Up The Hill is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Estrella & CantaMia.
A magazine for Estrella & CantaMia residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors Up The Hill
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Ebert, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com
All contents © 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the content of contributing writers and advertisers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way. RICHARD TAX SERVICES LLC
YOUR
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From Me To You...
Phoenix in June is not a place you go outside voluntarily. The sun is not shining so much as it is beating us into a pulp, and when temps climb over a hundred by breakfast you need to adapt. Quickly. Cars are a necessity and a war zone rolled into one. The wheel is so hot some people use oven gloves to steer, the seat belt buckle will brand you, and I always keep towels handy to use as a barrier between the scorching hot seats and bare legs. The stretch of parking lot between your car and the grocery store entrance is, and I say this with full sincerity, a legitimate health hazard. Leaving the house twice in one day is a rookie error and nobody makes it past their first summer doing that. So we stay inside. And I would like to argue that we have become extraordinarily good at it. I know this because I have lived it. Our first summer here I had four children under the age of ten, a husband who traveled for work, and a Little Tikes playground in the backyard that was approximately the temperature of the surface of the sun by eight in the morning. Something had to give. So I did what any reasonable mother at the end of her rope would do.
I dismantled the entire thing, slide and climbing frame included, and moved it into the formal living room. The children were thrilled. My husband was horrified. The living room, for the record, survived. That same summer, my kids discovered that our floor plan made a remarkably efficient loop. Kitchen to den to dining room and back to the kitchen again. Perfect, it turned out, for indoor bike racing. We had a formal living room with a playground in it, and a cycling circuit running through the rest of the house. Everyone was entertained and nobody had heatstroke. I am choosing to call that a win. When the rest of the country looks at temps over 110º and shudders at the impossibility of life in a broiler, we shrug. What they don’t realize is that we are inside with the blinds drawn, the ceiling fan on, and if necessary, a slide in the living room. Catherine Uretsky Editor, Up The Hill Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
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On Our Cover 8 Years of Trusted Service: Built with Heart, Rooted in Estrella
service is not limited to business hours or scheduled rides. It is reflected in how you support others, engage with your community, and contribute without seeking recognition. That spirit is woven into the company’s ties to Estrella. Whether serving as an Estrella Ambassador, sponsoring RUFF — Rescuing Unfortunate Furry Friends, offering quiet acts of kindness, or simply being present for neighbors, Carol’s investment in the community has always gone beyond transportation. That same spirit of care lives in the drivers who represent ETS each day. They are not simply behind the wheel—they embody a standard of service. They arrive early, communicate with clarity, carry themselves professionally, and understand that every reservation is connected to a meaningful moment: a journey, a celebration, a loved one, or a milestone that cannot be missed. Carol’s son, Kyle, now helps carry the family legacy forward, supporting operations, compliance, systems, and client care. At its foundation, Exclusive Transportation Services is built on gratitude for Estrella, the West Valley, and every client who trusts us with their ride. We were never built to be the lowest-priced option; we were built to be the trusted choice — dependable, safe, professional, and driven by heart every mile. Exclusive Transportation LLC | Goodyear, Arizona | Phone: 301-536-6993 Website: www.exclusivetransportationservices.com Booking available through the online reservation portal or mobile app.
Exclusive Transportation Services (ETS) was never built to be just another ride option. It was built from the heart of a woman who saw a need in her own community and chose to answer it with care, structure, and purpose. Founded in 2018 by Carol Prelog, ETS began in Estrella with a commitment that was clear from day one: if neighbors were going to trust her with their families, flights, appointments, celebrations, and peace of mind, then the company had to be built the right way. Before the growth, before the recognition, and before hundreds of monthly reservations, Exclusive Transportation Services was already operating as a fully structured, ADOT-permitted, commercially insured private transportation company. For Carol, it wasn’t just paperwork—it was a promise. After more than 25 years working as a federal government manager on a military base, Carol brought discipline, accountability, and service into everything she built. But the heart behind ETS came from something deeper. Carol has always believed that
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The Bug Guy The Best Father’s Day Gift? Killing Whatever That Was.
into your air-conditioned home, which they have decided is wonderful. Dad has already found two in the garage this week. He used a jar and a piece of cardboard. He did not mention it at dinner because there was no need to cause a panic. The ants, naturally, are still at it. They found the ice cream that dripped on the patio during Memorial Day and have been filing paperwork about it ever since. Here is the gift idea the greeting card companies are sleeping on: schedule a professional pest control service for Dad this June. Perimeter spray, scorpion seal-out, the works. A good West Valley pest control plan means fewer midnight extractions, fewer shoe- shaking incidents, and one fewer text that reads “don’t come in the garage right now.” Dad doesn’t want a tie. Dad doesn’t want a gift card. Dad wants to walk to the recycling bin at night without wearing a headlamp and full situational awareness. Give him that. He’s earned it.
There is a certain kind of West Valley dad who asks for nothing on Father’s Day. No brunch reservation, no hammock, no novelty grilling apron. Just one humble request: that something be done about the scorpions. June in the West Valley is peak pest season, arriving like an uninvited houseguest right alongside Father’s Day weekend. The timing is poetic, really. Dads have spent years being the designated “handler” of anything that skitters, crawls, or glows under a blacklight. Father’s Day is simply when the family acknowledges the psychological toll. The bark scorpion is June’s headliner. Temperatures are climbing past 110 degrees, which pushes every creature with an exoskeleton indoors — specifically,
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
College Football
College Football’s NIL Era Is Just Getting Started — and Nobody Really Knows Where It Ends What started as a simple rule change has turned into something that looks a lot like a professional sports economy. The question now is: what comes next? When the NCAA first allowed college athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness back in 2021, the general reaction was something between cautious optimism and mild panic. Five years later, we know the panic was at least partially warranted, but so was the optimism. The NIL era has fundamentally changed college football, and we’re still very much in the middle of figuring out what that means. The numbers alone tell a story. Heading into the 2026 season, the most valuable college football rosters are worth tens of millions of dollars in NIL valuations. Texas, Ohio State, and Miami sit near the top of those
estimates, and the gap between those programs and mid-major schools grows wider every signing cycle. Quarterbacks dominate the earnings, Arch Manning’s NIL valuation of $5.4 million heading into this season is the highest figure for any college athlete in any sport. But NIL is only part of the picture now. The landmark House v. NCAA settlement, approved in June 2025, changed everything again. For the first time in college sports history, schools are now allowed to directly share revenue with their athletes, up to $20.5 million per school for the 2025-26 academic year, a number projected to grow to nearly $33 million by 2035. Athletes can now earn through three separate channels: scholarships, NIL deals, and direct revenue sharing from their university. Critics worry about what this does to competitive balance. Schools that can afford to pay more will recruit better. Programs at the lower end of the financial spectrum are already eliminating sports or considering dropping to a lower division entirely. The system is becoming harder to distinguish from a minor professional league, and not everyone thinks that’s the right direction for a sport that built its identity on the concept of amateurism. Whatever you think of where college football is heading, one thing is clear: the old model is gone. The sport is writing its new rules in real time, and the next few years will define what it actually becomes.
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JUNE 12 THROUGH JULY 25, 2026 CATS is a mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that transports audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats. Through breathtaking dance, stunning visuals, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score – including the iconic ballad “Memory” – each cat shares their unique story. CATS is a spellbinding journey of rebirth, acceptance, and the magic of the feline world. Special thanks to Dr. Keith and Kim Haar
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
AI, Friend or Foe? AI Is a Genuinely Useful Tool: As Long as You Remember You’re the One Holding It For small business owners in the West Valley, these tools can handle customer communication templates and scheduling tasks that used to eat hours of your week.
Artificial intelligence can simplify your life in real, meaningful ways. The trick is making sure it’s working for you, not the other way around. Somewhere between the breathless headlines about AI taking over every job and the people who refuse to use it on principle, there’s a reasonable middle ground that most of us are quietly trying to figure out. Artificial intelligence isn’t going away, and in the hands of someone who’s intentional about it, it’s one of the more genuinely useful things to come along in a while. The practical benefits are real and worth naming. AI tools can draft a professional email in seconds, help you brainstorm a birthday party on a budget, summarize a confusing insurance document, suggest a week’s worth of dinners based on what’s in your fridge, or explain something your kid is studying in terms that actually make sense to you.
But there’s a version of AI use that starts to quietly undermine the very skills it’s supposed to support. When we outsource our writing entirely, we get a little worse at writing. When we let an algorithm choose our news, our entertainment, and our social connections without any pushback from us, we get a narrower, more curated version of the world. The convenience is real, but so is the slow erosion of habits that matter. The healthiest relationship with AI looks a lot like the healthiest relationship with any powerful tool: you decide what it’s for, you set the limits, and you stay aware of what you’re actually doing. Use it to speed up the tasks you find tedious. Don’t use it to replace the thinking you need to stay sharp. Let it help you communicate, don’t let it replace your actual voice. AI is, at its best, a genuinely good assistant. But assistants work for you. The moment that dynamic flips, it’s worth paying attention to.
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Ouch! June Is Here, and So Is Your Electric Bill Summer in Phoenix is breathtaking in its own scorched way. Your wallet, unfortunately, feels every degree of it. There is a rite of passage every Arizona summer that nobody warned you about before you moved here: the moment you open your first June electric bill and genuinely question your life choices. Temperatures that regularly push past 110º mean your air conditioner is not just running, it is basically the most expensive appliance you own, operating at full capacity for weeks on end. Air conditioning accounts for up to 50% of a typical Arizona home’s summer electricity bill. The average monthly bill in the state has climbed well past $150, and for households with pools, older HVAC systems, or poor insulation, it can go significantly higher. For families already managing tight budgets, that seasonal spike can genuinely throw off monthly finances. The good news is there are legitimate ways to soften the blow, and most of them do not require any upfront investment. Start with your thermostat.
Setting it to 78-80 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away saves an estimated 2-3% per degree above 80. Close your blinds during the day, especially on west and south-facing windows. Curtains alone can reduce heat gain by up to 33%. Run your dishwasher, dryer, and oven in the evening when heat buildup is less punishing on your AC. On-peak hours for APS customers run from 4-7 p.m. on weekdays. Shifting high-energy tasks outside that window means lower rates for 21 hours every weekday and all weekend long. It is worth a look at aps.com/ save to find the rate plan that fits your household. If cost is a real concern, APS’s Energy Support program offers discounts of 25%-60% on monthly bills for qualifying lower-income customers. Details are at aps.com/assistance or by calling (602) 371-7171. Longer term, smart thermostats, shade screens, and improved attic insulation all pay for themselves quickly in Arizona’s climate. Summer here is not optional, but letting it crater your budget is.
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Kindness Corner
Summer Kindness June often signals the start of a more relaxed pace. School schedules shift, routines change, and time outdoors increases. This makes June a fitting time to reflect on kindness as a way to slow down and reconnect. Kindness thrives when we are present. Slowing our pace allows us to notice others more fully and respond with intention. Whether through shared conversations, acts of service, or simple attentiveness, kindness deepens relationships when time feels less rushed. Summer schedules can also introduce new stresses. Childcare changes, travel plans, and altered routines may increase tension. Choosing kindness during these moments helps maintain patience and flexibility. Small gestures; like offering help or expressing understanding. This understanding can ease collective stress. Kindness has measurable benefits. It enhances emotional wellbeing, reduces stress hormones, and strengthens social bonds. Practically, kindness improves communication and cooperation, making transitions smoother for families and communities.
June invites us to practice kindness as a rhyth m rather than a reaction. When kindness becomes part of how we approach each day, it shapes interactions in lasting ways. By choosing compassion during moments of leisure and disruption alike, we reinforce the idea that kindness is not seasonal; it is essential. As summer begins, kindness offers a way to remain grounded, connected, and attentive to the people who share our days.
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June Events & Meetings* Sunday Monday
*Event/Meeting dates and times subject to change
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We’re Raising a Glass to Dad! Father’s Day Spirit Week June 15-18
Art Gallery Committee Presidio 1:15PM EJC Budget Finance Committee Starpointe 3:00PM
Forever Young Family Prom Starpointe 6:00-8:00PM
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
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Chef’s Dinner Presidio Demo Kitchen 4:00-6:00PM Blood Drive Starpointe Parking Lot 9:00AM-1:00PM
Meet the Artist Americana Starpointe 6:30-8:00PM
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
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Tipsy Tea Presidio Demo Kitchen 2:00-4:00PM Raise a Glass to Dad Spirit Week
Thirsty Thursday Celebrates Father’s Day Presidio 6:00-8:00PM
Mixology Monday Presidio Demo Kitchen 6:00-8:00 PM
Storytime + Lawn Games Starpointe 10:00-11:00AM
Community Services Office Closed Residents' Clubs Open: 5:00AM- 9:00PM
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
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Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
Water Conservation Seminar Starpointe 6:30-8:00PM
EJC, ECA, VCA Board Meetings Starpointe 6:30PM
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We’re celebrating dads with a Spirit Week lineup full of fun, family, and flavor because let’s be honest… Father’s Day is kind of a big dill. Kick things off June 15 with a hands-on Mixology Class, then join us June 17 for StoryTime + Lawn Games... perfect for dads and their little ones. Wrap it up June 18 with our Thirsty Thursday celebration featuring whiskey, cigars, and a relaxed evening on the Presidio Patio. There’s something for every kind of dad - come celebrate with us!
Cantina Brunch Presidio Demo Kitchen 10:00AM-Noon
Taco Tuesday Cantina 5:00-7:00PM
16 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine Contact Information Community Services Office / Estrella Facilities Office: 623-386-1112 Starpointe Residents’ Club: 623-386-1949 / Presidio Residents’ Club: 623-322-7841 Community Website: www.LifeInEstrella.com For a Listing of Estrella Group & Club Meetings, visit: www.lifeinestrella.com/231/Clubs-Groups To Sign Up for Weekly Newsletters, email: estrellacommunications@ccmcnet.com
June 2026
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Go Cards! Cook With Zona
Nothing says Father’s Day like a good old fashioned slider and this one is deeelish!
Easy Double Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders
Yield: 4 to 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients • 1 loaf of 12-count slider buns (brioche buns or hawaiian rolls work great) • 1 pound of lean ground beef • 3 tablespoons ketchup • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard • ¼ cup house sauce (recipe below) • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese • 1 cup freshly grated white sharp cheddar cheese • sprinkle of sesame seeds House Sauce • ½ cup mayonnaise
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Stir in the ketchup and mustard until combined. 4. Place the sliced sharp cheddar on the bottom layer of the slider buns. Top that with the ground beef mixture. Drizzle on the house sauce. Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar. 5. Top with the slider buns. Brush with a touch of olive oil or butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. 6. Bake the sliders for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melty. Serve immediately with your favorite burger condiments and house sauce. 7. House sauce - Whisk all ingredients together until
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
smooth and combined. You can make this a day or so ahead of time! Want to see previous recipes by Zona? Scan the QR code to see all past recipes on our website!
2. Slice the slab of slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached as much as you can. Place the bottom of the rolls on a baking sheet.
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We Provide Care for the Entire Family
Walk-In Appointments available Most Major Insurance Accepted • Hailey Bethune, PA-C • Bruce Ploeser, PA-C • John Monroe, MD • Jeremy Ficken, NP-C • Amanda Powers, PA-C • Sarah Jaspers, PA-C • Jessica Cooley, PA-C • Leslie Lattin, PA-C
Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 7:00pm Friday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday 8:00am - 12:00 pm Serving the community Since 2007!
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Services: Acute Visits Newborn Exams Pediatric Care & Immunizations
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623-889-3477 750 N Estrella Parkway, Suite 40 • Goodyear, AZ, 85338 In the Canyon Trails Professional Center located South of the I-10 & Estrella Pkwy
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Healthy Lifestyle
Your Brain Is Already Giving You Feedback Psychology isn’t just for the therapy couch. The tools it offers are practical, everyday, and more useful than most people realize. Most people assume psychology is something you turn to when things go wrong — when a relationship falls apart, when anxiety gets unmanageable, or when a professional recommends it. But treating psychology as a last resort misses the point entirely. The principles behind how our minds work are available to all of us,
all the time, and applying even a handful of them can quietly improve almost every area of daily life. Take cognitive reframing, for example. It’s one of the foundational tools in cognitive behavioral therapy, and the concept is simple: the story you tell yourself about an event shapes how you feel about it more than the event itself does. Someone cuts you off in traffic on your way to work. You can interpret that as a personal attack on your morning, or you can recognize that you have almost no information about what’s happening in that person’s life. One version spikes your cortisol. The other lets you move on in about four seconds. The situation is identical. The mental interpretation is everything. Another practical tool is behavioral activation — the psychological principle that action often precedes motivation, not the other way around. We tend to wait until we feel like doing something before we do it. But research consistently shows that starting a task, even reluctantly, generates the momentum and mood shift that we were waiting for in the first place. On the days you least feel like going for a walk or calling a friend or tackling that project, those are often the days it helps most.
Casey Schwebel - Local resident
There’s also the well-documented power of naming your emotions specifically. Research by neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman found that labeling an emotion — not just “I feel bad” but “I feel embarrassed” or “I feel overlooked” — measurably reduces its intensity. The act of putting language to an internal experience gives your brain’s rational systems more control over its emotional ones. None of this requires a clinical background. It just requires a little curiosity about what’s already happening inside your own head.
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Home Sweet Home
The Rise of Smaller, More Efficient Homes
become the top performers in many master-planned communities, showing just how strong the demand has become. Lifestyle changes are also playing a role. Many buyers - especially millennials, Gen X, and retirees - are moving away from the idea that bigger is better. Instead, they’re choosing homes that are easier to maintain, more energy-efficient, and better suited to their daily lives. Smaller homes often mean lower utility bills, less upkeep, and more time to enjoy the things that matter most. Another key driver is flexibility. Modern smaller homes are designed to adapt, with spaces that can serve as a home office, gym, or guest room. This versatility makes them appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to empty nesters looking to downsize without compromising comfort. Ultimately, the rise of smaller, more efficient homes reflects a broader shift in priorities. Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for more space - they’re looking for better space. And in today’s market, smart design is proving to be just as valuable as square footage. Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor and Estrella Resident
The American dream home is getting a makeover - and it’s smaller, smarter, and more efficient than ever before. In 2026, buyers are increasingly prioritizing functionality over square footage, driving a noticeable shift toward compact, well-designed homes that maximize every inch of space. One of the biggest factors behind this trend is affordability. As land, labor, and material costs continue to rise, smaller homes offer a more attainable price point for many buyers. In fact, the median size of new homes has been declining, reaching around 2,150 square feet - the lowest level in over a decade. This shift allows buyers to enter the market or maintain manageable monthly payments without sacrificing quality. But smaller doesn’t mean less desirable. Today’s homes are being designed with efficiency in mind, featuring open-concept layouts, multi-functional rooms, and smarter storage solutions. Builders are focusing on “right-sized” living - creating spaces that feel larger than they are through thoughtful design, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Homes under 2,000 square feet have even
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Imponderables
Things that make you go Hmm • Why is abbreviation such a long word? • Why is there an expiration date on sour cream? • If a person owns a piece of land, do they own it all the way down to the core of the earth? • Why can’t women put on mascara with their mouths closed? • Why are they called stairs inside but steps outside? • Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer? • If croutons are stale bread, why do they come in airtight packages? • Why does mineral water that has trickled through mountains for centuries have a ‘use by’ date? • If the professor on Gilligan’s Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can’t he fix a hole in a boat? • What do you put on a driver’s license for hair color if someone is bald? • Does the staff at Lipton Tea Company take a coffee break? • If you ask a bookstore salesperson, “Where’s the self-help section?” would that defeat your purpose? • What if there were no hypothetical questions? • Isn’t it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do practice? • Where do forest rangers go to “get away from it all?” • What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? • If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his
wages? • Would a fly without wings be called a walk? • If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, is it homeless or naked? • Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains? • Can vegetarians eat animal crackers? • If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? • Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines? • How do they get the deer to cross at that yellow road sign? • Is it true that cannibals don’t eat clowns because they taste funny? • What was the best thing before sliced bread? • If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too? Submitted by Jim Surmanek, Wesst Valley resident
info@sadd.org
www.sadd.org
SADDNation
Specialist: children with special needs
Bright Days Ahead. Bright Days Ahead. Keep Them Crash-Free. Keep Them Crash-Free.
First Responder & Sibling Discounts
22 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
June 2026
As a dedicated, proactive, professional agent celebrating my 20th year selling homes in Estrella, with 10 prior years in advertising for some of the valley’s top home builders, I market your home to maximize your sale and minimize your inconvenience ! I am happy to partner with my husband, Darin Smith, a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser with over 20 years of professional home valuation experience to help you determine the best sale price to accomplish your goals. As a team, we provide all the resources and information you need 201+ days: Estrella sellers lost on average 11% of their asking price. (10% of Estrella homes sold last year were on the market for 201+ days) You need an experienced professional! That ’ s me! Selling your home is not convenient! The average Estrella home is currently on the market for around 86 days before it goes under contract. That’s almost 3 MONTHS of living on edge to make sure your home is ready to impress at a moments notice. Yes, it is inconvenient to live “show ready” in your own home, but with about 150 homes for sale in Estrella , you must compete. Dishes? Laundry? Pets? Everything in a real working household changes when your home is on the market because you need to be ready for it all to be on display in case the next buyer to see it is THE buyer. And, what if I told you time is money ? With each passing day on the market a home loses value in the eyes of buyers. A review of Estrella sales from May 2025 to May 2026 shows When homes sold in: 60-100 days: Estrella sellers lost on average 5% of their asking price. 101-200 days: Estrella sellers lost on average 8.5% of their asking price.
to make a smart move in ANY market . $ Pricing? Timing? Convenience? Let’s talk about what’s most important to you !
Camille Trachsel-Smith 602-616-6502 direct
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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June 2026
Travel Tips
Ready For Take-Off
Summer travel is right around the corner, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is preparing to welcome vacationers, family groups, and fans flying to support their favorite teams in major international soccer matches across the country in June and July. America’s Friendliest Airport® reminds everyone that a little preparation goes a long way. Plan Parking Early – Book your spot in advance at skyharbor.com/parking — spaces fill quickly during peak travel. Even with a reservation, allow extra time to park and reach your terminal. Pack with Purpose – Visit the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page before you pack to avoid prohibited items and checkpoint delays. Arrive with Time to Spare – Allow at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures — especially when traveling with children or groups. Use Early Bag Check – PHX Sky Train® riders can check bags for free at the Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking before entering the terminal, skipping ticket counter lines. Especially helpful for families and seniors. (Car seats and sporting
equipment must be checked at the ticket counter.) Support for Travelers with Special Needs –The Compassion Corner on Level 3 of Terminal 4 offers an all-faiths chapel, an accessibility assistance office, and a sensory room. Compassion Cacti™ lanyards discreetly signal airport staff that a traveler may need extra support. Navigator Support Guides are also available. The free Aira app provides real-time visual interpreting and wayfinding assistance for travelers who are blind or have low vision throughout Terminal 3, Terminal 4, the PHX Sky Train®, and the Rental Car Center. Expedite Security – PHX RESERVE lets you schedule a security screening time up to six days ahead at skyharbor.com/PHXRESERVE.
– TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID uses facial recognition for faster screening in both terminals. – CLEAR+ eGates offer biometric identity verification for members. – Travelers without ID can use TSA ConfirmID, a fee-based alternative verification process. Need Help? – Look for volunteer Navigators in purple throughout the terminals, or use Amelia, the AI digital assistant at skyharbor.com, for quick answers on parking, amenities, and more. For travel tips and roadway restriction updates due to ongoing construction, visit www.skyharbor.com
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Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
The Doctor Is In
Suffering Is Not an Excuse for Abuse In over 20 years as a psychologist, I’ve not infrequently encountered the belief that if you are suffering—or if you have suffered in the past—you can’t possibly be the one causing harm. But here’s the clinical reality: Suffering and being abusive are not mutually exclusive. You can be a victim of a terrible past AND be the perpetrator of a toxic present at the same time. I’ve heard this so many times: “My kids have it so much better than I did. I was beaten, but I only used a belt on them.” Or “I was hit with a belt; I only yell at them. They should be grateful.” Comparing your current behavior to what you think is a worse version of the past is just your brain trying to negotiate a settlement for your lack of self-control. Abuse of a different color is still abuse. Does your past trauma explain why you struggle with a short fuse? Highly possible. Your nervous system is primed for threat, and your internal bodyguard is over-reacting. But having a reason is not the same as having an excuse. When you tell your child they have
The moment you use your past as a shield to justify your current outbursts, you’ve stopped being a cycle breaker and you’ve started being a cycle justifier. Own the hardware issues, update the software and stop using your history as a hall pass for your behavior.
Submitted by Dr. J. Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D.
DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
it better than you did while you’re verbally or emotionally tearing them down, you’re essentially telling them that their pain doesn’t matter because yours was “louder.” You can be hurting AND be the one hurting others. But you can also break the cycle. You have to hold two truths at once, though. You can be a person who deserved better as a child AND you can be a person who needs to do better as an adult. Your kids don’t need to be grateful that you aren’t as bad as your parents were. You’re supposed to be good to them. They need you to be safe. Period.
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June 2026
WE'LL HELP YOU RECLAIM YOUR PROPERTY BY MAKING YOUR PEST PROBLEMS A THING OF THE PAST Most Popular Services BOOK NOW GENERAL PEST CONTROL TERMITE EXTERMINATION SCORPION EXTERMINATON 623-680-6619 www.estrellamtnpest.com Larry Cash - Veteran Owned & Operated
Discounts! First-Time Customers, First Responders, & Military
June 2026 27
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
M OUNTAIN R ANCH F AMILY & C OSMETIC D ENTISRTY
At New Life Center, pets reside in the casita with families — not boarded in a separate kennel area — and freely play in New Life Center’s dog park. 50% of assault survivors reportedly delay or refuse to leave a dangerous situation for fear of what could happen to a beloved pet left behind, so welcoming pets eliminates a substantial barrier to seeking safety. ONLY 3% OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS WELCOME PETS — NEW LIFE CENTER IS ONE
Don’t just DREAM about a comfortable dental visit... Experience it today, right in your own neighborhood! 623.327.0231 | MountainRanchDentistry.com 17650 W. Elliot Rd. Suite A-120, Goodyear Dr. Joel Rolfe, DMD Dr. Addison Dent, DMD Free Gift for New Patients!
New Life Center needs your help, so we can continue to help others. DONATE TODAY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!
newlifectr.org
28 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
June 2026
Puzzles & Games Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com, or scan the QR code.
Suguru Puzzles
Each region must contain every digit from 1 up to the total number of cells in that region — one digit per cell, no repeats. No two cells sharing the same digit may touch each other, including diagonally.
June 2026 29
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
Business Directory
ADVERTISING Up The Hill/Estrella Publishing AUTO SERVICES A Plus Automotive Mobile Repair Exclusive Transportation Services Daniel’s Total Car Care Moody’s Auto Glass BUSINESS & LEGAL SERVICES Insurance & Financial Rep - C Tornetta Ganyo Insurance Agency Mahoney Law Office Medicare Broker - L Williams NSureWise (Benefit Architect) Richard Tax Service State Farm Insurance - D Aaron HEALTH & BEAUTY Arizona Dermatology Specialist Healthy Life Family Medicine Mtn. Ranch Family Dentistry West Phoenix Pediatrics HOUSEHOLD SERVICES 5 Dog Electric Al’s Plumbing A Quality HVAC AC & Heating Blue Line Painting Century Glass & Mirror Consider It Finished Painting Estrella Mountain Pest Control General Exterminating Pest Control JBS Roofing Nuñez Painting Paint Corps of Phoenix Pat’s Air Conditioning & Heating
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PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air Roof Fix AZ Tails Are Wagging West Valley Fans & Blinds LANDSCAPING & POOL CARE Fujiwara Landscape Design Sierra Vista Landscapes REAL ESTATE CB Realty - Anthony Hurwitz Keller Williams - The Rider Elite Team Realty One Group - Debbie Beck Realty One Group - Jen Polansky Realty One Group - Tara Rutkowski Realty One Group - C Trachsel-Smith Realty One Group - K Svabik Realty One Group - Rhonda Watson West USA Realty, Estrella - Martin Sears RETAIL & RECREATION Arizona Broadway Theatre Cruise Planners - S Johnson Estrella Community Services Office Mrs Madi Swim Off The Hook Meat Shop
602.613.4130 602.349.4022 516.652.7565 623.600.8893 858.204.0168 623.238.5713 310.702.1055 602.315.8749 805.746.2367 480.577.3918 623.640.6546 623.474.6511 602.402.9215 602.403.4136 623.853.3380 623.776.8400 855.698.7285 623.386.1112 661.904.7779 623.248.1206 623.259.9590 623.932.0922 480.975.1750
Redline Carts Roman’s Oasis T&T Martial Arts Academy
30 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
June 2026
Haboobs don’t care about your feelings or your roof, BUT WE DO!
New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Installation of Gutters Shingles, Tile, Built Up, Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake
Fix your roof before the monsoon
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June 2026 31
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
PROVEN RESULTS Make Your Move LOCAL EXPERTISE
MOUNTAINSIDE RETREAT
4 Bed + Den I 3 Bath I 3 Car Garage I Sprawling Views and Pool I Lucero in Estrella
$735,000
PENDING
JUST LISTED
PENDING
3 Bed · 3 Bath · Lakefront · CM · $599,000
4 Bed · 2 Bath · Spa · View · $460,000
3 Bed · 2.5 Bath · Cul-de-sac · $419,000
SOLD Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500
SOLD Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500
SOLD Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500
Custom Lot · ¾ Acre · Gated · $188,000
5 Bed · 3 Car · Custom · View · $879,000
4 Bed · 3 Bath · 3 Car · View · $640,000
Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500
Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500
Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500 Custom Lot I 1 Acre I Estrella I 44,756 Sq. Ft. I $239,500
480-577-3918
32 Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
June 2026
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