BLOG.

THE PRESIDIO

2/12/2017

UPDATE JANUARY 2018 - BELLA VITA IS NOT IN BUSINESS AT THE PRESIDIO ANY LONGER

More than two months since its Grand Opening and I'm just now getting around to see the impressive Presidio Residents Club for the very first time.

This afternoon, I had some time to spare and offered to take my daughter swimming for "no more than" an hour. Well, here we are 4 hours later. And I'm completely blown away.

RESORT STYLE LIVING

Many residents have posted on the Estrella Mountain Residents Facebook community page about how nice the facility is and how wonderful the food is at Bella Vita Café. The reviews are completely understated.

When we arrived, the gathering room to the left was empty. Being a Sunday, it didn't seem out of place. But, we could hear people to the right. Peek around the corner, and that's where the restaurant and fitness room are located.

Before my daughter headed out to the pool, we were greeted by a warm smile and great humor. Bella Vita's restaurant was full of employees getting ready for the day and Jeremy was happy to answer our questions. I'm huge fan of friendly people and Jeremy was the perfect person to run into today!

THE POOL AND PATIO

Admittedly, we were some of the first people on the patio and the pool was empty. But, not for long. Families filtered in quickly. It was pretty full by the time we left. I'm happy to see the facility being used.

Andrew, a maintenance tech, was so kind and helpful as my daughter's resident card wouldn't open the gate. Looks like we need to make a quick trip to the Starpointe to get a new card. But, well worth it as she wants to plan her next get together at the Presidio.

She loved the heated pool... and the HOA employee at the front desk was kind to show her how to start the splash pad fountains!

BELLA VITA CAFÉ

We chose to order some garlic cheese knots while waiting for a pizza at Bella Vita. Let's just say those were gone in a flash.

The wind picked up and the temp dropped, so we left the patio and headed into the restaurant for lunch.

Brittney was our server and was so kind and helpful. I truly don't remember the last time we had top notch service like this... we don't get out much... but today's service was exceptional.

It looks like many of the tables had these fun boxes of cards on them. We opened them up and got a kick out of all the sayings inside.

The pizza takes about 20-25 minutes to make as it's prepared fresh. Wow! It was wonderful and we had enough leftovers to enjoy at home.

Of course, the Smores dessert we brought home was gone before it hit the fridge.

FEW GLITCHES

As with any new business, we had a few glitches. When I called the Presidio this morning for business hours, the recording mentioned I had called the "EJC" and to leave a message. It'd be helpful for the Presidio to have a custom greeting with hours and the address in the message. When I called later today, the phone was answered by an employee. So, I'm guessing the recording comes on after hours.

Also, I posted the Presidio address and phone number on the Estrella Mountain Residents Contacts page. But, it'd be nice to see the Presidio have its own webpage or Facebook page. The HOA page still shows the Presidio "opening soon". I know the new HOA Communications Director is working on this. But, the sooner this facility is convenient for residents to find, the better.

The Presidio certainly has that new, fresh, clean feel to it. The weather was perfect and I was surprised more people weren't there today. I never considered the Presidio as a destination for a day or night out... but that changed after today. I'll certainly take my family to Bella Vita for dinner the next time they're in town!

Best advice? Trust Jeremy when he recommends the "Freak Show."

CONNECT

THE PRESIDIO
Phone: 623-322-7841
Address: 18209 W. Calistoga Drive, Goodyear, Arizona 85338

BELLA VITA CAFÉ
Phone: 623-444-9457
On Facebook

bella_vita_menu.jpg
File Size:	2088 kb
File Type:	jpg

Download File

PART OF THE SOLUTION

11/8/2015

If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.”
― Eldridge Cleaver

With the recent Liberty Elementary School District override election loss, I thought it might be worthwhile to share some ways in which residents can get involved and make a difference.

Whether you want your efforts to remain close to home or if you're willing to explore opportunities down the hill, here are just a few ideas.

Please let me know if you'd like to see any additional charities added.

VOLUNTEER IN ESTRELLA

ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Estrella Mountain Elementary School has a Cougar Community Volunteer program. Anyone from the community is welcome to help out. The school also has the Watch D.O.G.S. program encouraging fathers to get involved.

WESTAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Westar Elementary has an active PTO program. You can find them on Facebook here. You also can request to be on their email blast here.

ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS HIGH SCHOOL

As I don't have a child at the high school yet, I'm not sure what all is available a the high school. However, this is the link to contact the school to ask.

THE HOA IN ESTRELLA

Estrella is currently taking applications for new members on a variety of committees. If you're interested in any of the following, you should apply:

Budget/Finance
Communications
Landscape
Social

Also looking for voting members

Click on the photo to the right to download the form and fill it out. -->

ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS BIKE PARK

The award-winning bike park in Estrella is in constant need of volunteers. Visit their Facebook page here.

ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN CHURCH AND PRESCHOOL

Here is the contact link to call to see if they are in need of help with various programs throughout the year. Through HeartBeat of Estrella, the church also has a program called Operation Christmas Child. A wrapping party will be held November 13th at the Starpointe Residents Club.

VOLUNTEER IN GOODYEAR

CITY OF GOODYEAR

Volunteer Services offers residents the opportunity to be part of the "Goodyear Gives Back" program. Working as a team with staff and other dedicated volunteers, they can make a difference and "give back" to their community. Whether it is lending a hand at special one-day events such as the "Star Spangled Fourth" or assisting employees in city offices with various tasks, their commitment and support is an integral part of the success in growing a vibrant community.

Volunteer Opportunities with the City of Goodyear include: (click here to see all)

Adopt-A-Park
Adopt-A-Street
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Fire Corps
Fire Cadets
Goodyear Spring Training and Ballpark Events
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
You Are Not Alone (YANA)

Apply online to volunteer with the city here.

CITY OF GOODYEAR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

City of Goodyear residents are invited to participate in the process of City of Goodyear government. One of the most effective ways to participate is through service on one of the City’s citizen boards, commissions, or committees. Through these services, civic minded citizens become involved in their local government and make recommendations to the Goodyear City Council. As a result, the City benefits from the vast knowledge, experience and expertise of its citizens.

Board and commission member positions are all voluntary and are appointed by the City Council. Once appointed the time commitment for each board/commission varies, some meet on a regular schedule, others on an as needed basis. Preparation for some meetings may require additional time obligations. Once committed, your attendance at all regularly scheduled meetings is critical.

Click here to see which openings are available.

NONPROFITS IN NEED

The West Valley has numerous nonprofit organizations that can use help. Here's a link to a few that we know about.

STATE OF ARIZONA

Here is a link to Boards and Commissions in the State of Arizona.

GET ON THE PERMANENT EARLY VOTING LIST

If all else fails, you can vote.

Arizona now has a law that allows a voter to place their name on a "Permanent Early Voting List". This means that once a voter is on the list, they will receive an early ballot by mail for any election in which they are eligible to vote. Approximately 27 days prior to the specified election, a ballot will automatically be mailed to the voters on that list.

Link

ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN RESIDENTS CHARITY PROGRAM

If you're looking to help those in need within our own community, please check out our charity program here. An ad for your company or cause is just $20 a month and you'll be invited to group photos with each donation. A great way to exposure for your company and to give back at the same time!