We had great respect for her professionalism and her dedication to all of us, the court and her community,” said Linda Perkins, her court manager. “She had a very caring soul.”

Even near her final days, her spirit of contribution to her community was unwavering. My career is an “effort to make a difference in the community,” Gutierrez told reporters.
 
After learning she had cancer, she helped raise money and the public’s awareness about the disease by participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, speaking in public and to the media to share her ordeals.
 
“If I can share my story…my purpose is to get up every day and try to help somebody.”

Judge Gutierrez will be missed by her city.

South Mountain, Judge, cancer, Phoenix

Not just another Pizza Arcade, Amazing Jake’s is an 80,000 square foot entertainment powerhouse that just so happens to also serve food. A miniature indoor amusement park, it features video arcade games, laser tag, rock climbing, and dozens of rides and a racetrack.

Address: 1830 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: 480.926.7499
Website: http://www.amazingjakes.com/

GameWorks

Tempe is lucky to be home to one of only a few of Sega’s massive arcade entertainment venues in the United States. GameWorks, the largest arcade in the valley, features a three story tall Hot Air Balloon video game that sends players whizzing to new heights, not to mention all of the newest arcade releases.

The gourmet restaurant has a full menu for big and small appetites and a full bar for mommy and daddy. GameWorks is a perfect family destination!

Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Tempe, AZ 85282
Website: http://www.gameworks.com/locations/tempe.php

Rawhide

The best Wild West Town without going to Tombstone. Bring the whole family to enjoy an authentic Old West atmosphere and a gun fight or two. After the duel, takes the kids to the petting zoo or head over to Dead Man’s drop rock climbing wall. The kids can try their luck as a prospect and pan for real gold.

Dine at the Rawhide Steakhouse to get a bellyful of delicious steaks and ribs. For the braver bunch, rocky mountain oysters and fried rattle snake are on the menu. Be sure to give the mechanical bull a ride after dinner.

During the months of hospitable climate, the family can catch a mule-drawn hay wagon and dine out under the stars with the chuck wagon.

Address: 5700 West North Loop Road Chandler, AZ 85226
Phone Number: 800-527-1880
Website: http://www.rawhide.com/

Dinning, Restaruant, Kids, Arcade, Video Games

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

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Phoenix streets, grid, light rail system

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