Travel

Vacation Reads

Keep summer going with a great read Article by Ashleigh Underwood Summer is here! As are the trips, the vacations, the stay-cations, and everything else we've been looking forward to for most of the year. In Arizona, the summer can also mean making sure you are poolside (and probably in the pool) as much as possible. Whether you are taking a trip outside of the country, trying to find a little escape from the heat, or heading outside to the nearest pool, this book list is sure to help get you...

Arts + Culture

Mesa's Best Summer Escape Awaits You

Everything you need for a memorable summer close to home. Article and Photography by Think you need to leave town for a memorable summer getaway? Think again. Tucked away in Northeast Mesa, Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West is the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel miles from home without ever leaving the Valley. From four unique pools and family-friendly activities to great dining, craft cocktails, and easy access to some of Mesa's top attractions, the property has all the...

Travel

Wellness Meets Baja Luxury

Oceanfront wellness, desert beauty, golf, and coastal calm define this restorative escape in Baja. Article by Michaela Hetherington Just beyond the Arizona desert, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a quieter side of Los Cabos where desert landscapes meet the Sea of Cortés. Guests spend mornings beside infinity pools, afternoons at the expansive Sensei Zadún, and evenings dining along the ocean under glowing sunsets. Every detail, from private plunge pools to personalized wellness...

Shopping

Locally Owned & Locally Made

The wallet that makes a great gift for the men (and the ladies) Article by Ashleigh Underwood Meet Brett and Linoy, the ultimate team behind the Wallet Buckle company. Brett is practically a native to Arizona—born in Texas but he was raised in Arizona. He did a brief stint in LA to pursue acting but came back. Linoy moved to America at the age of 21 after completing her military service in Israel. She was pursuing a different quality of life. A pursuit that she is still living and acting out...

Finance + Legal Services

Scrappy Dreamer

How JW Rayhons took his natural talents and changed financial planning Article by Ashleigh Underwood | Photography by Sonja Stafford & Provided JW Rayhons had an interesting upbringing, moving frequently between Arizona and Iowa with his father and brothers. His dad was a carpenter and worked in construction—which explains all the different moves. There were a lot of different jobs and job sites. All the while, JW dreamed of being in the NBA even though he excelled in baseball. While...

Life + Culture

Men of Mesa

Meet some of the fantastic men who call our city home. Article by Ashleigh Underwood Alan Jones Owner, Floor Coverings International Mesa Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself? I’m a loyal, genuine person. I’m constantly striving to grow. I try to keep things simple. I like taking complexity out of situations that don’t need it.   Q: What makes Mesa special? There is so much to do from Downtown Mesa to hiking, to the water park. There is just so much to do. I enjoy...

Food + Beverage

Hooked on Excellence

From Gulf waters to Arizona, Adam Strecker brings precision and globally sourced seafood to table. Article by Michaela Hetherington Long before overseeing some of the Valley’s most sought-after dining destinations, Adam Strecker was casting lines in the waters of New Orleans. Weekends spent fishing and crabbing near Lake Pontchartrain didn’t just create memories, they quietly built the foundation for a career rooted in quality, patience, and respect for the source. Today, that same mindset...

Auto + Marine

The Most Common Car Problems We See During Arizona Summers

Reviewed by Eric Shepherd, Gemba Automotive ASE-Certified TechnicianBy the time you leave work in July, the steering wheel is too hot to touch, the seatbelt buckle feels like a branding iron, and your car has been baking in the sun for eight straight hours. Each year, summer months turn daily commutes to and from work and school into endurance tests for Arizona drivers and their cars.At Gemba Automotive, we see an increase in heat-related issues each summer. From overheating engines to failing...

Auto + Marine

The Day the Mustangs Took Over Our Shop

Reviewed by Justin Ayala, Gemba Automotive ASE-Master Certified TechnicianOn February 21 the sound of rumbling V-8’s filled the air as nearly 30 Ford Mustangs from various generations took over the Gemba Automotive shop in Surprise, Arizona. Hoods went up almost immediately. Small groups formed around engine bays while owners compared modifications, swapped stories, and pointed out details only other Mustang people would ever notice. The  Wild West Mustang Club was built around exactly what...

Auto + Marine

Why Your Car A/C Blows Cold While Driving but Warm at Idle

Reviewed by Eric Shepherd, Gemba Automotive ASE-Certified Technician Picture this: you’re cruising down the road mid-summer in 110-degree heat in Phoenix, when you come to a stop light and that deliciously ice-cold A/C starts to get warm and uncomfortable. It’s more common than you think, many people come into our shop describing how their vehicle’s A/C will blow cold while driving but gets warm when they stop and are idling. AAA says millions of roadside assistance calls every year are...