22 JULY 2022 Alissa, Raechel and Ilse, owners of Salon Rae. PHOTO: SHAROM ROSAS PHOTOGRAPHY By Jennifer Marshall Arcadians might remember Salon Sandoval, a boutique hair salon located next to the Gaslight Square Complex near 36th St. and Indian School. The locally-owned venture was in business for over 20 years. The salon was massively popular, with owner Chris Sandoval at the helm until a tragic medical issue caused the salon to close in 2017. Now, three former stylist- turned-business owners are back in the same building with the same purpose: to provide beauty services to the neighborhood. Salon Rae is the brainchild of Raechel Xericos, Alissa Bentle and Ilse Almuina, all of whom worked together for years at Salon Sandoval. “Chris was our mentor and family,” Xericos said. “It’s hard to describe the fun, joy and endless laughter we experienced growing as stylists together in our years there. It’s a huge part of where we are as hairdressers and created the bond of friendship we share today.” In 2016, Chris had a brain aneurysm and had to close Salon Sandoval as he could no longer work and operate the business. “It was a very sad and difficult time in our lives and the lives of those who know and love him,” Xericos said. A year later, the three colleagues were working together at Wild Willow Salon on 32nd St. and Indian School Road. Then, they learned Salon Sandoval’s building was up for lease. “Alissa and I knew we were ready for this exciting step,” Xericos said. “With Ilse by our side – and support from our amazing clients – here we are. We’ve opened back up in our cherished space as Salon Rae.” The trio brings a combined wealth of talent and experience to their new business venture. “I started in the industry at 17, so I’ve got 15 years behind the chair,” Xericos said. “I worked with Aveda for ten years, specializing in balayage and natural lived- in color. Every day, I’m learning something new as I’m always working on growing and changing in this constantly evolving industry.” Bentle has been a stylist for 20 years, including being certified and specializing in hand-tied extensions. “A huge part of our job that I love is not only making people feel beautiful but connecting with them on a personal level,” she said. Almuina trained at Toni and Guy Academy when she started in the industry 15 years ago. “Soon into my career, I realized I was into more of a natural, classic look and less of the edgy hair,” she said. “I love styling on every level, from hair to fashion and even interior design. I’m excited to be a part of the team as Raechel and Alissa start their journey as owners of Salon Rae.” While the three remodeled the salon to reflect their business, they all agree that a familiar peace still exists inside the new space. “It feels exciting and also very comforting to be back where it all began,” Xericos said. “And we know Chris is proud of us. It was his love and mentorship that brought us back. We’ll always honor him. We are home; this is ours, and we’re proud.” Salon Rae’s Instagram Page New salon opens with legacy intact WANTED: SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS Deadline: Monday, August 8 Send to: editor@arcadianews.com or instagram: @arcadianews Your photo may be featured on the cover! SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS THAT MADE OUR COVER: 2018: Elle, Andrew and Jacob during their hiking trip in Switzerland. 2019: Antonella, Owen and Avianna Klein fishing in Darling Lake, Minnesota. 2020: Cole Krawczyk and Loki take in the views at Yellowstone National Park. 2021: Avianna and Antonella Klein at Mount Rushmore. Send your photos to editor@arcadianews.com Be sure to let us know the names of the family or people in the photo, where you went and what you did! world during their summer vacations. A family’s medical need spurred a neighborhood rally that raised over $5,000 in two days. PAGE 10 Medieval Times provides revelry and rivalry at their new location in Scottsdale. PAGE 34 THIS IS ARCADIA DINNER AND A SHOW ARCADIA • BILTMORE • CAMELBACK SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL. 27 NO. 6 XXXXX SEPTEMBER 2018 VOL. 26 NO. 6 ARCADIA • BILTMORE • CAMELBACK Arcadia residents traveled all over the world during their summer vacations. A local couple is using their skills to make a huge difference in the lives of kids. PAGE 28 GIVING BACK SUMMER ADVENTURES ARCADIA • BILTMORE • CAMELBACK CORRIDOR SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL. 28 NO. 6 Check out our annual summer vacation photo spread to see where Arcadians traveled this year. PAGE 36 Tortilla Flat is a tourist destination with a restaurant, saloon and a population of…six. PAGE 24 Three Brophy alumni started a neighborhood assistance program to help those in need. PAGE 11 POPULATION: 6 BRONCO NEIGHBORS SUMMER VACATION A family’s medical need spurred a neighborhood rally that raised over $5,000 in two days. THIS IS ARCADIA A family’s medical need spurred a neighborhood rally that raised over $5,000 in two days. PAGE 10 THIS IS ARCADIA Three Brophy alumni started a neighborhood assistance program to help those in need. PAGE 11 BRONCO NEIGHBORS ARCADIA • BILTMORE • CAMELBACK CORRIDOR SEPTEMBER VOL. 29 ARCADIA • BILTMORE • CAMELBACK CORRIDOR SEPTEMBER Check out our annual summer vacation photo spread to see where Arcadia spent the summer! PAGES 24-27 High school football is underway. We spoke with area schools to see how the season is shaping up. PAGE 51 Philip Miller trekked 450 miles across Iowa during the RAGBRAI bicycle event this summer. PAGE 17 TOSS THE OL’ PIGSKIN I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE SUMMER VACATION

5 6 2 7 e m o n t e r o s a s t / / p h o e n i x , a z 8 5 0 1 8 5 b e d / / 3 . 5 b a t h / / 3 , 8 9 3 s q f t Presented by Debbie Pontikas, Realtor® Debbie@TheBrokery.com // 480.335.8604 www.DebbiePontikas.com Beautifully Designed Krogh Enterprises Home · Detailed Millwork Throughout · Beautiful Wood Flooring · Chef’s Kitchen with Panoramic Sliding Doors · Office/Flex Space on Ground Level · Master Suite with Spa-Like Bath · Separate Game Room/Retreat · Designer Finishes Throughout · Outdoor Entertainment Area