6 June 29th–July 5th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | Feature ▼ Dazzling Desert Displays Where to see fireworks in metro Phoenix over the Fourth of July weekend. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN| PAGE 15 Chow ▼ Pushing Boundaries True Mexican food? Tempe’s Cocina Chiwas is true to itself. BY DOMINIC ARMATO| PAGE 23 E D I T O R I A L EDITOR Matt Hennie NEWS EDITOR O’Hara Shipe CULTURE EDITOR Jennifer Goldberg FOOD EDITOR Tirion Boan STAFF WRITERS Sara Crocker, Benjamin Leatherman, Katya Schwenk, Elias Weiss COPY EDITOR Rebecca Rhoades CONTRIBUTORS David Abbott, Tiffany Acosta, Scott Bourque, Ole Braatelien, Nikki Michelle Charnstrom, Chris Coplan, Sara Crocker, Justin Freemyer, Gannon Hanevold, Kevin Hanlon, Beau Hodai, Mark C. 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No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means including electronic retrieval systems without the express written permission of the publisher, New Times, 1201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Our paper is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled product. ▼ Contents 9 News 15 Feature 20 Culture 23 Chow 28 Music Concerts ................................. 32 35 Cannabis On the Cover: Dazzling Desert Display. Illustration by Emma Randall. Ash Ponders VOL. 54 | NO. 26 | JUNE 29–JULY 5, 2023 The Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is returning after a four-year hiatus. Questions? Feedback? Email me at [email protected] • Follow me on RATING (out of 5 McFly’s) The Top of The heap: 2023 ToyoTa Tacoma SR5 4x4 2023 ToyoTa Tacoma SR5 4x4 T here is a reason the Toyota Tacoma is the top selling pickup in the midsize truck segment. If you aren’t familiar with the competition, think Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier. The Colorado and Canyon were redesigned for 2023 and the Frontier was redesigned in 2022 to compete. We expect a new redesign Tacoma soon but for 2023, we were blessed to test the new SR5 trim. The SR5 delivers a four-way power- adjustable driver’s seat & integrated fog lights in addition to a 3.5-liter, V-6 that delivers 278 horsepower and 20 MPG. The price point of the SR5 is $31,294 which is a great entry point. The Tacoma is a well built truck with incredible performance and massive value. If you want a truck and don’t want to break the bank on a full size, buy the Tacoma. You won’t regret it. Pick-Up: Handling: Comfort: Passenger Comfort: Safety & Security: Sound System: Access to Controls: Bells & Whistles: Overall: Looks:
