Developer working on new Foothills stores

  To those inquiring minds wondering about all the earth moving activity going on at the northeast corner of Interstate 8 and Fortuna Road, the answer is a 30-acre commercial subdivision being developed by Scott Spencer's company, Hardknocks Limited Partnership.

  The project wraps around the Chevron station at the corner and includes the new Rural/Metro Fire Station Spencer is building to lease back to that company. He said he expects the new 5,000-square-foot fire station to be completed by late January. It will provide sleeping quarters, kitchen and living area for on-duty firefighters as well as two engine bays with room to expand.

  As for the rest of the subdivision, called the Mesa Del Sol Commercial Centre, Spencer said he's talking to a number of potential tenants, including both fast-food and sit-down restaurants.

  "I'm definitely seeking more eateries," he said, adding that he had taken notes from the annual "Wish List" of new businesses area residents would like to see. "It won't just be fast food row."

  There's also interest in another hotel or two, office space and possibly a small grocery store, he said.

  With the economic downturn, he said things have been slow to mature. But he definitely believes in the Foothills area and wants to be ready with his subdivision when the economy turns around.

  Anyone interested can reach him at 342-5253.

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  Permits have been issued for a new hangar to be built at the Yuma International Airport's Defense Contractor Complex, reported Alan Kircher, assistant city of Yuma building official. The 160-acre complex at the southwest portion of the airfield is being developed to support the defense industry related to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Yuma Proving Ground.

  Lococo-Pilkington Construction of Yuma will be the general contractor for the hangar project. A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held at 10 a.m. Monday.

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  Kircher also reported that the permits have been issued for the Armed Forces Career Center, which will occupy 2,500 square feet in the new multitenant building in Yuma Plaza Shops at the southwest corner of Pacific Avenue and 16th Street.

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  TDG (The Development Group) is about to start on 17 site-built homes at Araby Crossing, a new residential subdivision at Araby Road and 32nd Street. Four of the homes will be models while the remaining 13 will be available for sale, with early-buyer incentives and special opening prices of $169,000 to $215,000.

  The three- and four-bedroom homes range in size from 1,200 to 1,700 square feet and are similar to those TDG has built at Arroyo de Fortuna if people want a sneak preview.

  For  more information, interested homebuyers can call 345-1623.

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  For the new year, Byrd Refrigeration Service has a new location. The longtime business is now at 1219 E. 21st St., Suite C, announced owner Laura Byrd. Her daughter, Kelley Byrd-Holzer, is the manager.

  The business has the same phone number of 783-0159.

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  Lisa Enos, who has more than 20 years experience as a hairstylist, has opened her own hair salon. Called Salon Milan Studio, it's at 2540 S. 4th Ave., Suite 1, and can be reached at 388-4572.

  The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and on Mondays by appointment.

  Enos invites people to stop by and put their names in the hat for a free makeover in January and one in February for Valentine's Day.

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  In its latest publication, Expansion Solutions ranked Yuma as one of the "top 5 communities for the defense industry," reported Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp. The ranking was based on a region's exceptional progress and potential within the development area by successfully recruiting, retaining and assisting growing businesses.

  Together, Yuma Proving Ground and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma account for a cumulative economic impact of approximately $750 million annually, according to GYEDC. The extent of their presence is apparent in the thousands of domestic and foreign visitors who come to Yuma each year to train and test state-of-the-art defense systems and technology.

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  The six Yuma-area H&R Block offices have been acquired as franchise offices by Birgit Klockman of Brawley H&R Block Services.

  Yuma clients will see no change in the services offered at the local offices other than added services in the near future. In addition to continuing to provide tax services as usual, Klockman plans to expand to year-round bookkeeping services.

  Klockman has been associated with H&R Block since 1984 and manages offices in Brawley, Calexico, El Centro and Blythe, where bookkeeping and other services are offered year-round. She also is a financial adviser, an enrolled agent with IRS, a mortgage broker and has an insurance license.

  Yuma's H&R Block offices are at 661 S. 4th Ave. (783-8241); 1453 S. Yuma Palms Parkway in the Yuma Palms Regional Center (783-0336); 2674 W. 16th St., Suite B-1, in Plaza Del Rio (782-5507); 260 W. 32nd St. (317-1771); and 3150 S. 4th Ave. in the Sears store at Southgate Mall (314-0829). The Foothills office is at 11611 Foothills Blvd., Suite E, in the Schechert Plaza (342-6122).

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  "At last" is the word(s) on the opening of Homemade by Jody (Ward), a cafe and bakery on the west side of Yuma at Mission Valley Plaza, 24th Street and Avenue C. Ward called last week to say she expects to be open by Jan. 13 - if not before.

  The project had encountered various delays, and Ward said she's grateful to contractor Fowler Malone for "going the extra mile" to make it happen.

  That's good news for area residents who soon can begin enjoying her homestyle cooking from cinnamon rolls to chicken dumplings made with her grandmother's recipes. She intends to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, when people can stop by for a hot breakfast or coffee and a pastry, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches to eat on the spot, grab to go or pick up for lunch or dinner.

  The new establishment can be reached at 580-1010.

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  Del Taco has closed its location at 4th Avenue and 20th Street as of Dec. 30.

  This location first opened more than 35 years ago when Yuma was a much smaller town, said company spokeswoman Barbara Caruso.

  "As Yuma has grown, so has Del Taco, and in the past several years we have opened three restaurants throughout the city," she said. Each of these restaurants is located in areas that better serve the growing community, leading to the decision to close the original location, she explained.

  Employees were offered the chance to relocate to other restaurants, and the building will be available for lease. For leasing information, contact A.T. Pancrazi Real Estate at 782-0000.

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  Working out is getting more entertaining at World Gym Fitness Center of Yuma, 2205 W. 22nd St. As the newest addition to the gym's line-up of classes, Zumba lets you "ditch the routine" and work out to salsa dance routines.

  If your resolution this year is to get back in shape, it’s easier to stick with when you add entertainment to exercise. Zumba classes are available at no added cost to members. Nonmembers can take it at the gym's day rate.

  For the new class schedule, visit www.worldgym.com.

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  Margaret Mai, a certified trainer for CHARACTER COUNTS!, has begun a new business called Southwest Character and Leadership Development. She will provide workshops on character (primarily using CHARACTER COUNTS!), basic leadership skills such as public speaking and issue analysis, and the Effective People Skills program (finding your behavior style and how it works with others).

  Mai can be reached at 726-7456 or margaretmai@ earthlink.net.

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  For the month of January, Mustard's Italian Dining and Catering, 204 S. Madison Ave., is celebrating the new year with dollar pasta days. From 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, get any pasta dish for $1 with the purchase of any entree. Also, don't forget to stop in to try the new express lunch.

  For more information, call 345-9013.

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 Angels PRN Inc. has moved to Keystone Plaza, 2755 S. 4th Ave., Building 1, Suite 101, announced officer manager Barbara Hern.

 Angels PRN is a state-licensed home health agency that is locally owned and operated by Melinda Perez. This January marks the sixth anniversary of the agency, which expresses thanks to the clients, staff and the community for their support.

  The agency can be reached at 726-9163.

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.