East Phoenix Valley - Gold Canyon - Bob & Carolin Benjamin's Blog

Pets Left Behind in Foreclosures

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:25:34 -0500

The local Phoenix newspaper, the Arizona Republic is reporting that all the pet shelters across the Phoenix Valley are crowded to overflow and pets are being turned away because of the rise in pets being dropped off at shelters by people losing their homes to foreclosure. The shelters have coined the term "foreclosure pets". There is a huge need for people who want to adopt animals to come and adopt these animals. It is also reported that many animals are simply being left in homes that are abandoned by the owners when foreclosure happens, or being left by the side of the road. Shelters are reporting people coming into the shelters in tears at the thought that they must abandon their beloved pets, but with the foreclosures many homeowners have to move to smaller rented apartments that will not accept animals, or they simply cannot any longer afford to feed the animals because of their financial circumstances.

If you are in the Phoenix area and have been considering getting a pet, now may be the time to go to the local shelters and check out some of these beautiful animals.

The Humane Society of the United States reports that this problem is happening all across America as well, but is is particularly difficult in areas such as Phoenix where foreclosures are higher.

Final Section of Freeway 202 Slated to Open in Mesa Arizona July 15, 2008

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:57:46 -0500

If you live in the East Phoenix Valley you have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the rest of the 202 Freeway. Well now the wait is coming to end as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) plans to host an event they are calling "Roundin’ Out the Red Mountain".

This event planned for July 15th between 5pm and 8pm with the opening ceremony happing at 6pm. This event will mark the freeway opening and completion of Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). This final segment between Power Road and University Drive in Mesa represents a much needed addition to help commuters get to East Valley places faster and save gas and commuting time.

Resources for "Other Blog" Information

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:02:39 -0500

There is always a lot of discuss on Active Rain about "other blogs" in addition to what are now being called "outside blogs". Ran across a couple good resource reviews of tools for what are now be called "other blogs" (other blogs = blogs that are not associated with the Active Rain platform).

Here are what seems some good links with research to help decide what platform works best based on the criteria they reviewed.
This seems like a good site with reviews of all the top platforms: http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/
This review site just compares Wordpress vs Blogger: http://pulsed.blogspot.com/2007/07/blogger-wordpress-chart.html

We are interested in what platform is working best for those with "other blogs" ? What have you been happy with,nor not so happy with as a platform, and why? We are in the process of making a decision for ourselves.

Aunt Chiladas Squaw Peak Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix Arizona

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:10:40 -0500

This restaurant was built in the 1890s and made of desert stone and railroad ties. The food is authentic Mexican. Tucked on a street called Dreamy Draw Drive (7330 Dreamy Draw Drive).The food is authentic Sonoran - style Mexican food with a few specialties thrown in as well. There is everything from fideo,to fried ice cream, to margaritas with cactus juice on the side. If you visit for Sunday brunch they also treat you to a chocolate fountain where fruit or cream puffs can be enjoyed. The facility is also available for wedding receptions and banquets and interactive cooking demos. Check out their website for more information, hours and menus. You can also call 602-944-1286.

Pinal County Arizona Offers Free Discount Prescription Card to Residents

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:50:03 -0500

In today's economy everyone is looking to save money and find ways to get the things they need for their families at less cost. Pinal County Arizona began on July 1, 2008 to provide a discount prescription drug card program to it's residents. This program is being offered free of charge to residents. The savings average about 20%, with some more and some less. There is no restriction on use. All county residents can use the card regardless of their age, their income or any other health programs they may have in force. There is no enrollment fee, no number of times it can be used and it can be used any time that their prescriptions are not already covered by any existing insurance. There is even the ability to save on prescriptions that people need for pets when using this card. There is a safety feature associated with the card that alerts pharmacists when a patient is getting a prescription that is in conflict with another one they have already purchased. This card is available through an alliance with the National Association of Counties (NACo). For more information about this innovative and helpful,costsaving progam for Pinal County Arizona residents visit their website. To learn more about where to sign up to get one of the cards, visit this list of locations on the internet.

Assisted Living Facilities Resource for Arizona

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:05:20 -0500

If you have been in a situation where you had had to locate Assisted Living facilities for a love one, then you know how difficult this is to do. Even if you locate a facility it is difficult to determine how good the place is, what sort of service and care they really do provide.

Answering this need, a new website has been developed to help make this a bit easier. The website is called AssistedLivingGrades.com is a non-partial grading system for assisted living facilities in Arizona. Families who use the website can grade facilities based on their experience, and the website also can help put them in touch with facilities and with local senior housing guides who will help the families tour the homes, negotiate a price and be an advocate for them for no fee to the families.

Organic Foods in Gold Canyon Arizona - Sadies Organic Market

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:22:29 -0500

If you live in or around Gold Canyon Arizona, there have always been very limited options that are logistically close with opportunities to buy organic produce. The local Gold Canyon grocery store, Bashas, always has a limited selection of organic foods, but these are usually just the "basics" and for people who eat organic they are left wanting more -- more varieties.

Rising to the need, Sadies Organic Market "happens" on most Saturdays and some Sunday's across the street from the Sheriff's office in the parking lot of Adeana's Antique Store. (5727 S Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon, 85218). Usually the market is open Saturday's 8am-7pm and Sunday's 8am-6:30pm.

You can usually buy full boxes (22-30 kinds of fruits and veggies), half boxes (12-18 kinds of fruits and veggies), mini boxes or individual organic produce items. It is best to call in advance (480-983-0383 or cell 480-288-3511) if you want boxes or if you want to specify only organic veggies or fruit.

This week they are offering:
Corn, Corn, corn (HAPPY 4TH OF JULY)
bananas
Strawberries (Very good !!)
grapes
kumquats
cucumbers
Watermelon
Japanese cantaloupe
Avocados
Roma tomatoes
heirloom tomatoes (small nice size)
apples
golden kiwi
spring mix baby spinach
mangoes
yellow baby peeled (snack) carrots
lettuce
apples (juicing)
ginger
purple garlic

Happy Organic eating.

Spotted Donkey in Scottsdale Arizona

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:17:32 -0500

The Spotted Donkey in Scottsdale is an iinteresting "animal" to check out. This Spotted Donkey is a Cantina on Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale that serves non-traditional Mexican food. With iinteresting menu items such as Tempura Mexican White Shrimp with cilantro lime and spicy chili sauce, or unusual desert items such as Fried Banana Wraps with Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Whipped Cream there are tastes to explore. Open for lunch and dinner. Visit their website to learn more about this intriguing restaurant.

Friday Night Summer Fun at the Phoenix Zoo

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:16:57 -0500

Looking to find something fun to do with the family on Friday nights this summer? If you live close enough to come to the Phoenix Zoo you will want to check out the fun events they are offering on Fridays through August 1. There are inflatable water slides, safari train tours, camel rides, and other events. Call 602-273-1341 or visit their website for more information about these events. (On site click on the banner that references Friday Nights at the Zoo for details.)

Sizzlin Summer Saturdays at the Heard Museum -- Phoenix Arizona

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:15:31 -0500

The Heard Museum in Phoenix Arizona is partnering with department store Target to offer free summer fun that kids and parents alike will likely enjoy doing together. Saturdays July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10:30 until 3 there are hands on activities, free goodie bags, and artist demonstrations. There will be Navajo weaving, jewelry making, basket-weaving and more. The cafe on site will offer special family lunches for these events. Visit their website to learn more about these Saturday events oriented to the entire family.

If you can't make these special Saturday events, you may want to check out the Heard Museum and its attractions and offerings for other times. There is always something enjoyable there to be seen.

Summer College for Young Minds - Paradise Valley Arizona

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:14:19 -0500

If you live in the "Valley of the Sun" and have a child between 6 and 14 years of age and are looking for something both fun and educational for them for the summer then check out Paradise Valley's Community College. From July 7 through 17 there are classes that offer these budding minds the chance to design rockets and robots, build Sudoku puzzles and create computer animations. There are also classes in art, guitar, astronomy, reading and journalism. Call 602-787-6804 or visit their website.

New Healing Garden in Gilbert Arizona

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:13:33 -0500

The Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert Arizona that opened in September 2007 at the corner of Higley and Highway 60 has just opened a new half-acre lush "healing garden" that sits directly outside the hospital's maternity wing. "Healing gardens" have become a popular amenity at hospitals. The garden includes two eight-foot water features, structural steel shade canopies, benches, chairs, covered playground equipment and lush desert landscaping including Mesquite trees and Agaves. The garden is in a secured area where new mothers can relax with their newborns, while still being monitored by the hospital's newborn security system. To learn more about this new addition you can visit www.BannerHealth.com and look for the link to Banner Gateway in Gilbert Arizona.

Stay Cool in Apache Junction Arizona - Public Swimming Pool

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:12:38 -0500

Do you live in the East Phoenix Valley around Apache Junction? Trying to keep cool for the summer? Then you 'll want to check out Apache Junction’s Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center, located at 1091 W. Southern Avenue (between San Marcos and Ironwood Road ). The facility has water slides, a diving area, a play area, picnic ramadas and also there are water aerobic classes, swim lessons, and the ability to reserve the pool for private parties. The pool opened for the summer season on Saturday, May 24 and will continue to be open until Monday, September 1, 2008 . Beginning on Saturday, August 4 the pool will only be open on weekends and holidays. The pool will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on July 4th to accommodate the holiday. Stay cool.

Pinal County Launches New Website for Lost and Found Items

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:43:22 -0500

If you live in Pinal County Arizona here is a website to bookmark and tuck away for the future - the Pinal County website for lost and found items. According to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office there are about 300 lost/found items that find their way into evidence every year and only a small percentage ever get back into the hands of the rightful owners.The Sheriff's office holds property for 90 days before it is destroyed.

The new website offers people an easy way to try and reclaim their property. It is reported that a lot of stolen property eventually may be abandoned and end up in the desert or left on sidewalks or streets and be turned in as found property. Individuals who are the owners might not even be aware that their items have been in police custody. People attempting to collect items will need the number from the web photographs, a serial number of the item they are attempting to claim (if there is a serial number that would be applicable) and case specific information. For more information about steps to take to try and reclaim property that is yours and has been lost or stolen, call 520-866-5181.

Cool off in Tempe Arizona with Public Wave Pool

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:27:01 -0500

If you are living in the Tempe Arizona area and seeking something fun to do while cooling off check out Kiwanis Wave Pool,. Kiwanis Wave Pool, offers a tumultuous pool. The pool is Tempe's busiest of the Tempe area's 4 pools: McClintock Pool, Clark Pool, Escalante Pool, and Kiwanis Wave Pool. Kiwanis Wave Pool never stays still. Plus it has 3-foot waves that arrive like clockwork to create an artificial ocean shore. The covered pool delivers fun without harmful ultraviolet rays, which makes it popular with parents concerned about summer-sun exposure. An being heated, it's open year-round. Last season, Kiwanis Wave Pool, attracted 93,503 people. For more inforamtion about the pools in Tempe Arizona visit their website.

Cool off in Mesa Arizona with Eleven Public Pools

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 17:13:03 -0500

Mesa Arizona has several opportunities for residents and their families to keep cool during the hot summer season. Mesa boasts five pools and six aquatic complexes. Its Carson/Westwood Aquatic Complex reopened after a major overhaul that made it into an eight-lane racing pool with a zero-depth area (beach entry), two large water-slides and a children's slide, geysers and tumble buckets. Last season this new re-done facility drew 47,000 users. There is basically something for everyone at this facility. By contrast , Brimhall Pool, which does not have comparable features but has well-established team programs, also draws large crowds - about 84,000 - during the last season.

Overall Mesa has 11 public pools: Brimhall, Carson, Fremont, Kino, Mesa Jr, Poston, Powell, Rhodes, Shepherd, Stapley, and Taylor. For more information about public pools in Mesa Arizona check out their website.

Ahwatukee Foothills Arizona - Keep Cool In Public Swimming Pool

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:59:50 -0500

If you live in or around Ahwatukee Foothills in the Phoenix Arizona area and are looking for someplace to cool off this summer you'll want to check out Pecos Pool. Pecos Pool is one of Phoenix's newest pools and it is the busiest pool. The pool opened in 2004 and last season 88,934 users visited during the season. There are two separate water areas consisting of a play pool and a lap pool. The pool also features diving boards, play structures, two flume sites and zero-depth entry. The majority of the pool area is less than 5 feet deep, and it's geared toward small children. For more information about this family-friendly community pool call (602) 534-9255.

Stay Cool in Chandler Arizona - Public Swimming Pools with Water Features

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:04:55 -0500

Do you live near Chandler Arizona or plan to? Check out their public pools to keep cool this summer. On July 12th the new $8.8 million Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center near Basha High opened. Its upscale features include an SCS interactive water feature with tumble bucket, a lazy river with tumble buckets and bridge waterfall, water-slides, a family play pool, diving well, an eight-lane competition pool and water vortex.

Meanwhile, another Chandler Arizona facility, the Hamilton Aquatic Center, with many of the above features, continues to draw the largest crowds - 91,000 last season. Hamilton Aquatic Center was built in 2001. It has it received the Outstanding Facility award from Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. The pool is heated in the winter and offers extended public swim hours and year-round lap swimming. The pool facility is located at a high school but the facility is for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. It is not often that you see a public pool offering the amenities that are offered at these pool. These are truly a family destination with children's entrance fees at 50 cents and adults at $1.50.

Chandler offers these pools for family enjoyment: Arrowhead Pool, Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, Folley Pool, Hamilton Aquatic Center, West Chandler Aquatic Center. For more information about all the pools in Chandler Arizona, hours, features and fees visit their website.

Stay Cool in Gilbert Arizona - Five Public Swimming Pools

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:50:39 -0500

Do you live in Gilbert Arizona or perhaps thinking of moving there? If so you will want to know about two new pools that are opening this summer in the Gilbert Arizona area. There is the Perry Pool and the Williams Field Pool. This brings the total public pools in Gilbert to five. There is the Gilbert Municipal Pool, Mesquite Aquatic Center, Greenfield Municipal Pool, Williams Field Pool and Perry Pool. The new pools are identical. The new pools feature zero-depth areas, diving boards, play features, tumble buckets and splash pads for children. The pools have a lot of programming for young people and adults. They are focused on providing services to residents in the southeastern part of Gilbert and its surrounding cities. For more information about the pools,hours, fees, and to register for classes on line, visit this website.

Dog Days of Summer for Gabriels Angels - Gold Canyon Arizona Goes to the Dogs

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:07:43 -0500

Temperatures are rising and the "dog days of summer" are upon us. If you are around Gold Canyon Arizona this summer and love dogs and/or are looking for a bit of fun that will also help a good cause, then check out the Dog Days of Summer being celebrated by Gold Canyon Bank from June 16th through August 1st. Bring in your doggie and get a photo taken for the Doggie Star Gallery. There are daily doggie treats and there is drawing for a grand prize - a Pet "Goodie" Basket. The non-profit that benefits will be Gabriel's Angels. Gabriel's Angels is a Phoenix area non profit that delivers healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children. Call 480-474-2005 for more details about this fun summer event and the non-profit that will receive benefit.

Rising Gas Prices Are Affecting Us All

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:53:16 -0500

The rising cost of gas is a problem for us all. As Realtors it seems there is more referring going on of clients who are a bit too far away to drive about without using a lot of gas. More agents seem to be thinking it makes better sense to give the client to another agent who is closer and take a referral fee for the referral instead of spending so much in gas to drive around.

But it's not only Agents looking for ways to save gas. Spied information this week regarding the Pinal County Arizona Sheriff’s office taking measures to save on gas. Because of high gas prices in Arizona, Sheriff Chris Vasquez of Pinal County has initiated a department-wide schedule of four 10-hour days, instead of five 8-hour days, to save a day’s worth of gas, as long as services and safety factors allow. It is not expected that essential services will be affected.

Citizens should continue to call 9-1-1 for emergencies or 1-800-420-8689 for Sheriff’s Office assistance. They are going to put these gas saving measures into effective for the next couple of weeks and then reevaluate if needed. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is also looking at other ways to save on gas, such as car pooling, extended use of the bike patrol and several measures involving patrol deputies.

What things are you doing to save on gas? And what have you have heard about other services working to save gas in your community?

Queen Creek Arizona Gets Citizens On Patrol (C.O.P) 400 Program

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:55:29 -0500

Queen Creek Arizona gets an introduction to the Pinal County C.O.P. program. This week's intro meeting to Queen Creek area ccitizens showed a strong interest in the "Cop on Patrol" Program. Practically 50 residents representing Queen Creek-area neighborhoods such as Johnson Ranch, Copper Basin, San Tan Heights, Pecan Creek, Laredo Ranch and others gathered at Walker Butte K-9 June 26 to discuss formation of a Queen Creek area "Citizens on Patrol" program.

Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez and PCSO Crime Prevention Specialist Barbara Munoz offered an introduction to the program. The Queen Creek program is being tentatively called C.O.P. 400. With C.O.P., Pinal County sheriff's office provides the car and the gas and citizens provide the time. Sheriff Vasquez brought the Citizens on Patrol program to Pinal County Sheriffs Office after the success of his Casa Grande Arizona program. The purpose of the program is to provide interested citizens an opportunity to become the “eyes and ears” of their community. Volunteers will patrol Region 4 neighborhoods and business districts in a marked car and immediately report to PCSO any suspicious, criminal or potentially dangerous activity. COP 400 volunteers initially must complete an application, background check and fingerprinting. Then volunteers undergo orientation and training, after which they can begin organizing the program.

Pat Prince, C.O.P. Liaison for the successful two-year-old Gold Canyon C.O.P. program, also spoke to the group. Gold Canyon C.O.P. has 42 active members and has received national recognition.

If you have any questions or live in the Queen Creek community and would like to join C.O.P. 400, please contact Pinal County Sherrif's Office Crime Prevention Specialist Barbara Munoz at 520-866-5189 or Barbara.Munoz@co.pinal.az.us.

Flyer Boxes are for House Flyers

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:54:24 -0500

Perhaps its a sign of the overall economy and the need of business to save a few bucks where they can, not sure. But strangly there seems to be some new idea by providers of home services that agent flyer boxes that are in front of homes for sale are the proper repository for their promo flyers. Lately we have encountered flyers from pool companies, pest control companies and cleaning services stuffed into the flyer boxes when we make the rounds to check and make sure there are plenty of house flyers in the boxes.

This is just rude. This is sort of a "cousin" to the practice of firms trying to avoid postage by stuffing their flyers and marketing material inside of US mail boxes. Difference is the US Postal Service has laws and "teeth in their system with fines" to penalize the culprits who try this with mail boxes. As agents we don't have the same "teeth" and fines. We can call the company and ask that they not do this, but then the next week some other firm does the same thing. Wonder if the offending firms have considered that real estate agents are often the people who refer their service? Companies would definitely make a better impression if they did NOT to put their promo materials inside house flyer boxes. The economy is making all businesses look for ways to cut costs, but please don't use real estate agent's flyer boxes for other promotional materials.

Urban Tea Loft in Historic Chandler Arizona

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:27:48 -0500

Are you in the Chandler Arizona area and in need of a break and want to try something that is relaxing, not a fast food drive through? Then you will want to check out the Urban Tea Loft located at 11 West Boston St in historic downtown Chandler. High windows and shades of green and gold, the place looks very chic and urban but at the same time is exceptionally comfortable. They serve lunch and dinners in addition to afternoon teas. There are many, many assorted teas so there is something new to try and experiment if you want. There are teas that can also be bought and taken home to later be enjoyed. For more information call 480-786-9600 or visit their website.

Jazz, Wine and Good Food in Historic Chandler Arizona

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:27:00 -0500

If you are in or around Chander Arizona and looking for a unique place to have some good food, wine and entertainment then you 'll want to check out 98 South Wine Bar and Kitchen located at 98 S San Marcos Plaza in Chandler Arizona. The place is part retail wine shop and part wine bar and part restaurant with the feeling of a comfortable living room. The wines are sometimes exotic but always interesting. Check their calendar for the evenings they offer live entertainment. Another service is a free shuttle to and from some local events such as concerts, sports events and other special events. For more information about this interesting establishment in historic Chandler call 480-814-9800 or visit their website.