When you think of Arizona, the image of palm trees might come to mind, swaying gracefully against the backdrop of a brilliant sunset. With thousands of these iconic plants scattered throughout the Valley, it’s easy to assume that they are native to the region. However, the truth may surprise you: most palm trees found in Arizona are not indigenous to the state.

The Palm Tree Landscape of Arizona

Arizona is home to a variety of palm trees, including date palms, queen palms, and Mexican fan palms, which have become ubiquitous in urban landscapes and resorts. Landmarks such as the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear, and the Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe all pay homage to the Aracaceae plant family. They serve as a symbol of the desert oasis, offering a visual representation of relief from the arid climate.

The One Native Palm

The sole native palm tree found in Arizona is the California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera). This hardy palm is only found in rugged Palm Canyon at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, nestled between Quartzite and Yuma. Interestingly, even this species is believed to have arrived in Arizona through natural means, such as coyote or bird droppings, thousands of years ago.

A curator of botany at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum once noted that this palm is the state’s only naturally occurring variety, with pockets of growth found in southern California and northern Mexico as well. He suggests that palm trees hold an iconic status in landscaping because they symbolize survival in a hot, dry climate, making them a desirable choice for garden designers.

The Origins of Popular Varieties

While the California fan palm may be the only native species, many popular varieties of palm trees have their roots elsewhere:

• Mexican Fan Palms: These are the most common variety in Arizona and originate from northern Mexico. They are known for their long, towering trunks and the pesky seed pods they produce each summer.
• Queen Palms: Native to Brazil and Argentina, queen palms are graceful but can be temperamental when faced with Arizona’s scorching summers and winter frosts.
• Date Palms: Hailing from the Middle East and North Africa, date palms are recognized for their thick trunks and sweet fruit, which is about 50% sugar by weight. However, they also come with dangerously sharp spikes that require careful maintenance.
• Royal Palms: True to their name, royal palms exude luxury and are native to south Florida, the Caribbean, and tropical regions of Mexico.

So, the next time you relax by the pool, sipping a cold drink and admiring the palm trees around you, take a moment to appreciate the visionaries who brought these non-native varieties to Arizona. While they may not be indigenous to the region, they have certainly become an integral part of the southwestern landscape, offering beauty and a touch of the exotic in the heart of the desert.

Related Link:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-contributor/2016/03/22/palm-trees-native-arizona/82106610

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In the rich tapestry of Phoenix’s transportation history, few stories are as poignant as that of ValTrans—the ambitious mass transit project that never came to fruition. ValTrans was envisioned as a 103-mile elevated rail system in the Valley, mirroring the successful Vancouver, British Columbia SkyTrain. Despite the potential it held for transforming the region’s transit landscape, it became another casualty of voter skepticism, ultimately shaping the future of public transportation in Phoenix in unexpected ways.

A Grand Vision

With a vision to ease traffic congestion and lessen environmental impact, ValTrans was designed to be a comprehensive public transit solution. The proposal included more than just elevated rail lines; it also envisioned 1,500 new buses and a commuter train connecting Chandler and downtown Phoenix. Additionally, it promised a hefty investment of $300 million for freeway improvements. Hiring the very architect behind the SkyTrain, the ValTrans proponents aimed high and laid out a plan that positioned public transit as a viable alternative to the region’s car-centric culture.

The Voter Response

However, when the proposal went to vote, the response was lukewarm at best. In a sweeping rejection, Maricopa County voters turned down ValTrans with a staggering 2-to-1 margin. The defeat raised eyebrows and left many pondering the reasons behind such overwhelming voter disapproval. Critics had their say, labeling the proposal a boondoggle—too costly, too intricate, and perhaps too ambitious for a city that was still very much reliant on cars. Unsubstantiated rumors circulated that strong opposition from areas like Scottsdale and Sun City played a role in the proposal’s downfall, but the reality was more complex and rooted in broader concerns about urban planning and funding.

The Ripple Effects

Former Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard reflects on the impact of ValTrans’s rejection, noting that without it, the growth patterns in the Valley would have been markedly different. The absence of an effective mass transit system stoked suburban sprawl and decentralized housing developments, leading to longer commutes and an increasing reliance on automobiles. Had ValTrans passed, Goddard believes we would have seen a more concentrated urban development pattern with housing and amenities clustered around transit lines—promoting walkable communities and reducing environmental footprints.

It wasn’t until nearly two decades later that light rail finally made its way into the Valley with the launch of a 29.8-mile system, which continues to expand. Though Valley Metro has made significant strides with light rail and partner streetcar services in cities like Tempe, many still ponder the “what-ifs” of ValTrans.

Reflecting on the Legacy

While the current system caters to a growing population, the lessons learned from ValTrans serve as a cautionary tale for future transit initiatives. It highlights the importance of voter engagement, education, and the need to address community concerns comprehensively. As urban areas grapple with the challenges of growth and sustainability, the vision of ValTrans stands as a reminder of how critical public transit can be in shaping our cities.

Today, as we navigate the complexities of modern transportation needs, we must remember that ambition and vision, when coupled with public support, can rewrite the narrative of urban living. ValTrans may have been “the one that got away,” but its story continues to resonate as Phoenix looks toward a future where public transportation can finally take its rightful place in the Valley’s growth story.

Related Links:

https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/14/phoenix-valtrans-delayed-light-rail-expansion-decades

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Angels Flight, a beloved landmark in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike for over a century. This iconic 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge funicular railway has a rich history and has become an integral part of the city’s heritage.

The railway consists of two funicular cars, Olivet and Sinai, which traverse a distance of 298 feet (91 m) and ascend a vertical gain of 96 feet (29 m). Angels Flight has operated on two different sites, with the original location running from 1901 until 1969, when it made way for redevelopment.

Following a fatal accident, the second location opened in 1996, offering a connection between Hill Street and California Plaza. However, it faced multiple closures and safety concerns, leading to a nine-year hiatus before resuming operations in 2010. After further safety enhancements, Angels Flight reopened in 2017, serving as an economic link and a charming mode of transportation for locals and visitors.

Throughout its history, Angels Flight has held a special place in the hearts of Angelenos. It has been both a tourist attraction and a practical means of transportation for workers commuting between the Downtown Historic Core and Bunker Hill. The quaint railway has witnessed the city’s evolution while retaining its nostalgic charm.

The original Angels Flight, built in 1901 by Colonel J. W. Eddy, operated with a good safety record for 68 years. Although it had its share of accidents, it remained a beloved fixture until its closure in 1969. Numerous companies owned and operated the railway during this period, with the city eventually taking control and initiating its dismantling.

Recognizing its historical significance, the Cultural Heritage Board designated Angels Flight as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1962. This recognition solidified the railway’s place in the city’s collective memory and spurred efforts to preserve its legacy.

Angels Flight holds a unique place in the fabric of Los Angeles, seamlessly blending history, nostalgia, and practicality. Its reopening in recent years has been celebrated as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its iconic landmarks. As the cars traverse the short but steep incline, passengers are transported not only in distance but also in time, experiencing a piece of Los Angeles history that continues to captivate and inspire.

If you’re looking for further details about Angel’s Flight, you can visit:https://www.angelsflight.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_Flight

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