Happy St. Patrick’s Day! While you might be reaching for something green today, you’ll also want to reach for the sunscreen as we head into record high temperatures across the Northwest Valley this week.

We’ve also rolled out a fresh update to the Sun City Scoop website, making it even easier to stay plugged into everything happening around Sun City, Sun City West, and The Grand.

In this week’s Scoop:

Have an amazing week out there…🙏

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~ What’s up with the empty building at 99th Ave & Union Hills? If you drive through Sun City’s intersection of 99th Avenue and Union Hills Drive, you have probably noticed the vacant commercial building sitting across from the Marinette Recreation Center. The aging structure at 9885 W Union Hills Dr has been sitting largely unused for years, and many residents have wondered the same thing: what exactly is going on with that building? Read the full article here.

~ Roadwork is now underway in Sun City, with improvements ongoing now through early May, that may impact traffic in key areas around the community. Drivers should expect delays, lane restrictions, and changing traffic patterns as crews complete the work, so plan a little extra time if you’re heading out. See the full article at YourValley.net

~ Big news for our readers, the Sun City Scoop now has a full website at suncityscoop.com. You can now find local news, community updates, area history, and a full archive of past newsletters all in one place. It is your new go to hub for everything happening around Sun City, Sun City West, and The Grand.

~ If you have been reading the newsletter for a while, you may have noticed that many of the articles include images to help illustrate the story. I thought it was pretty obvious that the Scoop ‘mascot’ was AI, but someone asked recently and I wanted to be upfront with how AI images are utilized in creating this newsletter.

Photos are a great way to bring a topic to life, whether it is a piece of local history, a community event, or something happening around Sun City and the West Valley.

Whenever possible, I try to use my own photos. Living in the area makes it easy to capture images of local landmarks, parks, businesses, and neighborhoods that are part of the stories I cover. Those personal photos are always my first choice when they are available. This is done in an attempt to make things easier for me as a creator, and as an enhancement and not an effort to deceive or mislead. (link)

It is hard to imagine today, but Phoenix existed for decades before air conditioning became common. In the early 1900s, summers in the Valley were just as hot as they are now, yet residents relied on creative ways to stay comfortable in the desert heat.

Homes were designed differently back then. Many houses included large shaded porches and “sleeping porches,” where families would spend the night outdoors to catch cooler air. Thick adobe or masonry walls helped keep interiors cooler during the day, while tall ceilings and shaded windows allowed heat to rise and escape. Businesses often closed during the hottest hours of the afternoon, and daily life slowed down until evening.

Before modern AC systems became widespread in the 1950s, many homes used evaporative coolers, often called swamp coolers. These units pulled outside air through wet pads, lowering the temperature before blowing the air inside. While they worked best in the dry desert climate, they were still a far cry from today’s refrigerated air.

Air conditioning ultimately transformed Phoenix. Once homes, offices, and shopping centers could stay cool through the summer, population growth accelerated rapidly. In many ways, modern Phoenix owes its explosive growth to one invention that made desert living comfortable year round.

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While you head north for cooler temperatures, your Phoenix home is facing 110 degree days, monsoon storms, AC strain, roof damage risks, plumbing leaks, and pest intrusion. Unoccupied homes in the summer are especially vulnerable.

Phoenix Home Watch provides professional visual inspections of your property, looking for obvious issues before they turn into costly repairs. We communicate with you in real time and serve as your trusted advocate while you are away.

Your home does not get a summer break. Neither do we.

Visit PhxHomeWatch.com or call Phoenix Home Watch at (623) 226-8299

[Sun City West] Don your favorite green outfit and get ready to kick up those heels as Kilted Spirit returns for a St. Patrick’s Day show at noon, Tuesday, March 17th, inside the Palm Ridge Rec Center.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person (six tickets per rec card for cabaret-style seating) and are available at the R.H. Johnson Box Office or online at suncitywest.com/tickets.

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE’. Showtimes are Wednesday 3/18 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 3/21 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN MUSIC ROOM (New location). See the MARCH movie lineup here.

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS will be performing on Wednesday, March 18th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, multiple Grammy winner, and prolific singer/songwriter, Paul Simon, is lauded as one of the all-time greats. Spend an evening listening to his most popular solo hits: Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Mother and Child Reunion, You Can Call Me Al, Kodachrome … including a range of selections from his unparalleled 1985 album Graceland. The multi-faceted Chach Snook stars in this tribute and is joined on stage by arranger/pianist/percussionist Khris Dodge and a collection of musicians who will honor this living legend.

[Sun City West] Final Top Hat of the season! The Top Hat Series continues with SOULTOWN TRAIN performing at the Palm Ridge Rec Center on March 19th. Individual show tickets are $30 and available online and through the RHJ Box Office. (link)

[Sun City] History lovers in Sun City have a great opportunity coming up on Thursday, March 19th, with presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, 10801 W. Oakmont Drive. Author Jim Bish will share fascinating insights on George Washington myths, with free admission and optional donations benefiting the museum. Stick around after the talk for a book signing and meet the award winning historian in person. (link)

[Sun City] The Congregational Church of Sun City’s Annual Rummage Sale runs Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at 18401 N. 99th Ave., Sun City. Expect plenty of bargain hunting across a wide mix of donated items, with proceeds supporting church programs. (link)

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for an evening showing of RESERVOIR DOGS on Thursday, MARCH 19TH at 6pm, or a matinee showing of THE LOTS DOGS on Friday, MARCH 20TH at 1pm. (link)

[Sun City] The St. Elizabeth Seton Knights of Columbus Council are hosting the Frank Comaianni Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 21st at the Willow Creek Golf Course in Sun City. (link)

Don’t forget, Luke Days 2026 is happening in March!

Luke AFB, Glendale, AZ, USA, Open House and Air Show, March 21 -22, 2026

[Sun City West] SUN CITY WEST DESERT GARDEN CLUB is hosting a Hands-On Cactus & Succulent Workshop. Residents looking to sharpen their gardening skills — or simply add a little desert beauty to their homes — won’t want to miss an upcoming hands-on workshop focused on cactus and succulent care.

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Friday Farmers Market. The market is every Friday from 10am-2pm at the Lord of Life Lutherans Church. (link)

[Sun City] The Sun City Farmers Market is back at the Bell Center, on 99th Ave just south of Bell Road. The market will be held every Thursday from 9am-1pm. (link)

[Surprise] Surprise Farmer’s Market, every Saturday from 3-7pm. A weekly market featuring fresh local ingredients, homemade goods, and artisanal crafts from nearby farms and ranches. (link & map)

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Desert Garden Club hosts weekly PLANT SALES from 9:00am to noon each Thursday Club members will be on hand during sales to answer questions and offer gardening advice. Visitors are encouraged to tour the adjacent botanical garden during their visit to the greenhouse. The plant sales are open to the public and payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Supporting Education and the Community.

Have an event you want listed here? Please reach out!

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, 80’S LADIES will be performing on Wednesday, March 25th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

A Salute to Hard-Rockin’ Women Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, and Madonna; women whose voices are synonymous with 1980’s rock music. Welcome to the show that celebrates their contributions to musical history and the powerful impact they’ve had on all of us. If you Love Rock n’ Roll or don’t give a d*mn about your Bad Reputation, you’re not Alone!

[Sun City West] The Sounds of the Southwest Singers will be performing on Sunday, March 22nd, at 3pm, at the Crown of Life Luterhan Church at 13131 W. Spanish Garden Drive in Sun City West. (link)

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 a.m., gardening enthusiasts are invited to gather at Sagebrush Room, Beardsley Recreation Center for an engaging and practical session on planting, watering, and maintaining cactus and succulents.

The workshop will be led by Kim Andrews of the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent
Society, an organization dedicated to education, conservation, and appreciation of desert plants.Andrews will guide participants through proper planting techniques, watering schedules suited to Arizona’s climate, and maintenance tips to help these hardy plants thrive year-round. Unlike lecture-only presentations, this session offers hands-on instruction, giving attendees the opportunity to practice techniques and ask questions in real time. Whether you’re new to desert gardening or looking to refine your skills, this workshop promises valuable insights for gardeners of all experience levels.

The event is open to all SCW Rec Card Holders, making it a perfect opportunity for
community members to learn something new while connecting with fellow plant enthusiasts.

[Sun City] The Sun City Women's Chorus will be having their spring concert on March 28th 2026 at 1pm at the Sundial recreation center. Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the door or from any chorus member.

[Sun City] The Sun City Home Owners Association is hosting a Community Day of Service, giving residents a chance to come together and give back right here in Sun City. Volunteers will work on local projects that support and beautify the community while connecting with neighbors along the way. It is a great opportunity to lend a hand and show pride in the place we call home.

This event is being held from 7-12pm on Friday, March 27th. Registration is required and open now. (link)

[Sun City] LakeView United Methodist Church Craft Fair is being held on Saturday, March 28th from 9am-2pm. Vendor tables are available until March 20th.

[Sun City West] The Spring Craft Fair is coming to Sun City West on Saturday, March 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center, 19803 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd. Browse a wide variety of handmade goods, gifts, and local creations while supporting talented community vendors. (link)

The March edition of the Sun City Real Estate News, is out! (link)

I’m breaking down what happened in February, plus a look back at 2025 and how it shaped our current market.

The Sun City Real Estate News is a real estate newsletter focused on the communities of Sun City, Sun City West & The Grand, and will be published each month with data & insight on what is happening in the market. From a quick snapshot to a deep dive of relevant data, the Sun City Real Estate News will help keep you informed and up to date.

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