larger portions of benefits to be paid by employees, some are creating hiring freezes or pay freezes, reduction of sick days and more. In short it appears that in Arizona corporate America is restructuring the way they look at business, at least temporarily. In spite of such drastic measures in corporate and private America, many feel that government employment is not experiencing the same belt tightening as the rest of us. Government employees in Arizona on average cost the government over $100,000 each, get more sick days and paid leave then most, and some get retirement contributions matched up to 20% of their yearly wages, all of these elements would be unheard of in all but the most lucrative industries in private America. What would you say to those employees in the private sector that feel that they are getting a much smaller compensation package compared to public employees? Do you think that it is a positive thing for a state of city government to pay higher wages then the large majority of private businesses in the area?

J.D. Hayworth: You have touched on something that I think is very perceptive and you are quite right. If you take a look at the growth of government, and more specifically the growth of salaries in government, we are now at the point where one out of five federal employees makes in excess of $100,000 per year just in terms of annual salary and as you pointed out, even those not earning that much in salary, with the benefits packages, even many government employees not earning that type of income have the value imputed of insurance and other benefits that takes their compensation well in excess of six figures.

What is happening, and this is where you really see a couple of things, number 1 is the rise of unionism in government and the method to the madness to the left or American progressives, their vision is one in which government dominates life, and because governments role is expanded ergo government payrolls expand because their growth industry is quite simply government. This is where when people say there is not a dimes worth of difference between the major parties I believe them to be incorrect. The notion of a limited but effective government is very, very important. And accordingly they are just two different basic visions, the left views compassion as the number of people that can be added to welfare rolls, those on the right view compassion as not as welfare but as work, having people gainfully employed, and even the left has a different view of employment, again they see government as quite literally the source of employment. And we are seeing it played out now with this new administration, which in less than a years time, in terms of massive spending, has seen an increase in discretionary spending of over 80%. So that is what is at work here.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Both you and your opponent, Senator John McCain, are representatives of the Republican Party. If you had to name what you think are the three biggest differences between you and Senator McCain what would you say they are?

J.D. Hayworth: First of all, let me add that remarkably Senator McCain has changed many of his previous longstanding positions just in time for this campaign for the US Senate but lets go back through three major differences. First, John voted for the massive bailout of the investment banks on Wall Street to the tune of 700 billion dollars. He also voted for the accompanying package of earmarks, something he claims to oppose, which was an accompanying 150 billion dollars for a total of 850 billion dollars in higher government spending. I would have opposed the bailout of the Wall Street investment banks.

Secondly, John co-authored, with the late Senator Kennedy, the amnesty bill, which the heritage foundation estimated would cost you and me and other tax payers 2.6 trillion dollars, that is Trillion with a “T” just for long term retirement benefits for illegal’s that would be given citizenship. That is another bill that I would have opposed.

Thirdly, John opposed tax cuts that I helped to write as a member of the ways and means committee back in 2001 and 2003, he called them “tax cuts for the rich” again sounding a lot more like John Kerry then the John McCain that I used to work with so those are three major areas. Oh, I might go back to that first example (The Bailout), John now says that he was misled on that bill, and if you take that with his rhetoric where he was opposed to the bill before he voted for it, again he sounds more like John Kerry then the John McCain that I remember so those are just three areas where we have very genuine disagreements.

Just one thing that he might say about spending, when John talks about government spending I think it is worth noting that “Citizens Against Government Waste” gave me a better lifetime score then what he has received from them, even though he has their endorsement. That John has their endorsement does not come as a surprise, that organization, though it has laudable goals, is part of the Washington establishment, it can use Senator McCain’s name in fundraising, but that is fine, John can call on the Washington establishment for its support but last time I checked the Washington establishment can’t vote here in Arizona. So if he wants the Washington establishment that is fine, I will take the Arizona voters.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Do you think that under the current administration that our country is heading in the right direction? If not what do you think needs to be done by both our leaders (such as yourself) and the citizens of this country to get it where you think it needs to be?

J.D. Hayworth: No, I believe that this administration has American heading most definitely in the wrong direction, I think that as an elected leader, that when I go to the US Senate I will work to repeal this massive government takeover of healthcare. I believe it is unwarranted, unconstitutional and most definitely unwise. And though I am hopeful that court action will be taken to stop it, that even if that does not happen, when I go to the US senate I will work to repeal this bill no matter how long it takes or whatit will take, that is what the leaders need to do. Regarding the citizens of this country, I believe that most Americans are already doing what needs to be done to get back on the right track, by participating in the political process, by saying that they want a return to a constitutional republic, in fact I think that much of what is afoot in this political year of 2010 is not so much a revolution but a restoration, and I believe that quite generally the awakened Americans, whether they are a part of the tea party movement, or whatever their political expressions might be, instinctively know that the American dream is being threatened, that their constitutional republic is being threatened and that is why I expect to see them out in record numbers.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Ok, it is now time for a local Phoenix.org question. Suppose it is date night with you and your wife, where are your favorite places to go and what do you do?

J.D. Hayworth: We usually just go out for a very early dinner together and we just enjoy each others company whether we are out eating or whether we are back home watching a movie or even whether we go out to a movie. I also would like to say that even if I am elected to the US Senate that I will not force the taxpayers to foot the bill for my protection or for taking my wife out to dinner. The voters can rest easy on that score. If it ever came down to that where we needed government protection then we would probably just stay home as opposed to giving the taxpayers the responsibilities to pick up our tab.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: What are some of your favorite places here in Phoenix? Our readers at Phoenix.org are very Phoenix centered so do you have a favorite restaurant or place to go.

JD Hayworth: A lot of the time we are just very close to home, we go to Flemings at DC Ranch. It is one of our favorite places and it is very comfortable to us. It is a very warm and wonderful atmosphere as well as a great wait staff and we just feel very comfortable there. One thing that I like the most is that although it is a “white tablecloth” type place it is a place that is very unpretentious and where the staff treat you like family and we like that very much so that would probably rate at the top of our list.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Is there anything that you would like to say to the readers of Phoenix.org?

JD Hayworth: What I would request is that those readers who are inclined to participate in the August 24^th election, I would like to humbly and sincerely request their vote in the republican primary.

The transcript of the interview is below. Since the interview was conducted orally what you are reading is a transcribed version. Any error or omission in the grammar or structure of the transcript is the fault of Phoenix.org.

Phoenix.org has requested an interview from Senator John McCain’s campaign but as of yet the campaign has not responded.

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Part 1 of Phoenix.org’s interview with J.D. Hayworth

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Mr. Hayworth, the 10th amendment of the US Constitution states that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Many people claim that our federal government has ignored this declaration and has taken rights away from the respective states and attempted to conglomerate as much power as they can in the federal government. Do you agree or disagree with this statement and if you agree that states rights are being taken away what is an example that you believe illustrates the problem?

J.D. Hayworth: Well yes, I do agree with it and I think that one of the ways in which Washington has done that is with, for lack of a better term, the “power of the purse”. For example, to enforce what Washington wants to see nationwide, let’s say with reference to the age of legal majority or a legal drinking age, Back when that was disputed in the last couple of decades Washington said to the states, either you raise your drinking age to 21 or we, Washington, will withhold federal highway funds. So in that circumstance Washington was inflicting on the states Washington’s will.

It’s done in various ways through what are called “unfunded mandates” but that is a fairly clear example when Washington attempts to hold the states economically hostage to invoke Washington’s will and you are quite right, that has existed. One of the reasons ironically has to do with the way that we select senators because as we know with our study of the constitution, the 17^th amendment to the constitution changed the way in which we elect senators. We now elect senators by popular vote. Earlier in our history senators were elected by the respective state legislators in their respective state legislatures and many constitutional scholars and historians believed that that helped ensure that the 10^th amendment remained alive and well. So it is somewhat ironic that we open our conversation with that but that is one of the elements of history that led to the diminution of the 10^th amendment.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Are you saying that at that point we began a transformation from a republic to a democracy?

J.D. Hayworth: Well, I wouldn’t go that far. But I do believe in the fullness of time if you take a look that the two amendments passed very early in the 20^th century, at the dawn of the so-called progressive era, that very much changed the nature of our constitutional republic. The first was ratification of the 16^th amendment which led to the direct taxation of personal income and the second was the 17^th amendment which we just discussed. There are many articles about it. Regarding the 16^th amendment Raymond J. Keating wrote for the Foundation on Economic Freedom an article titled “Original Intent & the Income Tax” showing just how inflated the tax rates have become and quite frankly the real spending of the federal government. And then of course we just talked about the 17^th amendment, so yes, it profoundly changed the nature of our republic, I don’t believe it completely eliminated it but I do believe it brought some real change to it.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: If elected as a United States Senator what would be your top three priorities that you would work to accomplish? Do you believe that you will be able to accomplish these things?

J.D. Hayworth: The top three things that I would like to accomplish go back to what we have just been talking about which is the preservation of a constitutional republic. The first thing that I would do is reintroduce a bill that I introduced in the house called the “Congressional Responsibility Act”. This is an effort to regain the original intent, if you will, of our founders. Again, back to the dawn of the progressive era, I believe that the 20^th century will be remembered historically for the rise of the de-facto 4^th branch of government, the rise of the bureaucratic regulatory state.

Originally, for some laudable purposes, a decision was made to set up agencies to monitor the food supply and ensure public health and all the good stuff. Well, like any good idea the idea was taken and changed somewhat. Fast forward to the 20^th century and you see congress seeding its legislative authority, its lawmaking authority, from article 1 section 1 of the US Constitution, which reads “all legislative power shall be vested in the congress of the United States” congress set up within the executive branch regulatory agencies and funds them, and there you have regulatory lawyers creating regulation and as you know those regulations carry punitive consequences if you fail to adhere to them.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Absolutely

J.D. Hayworth: Those are laws. What I advocate is that we can let those regulators continue to promulgate regulations, but here’s the thing that would make it different, a way to restore the clear intent, instead of having a situation where regulators promulgate the regulation and then have a period of public comment and then print them in the federal register where they carry the weight of law, instead under the “Congressional Responsibility Act” every one of the proposed regulations would be submitted to the House or the Senate for an up or down vote. So that way original intent would be restored because you would have constitutional officer acting on what would in essence be legislation and it would hold us accountable. That would be the first thing that I would do.

The second thing I would do is regarding the constitutionality of legislation. It is the requirement that anytime a bill is brought up federally, that the authors of that bill show it’s constitutional citation. In other words, that the authors of the bill show where in the constitution the legislature of the house and the senate have the authority to act on this manner in the first place.

Troy Hallewell/Phoenix.org: Well, you would probably be seeing a lot of cites strait from the commerce clause, knowing how abused that clause has become.

JD Hayworth: That is what they try to do, the commerce clause has become so perverted and I think the up side of the “Constitutional Citation Act” would be that it would be a very teachable moment to see just how maligned and how misused the commerce clause has become. So I think it would be important in that way. So that would be the second piece of legislation, what I call the “Constitutional Citation Act”.

The third priority of mine would be mindful of article 4 section 4, “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government and shall protect each against invasion”. In response to this I would reintroduce my “enforcement first act” to deal with the border. The enforcement first act is what it says, you enforce the laws and in that way you strengthen border security because once you start enforcing the laws very interesting things happened, in that people start to obey the laws.

There is more to the “Enforcement First Act” that I wrote about in my book, “Whatever it Takes”. It involves the utilization of our military on the border and I regret that but the situation has grown so urgent that sadly we have to do that now, especially in the wake of Robert Krentz’s murder a couple of Saturdays ago on the border. As you may know, New York City has at least twice as many policemen as we have border patrol officers. So something is wrong and we have to enforce the border.

So those would be the first three pieces of legislation that I would want to introduce. But what I would like to do in addition to these things is something that we have been doing in the campaign so far. That is to continue to go around the state for a regular series of town hall meetings and to make sure that I am accessible as a United States senator because I think it is very important that the next senator be a senator “for” Arizona, not just “from” Arizona. So that would be something, not legislatively but instead attitudinally that I would bring to the office. I heard from a woman in Sierra Vista recently that asked me a question that was strait and to the point. She asked me “Are we only going to see you once every six years” I said “No M’am, I’m gonna be back regularly”.

This also leads me to another point and I don’t know if it was going to come up in your questions but if not I would like to mention that after a lot of talking with my family and a lot of listening to Arizonans, I have made up my mind that it is important that I voluntarily limit my terms, if the voters will have me, to two consecutive terms and then at the end of 12 years it will be time for me to step aside and then another citizen can serve in the Senate.

Part 2 of this interview can be found at :

http://phoenix.org/blog/phoenix-org-exclusive-interview-with-j-d-hayworth-2-of-2/

Top Ten Phoenix Information Websites

Top Ten Websites for Phoenix, Arizona

Information runs the internet & Phoenix.org thought that we would put out a list of local Phoenix websites that are rich on information for local residents. While we recognize that some might not think we could be completely unbiased in this choice (and we agree to a point) we like to think that we have taken off our competitive blinders and honestly looked for good websites.

Below you will find a list of what we think are the Top Ten informational websites that serve the metro area. On this list you will find sites with job listings, restaurant reviews, phoenix coupons and discounts, traffic conditions, local up to date news and more. There is no particular order in this top ten. If you know of other sites that you think should be on this list make sure to contact us and we will consider adding it.

Now, with no further adieu, here are the “Top Ten Information Websites for Phoenix, Arizona”, brought to you by Phoenix.org.

AZCentral.com

AZCentral.com is the official website of the Arizona Republic newspaper. Because of this on the website you will find information on Phoenix as well as other metro areas in Arizona. When it comes to local news there really is not much better than AZCentral.com. New local stories are added on a daily basis. You can also find some local information such as live traffic conditions as well as local jobs listings (using CareerBuilder.com) and some local Arizona “Things to do”.

PhoenixNewTimes.com

If you are looking for local Phoenix entertainment news The Phoenix New Times website is a great resource. Their writers cover most of the concerts, plays, and shows that come to town and do a great job of it. The Phoenix New Times is also a great place to find reviews for local restaurants, nightclubs and bars. With entire sections of their site dedicated just to the arts and movies, you can tell that PNT’s knows what’s happening anytime, day or night.

Phoenix.org

Ok, so I have to admit that I am a little bit biased here. Phoenix.org is the new kid on the block when it comes to local Phoenix information and resources. We are working daily to build up our job listings, business reviews, golf courses section, coupons and more. While Phoenix.org doesn’t carry the bulk that some other local sites do, we like to think that our slim and trim focus allows up to stay up to date on what is going on and keep in the know to the benefit of our readers.

If you are looking to save some cash this weekend try our coupons section, if you just flat out want to know what to do head on over to our local events page.

ArizonaGuide.com

ArizonaGuide.com naturally focuses on the entire state of Arizona but there is still plenty to do with the Phoenix area. Both their “Things to Do” and their “Event Calendar” can be beneficial to residents of the Valley of the Sun if you make sure to filter out the results that are outside of the Phoenix metro area.

ArizonaGuide.com is also a great place to send friends and family that are looking for information on taking a trip to Arizona. Website visitors can book a hotel if they desire as well as request a free travel brochure. It is the official website of the Arizona Office of Tourism.

VisitPhoenix.com

VisitPhoenix.com is another travel focused website and a great resource for anyone that is looking to take a trip to the Valley of the Sun. Even if you already live here, VisitPhoenix.com can still provide you with some great information. Their website has a great list of stuff to do in Phoenix, hotels with reviews and an extensive list of restaurants organized by fare.

Phoenix.gov

Ok, so Phoenix.gov doesn’t have much in the way of restaurants, night life, shopping or discounts, but what they do have they do better than any outer site out there. On Phoenix.gov you will find anything and everything government in Phoenix. Just some of the information that they have posted is how to get a business license, trash pick up schedules, information on public transportation, social services and even information on grants. Anytime you have any questions about how Phoenix is run, or when to put your trash cans out on the curb, visit Phoenix.gov, you won’t be disappointed.

Phoenix.about.com

About.com is a major informational website that covers hundreds of subjects, Phoenix only being one of them. In spite of this the Phoenix dedicated page at Phoenix.About.com does a great job of keeping its readers up to date on what is going on and when it is happening.

Judy Hedding is the full time contributor and in addition to moderating a forum, writing local articles and keeping readers up to date Judy still manages to find time for consistent updates to her blog, found at http://phoenix.about.com/b/

FeastingInPhoenix.com

It has been a while since Seth Chadwick has update his Phoenix restaurant review blog at FeastingInPhoenix.com but that doesn’t lessen the quality of the reviews that he has put up in the past.

In addition to wonderful and creative posts about various restaurants in the valley, Seth also posts lots of great pictures for each of his posts. Some restaurants that he has reviewed on his site are Modern Steak, Aiellos, China Chan, Floyd’s Kitchen, and Bison Witches Bar and Deli. If you are looking for a great and in depth review of eating in Phoenix than make sure to visit FeastingInPhoenix.com.

Phoenix.Metromix.com

Phoenix Metromix is a great resource for the more exciting nightlife businesses, bars, nightclubs and more. The site targets a younger demographic then other local Phoenix sites and don’t be surprised to find articles ranging from the best places to find an afterhours party, to the best places to put a butterfly tattoo.

Their hip approach to categorizing the Phoenix nightlife has helped Phoenix Metromix become one of the best sites to find out just where to get the best bang for you buck, or even the best bang all alone, while out on the town.

AZ.gov

AZ.gov is very similar to Phoenix.gov. Don’t expect restaurant reviews or exciting nightlife pictures. However, if you are looking for information on Arizona services, licensing, education issues or how to start a business in Arizona, then AZ.gov is a great resource.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Free Things to Do in Phoenix

Tight on cash? No problem! Visit Phoenix Hot Spots for FREE! Whether you’re visiting Phoenix for the first time, or have been here for years, you’ll love seeing these sites.

Visiting Phoenix, but wanting to get the most bang for your buck? Well, you’re in luck! Some of the best things in life are free. Phoenix is no different. There are many local treasures that don’t cost a thing. Here are a few of the city’s highlights:

Hiking – It’s easy and FREE. In fact, all of the hikes in Phoenix are free. All you need is a map. There are so many you’re sure to never be bored no matter the length of your stay. A few names to choose from include Camelback Mountain, Piestawa Peak, South Mountain and Papago Park.

Named after the old flour mill, Mill Avenue has the old-town feel, complete with street shops, restaurants and even street performers. Make sure to take the time to walk through the area. While you’re there, visit ASU; it’s just a quick stroll to visit the campus as well.

Scenic flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall, koi pond and over 50 various plants, make the Japanese Friendship Garden a must see. The free entrance helps the overall ambiance of the garden. It is indeed an oasis in the middle of a hectic city.

The First Friday in downtown Phoenix is host to over 70 local choices of art in the First Friday Art Walk. This free event happens ever fist Friday of the month. Take the opportunity to visit galleries, historic homes, shops, street performers and exhibits. Art work changes every month so you can come back again and again.

Tempe Beach Park

Visiting Phoenix during

the heat? Jump on over to Tempe Beach Park for a jaunt in the splash playground. This park is equipped with everything from a sandy beach to shaded picnic areas. Enjoy the sunshine with friends, families or a Birthday party.

Moving to Phoenix?

Reasons to Move to Phoenix

As the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, it is easy to see Phoenix as the outdoor adventure it is. There are numerous areas for hiking, mountain biking, and driving ATVs throughout the area. The landscape surrounding the Phoenix area cannot be duplicated. The stars are brighter, the sky is bigger and the sunsets will take your breath away.

As America’s fifth-largest city, Phoenix is a host to culture and the finery of life. From art museums, a world-class symphony to fine dining and outstanding resorts, Phoenix can cater to any life-style.

Phoenix is also host to stadiums and arenas worthy of top-notch sporting events such as the Arizona Diamondbacks. There is also a rich college rivalry between Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. Phoenix is home to the Fiesta Bowl the FBR Open and two NASCAR races.

Nick-named the Valley of the Sun, the greater Phoenix area is famous for over 300 days of sun. The average temperature of 74 degrees makes Phoenix the perfect place for golfing enthusiasts with courses open year-round.

Phoenix is host to restaurants which accommodate to every way of life. Find any cuisine you can imagine in the Phoenix area from Thai to French.  Dine outside with inspiring patio views in the city or enjoy a night out dancing at a club in the suburbs. You can order the country’s best gourmet pizza or order a $10,000 margarita. Find upscale restaurants with the finest cuisine or dine in a familiar chain restaurant. Try a table with an inspiring patio view or eat sitting on the floor in an Asian restaurant.

Enjoy a taste of culture with a visit to the theater, or a concert at Symphony Hall. Visit the world-class Heard Art Museum or the downtown convention center and get there by taking the light-rail.

Anyway you look at it Phoenix is a great place to live with limitless potential to offer.

Gilbert, AZ

What does the Constitution, Gilbert and a bible have in common? They are all involved in an appeal being brought against Gilbert, AZ in a claim that a town ordinance outlawing religious gatherings in homes of the participants is unconstitutional.

Spearheading the claim is the Alliance Defense Fund on behalf of Gilbert resident Pastor Joe Sutherland. Pastor Sutherland’s congregation has been holding bible study meetings in the homes of its members since November of last year without so much as peep of complaint on behalf of members of the neighborhoods.

After seeing a sign on a road advertising one of the Sunday meetings an unnamed Gilbert Code Compliance Officer felt that the meeting was sufficiently inappropriate enough to warrant a claim of breaking a city code, in spite of the lack of complaints, and issued the violation.

The Alliance Defense Fund will most likely claim that such a city ordinance is unconstitutional based on the first amendment’s “Right to assemble” which states that congress shall:

“make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”