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Hi West Valley, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Must-try German restaurants, award-winning hot rods at auction, a music-synced drone show, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Old-world flavors, Southwest twist: A recent roundup highlights 10 must-try German restaurants statewide, from Edelweiss Biergarten in Phoenix to longtime favorite House Murphy’s in Glendale, with juicy sausages at Scottsdale’s Brat Haus — check out the full lineup.
Visionary hot rod craftsmanship: Two America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners are heading to Glendale, with Mecum’s Glendale 2026 auction featuring 1933 Ford Model 40 Possessed and 1932 Ford Orange Twist from the Petersen collection — see specs and builder credits.
Enhancing a heavily traveled corridor: SR 87 lane closures in Mesa began Jan. 26, reducing travel to two lanes each direction through March 3, while a yearlong pavement and safety project continues — see where and when work occurs.
Trio behind Driftwood Coffee: West Valley favorite Twist Hot Chicken will open a Tempe spot soon, bringing Nashville-style heat from Peoria. The opening celebration promises free chicken sandwiches and hot beignets — get opening and menu details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Longtime partnership pays off: Amkor Technology announced it will boost its Peoria investment to $7 billion, funding more cleanroom space and a second chip packaging and testing facility. The expansion is expected to create over 3,000 high paying jobs, a win for Peoria and the West Valley as AI demand grows. Get all the details.
Big recreation plans unveiled: A surf park is in the works at the 120-acre Hidden Lake venue in the West Valley. The site was purchased for $10.5 million by Ocean Front Property in Arizona LLC and will become a year-round entertainment destination, including plans for one or more surf lagoons on the 60-acre lake. Get all the details.
Feel-good treasure hunt: Whether you’re decluttering or chasing quirky home finds and wardrobe wins, Liberty Thrift Store keeps the treasure-hunt vibe high and funds real community programs through its 501(c)(3) mission. Upgrade your space, refresh your closet, and feel good knowing each find supports neighbors.
Sushi night upgrade: When the maki craving hits, UNI Sushi & Steak delivers fresh rolls, pristine sashimi, and soul-warming ramen that turn weeknights into small celebrations. It fits right into your Surprise routine, and the sushi bar settles the ‘what’s for dinner’ debate.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📅 First Friday @ Goodyear Ballpark | Friday (2/6) at 5:00 PM – Whether you’re chasing global eats or just a reason to talk to neighbors, Goodyear’s First Friday turns the West Valley into a strolling feast. Dozens of food trucks, live music, local makers, kid chaos, and happy dogs, plus free entry, parking runs five to seven.
🎬 Movie In The Park @ Sernas Plaza | Friday (2/6) at 6:30 PM – Movie in the Park is setting up the big screen for an easy night outside. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, friends, and that neighbor with the good snacks, but leave the cigs, vapes, and side hustles at home. Rain or shine, unless lightning crashes the party.
🗑 February Litter Pick Up @ Skyline Regional Park | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a morning in the White Tanks, picking up what the wind and weekend warriors leave behind. Meet at Skyline Regional Park for an easy, feel-good cleanup, with gloves, a bag or bucket, and water in hand, plus hats, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes.
🏅 Yard Game Olympics! @ 8-Bit Aleworks | Saturday (2/7) at 12:00 PM – Grab 2-4 friends and hit the 8-Bit Aleworks lot for Yard Game Olympics, with axe throwing, cornhole, and giant Tetris fueling your recess champ. Ten bucks gets you in, the app tracks scores so no soggy scorecards, and outfits can nab prizes, and bragging rights.
🏃 Avondale Elementary School District 5k @ Festival Fields Park | Saturday (2/7) at 3:00 PM – Nothing beats a neighborhood 5K where you can call it cardio and community support in one go. Walk, jog, or bravely power-walk with the Avondale Elementary crew, bring the family, and soak up the cheer. Strollers welcome, egos optional, post-run coffee encouraged.
❤ ALA Unit 53 Annual Valentine’s Event @ American Legion Post 53 | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Show your small-town heart some love at ALA Unit 53’s annual Valentine’s get-together, the one that sneaks fun and community spirit into February. Expect friendly faces, a little romance, and zero pressure to remember anyone’s anniversary. Grab a friend, support the locals, enjoy yourself.
🍿 Valentine’s Party in the Park @ Paseo Verde Park | Saturday (2/7) at 4:30 PM – Whether you’re dodging prix fixe Valentine menus, corralling kids, or letting the dog third-wheel, this free Peoria movie night in the park has you covered. Disney’s new space adventure, Elio, on the big screen, plus food trucks, free parking, pups welcome, and laid-back neighborhood vibes.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 West Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 80°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 78 in the afternoon. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 81. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
Upgraded Riva model by Robson in Pebblecreek, a 55+ guard-gated community, set on a private lot backing to common space and a walking path. The plan offers 2 beds, 2 baths, a versatile den, and an extended primary suite. Highlights include a 2.5-car garage with cabinets, a granite and stainless kitchen, plantation shutters, and an extended patio with sunset views.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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