Don Senneville and Jim White $12 US dollars for a C+ Cappuccino. Yes, that’s the Biltmore. $9 US dollars for a fake Pistachio Gelato that was really just ice cream. Yes, this was not Italy. OK, so traveling expands your horizons, it also spoils your taste-buds so as to make you less than satisfied by your expectations. We realize that this is a 1st World problem, but really, fresh espresso or coffee pods! Hopefully, Mexico has met Don’s pocket-book and taste-bud expectations. Here’s our report on that! Don had assigned himself the task of investigating the coffee experience in Puerto Vallarta ..read more

During my interactions with students, I am frequently asked about what type of firearm should be carried for self-defense. When looking at that question, there are so many aspects that can be considered. Most people that I speak with regarding this question always mention comfort. Does whatever type of firearm and wherever they are carrying it, feel comfortable. That is very important because if it’s not comfortable then most likely you won’t keep carrying it. If you’re looking at a scale from 1-10 with 10 being most important, comfort ranks about a 5 for me. With comfort comes the question wh ..read more

By: Judy Bruce Last week, we discussed how art can enhance communities, and this week, I would like to explore how the arts enhance local businesses. The Cave Creek Council just voted to give the Sonoran Arts League $5,000 toward the Hidden in the Hills Directory as they wisely want to encourage the League as it is an economic engine for the town. Several years ago, the Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival certainly brought businesses and the arts together in ways that enhanced both! I will never forget Harold’s hosting the glorious Galas packed to the brim with artists and their families. What a ..read more

In a recent conversation on the subject of affordable housing, I found that many didn’t know the definition of affordable housing. It somehow seems to be thought of as low-income housing. Affordable housing, since 1981, is defined as 30% of one’s income. If the average or majority of households keep their housing/non-discretionary spending at 30%, there is money to spend on other goods which overall helps our economy. This topic goes hand-in-hand with homeownership. If you are locked into a mortgage for 30 years, you won’t be burdened with rent increases. On another note, according to the Crom ..read more

Land preservation is the most universal virtue in Cave Creek. Much is being done at the Council level to accomplish those goals including identifying viable open space properties and acquiring them for the future. Most recently, the Town along with Maricopa County bought more than 30 acres adjoining the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area at a cost of nearly $700,000. Cave Creek maintains a ready bank balance to purchase high quality properties when opportunities arise. Currently there is $1.5 million on hand for open space acquisition. The Town is currently in negotiations with the Arizona Sta ..read more

Learning the art of gardening vegetables and flowers helps developmentally disabled adults in the community learn new skills and how to work hand-in-hand with others. According to Paula Scully, founder of Ariz.,-based Scully Learning Center Foundation, developmentally disabled adults participate in the 501©(3)’s life experience and enrichment activities throughout the year. Along with gardening, they explore the arts, humanities and enjoy social experiences throughout the community while making friends and having fun. “Our garden is a favorite of many of the participants, ” says Scully. “We st ..read more

The Cave Creek Museum has established a speakers bureau to educate and share the area’s rich history with others in the community. “We have knowledgeable and personal folks who will gladly speak to your group, club, institution or business,” says Darlene Southern, president of Cave Creek Museum. “Subject matters cover a broad number of topics, from archeology to history, natural history, mining, preservation, social issues and many interests in between.” Johnson adds that the bureau has some of Cave Creek Museum’s most popular presenters. Among them are Stephanie Bradley, Kraig Nelson and Greg ..read more

HONORING OUR VETERANS The Town of Carefree is honored to announce its Memorial Day Tribute, a heartfelt commemoration dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation. The event will take place on Monday, May 27, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the serene Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery, located at 36400 N Pima Rd, Carefree, AZ. This Memorial Day Tribute holds special significance as it brings together our community to remember and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans. Among the distinguished speakers, retired US Air Force Colonel Deborah Lehker will share her poi ..read more

Fire dangers are prevelant as concern was voiced by both the mayor and town manager at the regular, Monday night, May 6 meeting of the Cave Creek Town Council, especially recent brush fires. There was also attention given to the Firewise neighborhood certification status of Rancho Manana. In financial matters, council approved the following: Approved a Professional Services Contract with NCS Engineers to provide design and permitting support to repair and upgrade the 3rd Avenue and Joy Ranch reservoir-booster site in the Desert Hills water system, for an amount up to $58,900.00 Approved a Pr ..read more

This letter is in response to one from former Cave Creek Councilmember Paul Diefenderfer, regarding an offered trail easement across Cave Creek along Morning Star Road. Diefenderfer states a “small, but vocal group of people…do not want this trail to be completed.” The group comprises about 150 residents, mostly homeowners in the immediate area. We are neither uninformed nor misguided, as alleged by Diefenderfer and others posting rants on social media. The truth is we have researched the issue deeply. Council intended to vote to accept the “gift” without public discussion. We have found safet ..read more