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Happy Tuesday, you’re reading the Sun City Scoop, the #1 newsletter serving the communities of Sun City, Sun City West & The Grand, full of the best events & news you need to know about.

I hope your week is off to an amazing start. The weather is beautiful as we reach the time of year full of fun & exciting events here in the Sun Cities, and all across the Valley.

If you’re looking for a party, there is a huge one this week in Scottsdale with a golf theme to it. 😎 🤣 ⛳️

The full moon this past weekend was a stunner, I hope you got outside to advantage of a beautiful night. I had to be in Mesa for business on Friday, so I took the opportunity for a hike in Lost Dutchman State Park and I hung around to see the almost full moon over the Superstition Mountains. See my pics at the end of the newsletter.

In this week’s Scoop:

• Phoenix Open week is here!

• ARC car show upcoming

• Annual Crab Feed

• And so much more!

~ The WM Phoenix Open is back, bringing a week of golf, concerts, and high energy crowds to TPC Scottsdale in early February. If you’re making the trip to Scottsdale, see everything you need to know, from ticket options and parking tips to the concert lineup and daily schedule, this guide from AZFamily has everything you need to plan your visit to one of Arizona’s biggest events.

~ Sun City’s American Lutheran Church is hosting a free seminar on brain health, aging and dementia on Monday, February 23rd, with experts speaking on signs, prevention and how to support loved ones as memory changes occur. Read the full article about this event on YourValley.net

~ Federal immigration officials have confirmed plans for a new ICE detention and processing facility in Surprise after the Department of Homeland Security purchased a more than 400,000 square-foot warehouse for about $70 million, with space for roughly 1,500 beds near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road. (link)

~ Zipps Sports Grill has reopened most of its Valley locations following last week’s enforcement action by Homeland Security Investigations. The company says it is cooperating with authorities, and many restaurants are now back open with regular hours, while a handful of locations continue to work through staffing and operational adjustments.

How the State of Arizona Got Its Name

The name Arizona has a surprisingly layered origin that reflects the region’s Indigenous roots, Spanish exploration, and early mining history. While many people assume the name is Spanish, the story is a bit more interesting than that.

An Indigenous Beginning

Most historians believe the name Arizona comes from an Indigenous phrase, likely from the O’odham language spoken by Native peoples in what is now southern Arizona and northern Mexico. The phrase alĭ ṣonak, often translated as “small spring” or “place of the small spring,” referred to an area with reliable water sources. In the desert Southwest, that kind of location mattered a lot.

Early Spanish explorers and settlers heard versions of this phrase and adapted it into Spanish spellings and pronunciation. Over time, it evolved into “Arizona.”

The Spanish Influence

Another long-standing theory ties the name to Spanish words like árida zona, meaning “arid zone.” While this explanation sounds logical given Arizona’s climate, most scholars now consider it more of a folk tale than the true origin. The Indigenous explanation has stronger historical and linguistic support.

Still, Spanish explorers played a key role in spreading the name. In the 1700s, Spanish records referred to a mining area called “Arizonac,” near present-day Nogales, which helped cement the name in official use.

From Mining District to Territory

The name Arizona first applied to a small mining region rather than the entire state. As mining expanded and the area gained importance, the name spread northward. When the Arizona Territory was officially created in 1863, separating it from New Mexico Territory, the name Arizona was chosen and made official.

Arizona later became the 48th U.S. state in 1912, bringing the name from a local descriptor to national recognition.

A Name That Fits the Land

Today, Arizona’s name reflects centuries of history shaped by Native cultures, Spanish exploration, and frontier settlement. Whether tied to a desert spring or a rugged mining camp, the name feels perfectly suited to a place defined by resilience, stark beauty, and deep roots.

For a state known for red rocks, wide skies, and enduring communities, Arizona’s name carries a story as rich as the land itself.

Our neighbor can handle it…

“Our neighbor keeps an eye on things.” While well-intentioned, neighbors have their own schedules, travel plans, and limits. They usually are not checking water leaks, electrical panels, AC systems, rooflines, irrigation timers, or signs of storm or pest damage. Most are not documenting visits or noticing the small red flags that turn into big repairs when missed.

A professional home watch service provides scheduled, consistent inspections by trained eyes whose sole job is to protect your home while you are away. If your home is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, relying on a casual check-in is a risk that can get expensive fast. Protect your investment. Hire a professional.

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

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

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, TRIO will be performing on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

Trio celebrates the collaboration of Grammy® award-winning hall-of-fame artists Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. Mindy Ronstadt, Heather Hardy and Jody Darling lead Trio, with Darling’s lilting soprano and brassy stage presence embodying Parton’s style, Ronstadt’s and Jody Darling lead Trio, with Darling’s lilting soprano and brassy stage presence embodying Parton’s style, Ronstadt’s vocal stylings so closely resembling those of her famous aunt, and Hardy’s smoky alto voice and expert fiddle playing honoring Harris’ brilliance.

[Peoria] Texas style barbecue is coming to the West Valley with the opening of Caldwell County BBQ in downtown Peoria on February 5th. Known for slow smoked meats and bold flavors, this is one of those spots where the food is genuinely worth a short drive to experience at least once. Their grand opening starts with a ribbon cutting at 1030am, and goes all day and will include live music that evening. (link)

[Sun City West] Movie Night at the Stardust Theatre Join them for an evening showing of HAPPY GILMORE on Thursday, February 5th at 6pm, or a matinee showing of ACE VENTURA PET DETECTIVE on Friday, February 6th at 1pm. (link)

[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.

[Sun City] As part of the WINTER Ticketed Mini-Series, THE CHICAGO EXPERIENCE will be performing on Wednesday, February 11th, at 6pm at the Sundial Recreation Center. (link)

A Tribute to a Legendary Band with 23 gold albums, 5 number one albums, 21 top-ten singles, and 100+ million albums sold. Celebrate the music and majesty of the original “rock and roll band with horns”. Two vocalists blend seamlessly with amazing horn and rhythm sections to recreate the signature sound of these Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members featuring Saturday in the Park, If You Leave Me Now, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, and many, many more. It’ll be an evening of the greatest hits from the greatest band of all time, Chicago.

[Sun City West] Are you new to Sun City West? Stop by the ‘Newcomers Open House‘ on Wednesday, February 11th, from 330-530pm at the Palm Ridge Rec Center to learn more about the community & meet with the various clubs & departments. This event is free.

[Sun City West] The Sun City West Automobile Restoration Club is putting the finishing touches on its 14th Annual Car Show, happening Valentine’s Day, February 14th, in the R.H. Johnson Rec Center parking lot. More than 400 classic cars will be on display, along with vendors, a swap meet, food, and tours of ARC’s impressive automotive shop. Admission and parking are free for spectators, and a limited number of spots are still available for those who want to enter a vehicle. (link)

[Sun City West] Be ready to catch Cupid’s arrow at the Rec Centers annual Valentine’s Day Dance from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the Palm Ridge Rec Center. Doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m.

This upcoming dance will feature music from the band Sundown.

Tickets are $20 per person (eight per rec card for cabaret-style seating) and go on sale at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the R.H. Johnson Box Office and online at suncitywest.com/tickets.

[Sun City] Get ready to step back in time at the “Back To The 70’s” event on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Elizabeth Seton Church near 98th Avenue and Bell Road. Tickets are $25, must be purchased in advance at the office, and are limited, so plan ahead if you want to attend. (link)

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

HOME OF THE WEEK: Opportunity knocks in Sun City! Say goodbye to 70s style, no astroturf patio or avocado appliances here!! This unit had extensive remodeling in 2019, including the bathrooms, kitchen, all appliances & fixtures, windows & doors. Lots of natural light in the family room from the oversized double sliding patio door, plus a 9' ceiling. All the stainless steel appliances and washer & dryer are included, roof was recoated in December & garage door & opener were replaced in January. This end unit is turnkey, and one of the best you will find, don't miss out, see it today. Seller is offering $3,000 credit for carpet replacement.

See all the details & pics here.

This property is listed by My Home Group, J.D. Manning, publisher of the Sun City Scoop Newsletter. Need help with Sun City real estate? You can reach J.D. at (480) 797-8975

State Club of Oregon is hosting their Annual Crab Feed

It's Dungeness Crab season in Oregon! To celebrate, the Oregon Club is holding its annual Crab Feed on Sunday, March 1st at Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West. The event is open to the public. The club will have fresh Dungeness Crab flown in from the Pacific Northwest. You'll get a whole Dungeness Crab (backed), averaging a little more than a pound in weight. The dinner includes delicious side dishes from Famous Dave's BBQ (macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw) rolls and butter, and dessert. For non-seafood lovers, beef brisket will be available.

This event is open to EVERYONE and will be held on Sunday, March 1st at 430pm. Reservations and payment for all attendees must be received by noon on Friday, February 13th. For questions, email [email protected] or call Margaret at 503-261-1475.

Visit their website to learn more about the event or wee what the State Club of Oregon is all about.

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I had to be out in the East Valley last Friday, and I took advantage and spent some time in one of my favorite places, Lost Dutchman State Park. I love this park because it is relatively close to town and it doesn’t even require getting out of your car to experience the amazing views of the mountains. There are several easy & flat trail options if you do want to venture into the desert.

If you’re making the trip to Canyon Lake & Tortilla Flats, take the time to stop at Lost Dutchman State Park, you’ll be glad you did.