Not only will we be celebrating our independence come July, but we’ll also be celebrating independents. That’s because July 1 through July 7, 2012 is the 10th anniversary of National Independents Week (or “Indie Week” if you’re cool). This is the week that everyone is encouraged to shop locally and support independent businesses.

A great place to start is by visiting Local First Arizona where you can find a directory of local business and learn how to “Shift the Way you Shop”. According to the website, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy and $27 leaves . In contrast, when you shop at a business that is not locally-owned, only $43 remains in the local economy and $57 leaves.

Shopping local re-circulates your money over and over, creating more tax revenue to the state and your community. Not only do local businesses help to drive the economy, but they also support sustainability and add character and uniqueness to the community. You’ll also probably get better and more personal service.

In honor of Independents Week, Local First Arizona is offering a “Golden Coupon” where you can get 20% off at participating local establishments.

So, go ahead and take the pledge to shop locally and support your community merchants. Then head down to the farmer’s market, the Melrose District or your favorite local restaurant and help build our economic independence during Independents Week.

I’m in this great group called Valley Leadership. In fact, I am graduating from their Class 33 this weekend. As part of our work, we were put in groups for a project to benefit the community. There will be a panel of judges this Friday to review our work and choose the best project.

Well, here is our project: we created videos, a website and a curriculum for middle school students to see interviews with people in various careers. This will help them think about what they would like to do and what they need to study to make their dreams happen.

We are very excited about the result. Just look at some of the great folks who did interviews with us. Further, this project is sustainable. Our partners, Be a Leader, the National Association of Asian American Professionals and the National Black MBS Association will continue to add videos over time. 

Here is the press release with all the information about the project. Please have a look.

(Yeah, go ahead. Say it. “Phoenix and Historic Preservation are oxymorons.” Did you get it out of your system? Ok. Thanks. Proceed.)

In keeping with the National Preservation Month’s May theme—“Discover America’s Hidden Gems”—past and present Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission members will share their favorite Phoenix memories and “hidden gems”.

Nine Phoenix resident commission members, from at least one of the following categories—registered architect, real estate professional, archeologist, and historian—serve on the commission for a three-year term. The newest member is Tazmine Khatri Loomans (“but you can call me, Taz”), architect, writer and advocate for sustainable building practices. Her first committee meeting was May 21, but I know she’ll have plenty to contribute to the celebration! (For more info on Taz, check out her excellent ‘city. sustained.’ Phoenix-based blog, Blooming Rock.)

Maybe we’ll hear something along the lines of discoveries in 2010’s excellent coffee-table book, “Midcentury Marvels: Commercial Architecture of Phoenix, 1945 -1975” co-written by The Phoenix Historic Preservation Office and Ryden Architecture, Inc.

The Phoenix Historic Preservation Office writes books!? And they do a lot more, working to protect and enhance historic neighborhoods, buildings, and sites. They work closely with the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission, to identify designate districts and properties that are eligible for a listing on the Phoenix Historic Property Register.

To qualify as a Historic Property in Phoenix, a property has to be at least 50 years old or have achieved an exceptional level of significance in the past 50 years.

“Significance” can mean one or more of these things: that the property is connected to events have contributed to wide patterns in the Phoenix history; that it is associated with significant people from Phoenix history; that it has, or is likely to in the future, provide information that will be helpful to increasing our understanding of Phoenix history or pre-history; and/or that the construction of the property clearly represents a specific type, period, or method; or it represents the work of an artistic master.

National Historic Preservation Month Celebration
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 29
Encanto Clubhouse
2605 N. 15th Ave.

Like many of you, I was shocked by the sudden closing of the Phoenix Public Market. I am still trying to process it. This was our locally-owned center point downtown.

I’ve not made any comments on it because I wanted a better sense of what may come next. So, I have a little more insight for you.

I spoke with Dan Klocke, who is the VP for Development of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, and board director for the Community Food Connect, which  is the nonprofit organization that runs the Public Market and the outdoor market. This is the group that benefits from our annual Phoestivus Market.

Dan told me that it is up to the landlord what will happen next INSIDE the market. Dan spoke very highly of the building owner as a cooperative partner in finding a new direction and felt confident that something good will come in to the market. Says Dan, “This location has a lot of caché, it has proven itself and people are going to swoop in to take advantage of this location. I believe there will be a good user of the space that will play well off the outdoor market, and who respects local.”

Dan is asking us all to do whatever we can to support the outdoor market in this time of need. Please remember that the market is happening tonight, as usual, and that the last day of the market is this Saturday, where you will be able to get great close-out specials on many of the products you usually enjoy there.

As for the future of the Phoestivus Market, Dan felt confident that we will continue working together on that, too.

Dan is in a tough position with two jobs right now, one very uncomfortable. Please drop by and support the market, as well as the work of the entire staff over there.

Oh, and Cindy Gentry, you are an inspiration and I thank you for all of your tireless hours of work.

I get this question all the time, from timid sellers looking for the best deal on a house that they call home.

So lets look at the facts.

If you can choose when to sell, it’s best to wait until your local real estate market is “hot,” or a “sellers’ market.” (which we’ve got) 

This can occur on a very local basis, regardless of what’s common across the United States. In Phoenix we’ve got high demand and low inventory. But here are some other things to consider.

• Mortgage interest rates are low, allowing buyers to finance larger mortgages.
• The economic climate of downtown phoenix is healthy, and people feel confident about the future.
• There was a jump in house buying activity, as often occurs in the spring, and a lot of new families are trying to get in before the new school year.
• Living in Downtown Phoenix is great! The neighborhoods are considered especially attractive thanks to the great community involvement.

Of course, not everyone gets to choose when to sell. But right now is the right time.

Will you be celebrating this weekend. Of course you will be! Cinco de mayo is the closest Phoenix will get to a Boston St. Patty’s.

And there are great plans a foot. The 19th Annual Cinco De Mayo is happening downtown this weekend, and I don’t think I need to remingd you to come hungry. More than 150,000 people are expected at the two-day Cinco block party downtown. Head down to 200 EVB (that’s 200 East Van Buren for those of you who don’t speak downtowner) Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

$5 for adults and kids under 12 for free.

And the best part? Arvizu Charities, in partnership with Grand Canyon University, will award more than $50,000 in scholarships to the school. Students can apply during the festival or at arvizuscholarships.com.

Great deal, great cause, great food. Do you need another reason to head down?  …. MARGARITAS

Phoenix homeowners have kept a close watch on the housing market with a certain air of disappointment. Chances are they had high hopes for their homes. For most people the idea behind home ownership is to buy a home, live there for as long as the location and characteristics of the home suit their lifestyles, and sell the home years down the line while pocketing a little extra built-up equity — or using it to buy a better home. Time is running out to short sale and avoid possible tax liability.

Prices on Downtown Phoenix homes have been steadily rising for the past year. When inventory goes down, prices go up (you probably learned that in your high school econ class) But, that’s not bound to last. Home builders are ramping up quickly. So, the rising prices will level out a little later this year.  People are buying in the late spring and summer for job relocations and to close in time to get kids in to new schools, etc.

So if your looking to sell your home, now’s the time. I truly enjoy helping people make smart real estate decisions. Call today

Plant a Solution

Phoenix isn’t just cacti! We’ve got loads of beautiful foliage that can make your home bound for the epitome of curb appeal. The city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Arizona Community Tree Council is providing free workshops that teach the fundamentals of proper tree planting and long term care.

Downtown

• April 28, 2012
• 9 am to 12 pm
• Phoenix Center for the Arts, room 302
• Registration Code: 86587

West Phoenix

• Oct. 13, 2012
• 9 am to 12 pm
• Maryvale Community Center, auditorium & multipurpose room
• Registration Code: 86588

Ahwatukee

• January 26, 2012
•  9 am to 12 pm
• Pecos Community Center, multipurpose room
• Registration Code: 86590.

Wanna Register? We know you do!

If you have trouble registering please email: Alonso. Avitia@phoenix.gov or call: (602)534-8222

THEY’RE FINALLY HERE!

Treehouse Bakery officially starts offering delicious Vegan Treats  Friday, April 20th at their new location, 348 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. The founders of Treehouse just wanted to create options for people in Phoenix. Now they just want to create a neighborhood sweet spot. But you don’t have to wait! We’ve got a special sneak peek for you tonight!

And when you get there tweet @getyourphxcrew and tag your post with #GYP to find other friends and neighbors there or on their way!

Learn about their delicious offerings at http://www.treehousevegan.com/ or their hilarious non-baked goods or if you can’t make it tonight find baked goods on Etsy (under the seller name Treehouse Vegan)

And when it’s all said and done Review them on YELP

Great right?!