Fwd: Last chance! We’re counting on readers like you
With 2 days left in our spring campaign, we’re only $500 away from our spring campaign goal!
New Times members have already contributed $9,500 – can you help us hit our goal and keep New Times free and in print every week? If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Phoenix.
Thanks for reading New Times.
———- Forwarded message ——— From: Phoenix New Times, Jennifer Goldberg <inbox@phoenixnewtimes-insider.com> Date: Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM Subject: Last chance! We’re counting on readers like you
Hi Peter,
If you’re receiving this email, it’s likely because you read New Times regularly. You know the role we play in Phoenix: reporting on city government and development, covering the local arts and food scene and highlighting the people and issues that often go overlooked elsewhere.
We do this work with a simple guiding principle: No paywall. Always accessible. Anyone in Phoenix can read our stories online or pick up the paper each week — free of charge. We believe local journalism should be available to everyone, not limited to those who can afford a subscription.
But keeping New Times free requires support from readers who value independent local reporting.
Right now, we’re working toward our spring fundraising goal of $10,000 by April 26. Contributions help fund the reporters, editors and resources that make sustained local coverage possible. Reader support allows us to continue covering the stories that shape Phoenix — without putting them behind a paywall.
You’re already part of the New Times community simply by reading. Today, we’re asking if you’ll take the next step.
Start a sustaining gift of $10 per month and help ensure New Times remains free, accessible and in print every week.
Every contribution helps strengthen independent journalism in Phoenix — and ensures that everyone in our community can stay informed.Count me in! I’m ready to support today.
With thanks,
Jennifer Goldberg Senior Editor, Culture
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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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RJ Hamster 