Phoenix, AZ

Like the mythical bird, downtown Phoenix is rising from its ashes. Once a place that many feared to tread at night; once crowed by destitute homeless and frightening figures; the downtown Phoenix area has been undergoing a cultural revival that is hitting full stride. 

Copper Square

Representing the “new wave” of the renaissance, Copper Square is a business center embodying over 90 restaurants, bars and markets, and consisting of 90 square blocks of safe streets. 

During the day, visitors and residents of the downtown area mingle with Phoenix’s high-powered attorneys, government officials, and business elite. After dark, crowds from across the valley congregate for good food, festive parties, and alluring atmosphere. 

Sports Centers and Venues 

US Airways Center, formerly known as America West Arena, is home to the Phoenix Sun during basketball season. But, when balls aren’t bouncing down the courts, the arena is host to such nationally recognized music acts as Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, and Green Day, not to mention family oriented entertainment such as the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, and even business events that bring in a fortune, like motivational speaker Zig Ziggler. 

Home of the 2001 World Series Champions, Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark) brings hundreds of fans not only to watch the D-Backs play, but also to many new and recently established stores and eateries in many of downtown’s shopping districts, most notably the Arizona center – one of the first anchors for business revitalization. 

Chicago the Musical, Dave Attell, Barney the Dinosaur, Nickelback, these are just a few of the diverse types of acts that grace the stage of the Dodge Theatre, a dynamic and welcoming auditorium. 

The Phoenix Orpheum, featuring classic architecture and red velvet seating was home to Democratic President Primary Debates in 2003, and serves the role of movie theater, opera house, and more.  Not to be forgotten in the midst of the larger venues, the Herberger Theater may be small, but it’s the best place in the valley to spend a day at an off-Broadway show. 

Schools and Museums

Arizona State University chose the downtown area to build an expansion to its campus. 

ASU’s mission can be summarized in three words – quality, access and impact,” ASU President Michael Crow said at the opening ceremony. “Our downtown campus provides high-quality education and greater access to students who are either just graduating from high school or working adults achieving their educational goals. Additionally, the new campus helps ASU accommodate the state’s burgeoning college-age population and demand for higher education.”

Situated next door is the kid-friendly Arizona Science Center, featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and world renowned traveling displays, such as Body Worlds.  Not alone, the Phoenix Art Museum and Museum of History are also nearby. 

Government and History 

The seat of power for both the City of Phoenix (fifth largest city) and Maricopa County (fourth largest county), are situated downtown. Recent mass construction projects, such as the Downtown Justice Center on Jackson Street proves the government’s dedication to the surrounding area. 

The Rossen House, situated in Historic Heritage Square, is the first brick building constructed in Phoenix. Not far away is the State Capitol, where visitors can learn about the settlement and establishment of statehood that state underwent.  

Far from complete…

Though a lot of the hard work has been done, there is yet much to do. The largest infrastructure project that downtown has ever undergone, Phoenix Metro’s light-rail project is a long way to completion, though tracks already crisscross Phoenix streets. 

“I do think we are five years away from the time when everyone says, ‘Wow,’” says Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, “We have people walking and living in downtown. There’s momentum that has been created.”

 I am already saying ‘Wow’ for myself. Join me as we explore many of the aforementioned highlights of downtown Phoenix as well as several destinations in the surrounding cities. Already one of the top five largest cities in America, Phoenix is setting out to show that it is also among the greatest. 

Phoenix, AZ, Arizona, Copper Square, bars, restaurants, ASU, sports, venue, shows, shopping

The U.S. Postal Service is changing some of the Valley’s zip code boundaries in an efficient and cost-effective move. Some residents of Avondale, Chandler Ocotillo Center, Gilbert Val Vista, Goodyear, Maricopa, Phoenix Daisy Mountain, Queen Creek and Scottsdale Kachina will be notified by mail of the change. July 1st is the when the new ZIP codes take effect.

Please remember the families and friends of the following servicemen from Arizona.

Chandler: Sergeant Caleb Christopher was killed in Iraq Sunday from an improvised explosive device that exploded near his vehicle. Christopher was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. Christopher is the second soldier from Chandler to be killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Florence: Army Staff Sergeant Charles Browning of the 158th Battalion was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Afghanistan. Browning was promoted posthumously to the rank of staff sergeant from sergeant. Browning grew up in Tucson and graduated from Palo Verde High. A 10:30 a.m. service will be held on June 14th at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson. The corrections officer from Florence leaves behind a wife and two stepdaughters.

Army National Guard, Chandler, Florence, Tucson, Gilbert, Fort Hood, Iraq, Afghanistan

Doors open for Canned Heat’s last performance at 7 tonight at 1019 E. Indian School Road. It’s a show for those 21 and older. Tickets are $16. You can call 602.265.4842 for more information or Canned Heat’s website.

Canned Heat, The Rhythm Room, jam

As a creative, I’m always excited to find a new event supporting the arts. Here’s one if you enjoy music, poetry reading and watching painters create. It’s simply called Paint, which is open to the public every Tuesday’s 8 p.m. at The Paper Heart Arts Venue
at 750 N.W. Grand Avenue. It’s $3 before 10 p.m. and $5 after 10.

art, music, poetry, Paint, The Paper Heart Arts Venue

We’ve got another food recall in relation to E.coli contamination. Again.

Fresh ground beef in chubs from United Food Group in Vernon, California were produced April 20th and sold at least at Albertsons, Smart and Final and Fry’s stores in the Valley. Any of the bad beef that has hit the store fronts has been taken off the shelves, so you won’t be running into any of it at all if you haven’t a chub or two already. If you have more questions about this incident, you’re welcome to call 1-800-325-4164 any time of the day.

E.coli, E-coli, ground beef, United Food Group, California, Albertsons, Fry’s, Smart & Final

Announcement blurb: The Arizona Department of Transportation is wanting public input on an alternate route to northern Arizona other than Interstate 17. There are four public meetings being planned for next week in Flagstaff, Prescott Valley, Camp Verde and Anthem. There is already a study being conducted to see if an alternative route should be pursued.

Now for my two cents: ADOT, ya think? To say that particular stretch of interstate is prone to accidents, career rubberneckers, and Sunday drivers pluggin’ up Friday drive-time is a major understatement — right up there with someone standing downtown in summertime muttering “Wow — it’s hot today.”

One particular time I vividly recall of such ridiculous situations is my wedding in 2003 being delayed severely due to a quad falling off someone’s trailer on northbound I-17. Hubby and I traveled with two friends up to Prescott Valley early on that Friday, not even in rush hour getaway traffic…and we ran into that mess. The only way we got around it was being diverted through the Sunset Point northbound ramps. I was an hour late to my own wedding. (A plus out of this was that most of the people coming up from Phoenix were delayed, too — but not much. Our interstates are poorly planned out, so the most know-how Arizonans have ways to make up for lost time. Don’t ask.) The only late wedding in my father’s 36 years of ministry and it’s his own daughter’s!

ADOT should also seriously consider checking out an alternative route out to Globe. The Renn Festival that runs out that way in Apache Junction every February through April is a great and fun thing to do…but the traffic is horrible going to it and leaving it. Personal experience: coming back from a Renn Festival visit last year, a guy on the side of the road walked passed us three times before we got to Highway 60. Kid you not. We didn’t go to this year’s festival because we knew we’d spend more time in traffic than at the festival.

Seriously, ADOT has a lot to make up for across the state, especially on the routes getting out of Phoenix. I have traveled on I-17 to go visit family and friends in northern Arizona many times over the last 15 years that I’ve been in-state. Each time I did, I realized in certainty, and with an underlying fear, that there would be no chance for an effective evacuation out of Phoenix, should one ever be called for. More times than not, there would be some minor accident (like with a quad falling off a trailer) that would back up the traffic, most times all the way back into Phoenix. With the threat of terrorists, and Phoenix being a top ten city in their sights, the possibility of a (what’s left of the city) evacuation is more real than any other time in state history. The most Arizona-driving savvy would make it out, I’m sure…most would not, I fear.

I have never understood this state’s lack of forward thinking in key areas. With transportation, I would think being prepared for the betterment of the people would be a priority, especially after recent, granted, natural, disasters still affecting other states in the Union.

Now — fellow Arizonans in Flagstaff, Prescott Valley, Camp Verde and Anthem — show up for those meetings! You could always say you were late because of the backup on I-17…

ADOT, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Camp Verde, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Anthem, Globe, Apache Junction, Renn Festival

Tony Bennett will be at the Symphony Hall, 75 North Second Street, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $65-$125.

Forrest Smith will perform at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at 1700 West Washington Street tonight at 6 to 6:30.

Matt & Kim, a indie/pop duo, will be performing at The Trunk Space, at 1506 N.W. Grand Avenue starting at 8. Tickets are $6.

Tony Bennett, Forrest Smith, Matt & Kim

woo HOO! Who needs the Salt River tube rides when there’s Big Surf and Waterworld that are going to be opening this Saturday for the season. This is literally cool for the family do, especially starting on a weekend holiday.

Tempe’s Big Surf website at http://tempe.golfland.com/ for prices, due to height requirements. There are group packages and season passes, so go check it out or call 480.947.2477.

Waterworld Safari takes you on an African-themed adventure located 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road. Again, the prices vary due to height requirements, however season passes, events, arcade, rentals, and group packages are available.

Big Surf, Waterworld, Phoenix, Tempe, Arizona

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports the Valley freeways will be clear of any highway closures for Memorial Day weekend. The only limitation that may affect traffic coming into the Valley will be the southbound I-17 near Camp Verde to one lane at the Verde River Bridges. Of course, it is wise to still consider there is always the possibility of car accidents and people who take the word “holiday” to heart when driving.

Be safe out there.

Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, Camp Verde, Verde Valley, I-17, Interstate 17

The flags lowered to half-staff Monday were honoring Army Private First Class Anthony Sausto, who died in Iraq earlier this month in the service of our country. Sausto came from Lake Havasu City and was based out of Ft. Lewis, Washington before being deployed in March. He served with his fellow members of the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. He died due to enemy small arms fire on the 10th. Sausto is survived by his mother, sister and fiancee.

Sir, your fellow Arizonans salute you.

Flags, Half-Staff, Army, Military, deaths, Iraq, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Ft. Lewis, Washington

If you love the simplicity of a grid style street layout, then you may want to check out this exhibit hosted by Trunk Space tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nine photographers’ work gives you a cool look of the East/West running roads of Metro Phoenix. This event runs until June 11th and can be viewed most everyday. It can also be enjoyed on First Night, June 1st. If you’re interested, call for event times and prices at 602-256-6006.

R&B artist John Legend is performing 8 tonight at the Celebrity Theatre, located at 440 North 32nd Street, Phoenix. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the theater doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $42 to $60.

Try the La Casa del Mariachi at 1420 North 24th Street to feed your hunger before the concert.

The Deftones are in the Valley tonight for a 6 o’clock concert at the Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 North Center Street. Tickets are going for $25. Be sure to check out the local eateries and take some aspirin before making your way to this heavy metal experience.

This is my first post from “It’s a Dry Heat” Phoenix!

I’ll be scratching out the happenings of this fly city. If anyone has any news they’d like to report, or would like a certain issue/topic concerning this Wild Wild West great escape to be fanned, I’m all about sharing it here. Fire off an e-mail to me: celesta.krantz@451press.net

Now lather up with SPF 45, down a liter of water and put those freezer neck wraps on…it’s gonna get hot!