Alycia de Mesa poses for a photo on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation Photo courtesy of Carrie Sage Curley (San Carlos Apache) Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates In a digital world where stories are easily shared but not always protected, Alycia de Mesa (Apache of Chihuahua) asked: How can Indigenous traditional knowledge be preserved without losing community control?  These were the kinds of questions embedded in de Mesa's doctoral dissertation for her in human and social dimensions of science and technology degree in the School for the Future of Innovation When she first stepped foot on campus in 2015 de Mesa arrived not as a student but as a faculty instructor in storytelling Two years of teaching graduate and undergraduate students inspired her own academic journey but it was only once she began a class in Indigenous research methodologies that everything changed I had a framework and vocabulary for ontologies, ways of knowing ethics and values that are completely Indigenous worldview centric …that completely turned my world around in terms of how I was thinking about my PhD research.” ”Centering Indigenous Knowledge Sovereignty for Community Memory Keeping: An Exploration of Digital Storytelling and Countermapping,” was not only tied to her maternal lineage and upbringing on traditional Onk Akimel O'odham land it became the foundation for a living project for intergenerational learning and sharing for Apaches in Arizona and Northern Mexico involves reimagining maps through a decolonized lens without borders or colonial place names centering place-based stories of Indigenous peoples After two years of development with ASU student teams and advisement from ASU Native faculty and Apache knowledge holders the Chi’chil Countermapping Project focused on sharing Apache stories of chi’chilWestern Apache for the Emory oak acorn/Quercus emoryi. a traditional and culturally significant food in the Western Apache diet and practices. The map embedded in the online platform was designed to show where the chi’chil grows across the Southwest and Northern Mexico and to share place-based stories from Apache community members from San Carlos Apache Reservation and in Chihuahua The digital map is now offered in English and Spanish with plans to utilize it within the San Carlos Apache community “I didn’t want my research to be a 252-page document that just sat somewhere I wanted something active and alive for community benefit We call this a living project because the San Carlos Apache Tribal community was involved in creating it and the project will be turned over to them afterwards It will continue to evolve for the needs of the community.” and with gratitude to the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council and community members the goal remains that any individual in the project has the sovereign right to determine if their family story continues to be included or not.  I can say for sure this was never a lone ride I feel very blessed that there were Apache and non-Native people willing to support this project and me to complete my PhD.”  Note: Answers may have been edited for length and/or clarity Question: What’s something that surprised you or changed your perspective while at ASU Answer: It would be the Indigenous research methodologies classes. These were very specifically rooted in Indigenous research theory and Indigenous and decolonial methodologies A key one is called ‘Two-Eyed Seeing,’ a decolonial methodology and approach to integrative science coined by elder Dr we have our own worldviews and traditional knowledge then the Western world has its own views and technologies Two-Eyed Seeing approaches science with strong Indigenous and Western perspectives.  As an older Indigenous woman I felt like a kid again taking these classes this is how I should have been learning all my life Q: Were there any faculty members who had a big impact on you librarian and director of Labriola National American Indian Data Center It was really powerful to have an all woman doctoral committee They all come from different complementary transdisciplinary fields such as Indigenous storytelling and narratives sustainability, bioethics and digital data sovereignty Also having the support from Apache community knowledge holders as well as other members who were involved at San Carlos in particular I couldn’t have done it without all these folks Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school Sometimes they are very different in their life experiences and perspectives and not all have credentials at the end of their name The challenge is to listen and work together towards something that is going to be of sound ethical benefit and also have a  framework around it from beginning to end when working with communities When we’re talking about Native communities there is a lot of time and care and just extra love and commitment that goes toward working with Native communities They deserve this after decades/centuries of mistreatment and exploitation Collaborating and working with Native communities is a long-long term commitment Q: What’s one change you’d love to see in the world — and how would you use your degree to help make it happen the one thing I’d like to change is a greater intergenerational awareness when it comes to the Earth and what it means to care for the Earth itself That is probably the biggest change I’d like to see: a much healthier knowledge base attitudes in context to living interdependently with our Earth — no matter who you are or where you come from I pray that our tribal communities have all the resources they need to make sure their tribal and traditional lands are healthy and cared for now and for future generations.  He will graduate from Arizona State University in May with a Doctor of Musical Arts in wind band conducting and a graduate… dancers with their faces wrapped in red fabric or a ceiling full of balloons Arizona State University student Valkyrie Yao brings stunning visuals to her… who is graduating from the ASU School of Art’s MFA program this spring has been recognized by her professors for consistently going above and beyond expectations — both in her… Here are some of our most read articles that might interest you By: 5:00 am on April 25 The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the project team alongside Mayor Sara McDowell 1233-1242 Cherry Street proposed site map showcasing the re-aligned alleyway illustration by Van Meter Williams Pollack Cherry Street Commons will eventually rise five floors to contain 33 apartments Dwellings will be priced as affordable to low-income or moderate-income households One unit will be set aside for the manager’s use Residential amenities will include a community kitchen Van Meter Williams Pollack is the project architect Illustrations show a modestly well-designed contemporary Mediterranean-style complex with smooth stucco finish and clay tile roofing The ground level is improved by decorative archways with blue tiles image via Google Satellite outlined approximately by YIMBY The roughly 0.3-acre property is located along Cherry Street between Laurel and Walnut Street Future residents will be close to the city’s commercial corridor along Laurel Street Demolition of the existing office building and six-unit apartment complex has been completed Construction is expected to last less than two years with the first residents to move in as early as 2026 Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews ga('send', 'event', ‘Robert ‘Becker, 'Impression', 'https://sfyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/desktop-ad.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); ADVERTISEMENT ga('send', 'event', 'SF YIMBY', 'Impression', 'https://sfyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/sfyimbyadnews.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); ga('send', 'event', 'SF YIMBY', 'Impression', 'https://sfyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/sf-yimby-dot-com-graphic.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); Follow on Instagram © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY LLC Days after Emily Pike reported being sexually assaulted on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in 2023 a federal investigator was ready to close the case for lack of evidence A special agent with the Bureau of Indian Affairs said the 13-year-old could not answer questions about the attack and offered details that could not be independently verified according to interviews and records shared with The Arizona Republic "Emily was unable to provide specific dates and times of when such offenses actually occurred," Special Agent Jose Verdugo wrote in a July 19 "The case lacked physical evidence and/or corroborating information." Attorney's Office "regarding the information and concluded the case would not be suitable for federal prosecution." But federal prosecutors maintain no federal or tribal law enforcement agency submitted a case for a review of charges a required step before a prosecution is declined Attorney's Office told The Republic it has no record of receiving paperwork or phone calls suggesting any agency tried to make a case in Emily's sexual assault even after tribal authorities briefly arrested a suspect in 2023 Attorney's Office spokesperson Esther Winne said The tribe has faced scrutiny over its handling of the sexual assault report which occurred 18 months before Emily ran away from a Mesa group home Her dismembered body was discovered off Highway 60 on Valentine's Day An April 15 investigation by The Republic found the tribe's Game and Fish Department not the San Carlos Apache Police Department and tribal prosecutors released the suspect The sexual assault and its aftermath help to explain Emily's dramatic behavioral shift She went from a soft-spoken and smiling artist to a withdrawn self-destructive teen who attempted suicide on multiple occasions even after the tribal Social Services Department removed her from her home in Peridot Tribal leaders promised an independent review to find out why the alleged assailant wasn't charged and why the tribe's "specialized law enforcement officers were excluded from the investigation." A Bureau of Indian Affairs spokesperson told The Republic on April 30 the sexual assault was "closed administratively" because of insufficient evidence it can be reopened if additional information or evidence is provided," BIA spokesperson Joshua Barnett said in an email Barnett maintained the BIA conducted a full investigation into Emily's sexual assault report including arranging a specialized forensic interview at a child advocacy center He said the BIA coordinated its investigation with federal and tribal prosecutors and the tribal Social Services Department He declined to describe the role each played in the case or say if each agency was involved in the decision to close it The tribe's Game and Fish Department referred all questions to Alexander Ritchie Attorney's Office for refusing to prosecute and said any suggestion otherwise was "absolutely false." Ritchie said he dealt directly with Assistant U.S but Ritchie provided no documentation of their communication Attorney's Office disputed Ritchie's claim "We have heard that allegation before," Winne said adding that Simon has no records relating to a submission in Emily's sexual assault case and can't recall any official conversations about it Even if a federal prosecutor received a call from a law enforcement official Attorney's Office requires all cases to be submitted in writing before a charging decision is made There's no record of that happening in Emily's sexual assault case Tribal authorities are almost always the first to respond to criminal calls on tribal lands They work hand in hand with federal law enforcement agencies which are charged with investigating crimes such as murder The FBI investigates sexual assault cases involving children 12 and younger The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigates cases of sexual assault of children 13 and older The agencies are supposed to submit cases to the U.S Misdemeanor cases can be handled by tribal prosecutors The finger-pointing among federal and tribal agencies underscores what Emily's relatives describe as systemic failures in the tribal social safety net and why so many agencies were unable to protect her  "Everyone let that girl down," Emily's uncle Allred Pike Jr An emergency call in the summer of 2023 sent officers from Game and Fish to a hill behind Emily's house where they discovered the traumatized girl Emily identified a relative as her alleged assailant He was arrested and later released without charges Tribal Social Services took custody of Emily and placed her in a Mesa group home for her own safety in August 2023 Group home owner Liz Morales told The Republic Emily already had a history of suicide when she arrived; that she had tried to hang herself weeks earlier and had cut marks on her arm Emily's stay in the group home was punctuated by runaway attempts, according to interviews and records Emily ran away four times between September and November 2023 A group home staff member found her in a master bedroom closet with a shoestring around her neck and tied to a doorknob She tried again a few weeks later while on a family trip to Colorado Emily was admitted into a secure behavioral treatment center for a year before returning to the group home about a month before she ran away for the last time according to police reports and interviews Morales said Emily had expressed concerns about her mother and believes she was trying to return home to Peridot Her remains were found more than two weeks later in a pair of trash bags on a berm about 27 miles north of Globe Her torso and head were found in one bag and her legs in another San Carlos Apache tribal leaders initially blamed the group home for failing to protect Emily and other children in their care The tribe on March 24 publicly named Morales' company and requested a state review of licensing requirements for all residential care facilities the tribe promised "to retain expert law enforcement assistance to review the processes policies and procedures used in response to Emily's 2023 allegations." It said all contacts and interviews with Emily by law enforcement behavioral health and group home officials would be reviewed "The tribe is conducting this internal investigation to bring clarity to Emily's case and to ensure stronger protections for vulnerable individuals," the statement said The San Carlos Apache Tribe in March announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in Emily's homicide case Tribal community members privately raised money to put up billboards advertising the reward in Miami Women painted red handprints across their mouths and faces to represent the inability of victims to cry out wants questions about Emily's sexual assault to stop she told The Republic she worries her daughter won't be able to "rest" if her past is continually dredged up She said Emily won't be able to find peace Dosela said the focus needs to be on finding her killer Dosela confirmed she was present when the Bureau of Indian Affairs agent and a tribal official interviewed Emily about the assault She said she felt like the agent disliked her family or "was tired of hearing" about them Jensen lived on the streets in Phoenix and has been in and out of prison He is currently incarcerated in Eloy on arson and criminal damage charges Lawyers representing Jensen said on April 25 they were preparing to sue Morales' group home who spends much of her day posting memories of Emily and sharing pictures of other missing children on Facebook said she was not involved in the lawsuit and has no interest in benefiting financially from her daughter's death She said she is now a month and a half sober and her only interest was in keeping other kids safe "No amount of money in the world can make me happy," she said Robert Anglen is an investigative reporter for The Republic. Reach him at robert.anglen@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X @robertanglen Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember John King announced at the end of Monday’s Fort Myers Beach Council meeting he wants the town council to consider annexing San Carlos Island King received support from town councilmembers at Monday’s meeting for discussing the proposal further at a management and planning session None of the councilmembers expressed outright objections to King’s proposal though there were no definitive endorsements either except for putting the matter on the agenda for discussion San Carlos Island is currently an unincorporated section of Lee County with Fort Myers Beach postal addresses “I would like the town council to consider annexing San Carlos Island,” King told councilmembers on Monday at a public meeting “I am not seeking to do this to harm the relationship we have worked hard to restore at the county,” King said “I just think this is something that is about Fort Myers Beach and the town growing itself a lot of folks look at that as the entrance to Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers questioned what the process would entail “I wouldn’t even know what the process is to start that,” Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers said King said it would be a “a lengthy one and a considerable one.” Town counsel Nancy Stuparich said there are two different processes for an annexation Stuparich said annexations are usually involuntary when a government annexes territory though they can also be voluntary to support a new neighborhood or development The area to be annexed must be contiguous to the municipality’s boundaries San Carlos Island covers the area after Hurricane Pass Bridge on San Carlos Boulevard to the Matanzas Pass Bridge The area includes prominent businesses such as Salty Sam’s Marina Erickson & Jensen Seafood and the shrimping boat docks Key West Express as well as residential neighborhoods where the Bay Harbour Marina Village – a commercial and residential project has been approved One major result of such an annexation would be a new layer of taxation for property owners in that area Being part of Lee County also enables San Carlos Island residents to maintain their 25% discount through the National Flood Insurance Program which Lee County was able to retain while Fort Myers Beach lost theirs and is currently under probation from FEMA The Town of Fort Myers Beach is also in need of revenue as it owes the state an $11.9 million bridge loan it received after Hurricane Ian that has not been forgiven by Gov Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Scott Safford asked King if he was wanting to annex San Carlos Island or also the area that covers further down San Carlos Boulevard to cover the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District “”With me it’s all about the numbers,” Safford said King predicted his proposal would give some in the public an opportunity to “rake me over the coals on social media.” who family has lived on the island and operated businesses there for decades said she does not believe there is much support on the island for King’s proposal “The residents and property owners I know on San Carlos Island do not want to become part of the Town of Fort Myers Beach,” she said “I do not think that is a good idea,” Semmer said “San Carlos Island includes our industrial working waterfront for Lee County a ship yard that accommodates large vessels industrial marine construction facilities including Lee County’s Industrial Marine Yard a US Coast Guard military base that are all necessary but not compatible with the goals and future plans of the Town of Fort Myers Beach.” Semmer questioned the experience of Fort Myers Beach leaders would have in representing San Carlos Island whose interests are different than those of the town King want San Carlos Island?,” Semmer said “What additional tax burden and permitting requirements would be imposed on the residents of San Carlos Island What benefit would it bring to the residents and property owners on San Carlos Island?” Copyright © FORT MYERS - Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin | Contact | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Pilot Commander wins the San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita Park Sent off as the 2-5 favorite in the five-horse San Carlos Pilot Commander and rider Juan Hernandez broke from the rail and stalked the leaders from close range along that inside path never much more than a length off the lead He hit the six-furlong mark in 1:10.59 then battled grittily to the wire while remaining on his left lead The final time for seven furlongs on the dirt track rated fast was 1:23.98 but he showed a lot of heart," said CSLR's Alex Childs "Bob has done an incredible job with the horse Sign up for BloodHorse Daily For All Mankind  finished three-quarters of a length behind in second finished another half-length back in third It was the fifth San Carlos win for Baffert who said removing blinkers from Pilot Commander in his previous start might have made a difference to his trainee which he needed to do today," Baffert said "I knew he was caught in a tight spot he's gonna have to really show his grit CSLR purchased Pilot Commander for $700,000 at the 2023 Ocala Breeders' Sales March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training Pilot Commander has won four times and finished second twice in seven starts He is the 19th graded winner for leading fourth-crop sire Justify who stands at Ashford Stud in Kentucky for an advertised fee of $250,000 in 2025 all she wants to be is a racehorse," said Raabe who handled the trainer's duties for the race Thomas is going into his sixth year training the majority of owner/breeder George Strawbridge Jr.'s stable The trainer acquired Tirupati for Strawbridge during the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale The Wilshire victory makes Tirupati the fourth graded stakes winner among Mitole's first foals Pilot Commander wins his 2023 debut at Del Mar sprint seven furlongs on the main track He weakened slightly late in each of those two starts losing the San Vicente by 2 3/4 lengths and the Malibu by 2 1/2 lengths He faces significantly easier company in the San Carlos entering Saturday's race off a confidence-building 2 1/2-length victory against second-level allowance optional claiming runners Feb 1 when sprinting six furlongs at Santa Anita That race marked his only start since he turned 4 at the start of the year returns in the irons for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and owners CSLR Racing Partners won the San Carlos and the Triple Bend Stakes (G2) during the first half of 2023 but after going unplaced in three starts over the summer and fall Saturday's race is his first since he ran ninth in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G2) in late September of that year A newcomer to a California turf course is Don Alberto Stable's Alpha Bella  who was thrice second in graded stakes on dirt after being sent west from the East Coast to join trainer John Sadler's stable in California The 5-year-old mare has twice won on grass, with the most significant of those two victories coming in the La Prevoyante Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park in January 2024 when racing for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher "Obviously she was a stakes winner on grass before," Sadler said "She had been running very well on dirt but then got a bad trip in the Beholder Mile so we thought this would be a good chance to go ahead and get back on the turf."  she is by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify Entries: Wilshire S. (G3T)Santa Anita Park Her remains were found in large black garbage bags and legs were found in separate bags; her arms and hands have yet to be found Her life was taken in the most violent way imaginable She went missing from her group home in Mesa Her remains were not positively identified until Feb Emily’s murder has reverberated throughout Indigenous communities across the country with rallies There are so many levels to this terrible tragedy which befell this child with aspirations of going to college and becoming a veterinarian Justice for Emily should not be delayed nor denied as is so often in the case of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) who committed this horrible crime must be apprehended and very soon This case cannot be allowed to descend into the realm of the unsolved Emily heartbreakingly joined the ranks of thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and other Indigenous people whose cases remain unsolved. My own family lost a niece to the MMIWG epidemic in 2018 Homicide is still among the top ten leading causes for death of Indigenous females aged 1-45 hundreds from tribal nations across Arizona gathered at Encounter AZ Church in Mesa near where Emily was last known to be before disappearing to pay their respects to the beloved teenager Many wore red ribbons to symbolize the MMIWG at the Apache Gold Casino and Resort to honor Emily’s life and to promote awareness of the MMIWG crisis affecting Indigenous communities throughout the country the Indigenous Peoples Coalition is holding a memorial service for Emily on March 23 The effects of colonization and genocide are still being felt to this very day He is currently writing a legal treatise on Native American sovereignty and working on a book on the war crimes committed by the U.S against the Maya people in the Guatemalan civil war He is a consulting attorney on Indigenous sovereignty and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) issues U.S. Army engineers expedite permits for controversial Great Lakes pipeline tunnel... ‘Water for Life’: Lives on the line Indigenous Peoples Coalition holds memorial and demands for justice for Emily... ‘Sinners’ review: Horror, history, and Black American folklore combine for trailblazing cinema  Amidst capitalist crisis and war, Russian Communists struggle against Putin and the oligarchs Chickens coming home to roost: Remember what Malcolm said U.S. imperialism’s new Cold War against China fosters anti-Asian racism at home Don’t eat that onion dip! FDA recall could balloon to biggest in history Update (4:10 PM): The Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue provided an update on the fire and stating that a fire line has been completed and all forward progressing has been stopped "San Carlos 64 Fire Update: 04/08/25 at 15:43; a fire line has been completed around the fire and all forward progression has been stopped Mescalero Conservation and Mescalero Apache Emergency Management are on scene helping with traffic control and assisting residents New Mexico (KVIA) -- Village of Ruidoso officials say the new San Carlos 64 Fire is about an acre in size A single engine air tanker (SEAT) and an air attack have also been ordered The fire is located on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in the Palmer Loop area The Village's Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the fire KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KVIA-TV FCC Public File | FCC Applications | Do Not Sell My Personal Information Your request appears similar to malicious requests sent by robots Please make sure JavaScript is enabled and then try loading this page again. If you continue to be blocked, please send an email to secruxurity@sizetedistrict.cVmwom with: The Gila Herald Your trusted source for news of the Gila Valley and more Photo of Emily Pike mural painted on a water tower behind the Bashas’ in Peridot by Phoenix tattoo artist AJ Larson and assistants SAN CARLOS – The San Carlos Apache Tribe has announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of 14-year-old Emily Pike was living at a group home in Mesa when she went missing in late January Her dismembered remains were found in a wooded area off Highway 60 northeast of Globe on Valentine’s Day The Tribe held a vigil for Pike on Saturday and afterward Chairman Terry Rambler announced the reward “Our San Carlos Council is offering a reward of $75,000 for information leading to the arrest of whomever committed this horrible act,” Rambler said “This will be a time to stand with all families that have lost a piece of their soul to this crisis This is a time to work together to resolve unanswered questions.” The San Carlos Apache Tribe will also perform an independent review of internal processes and meet with other tribes and state representatives to come up with a plan of action moving forward “So we can all unite and work together to improve the group home standard of those group homes off reservations where we send our children to,” Rambler said there has been 30 missing person reports out of the group home Pike was at in the past three years an inquiry by the Arizona Department of Child Safety has been initiated Anyone with any information regarding the murder of Emily Pike is strongly encouraged to call the Gila County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 425-3231 decided to get up and go for a walk on the San Carlos Apache Reservation one day back in February 2024 “They noticed that he didn’t return within a couple days His family celebrated his 30th birthday in March without him Norman says the Bureau of Indian Affairs assigned him an investigator But after search dogs and posting flyers turned up nothing and he says so did the support from law enforcement 'We’re going to do what we can… and then it’s only for a time being.' And like you said it slowly slips away until it’s forgotten again,” said Norman “The issue of MMIP and this topic is challenging It’s dealing with individuals' lives,” said Valaura Imus-Nahsonhoya Governor Katie Hobbs created a Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Task Force in 2023 comprised of tribal leaders policy and tribal issues that impact Arizona’s indigenous communities That includes reviewing policies and practices that impact violence against indigenous people such as child welfare policies and practices They are also looking into guaranteeing victims of violence access to culturally appropriate services an idea that is getting discussed in the legislature now and what can accomplish as a task force with our own capacities,” said Imus-Nahsonhoya All this comes as the FBI sent extra agents and staff to states like Arizona to help investigate unsolved violent crimes in Native lands Norman tells ABC15 he picks up every phone call he gets just in case it is his son I hope you see or somebody will mention it to you that hey your dad is on the news asking and loving and wants you to come home,” said Norman Report a typo — A 240-room resort planned for San Carlos Island near Fort Myers Beach is facing additional delays despite receiving all necessary approvals last year Fort Myers Beach Community Correspondent Anvar Ruziev has been covering the development since the initial proposal watch as he provides an update from San Carlos Island: which has been in development for nearly a decade received unanimous approval from the Lee County Board of Commissioners last August for a zoning change that would allow construction of the hotel featuring a rooftop lazy river and marina While initial work had begun on the marina portion of the development local residents have noticed a lack of progress in recent months "There was a whole lot of action in the beginning project co-owner Jack Mayher explained that multiple factors have contributed to the slowdown including damage from last year's hurricanes and issues with some of the planned amenities The development team is currently working on design modifications particularly to the rooftop lazy river that required alterations they expect to complete the new design before summer with construction resuming shortly thereafter some residents remain optimistic about the project's potential benefits for the area but we still have the rest of the island and a lot of residents here that will enjoy the restaurants and.. PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Want to see this on San Carlos Island? Some neighbors say "it's too much" Compass Rose Marina breaks ground on Fort Myers Beach This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy By: 4:30 am on January 20 A new mixed-use affordable housing project has been proposed for development at 1921-1927 West San Carlos Street in Burbank, unincorporated Santa Clara County The project proposal includes the development of a new mixed-use project offering spaces for affordable housing and retail uses Los Angeles-based PATH Ventures is responsible for the application. Steinberg Hart is listed as the project architect The proposal also requests the annexation of the roughly half-acre property to become part of the City of San Jose while constructing nearly a hundred units of affordable housing The project requires the demolition of five existing commercial structures totally 12,500 square feet The scope of work includes the construction of a new mixed-use development 95 affordable rental units and approximately 1,950 square feet of commercial space on a 0.56-acre site As covered earlier the 83-foot tall structure is expected to yield around 108,900 square feet including 65,140 square feet for the 94 apartments and 1,950 square feet for retail Parking will be included for 38 cars and 58 bicycles Onsite amenities will include support services for households earning between 30-60% of the area’s median income Renderings reveal a facade designed in vertical board siding and stucco A rooftop deck will overlook the intersection of Cleveland Avenue in San Carlos The project includes five Density Bonus waivers and four incentives. A project review meeting has been scheduled for today at 06:30 pm Construction is expected to last around 18 months with an inauguration expected in the summer of 2028 — A proposal to bring San Carlos Island under Fort Myers Beach town control could change jurisdictional boundaries that have long separated the two neighboring communities Watch as Fort Myers Beach Community Correspondent Anvar Ruziev speaks with San Carlos Island neighbors about the proposed annexation: San Carlos Island sits just before the bridge to Fort Myers Beach While many visitors might not notice the difference residents know exactly where one community ends and the other begins "There's a lot of history on San Carlos Island it's its own unique place," said San Carlos Island resident Dan Denault San Carlos Island is unincorporated and governed by Lee County But Fort Myers Beach Council recently discussed ways to change that by bringing San Carlos under town control Councilman John King proposed the idea for annexation And I think it gives the residents in San Carlos Island an opportunity for local government closer to them," said King The proposal would give San Carlos residents direct representation on the town council and access to town services But not everyone is convinced this change would be beneficial who built his dream home on San Carlos Island seven years ago says the current arrangement is exactly what he signed up for "When I looked for this property to buy years ago I specifically looked for something that had no restrictive covenants It was part of the county and not the city and why would I expect that to change?" said Mattie Other neighbors point to differences in how the county and town handled recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian Dan Denault believes San Carlos Island fared better under county control during the rebuilding process We were able to get rehab permits with the county and get going right away King says it could require both a vote by the town council and a vote from San Carlos Island residents The process is still uncertain and could take months or even years to complete Councilman King expects to have a council discussion on the topic within the next two months to see if this idea can become a reality By: 5:00 am on November 19 Plans have slightly increased for the eight-story residential apartment complex at 486-496 West San Carlos Street in San Jose, Santa Clara County has increased by six units for a total of 278 apartments the developer Urban Catalyst received a $6.1 million loan to pursue construction Construction is expected to last around 25 months from groundbreaking to completion, with design by BDE Architecture Unit types will vary with 211 smaller units with 0-1 bedrooms and 67 apartments with two or three bedrooms 14 residences will be designated as affordable to very low-income households Parking will be included for 167 cars and 88 bicycles ground-level floor plan by BDE Architecture The developer secured financing from Inspira Financial Trust LLC in early April this year. At the time, the developer told George Avalos of the Bay Area News Group that construction could start by the end of 2024 though the recent amendment will likely provide further delay The 0.83-acre property is on a lot bound by West San Carlos Street, Josefa Street, Delmas Avenue, and Auzerais Avenue. At the corner of Delmas and Auzerais, Eden Housing is wrapping up construction for the Solaire Apartments at 425 Auzerais Avenue The site is two blocks from Downtown San Jose’s Discovery Meadow public park Diridon Station is three blocks to the north Across the street, Urban Catalyst has topped out the eight-story Marriott TowneSuites Hotel at 495 West San Carlos Street with construction expected to finish next year The public hearing is scheduled to start tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20th, at 9 AM. The event will be held virtually over Zoom. For more information about how to attend and participate, visit the meeting agenda here SAN CARLOS APACHE RESERVATION – Earth Week events sponsored by the Tribal Department of Environmental Protection include nature walks, a community cleanup, and even the chance to test-drive an electric vehicle! Events are posted on the department’s Facebook page. Like-and-follow https://www.facebook.com/SCATDEP for updates about: starting at 7 a.m.; meet at the Six Mile Transfer Station for check-in Water and lunch will be provided to participants Call Vonda Russell or Marlo Bartholin at 928-475-7970 * Earth Day Expo on April 23 starting at 10 a.m at the Seven Mile Activity Center in San Carlos – including activities for kids and the electric vehicle car show – even with an EV bus with activities like the previous day at Seven Mile Activity Center By: 5:30 am on November 11 The 83-foot tall structure is expected to yield around 108,900 square feet Amenities will include support services for households earning between 30-60% of the area’s median income Steinberg Hart is listed as the project architect Renderings show the infill-style apartment structure will rise with most unit exposure facing east and west Facade materials will include vertical board siding and stucco The 0.56-acre property is located along West San Carlos Street between Cleveland Avenue and Brooklyn Avenue The site is a couple blocks from the retail-lined intersection with Bascom Avenue and San Carlos Future residents will be 10 minutes from the Westfield Valley Fair and Santana Row shopping centers by bicycle or over 20 minutes away on foot Downtown San Jose is just 17 minutes away by Bus Rapid Transit or bicycle with the CEQA documents hypothesizing work could last from January 2027 and finish in the summer of 2028 The environmental review period will be open from last week through November 20th. For more information about how to access and comment on the CEQA-required environmental review, visit the city website here 94 apartments and only 38 car parking spaces That’s by and for idiots and developer suck-ups Also why is an affordable housing project going through public review There are ministerial pathways to get affordable housing projects built faster without any public discretion This is the type of thing that we need to see more of in the Bay Area: human-scaled I will take this over greenfield sprawl in Morgan Hill or Tracy any day COASTSIDE BUZZ PRESS RELEASES. From San Mateo County Airport Manager has been in continuous communication with the FAA regarding the transition of air traffic service providers for the San Carlos Federal Contract Tower. This morning we were informed by FAA Headquarters that the SQL tower will be unstaffed (ATC-Zero) starting Saturday The FAA has awarded a new contract for air traffic services at SQL to Robinson Aviation (RVA) the contract does not include locality pay to account for the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area RVA’s employment offers to current SQL controllers were significantly lower than their current compensation under SERCO all current controllers have declined RVA’s offers Our controllers last day at SQL will be Friday January 31st – if you have the chance please thank them for the excellent service they have provided at SQL for the past year Given that the FAA is ultimately responsible for ensuring air traffic services at SQL we requested temporary FAA staffing for the tower—a solution currently being implemented at Eagle Airport in Colorado during its transition from SERCO to RVA the FAA informed us this morning that they will not provide temporary personnel for SQL To emphasize the critical need for high-quality ATC services at SQL—given our high traffic volume, IFR arrivals/departures, extensive flight training, complex airspace, and proximity to SFO—we encourage you to file FAA Hotline complaints to raise awareness of this urgent issue We’ll keep you updated on this important issue as we learn more. Feel free to reach out with any questions at [email protected]; Gretchen Kelly San Carlos, CA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a new contract for air traffic services at San Carlos Airport (SQL) to Robinson Aviation (RVA) While this transition introduces operational changes the County of San Mateo and its Airports division want to reassure the public that safety remains our highest priority Airport operations at SQL continue without disruption and pilots remain well-trained in non-towered airport procedures the surrounding airspace remains under the direct oversight of the FAA’s Northern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (NorCal TRACON) Negotiations are actively underway to resolve this matter and ensure SQL continues to be staffed with highly qualified air traffic professionals Both the FAA and RVA remain committed to upholding the highest safety and operational standards throughout this process The County of San Mateo and its Airports division appreciate the community’s patience and support during this transition and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the safety and reliability of air travel at San Carlos Airport The County and Airports understands that the controllers and RVA have nearly reached agreement and there will likely be no lapse in air traffic control services.  Updates will follow as more information becomes available Airports communications manager; dhoward@smcgov,org From the California Coastal Commission meeting on Friday City Council and staff coordinated with State Park Beaches Resolution Copper is betting on gaining access to a large and lucrative copper ore body east of Phoenix The project has already invested a lot of money – over $2 billion – and opponents say some of it has been used to buy influence Some tribal members insist Oak Flat is sacred four-term chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe suggests money is sowing division and motivating naysayers and my guess is that a lot of those people that are saying this is not sacred are either employed by Resolution Copper or they’re getting paid in a roundabout way through those consultants,” Rambler told KJZZ He claims such an offer was made to him in 2014 We sat for about three hours,” Rambler remembered there’ll be nothing paper-wise or anything like that Rambler accuses them of promising to help him with his upcoming campaign because you’ll have all the money you need.” they ran to another council member that was campaigning against me I don’t know what that council member said Resolution Copper president and general manager Vicky Peacey vehemently denies Rambler’s allegations stressing the company’s engagement with tribal communities has been predicated on “transparency and respect.” deeply disappointing and appalling that Chairman Rambler would suggest that members of his own community [who] disagree with them She reiterated Resolution Copper “has no knowledge of this claim and categorically rejects any suggestion of improper conduct.” So KJZZ asked Rambler’s 2014 challenger – San Carlos Apache Councilman Jonathan Kitcheyan – and he initially evaded the question When pressed on whether the bribery allegation was true The Bylas District councilman ran for chairman and lost to Rambler again in 2022 Kitcheyan is also a former tribal game ranger and state Department of Public Safety officer was shocked to read through a text exchange between KJZZ and her nephew that included questions about the bribery allegation I’m surprised is all,” said Jerry Kitcheyan The Kitcheyans are a political powerhouse in Apache politics and critics allege that some members of the family have been open to financial influence a co-founder of the Center for Biological Diversity When asked about the bribery allegation levied against Jonathan Kitcheyan Silver responded “his family is just like a known family that’s for sale.” Tara Kitcheyan – a former Miss San Carlos – once served as Resolution Copper’s senior advisor of Native American affairs and was responsible for managing relationships with almost a dozen tribes that maintain ties to Oak Flat She did not respond to multiple requests for comment former San Carlos Apache Chairman Buck Kitcheyan Sr. was convicted of seven embezzlement counts for stealing more than $63,000 from the tribe Jerry Kitcheyan is a loud and proud defender of Oak Flat She wants this spot to still be around for future generations of Apache girls when it eventually becomes time for their sunrise ceremonies – instead of a nearly 2-mile wide crater in the ground so it helps keep Oak Flat alive,” she added and it’s something that we’re going to keep no matter what.” Most tribal members remain silent about whether they support Resolution Copper “It does surprise me,” admitted Jerry Kitcheyan “They think the white man’s way: it’s good to have that If the alleged payment to Jonathan Kitcheyan were proven to be a bribe it would violate the tribe’s criminal code and federal law associate director of the Native American Law Center at the University of Washington’s School of Law “I can’t tell you how many times people have suspected fraud “and attempted to engage federal law enforcement to no avail because federal law enforcement has their hands full but also because it is so difficult to investigate in Indian Country.” A former deputy attorney general for the Navajo Nation Eberhard also served as staff director and general counsel to the U.S No one on Capitol Hill wanted to tackle this sweeping issue partly because the scope of this problem is unclear “It’s such a sensitive issue,” he elaborated what are you going to see and are you going to harm the good that tribes are able to do by creating an impression that it’s all bad in Indian Country?” But the alternative is basically letting big money buy influence “The institutions support the criminal activity and a lot of people find that hard to believe,” added Eberhard “but that’s a huge piece of how this stuff happens What you’re describing with Resolution Copper the tribes don’t have any of the resources to track bribery and that sort of activity.” The Phoenix-based Boilermakers Local 627 – made up of 465 union members in Arizona New Mexico and Hawaii – struck a labor agreement with Resolution Copper to secure jobs About 70% of the union’s members are Navajo riggers and also rely on the mining industry’s copper mines smelters and concentrating facilities for employment opportunities Third-generation Boilermaker Jacob Evenson is the local chapter’s business manager and oversees its PAC which sent a $750 check to San Carlos Apache Councilman Ned Anderson Jr But Anderson declined that donation, according to a letter obtained by KJZZ have “sought to influence decision-making” by the tribe’s elected officials and employees through job fairs or checks He then reiterated that no tribal employee elected official or enterprise may host or rent space for Resolution Copper on its 1.8-million acre reservation – also detailing “outright attempts” to offer funds including himself and fellow council members Anderson “rightly rejected” that check from the Boilermakers 627 PAC adding it’s an example of how the copper mining project “attempted to influence him.” San Carlos Apache Tribe Attorney General Alex Ritchie even sent a cease and desist Evenson laughed about the number of checks that had been sent out – too many to keep track of I didn’t even know that they declined that check to tell you the truth,” he said with a chuckle is bringing good-paying jobs to San Carlos or Superior.” Forty percent of the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s population is living below the federal poverty line And the tribal government is the reservation’s largest employer “So if [Ned does] end up supporting Resolution definitely make sure there’s something in there that says local Arizona workforce is going to work,” added Evenson who also serves as the local union’s secretary and treasurer “We don't want to see out-of-state people coming and doing this project Evenson wouldn’t tell KJZZ which San Carlos Apache officials were sent money or how much and that information isn’t publicly available State campaign finance law doesn’t require PACs to disclose any tribal election contributions with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office citing sovereignty as the reason Although the PAC is allowed to send money to tribal officials the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council unanimously passed a measure prohibiting its employees from accepting any contributions – cash checks or gifts – from Resolution Copper personnel or contractors This law also applies to tribal departments and enterprises. The neighboring White Mountain Apache Tribe also enacted a similar resolution unanimously in 2015 thinks Resolution Copper “found a loophole,” suggesting the multinational mining company simply moved on to the next generation by “preying” on young Apaches we don’t argue with women,” Desirae Rambler explained has morphed into a schism between young and old “A lot of young ones my age view Oak Flat as an opportunity for them to grow a chance to get ahead in life,” she elaborated “But they’re not taking into account the sacrifices that our ancestors took for us to be here.” “Money isn’t a factor for the elders,” added Rambler “They view their tribal sovereignty very strongly She believes greed is deepening a generation divide over Chi’chil Biłdagoteel gave them $100,000 salaries so they can tell the people They were just fabricating things to justify a check from Resolution Copper.” Support for KJZZ’s coverage of tribal natural resources comes from Catena Foundation dedicated to restoring human and ecological systems.