Despite record high temperatures, it was another beautiful week here in Arizona. I hope you are finding a few minutes to spend outside and take advantage before the broiler gets turned on for good!

In this week’s Scoop:

The Sun City Scoop just passed its 1 year anniversary and a celebration is in order. None of this would be possible without you tuning in each week.

I’m giving away a $100 gift card to Babbo Italian Eatery.

By being a subscriber, you’re already entered to win! Any new subscribers will also be entered to win, so be sure and forward this email to your friends!

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 10TH!!!

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~ Residents of The Grand, the City of Surprise is hosting a Residential Waste Cleanup Event on March 14th, from 7am-1pm at the Northwest Regional Landfill (19401 W Deer Valley Road). (link)

The Residential Waste Cleanup event is designed to help with removing larger items that aren't easily disposed of in a regular trash can, including home improvement materials such as carpet, tile, drywall; other items like yard waste (tree limbs, leaves, etc.); and larger household items such as chairs, tables, etc.

~ Jim Scott, a Sun City West resident, recently voiced frustration about overgrown medians says his faith in the community has been “brightened 10X over.” After initially clearing one median himself, he was joined by additional volunteers, to help tackle a second area and even plant agave pups. He also connected with PRIDES President Bill Miller and gave a shout out to Paul Kunze for helping open the gate and support the effort. Jim’s Facebook post ended with a heartfelt message that says it all: “Sun City West… I love you.”

~ Sun City resident Art “Karts” Huseonica is making headway on his ambitious trek along the Arizona Trail, continuing his efforts to hike the full 800-mile route and mark progress toward his next goal along the National Scenic Trail this spring. See the full article at YourValley.net

We’re reminded daily of its presence, and we’re glad to be neighbors to one of the most influential institutions in Arizona history: Luke Air Force Base.

Luke was established in 1941, just before the United States entered World War II. Originally called Litchfield Park Air Base, it was renamed in honor of Lt. Frank Luke Jr., an Arizona native and World War I flying ace known as the “Arizona Balloon Buster.” During World War II, the base trained thousands of fighter pilots, playing a critical role in the war effort.

In the decades that followed, Luke became one of the premier fighter pilot training bases in the country. It has trained pilots on aircraft ranging from the F-84 and F-100 to the F-15 and F-16, and today it is one of the primary training locations for the F-35 Lightning II. Pilots from allied nations also train there, making it an international hub for advanced fighter instruction.

Beyond its military mission, Luke shaped the development of the West Valley. The base provided stable jobs, attracted supporting industries, and influenced zoning decisions that preserved open land around it. In many ways, its presence helped prevent overdevelopment in certain corridors while fueling growth in others.

For residents of Sun City, Sun City West, and surrounding communities, the sight and sound of fighter jets overhead are part of daily life. Luke is more than a military installation. It is a long standing economic engine and a defining piece of West Valley history that continues to shape the region today.

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

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

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[Sun City] This week’s movie is ‘ROOSTER COGBURN’. Showtimes are Wednesday 3/4 at 2pm & 7pm at the Marinette Rec Center & Saturday 3/7 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, THE CLASSICS ROCK will be performing on Wednesday, March 4th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

Familiar Songs in a way you've never heard, Classics Rock brings you a collection of Arizona’s finest symphonic musicians in a concert that blends Mozart and Elton John, Chopin and Manilow, Vivaldi and Valli, and much, much more. Featuring the vocal talents of versatile stage/opera/cabaret veterans Dennis Tamblyn and Liz Cracchiolo, Classics Rock fuses the worlds of classical and rock music so you can fall in love with favorite songs all over again.

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for an evening showing of DARK TOWER on Thursday, MARCH 5TH at 6pm, or a matinee showing of CHAOS THEORY on Friday, MARCH 6TH at 1pm. (link)

[Sun City West] The final performance of the 2026 Cabaret Series ‘A Salute to Neil Diamond’ in Sun City West is Thursday, March 5th at 3pm & 7pm at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center. (link)

Get ready to sing along to all your favorites with the premier Neil Diamond tribute band, A Salute to Neil Diamond. They are not just a band; they are on a journey back to the golden age of music. From the raw energy of “Cherry, Cherry” to the iconic anthem “Sweet Caroline,” our stage show is a love letter to the man, the myth, the legend. Led by a performer, Robert Aragon, who channels Diamond’s legendary charisma and rich baritone, the band’s concert is so authentic, you’ll swear you’re hearing the real thing. Every detail is meticulously crafted—from the sequined shirts to the soaring saxophone solos—to transport you to a time of unforgettable music.

[Sun City] Sun City HOA is hosting its Orientation for Sun City Residents on Friday, March 6th at 9am at the Sundial Recreation Center. Come learn more about the community and how things work. This event is for residents of Sun City, new & existing! (link)

[Sun City West] Desert Garden United Church of Christ in Sun City West is hosting their annual rummage sale on March 6th & 7th, from 8am-12pm. (link & map)

[Sun City] Vintage Vehicles of Sun City is hosting their annual Spring Fling Car Show on Saturday, March 7th at the Sun Bowl, from 9am-2pm. (link) This event is open to the public.

[Sun City] Save the date for the upcoming Sun Bowl Spring Concert Series, which will be held each Sunday beginning March 8th.

[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, BOURBON STREET BASH will be performing on Wednesday, March 11th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

Starring Mister Boogie Woogie, Bourbon Street Bash is a handclapping, foot stomping, one-of-a-kind tribute to the music of New Orleans. International superstar Mister Boogie Woogie, sings the hits of famed Blues artists Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and – of course – Fats Domino. Come for an evening of classics like Blueberry Hill, I’m, Ready,Blue Monday, Holy Cow, Working in a Coal Mine, and many, many more

[Sun City West] The Recreation Centers of Sun City West is happy to bring back its popular Spring Fest music series for another great two-day lineup of music at Beardsley Park!

This year’s music series kicks off on Thursday, March 12, with the band Americana taking the stage. The following night, Friday, March 13, the series will conclude with a performance by Amarillo by Morning – A George Strait Tribute. (link)

[Sun City] Sundial Spring Arts and Craft Fair - Celebrate Creativity in Bloom

Event details: March 13th and 14th, from 9am-2pm at the Sundial Recreation Center.

Local artists and crafters, offering unique, handmade gifts. Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures! Sun City Rockhounds will have a mineral sale from 8:00AM-1:00PM on Saturday. Find the perfect gem. Spring-themed activities for all ages. Fill up your passport and enter a raffle to win a gift basket. Food & refreshments on site. All are welcome! Come celebrate the start of spring with creativity, art, and community fun! (link)

Join us for a vibrant fair filled with local art, handmade crafts, and springtime fun!

[Sun City] The Sun City Clay Club is holding their Annual Pottery Sale at the Fairway Recreation Center on Saturday, March 14 from 9 am to 3 pm, and on Sunday, March 15 from 9 am to 2 pm. Fairway Recreation Center is located at 10600 W Peoria Ave. Please note, Fairway Recreation Center is a new venue for this year's sale. There will be over 40+ clay artists represented with thousands of unique handcraft items. Raffles tickets will be available for yard totems and pottery baskets.

[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] 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)

[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.

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 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.

How’s the market? Everywhere you go in Sun City, it seems like every block has at least one for sale sign, if not more. The beginning of the year is always an active time in the market when a lot of sellers put their homes up for sale.

So far in 2026, the trend is holding true, but at a higher rate than we have seen lately. The number of homes for sale has reached ‘buyer’s market’ levels.

Read the full article on how this spring buyer’s market may be the best opportunity to buy here in the Sun Cities.

Keep an eye out for a new edition of the Sun City Real Estate News, I’ll be 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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