The worst offender reported by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (health inspections) in the month of October was a restaurant with 13 major violations. There was a definite theme to the inspector's comments. I noted the following phrases in the report: excessive hanging dust and grease; observed pink slimy matter; dish racks with yellow/brown/ greasy, slimy matter; excessive grease, burned grease, and embedded food pieces; dark colored greasy matter; wall is covered with black greasy matter. Hand washing appeared basically nonexistent and it seems as if they were serving old, outdated food. What would it take for me to walk into that place to eat? I just don't know. Read more...

There are several Veterans Day events and activities around the Phoenix area this week, many of which are free. Aside from that, you can see a moo moo, learn some history, see a special Christmas tree, hear about special women, celebrate National Gaming Day, bait a hook, eat fast and cheap, and be a super hero. Read more...

November offers some of the best fishing available at our urban lakes. Catfish and bluegill sunfish are already in the lakes, and the trout will be stocked during the second half of November. This week the Lower Salt River near Phoenix was being stocked with rainbow trout. Trout are also being stocked this week at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes in the Prescott area, Wet Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley, plus Parker Canyon and Patagonia lakes in southern Arizona. Next week trout will be stocked in Saguaro Lake near Phoenix, Francis Short Pond in Flagstaff, Oak Creek, the Verde River (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde), Cluff Pond and Roper Lake near Safford and in Rose Canyon on Mt. Lemon near Tucson. During the week of November 16th trout will also be stocked in Canyon Lake and Tempe Town Lake.

Fishing licenses for state waters or the urban program lakes for the 2009 season are now on sale for half price. The 2009 annual state fishing license is on sale for just $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents. If you plan to catch trout, don't forget your trout stamp. The Urban Program Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for both residents and nonresidents alike. What a great idea for those relatives who are visiting for the holidays!

The Welcome Back the Trout Celebration at Tempe Town Lake will take place on November 24, 2009 and includes a fishing clinic starting at 3 p.m. For the weekly fishing report, and to learn more about the great fishing opportunities in Phoenix and around the state visit Arizona Game and Fish online.

You Might Also Be Interested In....

• Where is Tempe Town Lake?
• Teach Your Kids to Fish
• Need Gear? Cabela's in Glendale Has It
• Need Gear? Bass pro Shops in Mesa Has It

Greenbuild 2009, is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center. A full line-up of professionals is slated to speak at more than 100 educational sessions and workshops to enhance your green building knowledge. Former Vice President Al Gore who will deliver the keynote. The conference opens on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 and concludes on Saturday, November 14, 2009. You may register for the conference online or, when the conference begins, at the door. If you are registered for the conference, you may, at no additional charge participate in the Green Building Job Fair. Not so much interested in the conference, but want to see the latest and greatest in green technology products? Register for the Exhibit Hall only, where 1,800 companies are expected to be displaying their innovations.

Even if you can't attend the conference or the Expo, you can still participate in three related Green Street events during those days. Read more...