It's not every week that we get to talk about flowing washes, rising reservoir levels, and some genuinely impressive rainfall totals here in the desert! The recent storms have certainly given us plenty to talk about, and this week we're taking a closer look at just how much rain fell around our communities and where all that water is going.

With Veterans Day coming up on Wednesday, November 11th, I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our readers who have served in the military. We're fortunate to have so many veterans in our Sun City communities, and your service and sacrifices are deeply appreciated. We're also highlighting Honor Flight Arizona, a wonderful organization that helps veterans visit the memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost to them.

Elsewhere in this week's Scoop, we've got an update on Sun City's proposed recreation fees, an opportunity for Sun City West residents to make their voices heard, and a few community events worth putting on your calendar.

Thank you, as always, for reading and being part of our community!

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~ The recent storms brought some much-needed rainfall to Sun City, Sun City West, The Grand, and surrounding Northwest Valley communities, leaving normally dry washes flowing and giving our desert landscape a good soaking. Rainfall totals have varied considerably from neighborhood to neighborhood, with some areas receiving significantly more rain than others.

Estimates for the October 30 through November 1 storms show approximately 2.75 inches in Sun City West and 3.2 inches around central Surprise, with nearby neighborhoods seeing different amounts. That's a remarkable amount of rain for a single weekend!

These storms across Arizona have sent runoff into rivers, washes, and reservoirs, providing a welcome boost to the state's water supplies. SRP-managed reservoirs along the Salt and Verde rivers are among the places that can benefit from this runoff, although the biggest gains depend on how much rain falls in their upstream watersheds.

SRP reports that inflows into the Verde River reservoirs could reach eight times their normal levels, the highest for this time of year since 1972. In fact, so much water has arrived that SRP is releasing up to 403,000 gallons per second from Bartlett and Stewart Mountain dams to make room for future storms.

~ Sun City homeowners will still see an increase in their annual RCSC assessment in 2027, just not as much as originally proposed. The revised budget lowers the proposed assessment from $770 to $740 per rooftop, which is still an increase over the current year's fee. Other proposed increases include privilege cards rising from $340 to $450 and the Capital Improvement Fee climbing to $2,000, meaning higher costs for existing homeowners and potentially more expensive transactions for those buying or selling in Sun City.

See the full article at YourValley.net

~ Sun City West residents, here's your chance to have a say in your community! The Recreation Centers of Sun City West has launched its 2026 Annual Member Satisfaction Survey, giving members an opportunity to share feedback on facilities, programs, and services. The survey takes about 25 minutes and is available through emailed invitations, online links, or paper copies at recreation centers, Member Services, and the R.H. Johnson Library.

~ Local veterans, there's a special opportunity waiting for you! Sun City West resident and volunteer Dave Olsen is helping spread the word about Honor Flight Arizona, a nonprofit that takes World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their service. The entire trip is 100% free for veterans, and with so many veterans living in our Sun City communities, Dave hopes to reach those who haven't yet experienced this unforgettable tribute.

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Long before Glendale had professional sports stadiums, shopping centers, and sprawling neighborhoods, it had big dreams of becoming Arizona's sugar capital. And it all started with a massive factory and a crop you probably wouldn't expect to find growing in the desert.

In the early 1900s, Glendale was a small agricultural community surrounded by farms and orchards. Local businessman and town founder William J. Murphy believed sugar beets could become a major industry, bringing jobs, investment, and new residents to the Northwest Valley.

Construction began in 1903 on an enormous sugar beet processing factory near what is now 52nd Avenue and Glendale Avenue. When it finally opened in August 1906, the facility had cost approximately $1 million, an extraordinary investment for a small Arizona town.

The factory could process up to 1,000 tons of sugar beets per day, turning locally grown crops into refined sugar. It was such a big deal that Glendale earned the nickname “Sugar City.”

The factory attracted workers and farming families, including Russian immigrants who came to the area to grow sugar beets. New neighborhoods developed, and the industry helped fuel Glendale's early growth.

But the ambitious experiment faced serious challenges. Growing sugar beets required considerable water, and drought, crop problems, and inconsistent production made the business difficult to sustain.

By the mid-1910s, Glendale's sugar industry had largely collapsed. Farmers turned to crops such as cotton, lettuce, melons, and hay, and the town eventually traded its “Sugar City” nickname for “Garden City.”

Although sugar production ended, the enormous brick factory survived. Over the years, the building found new uses, including a Squirt soda bottling plant, beer distribution, and soy sauce production.

The factory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Remarkably, the building still stands at 5243 W. Glendale Avenue, a reminder of a time when sugar beets were expected to transform the Northwest Valley.

DID YOU KNOW? When Glendale incorporated in 1910, the sugar beet was important enough to earn a place on the town's official seal. That's how confident early residents were in their sweet future!

[Sun City] 🎶 Sun City’s Fall Concert Series is here! The 2026 Sundial Fall Ticketed Concert Mini-Series kicks off November 4th, with The Heart of Rock & Roll. (link)

[Sun City] Golf enthusiasts, this one's for you! Sun City's 2026 Golf Expo is happening on Friday, November 6th and is an opportunity to explore the latest golf equipment, connect with golf industry representatives, and enjoy an event dedicated to one of the community's favorite pastimes.

Check the official event page for details on location, and activities.

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for a matinee showing of BLACK WIDOW, on Thursday, November 5th, at 6pm (link)

[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘THE SIXTH SENSE’. Showtimes are Wednesday 11/4 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 11/7 at 2pm & 7pm at the MOUNTAIN MUSIC ROOM (New location). See the NOVEMBER movie lineup here.

[Sun City] Sun City’s Sun Bowl Fall Concert Series is underway, with the next show happening on Sunday, NOVEMBER 8th. Come see Ahwatukee Foothills Band , which celebrates Veterans at the Sun Bowl. Join us at 4:00 p.m. for a very special tribute to those who served in the Armed Forces. (link)

[Sun City] The Sounds of the Southwest Singers, present a special concert honoring Veterans. Join them for the Faith & Freedom Concert, which will be an unforgettable evening of music in this free concert, you won’t want to miss it. Sunday, November 8th, at 4pm at the Grace Bible Church in Sun City. (link)

[Sun City] The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum is honoring local veterans with free admission on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11! It's a great opportunity for veterans to explore the fascinating history of Sun City and learn more about how this pioneering retirement community came to be. The museum's offer is a small but meaningful way to thank those who have served our country.

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Friday Farmers Market has moved indoors for the summer, at the Sun City West Foundation. The market is open from 10a-2pm each Friday. (link & map)

[Sun City] The Sun City Farmers Market is sticking around for the summer, with new hours designed for early birds. Stop by Bell Recreation Center on Thursday mornings from 9am-1pm. to browse fresh produce, baked goods, and offerings from local vendors. (link)

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

[Sun City] Skip the Black Friday crowds at the mall and shop local instead! The 41st Annual Sun City Fall Arts and Crafts Festival returns to the Sundial Recreation Center on November 27 and 28, featuring more than 400 local artisans selling handmade gifts, jewelry, artwork and more. Admission and parking are free, and you'll also find live entertainment, five food trucks, raffles, and even visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Friday, November 27, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and continues on Saturday, November 28, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sundial Recreation Center located at 14801 N 103rd Avenue in Sun City.

[Sun City] Sun City is celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with a full week of festivities, November 8th-15th. From a Veterans Tribute Concert and golf specials to a BBQ, karaoke, and a community parade on Saturday, there's something for everyone. The celebration wraps up Sunday with the opening of a 50-year-old time capsule buried beneath the Liberty Bell at Bell Recreation Center in 1976, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sun City's past! (link)

~ The Sun City Host Lions and Sun City Mid-Week Lions Clubs are teaming up for their 5th Annual Food Drive on Saturday, November 14th, benefiting Valley View Community Food Bank. It's a great opportunity to help local families in need and make a difference right here in our community! To learn more, email the Sun City Host Lions.

🏡 HOME OF THE WEEK: What do you get in Sun City West for $875k?

Three primary suites, stunning golf course views, and a complete luxury remodel make this Sun City West home truly one of a kind! Featuring soaring 12-foot ceilings, a dramatic 32-foot wall of glass overlooking the fairway, a gorgeous designer kitchen, and three spa-inspired bathrooms, no detail has been overlooked. Outside, a custom pergola, built-in BBQ, and private putting area complete this impressive golf course retreat.

See all the pics & details here.

Property listed by Daniel Popescu with eXp Realty

J.D. Manning, the publisher of the Sun City Scoop, is also a local Realtor. If you have questions about the market or your specific real estate situation,
you can reach J.D. at (480) 797-8975

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Some of the images you see in the newsletter are created using modern AI image tools. Whenever possible, I use my own photos from around Sun City and the West Valley, but sometimes it is helpful to generate an image that better illustrates a story or historical topic. These images are used simply to supplement the articles and help tell the story visually, not to mislead or deceive readers.