ABOUT US

Keeping Cave Creek, Cave Creek is an ongoing Sonoran News effort – to preserve the desert rural, equestrian lifestyle chosen by our residents.

Sonoran News is printed on the first and third Wednesday of each month, while the online version is updated daily, by Conestoga Merchants, Inc. dba Sonoran News, and distributed free of charge to homes and businesses throughout the Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Hills, New River, Tatum Ranch, Rio Verde, N. Phoenix and N. Scottsdale areas including Zip Codes 85331, 85327, 85377, 85262 and 85266.

Sonoran News was founded in 1995 as a community watchdog. The paper has remained true to its mission: It is dedicated to exposing corrupt and unethical local, county, state and national business and political practices.

Historically, Sonoran News accomplishments include:

– Sonoran News has taken positions on candidates and issues affecting members of the local community and beyond. Examples of the impact of Sonoran News on vital issues:

– In local elections 80-90% of the candidates for local office Sonoran Newsendorses win. There has been a steady improvement in the quality and integrity of Cave Creek town staff, councils, and commissions.

– Sonoran News was first and most voracious in its coverage about preserving Spur Cross Ranch, a 5,000-acre desert preserve the local residents taxed themselves to save from development.

– Two other developments, Park West and Southwest Sands, that would have changed the face of this desert rural community, were also successfully fought by Sonoran News.

– Sonoran News was the first newspaper to endorse and support Proposition 200, an Arizona state initiative passed in November 2004 which voters rallied behind at the polls, requiring individuals to produce proof of citizenship before they may register to vote or apply for public benefits in Arizona.

– Sonoran News was the first to fight illegal immigration, exposing and stop badge-making (identification for day laborers) and free breakfasts for illegal aliens in Cave Creek at taxpayer expense.

– Habitat for Humanity has been exposed for predatory lending practices. Homeowners must retain ownership for seven years to earn any equity and thirty years to earn 100% equity.

– Sonoran News is a good neighbor with a good conscience and a strong community service voice.

We reserve the right to reject any proposed advertising. No parts of this publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission from the publisher.

ARIZONA NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

2011
2nd: Advertising – Most Effective Use of Small Space

2010
2nd: Best Column, Analysis/Commentary
(Don Sorchych’s “My View” – Hayworth v. McCain)
3rd: Best Black and White Ad

2009
1st: Best Special Section
1st: Best Column, Analysis/Commentary
(Don Sorchych’s “My View”)
2nd: Best Color Ad
3rd: Best Column, Analysis/Commentary
(Becky Fenger’s “Fenger Pointing”)

2008
1st: Editorial Page Excellence
2nd: Best Paid Ad Series (Color)
2nd: Best Newspaper Online Website
3rd: Best Special Section
3rd: Best Column, Analysis/Commentary

2007
1st: Best Headline
2nd: Best Column, Analysis/ Commentary
3rd: Editorial Page Excellence

2006
1st: Best Headline
1st: Best Column, Analysis/ Commentary
2nd: Best Column, Analysis/ Commentary
2nd: Best Color Ad
3rd: Best Column, Analysis/ Commentary

2005
1st: Most Effective Use of Small Space
1st: Paid Ad Series B&W
2nd: Best Newspaper Online Website
2nd: General Excellence in Advertising
2nd: Best Color Ad
3rd: Best Headline
3rd: Best Column, Analysis/ Commentary
3rd: Best B&W Ad
3rd: Best Pro Bono Public Services Ad

2004
1st:: Best Web/Banner Ad
1st: Best Single Retail Ad
2nd: Best Column, Analysis/ Commentary
3rd: Best Column
Hon. Men.: Editorial Excellence

2003
1st: Best Column, Feature, Human Interest
2nd: Best Newspaper Online Website
2nd: Best Column Analysis/Commentary
2nd: Best Single Retail Ad (B/W)
2nd: Editorial Page Excellence
Hon. Men.: Newspaper Online Site

2002
1st: Best Classified Ad Promotion
1st: Best Column, Analysis/Commentary
Hon. Men.: Best Paid Ad Series (B/W)
Hon. Men.: Editorial Page Excellence

2000
1st: Best Sustained Coverage or Series
1st: Editorial Page Excellence
Hon. Men.: General/Departmental News Coverage

1999
Hon. Men.: Editorial Page Excellence

1998
2nd: Best Column
3rd: Best News Photograph

1997
1st: Editorial Page Excellence

1996
1st: General/Departmental News Coverage
2nd: Most Effective Use of Small Space
3rd: Best News Photograph