Viva

Viva is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of PebbleCreek.

™ VIVA

April 2026

April 2026 1

Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541 info@EstrellaPublishing.com

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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.

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2 Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

April 2026

From Me To You...

I have friends who meal plan. Good for them. Truly. They sit down on a Sunday, write out a menu for the entire week, build a shopping list, go to the store, buy exactly what is on that list, and then, here is the part that gets me, they actually follow through with it. Every single day. Like it is nothing.

I am also, it must be said, an impulsive person. I might write a list. I might even take it to the store. But somewhere between the entrance and the checkout, I have lost the plot entirely and come home with three things that were on sale and absolutely nothing that goes together. So I have made my peace with it. After thirty years of cooking for other people, planning meals, catering to preferences, remembering who does not eat onions, I have earned the right to a different approach. My meal plan now consists of opening the freezer, identifying something that can go in the oven, and calling it dinner. Is it a culinary adventure? No. Is it on a menu board with little handwritten labels? Absolutely not. But it is on the table. And at this point in my life, that is enough to make me a five-star chef. Catherine Uretsky Editor, Viva Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541

That is not me.

I could never decide on a Monday what I want to eat on a Thursday. I do not know who that future version of me is, but I can tell you right now she has different feelings about salmon than I do today. The whole system falls apart the moment I walk through the door, open the fridge, and think, I do not want any of this. The problem is that the person who goes grocery shopping and the person who actually eats the food are two completely different people. The shopper is optimistic, organized, and apparently very into roasted vegetables. The eater is tired, standing in the kitchen at 6 p.m., staring at a bag of zucchini like it has personally let her down, and would like someone else to handle this entirely.

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April 2026 3

Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

Passover Primer

Welcome to the Seder Table If you have Jewish friends, neighbors, or colleagues, you may have heard them mention Passover recently. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, and understanding a little about it can go a long way toward neighborly connection. Here is a friendly introduction to what it is all about. Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story is told in the Book of Exodus: after centuries of bondage, Moses led his people to freedom, and God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let them go. When the Israelites finally fled, they left in such haste that their bread had no time to rise. That unleavened bread, called matzah, has been a symbol of the holiday ever since. Passover begins this year on the evening of April 1 and lasts eight days. The centrepiece of the celebration is the Seder, a special meal held on the first one or two nights. The word seder means “order” in Hebrew, and the meal follows a very specific sequence.

Families and guests gather around the table, read from a book called the Haggadah, and tell the story of the Exodus together. Symbolic foods are placed on a Seder plate, each carrying its own meaning. Bitter herbs represent the bitterness of slavery. A sweet mixture called charoset represents the mortar the Israelites used when building for Pharaoh. A roasted lamb shank recalls the sacrificial offering, and parsley dipped in salt water represents both spring and tears. During the eight days of Passover, many Jewish families remove all leavened bread and grain products from their homes. Matzah replaces regular bread, and you will find a wonderful variety of Passover-friendly foods in stores throughout April. The Seder is a joyful, often lively event, full of songs, questions, and storytelling. Children play a central role, and there is even a tradition of hiding a piece of matzah, called the afikomen, for kids to find. If you are ever invited to a Seder, say yes. It is a beautiful evening, and the welcome mat is always out.

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April 2026

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Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

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6 Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

April 2026

Paddle Up!

Picking Up That Pickleball Fever

organized leagues, and weekly drop-in sessions welcoming every skill level and age group.

Heard about pickleball but not sure it’s for you? It might be time to think again. This paddle-based sport blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into something fast, fun, and genuinely addictive. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who hasn’t picked up a racket since high school gym class, pickleball has a way of pulling people in and keeping them there. Arizona has quietly become one of the biggest pickleball destinations in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Year-round sunshine, an ever-growing network of courts, and a community deeply committed to staying active make the valley a natural home for the sport. From Scottsdale to Surprise, communities have seen a surge in dedicated courts,

Much of pickleball’s broad appeal comes down to accessibility. It delivers the energy of tennis but on a smaller court, with a slower ball and a gentler learning curve for newcomers. That combination makes it a natural fit for retirees looking to stay active without the physical toll of higher-impact sports. But don’t mistake accessible for easy. Once you’re on the court, the game is competitive, strategic, and surprisingly intense. Players who expected a relaxed afternoon often find themselves scheduling their next match before they’ve even caught their breath. Beyond the game itself, something genuinely special is happening off the court. Local leagues are beginning to mirror the social culture of golf, with players meeting for coffee after matches, organizing charity tournaments, and building friendships that extend well beyond the painted lines. In a world where meaningful connection can feel harder to come by, pickleball is quietly doing its part, getting neighbors talking, laughing, and showing up for one another. If you’ve been considering picking up a paddle, April is an ideal time to start. The weather is perfect, courts are buzzing with activity, and many facilities offer loaner equipment so there’s no upfront commitment required.

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Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

Cook With Zona There’s just something about deviled eggs at Easter that feels like home, but this year, I thought it might be fun to switch things up a bit. Instead of the same old filling, why not put out a “deviled egg flight” with a few different flavors to try? A little tangy here, something sweet there—nothing too fancy, just enough to surprise your loved ones. It’s an easy way to freshen up a classic and give everyone something new to enjoy around the table. Hard boil your eggs and get creative with it! Use my topping ideas or come up with your own egg flight toppings with what you have on hand.

Everything But The Bagel: Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and everything but the bagel seasoning.

BLT: Bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

Caprese salad: Mozzarella slice, tomato, fresh basil leaf, and balsamic glaze.

Jalapeno Popper: Chopped bacon, jalapeno, shredded cheddar cheese.

Guacamole: Avocado, lime, cilantro.

Want to see previous recipes by Zona? Scan the QR code to see all past recipes on our website!

8 Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

April 2026

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Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine Estrella Publishing 2026-Mar.indd 1

April 2026 9 2/17/26 11:16 AM

The Bug Guy April Fools’ Day in the West Valley: When the Pests Get the Last Laugh

Meanwhile, a Goodyear family discovered that their teenage son had been collecting the docile desert millipedes that emerge during monsoon season, saving them in a shoebox labeled “NOT SNAKES.” On April Fools’ morning, he released all forty-seven of them in the hallway. His mother’s screams allegedly registered on nearby seismographs. The boy is now grounded until his own children are old enough to pull similar pranks. Perhaps the most elaborate prank involved a Litchfield Park homeowner who hired a pest control technician to perform a “routine inspection” while his roommate was home. The technician, who was in on the joke, emerged from the attic claiming he’d found a family of javelinas living in the insulation. The roommate believed it for approximately ninety seconds before remembering that javelinas cannot, in fact, climb ladders. But the pests themselves seem to have the best sense of humor. One Avondale woman swears that a scorpion climbed into her shower on April 1st, faced her directly, and appeared to wave one of its pincers before scurrying away. Local entomologists confirm this is scientifically impossible but emotionally accurate. The Goodyear Pest Control Association has issued a statement reminding residents that while April Fools’ Day is fun, releasing actual pests for pranks is both illegal and inadvisable, especially concerning Africanized bees, rattlesnakes, or anything described as “surprisingly chill for a scorpion.” Remember: in the Valley of the Sun, the real joke is thinking you’ll ever have a pest-free home. The scorpions moved here first, and they’re not laughing with you.

Living in the West Valley means coexisting with some of nature’s most determined party crashers: scorpions, cockroaches, and an ambitious variety of other unwelcome guests. But every April 1st, these little invaders seem to coordinate their own special celebration, turning our desert paradise into their personal comedy club. This year, local pest control companies reported a 300% increase in panicked calls about “giant mutant scorpions” that turned out to be regular scorpions placed next to pennies for scale in elaborate spouse- pranking schemes. One Buckeye resident admitted to gluing googly eyes on a bark scorpion before releasing it near his wife’s coffee maker. The divorce proceedings are still pending.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.

10 Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

April 2026

Kindness Corner

April often brings a sense of renewal. Longer days and warmer weather beckon the idea of planting gardens. Fresh beginnings, like bright green sprouts, encourage reflection on growth, both personal and communal. Kindness plays a vital role in this process, serving as the soil in which healthier relationships and communities grow. Growth is rarely comfortable. Learning new skills, adjusting expectations, or embracing change often comes with making mistakes. Kindness allows us to treat these moments as opportunities rather than failures. When we respond with patience and encouragement toward ourselves and others, we create environments where growth feels possible. In our daily lives, kindness can be expressed through encouragement. Acknowledging effort, celebrating progress, and offering reassurance plants hope and understanding. These actions are especially meaningful during times of learning or transition. Your encouragement fosters confidence and motivation that allows individuals to continue to grow even when challenges arise. Kindness also contributes to resilience in three ways: psychologically, physiologically, and practically.

Benefits can be seen and measured in these ways. Psychologically: Kindness promotes optimism and emotional balance. Physiologically: Kindness reduces stress responses and supports overall wellbeing. Practically: Kindness strengthens relationships. April reminds us that growth is a shared experience. When kindness becomes part of how we interact, we create spaces where people feel safe to try, fail, and try again. These conditions allow both individuals and communities to flourish. As the season continues to unfold, kindness offers a simple yet powerful way to nurture renewal. By choosing compassion in our words and actions, we help create lasting growth that extends far beyond the spring season. Take a moment to plant the flower of kindness in your own life. Start with something small. For example, allow yourself space to breathe when you are feeling overwhelmed. Close your eyes and inhale for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale for a count of four. Repeat until you feel your heartbeat slow.

Submitted by Timothy Hunter Mathews, West Valley Resident 57 Years of Honest, Dependable Service. We stand behind our work.

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April 2026 11

Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

Puzzle Time Samurai sudoku puzzles consist of five overlapping sudoku grids. The standard sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty cell. Every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box should contain one of each digit. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com, or scan the QR code.

Difficulty: Easy

Monday, 9th March 2026

495 187

475 682

1 6

4 9

5 3

7 9

8 2

5 1

5 4

9 7

6 1

5 3

9 6

4 3

8 7

6 1

3 7 1 2 5

3 1

786 951

791 364

7 1

3 5

7 1

5 8

758 394

879 562

2 9

8 1 7 3 6

7 5

1 8

6 3

5 2

8 9

1 8

7 9

3 9

7 6

1 7

3 4

2 1

3 6

7 8

629 751

581 729

www.samurai-sudoku.com

12 Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

April 2026

Look Away

Screen Fatigue: How to Reclaim Your Mental Clarity Put the phone down for a moment and read this, because the odds are good you’ve already glanced at it twice since you sat down. We live in an age of relentless connectivity. The benefits of modern technology are real and obvious, but a growing body of psychological research is raising serious questions about what constant screen exposure is doing to our minds. Screen fatigue, sometimes called digital burnout, is no longer a fringe concern. It has become a shared experience that millions of Americans navigate every single day, often without fully recognizing it for what it is. The symptoms are easy to miss precisely because they blend so seamlessly into everyday life. Trouble concentrating, irritability, disrupted sleep, emotional dysregulation, and the reflexive urge to check your phone even when nothing has changed since the last time you looked are all signs of an overloaded brain. Psychologists describe it as a depletion of directed attention, the mental resource we depend on for focus,

decision-making, and emotional regulation. When screens compete constantly for that resource, they tend to win. For Arizonans, there’s a particular irony at play. We live in one of the most visually stunning landscapes in the country, and research consistently shows that time spent in nature restores attention, lowers cortisol levels, and genuinely improves mood. Yet many of us spend more time scrolling through other people’s outdoor photos than stepping outside ourselves. The good news is that recovery does not require a digital detox retreat or going cold turkey. Small, consistent changes can shift your mental baseline meaningfully. Designating phone-free windows during meals or evening walks, or simply leaving your device in another room for stretches of the day, can make a noticeable difference. Local therapists also recommend replacing some screen time with face-to-face social connection, the kind that actually nourishes rather than depletes. Your attention is genuinely your most valuable asset. In 2026, learning to protect it is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for yourself.

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April 2026 13

Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

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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

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14 Estrella Publishing - Viva magazine

April 2026

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April 2026 15

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