📺 Journalist 💻@SMU faculty 📓@aejmc BAMJ vice chair of programming, @csgeaejmc Communications Co-Chair Past: @capradio @KPBSnews @aaja @medillschool
Articles by Kris Vera-Phillips
Nurturing diversity in newsrooms and the c-suite - Editor and Publisher
Posted Friday, September 15, 2023 12:00 am Our stories matter. Where we come from, our experiences, they matter.” You may have noticed the #AAJAFamily hashtag trending on social media this summer.
The Kolache Cafe in Ahwatukee Is So Popular It Already Had to Close for Upgrades
^ I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of New Times free. A new cafe in southeast Phoenix wants to be the next go-to spot for kolaches, baked offerings made of puffed-up dough and stuffed with savory or sweet fillings. The Kolache Cafe opened in Ahwatukee at 4302 East Ray Road in early January, serving more than a dozen variations of the treats with Czech and Texan roots.
Kris Vera-Phillips
The Kolache Cafe in Ahwatukee Is So Popular It Already Had to Close for Upgrades Kolache Cafe serves Czech and Texan treats in Ahwatukee to huge demand.
Whole Hog: How Phx Lechon Roasters Made a COVID Pivot Thanks to Local First Arizona
^ I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of New Times free. Before COVID, it looked like Brian Webb had a solid business plan for Phx Lechon Roasters — a vendor we touched on in August while diving into the Valley's under-the-radar Filipino cooking scene. Webb had regular gigs at farmers' markets, along with large-scale events and scores of people lining up for mouth-watering slices of lechon — or whole spit-roasted pig.
Our 10 Favorite Food and Drink Stories of 2020
Here are our 10 favorites of the year, half picked by food critic Chris Malloy and half by editor Lauren Cusimano. 'Growing Up — Urban Farms Have the Potential to Transform Phoenix' By Chris MalloyThe Urban Farm’s Greg Peterson estimates there are 2,000 urban farms in greater Phoenix. And while that seems like a cool figure, there’s still lots of (yard) work to be done. “We have 4.8 million people in the Valley,” Peterson told Chris Malloy in the spring.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Income Inequality In Nevada
Even before COVID-19, income inequality in Nevada was pretty stark. According to a 2019 study by the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, economic growth after the Great Recession largely benefited top earners. And now, as the pandemic has upended the tourism industry, resulting in record high unemployment in the state, much of the progress made has been erased.
Looking For Solutions To Income Inequality During COVID-19
Dolores Huerta speaks at "Empowering La Communidad," a community town hall on gentrification and its effects on Los Angeles' latinx communities on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 in Los Angeles. Carlos Delgado / AP Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation As Congress debates what it will take to give the American people an economic lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, state and city leaders are scrambling to provide relief.
Christopher Columbus Statue Removed From California State Capitol Rotunda
State Government Crews started removing a statue of Christopher Columbus from its prominent position in the California state Capitol rotunda Tuesday. Andrew Nixon / CapRadio Crews removed a statue of Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella Tuesday, which has occupied a prominent position inside the California state Capitol rotunda but has also triggered protests during a time when several historical figures are being scrutinized for their roles in the exploitation of communities of color.
Sacramento Approves Two Police Reform Measures But Activists Want More
Following weeks of protests demanding police reform, Sacramento City Council members voted Tuesday to change the way police use-of-force cases are investigated and how to handle 911 calls dealing with mental health crises. Council members agreed to appoint an Inspector General to review use-of-force incidents inside the Sacramento Police Department.
WATCH: Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist Suspect Pleads Guilty, Avoids Death Penalty
Joseph James DeAngelo, center, charged with being the Golden State Killer, his helped up by his attorney, Diane Howard, as Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman enters the courtroom in Sacramento. Monday June 29, 2020. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Updated 9:53 a.m. Victims and families tormented by the attacker known as the Golden State Killer were back in court Monday to see the man suspected of the crimes plead guilty.
The Electric Bar Puts a Pinball Spin on Tiki Cocktails in Tempe
Earlier this week, we told you about Yucca Tap Room opening a second location — a Flagstaff bar, Asian-fusion eatery, and music venue that'll go by Yucca North. Lock and load: We have more Yucca news. Connected to the original Yucca venue, as many know, is Electric Bat Arcade. Its flashing lights and random beeps invite drinkers, showgoers, and gamers to pop tokens into pinball machines and take silver balls on adventures through haunted mansions, dinosaur amusement parks, and outer space.
Yucca North to Offer Dive Bar Dim Sum and Arizona Craft Beer in Downtown Flagstaff
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND Yucca Tap Room is opening a sister location in Flagstaff called Yucca North. Melissa Fossum AA Yucca Tap Room has been expanding left and right (that's a literal observation) from its original location in central Tempe. In recent years, it's added a whiskey lounge, arcade, and petite tiki bar to flank the original music venue at Danelle Plaza. Now, the Yucca team is growing to include the city of Flagstaff.
Camp Fire Victims To Speak In PG&E Criminal Arraignment Tuesday
Pacific Gas and Electric heads back to court Tuesday morning for a criminal arraignment in the 2018 Camp Fire, which left at least 84 people dead. According to the Butte County District Attorney’s office, the public utility is expected to plead guilty to 85 felony fire and manslaughter counts connected to the company’s part in starting the fire which mostly destroyed the town of Paradise.
First Look: Mesa Welcomes Asian Grocery Chain H Mart to Arizona
“Someone stop me!” laughed one shopper next to a freezer packed with mandu, gyoza, and other dumpling products. The H Mart shopper told her friend she couldn’t not stop herself from filling up her cart during the store’s opening weekend. The Asian supermarket chain from New Jersey opened its first Arizona store in Mesa on Thursday, June 11, just across the street from Mekong Plaza. The coronavirus pandemic delayed the store’s planned opening for late February or early March.
State Offices Closed Due To George Floyd Protests
State offices in downtown areas throughout California are closed Monday following weekend protests against police violence and the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to address the statewide demonstrations and police confrontations during a press conference at 12 p.m. Monday.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg Denounces Property Theft, Vandalism
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg addresses reporters about coronavirus at the Sacramento County administration building on Sunday, March 8, 2020. Andrew Nixon / CapRadio Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg met with neighbors and news media Sunday morning as he toured the damage left behind by last night’s protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Sacramento Police Chief Defends Department Response Following Protests
Listen Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin. Demonstrators stand-off with law enforcement in front of the Sacramento County Jail downtown on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Scott Rodd / CapRadio Sacramento Police are reviewing their actions from last night’s protests against the police killing of George Floyd and are preparing for more demonstrations today.
Excessive Heat Warning Hits Northern California
The first heat wave of the season could bring record-breaking temperatures to Northern California this week and has triggered an excessive heat warning for the Valley, Delta and Foothills that will last until Thursday night. According to the National Weather Service, the heat wave is caused by a large dome of high pressure that is building up and expanding across the region. Hot weather continues across interior #NorCal this week. Cooler temperatures and unsettled weather return this weekend.
How Arizona's Dining Rooms Are Reopening With Smaller Crowds in Mind
Many Arizona restaurants are ready to invite the public to be their guest once more. They're opening their doors to diners for the first time since mid March, when Arizona’s shelter-in-place order hit the pause button on the restaurant industry. And many industry members are changing the dining experience as they monitor coronavirus headlines and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Letter: 1,200 California Religious Leaders Say They Will Reopen May 31
State Government More than 1,200 California religious leaders placed Gov. Gavin Newsom on notice, saying they plan on bringing back members for in-person services on May 31. In direct opposition to the state’s stay-at-home order that was designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19, religious leaders signed what they call a “declaration of essentiality” — a letter that announces their plans to reopen while observing social distancing guidelines.
Everywhere a Sign: Banners Now Explain New Rules For Arizona Restaurants
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND PostNew produces signs for social distancing at local restaurants. PostNet AA Arizona’s stay-at-home orders transformed the Phoenix food landscape, turning busy dining rooms into empty chairs at empty tables near deserted shopping center parking lots. As things open back up, Valley restaurants want diners to know that they're still alive and kicking, that they're serving curbside, or that there are new rules for dine-in service. For that, they need signs and banners.
Flood Warning In Effect As Rain, Snow Return With Spring Storm In Northern California
The National Weather Service is tracking a spring storm Monday that is pelting Northern and Central California with heavy rain and thunderstorms. A flash flood watch goes into effect starting at 10 a.m. Monday, covering areas from Central Sacramento Valley to Northern Shasta County to Western Plumas County. The storm could flood roadways and cause rising waters on small streams and rivers. There are also warnings for minor mudslides and debris flow near areas recovering from wildfires.
Nevada ‘Dodged A Bullet’ With 6.5 Earthquake, Expert Says
Listen Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin. Cracked pavement on a road north of the US Route 6 junction in Tonopah, Nevada following an earthquake nearby Courtesy of the Nevada Department of Transportation The U.S. Geological Service recorded a powerful magnitude 6.5 earthquake in a remote region of western Nevada Friday morning. Sensors detected the temblor just after 4 a.m. near Tonopah, east of the Sierra Nevada.
Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake Hits Western Nevada, No Injuries Reported
The U.S. Geological Service recorded a magnitude-6.5 earthquake in a remote region of western Nevada Friday morning. Sensors detected the temblor just after 4 a.m. near Tonopah, just east of the Sierra Nevada range. According to the USGS, there were at least six more aftershocks, including two with magnitudes of 5.4. The Associated Press reports people logged onto social media from Salt Lake City, Utah, to California’s Central Valley, saying they felt the quake.
Rescue Birds Are Ready to Welcome Back Patrons at The Perch Brewery
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND Courtney is a military macaw at The Perch Brewery in downtown Chandler. The Perch Brewery AA A live band and cawing parrots were all set to greet patrons arriving at The Perch Brewery Thursday, as the Chandler pub reopened for dine-in service. Associate manager Jackson Burrows said there would be less seating, as well as a smaller summer menu with an eye on keeping the business sustainable.
Barrio Defense Committees Donates Food Supplies to Phoenix Day Laborers
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND Barrio Defense Committees organizer Sal Reza hands out food to day laborers at the parking lot for Home Depot and Walmart on Thomas Road. Kris Vera-Phillips AA On Saturday morning, a handful of day laborers waited for jobs at a parking lot entrance to Home Depot and Walmart on Thomas Road near 36th Street. Work has been in short supply here lately, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
UnderTow Hosts Virtual Happy Hours to Connect Viewers With Tiki Cocktails
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND UnderTow is hosting virtual happy hours for tiki fans in Phoenix and around the world. Kris Vera-Phillips AA Collins glass? Check. Tiki mug? Check. Dark and Barbadian rum? You know it. Reliable Wi-Fi connection? Good to go. Okay, let’s get the party started. Last Saturday, the crew at UnderTow connected with thirsty viewers in Phoenix and worldwide to deliver a virtual happy hour via Zoom.
Food Fit for a King? A Historian Reviews AZ Ren Fest and Medieval Times Menus
Knights in armor and ladies in cinched corsets currently can raise a glass at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Children masquerading as princes and princesses can cheer on champions atop their steeds at Medieval Times in Scottsdale. These costumes and games may be inspired by the 16th century and Middle Ages, but how does the food at these period-focused places stack up? Let’s start with the festival in Gold Canyon. “Enjoy thy trip back to the 16th Century!” boasts the festival’s website.
Plant-Forward Food Fuels Phoenix Vegan Festival 2020
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND So much food, so little time at the PHX Vegan Food Festival. Jim Louvau AA Savor pasta dishes. Chow some barbecue specialties. Nibble on sweet desserts. Yes, hungry people can satisfy all their cravings at this weekend’s PHX Vegan Food Festival. And chefs say they can’t wait to introduce people to a tasty world of flavors and ingredients during a series of festival cooking demonstrations. Chef Dustin Harder is the founder and host of the online show Vegan Roadie.
Hidden Gem: Laptops, Fresh Bites, and Booze at Old Town's Schmooze
Google and Facebook disrupted cubicle culture by designing whimsical office spaces meant to nurture and inspire employees. Schmooze Bar and Breakfast, a cafe and garden oasis located on Marshall Way in Old Town Scottsdale, aims to spark a similar kind of collaboration and innovation through its eclectic indoor and outdoor spaces — and its food. “To me, Schmooze and what we created here is like a Swiss Army knife,” says chef and co-owner Tony Hamati.
Joy to Chandler: Jollibee Brings Filipino Fried Chickenjoy to First Arizona Location
Fans craving Filipino fried chicken and sweet spaghetti braved rain, wind, and winter temperatures ahead of the first Jollibee opening in Arizona on the morning of Saturday, December 28. The line of families and friends camping in front of the Chandler location wrapped around the block and through the drive-thru lane. Jollibee set up shop inside the former Slim Chickens location at 2800 East Germann Road.
Rage Rooms are popping up in AZ — some even cater to kids and families
By Kris Vera-Phillips | November 21, 2019 Kids and families can get their frustrations out in a rage room at Desert Smash in Chandler. Photos courtesy of Desert Smash. For some moms, stress relief comes in the form of a great foot massage during a pedicure. Others unwind with retail therapy at an outlet mall boasting their favorite brands or in bed with a laptop surfing Amazon.
Rage Rooms are popping up in AZ — some even cater to kids and families
By Kris Vera-Phillips | November 21, 2019 Kids and families can get their frustrations out in a rage room at Desert Smash in Chandler. Photos courtesy of Desert Smash. For some moms, stress relief comes in the form of a great foot massage during a pedicure. Others unwind with retail therapy at an outlet mall boasting their favorite brands or in bed with a laptop surfing Amazon.
Crushing It: Celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau at Valley Bar
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND The Rose Room hosts a Beaujolais Nouveau Day celebration on November 21. Valley Bar AA Do you really need a reason to raise a glass? Oenophiles, Francophiles, and anyone with an appetite for a good time can toast a French wine harvest tradition in Valley Bar's Rose Room. The bar celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau Day — always the third Thursday of November — with the nearby Hidden Track Bottle Shop on Thursday, November 21.
Forget The Forks: Digging Into Filipino Flavors at a Mesa Kamayan Diner
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND Tayo's Kamayan dinner at Fuerza Local Community Kitchen in Mesa features chicken adobo, lechon kawali, longganisa, and other Filipino foods. Kris Vera-Phillips AA Diners in Mesa circled mounds of pork, chicken, shrimp, and rice piled on top of banana leaves, trying to frame the perfect photo for Instagram and other social media feeds. Then, they prepared to dig into a meal with no utensils or plates.
Cook Write Publish Eat: Samin Nosrat Shares Her Culinary Adventures In Mesa
Kris Vera-Phillips 4 EXPAND Samin Nosrat is coming to Mesa. Talia Herman AA Take sour oranges, Miso eggs, buttery prosciutto, and Persian tahdig. Toss in a dash of adventure and a passion for flavors. Then add a chef with the mind of a scholar and the personality of your funny best friend from junior high. It all adds up to new and veteran foodies binge-watching Netflix’s documentary series Salt Fat Acid Heat with Samin Nosrat.
Business Report: The Price Of Higher Education
Friday, March 15, 2019 By Kris Vera-Phillips, Susan Murphy Credit: Associated Press Above: U.S. Attorney for District of Massachusetts Andrew Lelling announces indictments in a sweeping college admissions bribery scandal, during a news conference, Tuesday, March 12, 2019, in Boston. KPBS anchor Susan Murphy and SDSU marketing lecturer Miro Copic discuss some of the week’s top business stories.
Roundtable: California's Death Penalty Moratorium
Friday, March 15, 2019 By Kris Vera-Phillips, Mark Sauer Credit: Associated Press Above: Flanked by lawmakers, Gov. Gavin Newsom discusses his decision to place a moratorium on the death penalty during a news conference at the Capitol, March 13, 2019.
Business Report: Stocks Sink, Again
Friday, December 21, 2018 By Kris Vera-Phillips, Priya Sridhar Credit: Associated Press Above: Visitors watch a stock trading board at a private stock market gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. KPBS reporter Priya Sridhar and SDSU marketing lecturer Miro Copic discuss some of the week’s top business stories. Stock Market Slides Wall Street suffered severe losses this week. The major indexes dropped more than 11 percent in December.
Roundtable: San Diego Labor Leadership Change
Friday, December 21, 2018 By Kris Vera-Phillips, Mark Sauer Photo by Milan Kovacevic Above: Mickey Kasparian, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135, at election night party for mayoral candidate David Alvarez at Public Market, 1735 National Ave., February 11, 2014.
Business Report: San Diego Sees Rosy Apple Outlook
Friday, December 14, 2018 By Ebone Monet, Kris Vera-Phillips Photo by Apple Above: Apple already employs more people in Austin than it does in any other city outside of its California headquarters. The new campus will be near its existing facility in the North Austin area. KPBS anchor Ebone Monet and SDSU marketing lecturer Miro Copic discuss some of the week’s top business stories. Apple Adds New Jobs To San Diego. Apple announced plans to build a new $1 billion campus in Austin, Texas, Thursday.
Roundtable: Power Shift In San Diego Politics
Friday, December 14, 2018 By Kris Vera-Phillips, Mark Sauer Photo by KPBS Staff Above: Swearing in ceremony for incoming San Diego city council members, Dec. 10, 2018. Roundtable: Power Shift In San Diego Politics PANEL David Garrick, city hall reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS News Brad Racino, reporter, iNewsource Maya Srikrishnan, immigration reporter, Voice of San Diego Midday Edition airs Monday - Friday at noon on KPBS Radio. Subscribe to the podcast.
Business Report: Black Friday Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season
Friday, November 23, 2018 By Ebone Monet, Kris Vera-Phillips Credit: Associated Press Above: Shoppers browse the aisles during a Black Friday sale at a Target store, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Newport, Ky. KPBS anchor Ebone Monet and San Diego State University Marketing Lecturer Miro Copic discuss some of the week’s top business stories.
Friday Business Report: Stock Market Tumbles
Friday, October 12, 2018 By Ebone Monet, Kris Vera-Phillips KPBS anchor Ebone Monet and BottomLine Marketing co-founder Miro Copic discuss the week’s top business story. Stock Market Sinks Stocks made moderate gains Friday after suffering their biggest weekly loss in six months. Major U.S. indexes lost nearly 4 percent for the week. Miro Copic says the month of October tends to be a volatile period for Wall Street. He also says investors may have been worried over a recent spike in interest rates.
Friday Business Report: New iPhone Hype
KPBS anchor Ebone Monet and SDSU marketing lecturer Miro Copic discuss some of the week’s top business stories. Apple is making a big bet on three new iPhones to compete in a crowded smartphone market as the Cupertino-based company attempts to expand its brand appeal amid slowing sales. CEO Tim Cook showed off three new models Wednesday, including two with bigger displays. With fewer people upgrading their phones, Apple has been able to boost profits by making more expensive iPhones.
Roundtable: San Diego Catholic Priest Abuse Scandal Reignites
There are new questions in the clergy abuse scandal in the Diocese of San Diego after church leaders added eight priests to the list of alleged sexual predators suspected of molesting children. Pope Francis met with a delegation of American bishops and cardinals Thursday to discuss how to deal with the growing number of sex abuse cases in the church. What’s next for the Diocese of San Diego? What do victims and advocates have to say?
New San Diego Fire Chief Prepares For Fire Season
San Diego Fire Chief Colin Stowell is preparing for the next fire season. He was sworn in last Monday, following a national search to replace interim chief Kevin Ester. Stowell started his career with San Diego Fire-Rescue in 1988. He served in several positions, from captain to assistant chief before he moved on to lead Heartland Fire and Rescue in La Mesa in 2016.
Roundtable: Sanctuary State Fight, School Sex Assault Investigation, Sewage Spill Lawsuit
Attorney General Jeff Sessions lashed out at California this week as the federal government sued to end certain sanctuary policies. The Department of Justice claims local and state agencies are making it harder for the federal government to enforce immigration law and detain people who don’t have proper documentation. The lawsuit comes just days ahead of President Donald Trump’s first trip to California, which will include a stop in San Diego to view border wall prototypes.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Ambience - Queenkv's Brainpickings
Look up! Drinkers soaking up the ambience under an epic collection of taps at Hamilton’s Tavern. My entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge: Ambience.
Travel Theme: Cheerful - Queenkv's Brainpickings
Posted in Travel Theme on 12/05/2016 07:28 am by Queenkv ‘Tis the season for goodwill, cheer and other things that may give us the holiday feels. Yes? The holidays are beautiful in California, especially in San Diego. Before my ramen bowl, warming up at Underbelly in San Diego’s North Park. Brighter than the moon…moon…moon. Fireworks after an Angels game. Just let go. A blast from our past in London: A carnival ride in Leicester Square. My entry for this week’s Travel Theme: Cheerful. Share and Enjoy
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