West Valley View - East 01-01-2020

Cops ‘Ring’ in the New Year

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

Fueled by scanners picking up police chatter, a small section of the population ardently started following law enforcement communications decades ago.

In recent years, following the police has gone high-tech.

And the cops can follow right back.

Indeed, police departments around the West Valley are Ring-ing in the New Year. Started as a home security device, Amazon-owned Ring now incorporates door-camera footage with comments and postings, primarily with its Neighbors app.

While some post videos of thefts and suspicious people wandering up to their front doors, a home security camera is not required to use Neighbors. Users of the free app post about stolen property, ask if anyone else heard gunshots, wonder about

all the police activity up the street and ask for assistance finding lost pets.

The police keep an eye on Ring. Occasionally, a community relations officer will post information to the community.

Showing the police are watching, the Buckeye Police used Neighbors-posted videos to educate the community on keeping cars locked. The videos show a group of young people looking for unlocked cars at homes. (See “Buckeye Police,” Page 2.)

Ring/Neighbors users can also view incident maps to see reported crimes close to their homes and cumulative “safety reports.”

While Ring/Neighbors has official agreements with the Glendale Police Department and hundreds of other police departments across the country, several other apps allow people to track crime in their

Elusive suspect shot, captured

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

Buckeye Police officers shot “armed and dangerous” suspect Christopher Mendoza Dec. 23.

“Mendoza was transported to a local hospital for his injuries where he remains in critical condition,” said Joaquin Enriquez, of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, who confirmed Buckeye Police officers shot Mendoza but declined to give specifics. He said the MCSO “is the lead agency on this case and is investigating the shooting.”

An off-duty officer first spotted the elusive Mendoza, who turned 34 Friday.

Mendoza was on the run from police since a Dec. 20 incident at a Goodyear Walmart. He is accused of aggravated assault and kidnapping.

Mendoza, who lives in Avondale and has previous convictions for aggravated as-

sault, misconduct involving weapons and theft, eluded multiple attempts by Goodyear and Avondale police to capture him.

Lisa Berry of the Goodyear Police Department called Mendoza “armed and dangerous” while he was on the run.

Several who posted comments to a West Valley View Facebook post about Mendoza’s capture expressed relief.

“Thank you BPD for risking your lives every day,” said Kim Mosteller. “Thank goodness this guy is off the streets.

“He held the entire west side up in fear,” commented Frances Cabrera. “Many couldn’t leave their homes or return.”

The Buckeye off-duty officer who spotted Mendoza called for backup.

Rossi, who declined to give names of officers involved due to a pending investigation, said the off-duty officer and other

The Neighbors app by Ring allows users to post crimes, videos and ask about police activity. The police monitor and use the app to send out information. (Image courtesy Ring) Ring...continued on page 2

Buckeye Police officers shot and captured Christopher Mendoza, accused of kidnapping and aggravated assault after waving a gun in a Goodyear Walmart. (Photo courtesy Goodyear Police) Suspect...continued on page 3

Buckeye Police using app for education

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO West Valley View Staff Writer

The Buckeye Police Department utilized Ring’s Neighbors app to educate the community on burglaries from unlocked cars.

In an effort to show what happens when residents leave their cars unlocked, the police department shared videos from people’s home cameras - often from the Ring/Neighbors app. The videos are used during neighborhood watch meetings.

“There’s been an outpour of nothing but positive response from the community at these block watch meetings,”

Ring...continued from page 1

neighborhood.

Nextdoor, another free app, can be used for everything from selling furniture to posting photos of sunsets. Users also post about crimes and police activity in their neighborhoods.

“Car break-ins,” a user posted Dec. 26 in the Goodyear area. “Some kids

said Buckeye Police Officer Eddie Cruz. “We just got on board with the Ring app and we can communicate that way.”

Bruce Root, a Buckeye Police patrol lieutenant, said the education and extra enforcement is paying off with “an 8% decrease in vehicle burglaries from last year.”

Cruz said videos show groups of burglars passing through neighborhoods in search of weak security and opportunity.

“There will be multiple teenagers in one vehicle, possibly even two vehicles —they’ll exit their vehicles and it

up to no good last night off Via Elena (Street). Keep your doors locked and eyes opened.”

The user also posted a link to footage of young people breaking into two cars.

Citizen allows users to put in locations and track posts such as “report of gunfire” and “police activity.” The Citizen app is relatively new to the Valley and limited in its West Valley postings.

will happen in a matter of seconds,” Cruz said. “What they’ll do is split up and go down the streets and start checking door handles.”

Donna Rossi, public information officer for the BPD, said the decrease in car burglaries this year has been as a result of a collaborative effort.

“It’s just a real cooperative effort between the police department and the community in this regard,” Rossi said. “They’ve listened to our warning and they’ve heeded on what’s going on and has really helped a lot and we just encourage them to continue to do so.”

According to its website, Citizen uses proprietary technology “to provide real-time alerts for crime and other emergencies reported to 911.”

Though it is not interactive, the site communitycrimemap.com allows people to enter their address and track recent crime in their neighborhoods.

automatic response to private Facebook messages goes out to all senders advising if a crime needs to be reported to do so by either calling 911 (emergency in progress) or the non-emergency line at 623-932-1220.”

While the Avondale Police Department did not respond to questions from the West Valley View, Goodyear and Buckeye police departments said they are active on all the apps.

“The Goodyear Police Department uses social media to get information out to the public,” said Lisa Berry, a Goodyear Police spokeswoman. “We use Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

“We are currently in the process of getting Ring for Neighbors, but it is still in the setup phase.”

The Buckeye Police Department also posts electronically, said spokeswoman Donna Rossi.

Same goes for Buckeye, Rossi said: “We do not real-time monitor each platform. Therefore, these are not tools citizens should use for crime reporting. In any emergency, people are encouraged to call 911 for immediate help, or the non-emergency police number for assistance.”

Even so, police communication is becoming more high-tech.

“The Goodyear Police Department uses social media as a tool to keep the public informed about crimes, crime trends, crime prevention, good news stories and anything going on within the police department,” said Berry.

People like Rossi think real-life interactions remain invaluable.

“The Buckeye Police Department is active with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Neighbors by Ring, Nextdoor and we have the app MYPD which we are starting to put online,” Rossi said.

“These tools are essential in today’s world for communicating with citizens and visitors to our community,” said Rossi. “Social media allows the department to put out accurate and timely information before rumors and misinformation can start to swirl.”

With so many users posting information about crimes, police representatives caution against thinking of apps and social media as a 911 replacement.

“The Goodyear Police Department social media platforms are not meant for reporting crimes,” said Berry. “Social media is not monitored 24/7 and

“Building trust and confidence in residents still requires face-to-face community meetings, block watch groups, civic involvement and good ole fashion community policing,” Rossi said.

“Social media does not take the place of those officers who carry basketballs in their patrol cars who start a ‘shoot around’ when they see a group of kids gathering in a park.”

While old-fashioned scanner listeners try to filter out audio crackles, app and social media users sift through the electronic static of snarky comments and irrelevant postings.

For those looking to mix the old and the new: Police Scanner, Broadcastify, Scanner 911 and many other apps allow users to listen to scanners on mobile devices.

A video post on the Ring/Neighbors app showed a group of young people entering unlocked cars at Buckeye residences. (Annotated photo courtesy Buckeye Police)

PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT

Michael Hiatt

ASSOCIATE GROUP

PUBLISHER

Laura Meehan

623-777-1042

lmeehan@westvalleyview.com

EDITORIAL HOTLINE

623-777-1492

Managing Editor

Tom Scanlon, tscanlon@westvalleyview.com

Copy Editor

April Morganroth, amorganroth@timespublications.com

Designers

Shannon Mead, smead@westvalleyview.com

Tonya Mildenberg, tmildenberg@westvalleyview.com

Production Manager

Courtney Oldham, production@westvalleyview.com

ADVERTISING

623-535-8439

advertising@westvalleyview.com

Customer Service Representative

Deeanna Acosta, 623-535-8439

dacosta@westvalleyview.com

Advertising Representatives

Dick Walters, 623-777-1791 dwalters@westvalleyview.com

National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds, zac@timespublications.com

Classified and Obituaries

Deeanna Acosta, dacosta@westvalleyview.com

CIRCULATION

623-535-8439

Circulation Director

Aaron Kolodny, customercare@westvalleyview.com

DELIVERY

Man shot on Christmas Eve in Litchfield Park

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW

A man was shot at 9:37 p.m. Christmas Eve in Litchfield Park, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting took place on Sierra Hermosa Drive near the Wigwam Golf Club.

“Deputies arrived on scene and found a male in his 60’s that had been shot one time. The victim was awake and alert and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition,” said Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez of the MCSO.

“The victim is expected to survive and we do not have any suspect information at this time.”

He said MCSO detectives are investigating.

Wigwam hosts Patriot All-America Golf Invitational

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW

Opening ceremonies for the ninth annual Patriot All-America Golf Invitational will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, on the driving range of the Wigwam Golf Club.

The event is open to the public and free for all to attend. VIP tickets are available for purchase at patriotallamerica.com.

The event honors and thanks active-duty servicemembers, veterans and first responders.

The Patriot All-America opening ceremonies will feature Armed Forces routines, F-35 flyovers, guest speakers and the Wings of Blue parachute team.

Hosts are the West Valley Mavericks, Arizona Golf Association and Golf Coaches of America.

The event benefits Folds Of Honor and the Pat Tillman Foundation.

The Wigwam Golf Club is at 451 N. Old Litchfield Rd. Litchfield Park.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

officers surrounded Mendoza.

“(Mendoza) tried to break into a home but he was not able to get into the home. He ended up stealing a pest control vehicle that had the keys in it. Offi cers were able to surround and give commands to stop. At this point, the vehicle was driving toward offi cers.”

She said Mendoza was waving a gun and threatening to commit suicide.

Several officers fired at Mendoza after he continued refusing orders and driving at them, Rossi said.

After the shooting, Mendoza was taken to a hospital.

“Mendoza will be arrested upon his recovery and he will face charges from Goodyear Police,” Berry said.

Goodyear Police responded to a call of a man pointing a gun at a woman at a Walmart in Goodyear at 1:30 a.m. Dec. 20. When confronted by police, Mendoza fl ed from the store. He then allegedly kidnapped a driver at gunpoint and demanded a ride to an Avondale location. The driver complied with the demand and was not harmed.

On Dec. 22, Goodyear Police spotted Mendoza in a vehicle and followed it, according to Berry. Mendoza ran from the car into an Avondale home, where he barricaded himself.

Police surrounded the home near 109th Avenue and Fourth Street, but early Dec. 23, Mendoza “fled on foot out of the backyard, past a po-

Worship With Us

lice department perimeter and disappeared into the neighborhood,” said Berry.

Later in the day, Goodyear and Avondale police surrounded a home near West Fourth Street and Jean Elizabeth Place after a caller reported Mendoza was there. But, after searching for several hours, Mendoza was not found.

A few hours later, Buckeye Police officers ended the search by capturing Mendoza.

Buckeye Police Chief Larry Hall congratulated his officers for apprehending the “obviously desperate” suspect.

Goodyear Police released footage of Mendoza at Walmart. (Photo courtesy Goodyear Police)

A clear sign that casino opening is near

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO West Valley View Staff Writer

The 65-foot sign casino officials lit last week is a sign the opening of the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley is approaching.

The casino is scheduled to open at 9431 W. Northern Avenue in Glendale Feb. 19. The construction cost is an estimated $400 million.

The double-sided LED sign, near the corner of West Northern and North 91st avenues, can be seen from the Loop 101.

At a Dec. 16 ceremony, Treena Parvello, director of public relations and communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise said, “This is more than just a sign. It is a beacon of progress for the Desert Diamond Casino. It is also a testament to the hard work of

Tribal leaders and team members and will serve as a permanent fixture as we move forward in creating positive economic development for the Nation and the West Valley.”

According to casino leaders, the expanded casino offers new slot machines, poker and blackjack tables and will host live bingo on its 75,000-square-foot gaming floor. In addition, the new facility will feature five restaurants.

Rudy Prieto, CEO of Desert Diamond Casinos, said this is just a sneakpeek of what’s to come.

“This is a little preview of what’s coming in about 10 weeks from now,” Prieto said. “It’s very significant because it’s the first step in lighting up the future for this magnificent property. It’s the largest sign of any casino in Arizona.”

According to casino leaders, once completed, the facility will be 2.3 million-square-foot and will be one of the region’s largest employers with over 2,000 team members.

“We are pushing our tribal employment numbers and doing all we can to make sure we live up to our obligations of tribal employment and generating revenue for the nation,” said Don Ayers, general manager of the casino.

Angelina Listo, chairwoman of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise said, “It’s very significant to the West Valley and to the Desert Diamond Casino. When the light comes on, it’s a beacon of hope and a vision for the future for all of the West Valley as long as this light can shine.”

For more information, call 623-8777777 or visit ddcaz.com/west-valley.

Casino patron hits $1 million jackpot

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

One lucky guest at Desert Diamond Casino West Valley hit the jackpot for more than $1 million, scoring plenty of holiday shopping money.

The guest’s name was not released by the casino, in keeping with the winner’s wishes.

The winner scored on a $1,038,429 progressive jackpot Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. The guest was playing the Gold Crown machine from AGS.

The million-dollar jackpot was hit on a one-credit bet.

Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, at 91st and Northern avenues near Glendale, celebrated its fourth anniversary in the Valley the same day.

A major new expansion with a larger gaming floor featuring the latest slots, poker, blackjack, bingo, five new dining venues and more will open in February. The casino is planning to hire 2,000 employees, applications can be submitted at ddcaz.com/careers.

“We always love seeing our guests win big, so welcoming the West Valley’s newest millionaire on our fourth anniversary is an extra treat,” said Treena Parvello, director of Public Relations and Communications for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “It goes to show Desert Diamond Casino is Arizona’s place to play.”

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise,

Sign: The 65-foot sign features a double-sided LED screen. (Photo by Octavio Serrano)

an enter- prise of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

After a patron hit a $1 million jackpot, a celebratory check was held by a Desert Diamond Casino team member. (Photo courtesy Desert Diamond Casino)

Changes coming to the way MVD issues plates, tabs and documents

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW

The new year will usher in a new way Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division customers will get license plates, complete vehicle registrations and many retrieve other document needs such as vehicle titles. Beginning this month, customers will receive these items through the U.S. Mail and will no longer be able to obtain them at an MVD or authorized third-party office. Customers should make sure their address is current and complete with the U.S. Postal Service and MVD.

“The MVD needs to be well-positioned for the growth of e-commerce,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards. “Distributing items such as license plates, tabs, title work and other documents allows us to prepare for the growing demand for fulfilling customer orders through the mail as MVD continues to increase the number of services available online, anytime.”

All registration documents and license plate tabs, including those issued today at MVD self-service kiosks will

be mailed. When customers renew, their record is updated instantly and a receipt will be proof of registration. For customers getting a license plate, the change will also mean the plate number will be entered into the customer’s service file and the temporary plate issued at the office will have the same number as the permanent plate later mailed out.

Customers who purchase off-highway vehicle decals the same day they plan to use them at a recreational area will not receive the decal at the office, but will get a receipt and should keep it with them to prove the decals were purchased.

In the future, more vehicle titles will transition to an electronic process. Currently, a limited number of title transfers such as one-owner to one-owner transfers of Arizona-registered vehicles can already be done entirely online through AZ MVD Now, which is available through ServiceArizona.com.

For more information, click the MVD System Changes link at azdot. gov/mvd.

WEST VALLEY VISION CENTER

Abrazo West adds two board members

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW

Abrazo West Campus added Jack Cadogan and Dr. Judy Wu to the hospital’s governing board.

Cadogan is senior vice president of site operations, for Arizona Public Service Company, where he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day nuclear operations at Palo Verde Generating Station. Prior to joining APS in 2009, he spent 30 years in the energy industry. He is a resident of Litchfield Park.

Wu is board-certified in family medicine and has been a member of the medical staff at Abrazo West since 2013. She serves as associate chief hospitalist for Sound Physicians and is begining a two-year term as vice chief of the Abrazo West medical staff this month. She served on the hospital’s patient family advisory council and volunteered with the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona.

“It will be an honor to serve with individuals who bring high quality and safety standards into a board that is quality and safety driven,” said Abrazo West Governing Board Chairman Sean Thompson.

Abrazo West Chief Executive Officer Christina Oh noted the importance of community members serving on the hospital’s 11-member governing board.

“Our hospital serves a growing and diverse area, and we are grateful for community and medical staff leaders who offer their time and guidance to help us ensure we are meeting our residents’ medical needs with a focus on quality care and patient satisfaction,” said Oh.

Abrazo West Campus is a 188-bed acute care hospital and Level I Trauma Center serving West Valley communities and beyond.

Big changes are coming as license plates, registration tabs and other documents will only be mailed by Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division starting ithis month. (Images courtesy ADOT)

Citizenship preparation classes in Avondale

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW

The city of Avondale, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), is offering free U.S. citizenship classes at the Care1st Avondale Resource Center.

Preparing for U.S. citizenship includes learning English, U.S. history and government as well as how the naturalization process runs.

Classes for those with beginning level English will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 7 through

March 26.

Minimum requirements for U.S. citizenship:

•Must be at least 18 years old.

•Permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

•Must have a legal Permanent Resident card.

Care1st Avondale Resource Center is at 328 W. Western Ave Avondale. To register or for more information, call 623-333-2703.

Native cactuses replanted along South Mountain Freeway

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW

The West Valley’s newest freeway is getting a little touch of what it used to be before bulldozers and pavers went to work to create the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway.

Also known as the Ed Pastor Freeway, the highway connects the East and West Valleys opened Dec. 21.

After spending time in temporary nurseries, more than 1,000 saguaro cacti, palo verde trees and other native plants removed from the path of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway are now being used to grace the 22mile corridor.

Other plants salvaged and replanted for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s largest highway project include ironwood and mesquite trees, as well as ocotillo and barrel cactuses.

“Saguaros and other native vegetation are an important part of the environment and an important part of the visual experience,” said LeRoy Brady, ADOT’s chief landscape architect.

ADOT is replanting naive plants removed during the creation of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. (Photos courtesy ADOT)

“We make a significant effort to retain saguaros of any size because we don’t want to lose those decades of growth.”

These native plants were kept in several locations for the past three years, with the largest irrigated nursery near 27th Avenue and Cedarwood Lane in the Ahwatukee Foothills. Replanting began in late November, including the area west of Desert Foothills Parkway.

ADOT has been salvaging and replanting native species since the 1980s, beginning with a project widening of State Route 87. More recent efforts include work on Loop 303 in the West Valley and the Loop 101 Pima Freeway in Scottsdale.

“We take great pride in maintaining the highway scenery by preserving plants that are part of Arizona’s history,” Brady said. “It also helps promote sustainable practices and contributes to the long-term viability of the desert ecosystem.”

For more information, visit SouthMountainFreeway.com.

Year-long study to examine teen suicide in Arizona

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, is launching a special year-long project to cover the rise of youth suicides in Arizona, exploring the underlying causes and looking for possible solutions.

The effort will involve students and faculty from across the school, including Cronkite News, the news division of Arizona PBS, and programs such as “Horizon” and “Horizonte.” The project will include a half-hour documentary to be broadcasted across the state as well as an in-depth website and continuing coverage of the topic.

The special project and in-depth coverage is made possible through a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation, which has worked for more than 40 years to improve the quality of life in Arizona through philanthropy. The project follows a similar, three-year cooperative project between the Arizona Community Foundation and The Arizona Republic focused on the foster

care system. The lengthy investigation revealed deficiencies in the system and explored potential solutions. The success of the partnership motivated ACF to fund reporting on another challenging topic of concern to all Arizonans.

“In a time where media is challenged to provide quality reporting, ACF has successfully partnered with local media to provide support for investigative journalism,” said Steve Seleznow, Arizona Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “This model of investigative reporting has enabled our community to better understand the significant challenges and opportunities on very difficult and complex topics.”

The Cronkite School completed two other major projects in recent years that called attention to some of the state’s biggest challenges. In 2015, more than 1 million people watched a statewide simulcast created by the Cronkite School in conjunction with the Arizona Broadcasters Association. “Hooked: Tracking Heroin’s Hold on Arizona” focused on the growing perils of heroin and opioid use in Arizo-

na. It aired on all 33 broadcast television stations and 93 radio stations in the state. Recovery counselors answered 438 calls through a call center in the Cronkite School for assistance on heroin and opioid addiction; they spent nearly 40 hours on the phone. “Hooked” received numerous awards, including an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award, the first time a student project won the award.

And in 2017, “Hooked Rx: From Prescription to Addiction” built on the 2015 effort by investigating the alarming rise in prescription opioid abuse in Arizona. Students crisscrossed the state to produce a multimedia look into Arizona’s dependence on prescription pain medication and the toll addiction takes on families and patients. The project included a 30-minute investigative documentary aired by every Arizona television station and most of the state’s radio outlets, and more than two dozen stories, graphics and videos.

Youth suicide is a hugely complex issue that has gotten less attention than it deserves, said Cronkite Dean Christopher Callahan.

Callahan said. “Through deep, factbased and sensitive journalism, we hope to be able to tell these important stories – and help put a spotlight on potential solutions.”

The project would not be possible without the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, Callahan said. “We are indebted to Steve Seleznow for his vision and leadership.”

Cronkite students will analyze the underlying societal, cultural, technological and medical causes behind the increase in youth suicides and explore efforts being employed across the country to combat it. The goal is to build awareness while also driving change and uncovering possible solutions.

“By partnering with Cronkite, we are confident the investigation and reporting of a difficult topic will provide opportunities to impact change and improve these statistics over time,” Seleznow said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported the rate of suicide among America’s youth between the ages of 10 and 24 increased by more than 50 percent for 2007-2017, compared with 2000-2007. Youth suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24 in America.

“The increase in suicides among our young people is a frightening story, largely untold and misunderstood,’’

Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. With five regional offices serving communities across Arizona, ACF is among the top 25 community foundations in the nation with more than $960 million in trust and endowment assets, and is certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Since inception, ACF and its affiliates have awarded more than $783 million in grants, scholarships, and loans to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies. More information is available at azfoundation.org.

Terminated police chief files appeal

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

Tammy Vo, a spokeswoman for the city of Goodyear, explained the city’s appeals process.

Goodyear fired former Police Chief Jerry Geier Dec. 20. He filed an appeal the same day.

The hearing has not been scheduled, Vo said. She added the city will make its final decision within 30 days after recieving the hearing official’s recommendation.

According to Vo, “An external hearing official will hear the facts and testimonies, review all evidence and make a recommendation to provide to the city within 10 days from the hearing.”

Goodyear put Geier and three other police employees on administrative leave Oct. 7. Investigations into Deputy Chief Justin Hughes, Officer Kyle Cluff and administrative manager Susan Petty “are still ongoing and are also considered noncriminal and non-financial in nature,” Vo said.

Former Police Chief Jerry Geier has filed an appeal to his Dec. 20 firing. (Photo courtesy city of Goodyear)

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wrong party

Editor:

On page 7 of the Dec. 25 story “Arizona representatives take party line on impeachment,” the West Valley staff mislabeled Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., as a Democrat.

Please don’t insult him, he is a Republican. I’m sure many Democrats would have liked to have voted against impeachment but their leadership is insistent on holding on to false allegations.

As for Rep. Ruben Gallegos, D-Ariz., he is correct, history will be very unkind with a no-confidence vote for him in 2020.

Eleanor Suida Litchfield Park

Giving thanks

Editor:

I recently was in Abrazo hospital on an emergency basis. I found this hospital exceptional in their caring, concern for every patient. I had several tests done and in each case, I found such caring, capable people.

They had wonderful humor which eased my already high anxiety and made things so much easier.

So from the emergency room to CNA’s, nurses, doctors and technicians I sincerely thank you all so much and I’ll remember each one forever.

This comes from the bottom of my newly-repaired heart.

Alice Barlow Litchfield Park

Reason vs emotion

Editor:

I’d like to respond to the letter titled “Impeachment” in the Dec. 25 edition of the West Valley View.

While the writer has a better than average vocabulary, he fails to stitch his words together in anything resembling a cogent argument in support of his ideas. Rather he spews one screed upon another resulting in an emotional rant that can only be persuasive to

others with the same malady. I learned early on in life that emotions are wonderful servants, but they are horrible masters if you allow them to direct your thinking.

Let’s begin with his assertion that it is “really pathetic” that Trump “…got elected in the first place despite getting 3 million votes less than his opponent.” This is at the heart of the left's assertion that the Trump presidency is illegitimate. The writer should know that there is no national popular election of the President and the total vote count he refers to is meaningless. I’d further refer him to the U.S. Constitution and the Federalist Papers that describe the workings of the Electoral College, a concept that was absolutely necessary to the formation of the United States of America.

The writer proceeds to say people, like myself, “…are immersed in cognitive dissonance…” and “…are so abominably destitute of vision.” Just a fancy way of saying what Hillary Clinton called us, a “basket of deplorables.”

Next, the writer laments the Senate’s failure to take up the myriad of bills sent to them by the House and his assertion that Republican Senators are being paid for doing nothing. First, the vast majority of these House bills are partisan Democrat pieces of legislation that would not withstand a Senate filibuster nor would they be signed by the President. Second, the Republican majority Senate under Mitch McConnell’s leadership has confirmed over 150 federal judges. Judges that will interpret the Constitution as written according to its original intent. A promise made by candidate Trump and an accomplishment that, in my opinion, sets it head and shoulders above any recent Senate.

The writer concludes with a diatribe of accusations against President Trump. He parrots these Democrat talking points without any factual evidence in much the same way as House Democrat Representatives do. I’d remind him that repeating them over and over does not make them true. And if

the House Dems had factual evidence of their truth, they would have included them in their Articles of Impeachment.

He closes by saying that if you’re “OK” with this list of unproven and unsupported allegations. “…you have sold your soul.” To the writer: that is by definition “cognitive dissonance.”

Christian D. Golding Goodyear

Go Lesko

Editor:

The headline read: “Lesko takes stand on Capitol Hill” (West Valley View, Dec. 25). Well, isn’t it about time someone had the moral courage to do so?

I reside in District 8. Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko represents my/our interests in Washington, D.C. Our brave lady voluntarily spends much of her life in the madhouse, aka, U.S. House of Representatives. How

CORRECTION

In the Dec. 25 West Valley View story on Page 7, “Arizona representatives take party line on impeachment,” it should have said Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz.

awful for her. But great for us. Thank you, ma’am.

Debbie delivers on what she has campaigned on. (Sound familiar?)

Evidently, that’s anathema to America’s entrenched domestic foes. So what? It works for this pro-America voter. And I’m not alone.

Go, Debbie!

Ken Williams Goodyear

How to get a letter published

250 N. Litchfield Road, Ste. 130, Goodyear, AZ 85340

E-mail: editor@westvalleyview.com

The West Valley View welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The West Valley View will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The West Valley View will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry.

Letters’ authors, not the View, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters. We will not print personal attacks or hateful language. Lengthy letters will be edited for space and grammar. Please do not submit multiple letters on the same topic.

Americans don’t want the government to do away with private insurance

BY JANET TRAUTWEIN Guest Writer

Most Americans like private health insurance. Fifty-six percent of voters oppose Medicare for All if it eliminates private coverage.

Many moderate lawmakers are well aware of these polling figures. So they’re calling for an expanded version of Medicare -- or the creation of a new government-run plan to compete against private insurers.

All these approaches — Medicare for All, Medicare for All Who Want It, or a public option — would be disastrous. Each would raise taxes, reduce quality of care and eliminate the private health coverage most consumers have, like and expect to keep.

Start with Medicare for All. The general concept — extending government-funded coverage to all Americans — polls well. About half of Americans give it the thumbs-up, according to the

Kaiser Family Foundation.

That majority support turns to opposition once people learn Medicare for All would ban private insurance. The plan grants the federal government a monopoly on health insurance — no private insurers or employers would be permitted to pay for health benefits.

People are big fans of private insurance. Seven in ten Americans say they’re satisfied with the coverage they receive through work. That’s a lot -more than 180 million Americans have employer-sponsored insurance.

The “public option” aims to assuage fears by allowing people who have employer-sponsored coverage to keep it and giving those who don’t an alternative.

But like Medicare for All, a public option would lead to the destruction of the private insurance market. It’d just do so more slowly.

Most public option proposals en-

vision reimbursing hospitals and doctors at Medicare’s rates, which are artificially low. In 2017, for every dollar hospitals spent caring for Medicare patients, they received only 87 cents in reimbursement.

Those lower costs allow the public option to charge less than commercial insurers, which don’t have the power to underpay providers.

Many Americans would switch from private insurance to the public option. As they did so, hospitals and doctors would raise prices for the privately insured to compensate. Insurers would be forced to hike premiums in response. It would compel even more individuals to switch.

Employers would surely do the same, dropping benefits programs and encouraging workers to enroll in the

public plan. A recent study from KNG Health Consulting found Medicare for America — a proposal that would transfer everyone who doesn’t receive coverage through an employer to a government-run plan — would cause one in four workers to lose access to employer-sponsored insurance by 2023. More than half of employees at small businesses would lose their employer-sponsored coverage.

Eventually, the public option would be the only option.

As Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, put it, “The public option is a Trojan horse” for Medicare for All. Americans would suffer under government-run health care. Robert Pollin — an economist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst -- estimates 2 million jobs across hospitals, healthcare facilities, and the insurance industry could disappear.

A report from the Congressional Budget Office concluded Medicare for All could “lead to a shortage of providers, longer wait times, and changes in the quality of care.”

That’s a lot of disruption to a health insurance system working well for most people.

It’d be far simpler—and more popular -- to expand access to coverage through our existing private, employer-driven system than to launch a government takeover of health insurance.

Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters (nahu.org).

Consider a year-end gift to a nonprofit doing great work in your community

BY KRISTEN MERRIFIELD Guest Writer

It’s the time of year when gift-giving is driven more by motivation than obligation.

Beyond the heart-warming celebratory gatherings of friends and family, it’s the time of year when nonprofit organizations reach out to supporters and donors – current, past and new – to consider a year-end gift, or investment, in agencies doing so much good work in communities large and small.

A year ago, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits led an effort to enact a new law in Arizona allowing taxpayers to continue to deduct donations to nonprofit organizations even if they don’t itemize their tax returns. This legislation was needed because changes to federal tax laws nearly doubled the federal standard deduction for single and married taxpayers.

That federal change eliminated financial incentives to donate to nonprofits because taxpayers wouldn’t need the deduction on their federal returns. Gov. Doug Ducey and members of the legislature were forward-thinking in voting HB2757 into law.

So, here we are, a year later, heading into the season of sharing and the only thing really different is the date on the calendar. By that I mean, even with the new law, the need to support Arizona nonprofits, at whatever level you’re comfortable with, remains as important as ever.

Statistics aren’t available to show total dollars donated in Arizona during the most-recent tax season, but we’re pretty sure the fi nancial support was far less than it would have been before the federal tax laws changed.

Heading into our advocacy efforts at

the state legislature last year, the Seidman Research Institute at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University unofficially estimated charitable giving in Arizona could be more than $300 million lower as a result of the federal and state changes to standard deductions.

In June, the Wall Street Journal reported according to the annual Giving USA report, “charitable donations by individuals dropped last year by the most since the financial crisis as taxlaw changes and a late-year stock-market dip dampened the effects of the growing economy.”

The Giving USA report showed giving by individuals in 2018 fell 3.4% in inflation-adjusted dollars after four consecutive years of at least 2.4% growth.

The Wall Street Journal also reported because of the higher standard deduction, “about 16 million households were expected to use the deduction in 2018, down from 37 million under the prior law, according to the Tax Policy Center.”

People certainly don’t donate to nonprofits only to get a tax deduction.

Most gifts are from the heart or because of a personal connection to a specific nonprofit’s mission.

We’re hoping, in combination with the ability to claim a deduction in Arizona, more individuals will consider being among those of us who want to continue making a difference through the worthy nonprofits doing such incredible work.

Kristen Merrifield is CEO at the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. She can be reached at Kristenm@arizonanonprofits.org. For information about nonprofit agencies statewide, visit azgives.org

Christine M. Faith, Jason S. Treguboff, Edwin R. Ashton, David E. Ledyard, Paul J. Faith, Michael P. Faith, Barry M. Aylstock, Jonathan M. Carlson

Business Briefcase

BY TOM SCANLON

Alert to Mexican food fans (and that means just about everybody):

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is scheduled to open Jan. 8 at 13837 W. McDowell Avenue, Goodyear.

This is in the former Carl’s Jr./Green Burrito between Target and the FirstBank at the corner of North Litchfield Road. Palm Valley, to locals.

Cafe Rio, which has 10 locations (including Avondale) around the Valley, features recipes and traditional cooking of the Rio Grande region. The new location also has a drive-through window.

“Amid all the stores around there, we will give shoppers another option for a casual lunch,” said Brittany Squiers, a spokeswoman for Cafe Rio. “The drive-through could be a differentiator, making the dining experience faster so they can get on to their next destination.”

Friday’s daily special at the Avondale location was tacos, but with a twist: “Fire-grilled salmon on fresh, handmade flour tortillas, topped with tomatillo dressing, shredded romaine lettuce, cilantro and fresh lime.”

Cafe Rio says its mantra of “freshmade food, every day.”

As the website says, “Fresh-deliv-

ered produce, that’s the Cafe Rio difference, amigo. A difference you can taste in every bite.”

“We know the area and consider it an emerging market for us,” Squiers said.

“The kind of clientele we can attract [at Palm Valley Pavilion] are the folks we want.”

She added Cafe Rio will employ approximately 45 people in the new restaurant.

The background: Steve and Patricia Stanley started Cafe Rio in St. George, Utah, in 1997. They grew the company to six locations by 2004, when Bob Nilsen purchased the small chain. Today Cafe Rio has more than 125 locations.

Cafe Rio has won more than 100 awards, including the Oxnard Salsa Festival and the Alfred P. Sloan Award. For more information visit caferio. com.

•If you drive the back way to get onto the Loop 303, you might notice even more construction going on at PV 303, the massive industrial complex on what can be called the west side of the west side.

A review of what is going on there: HD Supply Construction & Industrial White Cap launched Dec. 16 in PV 303 with a brandnew, 50,000-square-foot White Cap branch. White Cap will hire a few dozen at the 16851 W. Camelback Road location.

Daimler Trucks North America is hiring around 50 workers for a 14,000acre parts distribution center. Daimler Trucks North America manufactures Freightliner and Western Star semitrucks.

The facility, which opened in November, will be used for the storage and distribution of truck parts.

The Ball Metal Beverage Container Corp. purchased 29 acres in PV303 at West Montecito Avenue and North Cotton Lane. Ball has constructed a 500,000-square-foot building, creating 130 jobs.

The biggest player at PV 303, in terms of jobs, is muscular UPS, hiring

some 1,500 workers.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI and Sub-Zero are all setting up shop in PV 303.

Stay tuned for more news on what we can call (with a nod to the area’s history) an industrial farm.

As PV 303’s website states, “At final buildout, the 1,600 acre PV|303 will be one of the largest business parks in the southwest.”

A little farther south of PV 303, fairlife will be setting up shop at Cotton Lane and Thomas Road. Fairlife is building a 300,000 square-foot production and distribution facility and plans to hire 186 workers.

Fairlife produces multiple varieties of dairy-based beverages.

The new $200 million facility is scheduled to begin operation in the last quarter of this year.

•With all the projects launching or preparing to go, it's no surprise that the city of Goodyear is hiring a construction inspector. According to the ad, "This is a temporary position that is eligible for medical benefits. Starting hourly rate: $18.71.

"The temporary Construction Inspector I will assist senior level Construction Inspectors with performing testing and inspection of construction related to grading and drainage, water, sewer, storm drain, dry utilities, concrete, paving, traffic control, and landscaping."

With Spring Training on the way, Goodyear is also hiring Event Services staff who, "will provide general operational and patron assistance for events and activities at Goodyear Ballpark and Recreational Complex. Responsibilities may include event preparation and break down, implementation of ground rules and policies, monitor and greet patrons, perform bag inspections" and other duties. The pay is $12 per hour.

To apply for those or to see many other open positions, click on the "careers" link at the bottom of goodyearaz.gov.

West Valley View Managing Editor

Cafe Rio is opening its latest Mexican restaurant in Goodyear. (Photo courtesy Cafe Rio)

Time for fun in the Southwest Valley

BY JOHN SAFIN Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

Welcome to 2020! Can you see clearly now? Thank you to everyone who groaned at the pun. I hope you had a terrific holiday. Now, take a deep breath because the Southwest Valley will be even more amazing this year!

I’ll begin with some business news: Last month, the board of directors approved the chamber’s Public Policy Guide. This is a broad set of standards for the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce to follow as it pertains to legislative activities. This gives Chamber members and the public an understanding of policies the Chamber feels is important. The Chamber advocates

for a strong and sustainable business environment and efforts to maintain a high quality of life for the community. The public policy guide and official statement are available online, southwestvalleychamber.org/publicpolicy.

Time for fun! The start of the New Year is a good time for outdoor fairs, festivals, and other events. Each of the four Southwest Valley cities – Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson – will host dozens of events in the coming months. I’ll nod towards the city of Buckeye for all they do, too. Major League Baseball Spring

Training with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark starts next month. NASCAR at ISM Raceway will be huge this year! The FanShield 500 in March and the 2020 NASCAR Championship this November.

To rev-up for NASCAR, the featured speaker at Business & Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 26, will be ISM Raceway President Julie Giese. Her story, “From a $178 Million Modernization to the NASCAR Championship,” will awe and inspire everyone. The event is open to the public and

details are on the Chamber’s website. For business owners, managers and professionals, you’re invited to a special presentation of Chamber 101 from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino. Yes, the Loop 202 will be open for your driving convenience. Chamber 101 is a lively, interactive, and dynamic session that shows how your business can prosper from the services and benefits of membership, the Chamber’s role in business, and how members influence the community. It’s free to attend, but seating is limited. Register on the Chamber’s website or call 623-932-2260. Please be healthy, safe, be happy, share happiness, live long and prosper every New Year!

Happy New Year from the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce

BY DEANNA KUPCIK President/CEO, Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce

I was at the office this last gloomy cold Friday waiting for Ohio State football fans to stop by. We have small souvenirs welcoming our Buckeye Fans to Buckeye, Arizona.

By the time this is published the Fiesta Bowl will be in the history books, but we love our Buckeye fans! Before we start on the New Year happenings, I want to give a shout out to the Buckeye Main Street Coalition on the amazing production of the 16th annual Glow on Monroe Christmas Parade. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for Dec. 12, 2020, and plan on being in Downtown Buckeye for a great kick off the 2020 Christmas season.

go to buckeyeaz.gov. You can also find information on the Buckeye Air Fair taking place in February. It’s going to be a four-day event this year. We keep getting bigger and better!

At 6 p.m. Jan. 16, you are invited to the first Buckeye Leadership Open House at the Buckeye Chamber office, 508 E. Monroe Ave. We welcome everyone that has an interest in anything Buckeye. This program is directed to new citizens of Buckeye, those that have been here forever and all those in-between.

might make their day), let someone cut in on the freeway. Make the West Valley the best place to live, work and play!

Happy New Year!

Buckeye Main Street Rocks! Buckeye’s first event of 2020 is “The Race to the Runway” Marathon on Saturday, Jan. 4, on the Sun Valley Parkway to the Buckeye Municipal Airport. For more information and registration

We have so many great partners to assure you get a great knowledge of all that is Buckeye. Meet and hear from all the city department directors, schools, major employers, nonprofits and service organizations as well as have a great time. Meet new friends and learn about your community. And it is all free thanks to our wonderful sponsors APS and the city of Buckeye.

Last, my wish for 2020 is for everyone to be kind. Thank those service employees, smile at fellow shoppers (it

Deanna Kupcik is president/CEO of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at 623- 386-2727 or visit buckeyevalleychamber.org.

John Safin

Deanna Kupcik

Aztec soccer looks different under new leader

BY ERIC NEWMAN West Valley View Staff Writer

The Copper Canyon High School boys’ soccer team has undergone some major renovation under a new coach. Copper Canyon has long been a team with a winning record, but struggled to translate its success into the postseason. Since a run to the Division 2 title game in 2014, the Aztecs boasted winning seasons every year, but have never reached past the second round of playoffs.

However, coach Brian Buttler, who joined the staff this offseason after over a decade of coaching in Germany, hopes to change some of those fortunes.

“There was some talent here, and I have always loved working with kids this age, so it fit for me to come here,” Buttler said.

The transition has not been easy, though. Buttler brings a level of discipline he believes the team did not have before, and it starts with having a more robust junior varsity program. During a practice early in the season, the varsity starters scrimmaged the junior varsity squad, which, though overmatched, held their own for nearly a full half of exhibition play. Buttler wants the varsity players to feel a little pressure to perform, knowing there are talented players in tow waiting to grab a spot.

He has also put an extra emphasis on his players maintaining high grades.

In speaking to school staff and team members past, Buttler gained the impression there were academic eligibility issues for several seasons and vowed to alter the trend. He kept his word, benching a few potential starters in a season-opening 1-0 loss to Sandra Day

O’Connor due to ineligibility.

“It starts in the classroom, all successful programs do. I told them the first day and it’s not something I’m willing to budge on,” Buttler said.

The transition seems to be moving forward, though, even though both sides admitted a little tentativeness at first.

“It’s been tough, because he expects a lot from us, and every time you get a new coach it’s a change,” junior defender Carlos Uriarte said. “But, we respect it because we know school comes first and it’s what high school sports are about.”

On the field, Uriarte said the Aztecs will likely be a team that tries to tire out others with quality defense and quick passes to retain possession. With a lot of players who have grown-up together, and shared pitches for years, the communication is there to move the ball fluidly, but can always get better.

“It’s going to be a lot of counterattacking, so if we’re defending, and the other team turns the ball over or some-

thing, we can use that to attack and try to score goals ourselves,” Uriarte said. The Aztecs bounced back from the opening loss to score four goals in the second half of a 5-1 victory over Mountain Ridge in their first home match. Buttler said there are still challenges, including becoming more familiar with each player on the roster. But, if the challenges he has posted to his players are met with quality response, the team has the talent and ability to be great.

“It’s exciting because we’re still all getting to know each other more,” Buttler said. “And I think the more it happens, the better we can be.”

Copper Canyon junior Carlos Uriarte looked to pass at an Aztec soccer scrimmage. (West Valley View Photo by Eric Newman)

Coach Brian Buttler gave advice at Copper Canyon soccer practice. (West Valley View Photo by Eric Newman)

art from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at White Tank Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Festival Sage Rec Center Bookmobile

The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, will be at 26501 W. Desert Vista Boulevard, Buckeye, from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can get a library card and check out and return books. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Friday

3 to 5 and their parents. Come down to the library from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. to read a great book, discuss and enjoy snacks and activities. Books will be provided for registered families. For information, call 602-652-3456.

Sunday

Registration is required. For information, call 602-652-3000.

e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

9 Days a Week calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Rachel Hagerman, rhagerman@timespublications.com or faxed to 623-935-2103.

JANUARY

1 Wednesday

Historical Society

Visit the Litchfield Park Historical Society Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and docents are available to provide a tour. The museum is located at 13912 W. Camelback Road. For large groups, please call 623-535-4414 or email office@lphsmuseum. org to request a special day and time. For information, visit lphsmuseum.org.

Junior Book Club

Children are encouraged to read a book each month before joining Lila for a book discussion and activities from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street. Free. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Come and Play

Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library hosts a weekly open-play group at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, at 11 a.m. for children through age 5. Free. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Lunch and Bunco

Come down to the Goodyear Community Room at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, Bunco and prizes. The cost is $15 for Goodyear residents and $18 for nonresidents. Participants can register online, by phone or in-person at 3075 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For information, call 623-882-7525 or visit www.goodyearaz.gov.

Thursday

Al-Anon Stepping Stones

The Christ Presbyterian Church at 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, hosts a weekly Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. Al-Anon seeks to support the friends and families of alcoholics. Free. For information, call 623-882-0721.

Toddler Storytime

Bring children to the Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street so they can hear picture books read aloud and play with other toddlers at 11 a.m. Free. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Agua Fria Toastmasters

Visit a weekly Toastmasters Community meeting to become a stronger public speaker and leader from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Zane Grey Room at Avondale Civic Center Public Library, 11350 Civic Center Drive. Free. For information, call 623-398-5550.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Find support and encouragement in a weekly support group 7 p.m. Thursdays at First Baptist Church of Garden Lakes, 2517 N. 107th Avenue, Avondale.

Annual Boy Scouts

Academy Star Party

This free Boy Scouts event is open to the public and features four to five telescopes from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Odyssey Preparatory Academy, 6500 S. Apache Road, Buckeye.

Baby-Toddler Time

Infants and toddlers through age 2 can enjoy an interactive program with board books, music and

3

Old Pueblo Live Music

Listen to live music by Los Gringos, Jeordie or Cooper Sunrise starting at 6 or 7 p.m. every Friday night at Old Pueblo Cafe and Pub, 102 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. The menu features delicious Sonoran-style Mexican food by chef Ernestina Borquez. For information, call 623-935-5059.

Jerred Williamson at the Wigwam Bar

Grab some food and enjoy live music by Jerred Williamson from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Wigwam Bar, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park. For information, call 623-856-1094.

Yoga at the Library

The White Tank Branch Library at 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell will hold weekly yoga classes from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. for adults and teens 12 and older to strengthen flexibility, improve posture and build concentration. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Saturday

St. Peter’s RePete Boutique

Stop by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, for casual and formal apparel, jewelry, books, household items and home décor between 9 a.m. and noon. For more information, call 623-935-3279.

Buckeye Valley Daughters of American Revolution

Buckeye Valley Daughters of American Revolution meets at 1 p.m. every first Saturday of the month at Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, 508 Monroe Avenue. Free. For information, call 623-386-3465.

Buckeye Marathon

Start the year o well with a marathon, half-marathon, 10K or obstacle course with views of the White Tank Mountains from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buckeye Airport, 3000 S. Palo Verde Road. Cost is $10 to $105, depending on the racecourse. To register, search “Buckeye Marathon” at raceroster.com.

Teen and Tween Gaming

Saturday

Join other teens and tweens from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a morning of video games and board games at White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Family Book Club

Litchfield Park Branch Library at 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard holds a monthly book club for children ages

Sea Lions at Shipwreck Cove

5

Come see an educational show starring California sea lions and skilled trainers at 11:30 a.m. in a pirate-themed exhibit at Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park. This show is free with admission. For information, call 623-935-9453.

Winter Reading Program

Adult readers in the Valley of the Sun are encouraged to join the Maricopa County libraries in an online reading program designed just for adults. The program runs through February 16 and is designed to foster a love of reading and promote the value of adult literacy. To sign up, simply visit https://winter.mcldaz.org and begin logging reading time for some awesome weekly drawing prizes.

Monday

Hope

Tuesday Bingo

7

The American Legion Post 61 hosts Bingo Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. These bingo nights have 18 games including Betty Boop, Quickie, Early Bird, Double Action and a $1,000 progressive game. Come down to 35 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, to support the area’s youth and veterans. For prices and information, call 623-932-4960.

Quilters Anonymous

Quilters Anonymous is calling all quilters to meet and work with fellow crafters at 6:30 p.m. at the Christ Community United Methodist Church, 104 W. Western Avenue, Avondale. Free. For information, call 623-935-1117.

Sewing for Babies

W. Van Buren Street invites preschool-age children to read books, sing songs and take part in activities at 11 a.m. Free. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Disciple Outreach

Ministries Bible Study

Disciple Outreach Ministries, a nondenominational ministry, invites all to a Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 10486 W. Emerald Lane, Avondale. Free. For information, call 623-772-0144.

Needle and Thread

The Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive invites adults to bring a co ee mug and materials to join fellow crafters for needlework, knitting and crocheting at 10:30 a.m. For information, call 623-333-2602.

More to Explore

Kids ages 6 to 11 can build structures, experiment, play games and make crafts at this interactive learning program from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale. Free. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Exercise Program

Bring a sewing machine and equipment to join the volunteer Tolleson Community Interfaith Group in creating premature hospital clothing, burial layettes, quilts and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 701 N. 95th Avenue, Tolleson. Free. For information, call 623-936-3412.

Estrella Toastmasters

6

Stop by Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Classroom C at 918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, for the Hope support group from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The goal of the group is to provide help for those struggling with any mental disorder by sharing experiences and supporting others. Free. For information, call 480-994-4407.

Business Roundtables Brainstorm, share ideas, get feedback, and network with other business dreamers and owners from 6 to 7 p.m. at Buckeye Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road. Free. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Recycle Cooking Oil

The city of Avondale is teaming up with Mahoney Environmental to o er a free recycling program to reduce the amount of sewer blockages caused by cooking oils. Anyone can drop o cooking oils from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Avondale Public Works Municipal Operations Service Center, 399 E. Lower Buckeye Road. This service will be available until the end of January 2020. For information, call 623-333-4402.

Care1st Avondale

Resource Center Food Service

Care1st Avondale Resource Center will host Kids Cafe, a program to help children in low-income areas receive nutritious meals, through May 21. Children up to age 18 can enjoy a free, healthy meal from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at 328 W. Western Avenue. The free dinners are served on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call 623-333-2703.

Teen Leadership Club

Teen Leadership Club is a group that creates and carries out new programs for the Goodyear Branch Library. The team meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street.

Visit a Toastmasters Community meeting to become a stronger public speaker and leader from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, 289 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Free. For information, call 602-391-5781.

Adult Book Club

Stop by the Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street for a library book discussion from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Free. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Baby Time

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street invites babies and their caregivers to interactive playtime at 10 a.m. Free. For information, call 623-936-2746.

EMCC Choir Seeks Singers

The community choir at Estrella Mountain Community College is seeking additional singers for the spring semester that begins Tuesday, January 21. The choir performs two concerts each year and sings in other community events around the West Valley. Rehearsals take place Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting January 21 at the EMCC campus, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. All interested singes should register for the EMCC Community Choir class, #34993, online at my.maricopa.edu for a $50 fee on or before January 21 or by valley 623935-8888. For information, email marcia.ford@estrellamountain.edu.

Preschool Art Studio

Litchfield Park Branch Library at 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard invites preschool-age children to participate in an hour of art at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Wednesday

Silver Sneakers is a free low-impact exercise program hosted from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Buckeye Community Center, 201 E. Centre Avenue. For information, call 623-349-6600.

Thursday In Stitches

Enjoy tea and co ee and meet fellow crafters and work on crochet, knitting or sewing projects. Come by the Goodyear Branch Library at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to join. Free. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Agua Fria Toastmasters

Visit a weekly Toastmasters Community meeting to become a stronger public speaker and leader from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Zane Grey Room at Avondale Civic Center Public Library, 11350 Civic Center Drive. Free. For information, call 623-398-5550.

Bosom Buddies

Bosom Buddies breast cancer support group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. second Thursdays of the month at the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Free. For information, call 262-825-2355.

Goodyear Lions Club

Goodyear Lions Club is a service group that provides free eye screenings, raises funds for veterans and their families, collects hearing aids and glasses, and more. The Goodyear Lions meet at noon second Thursdays of the month at Haymaker, 1800 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Free. For information, call 623-455-3253.

Preschoolers Storytime

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555

Toddler Time Help prepare children ages 2 to 3 for reading through music, books, games and more from 11:15 a.m. to noon at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Code Club

The Buckeye Downtown Library invites kids ages 8 to 12 to come to 310 N. Sixth Street at 5 p.m. to learn to code python, HTML and scratch. Registration is required. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Use 20-20 vision to look at 2020

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

When I think of New Year’s, I think about the concept of time and starting new. So, here are some insights and observations about time. Happy New Year!

“Procrastinator’s - the leaders of tomorrow.”

“Out of my mind - back in five minutes.”

“Ever stop to think and forget to start again?”

“When the clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.”

“The younger we are the more we want to change the world. The older we are the more we want to change the young.”

“Sometimes, I look down at my watch three consecutive times and do not know what time it is.”

“Troubled times can lead to troubled minds.”

New Year’s is a time when we like to mentally start again, to ring out the old and bringing in the new. That’s what the big glass ball coming down in Times Square in New York City is all about. House and Garden magazine wrote an article about a custom the Italians have on New Year’s Eve illustrating the idea of throwing out the old year and what happened in that year and then bringing in the New Year.

“As midnight on New Year’s approaches in Italy, the streets are clear. There is no traffic; there are no pedestrians; even the policemen take cover. Then, at the stroke of midnight, the windows of the houses fly open. To the sound of laughter, music, and fireworks, each member of the family pitches out old crockery, detested ornaments, hated furniture and a whole catalog of personal possessions which remind them of something in the past year they want to be wiped out of their minds.”

Well, at least they have the concept. Whether it works or not maybe another subject, but those Italians might be onto something here.

Educator Babatunde Olatunji says, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and what is today? Today is a gift. That’s why they call it, the present.”

John R. Rice notes no matter what a man’s past may have been, his future is spotless. The nicest thing about the future is it always starts tomorrow. So, don’t wait for the perfect moment, take a moment and make it perfect. Or better said, though no one can go back and make a brand-new beginning, anyone can start from now and make a brandnew ending.

Last year was not a good one for many people. Most people go into a new year believing and carrying the same stuff that made the old year underachieve. Let’s start new again. In order to start new, we need to think differently in order to see differently. We need 20-20 vision in both our thinking and seeing (assessing) to have a better 2020. Let us illustrate seeing differently with this story of three engineers.

Three engineering students were discussing the possible designers of the human body. One said, “It was a mechanical engineer. Just look at all the joints.” Another said, “No, it was an electrical engineer. The nervous system has many thousands of electrical connections.” The last one said, “No, actually it had to be a civil engineer. Who else would run a toxic waste pipeline through a recreational area?”

Now there is a different way of looking at anatomy and life.

Let me conclude with six little stories with a different set of glasses to view the world through, giving us 20-20 vision in seeing the future more positively and accurately. These concepts, if applied, can lift a person to new heights, new realms, and new dimensions. These concepts are a different way of seeing. They can take a sad song and make it better.

Once all the villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of their prayers, all

the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That’s faith. When you playfully throw babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That’s trust.

Every night we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but still, we set the alarm to wake up. That’s hope.

We plan big things for tomorrow, despite little knowledge of the future. That is confidence.

We see the world suffering, but still, we get married and have children. That’s love.

On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence, “I am not 80 years old; I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience.”

That’s attitude.

There you go, eyes with faith, trust,

hope, confidence, love and an uplifting attitude, can move us from unfocused or focused on a tough 2019, to 20-20 vision for 2020.

Samuel Johnson once said, “The future is purchased by the present.” So, let’s learn from the past, live in the present, so we can excel in the future.

Did you know God can give you a new start too? “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ they are a new creature; the old has passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Cor. 5:17).

And, that’s the happiest New Year of all.

To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and Nation Strategy call 623-376-6757, email nationstrategy@cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.

Pastor Ed Delph West Valley View Columnist

Buckeye Marathon challenges distance runners

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The sixth annual Buckeye Marathon “Race to the Runway” starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Buckeye Airport, 3000 S. Palo Verde Road. It features a variety of challenges and activities.

Marathon participants ($105 entry fee) will be pursuing their personal best times to the finish line, while also trying to qualify for the world-famous Boston Marathon.

There is also a half marathon ($75), 10K ($60), 5K ($45), family fun obstacle course ($10) and Kid’s Zone for the shorter distance athletes where you can test your skills, coordination and stamina on balance beams, a zigzag rope course, wall climbs and more.

The full marathon begins north of the airport in the Festival Ranch neighborhood. The half marathon, 10K and 5K and will all start and end at the Buckeye Municipal Airport.

Proceeds from the marathon benefit the Buckeye Youth Council Scholar-

ship Fund, providing opportunities for local children to participate in recreational activities throughout the city. Volunteer opportunities are open for groups or individuals of all ages. For more information on volunteering, contact Adam Melle at 623-349-6350 or amelle@buckeyeaz.gov.

For more details on how to register to run or to volunteer, visit buckeyemarathon.com.

West Valley View Dining

Use the glue of friendship to stick to New Year’s Resolutions

BY NICK HUNTER Guest Writer

It’s a well-known fact if you partner up with a friend who has similar goals, you’re less likely to flake out on a 7 a.m. stretch class.

When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions – or any goals for that matter – you don’t have to go it alone. With this in mind, here are some suggestions on how you and your friends can boost your dedication to any goal you set (even if you’ve slipped off track).

Have honest check-ins

you’ve had a long, tiring day at work, or you feel extra sluggish on a Wednesday.

Having someone to help you stay on track can keep you accountable and make it feel easier to break free from those habits you want to change. It’s true when you have someone to help you keep focused, you gain a reason to follow through… likely because we don’t enjoy letting others down.

Ask for help

Involving a friend adds an objective perspective. Someone with an outside view can help you see the ways you might resist change and help you find strategies to help you stick to new habits. While you might not realize it, your friend might be able to pick up on the fact you tend to skip workouts when

Let’s face it, there’s something out there you don’t enjoy doing – whether it’s cardio, cooking new healthy recipes, or walking a tougher route!

Maybe you want to run more but you hate cardio. If this is the case and you have a friend who runs regularly, asking them to run with you and help you get started can provide all the encouragement you need to not give up your new habit so quickly.

Maybe you want to take up yoga but you don’t want to go to a class alone – if you have a friend who already goes ask if they’ll come along with you. Sometimes having someone to do activities like yoga and other classes with, makes it that much more enjoyable and gives you more ‘me time’ during the week to wind-down. Plus, you get to catch up with friends too!

Celebrate!

Finally, a little bit of positive reinforcement.

Whenever small milestones are met, I see them as an opportunity to reinforce what has been accomplished. Doing so can inspire you to continue on toward the finish line. And a nice dinner or a massage after a long run or hike just feels that much better with your friend

by your side.

Remember: Sticking to New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be tough. And if you do let them slip a bit, don’t go beating yourself up over it either. Every day is a new opportunity to get back on track!

Nick Hunter is a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Preferred Physical Therapy. For more information, call 623-466-6448 or visit preferredptaz.com.

Nick Hunter

King Crossword

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

SCRAMBLERS

Scientific race at Grace promotes STEM

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO West Valley View Staff Writer

Grace Fellowship Academy in Buckeye promotes STEM field opportunities for its students and recently held a small competition showcasing their abilities.

A World in Motion, a nonprofit organization working with schools to teach students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, partnered with Grace Fellowship Academy over the past eight weeks. Two dozen students from sixth to eighth grade divided into groups and built STEM cars, which they showcased with Monday, Dec. 16.

Ken Wechselberger, a volunteer with a World in Motion, said the project is rewarding because it’s educational for the students.

“For eight weeks, we’ve had a good time,” Wechselberger said. “They really accomplished a lot and learned a lot. They learned about torque, levers, rolling resistance, circumference, pie and a lot of different things, but they had fun doing it by making something with a practical application.”

A World in Motion is a national teacher-administered program bringing science technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to students.

Wechselberger said he worked with General Motors for 40 years and first

heard about A World in Motion when he was the president of the alumni club. He said General Motors supports and buys the materials for the students and is currently working with six schools in the Valley and with 2,000 students.

Wechselberger stresses the importance of promoting STEM skills and career opportunities for students at an early age.

“The battles will be won in the future in technology and people need to realize it’s interesting and it’s not just book learning,” Wechselberger said. “That’s why we do this, so they (students) can see science is fun.”

The competition was held in the auditorium and each team decorated their cars. There were 24 students competing and some were nervous, but most were excited to see how far the cars could go. As each team was announced to step up on stage, they were welcomed by a warm cheer and applause from their peers.

The goal was to make the cars travel as far as possible. Each team was given the opportunity to test their cars twice and keep the best score.

As for the project itself, Wechselberger said it was challenging for the students as they had to learn concepts they were unfamiliar with.

“We call it a gravity cruiser,” Wechselberger said. “You learn the

power of gravity and you learn the power of a lever.”

The gravity cruiser works by using a weight element (some of the groups used pennies) and placing it on the front end of the lever arm of the car. A string was wrapped around the back wheels to the lever. The weight of the pennies pulled the front end of the lever arm down, unwinding the string, which turned the back wheels to propel the cars forward.

“The first thing they find most challenging is they don’t know the concept of resistance and friction,” Wechselberger said. “We teach them to make one change at a time, so they understand the incremental difference.”

One of the most challenging aspects of the project, Wechselberger said, was for students to work in teams.

“A lot of times, they’ve never worked on teams,” Wechselberger said. “We’ve got different levels of students in a team and it’s really surprising to an ‘A’ student when a ‘D’ student comes up with an idea they’ve never thought of before.”

Nick Boschma, 13, is in eighth grade. He said he found it challenging to work in teams but managed to encourage his peers to continue working ahead. His team, Flying Flames, placed fifth in the competition with their longest distance being 18 feet and 7 inches.

Boschma said while preparing for the competition, his favorite aspect was experimenting with different factors to make the car faster. Going into the competition, he was worried about having technical difficulties.

“I was worried the wheel would rub up on the chassis and it would slow us down and it wouldn’t go that far,” Boschma said. “We would move the fulcrum point up and down to meet the power if we needed more or less so we can go farther.”

Boschma said he never paid much attention to STEM before, but this project changed that.

“This was really one of my first ex-

periences with STEM,” Boschma said. “I think it’s pretty cool and it’s exciting.”

Stephanie Pedersen, the principal of Grace Fellowship Academy, said the school has always tried to instill STEM opportunities in its students.

“I love having experts in the field be able to come out and take their passion and teach it to the kids,” Pedersen said.

STEM offers many important skills to students to learn, Pedersen said, and being able to learn those skills is equally important. However, she said it can be difficult to learn and many students struggle with it, which is why a hands-on experience was important to the school.

As for the students, Pedersen wants them to appreciate some of the skills they learned over the past eight weeks.

“I want them to have an appreciation of cooperatively working for others and being appreciative of the volunteers that have come out here,” Pedersen said. “Being able to use those community members and bring them to the school has been a great experience.”

As for Wechselberger, he said he was happy he could reach out to the kids and have them learn something from his time in the STEM field.

“I had the neatest note and it said, ‘I didn’t like science before, but now it’s fun. I want to be in science because it’s hands-on,’” Wechselberger said.

Student athletes at Littleton Elementary STEM Academy will soon be sporting new uniforms as well as new equipment thanks to a $5,000 sports grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods Sports Foundation. A portion of the funds will be used to expand options for students at recess by purchasing basketballs, Frisbees, volleyballs and games for daily use. The school also serves approximately 85 of the highest needs students with disabilities. They will receive some adaptive equipment (softer balls, lower hoops etc.) to help engage them in gross motor development. (Photo courtesy Littleton Elementary STEM Academy)

Nick Boschma prepares his STEM car for the competition. (Photo by Octavio Serrano)

OBITUARIES

Walter E. Ekstrom

Walter Elliott Ekstrom, age 79 of Goodyear, AZ died December 18, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ. He was born March 29, 1940, in Chicago, IL to Regner and Florence Ekstrom Condolences for the family may be left at http://www thompsonfuneralchapel com/obituary/walterelliott- ekstrom/.

Chloeann McGraw

Chloeann McGraw, age 83 of Avondale, AZ died Decembe r 9 , 2 0 1 9 , i n P

Condolences for the family may be left at http://www thompsonfuneralchapel com/ obituary/chloean n-mcgraw/.

Steven Francisco Ponce

Steven Francisco Ponce, age 42 of Tolleson, AZ died Decemb er 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 , in To lles o n , A Z H e w

Gallu p , N M to Lazar o an d V ir g in ia P o n ce A visitation will be held at 8:00 am followed by a funeral serv i c e a t 9 :

on Funeral Chapel, 926 S Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338

obituary/stevenfrancisco- ponce/

MargaritaReyesCamarena

MargaritaReyesCamarenaofTolleson,AZpassed awayonDecember23,2019inTolleson,AZwithher familyathersideattheageof83.Shewasbornin SanJuanCosala,MexicoJuly20,1936toCrispin& FranciscaReyes.SheissurvivedbyherhusbandJose Camarena.ServicesareentrustedtoAdvantage CrystalRoseinTolleson,AZwhichwillbeheldthis week.PleasevisitAdvantageCrystalRose.comtosee serviceinformationandFullobituaryandtoleave condolences.

Need help writing an obituary?

We have articles that will help guide you through the process.

Deadline for obituaries is ursday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our sta prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays. Call 623-535-8439 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions. Visit: obituaries.WestValleyView.com

Classifieds

AUTOS -FOR SALE

1966 Ford Fairlane 500, complete car, runs, with a/c $6,000 Call 623-41-8882

CLEANING SERVICES

HOUSECLEANING.

We provide excellent and professional service More than 12 years of experience We will keep your place up and presentable. FREE estimates Ana 602-326-2780

EMPLOYMENT

CAREGIVERS & DRIVERS

Needed immediately Positions start at $12-12 50 hour

Higher pay based on experience 14423 McDowell Road Ste G104, Goodyear 623-547-4839

EMPLOYMENT

LOOKING for experienced compassionate CNA's Certified Caregivers Part time/ full time 623-547-7521

AIRES is looking for caring, capable and compassionate people! Our mission is to help people live happy, healthy & fulfilling lives.

Hiring Caregivers & Program Managers in the West Valley.

be 21+yrs, w/ good driving record & reliable transportation

Apply at www aires org or visit us at 2140 W. Greenway Rd, Ste 140, Phoenix.

EMPLOYMENT

VALLEY

LIFE

Must have reliable transportation is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities.

Full Time and Part Time

Caregivers Needed!

We are currently looking for caregivers to work in group homes throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check.    Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org

EMPLOYMENT

Now hiring janitors for office cleaning in various valley locations

Please apply in person at ACE Building Maintenance 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301. Se solita personal para limpieza de Oficina en varias localidades del valle.

Favor de aplicar en persona a ACE Building Maintenance 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale, AZ 85301

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

General Labor Needed Full-time & Temporary Always Hiring CDL Drivers PLEASE COME IN AND SEE TONY. 25376 W Tonopah, Salome Highway, Buckeye, AZ 85396

GPS takes you to far google maps will get you here.

RECREATION CENTERS OF SUN CITY WEST

tables/chairs for events Must be able

powered blowers preferred; varies locations/hours/days/weekends G R E E N S K E

Manual labor. Must be able to work communicate in English, work weekends and OT Previous golf exp preferred L A N D S C

benefits. Plan, care and maintain recreational grounds for the c

Apply online/view more jobs:

Resources, 19803 N R H Johnson Blvd, Su City West, AZ 85375 The above positions in clude golf when availability is open All posi tions must be able to communicate in English All positions are open until filled EOE

GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS

Church Thrift Shop Open, Sat, Jan 4, 8:30-12:30, 300 N Old Litchfield Rd, (across from Wigwam Spa) Clothes, jewelry, books, kitchen items, furniture, and more

Donation day, Fri, 01/03, 8:30-10:30

Wed Jan 22

Secondhand

Treasures Sale!!

PebbleCreek, Goodyear 16222 Clubhouse Dr –Tuscany Falls Ballroom

Gently used treasures! China, Rugs, Décor, designer items (clothes, shoes, purses) & more!

Free to attend; 12-4 p m

free estimates, 623-707-6072

Contractor

HANDYMAN - 37 years experience Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more Stan 602-434-6057

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Public Auction for Avondale School District Kitchen Equip. January 11th WSM Auctioneers 1616 S 67th Ave Phoenix, AZ www wsmauctioneers com

MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE

ANTIQUE

ROLL-TOP DESK

Extra Large 55" Wide X 28"

Deep 48" Tall Real Wood $550 Call Gary 623-9321636 or 480-287-0382

LAND FOR SALE

1 to 18 acres, starting $10,000, various locations, payments, owner/agent, Call Ken, 602-510-8900

WANTED TO BUY

$100-$500+ Cash for Junk Cars all "as is" autos! Good condition more $$$$ Best Prices! Fast, free pickup 623-329-2043

EMPLOYMENT

Hickman’s Family Farms is looking for qualified individuals to fill various full time processing positions: Line Packers / PM Sanitation / Warehouse / Cooler Loaders Apply online at www.hickmanseggs.com OR visit one of our West Valley Locations to apply: Far West Valley Hiring Center 220-224 N. 4th St. Buckeye, AZ 85326 West Valley Hiring Center 8260 W. Indian School Rd. Suite #2 Phoenix, AZ 85033

Employee Benefits Include:

- Medical/ Dental / Life Insurance

- Matching 401K

-Paid Time Off - Paid Sick Leave

JOB POSTING NOTICE

JOB DESCRIPTION; Head of Finance: Ability to mange all account receivables Manage the relationship and communication between Almarai (parent company) and the U S operations Responsibilities for the managing all assets and liabilities of Fondomonte Manage contractual liabilities, statutory and tax obligations, leases and insurance coverage as well as loan agreements and banking relationships Manage a staff that negotiates lines of credit with both domestic and international financial institutions. Coordinate and controls all financial aspects of all company wide transactions, maintain appropriate financial records, prepare required finical reports and ensurers compliance with specific regulations and standards.

Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Finance + 3 years' experience in Finance Management Jobsite/interview: Goodyear, Arizona

TO APPLY SEND RESUME TO;

FONDOMONTE ARIZONA LLC

250 N Litchfield Rd #101 Goodyear, Arizona 85338

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA MARICOPA COUNTY NOTICE OF HEARING Case No JG511405 In the Matter of Guardianship of: Georg e Albert Oceguera Junior This Court has reviewed the CERTIFICATE OF READINESS (Request to Set Hearing) Based upon the Court's review, IT IS ORDERED X Setting a Hearing on the Petition for Guardianship of a Minor WARNING: Failure to bring the documents identified on the "Certificate of Readiness" (Request for Hearing) may result in the hearing being cancelled Signed this 21st Day of Oct 2019, /s/ Keelan S Bodon, Judge of the Superior Court NOTICE OF HEARING Read this Notice Carefully An Important court proceeding that affects your rights has been scheduled If you do not understand this notice, contact a lawyer for help NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Petitioner has filed with the Court a Petition for Guardianship of a Minor HEARING INFORMATION: A court hearing has been scheduled to consider the Petition as follows: HEARING DATE AND TIME: Feb 24, 2020 9AM HEARING PLACE: 1810 S Lewis St , Mesa ,

SPONSE: You can file a written response to the petition File your original written response with the court, mail a copy of the original response to the petitioner(s), and provide a copy of your response to the Judge/Commissioner name above at least 5 business days before the hearing Or, you can appear in person at the hearing You must appear at the hearing only if you wish to object to the petition Published West Valley View, Jan 1, 8, 15, 2020 / 26899

C HARITY Receive maximum value of write off for your

pickup. Call for details. 866932-4184 (AzCAN)

Zoning Administrator will conduct a

HEARIN

on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2020 beginning at

West Van Buren Street, Tolleson, Arizona 85353, for the purpose of hearing:

1 Public Hearing – Presentations and discussion on an application submitted by Nara Singam, located at 4617 E Grove Circle, Mesa, for use of a small lot located at a personal residence, 9106 W Adams Street, totaling

Training Programs From Ulti-

fer Quality Healthcare Educa-

n e - U l t i m a t e M e d i c a l

A c a d e m y : 8 5 5 - 7 8 1 - 0 9 0 8

( A z C A N )

OVER $10K in debt? Be debt

f r e e i n 2 4 - 4 8 m o n t h s P a y a fraction of what you owe A+

B B B r a t e d C a l l N a t i o n a l

D e b t R e l i e f 8 6 6 - 5 4 1 - 6 8 8 5

( A z C A N )

O X Y G E N - A n y t i m e A n y -

w h e r e N o t a n k s t o r e f i l l N o

d e l i v e r i e s T h e A l l - N e w I n og e n O n e G 4 i s o n l y 2 8

p o u n d s ! F A A a p p r o v e d ! FREE info kit: 866-397-4003 (AzCAN)

B A T H R O O M R E N O V AT I O N S . E A S Y , O N E D A Y updates! We specialize in safe b a t h i n g . G r a b b a r s , n o s l i p f l o o r i n g & s e a t e d s h o w e r s . C a l l f o r a f r e e i n - h o m e c o n -

s u l t a t i o n : 8 5 5 - 6 6 9 - 5 3 4 1 ( A z C A N )

TRAVEL Orlando + Daytona B each Florida Vacation! Enjoy 7 Days and 6 Nights with

on Carpeting & Floori n

Published in the West Valley View Wednesday, January 2, 2020 / 27121

Good Morning, Hiring days went very well! We hired 30 people in total, which is excellent. I will de nitely continue to use your paper for our ads. ank you and have a great day! :)

V. Meloy, McDonald’s

i m e , a d d r e s s / c r o s s

s t r e e t s , a n d b e s p e c i f i c o n prices for high doll ar items.

P o p u l a r i t e m s y o u c a n i n -

clude: furniture, appliances,

e l e c t r o n i c s , t o o l s , y a r d

e q u i p m e n t , d e s i g n e r / c h i l -

d r e n ’ s c l o t h e s a n d s h o e s ,

c r a f t i t e m s , a n t i q u e s , u n i q u e i t e m s a n d c o l l e c t -

i b l e s / c o l l e c t i o n s

5 P l a c e s i g n s o n m a j o r

c r o s s s t r e e t s a n d o n t h e

c o r n e r s l e a d i n g i n t o y o u r

n e i g h b o r h o o d J u s t a f a t , solid black arrow on colorful poster board works fine

6 P r ice y o u r items I f h av -

i n g a M u l t i - F a m i l y s a l e ,

e a c h f a m i l y s h o u l d h a v e a

d i f f e r e n t c o l o r e d p r i c e t a g .

Y o u c a n d o a $ 1 t a b l e , $ 5

t a b l e , e t c . , t o s a v e t i m e . 7 Money Be prepared with change, including coins Do

n o t a c c e p t c h e c k s C a s h

o n l y !

8 H a v e e l e c t r i c i t y a v a i l -

a b l e t o t e s t i t e m s 9 B e s a f e D o n o t l e t a n y -

o n e i n t o y o u r h o m e T a k e

y o u r p h o n e o u t s i d e w i t h

y o u H a v e a n e x t r a p e r s o n r e l i e v e y o u o c c a s i o n a l l y

1 0 I f i t ’ s w a r m , o f f e r c o l d

b o t t l e d w a t e r f o r s a l e t o

c o o l o f f y o u r c u s t o m e r s !

H a p p y c u s t o m e r s b u y t h i n g s ! 1 1 . A f t e r t h e s a l e , r e m o v e

y o u r s i g n s a n d d o n a t e l e f t o v e r i t e m s t o a l o c a l

c h a r i t y

Call Classifieds at 623-847-4600 or email Deeanna dacosta@ timespublications.com to place your ad.

JONES FORD’S NEW YEAR PRE-OWNED SELLATHON SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

FORD

Ford EXPLORER

HYUNDAI

2019 Ford FUSION HYBRID SE

2017 Ford EDGE TITANIUM

2014 Ford EXPLORER LIMITED

2017 Ford EDGE SEL T8705

Ford F-150 PLATINUM

Ford F-150 XLT