4 APRIL 2025 EDITOR’S NOTE Arcadia News is celebrating 33 years as your good news newspaper – we couldn’t have done it without the love and support of our community, so thank you to you and happy birthday to us! Almost There Pet Rescue (ATR) was founded in 2013 by Geri Hormel (of Wrigley Mansion notoriety), who started the nonprofit as a foster program out of her home. In 2020, ATR opened its first brick-and-mortar facility that has now grown to 25 employees and over 350 volunteers. Last year, they rescued, sheltered and found homes for over 530 dogs. Part of those efforts involves the monthly events that ATR puts on – including puppy yoga. While putting together the calendar for April, I happened upon the ATR website and saw an event called Paws + Reflect, a puppy yoga series. I am not a fitness person by any sense of the word, but if you include puppies? Little balls of fluff that get the zoomies and like to cuddle and be silly – and we get to hang out with them for an hour? Count me in. Learn more about the experience on page 23. Our April edition also includes the Arcadia News Summer Camp Guide . This year, we’ve highlighted play spaces for the younger crowd and cool things to do to beat the summer heat. Whether families travel or hang out in the backyard, the camp guide has something fun for everyone. Happy April, and thank you, as always, for reading the Arcadia News! – Mallory Gleich UPCOMING THEMES: No one has better coverage in the areas of Arcadia, Biltmore and the Camelback Corridor. Promote your business to 45,000 loyal Arcadia News readers. For more: call/text 602-840-6379 or email ads@arcadianews.com .               1. Hans was a German shepherd who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on January 26, five days before his 11th birthday. He was an Easter gift from our son. Most people get marshmallow peeps. We got a 45 pound bundle of joy! We were shocked at first, but glad it happened. Hans was very smart and stubborn and a foodie at heart. Fiercely loyal and protective. He didn’t really like Dave, the newspaper delivery man, but loved everybody else. –Shelly R. 2. Penelope – also known as Penny – is an 8-year- old Persian/Himalayan. She is the princess of our house. She acts like a dog and greets us at the door and is very social. She also has a kitty stroller that she loves riding in around the neighborhood. She had eye surgery (corneal grafts) when she was younger, so her eyes are a little cloudy, but it doesn’t seem to affect her vision. –Lauren B. 3. Zoe is an 8-year-old Boston terrier whose main quality is energy. She loves to greet anyone and everyone and always wins when we have staring competitions. Zoe’s brother Zeus is a 3-year-old chihuahua jack russell mix. He’s the perfect lap dog who loves to smile at people and loves to wag his curved tail. –A.C. 4. Reggie is my adopted shih tzu and lhasa mix who I obtained from the Sedona Humane Society when he was seven years old. Reggie is the sweetest dog I have ever had the honor of calling mine. Interesting that he was with me for almost a year before I got a bark! His favorite thing to do is walk around the neighborhood and “meet and greet” other dogs. If you see him, he would love to give you, or your pet, a doggy kiss to say hello! – Diane M. 1 2 4 3 ARCADIA 'S PETS Would you like to share your pet? Send a photo and a description (50 words max) of your pet to editor@arcadianews.com or text it to 602.840.6379 . Include your pet’s name and age, along with any fun facts about them you’d like to share. All animals are welcome! Attention all readers! Want a first look at the newest edition of Arcadia News? Pick up a copy and say hello at our next Monthly Meetup. Follow us on Instagram @arcadianews for details. For more information email editor@arcadianews.com. We’d love to meet you! Arcadia News Meet & Greet O O n n- -M Mo on n- -T - T -T - T -T T Th h 1 11 1 0 0 p p p p p p p p p p p m m m m • Dine in • Patio Service Patio Service • Sat-Sun Brunch menu with drink specials Sat-Sun Brunch menu with drink specials • Happy Hour Specials • Pickup Orders Pickup Orders Try our full catering service: 602-300-7133 Safety guidelines are being followed. Thanks for your support! 4144 E. Indian School Road | teepeemexicanfood.com | 602-956-0178 ENJOY YOUR TEEPEE FAVORITES!

5 APRIL 2025 By Kristen Carli Phoenix residents can look forward to significant improvements along 56th Street thanks to a long-anticipated infrastructure project to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety. The project, which spans 1.5 miles from Thomas Road to Camelback Road, was discussed at the Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association (ACMNA) annual meeting in February. Representatives from the Phoenix City Streets Department provided updates, confirming that funding is nearly secured and construction is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The 56th Street Project was developed using a Design Assistance Grant from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). The goal is to create a safer, more accessible corridor for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Key proposed improvements include a 10- 12 foot multi-use path designed for younger cyclists, school-age children, families, and pedestrians; continuous multi-use bicycle and pedestrian paths on both the west and east sides of 56th Street to enhance connectivity and safety; and a 24 inch storm drain running down 56th Street from Thomas Road to Camelback Road to improve drainage. Low-water use trees planted adjacent to sidewalks and multi-use paths to provide shade and encourage outdoor activity; potential modifications to the roundabout at Exeter Boulevard to enhance traffic flow and safety; upgraded curb ramps and sidewalks to meet the latest Americans with Disabilities Act standards; and traffic calming features to reduce vehicle speeds and improve overall safety are also part of the proposed changes along the corridor. To ensure efficient implementation, the project will be completed in two phases: North of Indian School Road to Camelback Road (0.9 miles), which will cost approximately $14 million, and Phase 2 from Thomas Road to the north of Indian School Road (approx. 0.6 miles) for $9 million. Among the project’s most critical aspects is the addition of the multi-use paths, which will greatly enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. The new storm drain will also be a significant improvement, addressing long- standing drainage issues along 56th Street. With funding nearly finalized, the City of Phoenix is hoping to get Phase 1 started in winter 2025. Once construction begins, residents can expect temporary disruptions that usually come with large, multi-year projects that tear up the primary roads in your neighborhood. The optimists would like to remind us of the long-term benefits, like a safer, more pedestrian- friendly corridor that is designed to foster community, encourage alternative transportation and support the well-being of its people. “I’m beyond excited to see the 56th Street project finally moving forward – it’s been a long time coming! The neighborhood is buzzing with anticipation, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch the momentum build,” D6 Councilman Kevin Robinson said. “This project is set to be a game-changer, and I’m so proud we’re able to deliver what our community has been asking for.” acmna.org 56th Street Project: Enhancing safety and connectivity in Phoenix PROJECT LIMITS Phase 1: North of Indian School Road to Camelback Road. Approx. 0.9 miles Phase 2: Thomas Road to north of Indian School Road. Approx. 0.6 miles LAFEYETTE BLVD EXETER BLVD OSBORN ROAD INDIAN SCHOOL ROAD THOMAS ROAD 56th Street, Thomas Road to Camelback Road CAMELBACK The ACMNA presented the latest news – like the project limits – to attendees of the annual neighborhood meeting. COURTESY OF MARVIN BORSAND