1996 Newspaper Article Summaries

"Burying power lines preserves scenic area", Sonoran News, April 10, 1996

This article written by Les Conklin of Friends calls for support of the city of Scottsdale's improvement district to bury power lines along and across the drive. The article makes the following points:

• Scenic areas do not become ordinary areas overnight. They are diminished by solitary, insensitive acts - a new power line installed, an established setback ignored, a roadside desert plant needlessly destroyed.
• It is not cast in stone that the northern end of Scottsdale Road will eventually look like much more developed portions to the south but we need to draw the line on the gradual destruction of the area. A scenic corridor is a good place to start.

"Invitation to Cookout at the Ranch", A Peek at the Peak, June 1996

This is a reprint of the pamphlet for a cookout that was organized by Friends of the Scenic Drive and sponsored by Outback Steakhouse and McDonald's Ranch. The cookout featured hay rides, steak barbecue, a country band and Marshall Trimble, noted Arizona historian. Many local merchants donated goods and services that were auctioned or raffled off. Local organizations such as Scottsdale Historical Society, Liberty Wild Life, Scottsdale Pride and Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowers Association provided exhibits.

Despite temperatures in excess of 100 degrees the cookout was a big success attracting more than 300 people including members of the Scottsdale City Council and other civic leaders.