Arizona’s unlikeliest boom town – strangely located not in Maricopa County, but in Pinal – incorporated as Arizona’s 88th city in 2000, with a population of 1,040. By 2002, its population soared to 15,934, and today it hovers around 48,602. Here’s what’s new in this swelling desert city, located about 35 miles south of Downtown Phoenix.
As managing editor and associate publisher of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, Charles Lohrmann experienced astounding natural wonders, from canoeing in Deep East Texas to trekking into the remote canyonlands west of Del Rio to view Archaic rock art. From TPWD, Lohrmann moved to Texas Highways, the award-winning Official Travel Magazine of Texas, where he was editor and publisher, and directed coverage of destinations in every corner of Texas. As editor of Texas Co-op Power magazine, he guided content development — including travel, history and culture — for the largest circulation publication in the state of Texas, reaching more than 3.5 million readers. Now residing in Santa Fe, N.M., Lohrmann has also traveled throughout Arizona many times, in particular to the Hopi and Navaho tribal lands, as well as to the Tohono O’odham nation.
Jenna Watters was born and raised in Sedona, Arizona, which is where her love of music began. She started singing in church as a young girl, joined a traveling choir that toured all over Arizona, and even helped teach the choir her senior year at Sedona Red Rock High School. In 2005, she graduated high school and spent a couple years at Arizona State University before she decided to travel around Europe, and it was during her travels that she decided that a career in music was calling her name. She linked up with her friend, Daniel Watters and they began writing songs via e-mail and would meet up during holiday breaks back home to Sedona to play small coffee shop shows for their friends and family. Fast forward to 15 years later; Jenna now lives in Austin with her husband Daniel and their son Johnny and has achieved her dream of becoming a full time musician with their band, The Watters. She also sings in various other side projects in town and teaches yoga on the side. Both Jenna and Daniel’s families still live in Arizona and they often travel back home for holidays and shows.
Jenn is a celebrated food influencer and a stand out in Arizona’s culinary scene. Honored as Best Food Influencer and recognized for her TikTok and Instagram accounts by PHOENIX magazine’s Best of the Valley, Jenn has become a trusted voice for food lovers across the state.
Her journey began during the challenging days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when she started spotlighting local restaurants to support struggling businesses.
Since then, Jenn has earned a reputation for her expertise in authentic Mexican cuisine, her passion for mom-and-pop eateries, and her love of dive bars and hidden gems.
Her genuine love for food shines through in her videos, where her expressions while tasting each dish say it all-no words needed.
Known for her honest yet thoughtful reviews, Jenn has built a loyal audience that appreciates her down-to-earth personality and approachability.
When she’s not discovering Arizona’s best bites, you might find her snapping selfies with fans or sharing her latest food finds.
Brian Goddard is a Scottsdale/Phoenix based Photographer, Videographer and Designer with a focus on Architecture, Food, Travel, Adventure, Garden and Lifestyle Content Creation.
Brian began his career as a Graphic Designer, Art Director and Photographer for Organic Gardening magazine and Organic Style magazine at Rodale, in Pennsylvania, Disney Adventures magazine in New York City, before relocating to Arizona to Design and Art Direct Phoenix Home & Garden magazine and PHOENIX magazine.
Brian has a lifelong interest in Adventure, Culture, Travel, Cuisine, Plants and Lifestyle, which makes Arizona a perfect place to Live, Work and Play.
