We’re watching out for Phoenix — and for you

Hi Peter, 

I’m Sam Eifling, the editor-in-chief of Phoenix New Times, and today we’re kicking off our spring fundraising campaign.

Trust me when I say, it’s more fun than it sounds.

We’re asking our readers to help us cover the costs of producing our original, jailbreak journalism about the Valley. It would be preposterous for us to ask for your help without offering you value in return. So when we get to fundraising season, I get the chance to look back at our work and pull out the hits for you, our reader, the person we truly work for.

We’re doing great work right now. In a year that feels like the world is tilting precariously on its axis, I’m proud that our reporters bust their asses watching out for Phoenix: tracking decisions, following the money, attending meetings, asking hard questions, and chasing the stories that help people understand the city.

Support from readers like you is the fuel that keeps us running.

As an independent news organization, we rely on members to sustain our work and to keep it accessible. Every dollar helps fund journalism that serves the Valley and advances our mission to make our home an incredible place in which to live. And our price point for our readers — free on newsstands, free online, free in your inbox — ensures that everyone who needs high-quality journalism can get it.

I promised some hits. So, look, when you get a couple of minutes to dive into some heavier pieces, check out our coverage of a Phoenix congresswoman searching for answers in the high-profile death of a local ICE detainee who complained of a toothache. Or dive into our scoop on a gathering of Trump advisors who discussed how to circumvent federal law to deploy troops in American cities. Or get some righteous catharsis by looking at how Valley artists are pushing back against ICE and its abuses.

(And, look, we’re also covering lighter topics. When will Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s open? We’ve got you. How can you join in a bride-themed bar crawl in Scottsdale? We were on the case. Phoenix New Times obsesses over more than chaos.)

As you know, 2026 is only getting warmed up. We’re watching major political races for state and local offices. So much of Arizona’s future will be up for grabs in the coming months. Help keep us on the beat.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll share more about our reporting and impact. We hope you’ll be inspired to step up your support by becoming a monthly or annual member or making a one-time gift. We put it to good use, for you.

We’ve set a goal to raise $10,000 by April 26. Every gift moves us closer.

If you believe in independent journalism, now is a great time to step up. Your contribution ensures Phoenix New Times can continue to serve you with verve and fire.

Of course! I’m thankful for your work.

Thank you for being part of the Phoenix New Times community. If you’ve gotten this far into the email, you’re a genuine reader. You’re our people. We appreciate you.

With gratitude,

Sam Eifling
Editor-in-Chief

P.S. Share this email with a friend! We depend on readers who believe in trustworthy news. They can help us hit our April goal. Prefer to give by check? Our mailing address is 1201 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ, 85034.

Phoenix New Times thrives because of support from people like you. Campaigns like this are essential to sustaining our work. If you give today, you’ll be removed from the rest of this campaign. Thank you for being part of this community. 

LIMITED TIME ONLY: Become a monthly or yearly member to get your exclusive Phoenix New Times swag featuring Ryan Liebe. Find out more here! 

Questions? View our ‘FAQs‘ or send us an email at supportus@newtimes.com

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Published by RJ Hamster

I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis. I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God. I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree. Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons. I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA. While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon.. In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God. We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987). From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting. Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982. I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects. In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston. In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018. Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia. In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey. As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova. Love and God Bless, Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi

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