Steve Stockmar
Verified- Valley Arts and culture Editor, Daily Independent
- News Services Editor, Litchfield Park/Goodyear Independent
- Valley Arts and culture Editor, Glendale Independent
- News Services Editor, Peoria Independent
- News Services Editor, Surprise Independent
- Contributing Writer, Far Out Magazine
- News Services Editor, Sun City West Independent
- News Services Editor, Queen Creek Independent
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Articles by Steve Stockmar
Mesa memorial to celebrate bluesman Carvin Jones’ life and legacy
By Steve Stockmar Mail | Instagram: steve.stockmar One of the Valley’s favorite sons of the blues will be laid to rest here at home. A memorial for blues singer and guitarist and local community advocate Carvin Jones, who died Sept. 20 after a battle with cancer, will take place Dec. 12 at The Monastery in Mesa, Jones’ family announced Thursday on social media.
10 things every West Valley resident should do this fall
By Steve Stockmar Mail | Instagram: steve.stockmar Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication. After months of planning our lives around triple-digit temperatures, hunting for shaded parking spaces, and treating the walk from the car to the grocery store as an endurance event, fall has arrived in the Valley.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 21-23
OPINION — The United States defense budget for this fiscal year, which ends in September, was roughly $1.1 trillion. For the next budget year, the Trump administration is requesting $1.5 trillion. OPINION — 9/11. The date is seared into our consciousness forever. We all know where we were and what we were doing when it happened. Some of us are still dealing with its aftermath. OPINION — Bipartisan support is often treated as the clearest sign that legislation is likely to become law.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 21-23
From underground music and vintage treasure hunting to football tailgating, here are three ways to make the most of a Valley August weekend Sweet Salvage Vintage Market, seen on March 19, 2026, is open this weekend through Sunday. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) We’re running out of August weekends in the Valley this summer.
Goodyear 12-year-old takes the lead in feature-film debut
Rylie Pennington makes the leap from theater to the big screen in ‘Not My Dog,’ working alongside veteran Hollywood actors — and one unpredictable canine co-star In a scene from the new movie “Not My Dog,” Rylie Pennington, as Bridget, walks alongside Nudge, a black German shepherd, named Inkosi in real life. The movie is scheduled for digital release Sept. 11.
60 years ago this month: When Phoenix missed out on the last Beatles tour
By the summer of 1966, Phoenix finally had the venue, the audience and even a tantalizing opening in the Beatles’ schedule. The opportunity may simply have arrived at the moment the world’s biggest band was finished touring. This 1966 file photo shows The Beatles, from left, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and George Harrison as they leave London Airport on their trip to the U.S. and Canada, which would be their final tour ever.
Record summer enrollment bucks Deer Valley Unified’s long-term trend
District leaders say data, family feedback will help shape expanded summer learning in 2027 Legend Springs Elementary School, at 21150 N. Arrowhead Loop Road, in Glendale, hosts summer programming for students on July 17, 2025. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) While Deer Valley Unified School District is facing long-term enrollment headwinds, several of its summer programs are moving in the opposite direction.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 14-16
ENTERTAINMENT It’s not often one building can claim Carlos Santana and Caitlin Clark on the same weekend, but that’s exactly what’s happening at downtown Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center. Whether your idea of entertainment involves guitar solos, buzzer-beaters or wandering an art gallery with a cocktail afterward, the Valley has no shortage of ways to fill the weekend. E-mail Password Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 14-16
OPINION — Two claims about COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy are moving through the country this week, and the reflex is to pick a team. One of them is arithmetically false. The other is documented in writing. Both things are true at the same time, and an honest reading of the record has to say so. OPINION — In choosing a lieutenant governor running mate, Andy Biggs was boxed in. He didn’t have the political space to choose someone who might marginally improve his general election chances.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 14-16
Classic rock, a basketball playoff chase and new museum exhibitions top a busy weekend across metro Phoenix Carlos Santana, seen July 9, 2026, in Alpharetta, Georgia, returns to Phoenix this Friday. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP) It’s not often one building can claim Carlos Santana and Caitlin Clark on the same weekend, but that’s exactly what’s happening at downtown Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center.
Rockies aseguraron la primera victoria en una serie en Arizona desde 2022
PHOENIX - Los Rockies pasaron gran parte de la tarde del miércoles caminando por la cuerda floja, metiéndose repetidamente en problemas de los que, de alguna manera, lograban salir. Los lanzadores de Colorado llenaron las bases mediante bases por bolas en tres entradas consecutivas —la quinta, la sexta y la séptima—, pero lograron salir de cada apuro con daños mínimos, guiando a los Rockies a una victoria de 6-4 sobre los Diamondbacks en el Chase Field.
Colorado's pitchers walk tightrope, but secure Rockies' first series win in Arizona since '22
PHOENIX -- The Rockies spent much of Wednesday afternoon walking a tightrope, repeatedly pitching themselves into trouble before somehow finding a way out. Colorado pitchers walked the bases loaded in three consecutive innings -- the fifth, sixth and seventh -- yet escaped each jam with minimal damage, carrying the Rockies to a 6-4 win over the Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Karros exits after infield collision with Tovar
A half-inning earlier -- just 15 minutes of actual clock time -- Karros had blasted a two-run home run to deep left-center for his 10th homer of the season to tie the game 2-2 and snap the Rockies’ 15-inning scoreless streak. His homer scored Tovar, who had reached on an infield single. PHOENIX -- After breaking a scoreless drought for the Rockies and tying the game with a home run Tuesday night, third baseman Kyle Karros left early following a scary collision on the infield.
Arizona musician Eric Ramsey built a second career, one song at a time
Years after stepping away from music, the singer-songwriter found his voice — and national recognition — in the blues world Steel guitar is just one of the styles Eric Ramsey brings to his music. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) Eric Ramsey, seen performing at Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega, in Cave Creek, on Aug. 5, will perform “Blues in the Round” alongside Hans Olson and Chuck Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.
Arizona musician Eric Ramsey built a second career, one song at a time
Years after stepping away from music, the singer-songwriter found his voice — and national recognition — in the blues world Steel guitar is just one of the styles Eric Ramsey brings to his music. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) Eric Ramsey, seen performing at Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega, in Cave Creek, on Aug. 5, will perform “Blues in the Round” alongside Hans Olson and Chuck Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.
Arizona musician Eric Ramsey built a second career, one song at a time
OPINION — Two-hundred, fifty years ago, delegates to Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia were wrestling with a question about which Americans still are arguing: How much democracy is enough? OPINION —The federal government hasn't assessed a single civil penalty this year against an airline for violating consumer-protection rules. The U.S. Department of Transportation has also summarily dismissed numerous formal complaints filed by passengers.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 7-9
OPINION — In Arizona’s voucher battle, both sides are behaving badly and deceptively.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for Aug. 7-9
The Churchill, in the Roosevelt Row Artists’ District, is a must-stop during First Friday. (Photo courtesy Visit Phoenix) Planning a weekend around Phoenix in the summer usually includes a check of the weather forecast if you’ll be outside. And no surprise, it’ll be toasty this weekend — but fret not! Friday, Aug. 7, actually marks the astronomical midpoint of summer, sitting exactly halfway between the summer solstice on June 21 and the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22.
Phoenix GCU grad wins World Series of Poker
Grand Canyon University graduate Lucas Jumalon turned a spring diploma into a summer world championship, capturing the iconic event’s $10 million top prize Lucas Jumalon on Wednesday night won the 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas. (Photo by Hayley Hochstetler, provided by PokerOrg) Lucas Jumalon, 22, became the second-youngest player ever to win the game’s most prestigious event.
Phoenix GCU grad wins World Series of Poker
OPINION — In Arizona’s voucher battle, both sides are behaving badly and deceptively.
North Peoria's wild side lives along the Agua Fria River
More than 178 bird species thrive in a hidden riparian corridor where many hikers and cyclists never realize what they're passing A Gila woodpecker. (Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game & Fish Department) A curve-billed thrasher. (Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game & Fish Department) (Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game & Fish Department) An Abert’s towhee. (Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game & Fish Department) A Cooper’s hawk.
New chapter rises on Litchfield Park’s historic hill
New library, arts school open together, blending a century of history with the community’s next generation Librarian Chalyn Brooks registers one of the first library cards for Steven Hauptmann, a Litchfield Park resident for seven years, on Aug. 3. The new library, part of the Maricopa County Library District, officially opened that day. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) Residents get their first look inside the new Litchfield Park Library Monday, Aug. 3.
Peoria Night Market serves up more than just food
Editor's note: This article originally appeared in Sun Life Magazine, an Independent Newsmedia publication. On Saturday evenings, the Desert West Night Market transforms the Peoria Sports Complex into a gathering place where food trucks sizzle, local artisans display handcrafted creations and families stroll from booth to booth in search of something new. For many of the vendors, the market is about more than making sales. It’s where personal stories come to life.
Peoria Night Market serves up more than just food
Peoria’s Desert West Night Market gives local entrepreneurs a place to share family traditions, fresh starts, homemade flavors Dayton Kiko, known simply as “Kiko,” and his brother founded AZ Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp seven years ago after moving from Hawaii. (Sun Life Magazine/Steve Stockmar) Ashlee Stancill’s baking turned into a new career when she founded Abiding Cakes in March 2024.
Legendary Phoenix blues club prepares for its last encore
The Rhythm Room will close in May after a 35-year run, ending a remarkable chapter in Valley music history while Bob Corritore keeps playing Bob Corritore blows his harmonica in front of The Rhythm Room in Phoenix in June 2021. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) Bob Corritore, left, and Bob Stroger wail away at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix on March 31, 2023.
Chicago, St. Louis or Arizona: Which Cardinals era was longest?
More than half of all franchise games to date have been played before the move to Arizona St. Louis Cardinals Roy Green (81) is just out of reach of the New York Giants’ Perry Williams after catching a pass from quarterback Neil Lomax in St. Louis, Dec. 9, 1984. (AP Photo/Oscar Waters) Pittsburgh Steeler back Tom Barnett (43) eludes an attempted tackle by Chicago Cardinals back Dick Lane (81), right foreground as he rambles for 12 yards in first period at Soldier Field, Chicago, Nov 1, 1959.
State 48 Brewery spots in Glendale, Phoenix close doors
OPINION — As a Mesa mom, I recently attended a community listening session hosted by Stand for Children Arizona where parents shared the challenges of finding and affording childcare. I appreciated that U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and state Rep. Lorena Austin took the time to listen because these are conversations every elected official needs to hear. OPINION — I have read both sides of the ICE detention facility issue in Opinions section in recent editions.
State 48 Brewery spots in Glendale, Phoenix close doors
Closures add to recent downtown Phoenix location closing State 48 Funk House in Glendale opened at Westgate in late 2018, taking over the former Tavern+Bowl space and retaining its 12 bowling lanes as part of the brewery's entertainment-focused concept. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) The front doors at Funk House in Glendale were locked on July 28, 2026.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for July 31-Aug. 2
The work “Canyon,” by Tony Abeyta (Diné, b. 1965) from 2004 is oil on canvas and part of Heard Museum’s current “Wisdom from the Future” exhibition. (Gift of American Indian Art Magazine, provided by Heard Museum) A purpose-built pipe organ in St. Burchardi Church in Halberstadt, Germany, is designed to sustain John Cage’s “ORGAN²/ASLSP” continuously for a planned 639-year performance.
Legendary Phoenix blues club prepares for its last encore
The Rhythm Room will close in May after a 35-year run, ending a remarkable chapter in Valley music history while Bob Corritore keeps playing Bob Corritore blows his harmonica in front of The Rhythm Room in Phoenix in June 2021. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) Bob Corritore, left, and Bob Stroger wail away at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix on March 31, 2023.
Legendary Phoenix blues club prepares for its last encore
OPINION — I have lived in Arizona for 72 years and in my 72 years, I have lived in neighborhoods and gone to school and church with Mexican Americans. I did not ask them if they came here legally or illegally because I didn’t care. They were hard-working people trying to make a good living for their family. OPINION — There’s a very real chance that Congress is about to ban a massive portion of the hemp industry. OPINION — I’m not pollyannish about this.
Why Phoenix hasn’t seen the D-backs in a while
OPINION — If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an OB-GYN, it’s that no two births are ever the same. Every pregnancy is different. Every labor unfolds in its own way. Every family walks into the hospital carrying a different mix of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty. OPINION — In response to Mel Meter’s editorial comments supporting the proposed 14% rate increase in one year by for-profit monopoly, APS, I offer my comments and observations.
Why Phoenix hasn’t seen the D-backs in a while
Team’s franchise-tying 11-game road trip ends Monday, when the club begins a 10-game homestand with 50 games left in the season Fans reach for a home run hit by the Giants’ Heliot Ramos during a game against the Diamondbacks on July 1, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Arizona Diamondbacks have been gone so long that fans had the unusual opportunity to play golf inside Chase Field. The D-backs were last in town July 22 when they beat the A’s 15–5 to win the two-game series.
10 ways to give back to the Phoenix arts community as a volunteer
OPINION — At a recent town hall, our Congressional representative Abe Hamadeh characterized the nearby protesters as communists. OPINION — Phoenix has been addressing our housing challenges head on. By December 2025, the city reached its Housing Phoenix Plan goal of creating or preserving 50,000 housing units, … OPINION — In recent years, conversations around mental health have become more open, more honest and, thankfully, more accepted.
10 ways to give back to the Phoenix arts community as a volunteer
Love the arts? Take center stage while enjoying them Volunteers at the Desert Botanical Garden support guest experiences, educational programming, festivals and special events throughout the year. (Photo provided by Desert Botanical Garden) The Heard Museum, in Phoenix, has numerous signature events throughout the year, including the annual hoops championship contest, pictured here.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for July 24-26
OPINION — Arizonans are no strangers to soaring temperatures in the summer, but many don’t realize that with rising temps also comes additional water use. Arizona residents may use … OPINION — Summer in Surprise is sweltering, with temperatures routinely exceeding 100 degrees. Like every household in the state, my husband and I must run our air conditioner to … OPINION — I’ve lived in the Valley since 1970 and retired from the power company.
Glendale back-to-school giveaway eases burden for families facing record costs
Hundreds lined up at Desert Diamond Arena as free backpacks, supplies and shoes helped offset another expensive school season Veronica Morris, of Peoria, and her three young ones — Kaijah, Khyrie and Khamden, who are going into third, fifth and seventh grades — got ready for the school year ahead at the Back-to-School Giveaway Friday, July 17, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Alice Cooper has performed in these 10 Arizona cities
OPINION — It has been more than a year since President Trump initiated his tariff program to revive the U.S. economy. The on-again, off-again nature of the policy approach and the successful legal challenges to his tariffs have raised trade-policy uncertainty to high levels. OPINION — The 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is a moment to celebrate the ideals that gave birth to this country.
Alice Cooper has performed in these 10 Arizona cities
From Cortez High to Up North The longtime Phoenix resident returns Nov. 15, adding another chapter to 60+ years of performing across his adopted home state Alice Cooper performs during Sonic Temple Art and Music Festival on May 9, 2025, at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) While his busy summer tour keeps him abroad through August, Alice Cooper has announced a new run of fall dates that will see the rocker return not only to the U.S. but to Arizona.
Weekend Picks: Valley events for July 17-19
OPINION — As an elementary-school counselor, I have the opportunity every day to work with kids who are still learning about social interaction. The students I interact with are in … Every allegation deserves to be taken seriously. Every child deserves to be protected. Every accused person deserves due process. And every community deserves the truth. OPINION — When most Arizonans think about elections, they think about governor, Congress or the Legislature.
Phoenix GCU grad leads World Series of Poker final table
With commanding chip lead, Lucas Jumalon qualifies for at least a seven-figure payday This photo, provided by poker.org, shows Lucas Jumalon playing Monday night at the World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas. (Courtesy poker.org) This photo, provided by poker.org, shows 2026 Grand Canyon University graduate Lucas Jumalon who on Monday night qualified for the final table at the World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas.
Phoenix GCU grad leads World Series of Poker final table
OPINION — As a veteran, I have spent much of my life in landscapes that tell stories. Some of those landscapes were overseas, where I witnessed the consequences of unmanaged development, degraded natural resources and decisions made without consideration for future generations. Others have been here at home, across Arizona’s deserts, forests and public lands, where I have dedicated my post-military career to connecting veterans with conservation, stewardship and outdoor recreation.
Phoenix’s second-hottest day on record was surprisingly forgettable
OPINION — Arizona is being asked to absorb a wave of new artificial intelligence and data center plants, each one consuming massive amounts of electricity and releasing equally massive amounts of waste heat. OPINION — I was 13 years old. We’d just returned from Christmas vacation, and I was asleep in my room. My mother tells me she heard a noise and found me in my bed, twisted up like a clam, frothing at the mouth. She was in shock. The paramedics came and took me to the ER.
Phoenix’s second-hottest day on record was surprisingly forgettable
Everyone remembers 122 degrees. Fewer remember the 121-degree day that still ranks second all-time. (Metro Creative Connection) Ask any longtime Phoenix resident about the hottest day in the city’s scorching summer history, chances are they’ll easily recite it from memory. Like residents still calling it “Metrocenter,” even though the mall is gone, or slipping and calling it “Golf N’ Stuff” instead of “Castles N’ Coasters.” The number “122” is etched into Phoenix weather lore.
Grand Avenue neighbors help define a uniquely Phoenix block
Spend a day, then night, walking through these three doors At 1502, 1504 and 1506 Grand Ave., the Bikini Lounge, Grand Avenue Records and Trans Am Café are all right beside each other and help define the Grand Avenue Arts District’s spirit. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) The Trans Am Café offers coffee, homemade sandwiches, smoothies, teas, and local artwork hanging on the walls, much of it available for purchase.
Services set in Phoenix for Rodriguez Boxing Club founder
OPINION — Wildfire season has arrived in Arizona and can change daily life quickly. Residents may face smoky skies, reduced air quality and the possibility of evacuation during periods of elevated wildfire activity. OPINION — For many families in Arizona, summer means more time spent gathering around the backyard pool. Whether you're planning a summer cookout, a pool party or a casual afternoon swim, pool ownership carries both personal and legal responsibilities.
Services set in Phoenix for Rodriguez Boxing Club founder
Alfonso ‘Al’ Rodriguez to be laid to rest Members of the community have been leaving condolence messages outside Rodriguez Boxing Club, pictured on July 10, in Phoenix. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) The public is welcome to pay respects to the late Alfonso “Al” Rodriguez, the founder of Rodriguez Boxing Club in Phoenix. Rodriguez and his wife Carmen founded the local gym in 1961 at its original location downtown on Van Buren Street.
2 Valley residents among new ‘Big Brother’ cast members
Season 28 premieres Thursday night Melody Morris, 24, of Maricopa, and Kamuela “Kamu” Kirk, 32, of Phoenix, are among the 14 houseguests to appear on season 28 of “Big Brother,” which premieres Thursday, July 9. (Photos provided by CBS) Two Valley residents are among the 14 contestants vying for $750,000 on season 28 of “Big Brother,” which premieres on CBS Thursday night.
2 Valley residents among new ‘Big Brother’ cast members
OPINION — There is an imminent threat to our country and it isn’t illegal immigration, woke policies or any of the other distractions. It’s a disaster in the making I believe could bring down our country as a world power. OPINION — Nexstar Media Group’s pending $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, a deal that would merge the nation’s largest and third-largest local-television station owners, has the support of President Trump and the approval of his Federal Communications Commission.
Phoenix boxing loses a legend, but not his legacy
OPINION — In two important recent decisions, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the U.S. Supreme Court majority, asserts that the Constitution forbids Congress from establishing government officials who the president can only remove for cause — with the singular exception of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. His argument is unpersuasive.
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