New business provides floating condo vacation rentals

Looking for a floating condo on Lake Martinez?

Yuma native Erika King has opened a vacation rental business at the lake, EJ King's Drifting Inn, and is now taking reservation for nightly, weekly or monthly stays on a 53-foot Skipperliner houseboat, Erika Jerene.

The boat, which sleeps up to eight, stays at the dock, where vacationers can relax and enjoy being on the water. It comes fully furnished so all people have to bring is their food, clothing - don't forget a swimsuit - and toothbrush, King said.

The location provides easy access to the restaurant, cantina, boat shop, fuel dock, store and bait shop. And vacationers can secure their fishing and speedboats and watercraft to the deck right outside their back door.

"It's just fun," King said, "a comfortable and unique place to stay."

Additional details and photos can be found at www.driftinginn.com or call 247-0500.

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A new pizza business is coming to Yuma that offers a fresh twist. Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza will make your pizza the way you want it - all ingredients fresh and prepared on the spot - then you take it home to cook.

Too hot to turn on the oven? "They grill on the outdoor grill perfectly," said Steve Raabe, franchise owner with his wife Janelle.

Raabe said he came up with the idea for the business as a customer for 10 years, stopping at a Papa Murphy's to pick up dinner while working as a state trooper in Nevada. Now retired, he was looking for something else to do and discovered Yuma.

After a year's search for the ideal location, he settled on the former B21 Liquor location at 2951 S. Pacific Ave., with a big advantage being the drive-through for pick up of call-ahead orders.

Raabe is hopeful to have the store space renovated and be ready to open his business by September.

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A temporary certificate of occupancy is being issued for Yuma's newest pool facility, the Valley Aquatic Center, in advance of its grand opening this week, said Alan Kircher, city of Yuma assistant building official.

The facility, located near Cibola High School at 4381 W. 18th St., is a joint project by the city of Yuma and Yuma Union High School District for joint use by the public and the high schools.

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In other city building activity, Kircher reported that plans have been submitted for tenant improvements at 3150 S. Winsor Ave. for the U.S. Census office.

Also:

• A certificate of occupancy has been issued for the renovations to the Arco AM/PM at 950 E. 16th St. The projects include the construction of new restrooms.

• Permits have been issued for a major renovation of the air-conditioning system at Cibola High School that includes the installation of several new A/C units.

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Yuma's Round Table Pizza, 2544 W. 16th St., was awarded the Diamond Sales Award from the corporate office. "It's a beautiful plaque," said franchise owner Ray Ochoa, and totally unexpected.

He said the award was for the pizza parlor having the highest increase in sales in 2008 for an "outer market" that receives no corporate marketing assistance. Ochoa noted that the 25-year-old Yuma store is the last Round Table in Arizona.

He attributed its success to the staff led by manager Kris Ochoa, his sister. And to the restaurant's community involvement - it hosts fundraisers Tuesdays for a variety of nonprofit groups through "pizza takeovers."

The restaurant can be reached at 783-5895.

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Jack and Rosie's will take a brief break and be closed from Tuesday through July 6.

The restaurant's summer schedule is 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays - closed on Sundays and Mondays - announced owner Julie Zapata, who expressed her appreciation to longtime and new customers for their support.

For more information, call 783-9172.

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The Friends of the Library Bookstore at the Wellton Library, 28790 San Jose Ave. in Wellton, is now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The store has  all kinds of books, books on tape and movies for sale, including a selection of children's books and videos.

Complimentary coffee is always ready, and the store sells biscotti, chips and candy.

Proceeds benefit the library. For more information about the store or volunteering, call the Wellton Library at 785-9575.

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After being shut down for a month, restaurateur John Mitchell, owner of John and Margie's Ranch House Restaurant, 4340 E. 32nd St., decided being closed for the summer didn't suit him after all.

Beginning this week, he will be open limited hours and with a limited menu for lunch. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, the restaurant will serve lunches of barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and fish.

He's also available for catering; call 502-1280 for information.

He will resume breakfast and dinner hours in the fall.

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Tenor Ruben Dominguez of Mexicali, who charmed Yumans with a special Mother's Day concert as a benefit for Crossroads Mission, has opened a singing academy in the Foothills.

Lessons are private sessions and last 45 minutes each. Lessons are typically available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays.

Although he's best known for singing opera, Dominguez sings - and teaches - a variety of musical styles. He said that his technique, which focuses on proper breathing, is also useful for teachers or other professions who must speak a great deal.

For more information, call Dominguez at 1-760-693-9008.