June 24, 2022
Camelback Mountain and Waterfalls
By Councilmember and former Vice Mayor Julie Pace

Have you been fortunate enough to see the seven waterfalls on Camelback Mountain during a heavy monsoon rainfall?

I and our Stone Council neighbors have been fortunate to see seven waterfalls several times and it is truly spectacular. 

We all need to be careful during rainstorms, but there is beauty in watching the power of rain and the unique and spectacular waterfalls that occur on rare occasions on the north side of Camelback Mountain.
Monsoon Tips
By Councilmember and former Vice-Mayor Julie Pace

Monsoons can arrive at unexpected times. It is good to be prepared and here are some tips that may be helpful to you:

1. Create an emergency preparedness plan and kit. batteries, flashlights, candles and water can be helpful.

2. Secure outdoor objects that can blow away or cause damage (for example garbage cans, umbrellas, patio furniture etc.)

3. Lightning outside of heavy rain may occur as far is 10 miles away from any rain fall. Remember it does not have to be raining for you to be struck by lightning. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning.

4. Stay off the phone. Even cordless phones can cause a shock when lightning strikes nearby. Use cell phones only if necessary. 

5. Keep away from windows.
6. If you are caught outdoors in a thunderstorm, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. Avoid high groundwater trees and metal objects.

7. Never touch a downed powerline, even if it appears dead. 

8. Dust storms move rapidly and can reduce visibility almost instantly. Dust storms generally appear ahead of thunderstorms so be aware of current weather conditions.

9. If you encounter a dust storm, consider pulling off the road immediately. Turn off your headlights and tail lights and put your vehicle in park and take your foot off the break. Other motorists may follow taillights in an attempt to get through the dust storm and may strike your vehicle from behind.

10. Do not go out in the storm if you can avoid it.

11. The way to prevent becoming trapped or swept away by flowing water is to not drive through it.

12. Control of a vehicle can be lost in as little as 6 inches of water. Most vehicles will float away in 2 feet of water.

13. Clear drains, weep holes in block fences, make sure sediment and debris has not blocked drainage paths or washes.
Mao: My House Matters
Rebuttal to Bien-Willner
By Theresa Mao, Paradise Valley resident | Guest commentary

The mayor wrote a newspaper column that when he votes differently from Julie Pace, it does not matter.

It mattered to me and my family when the mayor voted to allow a resort proposal to move forward to build a five-unit party and wedding complex with a 24-foot high rooftop bar adjacent to my yard and overlooking my backyard, but apparently, we do not count in the mayor’s eyes.
Theresa Mao with her daughters Charlotte and Lisa Kay 
Yes, you read that right, the mayor voted in favor of moving the party and wedding house proposal forward, which would be built adjacent to my house.

I hope that this matters to you and, if so, you should vote for Julie Pace for mayor on Aug. 2. Residents can count on Julie Pace to protect residents’ interests.

In that key vote, Julie Pace supported the residents’ interests and the mayor supported resort development interests with a party house and higher density that would have ruined my house on Camelback Mountain.

A house that my two daughters, Charlotte Mao and Lisa Kay Mao, who grew up and went to school in Paradise Valley will inherit and live in.

The party-house resort proposal should have been stopped dead in its tracks, yet the mayor and Councilmembers Dembow and Thomasson voted to allow the denser, resort development party house adjacent to my home to move forward.

They did not protect my private property rights. Think about that carefully when you vote by Aug. 2.

Building and living in my house since 1972, I do not agree with Jini Simpson’s version of events. I would have endured a year or more fighting to keep the party and wedding complex from being built and used next door to me. My quiet enjoyment of my house would have been ruined forever.

There are up to six resort re-developments coming to council to address.

Residents: our voices and choices matter and our mayor and council need a refresh at the Aug. 2 election.
Vote Julie Pace for Paradise Valley Town Mayor!
Paradise Valley Town Councilmember Julie Pace proactively engages to preserve the mountains and open space and focuses on substance, action, and doing good work for the best interests of the Town, while building a sense of community.
Julie Pace for Paradise Valley Mayor | 5501 E Solano Drive
Paradise Valley AZ 85253 | paceforpv@gmail.com
Paid for by Julie Pace for Paradise Valley Mayor.
Authorized by Julie Pace.