Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
February 2026
February 2026, page 5

4 FEBRUARY 2026 1. BEAR is a four-year-old white lab who has 1. BEAR is a four-year-old white lab who has 1. BEAR been part of our family since he was 8 weeks old. Bear was born on a farm surrounded by various animals, including a very large pig and a turtle, where we believe he picked up many of his endearing mannerisms. He is affectionate, always eager for cuddles and belly rubs. Bear loves to play and especially enjoys long walks when the weather is cooler. From the moment we brought him home, Bear has been a loving addition to our family, constantly reminding us of the beauty of unconditional love. – Matt B. 2. DUNE is an 18-month-old dog rescued from the streets and saved from euthanasia through Underdog Rescue. Since June, he’s become crate and doggy- door trained. Sweet, affectionate, and irresistibly cute, Dune is up for adoption and hoping to find a loving Arcadia-area family to call home. He’s a true love bug! – Jennifer C. 3. Hi Arcadia News readers! Meet GUSTAVE (or Gus, or Goose). He’s five and we got him when he was eight weeks old. He’s the friendliest and happiest dog you’ll ever meet. He’s got a lot of energy but even more love for everyone and everything he crosses paths with. If you shop at the Safeway on 48th and Indian School you’ll see him there – he never misses our weekly grocery store adventure! – Tyler T. 4. Hi, I’m MOZZIE ! A four-year- old, fun loving good boy that will do anything for a game of fetch. What I lack in common sense I make up with an abundance of cuteness. Some would say I am spoiled; I just say I’m well taken care of! – Amber and Travis P. EDITOR’S NOTE Ten or so years ago, if you’d have asked me to go on a hike – could be Camelback, could be a short jaunt on the side of a random hill – I would have laughed and said ‘eh, I’ll meet you for mimosas after you’re done.’ I was not about to put on some boots and carry myself up a mountain, no thank you, ma’am. Nowadays, though, I love a good trek. Grab some friends, don’t forget your shades and get ready to see some awesome views. Plus, there’s always a burrito or pancakes waiting at the end. That idea is similar to what Arcadian Amy Johnson had in mind when she started the Desert Disco Adventure Club. She wanted to hike as many miles as she could and thought she’d see if anyone else wanted to do the same. Turns out, there were a whole bunch of ladies ready to climb, make new friends, and discover something new about their state (which is celebrating its 114th birthday this year)! Speaking of birthdays, the Phoenix Writers Club is celebrating its centennial in 2026. Founded by women journalists barred from a men-only press club, the group continues to support writers of all backgrounds and experience levels and remains committed to fostering creativity and mentorship through monthly meetings, guest speakers, and a shared belief in writers helping writers. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Home & Design and Camp Guide, coming your way soon. Have a fantastic February, and thank you, as always, for reading Arcadia News. Arcadia News. – Mallory 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 .         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!         you’ll ever meet. He’s got a lot of energy but is an 18-month-old dog rescued from the streets and saved from euthanasia through Underdog Rescue. Since June, he’s become crate and doggy- door trained. Sweet, affectionate, and irresistibly cute, Dune is up for adoption and hoping to find a loving Arcadia-area family to call home. He’s a true love Burgers, Dogs, Burritos! Scrumptious Fish & Chips! Best Chicken Nuggets & Tenders! Fresh Breaded Onion Rings! Best Shrimp & Chips in the Valley! Drive Thru/Take-Out is Our Specialty! 20% o! any order over $15.00! Offer expires 02/28/26. Valid with coupon only. Present coupon at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other offer. 1 coupon per person. Valid at all 8 locations. No cash value. Coupon cannot be reproduced. Phone orders taken till 10:00pm Monday thru Saturday. Closed Sundays. 602-840-0630 4121 N. 44th St., Phoenix Cash only. ATM on Patio. VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE 2020, 2022 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2021, 2025 VOTED BEST TAKEOUT IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2023, 2025 VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2025 VOTED BEST OF THE BEST SEAFOOD AND TAKEOUT IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2025 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE GLENDALE STAR 2020, 2023, 2025 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN LOVIN’ LIFE 2023, 2024, 2025 VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN LOVIN’ LIFE 2024 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE MESA TRIBUNE 2025 Family Owned & Operated Since 1947 Eight Valley locations to serve you

5 FEBRUARY 2026 By Cliff Summerhill When b-art gallery opened its doors in Phoenix, owner Andy Byrnes envisioned more than a traditional space. He wanted to create a welcoming environment where art felt approachable, conversations came naturally, and artists could thrive. Today, through a meaningful partnership with the Art One Foundation, that vision is helping preserve a legacy while creating new opportunities for artists across the Valley. “As both a collector and an artist, opening the gallery felt like a natural extension of our work and my belief that art should be approachable,” Byrnes said. “I want b-art to be a space where high-quality artwork and accessibility coexist.” That philosophy made b-art a natural home for artists connected to the former Art One Gallery, which closed after serving the community for more than three decades. When the gallery shut its doors, many artists lost not only a place to show their work but also a sense of belonging. Byrnes saw an opportunity to help sustain that momentum. “When Art One closed, it left a noticeable gap in the community,” Byrnes said. “Partnering with Max and Rebecca, who knew of them so well, allowed us to give many artists a new home and space to grow at b-art.” For Max Smith, gallery manager and leader of the Art One Foundation, the partnership represents continuity and hope. “Being featured at b-art has helped reestablish opportunity,” Smith said. “In many ways, b-art represents the next step Art One always encouraged its artists to take.” The gallery itself is designed to foster connection. Visitors can check out upcoming exhibitions and find opportunities to meet artists in an atmosphere that invites people to engage. “b-art is intentionally designed as a place for conversation, discovery, and connection,” Byrnes said. Beyond exhibitions, b-art gives back to Phoenix’s artist community. A percentage of all sales is donated to the Art One Foundation. “After the gallery closed, the foundation lost a physical space to connect directly to the community,” Smith said. “b-art has helped restore that connection, allowing us to continue funding programs that support student artists in meaningful ways.” In December, the Art One Foundation awarded $3,500 in grants to Maryvale High School’s visual arts department, One Step Beyond, Inc., and Autism Academy of Phoenix. “This support would not be possible without community partnerships,” Smith said. “Phoenix is a city shaped by creativity through art, architecture, design, and construction,” Byrnes said. “Offering a place where designers and collectors can source high-quality artwork is essential to the cultural growth of the city, and it’s something we’re proud to be a part of.” Byrnes sees b-art as a space that will continue to evolve, hosting exhibitions, workshops, fundraisers, and intimate events. The gallery will also debut a solo exhibition by Arizona artist Loren Yagoda on February 6. b-artphx.com artonefoundation.com Art One Foundation forges new creative partnership With nine movable wall panels, the space can transform to support exhibitions, intimate gatherings, workshops, and a multitude of events. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDY BYRNES ARCADIA NEIGHBORHOOD ANNUAL MEETING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY  8:30-10:00 a.m. Join your neighbors for an engaging morning with elected officials and community leaders, plus important neighborhood updates and open discussion. • Complimentary breakfast • Meet your neighbors • Relevant pending issues • Have your voice heard! • Door prizes Okay… not the animals. But e-bikes are becoming a real concern, and we’ll be talking about it – along with other key issues affecting Arcadia. Bring your questions, concerns, and suggestions. This is your community – help shape it. www.acmna.org ARCADIA NEIGHBORHOOD ANNUAL MEETING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY EVER WISH YOUR VOICE COULD BE HEARD? LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS… AND E-BIKES! WE’LL SEE YOU FEBRUARY 21!!! Prince of Peace Church (3641 N. 56th St.)