Arizona Highways shines spotlight on Yuma
Yuma is “all over” the latest edition of Arizona Highways. The community got a mention in the editor's letter, an article about citrus production, a profile on La Fonda, a reference to the Taco Festival (April 14) in things to do around Arizona, a write-up about the Garden Cafe in the annual Arizona's best restaurants article and a special feature about the Kofa Mountains with eight pages of photos and text.
Of the Garden Cafe, the article said: “When the weather's nice, there's no more blissful place to be than this lovely, family run cafe” with its lush garden setting, chirping birds, signature dishes and Torture Cake — “it's torture to leave it alone.”
La Fonda was established in 1940 by Severo and Gloria Hurtado. Under current owners Frank and Connie Ramos, the restaurant and tortilla factory continues to be the place to eat for the area's agricultural workers and anyone else looking for an authentic Mexican meal.
Of the Kofa Mountains, the magazine said: “They don't get as much attention as the San Francisco Peaks or the Red Rocks of Sedona, but the Kofa Mountains are spectacular in their own right, and their craggy nature provides excellent habitat for bighorn sheep, landscape photographers and adventurous writers who are looking for love.”
The article on citrus traces the industry's history in Arizona — considered one of the state's famous Five C's. And while the numbers of citrus production have dwindled, the state still ranks as third in tangerine production, most of that in Yuma.
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The city of Yuma is moving forward with a couple of capital improvement projects to enhance its delivery of public safety services. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week of new Fire Station 1, which will replace the current station built in the 1950s at 298 W. 4th St.
And before long, a groundbreaking ceremony can be held as well for a new police substation at the northwest corner of 26th Street and En Fuego Drive (just off Araby Road near the fire station there). The bidding process is in progress for the new 4,155-square-foot station that will increase the efficiency of police services for the city's east side. Anticipated completion of the new substation is next spring.
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With proms coming up, Catherine Vicks is offering a borrowing boutique to young women in need of prom dresses and accessories for a small rental fee. The boutique she runs out of her home also has formal and evening wear for other special occasions.
Catherine's Glass Slipper Project can be reached at 276-6664.
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Yes Home Network is a new Yuma-based network of locally owned and operated service businesses in the Yuma area. It provides one trusted source that homeowners and businesses can call to access quality service, such as a plumber, electrician or pest control, say network managers Robert Haworth and Matt Reyelts.
The main phone number of 304-7766 links to a variety of the businesses by profession. Currently the linked categories include pest control, air conditioning and heating, pool service, real estate, plumbing, general contractor, electrical and floor coverings. All listed contractors and home services are certified and licensed through their professions.
Each contractor informs its customers of the network, and each customer receives a discount by calling any service on the Yes Home Network.
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Amberly's Place has opened up Thrift Shoppe at 812 S. Avenue A across from Walgreens to provide a way for the agency to raise money to help with the emergency needs of victims — and an inviting environment for victims to shop, reported Diane Umphress, executive director of the agency.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. It can be reached at 329-2989. Checks are not accepted.
Donations are accepted at the Thrift Shoppe. If the donated item fits the immediate need of a victim, it will be provided to them for free; otherwise, it will be in placed in the store for sale. Volunteers are needed to assist at the store.
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Three guys with decades of experience who worked for a Peterbilt dealership have opened a diesel repair shop. 3:10 Diesel Works is located at 3474 E. 32nd St. and can be reached at 503-5525.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday year-round. It also offers 24/7 road call service even if it is as simple as the truck is out of fuel.
While the shop specializes in diesels, it's not limited to them and will work on recreational vehicles, pickups, semi trucks and automobiles.
Owner David McHone is joined by technicians Luke Carter and Robert Cruz. McHone's son Josh is working as an apprentice.
Meanwhile, McHone's wife Lisa recently opened Lisa's Second Hand Treasures. The thrift and consignment shop is at 2340 W. 20th St. and can be reached at 276-3430.
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A Sears Hometown Store is going at 11411 S. Fortuna Road in the Yuma East Shopping Center, according to the company's website. That means it will carry such goods as appliances, lawn and garden equipment, tools and home electronics.
According to the website, the new store will be a franchise independently owned and operated by Aurelio Lopez. Lopez could not be reached for comment by press time.
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Speedy Glass has a new location. It is now at 251 W. 32nd St. (in the Sprague's parking lot). The phone number remains 344-0344.
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The Trader Joe's store in Prescott had its grand opening last week. Yuman Charles Craig was on hand and reported the store was packed with a long line already formed at dark-thirty in the morning. Store management didn't respond to his question about why Prescott and not Yuma.
By the way, if you want to go, it's at 252 Lee Blvd.
Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.
