Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A Phoenix Up-Close Magic Experience

• Upcoming Waterparks concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Lorna Lockwood

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Phoenix zoo is one of the largest privately owned, non-profit zoos in the United States?

A) The Phoenix Zoo

B) Wildlife World Zoo

C) Out of Africa Wildlife Park

D) Bearizona Wildlife Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The mountain range surrounding Phoenix is C) Superstition Mountains.

News

💼 Business

Bank 34, Commerce Bank of Arizona complete merger, open for business under new name. (Link)

Easy Ice founder lists Desert Mountain home, now commuting by plane from Flagstaff. (Link)

Massive proposed campus could create hundreds of software jobs. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Cardinals' Monti Ossenfort, and Jonathan Gannon have a better timeline for 2nd offseason. (Link)

Arizona LPGA event shaping up as a showdown between Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko. (Link)

Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is out for Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The lawsuit claims Wells Fargo illegally overcharged military members. (Link)

The CPA Journal explores the Corporate Transparency Act's implications for Phoenix CPAs, including new reporting needs. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ New York Yankees at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Monday, Apr. 1st | (More info)

⚾ Grand Canyon Lopes at Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball
Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix
Tuesday, Apr. 2nd | (More info)

⚾ New York Yankees at Arizona Diamondbacks
Chase Field, Phoenix
Wednesday, Apr. 3rd | (More info)

🏀 Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Wednesday, Apr. 3rd | (More info)

🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Friday, Apr. 5th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Waterparks
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Monday, Apr. 1st | (More info)

🎸 Cinderella's Tom Keifer
Celebrity Theatre - Phoenix
Tuesday, Apr. 2nd | (More info)

🎤 Daði Freyr
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Tuesday, Apr. 2nd | (More info)

🎤 Offset
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Wednesday, Apr. 3rd | (More info)

🎵 Arms Length
Valley Bar, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr. 6th | (More info)

Family

🎩 Carnival of Illusion Theater
Renaissance Downtown, 100 N 1st Street, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr. 6th, 2024 | (More info)

🃏 A UP-CLOSE Close-Up Magic Experience
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 100 N 1st St, Phoenix
Saturday, Apr. 6th, 2024 | (More info)

🍖 BBQ Day 2024!
Rustler's Rooste, 8383 S 48th St, Phoenix
Sunday, Apr. 7th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Phoenix with architecture inspired by different planets” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Phoenix Historical Events

First Public School (1871)

In 1871, Phoenix's first public school opened its doors to approximately 20 eager children, marking a significant milestone in the city's educational history. This pioneering institution laid the foundation for the development of Phoenix's educational system, providing a vital space for young minds to learn and grow. The school's establishment reflected the growing population and the community's commitment to providing accessible education for its youth. With a modest beginning, this first public school in Phoenix set the stage for the city's future as a hub of learning and knowledge.

The inaugural public school in Phoenix served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the children of the burgeoning city. It represented a crucial step towards fostering a culture of learning and intellectual development within the community. As the school welcomed its first students, it became a symbol of progress and a testament to the city's dedication to nurturing the next generation. The impact of this historic institution reverberated throughout Phoenix, shaping the educational landscape for years to come.

Over time, the first public school in Phoenix evolved into a cornerstone of the city's educational infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the establishment of numerous schools and educational initiatives. Its humble beginnings and commitment to providing quality education for all children exemplified the spirit of Phoenix's community. The legacy of this pioneering school lives on, serving as a reminder of the city's enduring dedication to fostering a bright and promising future for its youth through education.

Famous People From Phoenix

Lorna Lockwood (1903-1977)

First woman Chief Justice of a state Supreme Court.

Lorna Lockwood was born in 1903, in the burgeoning city of Phoenix, Arizona, which at the time was still a territory of the United States. Growing up in a pioneering family that had settled in Arizona in the late 19th century, Lockwood was instilled with a deep sense of resilience and determination from a young age. Her early life in Phoenix shaped her understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lay in the developing American West. She attended local schools where she demonstrated a keen intellect and a passion for learning. After graduating from high school, she pursued higher education with a fervor that was uncommon for women of her time, aiming to break through the barriers that society had placed on her gender.

A Pioneering Spirit: The University Years (1925-1930)

Lockwood's academic journey led her to the University of Arizona, where she majored in law, a field overwhelmingly dominated by men. Throughout her university years, she distinguished herself as a brilliant student, often being the only woman in her classes. Her time at the university was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a desire to make a difference. Upon completing her law degree, she became one of the first women to graduate from the University of Arizona’s College of Law, setting a precedent for future generations of women in Arizona and beyond.

The Early Career of a Visionary (1930-1945)

After passing the Arizona bar exam, Lockwood embarked on her legal career at a time when there were very few women in the profession. She began practicing law in Phoenix, focusing on cases that ranged from family law to property disputes. Despite facing discrimination and skepticism from her male peers, Lockwood quickly gained a reputation as a formidable and highly competent attorney. Her early career was characterized by a series of groundbreaking cases that challenged the status quo and advocated for the rights of the underrepresented.

A Voice for the Voiceless in Phoenix (1945-1955)

Lockwood's connection to Phoenix went beyond her birthplace; it was the arena where she fought many of her legal battles. She became an advocate for those who had been marginalized by the legal system, including women, children, and the poor. Her practice in Phoenix was not just about winning cases; it was about making a difference in the community. Lockwood's efforts during this period helped to lay the groundwork for significant legal reforms in Arizona.

Breaking Barriers: From Attorney to Judge (1955-1960)

In 1955, Lorna Lockwood took a significant step in her career by being elected to the Arizona Superior Court, becoming one of the first women to serve in such a capacity in the state. Her tenure as a judge was marked by fairness, integrity, and a continued commitment to justice. Lockwood's rulings often reflected her pioneering spirit and her belief in the law as a tool for social change.

A Historic Achievement: The Supreme Court of Arizona (1960-1965)

Lockwood's ascent to the highest echelons of Arizona's legal landscape culminated in her election to the Supreme Court of Arizona in 1960. Her appointment was not just a personal achievement but a historic moment for the state and the nation. She was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of Arizona, breaking centuries-old gender barriers in the legal profession.

The Chief Justice: Leading with Distinction (1965-1970)

In 1965, Lorna Lockwood achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Her leadership was characterized by a vision for a more equitable legal system and the implementation of reforms that aimed to make the court more accessible and responsive to the needs of Arizonans. Under her stewardship, the court made significant strides in areas such as juvenile justice and the rights of the accused.

A Legacy of Reform and Advocacy (1970-1975)

Even after stepping down as Chief Justice, Lockwood continued to be a powerful advocate for legal reform and social justice. She worked tirelessly to promote the rights of women and minorities, both within Arizona and on a national scale. Her contributions during this period helped to cement her legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for equality and justice.

The Final Years: Reflection and Recognition (1975-1977)

In the final years of her life, Lockwood received numerous accolades for her contributions to the legal profession and to society. She remained a beloved figure in Phoenix, where her impact was felt not just in the legal community but across the entire city. Lockwood's passing in 1977 marked the end of an era, but her legacy lived on, inspiring countless individuals to follow in her footsteps.

Key Achievements:

• First woman to graduate from the University of Arizona’s College of Law.

• One of the first women to practice law in Arizona.

• Elected to the Arizona Superior Court, becoming one of the state's first female judges.

• First woman to serve on the Supreme Court of Arizona.

• First female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

• Advocated for the rights of women, children, and the underrepresented in her legal practice and judicial rulings.

• Implemented significant legal reforms as Chief Justice, focusing on juvenile justice and the rights of the accused.

Lorna Lockwood's life and career were defined by her pioneering spirit, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her groundbreaking achievements in the legal field. As a native of Phoenix, she not only left an indelible mark on the city but also on the state of Arizona and the United States. Lockwood's legacy as a trailblazer in law continues to inspire generations of lawyers, judges, and advocates, proving that with determination and courage, barriers can indeed be broken.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll