Peoria Times 010523

Arrest made in fatal hit-and-run

BY JOE MCHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

An arrest has been made in connection with a hit-and-run that left a woman dead near the Loop 101 in Peoria on Dec. 19.

Johnathan Baldizon, 30, was apprehended by the Peoria Police Department on Dec. 26 — roughly one week after the incident.

The victim was identifi ed as Nichole Cortez, 33, of Peoria.

“I can say thanks to the high-pro-

file attention the media gave this case, which is very tragic,” said Bart Graves, Arizona Department of Public Safety media relations specialist.

“While they’re all tragic, this is especially tragic coming so close to the holidays. The intense media coverage of this generated a lot of tips to our detectives, and leads that they followed up and eventually culminated in the arrest of Mr. Baldizon.”

Shortly after the crash, Peoria police and the Arizona Department of Public Safety announced they were looking for

a 2010 to 2014 Dodge Challenger with a red stripe, and damage on the passenger side.

The information was picked up and shared with the community via social media and police agencies.

Starting with the traffic cameras, detectives saw Baldizon’s car was “driving at a higher rate of speed than others,” according to the probable cause document released by the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Loop 303 closures upcoming for construction

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

The Arizona Department of Transportation will close westbound Loop 303, between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway, from 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, to 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, for freeway construction.

As a detour, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes including westbound State Route 74 to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway to connect to Loop 303 beyond the closure.

In addition, westbound Loop 303 will again be closed between I-17 and Lake

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Waste Management Open tickets available for blood donors

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

More blood transfusions are needed in January than during any other month of the year.

With that in mind, The Thunderbirds, the hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, have stepped up to make sure that 2023 starts out on par for patients across Arizona.

All Vitalant blood donors through Friday, Jan. 13 will receive a voucher for a free ticket to the Waste Management Phoenix Open in appreciation for replenishing Arizona’s blood supply following the holiday season. Billed as “The People’s Open,” the greatest show on grass will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from Monday, Feb. 6 to Sunday, Feb. 12.

The partnership between Vitalant and the Thunderbirds began more than 15 years ago and has grown to become one of the most popular “thank you” gifts received by donors throughout the year.

“We hope to encourage more blood donations while people are still focused on the spirit of giving,” said Sid Lewis, vice president of the Vitalant Southwest Division. “The gift of life is the most important gift of all and doesn’t cost anything, except a little of your time.”

What’s more, donors who give blood by Jan. 20 will be automatically entered into Vitalant’s Big Trip to the Big Game Giveaway to win tickets and travel, among other things — learn more at vitalant. org/biggame. To make a blood donation appointment, download the Vitalant app, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). PT

Public Blood Drives

Avondale

West Point High School Gym 11620 W. Encanto

8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 11

Buckeye

Leaf Verde RV Resort 1500 S. Apache Road

1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9

Glendale

Glencroft Center for Modern Aging 8611 N 67th Avenue

8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 5

Arrowhead Towne Center

Community Room

7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center

11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6

Mayor Weiers’ Blood Drive @

First United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall 7102 N. 58th Drive

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11

The Beauty Method

6685 W Beardsley Road, Suite 140 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13

Peoria

Culver’s

8271 W. Ludlow Drive, Peoria

11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6

Kerry’s Car Care Peoria

8294 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway

7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7

News Briefs

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Practice good firework safety

In Arizona, state law mandates the use and sale of consumer fireworks. The city of Peoria is reminding residents that fireworks can be dangerous and can cause harm to people and pets, and damage to property and open space. Consumer fireworks were sold from Dec. 10 through Jan. 3, however, legal consumer fireworks were only able to be used from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Legal consumer fireworks may only be used on private property and are not permitted on city proper-

ty, including parks, city streets and city sidewalks. Fireworks are also prohibited on state land and school property unless a permit has been issued.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/fireworks

Download the Citizen Engagement App

The city of Peoria has a citizen engagement app, MyPeoriaAZ, which offers residents another way to connect with city services and resources. The app is available for free on mobile devices and has an easy-touse interface where users can submit and track service requests, locate city

resources and facilities, and stay upto-date on city news and events. With MyPeoriaAZ, residents can request a variety of services, such as graffiti removal, street maintenance, street lighting, traffi c signals, trash and recycling, among others. The app is also a one-stop shop for information about city resources, including family and youth services, neighborhood and community assistance, parks and recreation, events, and city news. Download the app today at the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Info: peoriaaz.citysourced.com

Apply for an HOA grant

On the morning of Dec. 26, detectives received a tip from ACTIC Fusion Center, showing a photograph of Baldizon’s vehicle with similar damage, as well as the matching license plate and vehicle identification number.

Later that day, at around 3 p.m., Baldizon was arrested and the vehicle was impounded by the police.

“When questioned, (Baldizon) stated he was operating the vehicle on Dec. 19, 2022,” the probable cause document said. “Baldizon stated he left work at PT Pho around 1:30 a.m. on (Dec. 19) and traveled south on SR 101, heading home, but he started getting tired.

“He said he exited at Peoria (Avenue) and dropped his phone,” the document continued. “When he

looked up he saw a vehicle with no lights on and attempted to swerve around it.

“He knew he collided with the car, but he did not think he hit anything else.

“He said he exited the car, looked around, and did not see anyone. He said he left the scene because he did not have a license, and his car had been recently impounded for THA.”

The city of Peoria’s HOA grants program is designed to assist HOAs with projects that engage, revitalize and/or provide safety to the community. The neighborhood-based projects should bring residents together, build community and establish a positive identity. Those interested in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods are encouraged to apply for a grant. If approved, up to $10,000 may be awarded toward eligible projects. For fi scal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023), HOA grants will give priority to water conservation projects.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/hoaacademy PT

Baldizon is in custody and will be facing trial for the offense.

The aforementioned Arizona Fusion Center, also known as Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC), is a joint effort between the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and participating agencies. PT

Pleasant Parkway from 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, for freeway construction.

Intermittent rolling closures are continuing through this month on east- and westbound Loop 303, between I-17 and Lake Pleasant

Parkway, during the weekdays, between 9 and 11 a.m. and 7 and 9 p.m.

There are no rolling closures Feb. 1

to Feb. 15.

To learn more about ADOT’s freeway construction project, visit azdot. gov. PT

azkidney.org/pathtowellness

Sinema helps Congress stick it to taxpayers

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist

If you thought the “Christmas rush” that you and other holiday shoppers faced was daunting, think again.

In Washington, an allegedly “lame duck” Congress churned furiously through fetid swamp water in a “Christmas rush” of its own.

Smelling jet fumes, the dirty birds in charge of both the House and Senate hatched a scheme for a highpriced and low-down flight path out of town… and the “gift” they gave you will keep on taking.

Our kids and grandkids — not to mention today’s taxpayers — just got stuck with a huge holiday shopping expenditure: a $1.7 trillion 4,000plus page “Omnibus Bill,” with interest payments on our national debt compounded by the nanosecond.

What the legislative leaders lacked in originality, they more than made up for in the astronomical price tag and the slapdash way in which this “buying binge” was formulated.

“Omnibus” translates to “everything, including the kitchen sink.”

“Ominous” is the rhyming wellworn one-word joke played on the American people with disturbing regularity. And, as so often in the past, the calculations were not mathematical but strategic.

Democrats in the House, Senate and White House knew that they could cram one bill full of pork, policies and their priorities, then get enough Republicans to “roll over”

so everybody could leave town and head home for Christmas.

Add to that conspiring “Capitol Gang” one newly minted “independent” from Arizona.

As explained a couple of weeks ago in this space, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s boldly proclaimed “independence” is instead disguised deference to the Senate Democrat leadership.

A sudden and shameful reversal on a key vote by Arizona’s senior senator reveals the Grand Canyon-sized gulf between Kyrsten’s rhetoric and the ugly reality.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced an amendment that would have preserved Title 42, the Trump executive action helping to stem the flow of illegals across our southern border.

Of course, the “Biden Bunch” is eager to rescind it, even though it would mean that the number of alien invaders would rise even higher.

Lee had high hopes that his amendment would pass, as he later told the Fox Business Network. “For eight glorious minutes, we had it won,” Lee said.

“Then, all of a sudden, (Democrat Leader) Chuck Schumer pulled a couple of members off the floor — Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin. He twisted their arms — who knows what he told them, what he threatened them with — they came back and changed their votes.”

Not much imagination is needed to know what Schumer said to Sinema. Most likely, it went something like this: “Kyrsten, I like you personally. Politically, I want to do for you what Mitch McConnell did on the other side for Lisa Murkowski. Wasn’t

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that something?

“His Leadership PAC bought seven million bucks worth of ads to keep Lisa in her seat in Alaska. Of course, that was easier for him to do because Lisa remained a Republican.

“I know Arizona is different from Alaska, and you did what you thought you needed to do … but it’s gonna be tough for me to keep the DSCC from sending money to a Democrat candidate for your seat. And it will be even tougher if you support this GOP amendment. It will be easier for me to help you if you switch your vote to ‘no’ on this amendment, and then vote ‘yes’ on final passage.”

Do we know for certain that Schumer said that? No, but we do know that Sinema switched her vote to kill that amendment, then voted for the entire Omnibus Bill … all

$1.7 trillion of it.

There is border security funding in that monstrosity, but none of it will be spent here.

Instead, there’s $410 million to strengthen borders in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Oman. You read that right: money for Middle East borders, but nothing for this border state in the Southwest.

And Uncle Sam keeps playing Santa Claus in the Ukraine. The Omnibus provides another $45 billion there, bringing the total to over $100 billion in aid to that nation. While it is true that Russia invaded Ukraine, the U.S. is also being invaded and our southern border erased.

Spending $100 billion here would fund 20 border walls, but Sinema remains silent on that type of expendi-

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes  MARGULIES’ OPINION – jimmymargulies.com

BY JUDY BLUHM Peoria Times Columnist

he gifts are unwrapped. Holiday decorations are coming down. We ushered in a new year. Another chance to look forward to what is coming and to let go of what didn’t work. We have a whole new chapter to write. And saying “goodbye” to a year gone and anticipating a chance at new beginnings might be the real thrill of a new year.

Many of our friends and family saw their holidays go out with a bang. Like a bomb cyclone that rendered around 200 million people very cold, with roads undriveable and over 10,000 flights canceled. Just getting to grand-

ma’s house for Christmas dinner became dangerous and almost impossible.

TMy brother in Ohio watched his prime rib roast get cold, because no one could drive in the storm to his house. Just one of millions of scenarios in a year-end storm that became Armageddon.

Not all storms are bad. They make us consider our life and life choices. I watched the Pittsburgh Steelers win against the Raiders on Christmas Eve in a blizzard. It was those crazy, cold, wild fans who gave me pause. I was born and raised in Ohio and recalled sitting in the stands watching a Cleveland Browns game on a frigid January day 30-plus years ago. That was the moment I realized how much I hate cold weather and asked, “What am I doing here?” I moved west that spring and never looked back. Yes, some-

times stormy weather is the impetus to change. To take action. Or get warm.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Psychologists claim they are so casually made and readily broken that they aren’t even worth our time. Instead, we are better off making goals with clear objectives. OK, so one of my resolutions will be never to make one again.

My cousin made a shocking statement at the dinner table on Christmas Day. She announced (as her family was eating her delicious pumpkin pie) that this was “the last pie” she would ever make. Wish I had been there as family members dropped their forks and jaws in stunned silence. Then Clare said, “I have made 225 pies in my lifetime, and I am done with it. Just wanted you all to know.”

Is this a resolution? Or maybe a goal? When Clare’s husband begged her to

reconsider, she smiled and said, “I will be doing other things.” Yikes! Go Clare! When we change, or alter, a behavior, sometimes the family won’t agree or even like it. But it takes emotional muscle to start doing life differently. Yep, we can change. One pie at a time.

My mother wrote a cookbook for the family and then revised it at age 94. She added “crowd cooking recipes” so the nursing home staff where she was living could “learn a little something about cooking.” Well, they did. It’s never too late to make a difference.

Adios, 2022. It’s been quite a year. Thanks for the memories. Now we are ready to launch new ones. No resolutions required. PT

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email her at judy@judybluhm.com.

ture to protect Arizona and America. Sinema has made it clear: Her “Declaration of Independence” came at a heavy price to American taxpayers.

But it remains a cheap stunt. PT

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of federal immigration law in the 109th Congress.

Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at

MARKET REPORT

The wild ride of 2022 comes to an end

BY LISA BAKER Peoria Times Contributing Writer

In November 2022, 201 MLS listing sales closed in Glendale and 202 in Peoria.

Today, there are 603 active and available listings (not counting properties already under contract or pending close of escrow) in MLS in Glendale and 577 active listings in Peoria.

On Nov. 30, there were 15,093 active listings in Maricopa County, almost 3.5 months’ supply. While this is three times the number of listings we had on Nov. 30, 2021, it is the lowest number we have seen since Sept. 9 of this year.

According to The Cromford Report, in Maricopa County in November, the average number of days a listing was on the market was 58.54, the highest number since February 2020, 61.44 days. In November of 2019, before the pandemic, the average days a listing spent on the market was 54.56 days. In November, 13 % of Maricopa

County listings sold for over the listing price. The average closing price per square foot in Maricopa County in November was $286.17, still higher than the 274.65 price per square foot average seen in November 2021.

According to Freddie Mac, as of Dec. 15, 2022, National Mortgage Rates reported U.S. weekly averages of 6.31% for a 30-year fixed and 5.54% for a 15year fixed mortgage. These rates are the lowest since Sept. 22, 2022, down from the peak of November 2022.

According to ShowingTime, the platform Realtors use to schedule most of the MLS showings, 39.59% of the November showings in Peoria and 37.45% of the November showings in Glendale were in the $400,000 to $599,000 price range, and 36.34 of the Peoria and 46.99 of the Glendale November showings were in the $200,000 to $399,000 price range. Peoria saw 2,680 showings scheduled and Glendale 3,041. Not all showings are scheduled through ShowingTime, so actual numbers are typically higher.

According to MLS statistics, 76.4%

of Maricopa County buyers financed their home purchase in November, while the rest paid cash.

Buyers using a conventional mortgage to buy a three-bedroom detached house with two bathrooms paid a minimum of $223,200 in Maricopa County, $260,000 in Glendale, and $341,000 in Peoria. Conventional financing made up 66.4 % of November’s financed sales.

In November, FHA buyers in Maricopa County paid a minimum of $290,000 for a detached home with three bedrooms and two baths. Peoria FHA buyers paid a minimum of 320,000, and Glendale FHA buyers paid $318,000. FHA buyers made up 15.2% of financed purchases in November

Maricopa County VA buyers making a similar purchase paid a minimum of $290,000, $445,000 in Peoria, and $345,000 in Glendale. Home purchases made with VA loans were 7.2% of November’s financed sales, and the remaining financed transactions used other financing methods.

For the week ending Nov. 27,

2022, 48% of Maricopa County sellers contributed to their buyer’s closing costs. This number is down from 50% the week before and before November 2022, the highest since May 31, 2020.

The highest-priced home sale in Maricopa County last month was in Paradise Valley for $13.5 million. The highest-priced home sales in Peoria and Glendale were $3.8 million and $1.1 million respectively.

If your finances have also been on a wild ride, please know that you are not alone. Homeowners, tenants and landlords are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) housing counseling program at 1-800-569-4287 or go to consumerfinance.gov/housing to find the assistance you need for your situation. PT

Lisa R. Baker is a Realtor and a community volunteer in the city of Glendale. She can be reached at me@lisarbaker.com.

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

arcus & Millichap, a commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, recently announced the sale of Super Star Car Wash, a 4,517-square-foot netleased property in Peoria. The asset

sold for $6,217,000.

Zack House, Mark Ruble and Chris Lind, investment specialists in Marcus & Millichap’s Phoenix office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a limited liability company. The buyer, a limited liability company, was

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

Super Star Car Wash, located at 8150 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, recently sold for $6,217,000. (Marcus & Millichap/Submitted)

CAR WASH FROM PAGE 9

procured by House, Ruble and Lind.

The deal includes a brand new 20year absolute triple-net (NNN) lease with corporate guaranty, excellent tenant financials, and 10% rental increases every five years.

Built in 2019, Super Star Car Wash is at 8150 W. Thunderbird Road on the Peoria retail corridor, anchored by Lowe’s and Sprouts Farmers Market. Surrounding tenants include Starbucks, Burger King and Dutch Bros Coffee.

The asset is down the road from the P83 Entertainment District, home to the Peoria Sports Complex, retail and restaurants.

Marcus & Millichap Inc. is a bro -

kerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada.

As of Dec. 31, 2021, the company had 1,994 investment sales and financing professionals in 82 offices who provide investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate. The company also offers market research, consulting and advisory services to clients.

Marcus & Millichap closed 13,255 transactions in 2021, with a sales volume of approximately $84.4 billion. For additional information, visit marcusmillichap.com. PT

Liberty boys’ basketball pounces out to a fast start

BY JOE MCHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Liberty High School sports are on a roll, coming off of the strong season from the football team in the 2022 season. The basketball program is following suit, jumping out to a strong start in the 6A conference. The Lions are off to a blazing 11-2 start, and have looked dominant while doing so, inspiring what could be a special season in 2022-23.

“We returned almost everybody from a really good team last year,” Head Coach Mark Wood said. “We have eight seniors, all leaders who have a sense of urgency, a real close chemistry, a super high level of intelligence and toughness.”

The cohesiveness of the experienced squad has netted solid results early on in the year, repeating the success they saw last year. Coming off a year where the Lions were second in the nation in scoring, the expectations were high to compete in the newly-added Open Division playoffs.

Liberty is anchored by senior forward Caden Hunter, who averages a double-double per game, putting up 20 points and 10 rebounds per contest. There is no true star of the squad though, as the depth allows for the Lions to have experienced players on the floor at all times which gives them the best chance to win in any given tilt.

“We have to win multiple different ways, that's what we've been working on,” Wood said. “We feel like we can win slow, we feel like we can win fast. We'd like to play fast, but we'll win however you want to do it. It's kind of the way we're looking at it.”

The schedule for the Lions hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies. They have had to go against some of the tougher teams in the state through the opening stretch.

To start the year they rattled off four straight wins against Scottsdale Chaparral, Surprise Willow Canyon, Glendale Apollo and Phoenix Christian, the majority of which being double-digit victories. They outscored opponents by nearly 100 points, 343-246, during that stretch.

The Lions were then tested by the Arizona juggernaut, Gilbert Perry, the reigning state champions, in a battle that ended with Liberty falling short 93-79. The score may look like a lopsided Perry victory, but that could not be further from the truth.

“We were up (by) one, with four and a half minutes left,” Wood said. “Then there were four consecutive possessions where we found ourselves all of a sudden down nine.

“But when you play teams of that caliber, those mistakes are punished.

And to their credit, they punished our mistakes. You know, they weren't big mistakes, they weren't mistakes that would get punished otherwise, but they did.”

Liberty hasn’t let that derail their season though, as they picked themselves right back up to the tune of five straight wins. They took care of teams like the state champion runners up, Chandler Hamilton, and Phoenix Sunnyslope, the 2021 6A State playoff’s No. 1 seed who were recently added into the Lions’ region. Other teams included Sunrise Mountain, Surprise Shadow Ridge and Mesa Mountain Ridge.

“Just how to be more focused and disciplined, and tough and resilient,”

Wood said of how his team rebounded to the Perry loss.

“Really what we learned is that we are not afraid of anybody. A lot of the guys did not take that floor like they were outmatched. They took that floor like they were in it to win it and thought that they should. The confidence that they have earned through their hard work and sacrifice. We know we can compete at a very high level.”

Moving into region play, Liberty has a tough schedule ahead, facing teams like Sunnyslope again, and Phoenix Pinnacle, Anthem Boulder Creek and Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor twice.

Fans: Fiesta Bowl succeeds on all fronts

BY JOE MCHUGH Glendale Star Staff Writer

From tailgating in the early morning of Dec. 31 to Texas Christian University defeating the University of Michigan 51-46, fans raved about the experience at State Farm Stadium.

Before the Wolverines and Horned Frogs hit the field, the massive crowds were treated to a plethora of activities. The Fan Fest Pregame Party drew fans with its food trucks, bars and a live performance in the plaza outside the stadium.

The Club ’71 tailgate party brought more live music, unlimited food and a slew of games to play.

“We did a little tailgating,” said Ford Store, a Texan. “That was a good time. We hit the golf simulator and did all the fun stuff. We have 30 or so, friends that are here. So, we traveled pretty well.”

Michigan fan and Louisiana native Robert Walker called it an “awesome game and awesome experience in gen-

eral.”

“It’s our first time coming to the Fiesta Bowl,” Walker said. “It’s got to be at the top of the bowl list easily. It was awesome. It was phenomenal. It was.”

In addition to the sponsored tailgating features, many of the fans brought grills, cornholes and televisions for their pregame parties. From the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers to the banter between dueling schools, the atmosphere was set.

The atmosphere transferred into the stadium, which was split perfectly in half — the TCU purple on one half, and the starkly different Michigan blue and gold on the other.

Once the kickoff was away, the game was electric.

The 13-0 Wolverines were stunned in the first half. After the first play of the game went for a 54-yard gain from Donovan Edwards, TCU’s defense stood tall. The Horned Frogs kept rolling as they intercepted a pass from J.J. McCarthy for a touchdown. The scoring continued for the Horned Frogs, after a massive 12-play drive ending with a 1-yard Max

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Duggan quarterback sneak, putting the frogs up 14-0 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Wolverines ripped off yet another big play, getting down to the 1-yard line, but the woes continued as the offense fumbled on the next play. TCU made all the right plays, according to head coach Sonny Dykes.

“This is a special team,” Dykes said. “Typically, teams playing for a national championship weren’t picked seventh in their conference. These guys believed.”

Once the game reached the third quarter, sitting at a score of 21-6, both teams flipped a switch. They ripped off massive plays and scored touchdowns, combining for 44 points in 15 minutes.

Some of the highlights included a 34yard Michigan touchdown to receiver Ronnie Bell, a 29-yard interception for a touchdown by TCU’s Dee Winters, a 20-yard Michigan score by McCarthy, along with three 1-yard rushing scores from the Horned Frogs on the heels of

massive plays.

Coming into the final 15 minutes, the score sat at 41-30. Roman Wilson of Michigan rushed in an 18-yard score, followed by a 2-point conversion completed by Bell, bringing the score to 41-38 TCU, the closest it would be in the entire game.

With the momentum seemingly going against TCU, receiver Quentin Johnston burst from the Michigan defense for a 76-yard score. The Horned Frogs followed up with a field goal to get their 51-point total, which proved insurmountable for Michigan even despite a late comeback attempt.

So, with the complementary actions of an engaging fan experience, the verdict of the experience was obvious.

“Oh 10, absolutely,” Walker said. “My first time at Phoenix, at the Fiesta Bowl. Ten hands down.”

“5,000,” Haley Story added. “There is no number, every number is above 10.” PT

The Liberty Lions boys’ basketball team got the opportunity to play at Footprint Center, the home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, and did not disappoint, defeating Phoenix Carl Hayden, 75-57. (Christine Andert/Submitted)

BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 11

Wood feels this team has competed at the highest level and they can handle the spotlight if so put on them.

“(When the) lights are on, our dudes are dudes,” he said.

But with the experience of the team being battle tested from years prior and so far this current season, Wood

maintains that this team has as good a chance as any to compete, and possibly win the Open Division Championship.

“We know we can,” Wood said. “There are a lot of teams that can beat us and we think we can beat anyone. We know it's going to be a tall task. And we're up for the challenge.” PT

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Show your gratitude on the green for Peoria first responders

BY RHONDA CARLSON President and CEO Peoria Chamber of Commerce

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is privileged to honor and celebrate the tremendous service and sacrifice of Peoria first responders by hosting the fourth annual First Responders Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, Feb. 6, at Blackstone Country Club. This is an incredible opportunity to give thanks while golfing at one of the most prestigious, private courses in the Valley. As a resident of Peoria, I personally appreciate the many brave men and women in our community that keep us healthy and safe, and this event is just one small way we can show our gratitude. So much weight is carried on the shoulders of our first responders

and their loved ones, a weight unimaginable to many of us. The work done is selfless and the impact is profound, as situations of trauma are managed with such passion and competency. We would be remiss not

to recognize and applaud those efforts. Opportunities to sponsor, donate, volunteer and golf in the tournament are still available. Those in attendance can expect to have an unforgettable, all-inclusive experience while highlighting their business and networking with others in our Peoria and West Valley communities. Your support of this event means we can provide additional resources to our Peoria police and fire/medical teams in service to our community and demonstrate our appreciation of their service.

For more information and to

register, visit peoriachamber.com/ golftournament.

Special thanks to law enforcement specialists for serving as title sponsor for this year’s event. PT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: I DEAL I NSURANCE A GENCY S URPRISE

BY PEORIA CHAMBER

If you have attended any type of networking event in the West Valley, you’ve most likely seen Dave Mitchell with Ideal Insurance Agency

there, with an amazing basket of goodies in hand.

An incredibly engaged individual in our business community and member of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Mitchell is a stellar example of the power of connection in helping drive your business goals forward.

As a well-regarded, active insurance agency owner since 1982, Mitchell has been at the forefront of the insurance industry as a contributor to the Arizona Insurance Producer Licensing Exam(s), an adjunct instructor, and published author. At Ideal Insurance Agency, Mitchell and his team

provide insurance protection for their clients by offering quality products, excellent service and guaranteed value.

Ideal Insurance Agency combines years of experience with cutting edge products to provide exceptional service to their policyholders.

Ideal Insurance Agency’s services include:

• Auto insurance

• Homeowners insurance

• Life insurance

• Asset protection

• Business insurance

As a Trusted Choice agency, they are committed to treating you as a person, not a policy. This commitment means they will work with you to identify the insurance and financial services that

are right for you, your family or your business and use their access to multiple companies to deliver those products.

Whether you are looking to insure your vehicle, home or business, Ideal Insurance Agency can handle all of your insurance needs. Serving Surprise, Glendale, Peoria, Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Phoenix, Sun City and Sun City West, let Mitchell and his team find the right policy for you. PT

Ideal Insurance Agency

14239 W. Bell Road, Suite 205, Surprise 623-933-8263 idealins.com

Mary

JANUARY EVENTS

Maximize Your Chamber Membership

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 Peoria Chamber of Commerce Office 15707 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria

Peoria Luncheon Function (New Monthly Event)

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18

Featured Speaker: Prestamos CDFI, A Division of Chicanos Por La Causa Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria

Young Professionals Group: Networking 101

4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 Park West 9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria Military Affairs Committee 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria

After Hours Shenanigans

5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 Jalapeno Inferno 9832 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria PT

NEW MEMBERS

West Valley Women’s Networking CVS Health Salad World Kawaii Sushi and Asian Cuisine

The Miertschin Group VLUX at Peoria Heights Geneva Financial LLC SunStyle Pools & Spas LLC

The Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The weekly 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 Times’ coverage area, which is Peoria.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timeslocalmedia.com.

Sew Smart Sewing Club

WEDNESDAYS

Join the sewing club on Wednesdays for fun, laughter and sewing. Participants are invited to use the

library’s machines or bring their own.

Experienced adults 18 and older are invited.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free,

peoriaaz.gov

Live Music at Winery 101 Peoria THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

Winery 101 Peoria pairs vino with live music this month. Anyone is welcome to join, and reservations are not required. From 5 to 7 p.m., wine by the glass is $1 off, and bottles are 10% off during the live music performances. Tastings will not be available during the live music.

Winery 101 Peoria, 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 101, Peoria, 5 p.m., free, winery101.com

Momma’s Organic

For more features visit peoriatimes.com

Market

SATURDAYS

Featuring food trucks, local artisans and fresh produce, this weekly farmers market gives locals the chance to shop local and shop fresh. Taking place near Dillard’s, new vendors grace this event weekly. Admission is free and furry friends are allowed if they’re on a leash. Cash and cards are accepted as methods of payment, and the market runs from 8 to 11 a.m.

Arrowhead Towne Center, 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, 8 a.m., free, arrowheadtownecenter. com

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

JAN. 6

Raising children with disabilities is a difficult task that can demand a lot from a parent. Those burned out from work and longing to feel freedom can still find hope. Soul Care Reset seeks to nurture and revitalize the lives of those struggling to find personal purpose when raising a child who demands much of their time and mental energy. Held Via Zoom, noon to 1 p.m., free, allevents.in/peoria/soul-carereset-for-moms-raising-kidswith-mental-health-challenges_ peoria/10000429286476407

Peoria First Saturdays

Free Outdoor Movie

JAN. 7

Bring the whole family down for a Chinese New Year pre-party with a free movie and martial arts show. Hosted by the Night Market, this party comes with free face painting, the latest Disney movie, Paws of Fury, and delicious food available for purchase.

Centennial Plaza Park, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, visitphoenix.com/event/

peoria-1st-saturdays-free-outdoormovie/140603/

Polar Plunge

JAN. 7

Promote winter safety and learn more about harsh cold conditions in the most direct way possible. Those daring enough to make it all the way across the unheated, 40 degree pool will receive a free t-shirt for their accomplishment. Donations are available and will help teach children how to swim. Free breakfast will be served.

Centennial Pool, 14388 N. 79th Avenue, Peoria, 8 to 9 a.m., free, peoriaaz.gov/government/ departments/arts-culture/specialevents/polar-plunge

Dungeons and Dragons at the Library

JAN. 11

Pros and beginners alike are encouraged to flex their creative muscle and explore the mystical world of Dungeons & Dragons. Teens will get the opportunity to see fantastical worlds and practice their improv and problem solving in a

strange and magical land beyond the veil. Registration is required. Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, free, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., peoriaaz.gov

Mariachi Rubor

JAN. 11

Witness the grandiose music of the all female mariachi band, Mariachi Rubor as they share their talent with Peoria. The free performance looks to mix together beauty, tradition, and passion into one package, with its many members sharing their wisdom and personality from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 7 p.m., free, ci.ovationtix.com/36659/

Coffee and Rides

JAN. 14

Check out a wide variety of cars at this local Peoria car show. Enjoy free donuts and coffee while perusing a number of vehicles, with the top twelve on display competing for best in show. Registration for vehicles is free for anyone who’s

got a good enough set of wheels for the challenge. All years, makes, and models welcome.

State 40 Glass Company, 8550 N. 91st Avenue, Peoria, 4 to 7 p.m., free, eventbrite.com/e/ coffee-and-rides-tickets487134892577?aff=ALLEVENTS

MLK Day of Service

JAN.

14

The city of Peoria comes together again this year to recognize the accomplishments and life of the great Martin Luther King Junior. A day of service will be held at the Peoria community center with multi-cultural activities and entertainment, including live music performances, spoken word performances, volunteer opportunities, food trucks, free books for children, service projects, and community resources.

Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street, Peoria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, 623-773-7436, peoriaaz. gov/government/departments/ arts-culture/special-events/mlk-jrday-events PT

The messenger and the message

CHURCH-COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist

The phone rang, and the lady of the house answered. It was a salesman from a mortgage refinance company. "Do you have a second mortgage on your home?"

"No," she replied. "Would you like to consolidate all of your debts?" "I don't have any," she replied. "How about freeing up some cash for home im-

provements?" "I don't need any. I just recently had some done and paid cash," she parried. There was a brief silence, and he asked, "Are you looking for a husband?"

In this brief conversation on the phone, the lady sent a message loud and clear. It was apparent to the salesman that this lady has values that, in many ways, define her. Her actions are consistent with her words. She walked the walk, not just talked the talk. The messenger and her message are compatible.

Those of you who are Christians in my reading audience, let me ask you a question. What kind of message are you sending to that world out there?

The word Christian comes from Acts 11:26 in the Scriptures. "And it came about that they met with the church for an entire year and taught considerable numbers, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." The community named them using the word “Christians.” Why? Because the messengers and the message they were sending were consistent. I think Antioch had a branding gift.

The "Christians" in Antioch walked like Christ, talked like Christ, had integrity like Christ, ministered like Christ, were servant leaders like Christ, loved like Christ, and had wisdom like Christ; in short, they lived Christ. Christ in them came out of them. Who

they were, became what they do. The city acknowledged the messengers and their message, naming them Christians or “little Christs.” The Christians of that day were earthly definers of Christ in the same way Christ represented God. They defined Christ by actions, not the religious rhetoric prevalent in their day and today.

God wants more than belief and worship in church. God wants faith and love in action outside of the church. God desires to connect the messenger and message with the audience through Christianity's real and tangible practices. After all, most

A celebration highlighting this community’s award-winning SPARK™ program and unique approach to caring for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

JOIN THE AUBERGE AT PEORIA

JOIN THE AUBERGE AT PEORIA

Grand Opening

Grand Opening

JANUARY 19 • 6 - 8 PM

JANUARY 19 • 6 - 8 PM

Guests are invited to view this freshly remodeled memory care community. Appetizers and drinks will be curated by the Auberge’s Head Chef. Plus, enjoy big-band era music, a champagne tower, and a photo booth.

A celebration highlighting this community’s award-winning SPARK™ program and unique approach to caring for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

A celebration highlighting this community’s award-winning SPARK™ program and unique approach to caring for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Guests are invited to view this freshly remodeled memory care community. Appetizers and drinks will be curated by the Auberge’s Head Chef. Plus, enjoy big-band era music, a champagne tower, and a photo booth.

Guests are invited to view this freshly remodeled memory care community. Appetizers and drinks will be curated by the Auberge’s Head Chef. Plus, enjoy big-band era music, a champagne tower, and a photo booth.

Apartment availability is limited; take advantage of an event-only special! If you like an apartment, simply leave a deposit at the event and receive a $1000.00 rent credit per month starting in February.

Apartment availability is limited; take advantage of an event-only special! If you like an apartment, simply leave a deposit at the event and receive a $1000.00 rent credit per month starting in February.

RSVP • (623) 977-1431

RSVP • (623) 977-1431

13391 N 94th Peoria, AZ 85381

Apartment availability is limited; take advantage of an event-only special! If you like an apartment, simply leave a deposit at the event and receive a $1000.00 rent credit per month starting in February.

13391 N 94th Dr. Peoria, AZ 85381

13391 N 94th Dr. Peoria, AZ 85381

13391 N 94th Dr. Peoria, AZ 85381

13391 Peoria, AubergePeoria.com

AubergePeoria.com

AubergePeoria.com

For

Peoria Times.com /PeoriaTimes

people know who you are and what you do by what they see, not what they hear. Remember, Christians, we are carriers and couriers of Christ. We are fi lled with Christ so we can spill Christ on others. We are God’s representatives “on Earth as it is in heaven.” We give God a face in the community.

So, what does mature Christianity look, sound and feel like? Let me share with you readers a human sample of Christ’s example via a true story published in The Prairie Observer. Catch the concept here.

When Wycliffe bible translator Doug Meland and his wife moved into a village of Brazil's Fulnio Indians, he was called "the white man." The term was not complimentary since other white men had exploited them of their lands.

But after the Melands learned the Fulnio language and began to help

the people with medicine, and, in other ways, they started calling Doug "the respectable white man." Then, when the Melands began adapting to the people's customs, the Fulnio people gave them greater acceptance and spoke of Doug as "the white Indian."

Then one day, as Doug was washing the dirty, blood-caked foot of an injured Fulnio boy, he overheard a bystander say to another: "Whoever heard of a white man washing an Indian's foot before? Certainly, this man is from God!" From that day on, whenever Doug would go into an Indian home, it was announced, "Here comes the man God sent us."

Doug, God’s messenger, broadcasted a loud and clear message — Jesus, God’s love in action. Doug represented, then presented Christ. He was filled to be spilled for others. His actions were consistent with his words. Just like those Christians in Antioch, both

who Doug was and what Doug did, were compelling to the people God sent him to serve.

No matter what part of society you participate in or where you are spiritually, here’s your takeaway. Christianity can be described in three short sentences. Royalty is your identity. Servanthood is your assignment. Intimacy with God is your source.

What do I mean by royalty? I’m not talking about royalty in the entitled or exalted sense. I’m talking about your identity. Identity is who you are. You are part of God’s family. You live from significance, not for significance. You live from acceptance, not for acceptance. You live from being loved, not for being loved. By receiving Christ into your heart, you have completed what God started for you.

you might be one person, but to one person, you might be the world.

What do I mean by source? First, realize that it’s impossible to be a Christian or do Christian service by human power. It takes God’s power. God puts into us what God wants out of us. The Spirit of Christ creates messengers with a message. Why? So, God can connect his message with the audience which is the whole world.

What’s God’s message? The best the world can offer is rehabilitation. What people need is transformation through a new life in Christ. PT

PUZZLE

answers to puzzles on page 18

What do I mean by servanthood? Servanthood is about purpose. As Christians, we serve first and reign later. If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all in the church and the world. God saved Christians for the world, not just from the world. Remember, to the world,

Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com. For more info, see nationstrategy.com.

MET students make ornaments for foster care kids

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Peoria Unified School District’s MET Professional Academy students recently crafted 280 holiday ornaments for Arizona Sunshine Angels, a nonprofit organization that supports foster children living in group homes within the Phoenix metropolitan area.

MET Professional Academy stu-

dents spent hours during class and after school on early release days to design and engrave the ornaments for children in foster care. Included with the ornaments, which are engraved with their name and a holiday-themed graphic, were written cards by the students and toiletries to donate to the group homes.

The students wanted to give back during this holiday season and thought that this

gesture would provide the children with a small token they can keep with them regardless of where they are staying.

Liberty High School and MET Professional Academy senior Hunter Cordova spearheaded this effort. He said the project is a great way to give back to the community using the instruments he learned to use in the MET Professional Academy program.

“I thought this could be really meaningful and impactful for the kids,” Cordova said. “Knowing that they may not get many gifts this year, an ornament with their name and a letter may mean a lot to them.”

The MET Professional Academy is a signature STEM program in the Peoria Unified School District for sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend one of the district’s seven high schools. MET students attend their home high school for part of the day and attend the MET Professional Academy the other part.

At the MET, students are immersed in a professional setting and gain valuable experience working with industry professionals who help them learn through authentic projects and work experiences.

For more information on the MET Professional Academy, visit peoriaunified.org/MET. PT

Students from Peoria Unified School District’s MET Professional Academy recently crafted 280 holiday ornaments for Arizona Sunshine Angels. (PUSD/ Submitted)

The ornaments were engraved with a name and a holiday graphic. (PUSD/Submitted)

Along with the ornaments, the MET students wrote cards and donated toiletries to the group homes. (PUSD/Submitted)

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSALS FOR FY 2023-2024

On January 3, 2023, the City began accepting proposals for the use of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and General Fund Not-for-Profit grants for the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 funding cycle. The City anticipates receiving CDBG funds of approximately $853,197 and a HOME Program allocation of approximately $275,546. The exact allocations will not be determined until finalized by the Federal Government. The City also anticipates General Fund monies of $196,500 to be available. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 23, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available in July 2023, for General Fund programs and October 2023, for Federal programs.

All applicants are required to submit proposals utilizing ZoomGrants, an online, cloud-based system.

Applicants interested in applying for grant funding must register with ZoomGrants in order to obtain a login and access to the City’s grant applications. A link to ZoomGrants and the applications is available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprofitgrants

Additional information may be obtained by writing to: City of Peoria Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85345 Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities - Alternative format materials, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices or interpretation in languages other than English are available upon 72 hours advance notice through the City of Peoria’s Community Assistance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7601 TDD (623)773-7221, or email at communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)773-7601.

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: WEST GREEN POWER LLC. The address of the registered office is: 7701 E Osborn Rd, 80 W Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The name of the Statutory Agent is: Maria Del Carmen Ramos. Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MEMBER/MANAGERS/ORGANIZERS: Name and address for each. AITOR EIZMENDI, 7701 E Osborn Rd, 80 W Scottsdale, AZ 85251, FERRAN RUF POVILL SOSPEDRA, 7701 E Osborn Rd, 80 W Scottsdale, AZ 85251, MARIA DEL CARMEN RAMOS, 4750 E Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85050, ROY FARNSWORTH, 2919 W County Club Dr, Snowflake, AZ 85937

Published in the Peoria Times, Dec 22, 29, 2022, Jan 5, 2023

*publish in the Peoria Times, January 5, 2023, January 12, 2023, and January 19, 2023*

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Subvencionado sección 8-202• 62 años Y personas discapacitadas fisicas Lunes-Viernes 8:00 am a 4:30 pm 623-939-9447