THE BLACK MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY ALLIANCE REPORT

By Frosty Kroening

Items discussed at the January 11 meeting of the Black Mountain Community Alliance were good ways to begin 2023. Unfortunately, Commander Darren Viner will be retiring as of the end of February. We really have enjoyed working with him and valuing his leadership on community policing.

The new Phoenix Police Chief’s Organizational Structure as of December 19, 2022 was explained. An organizational chart was made available. Also, the Phoenix Police Department will work toward hiring more women and people who match the diversity of Phoenix. (This is a national effort as well.)

People present asked again about policies dealing with the un-housed population. In one of the break-out groups, it was stated that, because of new and pending legal rulings, police are not able to take much action against homeless people hanging out on public property unless they are breaking laws or regulations. Intrusions on private property are enforced differently as criminal trespass. Also, if people are going out into traffic or knocking on car windows to try to get money, please call 911. The Department is awaiting further legal decisions before taking serious actions on people on public property (except for parks after hours and around businesses). The case in Federal District Court is CV-22-020410PHX-GMS. This case may center partly on having enough places for everyone who is homeless to be housed. But, how do we know how many homeless people there are? And jurisdictions nearby are steering the un-housed to Phoenix because of its many available services.

Traffic operations have been taking place in our precinct in unannounced areas. Many moving violation and non-moving violation tickets have been given and maximum speeds have been recorded at around 80 miles per hour. On one street a speed of 94.25 was recorded! This area apparently is being regarded as a freeway. Traffic operation locations are based on the number of phone calls from concerned nearby residents.

Members of the Alliance have complained about car backfires that are sounding like gunfire. The cars allegedly have been equipped with anti-lag or two-step add-ons. Residents become alarmed when these cars go by and make loud noises. Regulations could be written to prevent vehicles from making loud noises because they affect all of us adversely. Also, various car dealers are considering offering etching services to make catalytic converter theft more difficult.

Attendees asked about police staffing for the Super Bowl. Lt. Ben Sywarungaymun noted that a squad from our precinct will be present at the stadium area and our precinct will be covered more or less as usual. Police from other cities will help out too.

Good news is that one armed robbery ring in the Bell Road and Greenway (near the freeway) neighborhood was apprehended by police action. Loud clapping was the response to that simple statement! 9 individuals were apprehended. We are proud of all Black Mountain Precinct Officers! We are determined to have safe places to carry out our lives and businesses and we consider ourselves part of the team, helping where and when we can. SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! We interact directly with and support the Officers assigned in our districts.

Last but not least, Sandy Borbolla talked about the Police Assistant and Ca- det program of the Department. Young people 14 to 20 are urged to enroll in this program. Recruiting takes place in some high schools. The requirements are an 8th grade graduation, have at least C average grades, are of good character, have no police record, and a desire to assist the police. Meetings take place weekly and trained Police Assistants help in various ways such as writing reports at accidents and other areas where police need help. The young people are paid for carrying out certain tasks. And they are considered early in the police academy process when they turn 21 if they want to serve.

Rookie Mom: 14 Memories for february 14th

BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE

Like all people, we think we’re going to remember a hilarious moment, a decent meal’s smell, how someone looked at a certain time, and so on.

But of course, we’re human, so we’re a forgetful bunch.

And because I am incredibly forgetful, here are 14 memories – in honor of Valentine's Day – that I hope triggers my memory when I’m old and gray, or maybe something that my daughter and son will read to remember Adam and myself as young parents, in love with these everyday moments.

1. Brynn, age 5, thoroughly immersed in her Matilda phase. When she and I watch the musical, Brynn orders me to reenact and sing character roles. She mostly plays wonderkind Matilda, and

I’m the crusty Miss Trunchbull. She dances in the family room like the professional ballerina that she believes herself to be whenever the instrumental music between numbers come on. We’re reading a chapter of Matilda before bedtime, and Brynn found it hilarious when Matilda tricks her dad into dying his hair blonde.

2. Hearing my Mom and Henry deeply cooing at one another in his nursery room as I work from home. It’s quite hilarious listening to my mom have caveman-like grunts that mimic Henry’s 4-month-old baby voice.

3. Lounging on the couch and eating nutella bread while rewatching Ted Lasso with Adam after we put the kids to sleep. Thoroughly enjoying anything and everything Roy Kent does and says, while also agreeing that Coach Beard is the lowkey underrated character.

4. Brynn had an absolute fit because she wanted to wear the sleeveless and belly-baring top and dress that matches her American Girl doll that she received for Christmas. It was 37 degrees outside that day, and we told her she could wear it over long sleeves and leggings. Brynn kept insisting that we’re “ruining her life” and that kids would “make fun of her.”

5. Weekend walks from our house to the main neighborhood park where Brynn spots cotton-tailed bunnies during our stroll. Brynn and Adam playing a catch of rugby while Henry and I coo at one another under a willow tree. Brynn chased a flock of birds in a field causing terror to those poor creatures.

6. Henry was strong enough to sit up at 4 months old, ready to consume his first solid foods. This has been Brynn’s great anticipation since discovering she was going to have a little brother, so she’s been the only one to feed him. Our family laughed hysterically at his shudders and pure hate for bananas, mango, and sweet potato.

7. Walking in my kitchen to take a break from work to find my Mom holding a sleeping Henry and asking, “What happens next?” to The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, The Good Place, etc. She has no patience for wanting to watch the entire series!

8. Adam made the most amazing steak taco bowls known to mankind. My Nana clips, Costco-grilled steak, homemade guac, black beans, and freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese. Basic and droolworthy.

9. Henry looked up at me with his big round blue eyes as I fell asleep. When I barely open my eyes to check on him, he’s there gauging my next move. All I see are these massive, deep navy eyes that I tell myself I’m going to remember.

10. We watch a family show at night after dinner, so right now Brynn’s been obsessed with Bake Squad. I surprised Brynn with a trip to Butta Cakes – our first time there – after picking her up from school. She grabs my camera phone and promptly reviews the cake batter, caramel, german chocolate cake, and raspberry cakes as we watch the show.

11. Date night with Adam at Copper Blues before seeing Ali Wong perform stand up. Instead, we discover Sheng Weng, a super underrated Mitch Hedgeberg-like comedian, who kicked off the show as an opener.

12. Anytime we put Henry down to sleep, zipped up in his gray sleep sack, he’s dead asleep, but then sways back and forth like a madman trying to get comfortable – all while his eyes are shut. It’s hysterical.

13. Brynn is always rushing through the door after school wanting to hold her baby brother. Plugging Henry onto the rainbow bean bag chair, barely holding himself upright, soaking in Brynn reading these mini Eric Carle books reviewing basic shapes, colors, animals, etc.

14. Ending my day before nodding off to sleep, grateful for the day’s little joys.

Greetings Partners and Community Members,

This is Dr. Paul Stanton. I am humbled to serve as the Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). As we continue into 2023, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for your partnership and all you do to support the WESD. This year is already off to a great start, and I look forward to continue sharing our District news and updates with you.

Mountain Sky Teacher Recognized as 2023 Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Recipient

The WESD is proud to recognize Mountain Sky Jr. High School Math Teacher Ms. Brittani Karbginsky as a winner of the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program! Each year during the holiday season, this program awards select Arizona K-12 teachers with $2,500 grants to fund classroom supplies and projects. Ms. Karbginsky plans to use her grant to make her classroom more comfortable for students with purchases of new tables and seating. Congratulations, Ms. Karbginsky!

Mountain Sky Students Impress at Fall Stock Market Game

Prior to winter break, Mountain Sky Entrepreneurialism students earned second and third place in the Fall Stock Market Game hosted by the Arizona Council for Economic Education. Over 2,200 students participated in the statewide event where they started with $100,000 in virtual funds to invest and manage throughout the game. Team Bob the Builder (Hayden A., Trevon B., Jesse C., Luke K. and Maleah P.) grew their investment portfolio to $124,574 while the Flintstones (Alex B., Addison G. and Addasha R.) ended the trading period with $116,022 in their portfolio, which is a 24% and 16% return on investment. Overall, Mountain Sky was well represented as nine teams finished

Independent Living Skills

It's the first program in her adult life that I’ve seen that actually practices what I believe is the mission which is to have the right sta in the right place to work with the special needs community and really help them develop and find their potential.

Vicki, Mother

Person-Centered Learning

I know from our experience how amaz ing it is for me to be able to send Jacob to a place where the sta is really well trained and understand how to interact with Jacob in a way that’s respectful and allows him to fully participate, and grow, and learn things, but not at a rate or in a way that’s frustrating.

James, Father within the Top 10. The WESD Family congratulates these students on a job well done!

WESD to Host February Teacher Interview Fair

An exciting opportunity to teach in the WESD is quickly approaching! Join us for our Teacher Interview Fair on Saturday, February 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the WESD Administrative Center. We will be hiring for elementary, middle and special education teachers, as well as speech pathologists. Our District offers competitive salaries, leadership opportunities, teacher support, loan forgiveness, great benefits and much more. In-person and virtual interviews will be available. To schedule an interview today, please call 602-347-2622. Walk-ins are also welcome. We look forward to meeting you!

Stay Connected with the WESD

If you enjoy receiving these updates but want to stay connected with the WESD at all times, I encourage you to follow the District (@WESDschools) on all its social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. This will help ensure that you never miss any important or exiting news. Our district website (https://www.wesdschools.org/ ) is another valuable resource for staying informed with the WESD.

As always, it is an honor sharing our District highlights with you and the rest of the community. Your continued partnership is immeasurable to the success of the WESD.

Meaningful Employment

“I love dressing the mannequins and doing the display cases. I love seeing my work on display. My favorite thing is when a customer buys one of my mannequin displays. It makes me feel proud.”

Tracy,

Member

Accessible Camping Experiences

They got great people here, and you’ll have a lot of fun, & you’ll enjoy yourself.

Kathy, Camper

Community Exploration

Francis also asked and answered questions about fashion, style, and is interested in becoming a model through the FABRIC resources. She was thrilled to see the photography studio, make up and hair spaces, and the recording studio at FABRIC.

Transformational Growth

Overall, my time at camp has made me realize a new passion I have for individuals who are not always understood and accepted as they should be…I will always believe that no disability should define any individual and their capabilities.

Briella, Volunteer

Anthony’s Story

It has been a nine-year journey since he walked into my class at Civitan, just for the fun of it, to now, becoming sta , and teaching members how to develop their skills just like he did. He has found his calling.

Merilee Adams, Art Director with

Civitan Foundation www.CivitanFoundationAZ.org