Glendale’s Community Newspaper
Vol. 77 No. 3
INSIDE
This Week
www.glendalestar.com
January 14, 2021
Gallego, Lesko on opposite sides BY TOM SCANLON
Glendale Star Managing Editor
NEWS...............5 Former state rep tweets about trip to U.S. Capitol
NEWS...............6 PUSD schools reopen after one-day ‘sick out’
OPINION..................... 10 SPORTS .......................11 FEATURES.................. 14 RELIGION ................... 16 YOUTH........................ 18 CLASSIFIEDS ............. 21
Rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 6—delaying the Congressional certification of the Electoral College—may have been fortunate not to break into Rep. Ruben Gallego’s location. The Democrat, who represents parts of Phoenix, Glendale and Tolleson, is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran. As he hunkered down with other members of Congress, he assessed his limited resources and came up with a plan. “I had a pen. If anyone broke in, my plan was get that pen and jab it into somebody’s eye,” Gallego said in an interview with The Glendale Star two days later. “And if they had a weapon, disarm them and start shooting my way out.” Gallego has been praised by many for keeping his cool during what he now calls “an insurrection.” He instructed members how to use gas masks they were given— and guided stranded journalists (who were not allowed into the safe area where Gal-
lego and other representatives were) to the safety of his nearby office. Hours later, after rioters were expelled and order restored, Gallego used floor time at the House of Representatives to passionately speak against Rep. Paul Gosar’s objection to Arizona electoral votes. Gallego urged Republicans to “save your souls” and reject Gosar’s proposal.
During a riot at the U.S. Capitol, Rep. Ruben Gallego directed fellow lawmakers to remain calm and instructed them on how to put on gas masks. After order was restored, he gave a “save your souls” speech imploring Republicans not to challenge Arizona’s Electoral College votes. Rep. Debbie Lesko rejected his views and voted for the challenge. (Photos courtesy U.S. House of Representatives)
Republican Debbie Lesko did not buy Gallego’s arguments. “After much deliberation and consulSEE OPPOSITES PAGE 4
Vaccines 24/7 at State Farm Stadium BY TOM SCANLON
Glendale Star Managing Editor
State Farm Stadium is the anchor of Maricopa County’s first public offering of the COVID-19 vaccine. This week, Maricopa County began allowing those 75 and older, teachers and others in the “1B” group to register for vaccines.
On Monday, Jan. 11, the county listed pharmacies that will be providing COVID-19 vaccinations. None of the locations were in the West Valley, but, according to the website, the “vaccine will continue to be allocated to pharmacies as it becomes available and additional locations will be added to the listings below.” For the list of locations, visit maricopa.
gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations. Gov. Doug Ducey announced Jan. 8 that the State Farm Stadium site will be a “24/7” operation “to dramatically expand the availability of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the Phoenix metropolitan area.” Advance registration is required at maricopa.gov/5651/Phase-1B. SEE VACCINE PAGE 3