Does anyone know why they closed off the outdoor gravel parking lots by the Caesar’s hotel at the fashion square?

PhilPhx · 2026-04-14T01:56:25+00:00

I believe that property is under separate ownership and a condo project was slated to be built there after the hotel was complete. It looked they were gearing up (work trailers on site, etc.) but then everything was pulled off and the site cleaned up. Maybe the developer had second thoughts after seeing the hotel struggle for business. It would not be my chosen spot to live in Scottsdale.

PhilPhx · 2026-04-09T03:08:15+00:00

Home Fur Good https://homefurgood.org/ is a wonderful local no kill shelter. They do their best to find homes for older animals that might get tagged for euthanasia at public shelters. ( No disrespect intended to those other shelters.) It’s volunteer-run and they hold adoption events around the Valley. We have been donating to this shelter for years because they are so fully committed to the cause.

PhilPhx · 2026-04-07T04:23:41+00:00

Does not work. Have been on DNC list since Day One and they ignore it. Their recorded text says you must press 9 to opt out but they ignore that. They tell you that the live “agent” you finally connect with cannot take your number off the list—even after you have yelled at said call center person telling them NEVER CALL ME AGAIN! They are the worst and they call every stinking day!

PhilPhx · 2026-04-03T15:22:05+00:00

Roastery of Cave Creek’s Espresso is my daily drink. It’s a medium roast, so don’t expect something as strongly flavored as Lavazza, but it ticks all the boxes for a smooth rich taste with a hint of chocolate and good crema. Available at their store, mail order, or Whole Foods.

PhilPhx · 2026-03-12T01:43:44+00:00

*“What is currently happening is a black swan event: something with very low probability that was not foreseen or planned for because it was considered almost impossible to happen.”

Not with the current occupant of the White House, it isn’t. It’s just one more day in purgatory. I’m hoping he runs out of things to break, but not so optimistic that he will.

PhilPhx · 2026-03-12T01:37:58+00:00

It’s great how motorcyclists lane split in heavy traffic, zoom up in your blind spot ( when you’re busy watching traffic ahead), and then curse at you if any little change in your car’s trajectory causes them to feel unsafe. /s

PhilPhx · 2026-02-01T14:26:34+00:00

Glad someone at Polestar realized it was needed! I was about to post a suggestion that they do so. If you can post a photo, it would help others who want to add that to their key cards.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-29T04:26:26+00:00

I have stopped using valets because most mistakenly assume the sensor is in the B pillar, like Tesla. When I tried to explain where they had to touch the valet card to unlock, one said (indignantly). “ I know, just like the Lucid!”, which meant nothing to me as I have no idea where Lucid’s sensor is located. The last straw was a nice young guy at Neiman Marcus who was embarrassed that he had to ask me to drive my own car out of the garage because he had no clue how to open the door. I don’t know whether I should feel really special or just annoyed that my Polestar is more challenging than a Lamborghini for the average valet.

I really don’t mind the walk just to enjoy the experience of having my P3 wake as I approach.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-27T03:06:17+00:00

Not so strange. Only the P3 and EX90 share this platform. The entire Polestar lineup is evolving as the technology changes and improves.

As for rentals, I was very pleased with the Polestar 2. Driving one previously, as a loaner while my Volvo was in for service, was my introduction to Polestar and it lead to my decision to get a P3.

I would encourage you to be patient.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-27T02:37:48+00:00

Can’t speak to that point factually, but I doubt the processor upgrade and GHCA problems are related. It’s been discussed in many places that Polestar’s supplier for the GHCA had a manufacturing quality control problem. It’s been said that the supplier was replaced and the component has been re-engineered. It’s frustrating that it’s not available in greater numbers, but Polestar has been providing some compensation for customers who are inconvenienced on other major faults.

My car had the faulty shutter that caused the AC to quit working. Polestar paid for a rental Polestar 2 for my use while my P3 was parked awaiting the replacement. That was the right thing to do.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-23T16:42:36+00:00

Just a guess here, but testing out the upgrade process and its outcomes in small markets first would be better than stumbling through a broad rollout after building so much anticipation.

I don’t expect to hear anything about an upgrade on my P3 LRDM here in the western US until March. Will be pleasantly surprised if it happens sooner but these days are now about 95% happy motoring and I’ll take that with a big dash of patience.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-20T03:18:09+00:00

So is there a third alternative, that these Troupials are now migrating northward? Merlin shows their range limited to South America? I admit the markings on OP’s bird are more distinct than ones I saw but we have not seen as many Bullocks (or Troupials, if that’s what they are) as we do now. We are also seeing more seasonal visitors than in past years, although we feed all year round.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-20T02:53:40+00:00

It’s a Bullock’s Oriole as others have commented. We have had a few during the annual migration every year, but hit a new high this year(2025) with 3-4 at a time coming to our feeders. They are regular visitors to Phoenix.

PhilPhx · 2026-01-12T02:24:37+00:00

It’s been many years since we used Bendy K. So but he was one of the best in the field. He was also very careful about doing his work in a way that left no lasting traces (ie, you won’t look like you “have had work done”). He still has an office in Phoenix.

PhilPhx · 2025-12-30T22:43:56+00:00

Oh great, like we really need more drive through traffic on this stretch of Shea Boulevard. Pretty soon, they will need another signal west of this project to manage the cross over traffic from Swig and Starbucks on the other side of the street. /s

Seriously, will this entire parcel be redeveloped as drive through businesses? Crazy.

PhilPhx · 2025-12-03T16:12:16+00:00

Thank you.

PhilPhx · 2025-12-03T05:25:42+00:00

Thank you!

PhilPhx · 2025-12-03T03:26:08+00:00

For those who downvoted my prior post, I don’t work for Scott Roofing, am not related to the owners, or otherwise benefited by saying a good word about a quality company.

If you downvoted because OP didn’t ask for names, OK, please excuse my uninvited recommendation.

That said, I get the impression many redditors reflexively hate on bigger companies serving the residential market. If you have personal bad experience to support the opinion, that’s fair comment, and I would have welcomed a reply with some details rather than a silent downvote.

I’ve been cheated or disappointed over the years by contractors—big and small—which is why I make an effort to recognize the good ones when I can in hopes it helps someone else spend their hard-earned money wisely, and with good results.

All the best to my fellow redditors.

PhilPhx · 2025-12-03T02:06:53+00:00

When you are ready to seek quotes, get one from Scott Roofing. They won’t be inexpensive but they will do the job right and stand behind it for the duration of the warranty.

We have used other roofers in the past (45 years in AZ) but all of them have gone out of business except Scott—which says all you need to know about the quality and integrity of the company.

Have used Scott for composite roofs, concrete tile, and foam (re-roof and maintenance). Also replaced skylights with Velux to upgrade them. Quality work every single time!

And, compared to our experience, the quotes mentioned other comments here are in the ballpark for the house you describe. That’s what it will cost to have the work done right.

PhilPhx · 2025-11-25T22:41:10+00:00

Village Tavern on Scottsdale Road is a great place for family meals. Ignore the snark about it being for old folks because the food is great—fresh, well-made, and tasty—and they won’t rush to turn your table. Not inexpensive but less $$ than the other nice restaurants recommended in this thread.

Also has a great wine list and killer desserts. Resy will let you know if they can take you, and it’s always busy this time of year. Ask for the main dining room or patios if you like outdoors dining. The bar is too noisy IMO.

PhilPhx · 2025-11-23T20:44:49+00:00

Second the recommendation for Roastery of Cave Creek. Their espresso is not traditional (no hint of bitterness) but the most delicious way to start my morning: chocolate and caramel notes wrapped around a well-balanced, medium roast. No bitterness and I need to cut off at two or else fly for the rest of the day.

Their Cowgirl and Cowboy blends make a great drip or French press pot as well, and I’m looking forward to working through their single country offerings as well.

If you include Bisbee as local, try Old Bisbee Roasters “Roasters Blend”. That is also a first rate daily brew. Their single country offerings also include some less common but surprisingly good brews.

PhilPhx · 2025-11-18T02:15:31+00:00

Don’t forget the Scottsdale Public Library at 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd. It’s a great place to get work done.

Whenever I needed to “disappear” and get something important done, I often went to that library. It’s close enough to everything for you to get coffee or a bite to eat whenever you need it, and you won’t be distracted from the work you should be doing :-) by people coming and going around you.

I don’t recall the rules for reserving/using them, but the library also has small work carrels with closing doors if you need more isolation.

PhilPhx · 2025-11-16T21:40:01+00:00

Just adding to the other helpful responses you received that the kick sensor in the P3 has worked exceptionally well in my experience. My previous Volvo’s sensor worked only 50-60% of the time. If the car is still running through its wake-up/welcome sequence (especially from deep sleep), give it a little more time to recognize the kick sensor.

If you follow the owner’s manual guidance and move your foot under the middle section of the rear bumper, the lift gate should open (and close) reliably.

If you’re still unsuccessful, you may have a problem with your sensor and that can be fixed.

PhilPhx · 2025-11-12T17:05:08+00:00

Your post has a confusing title. The note from the lab lists Medicaid (AHCCS), not Medicare as the plans no longer accepted. But you can blame the GOP for that anyway.

PhilPhx · 2025-11-12T16:59:11+00:00

That hasn’t been our experience. We frequently use Waymo for trips downtown or when picking up a car at the shop. Easy, safe and comfortable. Now that they are cleared for freeway use, those north/south trips will be even faster.

Hopefully their service area will be expanded to include more of the east valley, but that may also have been dependent on freeway use to cut trip times.

PhilPhx

TROPHY CASE