THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON
2 hoops stars help Agua Fria win PAGE
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westvalleyview.com
INSIDE
This Week
NEWS .............. 8 Firefighters unite for citizens academy
SPORTS ........ 16 Verrado tackle signs with University of Montana
9 DAYS ......... 17 Looking for something to do? Check out the 9 Days a Week calendar
LETTERS ........................10 BUSINESS..................... 12 NEIGHBORHOOD......14 SPORTS ..........................15 FEATURES .....................19 NEIGHBORHOOD......22 SCHOOLS .....................24 OBITUARIES .................26 CLASSIFIEDS................28 SOUTH
Balloon pilot awaiting Goodyear festival PAGE
The Voice of the West Valley for 32 years
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January 3, 2018
The Warners surprise Avondale family By Connor Dziawura
Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda have a history of helping families in need. The couple upheld this tradition of spreading cheer by giving an Avondale family everything they need to create a warm and welcoming home. The Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation’s Homes for the Holidays program and its corporate partners – Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, Aaron’s, U-Haul and Brooklyn Bedding – fully furnish selected first-time homeowners’ new houses. Together, these organizations created special memories for Angelica Valentin and her three children, Elizabeth, Alexis and Emily. The family purchased the home through Habitat for Humanity, but they were unaware it would come stocked with furniture, kitchenware and dishes, courtesy of First Things First and its partners. After meeting the family and leading the crowd in a prayer at the recent ribbon cutting, Kurt and Brenda took the emotional Angelica and her children into their new home. A Christmas tree sat next to the kitchen entryway. Resting on a nearby table were copies of The Boss Baby and Daddy’s Home. On a new television played Jon
Kurt and Brenda Warner surprise an emotional Angelica Valentin with new furniture, electronics and a stocked pantry. (Photo courtesy Alexandra Renee Photography)
Favreau’s holiday classic Elf, of which the family was also given a copy. In another room was a computer, and in the kitchen, the tables were set and the cabinets fully stocked, with cookies on the counter. The house even had a washer and dryer.
“I felt surprised and happy,” said Angelica’s 12-year-old son, Alexis. The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, 14, similarly felt “happy and excited,” she said.
Surprise...continued on page 4
Rep. Espinoza honored for work with at-risk youth By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Rep. Diego Espinoza, who represents Tolleson, Avondale and Southwest Phoenix, was recently awarded the National JAG’s Government Leader Award. In Washington, D.C., the Tolleson resident spent the legislative session advocating for more opportunities for at-risk youth. The governor signed into law a bill that included a provision from Espinoza providing support for at-risk youth in Arizona to prepare for college
and careers. The Legislature voted to include language from Espinoza’s bill, HB 2184, which establishes the College and Career Readiness Program, in a separate bill, HB 2395, that received bipartisan support. “It’s a team effort,” he said. “I don’t do this alone. I’m just thankful we had the opportunity to make this program a lot more successful.” In Washington, D.C., Espinoza said the effects of his work were evident.
“It’s incredible to see so many young people excited about the program,” he said. “While in D.C., I met students from across the country. They were enthusiastic about the program, which inspired them to continue to learn, be engaged in their community and become leaders. Along the way, they developed great personal skills to help them in life.” Espinoza was born and raised in Tolleson.
Espinoza...continued on page 6