Tom Scanlon

Cave Creek, Phoenix

Managing Editor at Scottsdale Progress

Managing editor of the Mesa Tribune. Recently launched HARK Valley (Facebook/Bulletin newsletter). Previously covered music at the Seattle Times

Articles

Scottsdale mayor recaptures two staff members

1 week ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Tom Scanlon

Share “ The Comeback Candidate” struck again. In 2020, former Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky was soundly defeated in the mayor’s race by David Ortega. Four years later, Borowsky again ran against Ortega – this time trouncing him to take over City Hall.
Scottsdale mayor recaptures two staff members

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

“The Comeback Candidate” struck again. In 2020, former Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky was soundly defeated in the mayor’s race by David Ortega. Four years later, Borowsky again ran against Ortega – this time trouncing him to take over City Hall.
Scottsdale mayor recaptures two staff members

1 week ago | eastvalleytribune.com | Tom Scanlon

“The Comeback Candidate” struck again. In 2020, former Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky was soundly defeated in the mayor’s race by David Ortega. Four years later, Borowsky again ran against Ortega – this time trouncing him to take over City Hall.
Record shop sticking needle to Scottsdale

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Among the thousands of used records – the things we had before CDs and digital music, for those born after 1990 – at a Scottsdale Airpark shop is “My Fair Lady.” In very good condition, going for $5.99, it features the Rex Harrison talker “I’m an Ordinary Man,” about a chap “Who desires nothing more/Than just an ordinary chance to live exactly as he likes.” “Let a woman in your life,” he cautions, “And your serenity is through.” Substitute “city” for “woman” – and you have the plight of...
Scottsdale veterans honor fallen comrades

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

For budding adults in the late 1960s and early 70s, Scottsdale was a great place to be. With the population jumping from 54,504 in 1965 to 67,841 five years later, the fast-growing city offered plenty of fun and excitement for Scottsdale High grads clinging to their teen years. They could loaf around at the new Eldorado Park or see who was hanging out at Los Arcos Mall, peruse books at the new Civic Center Library or take classes at the brand-new Scottsdale Community College.
Outcry over Scottsdale Unified social studies curriculum

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Despite outcry from the police community and parents, the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board approved new high school social studies books for the 2025-26 school year. Following fierce debate, the 3-2 vote approved a $675,000 allocation for social studies books. The material drawing the greatest scrutiny was the Savvas publication “U.S. History Interactive,” to be used with the American and Arizona History course.
Parking garage design meeting scheduled

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

It’s a big week for a humble, Old Town parking lot. “The Corral” is a two-story – though many don’t realize there is an underground level – parking structure at First Street and Brown Avenue, notably across the street from the historic Old Adobe Mission. The general idea of a bond-funded garage expansion there was approved by Scottsdale City Council last year. In January, Mayor Lisa Borowsky pleaded for time to negotiate an alternate site.
Subs present SUSD legal challenges

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

A pair of former substitute teachers are demanding compensation from the Scottsdale Unified School District. With the school year racing to its end and grads getting ready to celebrate, the SUSD Governing Board must prepare funding the 2025-26 school year. Even as the district tries to move forward, SUSD must deal with ghosts haunting the present. The May 14 board meeting kicked off celebrating high achievers, including National Merit Scholars Ashley Fu, Meredith Gerken and Gray Richardson.
Rocky retreat riles rowdy Scottsdale reps

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Like a fictitious early 20th century sailor, newly elected Scottsdale officials hardly seem to know what kind of ship they are boarding. They could be signing on for the kind of sturdy steamer described early in “The Death Ship,” a 1926 novel by B.
Public meeting set on Old Town garage

3 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

While Mayor Lisa Borowsky and others continue to fight the concept, the city is hosting a public meeting on an Old Town parking garage. The meeting at 8:30 a.m. May 22, at the Civic Center Library Auditorium “will kick off the design process for the Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion,” according to a release. The project will expand the city-owned parking structure at First Street and Brown Avenue by adding two levels of parking.