arizona news
Has been updated: April 23, 2023 at 1:08 PM
(Photo credit: SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP)
PHOENIX — A Saudi-owned alfalfa farm has had its water permit revoked, black bears have been sighted in southern Arizona, and Democrats won’t overturn their veto on a home-cooking bill.
Here are some of the biggest news headlines in the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.
Arizona Revokes Water Permit for Saudi-Owned Alfalfa Farm
Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays has announced that the drilling permit for a Saudi-owned Alfalfa farm in La Paz County has been revoked.
Fondmonte Arizona LLC approved two deepwater wells eight months ago, which Mays called “unconscionable” given the state’s water conservation needs.
Mays tweeted, “While this crisis unfolds, our state leaders have slept at the wheel for far too long.” With all the urgency, now is the time for the state government to get serious about regulating groundwater throughout Arizona.”
In a letter last week to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Mayes said there were discrepancies in the permit application and urged the agency to review the new application from Fondomonte.
She called for better coordination between the Arizona Land Department and ADWR.
Arizona Residents Warned After Bear Sightings In Southern Arizona
Arizona’s Department of Game and Fish is warning the public to beware of bears after reports of the first sighting of a black bear in 2023 in the southeastern part of the state.
The bear, estimated to be 2-3 years old and weighing 150 pounds, was spotted scavenging for trash near Pepper Sauce Canyon, about 40 miles northeast of Tucson, on April 12.
According to a press release issued by the Arizona State Game and Fish Department, Asian black bears typically wake up from their semi-hibernation in March.
Arizona Senate Democrats say they won’t offer votes to override veto on home-cooking bill
On Friday, Arizona Senate Democrats said they would not vote to veto the home-cooking bill.
Governor Katie Hobbs on Tuesday vetoed HB2509, which expands the types of homemade food that Arizonans can legally sell.
Hobbes raised concerns about food-borne illnesses in his veto letter, a sentiment shared by Democrats.
“Senate Democrats will not provide the votes needed to overturn Governor Hobbs’ HB2509 veto,” Democratic leadership said in a press release.
Hot Air Balloon Company Moves Valley Operations to New Glendale Facility
A local hot air balloon company is moving its local headquarters to the West Valley as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company recently built a 14,000-square-foot facility near Northern Avenue and 103 Avenue in Glendale, the company said in a press release Thursday.
The entrance features a balloon burner-inspired steel entrance element, and the venue includes a gazebo space for hosting weddings and other special events.
Here’s what Phoenix is doing about the ‘Zone’ homeless encampment
On Friday, the city of Phoenix released details about how it will deal with downtown homeless encampments known as zones, which are subject to court orders.
The Zone is a tent-filled area around the Human Services Campus, a collaboration of partner organizations serving those experiencing homelessness on 12th Avenue and Madison Street.
Much of Phoenix’s defenseless population is concentrated in the zone, and the city has been accused of neglecting its responsibilities to maintain the area and enforce the law.
