BUSINESS
BUSINESS
A summary of the Nov 9.–Dec 11 food inspections by Pinal County Environmental Health Services.
That view comes from Robin Davis, a Hidden Valley resident of more than a decade and a former off-road desert racer. “I raced three-wheelers for many years around Southern California, Arizona, in Baja (Mexico). I know the desert, so the harshness doesn’t faze me a bit,” she said. “It makes me a little tougher than most and you need to know how to live out here.” For Davis, respecting the desert means accepting the limits it imposes. That perspective shapes her skepticism of data centers and some energy projects. While she supports the Horseshoe Energy Project because of its location, she remains wary of data centers due to their historical demands on resources. “They use a lot of water — a tremendous amount of water. Well, we don’t have water out here to spare. They’re also energy hogs,” Davis said. Sam Bourgi, a financial analyst and researcher with Investors Observer, said data centers currently suck up 4% of the nation’s electricity, but this is expected to increase dramatically throughout the rest of the decade as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent. “The Pew Research Center reports that this share is expected to more than double by 2030 as AI workloads grow … Most people first hear ‘data center’ and think tech jobs and tax base, not giant new power customer,” he told InMaricopa . He said while some data centers are incorporating their own power generation into projects to help “reduce strain on the public grid,” these additional sources can still contribute to extra emissions and local pollution. “AI makes data centers even more power- hungry, because AI can use several times more electricity than traditional cloud [services],” Bourgi said. So far, only two proposed data centers plan to generate their own power: the La Osa Project in Red Rock and the Energy Generation and Technology Campus in Maricopa near Teel and White-and-Parker Roads. The Maricopa project also plans to draw power from the Griffin Energy Project, a natural gas and solar plant in Stanfield. Klob said data centers have “failed in the past” when it comes to power use, water consumption and being good neighbors. “There’s data centers in Chandler, in Phoenix that use a lot of water and a lot of power. There’s the hum, there’s the vibrations, and they’re not a big job generator. So, from that aspect, it’s difficult and I have hesitations,”
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“Probably the biggest thing is: Listen to the people. Understand their concerns… and come with solutions,” he said. The commissioner added that developers who once treated the county as a blank slate are encountering a new reality shaped by residents who expect transparency and engagement. “I think more and more companies are now realizing we’re not pushovers anymore,” Klob said. “We’re not the cities where you can come and do whatever you want. We’re watching things now; we’re controlling things a lot better.” Sarber, the Horseshoe Energy rep, said that approach is something she has tried to follow, particularly after watching other companies move forward with little notice. “We’re out there being vulnerable, meeting with people and talking about our project,” she said. “It’s just learning the folks and what they want and trying to be a good listener.” In a county still balancing progress with heritage, listening, residents say, may be the only place to start — if they’re going to be on board at the finish. I know the desert, so the harshness doesn’t faze me a bit. It makes me a little tougher than most and you need to know how to live out here.” – ROBIN DAVIS
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Native Grill & Wings
Robin Davis
Restaurant inspections
he said, despite voting yes in the 6–2 decision that moved the project through the county zoning board in October. “I think it really is a work in progress… If they do come in and bring their own infrastructure, I think that helps the argument, so they don’t become a burden on the community.” ‘Listen to the people’ Being a good neighbor, residents say, also means recognizing Pinal County is no longer a place where companies can quietly push projects through. Davis said if she could offer one message to developers, it would be simple: “Listen to the residents and don’t just push your way in.” Klob agreed.
EXCELLENT • AFC Sushi at Bashas’ • Amberlynn’s Sweet Treats • Bashas’ bakery • Bashas’ deli • Bashas’ retail • Native Grill & Wings
(480) 251-4231 • DayvMorgan@gmail.com MaricopaHomeSmart.com
Maricopa resident since 2006
• Inspectors found a buildup of grease and grime on the floors and in areas around the fryers. The person in charge was instructed to clean the area to remove the buildup. Inspectors will check during the next routine inspection to confirm regular cleaning is being done. • Province Community Association Clubhouse • Sequoia Pathway Academy (K-6) • Sequoia Pathway Academy (secondary) • Starbucks at Bashas’ • W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar • Inspectors observed meat thawing in a prep sink without running water, which is not an approved method. The person in charge was told food cannot be thawed at room temperature. During the inspection, water was turned on so the meat could continue thawing under running water. Inspectors will verify proper thawing methods during the next inspection.
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What do the ratings mean?
EXCELLENT: All priority standards are observed as compliant. SATISFACTORY: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. All priority standards are corrected at the time of inspection. NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. At least one violation is not corrected at the time of inspection. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given. UNACCEPTABLE: One or more violations observed are an “imminent health hazard.” Hazards include the misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak and unsanitary conditions that may endanger public health. Hazards can stem from fires, floods, electrical or water problems, and sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.
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InMaricopa.com | Janaury 2026
Janaury 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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