Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Jan. 28-30
Jan 30, 2022, 6:00 PM
(Pexels Photo)
(Pexels Photo)
PHOENIX — Paradise Valley revised amendments to the town’s code addressing short-term rentals in an effort to reduce nuisance complaints, three people were arrested in connection with a West Valley fentanyl ring, and a restaurant known for its bold burgers and shakes is coming to Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.
Paradise Valley revises amendments addressing short-term rentals
The Paradise Valley Town Council on Thursday passed various amendments to the town’s code addressing short-term rentals in an effort to protect the health and safety of the community.
The revisions aim to reduce nuisance complaints for all residents, prohibit the use of short-term rentals for inappropriate purposes, and to protect public health and safety.
“Our citizens have spoken. The most pressing issue facing our residents is the disruption caused by short-term rentals in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner said in a press release.
“They also disproportionately burden and expose to risk our police and other first responders.”
3 arrested in connection with West Valley fentanyl ring; 35,000 pills seized
Three suspects were arrested on multiple felony counts Thursday for their alleged roles in a West Valley fentanyl ring, authorities said.
Detectives from the Avondale Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit also seized about 35,000 fentanyl pills, $300,000 in cash, vehicles and firearms while serving warrants at multiple Phoenix homes.
Aaron Camacho, 18, Samantha Perry, 22, and Jose Arvayo, 19, were each booked into Maricopa County Jail on drug offenses and other counts.
Sid’s Garage bringing bold burgers, shakes to Phoenix at Desert Ridge
Sid’s Garage is tuning up its first location outside of Idaho at Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix.
Aiming to open this spring, the burger-based restaurant broke ground Thursday in The District section of the shopping and entertainment center north of the Loop 101 Pima Freeway at Tatum Boulevard.
That menu is highlighted by a creative variety of burgers, such as the Boss Hog, a half-pound Wagyu/Black Angus Snake River Farm patty topped with roasted pork belly, onion rings and Sriracha-bourbon sauce.
If you still have room, or are just looking for something sweet, Sid’s serves up a selection of over-the-top shakes, including the Fat Elvis, made with raspberry jam, peanut butter, vanilla ice cream, Cap’n Crunch and strawberry shortcake.
Maricopa County program to give nursing students hands-on experience at medical facilities
Maricopa County announced Thursday the launch of a pilot program that will provide nursing students with hands-on experience in a professional setting prior to graduation so they can thrive in the industry immediately amid a staffing shortage.
The pilot program will pair 50 senior nursing students one-on-one with a nurse preceptor in environments like a hospital or other community entities for the last six weeks of their schooling, the county said in a press release.
The county said there were 5,685 registered nurse vacancies in Maricopa County last April, a 40% jump from 2020. It is expected the shortage will continue due to high burnout from the pandemic and retirements.
Illinois homicide suspect with $5M warrant arrested in Phoenix after DPS traffic stop
A traffic stop in Phoenix earlier this month resulted in a man wanted for homicide in Illinois being arrested by an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper, authorities said.
David Arthur Cooper, 32, was booked into the Maricopa County Jail after the traffic stop on Jan. 11 and was pending extradition back to Illinois, according to a press release Thursday.
He was the subject of a $5 million warrant for a homicide that took place in Rockford, Illinois, authorities said.
Authorities say Cooper was pulled over for driving his white Jeep Compass dangerously near 29th and Van Buren streets, in addition to having an equipment violation.
