The Front Porch is a free, monthly magazine produced by Estrella Publishing for the residents of Marley Park.
A magazine for Marley Park residents From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors The Front Porch
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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor Christie Gianetto, Assistant 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.
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From Me To You
Welcome to your July issue! July has arrived, bringing with it some of the hottest temperatures of the year, summer vacations, and, hopefully, the start of a healthy monsoon season. For many Arizona families, July is a month of contrasts. While the kids are still enjoying summer break, parents are already beginning to think about back-to-school shopping, school schedules, and the return of regular routines. It’s also a time when many residents take advantage of the slower pace of summer to travel, visit family, or simply spend a little more time at home. July is a time to celebrate community and country. One of the highlights of the month is the Marley Park Star-Spangled Celebration, where neighbors come together to enjoy an evening of food, entertainment, and patriotic fun. Events like this are a great reminder of what makes communities special. They give us a chance to slow down, connect with friends and neighbors, and create memories with our families. One of the things I appreciate most about our community is the willingness of residents to support one another. From helping a neighbor, volunteering
at local events, supporting small businesses, or simply offering a friendly wave while out for a walk, those small interactions help create the sense of connection that makes a neighborhood feel like home. As always, thank you to our advertisers, contributors, and readers for supporting The Front Porch. This publication exists because of the businesses, organizations, and residents who choose to invest in our community and share what’s happening around town. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue, stay safe during monsoon season, and find plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the remainder of summer. Before we know it, the school year will be starting, the temperatures will begin to moderate, and we’ll all be wondering where the summer went. As you celebrate our country’s 250 th birthday, remember the words of Mark Twain, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” See you on the front porch!
Christie Giannetto, Assistant Editor, The Front Porch magazine
Christie Giannetto | Assistant Editor | The Front Porch Maga
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The Bug Guy Welcome to West Valley in July, Where the Bugs Are Bigger Than Your Rent
Bark scorpions glow under UV light, which means the only thing creepier than finding one in your shoe is finding one in your shoe and owning a black light. Pro tip: ignorance is bliss. Buy the blacklight anyway. You’ll thank yourself later, possibly while screaming.
Let’s get one thing straight: in the West Valley, “pest control” in July isn’t a service, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a full- contact sport played at 115 degrees against opponents who have survived ice ages, asteroid impacts, and your neighbor’s “all-natural” peppermint spray. Take the scorpion. Sonoran scorpions don’t fear the heat — they commute in it. While you’re sprinting from your car to your air-conditioned house like you’re being chased by a small fire, a scorpion is casually strolling across your patio in full sun, sipping nothing, sweating nothing, judging everything. They’ve been doing this since before the dinosaurs, and frankly, they act like it. And don’t even start on the crickets. Every July, we experience what locals affectionately call “Crickmageddon,” when millions of crickets decide that the inside of your garage is exactly where they want to die, loudly, all at once, in a chorus that sounds suspiciously like they’re cheering for their own demise.
So what’s a Phoenician to do? Hire pest control, obviously — preferably a company whose technicians show up in long sleeves in July without complaint, which alone qualifies them for combat pay. They’ll spray your baseboards, seal your foundation, and look you dead in the eye and say “you might still see some activity,” which is desert-speak for “we have made peace with the scorpions, and so should you.” In the summer pest control isn’t about winning. It’s about negotiating a temporary, sweaty truce with creatures who were clearly here first — and who, let’s be honest, are handling the heat far better than we are.
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control.
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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
Summer Events While summer temperatures may be soaring, there are still plenty of opportunities for residents to get out, connect with neighbors, and enjoy everything Surprise has to offer during July. The month kicks off with the city’s annual
the quality entertainment available right here in Surprise. The Surprise Regional Library also has several programs scheduled throughout the month. On July 7, young children can enjoy Crafty Kids, a story-and- craft program designed for ages 3 to 6. Adults looking for a creative outlet may be interested in Sparkle That! on July 9, where participants create colorful diamond art projects. Later in the month, crafters and hobbyists can gather for Surprise Stitchers on July 16, a welcoming group for knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross-stitch, and other needlework projects. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, enjoying a performance at the Vista, or exploring a new hobby at the library, July offers a variety of ways to stay engaged and connected in the community. Even in the middle of summer, there is no shortage of activities helping make Surprise a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4. Held at the Surprise Recreation Campus, this popular event features live entertainment, food trucks, games, inflatables, and a family-friendly atmosphere that draws residents from across the city. Guests can also enjoy the Red, White & Pool Party at the Surprise Aquatic Center before settling in for one of the West Valley’s favorite fireworks displays, scheduled to begin at approximately 8:45 p.m. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s festivities are expected to be especially memorable. For those looking for an evening of entertainment, the Vista Center for the Arts will welcome America’s Sweethearts on July 3. The nationally touring vocal trio brings the music of the 1930s and 1940s to life with close harmonies, vintage costumes, and beloved classics made famous by groups such as the Andrews Sisters. The performance offers a nostalgic start to the holiday weekend and showcases another example of
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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
623.776.8400 Get tickets now at azbroadway.org
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Home Sweet Home
If you’ve been paying attention to real estate headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed a lot of mixed messages. Some people are waiting for mortgage rates to drop. Others are convinced home prices are about to fall. And many buyers and sellers are simply trying to figure out whether now is a good time to make a move. The reality is that the housing market hasn’t performed quite the way economists expected it would this year. At the end of 2025, many experts predicted that mortgage rates would come down, affordability would improve, and home sales would increase significantly in 2026. Instead, inflation has remained stubborn, economic uncertainty continues, and mortgage rates have stayed higher than most people hoped. As a result, many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines. That doesn’t mean the market has stopped. Homes are still selling every day. It just means buyers are being more selective, taking more time to make decisions, and paying close attention to monthly payment affordability. For sellers, the market is still offering opportunities, but pricing correctly is more important than it has been in several years. Today’s buyers are
comparison shopping, negotiating, and often passing on homes they perceive as overpriced. One bright spot for buyers is new construction. Many builders continue to offer incentives, closing cost assistance, and interest rate buy-down programs to help attract buyers. Depending on your situation, a new build may provide opportunities that aren’t available in the resale market. The bottom line is that today’s market requires realistic expectations. We’re no longer experiencing the frenzy of 2021 and 2022, but we’re also not seeing the dramatic price declines that many people predicted. Real estate remains local, and conditions can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding what’s happening in your local market is far more valuable
than focusing on national headlines. Submitted by Christie Giannetto,
REALTOR®, ΓEAL Broker
REACH OUT TODAY! The consultation is always FREE and without obligation. You should know what your home is worth in today’s market! Christie Giannetto | REALTOR ® Christie@AZLifestyleTeam.com SurpriseMatters.com
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Estrella Publishing - The Front Porch magazine
Monsoon Prep
Arizona’s monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through September 30, and while the rain is often welcomed after months of extreme heat, it can also bring strong winds, dust storms, lightning, flash flooding, and unexpected damage to homes and property. A little preparation now can help homeowners avoid costly repairs later. One of the easiest places to start is outside. Take a walk around your property and look for anything that could become airborne during a windstorm. Patio umbrellas, lightweight furniture, decorations, trash cans, and even potted plants can quickly become hazards when strong gusts arrive. Secure loose items or have a plan to bring them inside when storms are forecast. It’s also a good time to inspect your roof and drainage systems. Clear leaves and debris from roof valleys, gutters, and downspouts so rainwater can flow away from the home properly. Check that downspouts direct water away from the foundation and look for any signs of previous leaks or water intrusion that may need attention before the heavier storms arrive.
branches can break during high winds, potentially damaging roofs, fences, vehicles, or neighboring property. Trimming trees and removing weak limbs before storm season is often much easier and less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of storm damage. Inside the home, consider assembling a basic emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a phone charger, bottled water, and other essentials in case of a power outage. While monsoon-related outages are rare, having supplies readily available can make them much less stressful when they do happen. Drivers should also remember one of Arizona’s most important safety messages: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Flooded roadways can be deceptively dangerous, and just a small amount of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. If you encounter standing water on the road, find an alternate route and wait for conditions to improve. Finally, take a few minutes to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Understanding your coverage before a storm occurs can help eliminate surprises if you ever need to file a claim. Monsoon season is one of Arizona’s most unique and dramatic times of year. With a little preparation, homeowners can spend less time worrying about the weather and more time enjoying the cooler temperatures, spectacular sunsets, and much-needed summer rain.
Trees and landscaping deserve attention as well. Dead
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College Football
Don’t Sleep on These Teams: The Dark Horse CFB Playoff Contenders to Watch This Fall Every season, at least one team nobody saw coming crashes the College Football Playoff. Here are the programs with a real shot at being that team in 2026. College football’s 12-team playoff format has made one thing abundantly clear: there is more room for surprises than ever before. You no longer need to be a blueblood to make a run. You need a good quarterback, a favorable schedule, and enough momentum heading into November. With that in mind, here are a few programs quietly being circled as dark horse contenders for the 2026 College Football Playoff. Oklahoma might be the most underrated team in the country heading into the season. The Sooners bring back significant returning production, including star dual-threat quarterback John Mateer, and analysts who watched them closely in the back half of last season believe they have top-ten talent. The national conversation hasn’t fully caught up yet — which is exactly the kind of environment where a team can sneak up on people.
USC is another name to write in pencil. Jayden Maiava enters his third season running Lincoln Riley’s offense with an experienced offensive line in front of him. Add in the offseason addition of defensive coordinator Gary Patterson — a proven, old-school defensive mind — and the Trojans have the pieces to be genuinely dangerous in the Big Ten if things click. CBS Sports has already flagged them as a long-shot worth watching. Houston is the name that might surprise people the most. Willie Fritz has quietly built something real with the Cougars, and CBS Sports named them an outright dark horse CFP contender heading into 2026. Their schedule has exploitable spots, and their offensive 1-2 punch gives them the ability to beat ranked opponents on the right night. The expanded playoff rewards consistency and conference championship runs, not just brand name recognition. If any of these programs stay healthy and catch a few breaks in October, we could be talking about them in a very different light come December. That’s what makes this the best time of year to pay attention.
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Cook With Zona
Charred Corn Guacamole This 4th of July try this souped up version of a classic side, you don’t have to make your own chips but you’ll be glad you did! Ingredients Guacamole • 3 ripe avocados
Instructions 1. Make the Chips: Cut tortillas into triangles (about 6 per tortilla). In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat ½ inch of vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering. Fry the tortilla triangles in batches for about 1 minute per side until golden and crisp. 2. In a small bowl, mix the Chili Lime seasoning with the flaky salt. Transfer chips to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle with the seasoning mix. Let cool. 3. Char the Corn: Brush corn with olive oil, season with salt and a pinch of Chili Lime. Grill over medium-high heat for 3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Let cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob. 4. Make the Guacamole: In a large bowl, combine avocados, lemon juice, lime juice, jalapeño, Chili Lime, salt, and pepper. Mash to your desired consistency. Fold in the charred corn. 5. Serve immediately with chips.
• 1 lemon juiced • 1 lime juices • 2 teaspoons chopped jalapeño • 2 ears corn husks and silks removed • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 teaspoon Chile Lime Seasoning • Flaky salt and pepper to taste Chips • Vegetable oil or avocado oil • 6 small corn tortillas • 1 teaspoon Chile Lime Seasoning • 1 teaspoon Flaky sea salt
Want to see previous recipes by Zona? Scan the QR code to see all past recipes on our website!
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Independence Day
What Does the Fourth of July Actually Mean? Every year we celebrate our independence on July 4th. But in the quiet days afterwards, it’s worth sitting with what we’re actually celebrating, and why it still matters. There’s something about the days right after the Fourth of July that invites a kind of quiet reflection. The fireworks are done, the coolers are empty, people are back to their regular routines, and the flags that lined the streets of Glendale, Goodyear and Surprise are still there, slightly sun bleached and a little windblown, but still there. It’s in that stillness that the holiday starts to mean something beyond the festivities. something light up the sky. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Celebration is part of what it’s for. But the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4th, 1776, was not a party invitation. It was a radical and dangerous document, written by people staking their lives on a set of ideas that had never been successfully Independence Day is easy to treat as a summer occasion, a reason to grill, to gather, to watch
tested at scale: that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, that certain rights belong to people simply because they are people, and that when those rights are violated, people have not just the right but the responsibility to say so. None of that was guaranteed to work. It still isn’t, technically. Every generation has to recommit to it. The experiment is ongoing, and the people living in it are the experiment. That includes everyone here in the West Valley, in neighborhoods that didn’t exist fifty years ago, built by people from everywhere imaginable who chose this place and this country deliberately. Patriotism at its best isn’t blind loyalty. It’s honest engagement, caring enough about an idea to want it to actually live up to itself. The Fourth gives us a day to celebrate what’s worth celebrating. The days after give us a moment to ask what we’re willing to do to keep it worth celebrating. That’s not a heavy question. It’s actually a pretty hopeful one. The answer starts right here, in communities exactly like ours.
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