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Local Breeze Patio Cafe - A Breath of Fresh Air in Downtown Phoenix

Local Breeze Patio Cafe is one of the coolest restaurants you'll ever visit in downtown Phoenix! 

The wife and I literally stumbled into Local Breeze, 606 N. 4th Ave., Phoenix (on the corner of 4th Avenue and Fillmore Street), several days ago and felt like we found a little gold mine. No, it's not a black-owned restaurant but we should feel comfortable supporting any establishment that welcomes us with open arms!

Local Breeze opened in May 2009 and is quartered in a restored, historic home that was built in 1914. Even though the home was built almost 100 years ago, it has a modern, unique feel to it.

In the patio area which is expansive, I felt like I was thrust into a little piece of the Caribbean in the desert. There was a large lattice patio cover, trees, fans, string lights, candles and comfortable outdoor furniture everywhere.

The outdoor patio is perfect for having a drink with close friends - especially at night. In fact, I think I want to have my next PhxSoul.com happy hour there!

The interior is compact but interesting. It felt like I walked into an art gallery - paintings and other viewables adorned the walls and the soft lighting gave the place a homey feel. The men's bathroom was a trip! There was bottle sticking out of the wall (on purpose) and some funky wallpaper. The stall looked like an old, rusted trash bin but it was real cool! Almost made me want to ... errr uhhh ... never mind!

The best part about the place was the customer service! Our host Melody was probably the most welcoming host I've had at any restaurant! She really took pride in her job and the restaurant itself. I enjoyed talking with her - kind of felt I like I was talking to an old friend. I also had an opportunity to talk with the owner Sid Campbell - he was very gracious! I love restaurants with that mom-and-pop feel! More of OUR businesses could learn a serious lesson in customer service from the staff at Local Breeze ... don't get me started on black businesses and POOR customer service ... PLEASE don't get me started!

As for the food and cocktails, wifey started off with a "Low Tide" Pina Colada and I had the LB Signature "Mojito" Lemonade. My bebida went down smoothly - not too strong, not watered-down. Wifey enjoyed her drink too.

I ordered the Cajun Chicken Fettucine and my wife had the Fire Island pizza. Man, they served up some healthy portions! Unless you are REALLY hungry, you're probably going to be asking for a to-go box.

My dish was very tasty - didn't need to put any salt or pepper on it. I was glad that it wasn't too spicy. My wife said her meal was very good - the cheesy was gooey and the dough was filling. I wouldn't say that we were "blown away" with our entrees but we will be back. 

I have to admit that my bill was higher than I expected it to be but you'll always take a hit when you order cocktails at dinner.

I'd definitely recommend this spot for anyone who's lookin' for a chill dining experience in downtown Phoenix.

Local Breeze serves breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. Check localbreeze.com for the menu, hours of operation and more!

Greater Phoenix Urban League Offers Valuable Assistance to Current, Future Minority/Disadvantaged Home Owners

The Greater Phoenix Urban League (GPUL) aims to assist African Americans, other minorities, and the disadvantaged with homeownership opportunities by offering services at no charge and an educational opportunity to make their home buying process less of a stressful experience. 

Educating homebuyers during and after this process will ensure for a greater success rate once the purchase is complete. In addition, the GPUL provides delinquency/foreclosure prevention to assist homeowners facing economical challenges options to save their home.

The GPUL has been operating in the valley since 1945 and has been providing housing services and the first-time homebuyer program since 1997.

The following housing services are provided:

Affordable Low-Income Apartments

The Greater Phoenix Urban League provides quality housing for individuals whose income is no greater than 60% of the median income in Maricopa County.
 
Credit Review and Budgeting

Counselors review client’s credit report to ensure accuracy and that all credit issues have been cleared up and provide assistance in clearing up derogatory credit. Counselors assist clients in preparing a budget to begin saving money for the down payment and closing costs, on an ongoing basis.

First-Time Homebuyer Education

Future and prospective homeowners are guided through the pre-qualifying process and provided with information on programs targeted at first-time home buyers thru an educational training that walks clients through the home buying process. Loan program information, credit qualifying, and loan transaction procedures are presented to clients thru home buying seminars.

Foreclosure/Delinquency Counseling

Clients are provided with counseling and resources to assist in preventing delinquency and foreclosure by providing options for loan modifications and workout plans with participating lenders.

The GPUL is able to provide these services thru funding efforts raised by grants, donations, and local support provided by community and government entities.

The services provided by the GPUL are offered at no charge to any members of the community.

The GPUL can be contacted at any of the options listed below:

Address: 1402 S. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-254-5611

Website: gphxul.org

E-mail: jcameron@gphxul.org

Census Bureau Data a Factor in More Than $400 Billion in Federal Grants Funding

PhxSoul.com and the U.S. Census Bureau will be teaming up to provide you with information about its population-counting process.

It is extremely important for African Americans across the nation to be actively involved with the 2010 Census because the population-based data drawn from the census, estimates and surveys play a critical role in the conduct of community development programs undertaken by Federal, state and local governments.

In other words, the 2010 Census is a key measuring stick for how much money the government will allocate for our programs which include:

• Health Services
• Housing and Community Development
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• Head Start
• Special Programs for the Elderly
• Programs for Veterans
• Nutrition for the Elderly
• Indian and Native American Employment
• Community Action Programs
• Law Enforcement Assistance
• Rural Development
• Title 1 Funding for Schools
• State Children’s Health Insurance Program

A new Census Bureau report analyzing the use of census statistics in 140 federal grant and direct assistance programs concludes that over $400 billion in total grant funding was allocated in Fiscal Year 2007 (FY2007) based in whole or in part on data from the agency's decennial census (which includes the on-going American Community Survey), annual population estimates, and other Census Bureau statistical programs.

Please click on the link below for more information about the distribution of funds by program, federal programs using Census Bureau data, Census data, and the American Community Survey.

http://www.comhaus.com/drake/Infogram400Billion.pdf

2010 Census: It's In Our Hands.

PhxSoul.com, Phoenix School of Law Teaming Up to Encourage More African Americans to Earn Law Degrees

In an effort to encourage more African Americans nationwide to pursue rewarding careers in the legal field, PhxSoul.com and the Phoenix School of Law are teaming up to help you unlock your potential and provide the pathway to your future.

If you are currently a working professional who is interested in pursuing a law degree, the Phoenix School of Law is an excellent option because you do not have to quit your job!

Phoenix School of Law is Arizona's only private law school and the only Arizona law school offering full-time, part-time and evening classes. Students can work full-time and attend the program in the evening, completing their Juris Doctor degree in four years.

There are thousands of careers one can pursue with a Juris Doctor degree other than becoming an attorney. Many CEOs for Fortune 500 companies hold a Juris Doctor degree. Numerous politicans have earned Juris Doctor degrees - President Barack Obama is an attorney and the ultimate success story! In fact, many past presidents graduated from law school. Also, law graduates have moved to work in education as  deans, principals and chancellors of colleges and universities.

Only one in 25 lawyers is African American, Latino, Asian American or Native American. This number is alarming for minorities in general - especially African Americans - and we need to increase the number of blacks in the legal community so that we can initiate change in the legal system for our youth.

The Phoenix School of Law considers diversity to include issues of race, color, sex, handicap, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, religion or other legally protected classification—and much more. Recognizing the importance of diversity as a means of embracing the experiences, perspectives and expertise of other cultures, the Phoenix School of Law is an institution that seeks to create a learning atmosphere and an organizational culture that not only admits diverse students and hires diverse faculty and staff, but accepts and welcomes their presence and participation and seeks to ensure for our students a successful entry into the legal profession.

Recognizing the importance of diversity as a means of embracing the experiences, perspectives and expertise of other cultures, Phoenix School of Law is an institution that seeks to create a learning atmosphere and an organizational culture that not only admits diverse students and hires diverse faculty and staff, but accepts and welcomes their presence and participation and seeks to ensure for its students a successful entry into the legal profession and beyond.

How can you learn more about the Phoenix School of Law? Contact the Office of Admissions at 602-682-6800, visit www.phoenixlaw.edu or send an e-mail to admissions@phoenixlaw.edu.

Black People! It Pays to Pay! Time to Put an End to "The Hookup Syndrome!"

OK, I've been meaning to write this blog for a while but got REALLY inspired recently after talking with a member of the Phoenix black media.

It has become more and more obvious that the black community nationwide is suffering from a serious mental sickness.

I call it ... "The Hookup Syndrome!"

Victims of "The Hookup Syndrome" tend to want EVERYTHING for free - food, VIP suites at nightclubs, concert tickets, clothes, sports game tickets, hotel rooms, jewelry, satellite TV, etc.!

The Hookup Syndrome is a serious problem because it threatens to drive thousands of companies, event organizers and nightclub promoters out of business!

So, what's the cure for this disease?

People need to go to their ATMs, pull out some money and pay their way!! How else do we expect black businesses (or all businesses) to survive if we are constantly trying to get everything comped?!

Trust me, I know how good it feels to get things for FREE. As the owner of PhxSoul.com, I've benefitted from relationships that I've developed over the years with companies who want to promote their products and services. Yes, I've received free stuff.

However, I was able to give these business owners something in return - FREE PUBLICITY!! 99 percent of the companies, promoters and marketing professionals who e-mail me and ask me to feature their events, products and services on PhxSoul.com are getting the publicity free of charge! Since PhxSoul.com averages more than 6,500 unique visitors per month, I am confident that I'm earning my keep.

Furthermore, PhxSoul.com has sponsored many events, organizations and businesses in the Valley. I enjoy providing financial support to our community because I know it's the only way we will thrive here.

Unfortunately, there are many people who expect to get the hookup from black businesses while giving little or nothing in return! That's not fair!

Yes, I know the economy is rough right now. If you can't afford something, then don't buy it! But you can't always expect a business to take a loss on your behalf! Pay up! Show some gratitude! Understand that you are making an investment in your community when you pay someone for their products and services!

We can't get ahead if we don't spend that bread!! We can't do better if you don't drop some cheddar!!

On the other hand, there are business owners who need to understand the benefits of selective freebies!

For example, the media member I mentioned at the beginning of this blog has vowed to never support a certain local spoken word event. According to the media member, the host did not want to let her in the building unless she paid the cover charge!

This media member is well-known in our community and she attended the event for the purpose of photographing the featured act and publishing a story in her newspaper. The media member relented and paid the cover charge but she made it clear to me that she was highly disappointed in the event host.

While I understand that the host (he's a nice guy) had to make his $5 that night, he failed to see the long-term benefits of "treating" this media member with more respect!

That poor guy just lost a good relationship and hundreds of dollars in free future publicity all because he allegedly made her pay the $5 cover charge! Of course everyone who reads this blog is entitled to his/her own opinion, but I think a freebie would have been a smart move.

Overall, I want to encourage black people to take our medicine so we can get rid of this Hookup Syndrome! It does PAY to PAY!

Your Comments are welcomed!!

 

BBB Warns Homeowners of Misleading Property Tax Letter

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning Arizona residents to beware of misleading letters from an alleged Phoenix-based company called Property Tax Review Board (PTRB) that claims, for a fee of $189, that they can help homeowners reduce their property tax bills for the 2009 tax year.

“These letters are designed to look as if they are coming from a government agency, but are nothing more than an attempt at charging Arizona residents for something they can easily do on their own for free,” Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO said.

The letters state that due to the drop in property values, residents need to file again for a reassessment of their 2009 property taxes.  However, the Maricopa County deadline to file an administrative review for a possible reduction for the 2009 tax year expired in April 2008.

BBB advises consumers not to send checks, cash, credit card or bank account information to an unknown solicitor. Property owners who have questions about property values and taxes are advised to contact their County Assessor’s Office directly.

Click here to view an example of the bogus letter.