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THE FEATURE
The Around Shea Vintage Crawl: Pt. 1
Our North Vintage Crawl connects four very different shops and a well-placed lunch break. Expect everything from affordable oddities to serious collectibles.
You don't have to be an antique expert to find something good Around Shea. One shop is full of furniture that might require a bigger house; another specializes in designer resale. And we found a record store where a quick stop could easily turn into an hour of browsing your favorites.
Start at either end, linger wherever something catches your eye, and leave a little room in the car for what you find. The full guide has the route map, photos, parking tips and the details you need.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Vacation-rentals becoming a problem in Scottsdale?
A weekend shooting at a Scottsdale short-term rental has renewed questions about what happens when a vacation property becomes a problem for the people living next door.
Early on October 11, neighbors living near Papago Road in south Scottsdale reported hearing more than 40 gunshots during a party at a vacation rental. Bullets struck nearby homes, including one where a baby was sleeping.
Luckily, police reported no injuries.
It’s why Scottsdale is now focusing on “party houses”. Not every vacation home, and that distinction can be hard to nail down. From January through August, Scottsdale police logged 665 calls at short-term rentals, ranging from noise complaints to reports of possible crimes.
WHAT CHANGED
In July, Scottsdale approved tougher rules for houses operating like event venues, such as advertised or ticketed parties.
Police can take action against guests and property owners, and owners can risk their short-term rental licenses. A newer Neighborhood Response Unit now focuses on repeat problem properties.
IF A RENTAL NEAR YOU BECOMES A PROBLEM
• Immediate danger or gunfire: 911
• Other disturbances: 480-312-5000
Scottsdale said it will offer up to $5,000 to replace grass. But don’t tear up your lawn just yet.
If you're thinking about replacing a thirsty lawn with an Arizona-friendly landscape, Scottsdale has a grass-removal rebate worth tracking. Fall applications have already closed, but you can sign up to be notified when the next round opens.
UP TO $5,000 • This is not a reward for tearing up your lawn. The rebate is subject to pre-inspection and written notice.
The city offers an early-notification signup for the program's restart. Remember this is just an alert list, not a guaranteed spot for a rebate.
Don't remove your grass just yet.
Scottsdale requires a pre-inspection and written Notice to Proceed; grass already removed won't qualify. So, in the meantime, collect some quotes and plan your Arizona-friendly landscape while the applications re-open.
WHERE TO EAT THIS WEEK
Vecina brings its mesquite-fired cooking to McCormick Ranch
The former Z’Tejas space on Hayden has a new tenant, and it’s not another national chain.
Vecina, the locally owned restaurant from chef James Fox and Raenee Fox, opened its second location in September at 8300 N. Hayden Road. Their original Arcadia restaurant earned national attention shortly after opening in 2019. This new McCormick Ranch location is nearly three times the size.
Vecina's menu mixes Latin-inspired flavors with dishes that don't fit neatly into one category, from ceviche and guacamole to mesquite-fired meats. The larger kitchen also gives the team room for more elaborate dinners and catering.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Vecina's karaage is crispy, carne-asada-seasoned chicken with aji amarillo and citrus. The Faroe Island salmon tacos bring yuzu kosho and citrus; if you're ordering for the table, consider the mesquite-grilled ribeye, too.
Ask for the lakeside patio if you're planning a date night. The larger restaurant also has private dining areas for birthdays or other gatherings, and happy hour runs daily from 4–6pm.
When: Daily, 4–9pm | Where: 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
What do you want to eat?
WAIT, YOU CAN DO THAT AROUND SHEA?
Have your tarot and eat your cheese, too
Shea Cheese at 32nd Street and Shea is hosting Tarot Curds, a tasting where five American artisan cheeses are paired with the Major Arcana tarot cards. You draw a card, learn the story behind the cheeses and enjoy a pairing that sounds ridiculous until you realize how much fun it could be.
It is a guided cheese experience with a tarot theme, not a promise of a personal psychic reading. No expertise in cheese or tarot required.
When: Saturday, October 24, starting at 7pm
Where: Shea Cheese Lounge, 10880 N. 32nd St., Suite 21, Phoenix
Cost: $65; advance tickets and limited capacity.
If your card warns you about sharks, maybe think twice about our next suggestion…
Walk underwater with sharks and stingrays at OdySea
Yes, you can actually walk along the bottom of an aquarium surrounded by marine life, without knowing how to scuba dive… you’ll just need a calm set of nerves.
SeaTREK at OdySea Aquarium uses a special underwater helmet so visitors can breathe while guides lead them along an underwater trail. The experience takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes from check-in through changing and the safety briefing, including about 20 to 25 minutes in the water.
The aquarium lists an experience price of $99.95, plus a separately required general admission ticket. Participants must be at least 8, younger children need a paying adult in the water, and some medical conditions rule out participation. Read the eligibility requirements before booking.
Where: OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND
A neighborhood Trunk-or-Treat on Shea
Desert Voices, the nonprofit school serving children with hearing loss, is opening its Halloween celebration to the neighborhood. Expect costumes, music, games, trick-or-treating and a raffle. Admission is free, but you do need to reserve your tickets.
When: Friday, October 23, 5–7pm
Where: Desert Voices, 3426 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix
Good to know: No parking on-site; the organizer directs guests to neighborhood parking east of the school. Bring a bag for candy.
Meet the makers at Artisans for a Cause
The Park at PV is getting a different kind of shopping crowd on Saturday. Artisans for a Cause brings local makers together for a curated outdoor market with handmade ceramics, art, jewelry, photography and other original work.
There is no admission charge, and the market is designed to support local charitable causes as well as the artists. It is also an excuse to wander around the part of the old PV Mall property that has come back to life.
When: Saturday, October 24, 10am– 5pm
Where: The Park at PV, 12740 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix
Cost: Free admission; purchases optional.
BALLOTS · FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Need a replacement mail ballot? Friday is Maricopa County’s deadline to request one by mail. If yours never arrived or was damaged, call the Recorder’s Office at 602-506-1511. After the deadline, request a replacement in person at a vote center.
PARADISE VALLEY · MOCKINGBIRD / INVERGORDON
Mockingbird Lane at Invergordon Road will be fully closed to traffic Oct. 26–Nov. 23 while crews install storm drains. Follow the posted detours.
SR 51 · NORTHBOUND CLOSED OCT. 23–26
Northbound SR 51 closes between Northern Avenue and Shea Boulevard, 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Oct. 23–26). Check the latest closure details.
COMING FRIDAY · FROM MERCER TO MAYO
Mercer neighbors opposed a 169-apartment plan that was later withdrawn. Farther east, Mayo Clinic and a neighboring landowner want to build 122 homes near Via Linda and 136th Street. Friday's feature asks what the neighbors want built at both sites.
ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS
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Have a neighborhood tip, a favorite small business, or a question about something changing around Shea?
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