Crust opens at the Trailhead

A slow news week and a very busy week for me has led to a bit of an abbreviated newsletter. I appreciate you being here & reading the newsletter. 🙏

In this edition:

Thanks for being here!

Crust Simply Italian is officially opening at The Trailhead in Peoria, bringing wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and a lively, modern Italian vibe to one of the West Valley’s fastest-growing dining spots. It’s a great new option for Arrowhead-area residents looking for an easy night out close to home, and another sign that the Trailhead is quickly becoming a go-to destination for food and drinks. (link & map)

Coach Coffee is opening its first Arizona location at Tanger Outlets near Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, bringing the luxury brand’s coffee shop concept to Glendale. The new spot adds another fresh option in the Westgate area and gives locals a chance to check out a debut-to-Arizona café from a globally recognized name. (link)

The price of a gallon of gas is quickly approaching $5. Now is a good time to refresh your memory on some of the best practices for getting the most mileage from your tank of gas.

No new closures this weekend, but there will be a section of the 101 closed next weekend.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following closures as part of the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) widening project.

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Luke Days 2026 is happening in this weekend! Find everything you need to know here in this guide from 12News.com

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

It is hard to imagine today, but Phoenix existed for decades before air conditioning became common. In the early 1900s, summers in the Valley were just as hot as they are now, yet residents relied on creative ways to stay comfortable in the desert heat.

Homes were designed differently back then. Many houses included large shaded porches and “sleeping porches,” where families would spend the night outdoors to catch cooler air. Thick adobe or masonry walls helped keep interiors cooler during the day, while tall ceilings and shaded windows allowed heat to rise and escape. Businesses often closed during the hottest hours of the afternoon, and daily life slowed down until evening.

Before modern AC systems became widespread in the 1950s, many homes used evaporative coolers, often called swamp coolers. These units pulled outside air through wet pads, lowering the temperature before blowing the air inside. While they worked best in the dry desert climate, they were still a far cry from today’s refrigerated air.

Air conditioning ultimately transformed Phoenix. Once homes, offices, and shopping centers could stay cool through the summer, population growth accelerated rapidly. In many ways, modern Phoenix owes its explosive growth to one invention that made desert living comfortable year round.

While you head north for cooler temperatures, your Phoenix home is facing 110 degree days, monsoon storms, AC strain, roof damage risks, plumbing leaks, and pest intrusion. Unoccupied homes in the summer are especially vulnerable.

Phoenix Home Watch provides professional visual inspections of your property, looking for obvious issues before they turn into costly repairs. We communicate with you in real time and serve as your trusted advocate while you are away.

Your home does not get a summer break. Neither do we.

Visit PhxHomeWatch.com or call (623) 226-8299 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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