The Peak, 1991: Indifference & Enjoyment

peak_cover_julaug_1991The past editions of The Peak have been donated by GPPA to the City of Scottsdale to help preserve the historical record. Back issues that have been processed are available on the library’s website for the community to enjoy.

Yesterday, I was readying some back copies to drop off at the library when the headline of the July/August 1991 Peak caught my eye, “PINNACLE PEAK/NORTH SCOTTSDALE A VICTIM OF INDIFFERENCE.”  The article is a plea for support and for residents to take a greater interest in growth and quality of life issues. Some things don’t change. Your support is still needed.

Most of the development projects listed in the article, and it’s an interesting list, were completed long ago, but we live in a vibrant community and now there are new projects and issues. Some things don’t change.

But read the old articles below and you’ll realize two things have REALLY changed!

  FIRST, IT’S EASIER FOR YOU TO GET INFORMATION. In The Peak, you’ll find Scottsdale newsletters with information about current city activities and meetings. Believe it or not, there was a time when people who really cared had to drive downtown to get the latest news on projects. And of course, now there is email, social media, and the online Peak to help get the word out when your support is REALLY needed. Check out all the newsletters in Newsletter Nook.

 SECOND, THERE IS MORE FOR YOU TO ENJOY. The 1991 Peak, also has an extensive community events calendar. Check it out below. It’s interesting to read what was going on – and where – 25 years ago. If you wanted more information for an event, you made a phone call or looked for a newspaper. Today, there are many, more and varied activities, closer to home. It’s easier to learn about them by Googling on your cellphone, visiting websites, and looking at The Peak‘s extensive Community Events Calendar. Check it out.

So read the old articles below and the new ones in this issue. Please, don’t be indifferent. Consider becoming a member or subscribing to our newsletter.

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A PEEK AT THE PEAK, July/August 1991

PINNACLE PEAK/NORTH SCOTTSDALE – A VICTIM OF INDIFFERENCE

From the Executive Committee of GPPHA Board *See note at end of article.

It is remarkable that so many people have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy houses and live in the Pinnacle Peak area, and are then prepared to sit back and do nothing to protect their investment!

The GPPHA exists in order to exercise influence, and some control, over the changes that are proposed for the Pinnacle Peak area. The GPPHA has been influential on plans for the area, but nowhere near enough to achieve all that is needed.

In large measure this reflects a lack of support from local residents due, one must assume, to indifference. This indifference is apparent in the unwillingness of residents to make the effort to be informed and even if informed, to stand up and be heard. It really comes down to a matter of priorities. If trying to preserve the character of this area and the value of one’s property are always less important than sports outings, movies, TV, etc.,etc. — you should not complain when the area in which you live is spoiled while you were too ”busy.”

Currently, the GPPHA board, together with a few stalwarts who volunteer their time, keep working to try to preserve this area. Meeting after meeting is held by the City on key topics that affect this area, and time after time a handful of the same people tum out. These meetings can be very disappointing, but that is a reason to try harder, not to tum away. Pinnacle Peak residents must support themselves, this area, and the GPPHA, in person, if we are to have the necessary level of influence.

A number of highly significant events have occurred in the Pinnacle Peak area, with more to come. These may well hit your pocket directly or indirectly.

What were, or will be, these projects?

  • Corrigan-Marley (8300+ acres)
  • Sonoran Hills (296 acres for residential/ commercial)
  • Core North (2,356 acres for residential/ commercial)
  • Environmentally Sensitive Land Ordinance-ELSO (mountain preservation)
  • Tonto Foothills (15,820 acres, probably 90% housing)
  • WestWorld (planned amphitheater, theme park, etc.)
  • Reata/Beardsley Wash (flood control)
  • Pinnacle Peak Wash (flood control) *
  • Rawhide Wash (flood control) *
  • Desert Ridge-Phoenix (5600+ acres)

* Not yet the subject of meetings

It was unusual if more than 20 local residents attended any of these events. This is out of a GPPHA membership of over 300 families and a residential population of approximately 4,500persons.

If you truly do not care about or even welcome the idea of urban sprawl then you should ignore this article and just let the wave roll over you. If you do care for your home and its environment, please do become involved. Join the team of volunteers: (1) Volunteer Leader, Isabelle McVaugh-585-xxxx; (2) Membership Chairman, Sandy Bertz-585-xxxx. When a call goes out to attend a key meeting, plan to be there. If the City Council sees a hundred residents at a council meeting they will be more attentive than if they see a handful of familiar Pinnacle Peak/North Scottsdale “friends.” Lastly, recruit new members so that they can get into the informaCotion loop.

We have an opportunity to do something to preserve the character of the North Scottsdale/PinnaclePeak area for its residents. Recognize that thismust become a high personal priority. Do not sit back and assume that others can always protect your interests effectively. Get involved and insure responsible progress.

**Editorial Note. GPPHA, the Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association, was incorporated in 1977 by Pinnacle Peak area residents as a homeowners association. The founding members lived in the newly established neighborhoods located near the intersection of Pinnacle Peak and Pima Roads. The late 70s, 80s, and 90s were periods of rapid development when most of the neighborhoods you see today were developed.  In 2000, GPPHA became the Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association, a 501 c(3) nonprofit charity. In 2005, Friends of the Scenic Drive became a division of GPPA.

 

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A PEEK AT THE PEAK, July/August 1991peak_1991_calendar_events

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

By Bette Sullivan

Please note that the events are listed with an A, B, C, D, E, F, G which denotes the place they are held unless otherwise noted.

A=el Pedregal B=Horseworld  C=Rawhide D=Citadel E=Plaza F=Cave Creek  G=Scottsdale Center for Arts

 

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE:         July 18 7-9:30 PM      A
A Mexsal Concert  El Pedregal Theatre Free.
For info:258-3609 or 488-1072

CHOPIN-THE GREAT   July 19 7:30 PM           G
COMPOSERS SERIES
with Ruth Laredo.
One of America’s foremost
pianists.  -ARTS

SHOWCASE ’91-Scottsdale     July 18-19
Community College Per-
forming Arts Ctr. 1act plays from best in theatre
literature. 252-8497

CONCERT SERIES–       July 21
McCormick Railroad Park Summer music…
A variety of bands
perform jazz, country,
bluegrass,  and 50-60’s
music. Free. 994-2312

MOZART-THE GREAT
COMPOSERS SERIES
with Eugenia Zulcerman
and Andre-Michel Schub
(Amadeus). Call 994-ARTS

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE:         July 24               A
Lynn Roberts Big Band
Concert. Free.258-3609

Phoenix; Festival of the Arts July 29 8 PM
Orchestra, Herberger Theatre
Ctr.   Irwin Hoffman Orch.
AZ Masterworks Chorale
joins. 774-7750

DEBUSSY-THE GREAT July 31                                      G
COMPOSERS SERIES
   with the American String Quartet
with guest pianist Robert McDonal. 994-ARTS

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE:         Aug. 17-9:30 PM         A
Darde Deville Concert-el Pedregal    …Country music.
Free. 258-3609

MIGHTY MUD MANIA XVI
Chaparral Park, messiest,
muckiest,  foot-race thru  a
mud obstacle course. 774-7750

Taliesin West: in depth                                                 G
Aug. 1-29 , Thursdays 7:30 pm
tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home … refreshments.
994-ARTS

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE:         Aug.8 7-9:30 PM     A
Triad Concert-el Pedregal.
Mellow jazz. Free.258-3609
or 488-1072

SUMMER SUN…Phoenix Civic Aug. 11
Plaza…arts, crafts, dance,
music & theatre. 262-6225

“LARRY RIVERS: PUBLIC         Aug. 16-0ct.13              G
AND PRIVATE”. 994-ARTS

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE          Aug. 15 7-9:30 PM        A
Kevin McNally concert …
variety. Free. 258-3609 or 488-1072

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE:         Aug. 22 7-9:30 PM      A
Terri Joplin concert at el
Pedregal. Free. 258-3609 or488-1072

CAVECREEK/CAREFREE:         Aug. 29 7-9:30 PM      A
Sonya Jason concert at el Pedregal. Free.

Native American “POW WOW” Aug. 31 & Sept. 1
featured Native American
artists, food and dance.
To be held at The Phoenician Resort. 941-8200

SCOTTSDALE Annual Gala Sept 21     G
…Jazz,ballet,  classical music,
modem dance, family
entertainment, world music,
and special events. 944-2787

 SEDONA…10th Annual Jazz   Sept. 28
On The Rocks
… Verde
Valley School Amphitheatre.
Artists include Nancy Wilson,
The Count Basie Orch., and
Tuck & Patti. 282-1983

 

CONTRIBUTE TO GPPA

 

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Author: Les Conklin

Les Conklin is a resident of north Scottsdale He founded Friends of the Scenic Drive, the Monte de Paz HOA and is the president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. He was named to Scottsdale's History Maker Hall of Fame in 2014. Les is a past editor of A Peek at the Peak and the author of Images of America: Pinnacle Peak. He served on the Scottsdale's Pride Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, the boards of several local nonprofits and was a founding organizer of the city's Adopt-A-Road Program.. Les is a volunteer guide at the Musical Instrument Museum.

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