Paris Baguette is open!! 🥐

Another beautiful week here in Arrowhead Ranch, and another new eatery is open and serving amazing treats & temptations!! A box full of decadent pastries every now and again doesn’t hurt, right? 😎

In this edition:

Thanks for being here, have an amazing weekend.

Paris Baguette has officially opened at 83rd Ave & Bell Road in Peoria, and it’s already shaping up to be a go-to spot for pastries and coffee in the area. On a recent visit, I sampled some items and they were as expected. See my full review here.

The City of Peoria has announced its first partnership within the Peoria Innovation Core, teaming up with The Opus Group to kick off development in this key growth area. This new project marks a major milestone within Innovation Core as the focal point of the city’s future, with plans to bring in high-tech employers, offices, and mixed-use space near the Loop 303 corridor. (link)

The City of Peoria is launching a new on-demand transportation service while phasing out its previous WeRide program. The updated system will offer more flexible, app-based rides within designated zones, improving access to shopping, medical services, and key destinations across the city. (link)

Westbound 101 will be closed this weekend, from I-17 to 51st Ave.

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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[Downtown Glendale] Car show season is revving up for 2026; join Gateway Classic Cars of Scottsdale for Caffeine and Chrome on Saturday March 28th, 9am to 12pm in Downtown Glendale. Coffee and donuts (while supplies last). Open to the public, NO Admission Fee, and family/pet friendly. (link)

[Peoria] Join Peoria park rangers for an enchanting evening under the stars as we explore the wonders of the universe!

"Astronomy in the Park" is a family-friendly program designed to ignite curiosity about the cosmos and foster a deeper appreciation for our night sky. West Valley Astronomy Club will be supplying telescopes. March 28th from 530-830pm at Paloma Community Park. (link)

[Peoria] Live music is back at Paloma Community Park, with a new concert series bringing free outdoor performances to one the park in North Peoria. Grab a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars as the city continues to expand its lineup of family-friendly events. The next concert is on March 29th at 4pm, where Western Fusion will be performing. (link)

Western Fusion began as a traditional country band. As the band evolved with musicians, so did the music. Today the standard five piece band still plays country including George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Keith Urban, Old Dominion, Cody Johnson and can evolve with hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today’s pop/rock including a mix from Bruno Mars, Motley Crue, Sublime, 311, Bryan Adams, Billy Idol, Tears for Fears, and the list goes on!

[Arrowhead] Tre Bicchieri is hosting Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 5th from 9am-3pm. (link)

Let's celebrate all times of the day Italian Style, champagne for brunch, martini's for Happy hour and wine for dinner. No matter the time of day, we hope to meet you soon!" Locally owned and operated with a chef driven scratch kitchen. Notable dishes include Eggs Benedict, Hash Brown Skillets and dinner entrees such as Risottos, and Chicken Parmigiana.

[Glendale] Glendale’s annual family bike ride is rolling back through the streets of Glendale, offering a fun, all-ages way to get outside and stay active. The casual, community-focused ride is perfect for families and riders of all skill levels, with a safe, supported route and a great local turnout each year. The ride is being held on April 12th at 8am at Sahuaro Ranch Park. (link & map)

If there is one image that instantly says “Arizona,” it is the towering silhouette of the saguaro cactus. Found only in the Sonoran Desert, the Saguaro cactus has become a symbol of the Southwest and a defining part of life here in the Valley.

Saguaros are not just plants. They are slow-growing giants that can live for 150 to 200 years. A young saguaro may only be a few inches tall after its first decade, and it can take 50 to 70 years before it grows its first arm.

At full maturity, a saguaro can reach 40 to 60 feet tall, weigh several tons, and store hundreds of gallons of water inside its pleated skin. Those accordion-like ridges allow the cactus to expand during rare desert rains and slowly use that water over time.

Everything about the saguaro is designed for the harsh desert environment. Its waxy skin reduces water loss, while its shallow but widespread root system quickly absorbs rainfall before it evaporates.

In late spring, saguaros bloom bright white flowers, which are actually Arizona’s official state flower. These blooms open at night and are pollinated by bats, birds, and insects, making the cactus an important part of the desert ecosystem.

Saguaros are often called “apartment buildings of the desert.” Birds like Gila woodpeckers carve out holes in the cactus, creating nesting cavities that are later used by owls and other species.

Even after a saguaro dies, its woody skeleton, often called “ribs,” continues to provide shelter and structure in the desert landscape.Why Saguaros Are Protected in Arizona

Because of their slow growth and ecological importance, saguaros are protected under the Arizona Native Plant Law.

It is illegal to cut down, destroy, or move a saguaro without proper permits. On construction sites, developers are required to carefully relocate saguaros rather than remove them outright. Violations can lead to fines or even criminal charges.

This protection exists for a simple reason. Once a mature saguaro is gone, it cannot be quickly replaced. What may have taken a century to grow can be lost in minutes.

Beyond its size and beauty, the saguaro represents resilience. It has adapted to one of the toughest climates in North America and continues to thrive, quietly shaping the identity of Arizona.

So the next time you pass one along the road or see a cluster standing tall against a desert sunset, you are not just looking at a cactus. You are looking at a living piece of Arizona history.

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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