Thank you, KTVK, Channel 3 for the Coverage

Staff Writer, DL Mullan

News / Credit

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I am the kind of person to give credit where credit is due.

Our very own Channel 3 did a story on our fight against a developer and his law firm, who were both trying to destroy our golf course in order to place cookie cutter houses on it instead. It's such a great story that I'm surprised more stations hadn't picked it up earlier. 

At least Channel 3 has shown good taste and provided us with another outlet to tell our story. 

So the residents of Villa de Paz thank you for your professionalism and journalistic integrity.

If you want to watch the coverage and read the article, please visit: Neighbors teed off about possible plans to demolish longtime Valley golf course by Tami Hoey.

Thanks again! 

Villa de Paz Triumphant in the Face of Adversity

Staff Writer, DL Mullan

Community Interest

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After a disappointing ruling by the Phoenix Hearing Officer back in December, Villa de Paz residents did not falter but instead circled the wagons for a huge comeback. That rallying cry forged the outcome seen today.

In a letter to Phoenix's Planning and Development Department, Maple Leaf International Properties via their lawyers, Lazarus, Silvyn and Bangs, officially withdrew their application for rezoning of the Villa de Paz golf course effective January 7, 2014.

Great news for a community that has come together against the odds and triumphed over the Goliath of big business.

One night of celebration will fade into the next phase of this community's commitment to keep their golf course intact. In the coming weeks, Villa de Paz residents will know what they will face in the ever dramatic battle for their golf course, wildlife, and way of life.

Thank you, AZ State Senator Steve Gallardo for your outreach and support of our beautiful community as well as those members of the Phoenix City Council who see value in maintaining family, faith, and community.

Man of the Year Bows to the Bird of Prey

Staff Writer, DL Mullan
News / Community Interest
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Man of the Year... magazines do it. Newspapers do it. Even some comedic rags do it.

Image by: Hillebrand, Steve

Instead of exalting the same tired, old, and affluent elites or their ignorant propaganda pawns every year without fail like other publications, the Villa de Paz Gazette (VDPG) wants to do something different. VDPG this year wants to Award the 2013 Man of the Year to: the Bald Eagle.

Wildlife is the cornerstone of our beloved golf course community. The Bald Eagle is not only a symbol of our national pride but also a resident here in our area. High up in the trees, somewhere looking down at us, is the Bald Eagle.

According to Habimap from Arizona Game and Fish, Villa de Paz is host and home to a variety of special status species, species of greatest conservation needs, and breeding birds, including but not limited to our national treasure:

"Haliaeetus leucocephalus"    "Bald Eagle - Winter Population"     

"Haliaeetus leucocephalus"    "Bald Eagle - Sonoran Desert Population"   

So next time you are taking a walk or playing a round of golf, look up. The eyes that might be staring back at you could very well be a Bald Eagle.

Source: HabiMap, WeforAnimals

New Menu Link: Help Save VDP Golf Course

Staff Writer, DL Mullan

Community Interest

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If you have not kept up on the VDP Gazette's latest news, or our popular articles, then you would not know that Villa de Paz is under attack.

Some developer out of Canada wants to fill our green, wildlife refuge, and 40 year old community golf course with houses.

You read that right: Cookie-Cutter Houses in lieu of Environmental Green Space.

Part of the stipulations put into place by the City of Phoenix during our Annexation in the 1990's were removed. These stipulations were to safeguard our community from just this type of hostile take over. Instead the City removed these zoning regulations without the residents of Villa de Paz's knowledge.

We have two community associates that were viable and available at the time of the initial move to take away these stipulations but these entities were never contacted either. Which leaves many questions as to why the stipulations were removed in the first place and if there has been gross misconduct by the developers, lawyers, and the city itself.

In all reality if a community approved stripping their own stipulations for a new development, wouldn't there have been a group of representatives from Villa de Paz at the City Council meetings? You see our point. 

Villa de Paz wants your help to fight the influx of developments in the West Valley because politicians and developers do not consider the real needs of the community only the lining of their pocketbooks. 

To garner more support, Villa de Paz Gazette has added a menu link that goes straight to the SAVE Villa de Paz Facebook page. 

Join our fight today! 

NO MORE INFILLING!

Get together. Get mobilized. Get answers!