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THE LEAD
Etsy is finally doing something about AI-created art
If you’ve searched Etsy lately for holiday gifts, you already know the problem: You went looking for something handmade and landed in a pile of AI-generated slop. The oversaturation means real creativity and craftsmanship has become harder to find.
Now, Etsy says it wants to bring some authenticity back to its platform.
Last week, Etsy announced its first wave of new rules to combat the AI onslaught. Although not a complete AI-ban, the first round of improvements is meant to drastically remove listings churned out entirely by bots.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Phoenix Symphony musicians are asking to see the numbers
Over the weekend, musicians from the Phoenix Symphony publicly challenged the orchestra’s leadership to release detailed financial records, explain how spending decisions led here, and give them a plan to return to the stage.
The orchestra says years of deficits and a cash shortage made the suspension necessary. Musicians, meanwhile, say they need more transparency before the community is asked to help rescue the institution. Now, more than 60 musicians are demanding answers.
Pine Trees on Hayden could be removed
McCormick Ranch residents may notice some changes to the mature Aleppo pines in the Hayden Road medians between Via de Ventura and Indian Bend. Two massive trees have already been removed. 12 additional pines have shown significant decline and may also be torn down.
An arborist identified multiple possible stressors: extreme heat, limited growing conditions and potential root impacts.
The replacement species and final plan have still not been confirmed.
School enrollment around Shea
Looking beyond your neighborhood school? It's time to start planning.
Scottsdale Unified (SUSD): November 2 is the big date.
Applications for the 2027–28 school year open Monday, November 2, at 8 am. That includes neighborhood registration and requests to attend a different SUSD school.
*Cheyenne Traditional and Pueblo require open enrollment for all applicants because neither has a geographic attendance boundary.
Paradise Valley Unified (PVUSD): Is a sibling joining a familiar school?
Students can generally continue into their current school's designated middle or high school without re-applying. But joining a sibling at a different school can still require another application. Don’t assume there will always be a spot waiting.
Families should confirm their intended feeder school with the current office. Some specialized programs already have 2027–28 application windows open.
Madison: School choice starts before the high-school transition.
Madison Elementary School District serves students through eighth grade, including several middle schools with different academic focuses.
*Madison Traditional Academy has a separate lottery-based process
For eighth graders moving on to high school, Madison’s feeder path ends there. It is not a high-school district. Families should check their assigned high-school district and the open-enrollment rules for alternatives.
APPLYING OUTSIDE YOUR ASSIGNED SCHOOL?
What to have ready:
• Certified birth certificate (or an affidavit if unavailable)
• Current immunization record
• Proof of residency
• Parent/guardian ID
• Withdrawal form if previously enrolled in an Arizona school
• Custody or guardianship papers, if applicable
The application confirmation arrives by email. Final documents can be uploaded during regular enrollment.
WHAT’S OPENING AROUND SHEA?
De Babel’s second location is now open
The restaurant is known for Middle Eastern cooking, with dishes such as chicken shawarma, lamb tikka gyro, falafel, and fresh salads.
What makes this location more interesting? It offers a small market. De Babel carries Middle Eastern spices and pantry essentials, Halal and Pereg Kosher products, specialty cheeses from Cyprus and Lebanon, and Dubai chocolate. There’s also patio seating and a beverage counter with six organic drinks on tap.
Location: The Edge, 8980 N. 90th Street, Suite 124
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 9 pm, closed Sunday.
The Vig at PV: Can we come in yet?
The Vig is bringing its familiar neighborhood tavern vibe to PV, with a huge outdoor patio, cozy seating areas, a desert garden and plenty of room to meet friends for drinks or dinner.
The menu includes favorites like hot honey chicken sandwiches and poblano chicken enchiladas, plus weekend brunch and weekday happy hour. And yes, the patio will be dog-friendly.
We're ready when you are, Vig.
NEIGHBOR TIPS
1. Phoenix will pick up hazardous stuff in your garage
Old paint, household chemicals and certain electronics don't belong in your regular trash or recycling. If you already have a City of Phoenix residential solid-waste account, you can schedule one household hazardous-waste pickup per calendar year at no additional cost.
2. Adjust your irrigation and sprinklers for fall
October is the month Phoenix recommends adjusting irrigation controllers for fall. As temperatures drop, many established desert plants need watering less often. If your irrigation timer is still running its summer schedule, you may be paying to water soil that's already moist enough. Especially after all this added rain!
Master Gardeners can answer your questions!
Send pictures of the whole plant and its trouble spots through Maricopa’s Plant Help Desk.
Email [email protected] or leave a message at 602-827-8201.
3. Halloween candy needs a good hiding place if you have pets
Okay, fine, you need a good hiding spot if you have young kids that eat it all, too. But that’s not what we’re getting at. Those bags of chocolate and candy are about to appear on kitchen counters and bedroom floors, everywhere. Sugar-free sweets containing xylitol can be especially dangerous for dogs.
Spend a couple minutes and make sure your candy is somewhere pets cannot reach, rather than assuming a high countertop is safe.
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 immediately.
TODAY’S DEADLINE
Tuesday, October 27 is Maricopa County’s last day to put a completed early ballot in the mail for the November 3 election.
*After today, use an authorized drop box or voting location rather than gambling on mail delivery. Your ballot must be received by 7 pm November 3, not simply postmarked by then.
WAIT, YOU CAN DO THAT AROUND SHEA?
Your golf clubs can get new grips while you stay home
If your grips are worn smooth, you don't need to give up a morning dropping clubs at the shop. HausCall Golf comes to you and regrips the clubs on-site, whether you're getting a favorite driver back into shape or refreshing the whole bag before the next round.
Choose the feel and grip style that suit your game; your mobile technician handles the installation. If more than one bag needs fresh grips, HausCall also offers multi-set pricing in a single visit.
WHAT TO EAT
Skillet salmon with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
Our Around Shea Recipes are for the nights when you want a good dinner without turning the kitchen upside down.
Salmon and prosciutto? Maybe Top Chef judges would have a word about the pairing, but we bet they’d still scrape this plate clean.
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND AROUND SHEA
Friday: PV Boo Bash, then Hocus Pocus under the stars
The Park at PV has a very neighborhood-friendly plan for Friday, October 30. From 5 to 6 pm, children can trick-or-treat with participating tenants, including Blanco, Frost Gelato, Wren House Brewing, Velvet Taco and Whole Foods. Watch Hocus Pocus starting at 6:30 pm.
Saturday: Arizona Boardwalk’s free Halloween Bash
On Halloween Day, Arizona Boardwalk hosts another outdoor event from 10 am - 2 pm in the main courtyard. Enjoy trick-or-treating, carnival games, face painting, live entertainment, shopping and a costume contest for children 18 and under, including a $1,000 cash grand prize.
For the grown-ups: Wicked Ball returns at Talking Stick
Wicked Ball returns Friday, October 30 at 9 pm in the Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort. The event is complete with live DJs, dancing, costume contests and drinks.
QUICK COSTUME RULES: Face-covering masks: ballroom only.
No weapons or replicas.
Wicked Ball tickets and information
THE SETLIST: LIVE MUSIC AROUND SHEA
Where to find LIVE music near you:
Friday, Oct. 30 · 8 pm | Herndon Brothers bring country music and dancing to Scottsdale & Shea.
Saturday, Oct. 31 · 7 pm | Victory Boyd blends soul, folk and gospel in Scottsdale. Tickets $75–$90.
Friday, Oct. 30 · 10 pm | DJ Tyger
Saturday, Oct. 31 · 10 pm | People Who Could Fly
Friday, Oct. 30 · 7–11 pm | Nicki Parks Trio
Saturday, Oct. 31 · 7–11 pm | Casey Ryan Duo
Saturday, Oct. 31 · 5–7 pm | Chad Freeman & Redline
Saturday, Oct. 31 · 7–10 pm | Trey and Raun Alosi & The Situation. Tickets start at $49 plus fees.
Paradise Valley intersection closed through November 23
Invergordon Road at Mockingbird Lane is fully closed to through traffic while crews install drainage infrastructure. The town has posted detours; the November 23 reopening is a schedule, not a guarantee. -> Paradise Valley closure details
PVSchools has a changed Wednesday-to-Friday schedule
K–8 early dismissal is Wednesday and Thursday, October 28–29. Friday, October 30 is K–8 recess, with early dismissal for high schools. Individual schools set their own release times, so check your campus calendar. -> PVSchools district calendar
A free class about Scottsdale Water rebates
Scottsdale Water is offering All About Rebates on Thursday, October 29 at 10 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center. Registration is required. Check program eligibility before paying for any water-saving project. -> Scottsdale Water workshops
ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS
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