THE FRIDAY FEATURE
Our new vintage crawl showcases furniture with character, more vinyl records, a local favorite lunch spot and a family-run plant nursery that’s been around since 1938. We had a blast discovering how different these places feel - and you will, too.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
When Local Schools Become a Selling Point
We covered SUSD’s November 2 enrollment date in our last newsletter. Now, we’re focused on how real estate agents are using school information to help sell homes.
Sure, a school's reputation can be a major factor when buying a home. But when an agent describes one school as "good" and another as "bad," who’s actually making that judgment? Could those subjective opinions steer new families in the wrong direction?
That's where INSIDE SUSD: Be the Source comes in.
Hosted by the SUSD Foundation and the Women's Council of REALTORS, the free program offers real estate professionals dependable information about our neighborhood schools, plus useful Fair Housing guidance when discussing schools with clients.
When: Monday, November 2, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Coronado High School
Crisis Canines are helping local students in need
SUSD’s Crisis Canine Program pairs trained support dogs with school resource officers to comfort students, help de-escalate stressful situations and make it easier for young people to connect with campus safety staff.
The Foundation began with Rocket at Chaparral High School in 2021 and now includes Captain, Copper and Farley. The dogs rotate through various schools in the district.
Thanks to the program, more than 2,000 people were supported in emotional or mental-health situations during 2024–25, along with thousands of everyday positive interactions. The program relies on community funding for training, care and deployment - find out how you can support them!
The city no longer assigns a date for your bulk-trash
Eligible Phoenix households now book appointments online or by calling 602-262-6251, with up to four collections a year. Check whether your HOA has a prescheduled community date first.
The booking calendar blocks Halloween and the seven days afterward, so do not set out a pile of old decorations assuming you can get an immediate pickup.
Schedule with the city, first. Do not place bulk items more than 7 days ahead of your confirmed appointment.
NEIGHBOR TIPS
A 30-minute test might explain your water bill
If you’ve adjusted your watering schedule and your water bill still looks suspicious, try this simple meter test:
Turn off everything using water, record your meter reading and leave the water off for at least 30 minutes. If the reading changes, you may have a leak somewhere on your property.
Scottsdale Water customers can also request a free outdoor efficiency check. City staff can review irrigation settings, read the meter with you and suggest improvements. The program allows one check per property.
Found a dog? The county has a photo-matching tool for that
That scared dog wandering your block may already have a missing-pet photo online.
Maricopa County works with Petco Love Lost, which compares photos of found pets with pictures uploaded by people searching for them. Take a clear photo and check the nearby stray map. PawBoost can also help send alerts to neighbors.
Scanning Works Best
County shelters scan found dogs for free, and vets offer free scans too. If you keep the dog safe temporarily, follow the county’s found-pet reporting steps, verify anyone claiming ownership and never share text-verification codes with strangers.
WHAT’S OPENING AROUND SHEA?
DASH wants to become your all-day destination
Chef Matt Carter and partner Brian Raab are preparing DASH. It’s a fresh concept designed to change with the clock: coffee and pastries in the morning; salads and sandwiches at lunch; Roman-style pizza, charcoal chicken and other casual dinner choices later.
The Scottsdale-raised chef says he's imagined opening a spot in this very space for about a decade. You might’ve even seen him around: Carter’s the chef behind Zinc Bistro, The Mission and Fat Ox.
DASH is targeting a late-2026 opening. Follow @letsgetdash for updates.
HALLOWEEN AROUND SHEA
Biltmore’s Alchemist’s Lounge
Tonight, the Arizona Biltmore’s Alchemist’s Lounge takes over Spire Bar with tarot readings, a DJ, desserts, a costume contest and a welcome sparkling-wine toast. It’s strictly 21+, ticketed, with specialty drinks sold separately.
Late-night Halloween Festival
For something louder, BOO Arizona at WestWorld runs tonight and Saturday, 6 pm – 2 am. Both nights are ticketed and 18+; VIP areas and alcohol are 21+. Before leaving, check the entry and costume-prop rules, not just the lineup.
Two Brothers, Two Haunted Houses
Scottsdale brothers Steve and Chris Birkett have turned their homes into elaborate Halloween attractions.
Steve's House of Haunts (8325 E. Lincoln Drive) has creepy rooms and special effects;
Chris's Haunted Graveyard (8414 E. Valley Vista Drive) has been spooking neighbors since 1986.
Both are open tonight and Saturday, 6:30 – 10 pm, with a suggested $5 donation at each.
Haunted Mission Lane
At Monster Mission Lane in Scottsdale Ranch, neighbors reportedly transform their street into a Halloween display filled with ghosts, monsters and skeletons. Free and family-friendly, the decorations are expected to remain through October 31.
10655 E. Mission Lane. Check the listing before visiting.
Hellbilly Holler's Final Halloween
After 17 years, Hellbilly Holler is calling it quits. This North Phoenix home display features homemade props, eerie projections and a swamp witch. No actors jumping out at you, just an elaborate outdoor display.
Free admission, donations welcome. Tonight, 7 – 11 pm, at 14601 N. 40th Way.
It's a little north of our usual coverage area, but we couldn't leave this final farewell off the list.
WAIT, YOU CAN DO THAT AROUND SHEA?
You Can Make a Mess on Purpose
Most art classes tell you where to put the paint. Craft Nights on Shea has a different plan: let that paint fly.
Their SPLATTER! experience gives you an hour to drip, splash and throw washable paint at your own canvas. The studio supplies goggles, smocks and other protective gear. All you need to bring is some energy, and a willingness to create an artistic mess-terpiece.
LIVE MUSIC AROUND SHEA
This weekend’s local picks:
Country and classic rock from the band that started at this very restaurant 40 years ago.
Friday, Oct. 30 • 8 pm – Midnight • 7116 E. Becker Lane, Scottsdale
Classic-rock and blues covers.
Friday, Oct. 30 • 7 – 11 pm • 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
Including live performance from Trey at Grand Vista Lounge’s Halloween masquerade.
Saturday, Oct. 31 • 7 – 10 pm • 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale • Tickets from $49
Paradise Valley residents: free shredding and e-waste drop-off Nov. 21
The Town’s Safely Shred event is 8 am – noon at the PV Police Department. Up to five standard business shred boxes per registered resident; flat-panel electronics accepted, no CRT screens. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome.
A vintage car show is coming to Paradise Valley Nov. 14
Town Hall hosts pre-1985 sports, antique and specialty cars, racers and motorcycles Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8:30 – 11:30 am The Town has a separate registration link for exhibitors.
Scottsdale boards need resident applicants by Nov. 13
Residents can apply for volunteer boards covering trails, libraries, development and more. Applications close Friday, Nov. 13.
UPCOMING FEATURE
Your pool needs a different routine once Phoenix cools down. We’re working on a practical guide to what you can cut back, what still matters and what could cost you come spring.
ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS
Which kind of useful local find should we investigate more often?
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Have a story tip or a question about something changing around Shea? Your note could become the next thing we look into.
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