The Foothills Focus is Arizona 's fastest growing weekly newspaper. We are your source for community news in Anthem, Black Canyon City, Carefree, Cave Creek, Desert Hills, New River, North Phoenix, and North Scottsdale.

Anthem resident, Phoenix cop killed in hit and run Daryl Raetz, an Anthem resident and Phoenix police officer, died early Sunday morning after suffering critical injuries following a hit and run accident

Traffic Alert The funeral procession for fallen Phoenix firefighter Brad Harper will make its way along sections of eastbound Loop 101 and southbound Interstate 17 on Friday afternoon (May 24).

Arizona Musicfest awards scholarships
Arizona Musicfest’s 2013-2014 Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Recipients including Dana Brink, bassoonist, from Corona del Sol High School in Tempe.

North Valley Library changes summer hours
Due to a facility remodel, North Valley Regional Library (NVRL) in Anthem will alter its hours-of-operation from June 10 through July 7. 

Cactus Shadows alumnus earns honor
Camille McIver, a 2011 Cactus Shadows High School graduate, was one of seven members of the Bethany College softball team to earn Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference honors for the 2013 season.

 

 

 

 

HIKE OF THE MONTH

Night hike illuminates unique glimpse of Cave Creek The Quartz Trail at Cave Creek Regional Park reminds visitors of the area’s mining history when prospectors on their way to California tried their luck in the Arizona desert.

Black Mountain tests legs, lungs, offers great views Before the summer sun makes being outdoors as appealing as working on your taxes during a trip to the dentist for a root canal, a visit to Black Mountain in Cave Creek offers a challenging, but rewarding hike.

Dragonfly gets series off to flying start The Dragonfly Trail is part of the Jewel of the Creek, which is located in Spur Cross Ranch Park in Cave Creek. The trail, an approximately 3 mile loop, crosses over Cave Creek

 

MOVIE REVIEW - Visual extravagance distracts Great Gatsby audience
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a work of literary art that is open to constant adaptation because of the timeless quality of the themes represented.

Musical Theatre of Anthem hosts summer camp
Musical Theatre of Anthem is conducting its Summer Performing Arts Institute, a two-week program for performers ages 6-19 being from July 22 – Aug. 2.  Students will learn vocal technique, musical theatre dance, acting, improv, tap, and theater etiquette. All levels are welcome, and students will be grouped by age and experience.

ProMusica highlights history with 10th anniversary show Adam Stich said his job is a little like being a good chef. ProMusica Arizona’s artistic director explains that putting together a good show requires certain parts, much the way a balanced meal has the same requirements.

Starlight offers youth theater camp Starlight Community Theater is offering two sessions of Camp Rising Star this summer from June 10 – 22 and then from July 15 - 27.

Desert Foothills Theater brings Aladdin to Cave Creek Desert Foothills Theater’s production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. runs Friday through May 19 at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center in Scottsdale.

Free concert series to take place every Friday night in May Music in May, Anthem’s outdoor concert series returns for the 11th year to the ACC Community Park Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m. this Friday.

MOVIE REVIEW - New director gives Ironman 3 stylistic twist
The third installment of the Ironman franchise begins with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) recalling the events that have lead up to this moment, eliciting the decisions of his past and the effects on his current life.

MOVIE REVIEW - Painful script yields minimal gain for viewers
We all handle ambition differently. Some become motivated, some become intimidated, while others ignore the feeling altogether.

MOVIE REVIEW - Oblivion lacks creative ending
There is something to be appreciated about a film that isn’t a sequel when the summer blockbuster season looms so close.

Phoenix Film Festival returns for 13th annual celebration
The Phoenix Film Festival is planning a jam-packed schedule for the 13th annual Arizona mainstay aimed to delight film fanatics during the weeklong event set for Thursday – April 11 at The Scottsdale Harkins 101 Theaters.

MOVIE REVIEW - Oz, there’s no film like the original
The Wizard of Oz is a film that endures on the summits of film history, an iconic work of filmmaking magic that garners fond memories for film fans of all ages.

Musical Theatre of Anthem presents Little Shop of Horrors
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) will perform Little Shop of Horrors Feb. 28 – March 10 at their Anthem location.

Musical Theatre of Anthem presents Winnie the Pooh
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) showing of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS, the musical based on the characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film, will feature a cast of 50 youth when it debut Feb. 21.