Lefty Joe Saunders is now a D-back. Getty Images.

After spending the last two years in Arizona, the Pepperdine product was hit by a batted ball in his first Angels outing. Reports indicate that he will be OK to begin pitching again this weekend for the Halos. In return, the D-backs received some much-needed left-handed pitching help, acquiring Joe Saunders from the Angels. Additionally, the Angels dealt Rafael Rodriguez and Patrick Corbin to Arizona. Rodriguez is a right-handed reliever, while Corbin is another left-handed starter that should add some extra help to the pitching staff.

This weekend, the D-backs will head to Citi Field in New York, where they will face the Mets, who they swept during the teams’ previous series. On Monday, the Diamondbacks will return to Arizona to face the Washington Nationals in a four-game series. The Nationals are in last place in the National League East, but have still proven to be trouble for opposing teams.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

D-backs Digest | Struggling D-backs Acquire Pitching

Daniel, Dylan, Johnny and Jesse Kongos are not only brothers, but also band mates who have made the trek, and now call Phoenix home.

The band makes good ol’ snap your fingers to the beat, funky pop-rock music, and the places they’ve lived have definitely had a musical influence on them.

The brothers are in the studio now working on their second album, which has been in the works for a while, though not because these guys are just sitting around doing nothing. DPJ talked with Johnny Kongos about coming to Phoenix, the band’s upcoming album and, of course, the music.

The brothers Kongos

“We get perfectionist about [the album],” Johnny says. “It’s getting close. We’re aiming for some time at the end of the year.”

Every month, Kongos will release a song from the album. “It’s a Good Life” and “Come with Me Now” are now available on the band’s website for free.

“It helps get a little bit of buzz,” Johnny says of releasing each song.

And it’s been working. “It’s a Good Life” has been one of Dallas’ KXT FM’s top songs for the past two or three months.

Although the band hasn’t even been to Dallas, they’ve been thinking of touring after the album is done and going there just because of their popularity. Right now, they’re focusing on grabbing the attention of Phoenix and LA. They’ve played LA many times and will be playing at the House of Blues Foundation Room at the end of August.

The brothers were young when they came to Arizona, but they definitely noticed how different it was going to be.

“[Phoenix] is literally the other side of the world in every way,” Johnny says.

Eventually, they want to make it back to London, but for right now their pockets can only afford Phoenix and LA.

“Phoenix is really great,” Johnny says. “Downtown is really starting to get a scene now. When you go Downtown and a couple places in Tempe, there is a scene happening.”

The Lost Leaf has become the band’s favorite place to play, and they jam there pretty consistently.

“We play a three- to four-hour set there; we play whatever we want, and it has an amazing vibe,” Johnny says.

If you see them live at the Lost Leaf, you’ll truly see music at its rawest. Kongos improvises most of its set, with just a small form of how their song is going to go.

“When it gets packed in there and [the crowd] reacts, we just feed on the energy,” Johnny says. “You can sit in the studio and never know if it connects to people.”

The stage is the one place where Kongos can really let loose, but don’t think these brothers don’t get at each other’s throats from time to time.

“We do fight a lot,” Johnny admits. “We’re brothers at the end of the day. We actually live together, so the farthest we can go is just a couple hundred yards.”

Kongos will play one of its epic sets on Saturday at the Lost Leaf, so stop by and experience their music for yourself. Don’t forget you can download “It’s a Good Life” and “Come with Me Now” FREE just by signing up on their website.

If You Go: Kongos at the Lost Leaf

Saturday, July 31, 9 p.m. until close

914 N. 5th St. in Evans Churchill (light rail at Roosevelt Station) — 602.258.0014

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Make the Scene | Kongos

Market Updates

All this week, CSM card holders can buy any six-pack Four Peaks beer (8th Street Ale or Kilt Lifter) and get the second half-off!

T-Day special @ the Market: Stop by Tuesday or Thursday for a free 4-oz. Market Melon Salsa at the cash registers!

Still haven’t voted for your favorite local farmer’s market? Vote today for Phoenix Public Market! The market is in the lead, so your vote will help to keep it at the top.

Wednesday @ the Market

Truckin’ Good Food will bring its full menu of delicious crepes to the outdoor market tonight. Short Leash Dogs will be in tonight to keep the celebration going for National Hot Dog Month. Doctor Hummus, Troyer Poultry, The Tamale Store, Native American Arts and Crafts and Wei of Chocolate will be joining the market tonight, too.

Saturday @ the Market

Need something to calm a sweet tooth craving? Produce Arizona, a new baker in town, and The Cake Contessa might have a solution for you. Produce Arizona will bring a variety of cheesecakes, its famous Patty cookies and Italian chocolate chip cookies. The Cake Contessa will sell cupcakes. At the end of the night, 50% of the sales will benefit Produce Arizona’s new teen farmer program.

Rainbow Valley Cheese, Arizona Bread, Lil’ Sassy Salsa, Fiscalini Cheese and Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn will be among the other local favorites this week at the market. Absolutely Delightful’s sweet local honey will be on hand, or you could stop by Mi Catering for one of their delectable burritos.

Enjoy some beautiful ceramic creations with Meharian’s and art by Fallen Wood’s. Look for some new designs by Botanicals in Clay and Alley Cat Studio.

Orlando Zapata from Wei of Chocolate still needs your help with his summer donation drive for several local domestic violence shelters. They need kitchen and bath items, toiletries, baby supplies and gift cards are accepted, too. Please help with what you can!

If You Go: Phoenix Public Market and Urban Grocery & Wine Bar

Urban Grocery and Wine Bar: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 8 to 8.
Open-Air Market: Every Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m., every Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
Location: 721 N. Central Ave. (market) / 14 E. Pierce St. (grocery) (NE Corner Central and Pierce, three blocks south of Roosevelt and the new Roosevelt light rail stop!)
Free parking —  MasterCard, VISA, AZ FMNP, WIC Cash Value Vouchers, and food stamps accepted (cash is also welcome!) Sun Cards are welcome, too!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Fresh @ the Market | Have Your Cake

541 W. Monte Vista Rd. in Willo

Nearly hidden by vegitation from Monte Vista Road, the Alberta Apartments

As illustrated in last week’s post on the El Conquistador Apartments, by the beginning of the 1930s, the Willo neighborhood had enacted a zoning ordinance that prevented multifamily housing within its borders. Luckily, the Albert Apartments were built in 1929.

Well aware that a zoning change was on the horizon, builder E.S. Matlock drew up a small, multi-resident Pueblo Revival building for a lot on the corner of Monte Vista Road and 7th Avenue. More than 80 years later, it sits relatively inconspicuous, blending into the fabric of the neighborhood with relative ease.

The Alberta Apartments, as viewed from 7th Avenue.

Brick with a concrete foundation and stucco sheathing, the style is not unlike many of its neighbors. However, its parapet eaves and recessed wood entry would make it distinguishable, if it weren’t nearly hidden by mature vegetation in the front yard. The front veranda, arched proudly and flanked by brick piers, remains in excellent condition.

Air conditioning was installed in 1936, and remains one of the biggest changes, save for some cosmetic improvements over the years. Today it remains a symbol as one of the last “uncontrolled” developments in the neighborhood

Source: Willo-Alvarado Multiple Property Area Historic Resources Survey, 1989.

Is there a historic property in Downtown Phoenix you’d like to see in From the Arizona Room? Email me at si@downtownphoenixjournal.com with the address and a brief description.

*NOTE: The Arizona Room will temporarily close from July 18 to August 12, as it is relocating to the second floor of the Burton Barr Central Library.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

From the Arizona Room | 541 W. Monte Vista Rd. — Alberta Apartments

I took a sweaty walk through Heritage Square on a journey to end my growing hunger. The Teeter House used to just sit as a beacon of Phoenix’s historical past. Now, it serves as a welcomed light for those of us who hunger for sweet Japanese cuisine.

Upon even walking onto the deck, I noticed that this place had been gussied up for the privilege of becoming an iconic restaurant. Inside, Nobuo subtly harkened to its cuisine with its décor. Freshly revitalized walls and a sweet, dark, moody bar set this place off and seemed to remove me from any notion of the hellacious desert heat just beyond the door.

Once seated, I began my usual ritual of scouring the menu looking for each and everything that I wanted to try. The unfortunate problem this menu presented was that I literally wanted to order everything. I settled on the Tonkatsu sandwich, and I had fun attempting to say it. (My Japanese is less than stellar for some reason.)

Once this glorious gem was presented ever so sweetly to me, I was instantly in love. The Tonkastu sandwich consists of pork cutlets on toasted shoku pan (which has an amazing and surprising flavor), heirloom tomatoes and sprinklings of wasabi. Whew son, this stuff is an all-out assault on your senses. Its aroma invades your sinuses from the get-go and each bite increasingly dances on your tongue with a mix of sweet and spice that is unmatched. The pork holds a magnificent consistency and tastes ever so delicious. The dabbling of wasabi caught me off-guard at first, but set the sandwich ablaze with flavor. You will not forget the bevy of tastes that you experience in this one dish.

Fortunately, this is just the beginning for Nobuo, and they are only open for lunch right now. I am anxious to try the dishes that Nobuo rolls out for the upcoming dinner menu. Until then, I will be more than content packing Tonkatsu sandwiches into my Dukes of Hazzard lunchbox.

Nobuo at Teeter House is located in Heritage Square at 622 E. Adams St (light rail station at 3rd Street and Washington/Jefferson) — 602.254.0600

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Sips and Grub | Tonkatsu Sandwich at Nobuo at Teeter House

“… where the needs of the distant future are determined and balanced against the current challenges of providing multimodal transportation in times of shrinking revenues and growing environmental and energy concerns.”

The Central Phoenix study area encompasses much of the Phoenix metropolitan core and is bounded generally by Loop 101 to the west, north and east and by Loop 202 and the Gila River Indian Community to the south. The fact that it covers such a vast area, much of which is outside the traditional definitions of Central Phoenix (or, ahem, CenPho), led the facilitator and some of the participants to more accurately describe the area as the “Central Valley.”

The study’s goal is to develop an environmentally sustainable multimodal transportation network; to determine and prioritize capacity, operational and safety improvements; and form a framework for regional connections and roadways within the study area.

As part of this effort, the CPHX team hosted five focus groups to foster dialogue on specific interests:

• Public safety: This focus group will concentrate on public safety issues and considerations for a long-term multimodal transportation system.

• Commercial interests: This focus group will concentrate on the movements of freight within and through the transportation network and discuss commercial interests specific to aviation, rail and trucking.

• Economic development & downtown development: This focus group will discuss how a multimodal transportation network can support economic development.

• Transit, bike and pedestrian interests: This focus group will concentrate specifically on transit- and pedestrian-oriented and specialized modes of transportation.

• Sustainability and livability: This focus group will concentrate on how a multimodal transportation network can enhance livability and promote sustainability.

I participated in the last three groups, Economic development, transit and sustainability. There was a lot of overlap in each of these sessions. While the moderator did his best to get the groups focused in on the specific topic at hand, it was evident that most of the participants did not see each occurring in a vacuum —  in others words, we realized that downtown development requires adequate transit and pedestrian-oriented transportation to be livable and sustainable (and vice versa).

While I do not have high hopes that these sessions will change anything substantially in the near term (the Project Manager himself said that the framework study will be presented to MAG’s Regional Council for acceptance, meaning that it will not be binding in any way), I nevertheless feel that the sessions were worthwhile. If Central Phoenix (however you define it), is going to be an attractive space for our children and grandchildren to live, we need to start building a common understanding of the challenges ahead and a framework to navigate through them.

Stay tuned for follow-up sessions on the CPHX framework study. In the meantime, if you would like more information, please contact Robert Hazlett, Project Manager, at 602.254.6490, or Peggy Fiandaca, Public Involvement Coordinator, at 480.816.1811, or email the CPHX team.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Central Phoenix Transportation Framework Study

After interim team manager Kirk Gibson won his first game, the tide turned as the team was unable to hold onto leads to win games. After the All-Star break last week, the D-backs headed to San Diego to face the National League West-leading Padres. In a series that promised to be a difficult one, the D-backs were swept once again. With the opening game of the series against San Diego rather lopsided, the two that followed were close, but without victory. After spending time in California, the team returned to Chase Field to play a couple more teams that have had successful records.

On Monday, the D-backs faced the New York Mets. The Mets are in second place in the National League East, all but assuring a tough series. For those of you that don’t know Ike Davis, the former Arizona State Sun Devil has earned his position as the starting first baseman for the Mets. Davis, a graduate of Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, has proven himself extremely well in the Big Leagues. In the first game against the Mets, the D-backs manufactured a convincing victory, winning the game by a total of 11 runs — most certainly a fun game to watch. The following evening was a little closer, as the D-backs edged the Mets by a score of 3 to 2 with Barry Enright gaining his second win as a D-backs pitcher. The third and final game of the series was even closer, as Arizona took part in a marathon game going 14 innings to beat the Mets with a walk-off RBI single. This marked the first time that the D-backs swept a three-game series since last August. The team swept a two-game series against the Giants earlier this year.

After the series against the Mets, the Diamondbacks played Thursday night against another solid National League West competitor, the San Francisco Giants. The Giants’ ace pitcher had the team’s number, as he was able to shut out the D-backs. Into the weekend, the D-backs will continue to face the Giants as Gibson’s record now stands at 6 and 11.

A reminder that Friday night is fireworks night after the game (weather permitting), and it is also singles night, sponsored by 102.5 KNIX and Sauza Tequila. Sauza will host a complimentary tequila tasting before the game. Tickets are only $15 for the event, and can be purchased at dbacks.com using a special promotion code.

Saturday’s promotion has been challenged due to a production error in the Mark Reynolds replica jerseys. The first 15,000 fans will receive vouchers for the jerseys to be redeemed at a later date.

Finally, on Sunday, the first 5,000 kids ages 12 and under will receive a Diamondbacks back-to-school binder. A post-game concert by the Wiggles is included with the ticket price, so bring out the kiddos!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

D-backs Digest | Let the Second Half Begin

The band, comprised of Charlie Brand (vocals, guitar), Rick Schaier (vocals, drums), Algernon Quashie (guitar, keyboard) and Alex Gerber (vocals, bass), was founded by Brand and Schaier in 2006, and they had friends fill in until they found Quashie and Gerber last year.

Miniature Tigers

The Mini Ts have a few notches on their belt when it comes to touring. They toured for seven months in 2009, playing some notable shows with Ben Folds. This year, they’ve already toured with indie bands Free Energy and The Morning Benders.

Now supporting Fortress on the road, DPJ chatted with Brand as he was prepping for a show in Seattle.

“We listen to a lot of music, read and watch movies,” Brand says about what the band does on tour. They explore the cities they play in quite a bit, too. Amongst their favorites: San Francisco, their new hometown of New York and Phoenix, of course.

In all this time on the road, the band has played around with its sound as well. Brand thinks Fortress will be familiar enough to old fans, but it also expands the band’s sound.

“It’s more psychedelic and has more of an experimental element to it,” he says.

Miniature Tigers got their start playing all over Downtown in their Phoenix days at Modified Arts, The Rhythm Room, The Trunk Space and The PHiX. Now, they have been recognized in music bibles like Rolling Stone and SPIN, and will be playing this year’s Lollapalooza, yet Brand feels their musical success has been “slow and steady.”

Yet they’ve hardly been moving slowly lately, having recently shot a video for their new single, “Gold Skull,” produced by Neon Indian, and readying Fortress and an extensive touring itinerary.

Fortress will officially be released on Tuesday, the same day Miniature Tigers will be in Phoenix to play at the Rhythm Room. The Spinto Band, Owan Evans and Phoenix-based rockers Kinch and are also on the bill. The show starts at 7:30, and tickets are only $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

For a preview, listen to “Gold Skull” now.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Make the Scene | Miniature Tigers

Market updates

CSM cardholders can look forward to $5 off bottles of Rancho Rossa Cabernet, Syrah and Mourvedre wine. It’s a full-bodied, estate-bottled red wine blend. Grab ‘em while they’re cheap using your CSM card!

T-Day special: Come in Tuesday or Thursday for buy one, get one free melons! The market has cantaloupe, Crenshaw, Charentais and Galia melons from Blue Sky Farm in the West Valley.

Orlando Zapata from Wei of Chocolate still needs your help with his summer donation drive for several local domestic violence shelters. They need kitchen and bath items, toiletries, baby supplies and gift cards are accepted too. Please help with what you can!

Wednesday @ the Market

It’s National Crème Brulee Day at the market with Torched Goodness. There’s also Short Leash Dogs, The Tamale Store, Nakia’s Kitchen, Troyer Poultry, Cajun Country Spices and Crow’s Dairy join the market today.

Saturday @ the Market

Skip that early morning cup of coffee for a bottle of water and join the Downtown Phoenix Fitness Walk/Jog every Saturday morning at 7 a.m. at Central and Pierce. Wake up to a nice stretch! It’s free and parking is free on the market lot. Get more details at mileclubchallenge.com.

Derrick Mendonca will play live music while you chow down on veggies and melons. The vendors will be providing the perfect meal with beef, poultry, buns and sauces, pasta, cheese and pickles. Raimondo’s, Dr. Hummus, The Gardener’s Kitchen, Mi Catering and more will be providing prepared foods for those who want to sit down for the live music.

If You Go: Phoenix Public Market and Urban Grocery & Wine Bar

Urban Grocery and Wine Bar: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 8 to 8.
Open-Air Market: Every Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m., every Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
Location: 721 N. Central Ave. (market) / 14 E. Pierce St. (grocery) (NE Corner Central and Pierce, three blocks south of Roosevelt and the new Roosevelt light rail stop!)
Free parking —  MasterCard, VISA, AZ FMNP, WIC Cash Value Vouchers, and food stamps accepted (cash is also welcome!) Sun Cards are welcome, too!

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

Fresh @ the Market | Pierce Street Grant

330 W. McDowell Rd. in Willo

If you’re looking for an excellent, well-preserved example of Spanish eclectic architecture, look no further than the El Conquistador Apartments building on McDowell Road and 5th Avenue. The building represents an iconic era for this neighborhood, when McDowell was becoming one of the city’s major retail thoroughfares and the neighborhoods to the north and south were beginning to fill up nicely.

The apartments were completed in November 1931 by architect Wallingford & Bell and contractor William G. Elder, and represented a then rare and desirable trait: Multi-family housing that abutted the quiet Willo neighborhood following a city zoning ordinance in 1930 that zoned the subdivision for single-family buildings only. Because the tract of land is on McDowell, the apartments were completed without controversy.

The building was owned by Mrs. Effie Anne Purcell, who rented it out to tenants for several years.

With just nine units, the two-story building was a hot commodity from the day it opened. Brick with a concrete foundation and clay tile roofing, the exposed rafters and wooden French door entries were a hit with residents. The building has been altered, most notably with all-new windows and sashes and some infill spots on first-floor openings.

Source: Willo-Alvarado Multiple Property Area Historic Resources Survey, 1989.

Is there a historic property in Downtown Phoenix you’d like to see in From the Arizona Room? Email me at si@downtownphoenixjournal.com with the address and a brief description.

*NOTE: The Arizona Room will temporarily close from July 18 to August 2, as it is relocating to the second floor of the Burton Barr Central Library.

Catrina, Si and the rest of the staff thank you for reading.

From the Arizona Room | 330 W. McDowell Rd. — El Conquistador Apartments