West Valley View - North 01-15-2020 by Times Media Group

Buckeye Elementary gets an ‘F’

Avondale man charged with killing his father

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

Buckeye Elementary School is failing.

Yet the “F” grade the school was tagged with is viewed as an opportunity, by some.

“This is not a death certificate,” said Stefan Swiat, a spokesman with the Arizona Department of Education.

“This is an alarm bell that says you need some extra help, some extra tutoring. The School Improvement staff at the Arizona Department of Education can help you improve your grade.”

In November, the Arizona State Board of Education posted grades on every school in the state.

Buckeye Elementary School received a

third consecutive “D,” which by state guidelines translates to an “F.”

Dr. Kristi Sandvik, superintendent of the Buckeye Elementary School District, said parents were informed by postcard a community meeting will take place at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Buckeye Elementary.

Five others were in Maricopa County. No other West Valley schools received failing grades.

“The principal (Dina Cegelka), with district support, will present the improvement plan at that time, as well as answer questions,” said Sandvik.

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

As police surrounded Christopher Mendoza in his Avondale neighborhood, his fellow gang members assisted his escape by firing gunshots at other locations and making multiple false 911 calls, according to booking documents.

Mendoza, 34, went on the run after allegedly threatening to kill his girlfriend Dec. 20, at a Goodyear Walmart. Following electronic trackings and tips, police chased

Mendoza...continued on page 6

tary School District, said ing to ADE information. A

Buckeye Elementary was one of 42 schools in the state to receive “F” grades.

An “F” is “failing,” according to ADE information. A “D” means “minimally performing.”

Three of the seven BESD schools, Bales, Inca and Marionneaux schools, received “D” grades this year.

“Any school that received a grade of D or F will be holding a community meeting to share information related to their school improvement

Buckeye...continued on page 2

Mendoza goes to court on 15 charges

Christopher Mendoza allegedly escaped numerous barricades, like this one in the Cashion neighborhood of Avondale, before being shot by Buckeye Police o cers. (Photo courtesy Goodyear Police)

plan and the steps being taken to increase student achievement,” said Sandvik.

The district’s appeal to have Buckeye Elementary’s failing grade changed to a “D” was rejected by the State Board of Education last month.

“We appealed on the grounds the assignment of the ‘F’ was simply a punitive step and not an accurate descriptor,” said Sandvik.

“The point total placed BES at a ‘D,’ however the state’s position is three consecutive ‘D’ (grades) become an automatic ‘F.’ Our appeal was based on provided evidence we executed the improvement plan we provided to the state last year.

“Although we would never be content with an underperforming score, our concern was that such a designation comes with implied stigmas about the climate, safety, quality of staff and many other critical factors that comprise a school community.”

Sandvik said she is confident Cegelka can lead the turnaround. (The West Valley View asked Cegelka for an inter-

view; she declined, saying all questions had to go through the district.)

“The school is already deep into significant instructional changes,” Sandvik said.

“We already closely monitor performance and were well aware of what was needed before the state’s grade assignment. We certainly do not wait for the state to define the school before taking action. That said, we are continuing to aggressively pursue any measures we believe will assist in improvement. “

Jasinski turnaround

Bales and Inca schools received “D” grades last year. The previous year,

Bales and Inca had “C” grades.

But the opportunity for a turnaround is shown by Steven R. Jasinski Elementary School, a BESD school that received a “D” grade in 2017. In November, Jasinski earned a “B,” which translates to “highly performing.” Westpark Elementary School also received a “B,” up from a “C” the year before.

Sundance Elementary School fell from a “B” the last two years to a “C” (“performing”) in November.

face of adversity is indescribable and it adds to our commitment to finding every way to help them be successful. We offer an array of social and emotional support, extra-curricular activities, social clubs, and student leadership opportunities.”

The failing grade makes Buckeye eligible for “federal funds to receive assistance,” said Swiat. Failing schools also get performance plans from the state.

According to the state education website (azsbe.az.gov/f-school-letter-grades), the grading system “measures year to year student academic growth, proficiency on English language arts, math and science, the proficiency and academic growth of English language learners, indicators an elementary student is ready for success in high school and high school students are ready to succeed in a career or higher education and high school graduation rates.”

Most of the grade comes from standardized state test results.

Sandvik was asked about challenges Buckeye Elementary school faces.

“Buckeye Elementary is a Title I School, which is the primary indicator of poverty, and the students and staff there face the usual associated challenges,” the BESD superintendent said. “As a result, staff often assist in meeting social service needs as well as those related to the emotional stressors linked to the challenges of low-income environments.

“Many students are second language learners, so are faced with the significant task of learning a new language itself, and then learning content in the new language. The admiration we all have for these children who work so hard in the

“The School Improvement Team said Buckeye Elementary is cooperative and working hard,” said Swiat. “They did not apply for the December grant because they were in the middle of filing an appeal. Therefore, they have until mid-February to turn in the improvement plan. They are currently in process.”

Sandvik said BESD is committed to using all resources to help Buckeye Elementary improve.

Yet she stressed one letter of the alphabet, even the one many students dread, does not accurately depict the Buckeye Elementary School culture.

“Although we know there is work to be done to push academic growth forward, the letter grade does not capture what the school offers the Buckeye community and how valued it is to those it serves,” Sandvik said.

“As one student expressed to me in a focus group when I posed a question about school safety, “I feel really safe once we walk through that gate. I wish I could feel that way all of the time.’”

Nurturing a sense of safety and belonging is reinforced often, Sandvik said:

“From the principal to the counselor and the crossing guard to the homeroom teacher, BES staff create an environment that students can count on to be there everyday.”

Dr. Kristi Sandvik, BESD superintendent, is conﬁdent the Buckeye Elementary will improve. (Photo courtesy BESD)

Information provided by the Arizona State Board of Education shows three Buckeye Elementary District schools with “D” grades, and one “F.”

The West Valley View is a controlled-circulation weekly. It is published every Wednesday, and distributed free-of-charge to homes and in high-traffic locations throughout Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye and Tolleson.

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Luke Air Force Base job fair Jan. 22

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Luke Air Force Base will host a job fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Club Five Six, 14000 W. Eagle Street, Building 161.

The job fair offers the opportunity to

network with over 65 local and national employers. Additionally, there will be a mobile VA Vet Unit on-site.

The Job Fair is targeted toward military personnel, military spouses, military family members, military retirees,

Department of Defense civilians and base contractors. Anyone who has base access can attend.

For more information, call the Luke Air Force Base Family Readiness Center at 623-856-6550.

Three of four Goodyear Police investigations concluded

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

Last week, the paid suspensions and investigations into four Goodyear Police employees drew closer to an end.

Goodyear Police Officer Kyle Cluff, a five-year veteran officer who had been on administrative leave since Oct. 7, resigned Thursday, Jan. 9.

Tammy Vo, a Goodyear spokeswoman, told the West Valley View an investigation found Cluff was untruthful. He could have faced discipline but no decision was made before Cluff resigned, Vo said. A separate investigation was also com-

pleted regarding Susan Petty, formerly a Goodyear Police administrative service manager. An investigation found her to be untruthful also, Vo said.

Petty, who has worked for Goodyear for 22 years, was demoted to a lower-paying management assistant position, according to Vo. Petty returned to work Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Vo said the Cluff and Petty cases are not related to the investigation of former Chief Jerry Geier, who was fired two weeks ago after also being placed on paid leave Oct. 7. He appealed the firing.

A fourth investigation, into Deputy Chief Justin Hughes, is still ongoing, Vo said.

Goodyear O cer Kyle Clu , after being on administrative leave since Oct. 7, resigned Jan. 9. (Photo courtesy city of Goodyear)

Abrazo West welcomes the ﬁrst baby of 2020

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Welcome to the world, the West Valley’s newest resident: Delilah Josette Ruiz was born at 6:11 a.m. Jan. 1, at Abrazo West Campus, the hospital’s first baby of 2020.

“Everyone here has been completely amazing and I could not be more grateful for the team here,” said Delilah’s mother, Sara Ruiz of Goodyear.

The Labor and Delivery Unit at Abrazo West offers private rooms with the ability for mother and baby to stay in the same room, as well as obstetrics nurse navigators, a special care nursery and OB hospitalist physician coverage.

Abrazo West’s Birth Navigators are registered nurses serving as personal guides for the journey to motherhood. The free service is available to answer hospital-related questions, help

Experience the health benefits of

If you are suffering from:

• Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Balance Disorders & Vertigo

• Neck, Back, Shoulder, Hip & Muscle Pain

• Diabetic and Other Types of Neuropathy

• Migraines & Other Headaches

• Spinal Stenosis • Infertility

•Depression • Anxiety • Insomnia

Buckeye sets new water fee

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

parents-to-be navigate through the registration process, provide a private hospital tour, schedule prenatal classes and provide the latest information before delivery.

For more information on maternity services at Abrazo West Campus, visit AbrazoHealth.com.

Buckeye City Council voted last week on a new water fee. Water rates will not change.

A monthly ﬂat fee of $3.05, plus tax, goes into effect Feb. 7, for approximately 20,000 Buckeye water users.

According to agenda material, the fee will go toward “funding the repair and replacement of water lines, wells, reservoirs, valves and other infrastructure.

“Updated equipment will use the newest technology in the industry, which will greatly improve water quality. “ Council also approved the purchase of a $600,000 mobile command vehicle for the Buckeye Police Department. Buckeye will pay for $200,000 and apply for Racketeer Inﬂuenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) funds to pay for the other two-thirds of the police vehicle, according to agenda documents.

Governor to give his ‘State of the State’ address in the West Valley

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Gov. Doug Ducey is expected to focus on big projects in the West Valley, such as the White Claw production facility in Glendale and new businesses coming to Goodyer, at a “State of the State” address at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. The West Valley event is at Phoenix

Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Boulevard, Avondale.

WESTMARC hosts the lunch event, which starts with networking at 10:30 a.m.

The cost for nonmembers is $125. To register or for more information, visit westmarc.org/govlunch2020/.

Buckeye will be applying for a grant to pay for two-thirds of a $600,000 mobile command vehicle. (Photos courtesy city of Buckeye)

The newest West Valley resident, Delilah Josette Ruiz, entered the world six hours into 2020. (Photo courtesy Abrazo West

GRAND OPENING JANUARY 25

& 26

Mendoza all over the West Valley, from Goodyear to Tolleson to Avondale and even Surprise.

While he was on the loose, the convicted felon allegedly told several people he would rather die than go back to prison.

Mendoza’s mother warned “her son will shoot it out with police,” according to the report.

Between sightings, Mendoza allegedly got high on heroin and methamphetamines while holed up in an attic.

Mendoza was not hard to spot. Television stations, newspapers and social media blasted out images of his tattoo-lined face.

Yet Mendoza, who allegedly had a network of accomplices, escaped multiple attempts to apprehend him—until Buckeye Police officers took down the “armed and dangerous” suspect Dec. 23. Mendoza did not fire at Buckeye officers, but he allegedly tried to run them over in a stolen car before police shot and stopped him.

When he discharged under police escort from Abrazo West Hospital Jan. 6, Goodyear Police charged Mendoza, who had his 34th birthday in the hospital, with 15 crimes, including aggravated assault and kidnapping.

Mendoza faces a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Maricopa County Superior Court.

The crime spree that brought chaos, chases, barricades and gunfire to Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye began around 1:30 a.m. Dec. 20. According to a probable cause report prepared by Anthony Campillo, a Goodyear Police Department detective, Mendoza was heard threatening to shoot his girl-

friend in the parking lot of Walmart at 1100 N. Estrella Parkway.

He then allegedly chased the woman into the store, where he made more threatening remarks.

When Goodyear Police officers responded, Mendoza allegedly refused their commands. Officers said they saw what appeared to be a gun in his waistband as he scrambled away and ﬂed out a back door.

Goodyear: Carjacking

A man who lives on 158th Lane, less than a mile from the Walmart, saw the police cars as he pulled into his driveway. (The West Valley View is not publishing the name of the victim.)

The victim described Mendoza as alternately threatening and apologetic as he ﬂashed a gun and demanded a ride to Avondale. The victim first offered his bike to Mendoza. According to the report, Mendoza insisted on being driven.

“The victim became more nervous and offered the subject to take his car. He did not want to give the subject a ride,” the report states.

“(Mendoza) then reached into his front hoodie pocket with his right hand, pulled a black handgun out and racked the slide. Mendoza informed the victim, ‘I’m trying to be nice.’”

Fearing for his life, the victim drove Mendoza to Greenleaf Lane and Main Street in Avondale.

During the 10-minute, 5-mile ride, the driver “felt like the subject was going to shoot him and take his car … he felt like he was going to get shot even though (Mendoza) did not threaten to shoot him or point the gun at him.”

According to the report, Mendoza told the driver he “messed up” and “did not want to go back” to prison. Men-

doza also apologized for making the victim nervous.

Smelling powerfully of alcohol, Mendoza at one point during the alleged carjacking rolled down the window and vomited.

Tolleson: Gun found, no Mendoza

Later on Dec. 20, police tracked a vehicle associated with Mendoza to Premier Inns in Tolleson.

Goodyear Police saw surveillance footage of Mendoza entering a room at the motel, but by the time they went to the room he was gone.

Police did find a gun hidden in the motel room’s toilet tank. The two people in the room denied knowing anything about the gun or Mendoza.

Avondale: The chase resumes

On Dec. 21, according to Campillo’s report, a Goodyear detective “made contact with Jodi Mendoza, Christopher’s mother, and she stated Christopher is not at her house and she knows we have a warrant for her residence so we can search it and we will not find him there.

“Jodi also stated her son will shoot it out with police.”

The report said information was also obtained “Christopher’s dad is worried due to Christopher being off of his medication, abusing heroin, and taking Mexican ‘Percs’ (percocets, a powerful painkiller. Christopher also made a comment he has a lot of ammunition and clips.”

Police were then able to electronically associate Mendoza with a house on South Greenleaf Lane. According to the report, police suspected Mendoza was holding his girlfriend against her will at the location.

When she was spotted on the street, Mendoza’s girlfriend “was taken into custody for her safety as well as her outstanding charges.” She denied knowing where Mendoza was, according to the report.

The night of Dec. 22, Goodyear detectives doing surveillance of Greenleaf Lane spotted Mendoza getting into a car. Officers attempted to stop the car, but it ﬂed. Mendoza was then seen jumping out of the car and running away.

The chase went across the Agua Fria River, to 111th Avenue and Cocopah Street, in an area known as Cashion.

Hindering the chase, according to the report, were “multiple citizens and people claiming to be (Mendoza’s) family. They were extremely upset about the situation.

Cashion: Standoff

“The neighborhood of Cashion has a long-standing gang that operates within the area by the name of Cashion Park Locos. (Mendoza) is a documented gang member for the gang as well as he has many family members and friends that live in the area that will hide him from police,” Campillo noted.

“While working in the neighborhood on circumstances such as this, multiple people come out in an attempt to intimidate, threaten and deter police from apprehending whomever they are attempting to take into custody. The neighborhood will call in fake calls to police and give false information in order to deter police resources in different locations where the suspect is not so he could get away.”

Campillo stated, as police attempted to calm crowds, Mendoza was spotted at a residence on West Fourth Street. Campillo and others made contact with

Mendoza and told him they would give him a phone to communicate with them.

“As I was standing out front, (Mendoza) came out from the front door with a gun fastened to his mouth and a jug in his hand - attached with a string to the trigger of the gun. (Mendoza) walked to the front of the yard, grabbed the throw phone and walked back into the residence. While he was grabbing the phone, (a negotiations officer) was yelling at Christopher not to kill himself,” according to Campillo’s report.

“Negotiations then started with Christopher for over an hour. As negotiations (were) taking place, multiple gunshots were ringing out throughout the neighborhood in order to distract police from the incident and allocate resources to now investigate the multiple shots fired being shot off. During the negotiations, Christopher came out to the backyard, yelled and a gunshot went off. He then went back into the residence,” according to the report.

Shortly after, Mendoza ran through the backyard and was able to escape police again.

Buckeye: The chase ends

After yet another barricade situation in Cashion failed to catch Mendoza, a caller claimed Mendoza was at his brother’s, in Surprise.

But by the time they made it to Surprise, Goodyear officers were hearing reports of shots fired by officers in Buckeye.

Mendoza was downed.

Mendoza later told police he was in Surprise, before someone drove him to

a friend’s house in Buckeye.

“While he was out at that residence he said he left on foot and started to walk to end this,” Campillo wrote.

Mendoza vowed to Buckeye officers he would break out of jail, but did not make good on the boast.

On Jan. 6, when Abrazo doctors cleared Mendoza for discharge, Campillo and another detective interviewed Mendoza.

The Goodyear officers then gave Mendoza a ride due east, to the Fourth Avenue Maricopa County Jail.

If he is found guilty, Christopher Mendoza will not be back in Avondale for a long time.

Avondale man charged with killing his father

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Avondale Police arrested Gustavo Reyes Jr. Sunday, Jan. 12, and charged him with killing his father.

The younger Reyes, 29 as of Jan. 14, is in jail on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

James Archer, an Avondale Police spokesman, said police were called at 11 a.m. to a home on West Cocopah Street, near West Buckeye Road and South Avondale Boulevard.

“During the investigation an adult male, Gustavo Reyes Sr., was found with stab wounds and pronounced deceased,” said Archer.

Avondale police arrested Gustavo Reyes Jr. and charged him with killing his father, Gustavo Reyes Sr. (Photo courtesy Maricopa County Sheri ’s O ce)

“The victim’s son, Gustavo Reyes Jr, was arrested on-scene.”

Archer said there are no other suspects.

Goodyear Police charged Christopher Mendoza with 15 felonies when they booked him Jan. 6. From Dec. 20 to Dec. 23, Mendoza eluded multiple attempts to apprehend him in Goodyear, Tolleson and Avondale, before ﬁnally being apprehended in Buckeye. (Photo courtesy Goodyear Police)

Money on lawmakers’ minds as they return to work

BY HOWARD FISCHER

Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers return to the Capitol Monday to deal with something they appear to have plenty: Money and who gets it.

State tax collections have been running ahead of projections made when lawmakers adopted the $11.8 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that began last July 1. Projections suggest the state could end the fiscal year this coming June 30 with an extra $750 million or more, perhaps even approaching $1 billion.

That’s money available for lawmakers to spend next budget year -- or to permanently cut taxes as some are proposing. And it doesn’t even take into account future collections.

Any discussion will have to include more than how much there is. The more important issue is how much of the surplus is likely to recur in future years.

Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, said the issue is simple: Don’t commit mon-

ey now for projects and programs unless you’re sure the money will continue to be there.

“Last I had heard, 30%-ish, maybe 25 %of the surplus is considered ongoing,’’ said Mesnard who chairs the Senate Finance Committee. “So we want to make sure that’s the pot we commit ourselves into the future or to cut taxes in some sort of permanent way.’’

The balance, he said, is one-time money.

“We can invest in roads and one-time projects hugely helpful to our state but don’t commit us to some long-term obligation,’’ Mesnard said.

That latter category is going to cover a lot of wish-list projects.

Consider, for example, the $20 million Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, wants for a bridge over Tonto Creek if a request for federal dollars comes up empty. Fund it once and it’s done

Others have their own pet projects.

Rep. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, wants the state to widen Interstate 10 from south of Phoenix into Pinal County.

Shope said there is no reason for this 26-mile section to remain two lanes in each direction when everything on either side is three lanes.

But the price tag could reach $500 million.

Rep. Ben Toma, R-Peoria, is focused largely on the other pot of funds, the surplus is likely to continue.

There likely will be a push to put additional dollars into K-12 education.

“We are committed to putting more dollars into the classroom every year,’’ gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak told Capitol Media Services, promising “full details’’ when Ducey releases his budget late next week.

Toma, for his part, has a specific target in mind: accelerate restoration of what’s called “district additional assistance.’’

That is a special allocation of state dollars to schools to pay for things like computers, books and buses. Only thing is, lawmakers seeking to balance the budget failed to fund it for years, including $117 million cut by Ducey his first year in office.

The governor has committed to restoration of the full $372 million -- but not until the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Toma said, given the state’s current financial condition, there’s no reason to wait that long.

estimate the figure for this year at $6.5 billion.

And, on paper, the per-pupil aid went from $4,996 to $5,762.

But if you consider the effects of inﬂation, that $4,996 is now worth only about $4,685.

It’s not just Democrats focused on K-12 needs.

Sens. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowﬂake, and Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, want to put a measure on the 2020 ballot to increase the existing 0.6-cent state sales tax for education to a full penny, a move that could bring in an additional $550 million to $600 million a year.

“I think that’s the sweet spot,’’ Brophy McGee said, saying that’s a number that the public is likely willing to accept. The trick, however, is getting her colleagues to agree to put it to voters. The funds raised would not just be for K-12.

Lawmakers from both parties say state aid to community colleges has not kept pace. In fact, the systems in Maricopa and Pima counties get no state aid at all, though there has been funding for special programs.

And then there is the university system where the state’s share of the cost of tuition for Arizona residents dropped from about 75% to just half.

“And we wonder why tuition has gone up,’’ Fernandez said.

Voters actually may get a choice of funding measures.

House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez, D-Yuma, said that’s a start. But she doesn’t believe that goes far enough given the cuts to public education since before the recession.

Consider: In the 2007-2008 school year the state put $5.2 billion into K-12 education. Legislative budget staffers

Others groups are crafting a plan to boost income taxes on the most wealthy under the premise that sales taxes are regressive -- the poor pay a

higher percentage of their income than the rich -- and the simple political fact that it could be crafted so the higher tax rates kick in only at higher incomes, leaving most voters unaffected.

There are some other education-related issues which may not have financial impact, including adding even more cash for counselors and providing more dollars to the state Department of Education to investigate misconduct allegations against teachers.

But the debate about the cash is about more than how to spend it.

Toma said that a newly imposed sales tax on internet purchases -- the result of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a case called South Dakota v. Wayfair -- is bringing in more than anticipated. So he wants to give some of that back.

“We should be looking at additional relief for the taxpayers because none of the Wayfair decision was intended as a massive increase in income to the government, at least not on the state tax,’’ he said.

His choice for where to cut?

“I will tell you that my least favorite tax is the property tax,’’ Toma said.

“And the reason for that is I really feel that’s a hidden tax, that people don’t feel,’’ he explained. “They feel it, but they don’t really realize that they’re getting pummeled, if you will.”

Mesnard is also focused on lower property taxes, particularly for business.

Business property used to be assessed for tax purposes at 25% of “full cash value,’’ essentially a rough approximation of market value. Prior tax cuts have taken that to 18%.

The plan would trim that again.

But the problem is that lowering taxes for one type of property increases the burden for others -- including homeowners. And that has political implications: homeowners vote, businesses do not.

Mesnard envisions the state using some of its surpluses to make up the difference so the tax bill on homeowners does not go up.

That maneuver, coupled with other changes in the Mesnard plan, could trim state revenues by $400 million a year by the time it is fully implemented.

Fernandez said don’t look for Democrat support.

“A tax cut? That’s not one of the things that’s on the table for us,’’ she said.

Fernandez said lawmakers cut taxes by about $325 million last year with changes to things like the standard deduction on income taxes, a new tax credit of $100 per child and lowering the tax rates for those earning more than $26,500 a year.

Republicans justified the move as simply making up for the fact that changes in federal tax law increased the state tax liability for many Arizonans. The tax cuts, they said, avoided a “windfall’’ for the state.

Fernandez said her constituents and “stakeholders’’ -- those who provide and depend on government programs -- had a different take.

“That last tax cut, I think it equaled $12 per person per year,’’ she said.

“They would rather have a significant investment they could see,’’ Fernandez continued. “And that would be in public education and/or infrastructure.”

The 2020 Arizona Legislature, by the numbers

BY CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES

House of Representatives:

This year -- 31 Republicans and 29 Democrats

Two years ago -- 35 Republicans and 25 Democrats

Senate:

This year -- 17 Republicans and 13 Democrats

Two years ago -- 17 Republicans and 13 Democrats

• Deadline for adjourning this year

(Saturday the week of the 100th day,

counting Saturdays and Sundays) -April 25

• Adjournment last year -- May 28

• Length of last year’s session -- 134 days

• Longest session -- 173 days in 1988

• Number of bills introduced last regular session (not including miscellaneous resolutions and memorials)

-- 1,318

• Number sent to governor -- 331

• Bills signed -- 321

• Bills vetoed -- 11

• Veto record -- 58, set in 2005 by Janet Napolitano

House Republicans release majority plan for 2020 legislative session

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Republicans in the Arizona House of Representatives are promising “tax relief for Arizonans” in 2020.

tion funding,” said Petersen.

According to a press release, caucus priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session include support for:

Help wanted, and wanted, and wanted: Census to hire 57,000 in Arizona

BY AMY-XIAOSHI DEPAOLA Cronkite News

Last week, House Majority Leader Warren Petersen (R-12) released the House Republican Caucus’ Majority Plan for the upcoming 2020 legislative session.

In 2019, the House Republicans put forward a Majority Plan to meet the specific needs and challenges of the time. Working closely with the Senate and the governor, every major component of the plan was accomplished, Petersen said.

“Under Republican leadership, Arizona has reduced its debt, balanced its budget, protected constitutional rights, cut regulations, increased its credit rating, and dramatically increased educa-

• Investment in K-12 education.

• Investment in K-12 edu-

• Protecting parental and constitutional rights.

• Providing tax relief to Arizonans.

The U.S. Census Bureau wants 57,000 workers, the number of people who will be needed to fill jobs just in Arizona alone for the decennial census in 2020.

It’s part of a push to hire 500,000 workers nationwide, mostly for census takers who will go door to door, but also for clerical, supervisory and outreach recruitment positions in local offices.

background check. Those hired will begin paid training in March, with official work starting in the middle of the month and expected to last several weeks, according to the bureau’s FAQ page.

As of early January, only Yuma and Santa Cruz counties had met their goals for recruiting workers, according to the Census Bureau.

• Strengthening border security.

• Supporting public safety and criminal jus-

• Improving transportation throughout Arizona

• Paying off debt

• Preserving Arizona’s water supply

• Promote affordable health care

A full copy of the House Republican Majority Plan is available at azhouse. gov/alispdfs/AZ_House_Republican_ Caucus_Majority_Plan_2020.pdf.

“The census is gearing up to do what we do best, and that’s counting everyone in America once,” said Tammy Parise, the Census Bureau’s partnership coordinator for Arizona. “We are in the process of recruiting 57,000 people in the state of Arizona alone, by county.”

Despite low unemployment rates across the country, Parise said there have been “no real challenges” attracting job-seekers to the temporary census work so far. She said the bureau has received “tens of thousands of applicants” already in Arizona and is on track to hiring the people it needs.

Pay will vary by county and job, from $14.50 to $19.50 an hour, with field employees compensated for transportation and mileage.

While the pay’s not bad, there may be another reason to apply, said Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation.

“You’re fulfilling your civic duty,” said von Spakovsky, manager of the foundation’s Election Law Reform Initiative.

In Arizona, most of the jobs will be for enumerators, the people who go door to door to interview people who have not filled out the census form. The bureau is especially looking for bilingual workers, particularly Spanish speakers.

The hiring push has been helped by large national and statewide outreach programs. Parise pointed to a campaign in October that included social media and job fairs. Schools like Northern Arizona University and Glendale Community College have also involved the Census in career fairs and on-campus recruiting.

While the numbers may seem daunting, they are actually down from the 700,000 workers who were hired for the 2010 Census, as improved technology has led to a need for fewer workers.

“We have been able to streamline many of the Census Bureau’s internal processes and therefore reduce the physical footprint in the field,” said a bureau statement.

That technology has also allowed the bureau to put job applications and employment training online – along with much of the census itself.

The bureau began taking applications in September and will continue to do so until February. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, ﬂuent in English and be able to pass a criminal

“For the first time in history, we have three methods of responses: online, phone and (mailed) questionnaire,” Parise said. For more information or to apply, visit 2020census.gov.

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Trump is dangerous

Editor:

It looks like the U.S. and Iran avoided all-out war, at least for now. As President Donald Trump speaks on the issue and his supporters praise and cover for him, some fact-checking seems useful.

Here are some recent examples of false statements, as researched by the Washington Post and the New York Times: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: “Pres. Trump didn’t say he’d bomb Iran’s cultural sites.” Yes, he did.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley: “Democrat presidential candidates are mourning the loss of Solemeini.” No, they’re not.

Vice President Mike Pence: “Solemeini assisted several of the 9/11 terrorists to travel to Afghanistan for training.” No evidence of that. He was not mentioned in the Congressional Report on 9/11.

Sean Hannity: “Hillary Clinton gave uranium to the Russians.” No, she didn’t.

Rep. Paul Gosar: “Here is a photo of (former) President Obama shaking hands with Hassan Rouhanni.” No, it’s Photoshopped.

And from the Liar-in-Chief himself in the past few days: “Under my leadership, the U.S. became the world’s No. 1 oil producer.” False: we have been No. 1 since 2013.

“The previous president gave $150 billion to Iran.” False. The World Court, not the U.S., released about $50 billion in Iranian assets from central banks as part of the Iran nuclear deal.

“The JCPOA (nuclear deal) was going to expire shortly anyway.” False. It would be reviewed, and maybe expire, in 2030.

“Iran’s hostility increased after the signing of the 2015 nuclear accord.” False. Their hostile activity decreased but increased in 2018 after Trump reneged on the deal.

“We destroyed 100% of ISIS.” False. They’re still a threat and killing people. Finally, to those who defend Trump by

touting the economy, some facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and Bureau of Economic Activity:

The U.S. GNP the last four quarters was 2.1%, about the same as in Obama’s last four quarters. Unemployment in October 2019 was 3.6% and has been on a steady decline since 2010. Personal income has been on a steady rise since 2009. Spendable income has not risen for three years for 40% of full-time workers. 80% of income increase as gone to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. The national debt has increased almost $3 trillion since 2016. Health care costs and pharmaceutical costs in the U.S. are the highest in the world. Conclusion: If Trump remains in office, he is likely to be even more reckless and dangerous.

John Flynn Goodyear

Do not disrespect the office of president

Editor:

I, we actually, have been reading all about opinions regarding the guilt of President Trump in the WVV. Recently, there was a letter claiming the president has told 10,000 lies. Really! 10,000!

Name 1,000 for me, or 100, or even 10 that can be substantiated.

He has recently been labeled a “huckster/con artist” and an “amoral abomination of a colossally narcissistic leader” by Mr. Compton of Litchfield Park. He also wrote there are 300-plus bills waiting on the desk of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY. Probably true but what isn’t mentioned is the majority of them are liberal bills promoting more and more government giveaways, freebies, fueling the Democrats’ debate and people who vote for their party in the first place. We don’t need more government interference in the natural selection process. If you don’t have it, get a job and buy it like the rest of us. Just like

GAMBLE’S OPINION — King Features

you can’t force people to bloviate using facts or go out and get a job you also cannot fix knowledge shortcomings. Obviously, people writing their opinions, which by the way is the only evidence regarding impeachment to date, do not realize that opinions and hearsay regarding someone else’s opinion are not evidence. All we have heard so far is what people heard, think they heard, what they fell, what they think happened and so on and so on.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the sad part the office of the president is being disrespected. You do not have to like Trump and you can have whatever opinion you want regarding impeachment, immigration, tax reform, nuclear and trade agreements and all the “evil” things he is doing, but you must stop immediately degrading and disrespecting the office because he is in it.

I don’t think anyone should forget, we just endured eight years of the worst president in my lifetime, if not all time. Obama lied to the American people, “you can keep your doctor,” “Benghazi was due to a video,” “fast and furious,” and was not initiated by his administration. These are all the facts in evidence that we all know now is true. He also

“bribed” the Iranians $4 billion to $8 billion to release Americans held for fictitious crimes in their country, about Obamacare lowering the cost of premiums, that it would be self-sufficient, etc., etc. I don’t remember any impeachment proceedings given these actual facts regarding his un-presidential behavior! If nothing else, President Trump is a true patriot! Something that cannot be said about his predecessor, who decreased the size of the military all around, apologized for America being free and capitalist, and bowed down to foreign leaders and had there been an investigation most likely would have brought many other issues to light. Actual impeachment issues!

Trump’s policy of “America First” obviously resonates with the voters. Yes, Hillary got 3 million more votes, but if you remove L.A., Chicago and New York votes, she not only lost the electoral college but got hammered in the popular vote. Three cities should not determine who leads this country, especially the three cities with the highest access and ease of qualifying for all the government giveaways or feeding trough if you will.

Ultimately, in the future, let’s all try to show a little more respect for the office of the president even though we might not like the actual occupant, it would be in all our best interest in the long run.

I was asked once if I would accept an invitation to meet President Obama. I said absolutely! Even though I think he was the worst occupant ever, out of the respect for the office and the man I would have been honored.

Because I think he was the worst does not mean I disliked him as a man or thought, as a Christian, that he was the personification of hubris or abominably devoid (destitute) of vision.

Thomas Rico Goodyear

Here’s a peace plan proposal

Editor:

Iran’s overlords now claim they don’t want an “escalation” of hostilities, i.e., all-out war, with the United States. Smart.

That’s a great starting point for negotiations. Here’s my peace plan proposal: 1. Iran recalls all of their terrorist military advisers and surrogate “jihadists” from all other nations back home to Iran. The U.S. withdraws all of our troops from Iran’s immediate neighborhood, that is, Iraq and Syria. 2. If Iran fires missiles outside of their borders (again), the U.S. fires long-range missiles inside of Iran’s borders. 3. In claiming final victory, Iran chants “Death to America” and we chant “USA! USA! USA!”

A real win-win solution for all, right? Well, except for our world’s bloodthirsty warmongers.

Ken Williams Goodyear

Predictions come true

On April 4, 2019, I sent a letter to the West Valley stating what we had to look forward from President Trump. I stated, the price of gas and commodities would go up, and it did. In addition, we are now getting into another Middle East conﬂict (war) with Iran. Also, we are experiencing worldwide catastrophes—global warming, ﬂooding and fires. With 2020 here, we can expect more of the same from nature and our present administration at the White House. Oh, you can expect earthquakes around the globe for 2020 also. It seems, opinions rate higher than facts with many people. In the overall scheme of things, there is nothing we can do about what is happening

and what is about to happen. With all the new weapons available on the market, it ought to be quite a show. Seems that certain people will do anything to hold on to power, even lead America down the path of ruin. Well enough said, history will tell the true story one day. Seems the truth doesn’t carry much weight over ignorance today. Doesn’t seem to help when you write about stuff that is happening, and going to happen—people just want to hear what they want to. Good luck to all. I hope the next administration can clean up the mess, and what a mess it is, and it is only going to get worse.

Dennis Wood Goodyear

Guts to stop terror

Editor:

The government of Iraq voted to expel American forces after the U.S. drone strike killed Iranian terrorist General Qassem Soliemani at the Baghdad airport. They said they “want all foreign troops out of Iraq.” However, not one mention of expelling Iranian forces from Iraq, even after Iran attacked sovereign Iraqi territory with 15 ballistic missiles on two American bases that house thousands of American troops. I guess Iranian troops don’t count when it comes to expelling “all foreign troops.” And, Iranian ballistic missiles do less damage than one Hellfire missile from an American drone. And, I suppose an Iranian general who has brutally killed over 600 American troops in Iraq was invited as a guest to Baghdad and he just got off his plane

to have tea with the Iraqi prime minister. So, now I can understand why Iraqis are a bit upset that President Trump took out a monster who murdered over 600 Americans and maimed several hundred more. If you think President Trump did the wrong thing, please take the time to visit any VA hospital so you can meet some of Soleimani’s targets. They will be easy to spot.

The ones with missing limbs or paralyzed on gurneys. I have used VA hospitals for 40 years and you never see patients in regular hospitals like those in a veteran hospital. It takes your breath away. Only then, you realize how freedom really works. If visiting a VA Hospital doesn’t convince you that President Trump took the right action to take out Soleimani, please take the time to visit any veterans cemetery so you can see the rest of the general’s trophies. It’s not pleasant, but before condemning our president for having the guts to stop terror in its tracks, during the largest war on terror in history, a slap on the wrist won’t stop terrorists. Our president took the right action and should be supported, even if you do not like him. Or, do you prefer the terrorists to attack on our own soil again? Please keep in mind that all IEDs (improvised explosive device) came from Iran to kill and maim as many Americans as possible, and “innocent Iran” has damaged many oil tankers with ﬂoating bombs to disable them while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. Most of all, don’t forget the 52 American hostages.

James Logan Buckeye

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.

Reporters Without Borders and freedom of the press

BY MELISSA MARTIN Guest Writer

What happens when freedom of the press is silenced or imprisoned?

Jailed journalists around the globe. How can it be?

First Amendment aggressions in the United States. How can it be?

Devious despots misusing power and preying upon humanity—withholding information because knowledge is power. Silencing the other side of the story. Fear of losing control feeds their depravity. Dictators hiding behind castle walls and armies of destruction for those who dare criticize.

Freedom of the press is held hostage as journalists observe through prison bars. The courageous story-tellers that sacrifice personal safety for the human rights of others. But their lips will not be nailed shut like a wooden coffin. Truth finds a way to seep out of the cracks and crannies of the grave.

Duvar English, an independent newspaper in Turkey, revealed the following facts in a 2019 article. “There are 250 imprisoned journalists in the world, nearly 50 of whom are in Turkey, according to a report by the New Yorkbased Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Turkey follows China with the second largest number of journalists jailed with 47, marking a decrease from 68 last year…Penned by CPJ editor Elana Beiser, the report noted that over 100 news organizations have been closed under the current Turkish government and that many working journalists are being accused of terrorism and are in legal battles…Saudi Arabia and Egypt tied for third place with 26

journalists incarcerated.” (See duvarenglish.com.)

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) lends bulletproof vests and helmets at no cost to journalists traveling to dangerous areas.

Freedom of the press in the U.S.:

“Before the 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain, the British government attempted to censor the American media by prohibiting newspapers from publishing unfavorable information and opinions.”

(Source: history.com.)

The First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press, was adopted on Dec. 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights.

According to freedom.press, “The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, which documents First Amendment aggressions in the United States, has collected student journalism-based incidents at both the university and high school levels. Since its launch in 2017, the Tracker has documented five cases of high school newspapers being censored or placed under prior review for their coverage of controversial topics. At the university level, it has collected two arrests, two physical attacks and three border stop involving student journalists, as well as three cases of subpoenas or legal orders.”

What can citizens do?

Support your local newspaper and pay for the news you consume. Read local, state, and national newspapers and write Letters to the Editors about free press issues.

Join or donate to Reporters Without Borders at rsf.org. Reporters Without Borders USA (RSF USA) is the U.S. office of the global organization. Read about the 100 Information Heroes from countries abroad.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. CPJ is made up of about 40 experts around the world, with headquarters in

New York City. When press freedom violations occur, CPJ mobilizes a network of correspondents who report and take action on behalf of those targeted. See cpj.org.

Be aware of fake news outlets and fake news on social media. PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others at www.politifact. com. Snopes.com is an independent

publication fact-checking site online. Fact-checking and accountability journalism from AP journalists around the globe at FactCheck@ap.org.

“Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose.”—George Orwell

Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. Contact her at melissamcolumnist@gmail.com.

More Cake. More Love. Business Briefcase

BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor

Would you rather own a big farm in Buckeye, or Goodyear?

Either way, you would be sitting pretty. Keep on farming, or wait until the price is right to sell to a developer.

As a story in last week’s West Valley View showed, Buckeye is leading the state with a staggering 60% population growth since 2010. Goodyear is close behind, growing 36% in the same period. Avondale is also at double-digit growth, expanding 10.6% since 2010.

More people equals more homes. Which brings us to …

The grand opening of Landsea Homes’ Centerra community will be celebrated this week. First, Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and city council members will attend a ribbon-cutting at noon Friday, Jan. 17.

Meet the newest neighbors in the West Valley at a public grand opening takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. The grand opening event will feature refreshments, giveaways, a balloon artist and face painting for children and tours of the new model homes.

Centerra is at 1037 S. 151st Lane, just a long ﬂy ball across Yuma Road from the Goodyear Ballpark. Centerra is smack between Estrella Parkway and Bullard Avenue, with easy access (traffic permitting) to Interstate 10.

If the name rings a bell, Landsea Homes is behind Encanta in Tolleson and Verrado in Buckeye.

“Centerra by Landsea Homes is a wonderful addition to our tight-knit community,” said Lord. “I’m

confident these beautiful homes will soon be filled with new residents and expanding families, and we’re grateful that Landsea chose Goodyear.”

Centerra offers single-story and two-story homes, ranging from studio to four bedrooms, plus an option for up to six bedrooms. The community also features amenities such as two tot lots, playgrounds, and a pool.

A press release said this new community blends think-green and hi-tech “by implementing environmental conscious building materials such as high efficiency windows, thicker insulation and solar, as well as several smart home automation features compatible with Apple Homekit including entry door locks, smart thermostat, garage door opener and light switches and doorbell camera pre-wire.” Base pricing starts at $224,900 and goes up to $279,900.

For more information about Landsea Homes and Centerra, call 623-208-6229 or visit landseahomes.com/arizona/centerra.

Centerra Homes is a new Goodyear community near Goodyear Ballpark, not far from Buckeye. (Photos courtesy Landsea Homes)

Drone on the range: Farmers take to the skies to save water and money

BY MILES WILSON AND DYLAN MCKIM Cronkite News

For decades, farmers used huge machines to plant, grow and harvest crops, but today, more and more Arizona farmers are using tiny, remote-controlled aircraft to boost yields and save water and money.

Kelly Thorp, an agricultural engineer for the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, uses drones to monitor the center’s test fields, taking detailed images of the cotton plants to gauge the condition of the soil and how much water the crop needs.

“They’re a very powerful technology to be able to go out and regularly map fields, giving you regular information from which you can make decisions from,” Thorp said. “If we can make those decisions more accurate, then we know that we are being more efficient in our water use.”

Although irrigated agriculture has been a part of the Sonoran Desert landscape for more than 1,000 years, farming is heavily inﬂuenced by seasonal weather patterns. Arizona remains in a twodecade-long drought and climatologists

predict the Southwest will continue to get warmer and drier.

The 2019 monsoon was a no-show for most of the state. Late summer storms produced some heavy rainfall, but according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, “dry conditions in July and August continued in September, reversing the long-term drought improvements last quarter after the extremely wet winter and relatively wet spring.”

As a result, long-term drought conditions worsened, officials said, “particularly in the northern two-thirds of the state.”That presents a constant challenge for farmers. With drones monitoring the amount of water used on their crops, farmers and agriculture engineers positively contribute to the environment and help conserve water – the most valuable resource on the planet.

“It’s an alternative to conventional farming in the sense of using information to guide decisions on input use,” said Pedro Andrade, assistant professor of agriculture at the University of Arizona. After a drone surveys the plants, the data must be analyzed and put into a machine that calculates how much water

each plot needs.

Drones, either multirotor or fixed-wing, are used to assess crop conditions and fertilizer needs, predict yield potential, monitor water quality, and detect leaks and pest and disease infestations. They can be equipped with video and still-image cameras, thermal sensors to detect surface temperatures and LIDAR to create field maps in 3-D.

“So what I end up with at the end of all that,” Thorp said after a demonstration, “is essentially a map of my field that is sectioned into smaller areas that can receive different amounts of water.

“I think that drones offer a very promising future for coming up with ways to make our agricultural decision-making more resource-efficient.”

Farming is a risky and expensive business, and many farmers don’t yet trust the new technology, said Paul Brierley, executive director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture.

“They need to be convinced that by

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paying someone another $20 an acre to get this data from a drone,” he said, “it’s actually going to help them produce something that’s better or bigger or safer or whatever the issue is.”

Dozens of companies offer drone farming services, Brierly said, and the technology is evolving quickly.

“I think where we’re at now is they’re kind of trying to prove themselves, so different companies are coming with services, and in many cases, they are having to trial it,” he said.

For the past year, Thorp and his team have been testing this technology on his cotton plants, and they’re now looking to expand their research to other crops.

Farmers still walk their fields, but drones – either multirotor or fixed-wing – can now be used to assess crop conditions and fertilizer needs, predict yield, monitor water quality and more when fitted with video or still cameras, thermal sensors and even LIDAR to create field maps in 3-D. (Cronkite New photo by Dylan McKim)

Is the tech industry reaching out to minorities?

BY EMILY MAE DEAN Cronkite News

Melissa Ortiz, a freelance software developer, encounters a lot of situations that make her feel uneasy. Ortiz has become hyper-aware her chosen industry largely excludes people who look like her.

First, there was the biweekly meetup with 20 people – only three others were women, and she was the only Hispanic in the room. As a self-taught newbie in the tech game, Ortiz was already nervous about joining a group of experienced colleagues. The gender gap and lack of racial and ethnic diversity, she said, amplified this anxiety.

“The white women were friendly, but I never actually felt like I belonged there,” said Ortiz, 30. “I felt so judged when they found out I was a mom to three kids. Because I was a young mother with multiple kids, it was like confirmation bias of me being the young, dumb Mexican girl who has a lot of kids and stays home and does nothing with her life. When I told them, there were

gasps and ‘Wows,’ and someone actually said, ‘I could never have that many kids and be able to do anything else.’”

The tech industry is growing in Arizona and nationally, with net employment in 2018 bringing on more than 260,000 new jobs nationally. Since the employment shortage that followed the Great

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ganizations to build community engagement campaigns around the idea of fostering diversity and innovation.

Avila said the lack of diversity leads to a disconnect between technology and people of color.

“The people developing technology are predominantly men, predominantly white and predominantly straight, so the creation of new technologies are informed by their experiences and not the communities most affected by the technology,” Avila said.

A push for diversity

Census reports show more than 30% of Arizona’s population identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Recession a decade ago, net tech employment has increased by an estimated 1.9 million jobs. Yet, as the industry is growing, it’s leaving people of color and women behind.

Google, Microsoft and other tech giants have a well-documented record of what could be called an inclusion-exclusion.

Google released its annual diversity report this year, showing nearly 50% of its employees are white, with less than 7% identifying as Hispanic.

Arizona is ranked third in the nation for net tech employment growth in 2017 and 2018. With Arizona tech on the rise, members of the tech community say the industry needs to do more to include new groups of people on the local level. Oriz said the uneven playing field makes it difficult for people of color and women to enter the industry.

“It’s really intimidating to go into these groups,” she said. “They’re so confident and assertive, and I didn’t feel like I was able to ask the appropriate questions to further my career. It’s a really big set back.”

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Microsoft shared similar data from its 2018 diversity report showing 55% white employees and 6% Hispanic employees.

The divide can lead to minority workers and women in tech feeling ignored, and hinder career advancement. For millions of customers, the dearth can affect how they experience a world becoming ever more reliant on technology.

Several Arizona organizations have homed in on the practice of excluding people of color in the development of new technologies. Start Up Unidos, founded by Stephanie Bermudez, works to foster binational entrepreneurship in the Arizona-Sonora area and increase diversity within the tech industry by doing so.

Co+Hoots, founded by Jenny Poon, recruits diverse entrepreneurs, within the tech industry and otherwise, to foster the creation of new businesses led by women and people of color. Iconico, founded by Luis Avila, works with or-

Facebook, Amazon, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Microsoft and Apple have the largest market values of any companies in the world. Collectively, the five companies are worth more than the total economy of the United Kingdom, according to the Associated Press. Yet nationally, Latinos make up less than 8% of the U.S. high tech workforce compared to the nearly 70% of the tech workforce that is comprised of whites workers.

Latinos made up 18% of the U.S. population in 2018, according to the Pew Research Center, a number that’s only expected to increase over the coming decades.

“We shouldn’t be thinking ‘Latino-anything’ without the context the success of this community is the success of this country,” Avila said. “We are in huge need of people thinking of us as a part of this society, because we are.”

Co+Hoots is a collaborative working space in central Phoenix that strives to be a workspace with a balanced gender ratio and people from diverse backgrounds. (Cronkite News photo by Delia Johnson)

Platter up! Goodyear Ballpark serves up new food

BY ERIC NEWMAN West Valley View Staff Writer

Goodyear Ballpark, the Cactus League home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians, opened its gates Thursday, Jan. 9, for fans to buy tickets, tour the facility and taste new culinary treats.

Fans of the teams and spring baseball lined up before the 4 p.m. opening to purchase tickets early, view the new upgrades to the park and try new food options offered on game days.

Among the new options offered by Professional Sports Catering are loaded corn dogs with cheese and bacon, garlic parmesan waffle fries, a chicken tender sandwich and a cheesy changeup (a half-pound cheeseburger with grilled cheese sandwiches as buns).

Another addition is the nacho helmet, 64 ounces of chips, cheese, salsa, jalapeños and other fixings stuffed into a replica helmet.

“It’s so much food,” said Carson May, a young Indians fan who said he is excited to watch games and cheer on his favorite player, shortstop Francisco Lindor.

“Yeah, I don’t think you could eat all that,” remarked his father, Tim May.

There is also a new loaded hamburger, the subject of a name-the-burger contest.

“It’s spicy so I’m thinking maybe there’ll be something related to that.

But, that’s the fun part: the fans engage and someone will have their idea of a name on it all season,” said Bruce Kessman, the ballpark’s general manager.

Besides food and drinks, there are other new additions to the stadium.

Among them are new padding on the home run fences, providing a cleaner look and better protection for the

players, and a concrete slab on the first baseline allowing for better visibility.

And the star improvement of the 2020 season will be the new video board behind the fence in left field.

It will broadcast game updates and other content in higher definition on a considerably bigger screen than years past.

“As far as in-game production there are more options. You can have more stats, bring more of the elements of the game into the stadium, and then it’s good for our sponsors to have their

business up there clearly, too,” Kessman said.

“It’s always exciting to kick off the start of Major League Baseball and we can’t wait to get started.”

The Reds and Indians face off on Feb. 22, to open the teams’ Cactus League seasons. Tickets range from $22-31 for single games, with discounted 15- and 30-game plans available.

For information or to purchase tickets visit goodyearbp.com or call 623882-3130.

It’s almost time for baseball - and ballpark food. (Photo courtesy city of Goodyear)

Goodyear Ballpark’s new video board will be on display for the 2020 season (West Valley View Photo by Eric Newman)

The staff and sprinklers at Goodyear Ballpark are hard at work preparing for the 2020 Cactus League season. (West Valley View Photo by Eric Newman)

Tigers soccer will try to repeat last year’s state title game appearance

BY GRIFFIN FABITS

West Valley View Contributing Writer

A year after a heart-breaking 1-0 loss to Campo Verde in the 5A state title game, the Millennium High School girls soccer team hopes for another chance at the championship.

This team is unusually deep, said ﬁfth-year head coach David Cameron.

“We have so much talent we don’t want talent sitting on the bench or playing in a position that’s uncomfortable to them,” Cameron said. “It’s interesting. I’m actually really enjoying the process of trying to ﬁgure this out.”

Cameron, also the head men’s soccer coach at Phoenix College, said the depth the Tigers team have mirrors the kind of depth college programs have.

Millennium started the season 5-2-1. All ﬁve of their wins have been shutouts. They are returning last year’s leading goal-scorer in senior Anacel Valenzuela-Acosta, who already has a team-best ﬁve goals this year.

The other two top goal-scorers are junior Gabby Sangillo and sophomore

Justyse Smith.

Cameron credits the last two years of Millennium soccer – which saw the Tigers playing for their ﬁrst state title in school history 11 months ago– to a revamped method of coaching.

The Tigers’ coaching staff traded in talks of winning for “individual development,” which allows Cameron to “pay attention to how they are doing in school, how’s their personal life.”

Cameron said he learned of the approach through the 2008 movie “Forever Strong,” a ﬁlm depicting how legendary rugby coach Larry Gelwix won 20 USA national rugby championships.

Cameron introduced this method to his program. “It’s really player-led, we really want the players dictating it. We have them script it and we have them coaching, which is different from a year ago,” he said.

“We want the players to make decisions on the ﬁeld. We’re instructing our players, if they feel like, ‘Hey, I’d rather play up front,’ they’ll make that switch on the ﬂy. We want them mak-

ing that adjustment and make it more player-led. That’s going to help our program tremendously.

“We’re trying to deal with them as a human being rather than just an athlete,” he said.

As the Tigers gear up for a fourth consecutive postseason appearance, they’re also preparing for the “sellout” game.

approaches local businesses to donate to the event, while also seeking schoolwide support across campus.

Last season, the Tigers beat Verrado in front of an estimated 2,300 people.

For the fourth year, the team is making an effort to sell out the Millennium stadium for one game. Cameron

This year’s game will be played at Millennium High School Feb. 7, against Willow Canyon. Willow Canyon informed Cameron it would bring three buses full of students to attend the game and drive up the attendance. He’s hoping for “3,000-plus” this year.

Free baseball clinic in Buckeye

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Buckeye’s Community Services Department is teaming up with Freedom Church Buckeye to offer a free baseball clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Sundance Park.

According to a press release, “The clinic will focus on teaching the mechanics of the inﬁeld, outﬁeld, hitting,

etc. by Major League Baseball pros.” This one-day clinic is co-ed and open to any skill level for children 5 to 17.

Lunch is included.

Registration is on a first-come, firstserve basis and will likely fill quickly. To register, visit bit.ly/BuckeyeBaseballClinic or call 623-349-6000.

Coach David Cameron said he is treating each Millennium High team member “as a human being rather than just an athlete.” (Photo courtesy Millennium girls soccer)

Justin Torres, 46 of Los Angeles, won the Buckeye Marathon held Jan. 4. His time of less than 2 hours and 48 minutes paced at a crips 6 minutes, 23 seconds per mile. Glendale’s Spencer Pratt finished fifth. Troy Morice of Peoria and Matt Duke of Litchfield Park also cracked the top 10. Mamiko Berger, 50 of Sedona, was the fastest woman (10th-fastest overall), finishing in under 3 hours and 9 minutes. While 175 runners completed the grueling marathon, hundreds of others took part in less challenging courses, including ones geared for children. (Photos courtesy city of Buckeye)

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

ing Arts Center, 3000 N. Dysart Avondale. Cost is $10. This presentation is a part of the Vision and Sound series, which seeks to broaden the understanding and appreciation of African American art, music, ﬁlm and literary works. For tickets, visit www. ywcaaz.org/yrsb.

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. Free. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Friday

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

Wednesday

literacy skills from 10 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Buckeye Public Library, 310 N. Sixth Street. Registration is required. Free. For information, email cmartinez@bukeye.gov.

Winter Wonderland

The Valor Belles will host a winter party with breakfast for supper, dancing, hot cocoa and popcorn from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Buckeye Community Veterans Service Center, 402 E. Narramore. Cost is $5 and proceeds will beneﬁt the Buckeye VFW Auxiliary.

Sunday

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 information, call 623-932-4960.

Estrella Toastmasters

nominational 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.

Estrella Republican Club

The Estrella Republican Club meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. fourth Wednesdays of the month to listen to a guest speaker at Estrella Foothills High School, 13033 S. Estrella Parkway. Free. For information, call 623-695-2435.

Thursday

15

Museum

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 o ce@lphsmuseum.org to request a special day and time. For information, visit lphsmuseum.org.

Junior Book Club (Ages 8-12)

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.

Teen Volunteer

Teens looking to meet new friends and volunteer for school credit can meet at the Avondale Civic Center Library’s Volunteer Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 11350 Civic Center Drive. Free. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Superintendent

The West Valley American Association of American Women will host a meet and greet with Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Ho man from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ground Control, 4860 N. Litchﬁeld Road, Litchﬁeld Park. Attendants will learn about the organization, its partnerships, projects and goal to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Free.

16

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.

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 623-3985550.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Home Instead Care hosts a weekly group support from 12:30 to 2 p.m. third Thursdays at Avondale Community Center, 1007 S. Third Street. The group supports those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as well as their family members. Free. Registration is not necessary. For information, call 623-333-2705.

Resolve to Plog

Try plogging, the ﬁtness craze originating in Sweden, where one walks or jogs while picking up litter. Volunteers are invited to plog from 9 to 10 a.m. at First Southern Baptist Church, 1001 N. Central Avenue, Avondale. Free. For information, call 623-333-2725.

Vision and Sound

The award-winning documentary “You Racist, Sexist, Bigot” will be followed by a panel discussion with community leaders and the ﬁlmmakers at 6 p.m. at Estrella Mountain Community College Perform-

17

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. Entertainment included with a purchased meal. For information, call 623-935-5059.

Fitness

Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature an interactive workout with lightly weighted drumsticks from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Inspiration Art Exhibit

The Estrella Art Gallery Committee will host a “Meet the Artists” reception for the new Presidio Art Gallery exhibit, “Inspiration,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Presidio Club Art Gallery, 18209 W. Calistoga Drive, Goodyear. All attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite “Inspiration” artwork. Free to attend. For information, email DanWaring2001@yahoo.com.

Thomas Muglia

Enjoy live music by Thomas Muglia from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Wigwam Bar, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchﬁeld Park. Entertainment included with a purchased drink. For information, call 623-856-1094.

Watercolor Painting Workshop

Have a fun evening of painting at 6:30 p.m. at the Craft House, 500 N. Bullard Avenue, Goodyear. Attendance is $35. Reserve a spot at www.TheCraftHouseGoodyear.com.

Saturday

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.

CAFE Flutes

A winter concert from the Central Arizona Flute Ensemble takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. at White Tank Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. Free. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Hiking Yoga

Take a scenic hike in the White Tank Mountains with yoga integrated throughout from 9 to 10 a.m. at Skyline Regional Park, 2600 N. Road, Buckeye. Free. For information, visit goo.gl/oYWFQ5.

Cody’s Reading Pack (Ages 5+)

Children can register to read with a special library dog from Cody’s Pack to practice

Sea

19

Lions at Shipwreck Cove

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.

Monday

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.

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

Zumba at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature a dynamic and aerobic Zumba dance workout on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Secondhand Treasures Sale Shop for china, rugs, decoration, designer items and more from noon to 4 p.m. at PebbleCreek Country Club’s Tuscany Falls Ballroom, 16222 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear. Free to attend.

20

Hope 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.

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. Free. For information, call 623-333-4402.

Kids Cafe

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.

Yoga in the Park

Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature yogic postures, alignment and breathing on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Food and Clothing Bank

Tonopah’s Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank provides monthly emergency food boxes and access to its clothing bank weekly Mondays from 8 a.m. to noon at 36827 W. Indian School Road to those in need. For questions, visit www.a cb.org.

Tuesday

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 Jan. 21 at the EMCC campus, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. All interested singers 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 calling 623-935-8888. No auditions necessary. For information, email marcia.ford@ estrellamountain.edu.

Pilates and Yoga

Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature Pilates and yoga on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Conversación en Ingles

Learn to speak English at Buckeye Downtown Library, 310 N. Sixth Street, at 10 a.m. Free. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Texas Hold’em Poker

Buckeye Senior Program participants are invited to a free afternoon of Texas Hold’em poker from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Buckeye Community Center, 201 E. Centre Avenue. For information, call 623-349-6600.

Code Club

The Coyote Branch Library invites kids ages 8 to 12 to come to 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, at 5 p.m. to learn how to create video games and websites. Registration is required. Free. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Three Rivers Historical Society Meeting

Three Rivers Historical Society Meeting will hold an annual membership meeting and elections from 5 to 6 p.m. at Goodyear police Station, 11 N. 145th Avenue. Guest speaker Je Franklin will also speak about his ties to both the Naval Air Facility Litchﬁeld and The Wigwam. Admittance included with membership fee of $5 to $20.

Wednesday

Design Your Own Buttons

Design a button perfect to display on a backpack or bookbag from 3 to 4 p.m. at Litchﬁeld Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. Free. Materials will be provided. For information, call 602-652-3000.

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. Free. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Anime Club (Ages 10-18)

Learn Japanese words and cultural facts and watch manga and anime with friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive. Free. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Pinochle

Join others in a game of cards from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Buckeye Community Center, 201 E. Centre Avenue. This free program is open to all Buckeye Senior Program participants. 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.

Toastmasters

22

Preschoolers Storytime

CrossFit

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 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 nonde-

Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will combine cardio and core training in a full-body workout from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Baby Time

Bring babies through age 2 for an interactive lap-sit program with books and music at 11:15 a.m. at the Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street. Free. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Bingo The American Legion Post

How to unleash the giant hiding inside of you

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph West Valley View Columnist

Years ago, our oldest son was experiencing some learning difficulties in high school. My wife, oldest son and I went to meet with the specialist a friend recommended. We all took some sort of test individually so the specialist could see where each of us stood on certain issues. Afterward, she discussed the test results with us. She started by saying my oldest son and my wife were seeing things pretty much the same way which was good. Then she looked at me and said, “Well Ed, you just see life differently, don’t you?” Ouch. I’m not sure what she meant but there was smirking from the peanut gallery (my wife and son) about her statement.

The specialist did a great job of diagnosing some physiological issues our son had since he was a baby. His therapy was some simple coordination

exercises. He took off like a rocket. He went from getting C’s in his classes to the honor roll his last two years in high school. Those simple exercises released and unleashed the “giant” inside of him to move to the outside of him. That appointment changed his life. He saw himself differently.

I like the concept of unleashing the giant inside of us. My wife would say that concept is something I would like too. I have always been a potential person. As a pastor and leader, I see the potential in people before they ever see it. I tend to see where people can be or could be.

Sometimes my insight is problematic because it can blind me to where people currently are. Sometimes people don’t want to be where they could be. They are comfortable or uncomfortable where they are and want to remain there. You can’t rescue the damsel if she loves her distress.

The way I’m using “giant” here is a concept. It’s being all you can be. It’s potential. It’s not living a life of underachieving, becoming codependent, or something like that. It’s you, being you, with God all over you. There’s a

“giant” God put in you, but you need to see it, in order to be it.

Maybe unleashing the giant within us starts with us seeing things differently. Mark Twain said, “It’s not just the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

There was a shepherd boy in the Bible named David. He was the youngest son and the least likely candidate for a new king for God’s people. But just like you and me, God put a “giant” inside of him. But David needed to access and appropriate that giant. The same is true for us.

God gave his prophet Samuel some advice in choosing the next king from David’s other fancy older brothers. “Do not look at his appearance or the size of his stature, because I have not chosen him; for God sees not as a man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.”

You know the story. There was a defiant giant scaring God’s other warriors to death. His name was Goliath. He was taunting and intimidating. His reputation preceded him. The “giant” of fear inside of those warriors was overcom-

ing the ‘giant’ God put inside of those warriors. While the other warriors saw obstacles, David saw the opportunity and seized the opportunity. He had killed a lion and a bear while tending sheep. David knew smaller victories turn into bigger victories if you don’t get arrogant.

When David saw Goliath’s bantering, he wasn’t intimidated at all. “Who is this man that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” He relied on God’s giant inside of him. He grabbed a slingshot and five stones, and the rest is history. To David, Goliath was so big he couldn’t miss him. Though David’s stature was small, the giant inside of him was bigger and more powerful than the Goliath outside of him.

Here’s the takeaway: Have patience with yourself: You are not who and where you once were, and you are not who and where you will be. Your obstacle is not a barrier, it’s a bridge. Remember, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

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.

Cactus juice used to make nontoxic, biodegradable plastic bags

BY JORDAN ELDER AND KENNEDY WILKERSON Cronkite News

America generates almost 38 million tons of plastic waste every year, ranking second only to China. That’s a lot of plastic, and despite decades of recycling efforts, the bulk of it winds up in landfills and waterways.

To come up with a more sustainable substitute, researchers at the University of the Valley of Atemajac in Zapopan, Mexico, have turned to the juice from the prickly pear, or nopal, one of several cactus species of the genus Opuntia. They are beta-testing a nontoxic,

plant-based plastic that can decompose in a few weeks. By comparison, it takes several centuries for normal plastic bags to break down in landfills

“I believe it is never too late to start changing things,” Sandra Pascoe Ortiz, a chemical engineering professor working on the discovery, told Forbes in July. “Every day there is a new opportunity to do things better, so if we each do what we have to do, there is another opportunity to reverse all the damage we have done to the planet.”

The juice is extracted from the cactus,

The prickly pear cactus is the unlikely source for a type of plastic developed by researchers

from the

is mixed with plant-based additives, rolled flat and dried, producing a film similar to that used in the plastic shopping bags – but able to break down in weeks in a landfill instead of centuries regular plastic takes. (Cronkite News photo)

in Mexico. Juice

cactus

How much do genes impact fitness?

BY ERIN MAHONEY Guest Writer

Olympic and professional athletes, and even your friend who wins every tennis match— is their athleticism based wholly on genetics or are they affected by something more? If you think it takes more than just genetics, you’re right. But how much more? And what can you do to alter what your genes provide?

DNA defines our overall potential and 40 percent of our abilities – meaning more than half is within our control. For example, a sprinter could have the potential to break a world record but, without the training time, proper nutrition and optimal lifestyle choices, may never get there.

below average, or low genotypes. Each specific genotype identifies how often to perform cardio, how long and at what intensity.

Body Composition/ Strength Training

Sports like wrestling, bodybuilding and functional fitness athletes all can see a benefit to having lower body composition. That’s not saying it’s not important for other sports, just that it may not have as large of an impact. This trait helps a person understand not only how they’re going to react to strength training, but also what kind is best for them. It also dictates how many days per week an athlete needs to strength train to make gains in their sport.

This is the genetic predisposition of the muscle fibers in the body. Still, training has a lot to do with the actual output of an athlete. For example, a test may indicate you are equal power and endurance genotype. But through training, you have gained more endurance muscle fibers allowing you to be better at your sport.

Exercise Heart Rate Response

Having a lower resting heart rate is beneficial. As a person becomes more fit, their heart rate doesn’t rise as much to keep oxygen flowing to the muscles, in turn giving them greater endurance. Exercise heart rate response clues a trainer in on what sort of results in heart rate a person will have with longer endurance training. It also indicates how well they handle endurance.

traits, these indicators go hand in hand. Systemic inflammation is the inflammation in the body we don’t see. Genetics can tell us if we are susceptible to this sort of inflammation. If an athlete is more susceptible, they may need extra rest time and planned recovery between training sessions. Those with a higher risk of systemic inflammation are at a higher risk of injury. This is also crucial for a trainer to understand and offers insight into what the athlete needs for recovery as well as volume and progressions throughout training.

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just getting started with a fitness regime, anyone looking for a fitness edge can benefit from learning about how DNA can help you train smarter and achieve your fitness goals faster.

Genetic testing can help us understand where a person is starting from and know how to better stimulate the 60 percent within their control. A personal trainer qualified in this specialization through International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) can now use genetic information to realign a client’s program and nutrition to help them reach their goals faster.

Here are a few genetic traits that impact athletic performance:

Fitness Response to Cardio

This trait carries some weight when it comes to performance. It shows the degree to which your fitness levels will increase by performing cardio exercise. There are many factors such as lung capacity, resting heart rate and recovery rate. People fall into normal,

Cactus...continued from page 22

mixed with plant-based additives, rolled flat and dried. The resulting film is similar to that used in the plastic bags commonly available at grocery stores. The process takes about 10 days to complete. These cactus juice bags take about two to three months to break down in soil and only a week if they’re put in

Intrinsic Motivation to Exercise

This gives insight into what drives someone to train for their sport. Those with a more likely genotype require less external motivation. They simply enjoy training and don’t need much motivation to get through it. Those who have a less likely genotype require more motivation. These people need a workout partner, competition or goal. They don’t enjoy the process of training the same way they enjoy competing with a partner.

Power and Endurance Potential

DNA can tell us what sort of exercise we are predisposed to be good at. A person falls into one of three categories: More power; equal power and endurance; more endurance.

water or compost.

America wastes a lot of plastic, especially from the grocery store. Plastic makes up 19% of all waste at landfills, second only to food.

According to the Forbes article, a number of companies have expressed an interest in biodegradable bags, and Ortiz said researchers are looking for ways to scale up operations.

Systemic Inflammation and Injury Risk

Though assessed as two separate

Erin Mahoney is the vice president of Education for International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), an international fitness certifications provider.

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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

Place

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS

Unscramble

‘Blake’s Birthday Blessing’ continues

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Some kids like to celebrate their birthdays at the arcade, some at the bowling alley, some with a big backyard party where friends and family can bring them gifts.

Blake Blaylark likes to give to others.

He turns 10 on Jan. 21, and plans to build on the “Blake’s Birthday Blessings” of last year.

“Last year at the time he was turning 9 and decided he wanted to give back to his community for his birthday, as it fell on Martin Luther King day,” said Blake’s mother, Brooke Blaylark.

His plan was to collect 250 pairs of donated socks and distribute them to homeless people.

Instead, four times the amount of socks were donated.

“Blake was able to collect over 1,000 pairs of socks and helped 200 people in need on Martin Luther King Day 2019,” his mother said.

The fourth-grade student is hoping to match that total this year.

Blake will be collecting donations from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Sibley’s West Gift Shop, 72 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler.

Donations of new socks are being accepted at Corte Sierra Elementary School, 3300 N. Santa Fe Trail, Avondale.

For more information, email BlakesBdayBlessing@gmail.com.

Last year, Blake Blaylark collected 1,000 pairs of new socks and donated them to homeless people. He is hoping to match that total this year. (Photos courtesy Brooke Blaylark)

Diamondbacks announce ‘School Challenge’ winners

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation announced last week the 22 winning schools in the “D-backs $100,000 School Challenge,” presented by University of Phoenix.

Among the winners:

Glendale Landmark Elementary School’s “Serving Our School” nutrition program, Peoria Liberty High School’s “Makerspace Lab” technology program, Litchfield Park Palm Valley Elementary School’s “Movement For All” fitness program and Glendale Sierra Verde STEAM Academy’s “We Have Got Some Great News For You!” technology program.

With more than 300 submissions from Arizona schools, the winning grants come from all around the state and will fund projects ranging in need from school improvements to innovative educational programs. Through the School Challenge program, the D-backs provided more than 220 schools with grants for an overall monetary commitment of more than $1 million since the program launched in 2012.

Winning schools will use the grant money to satisfy an array of needs, ranging from a shower facility for homeless students to a student podcast and an agriculture education program to a coding class for elementary school kids. Each winning school will be honored and receive a check on the

field at a 2020 D-backs game at Chase Field. The D-backs will donate more than 450 tickets for students, parents, teachers and staff from each school to attend the D-backs’ game in which their school will be honored.

All public, private and nonprofit charter schools, grades K-12 were eligible and the winning schools sought to bring in funds to assist in one of four categories: educational programs, innovation and technology, nutrition and fitness and school/campus improvements.

The $100,000 School Challenge is part of the organization’s overall charitable efforts and this year the team and its charitable arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, surpassed $65 million in combined donations since their inception in 1998.

FROM DAWN TO DUSK

at 7

ending at 6:59

On Dec. 14, a team of four young men from Odyssey Preparatory Academy competed in the Dawn to Dusk 12-hour mountain bike race as a relay team. The team consisted of Evan Leach (11th grade), Carson Morris (7th grade, pictured), Drew Breckie (10th grade) and Thomas Peterson (8th grade). The boys rode for 12 hours starting

a.m.

p.m. and ended up finishing in third place overall in their division. The race took place at McDowell Mountain Park. (Photo courtesy Rick Bee)

Arizona honors high school grads in music, dance, theater, more

BY RIO PAYNTER Cronkite News

Arizona high school graduates who prove they have mastered the arts now can get special recognition on their diplomas.

Last spring, Gov. Doug Ducey signed SB 1111, creating the State Seal of Arts Proficiency, to honor the importance of arts in molding well-rounded citizens. The Arizona Department of Education will award to qualified high school graduates beginning in May.

To qualify, the education department requires graduates to complete the requirements of a “proficiency pathway,” which it describes as a “rigorous, standards-based and high-quality arts education course of study.”

Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all qualifying arts courses – dance, music, theatre, visual arts or media arts – or in career and technical education courses, which involve 21st-century application of the arts. It includes animation, digital communication, digital photography,

fashion and interior design, film and TV production, and music and audio production.

Recipients also must complete 80 hours of extracurricular activities in their chosen art track and complete a capstone project allowing the student to showcase the entirety of their arts

Coming March 25th!

Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Tolleson, Avondale, Litchﬁeld Park, Goodyear, and Buckeye.

PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

knowledge and how those skills will translate to real world skills.

The seal will be designed by Arizona students in grades 9-12, with the winning design announced by the Arizona Commission on the Arts in March –Youth Arts Month.

“Arts education in general is extremely powerful,” said Dustin Loehr, director of arts education at the Department of Education. “It really contributes meaningfully to well-rounded education and teaching to the whole child.”

Loehr worked with stakeholders

across the state to help turn their ideas into the seal.

Districts across the state will have the option to opt in or out of the program.

Arizona School for the Arts north of downtown Phoenix is opting in. Fifththrough twelfth-grade students at ASA spend the final two hours each school day studying and practicing their chosen art.

“I study theater and I really want to pursue acting in a college and a career,” said Noah Simmons, a sophomore. “And to have this seal shows that I have worked many years and I have dedicated my life to theater.”

Tenth-grader Nora Muma hopes to earn the seal even though she won’t pursue arts education after high school.

“I want to be a doctor,” she said. “But I do think that the arts show a level of dedication.”

Elena Gandy believes the arts seal will “show colleges that I can go above and beyond and I don’t just stay in the mediocre.”

Eighth grader Imogen Dietz wishes to make herself a better person by earning the seal.

“I put those hours in to kind of make myself a better person and kind of improve on skills that not only relate to the arts but to academics too,” she said.

State schools will begin awarding a Seal of Arts Proficiency next May on high school diplomas of students who have completed a “rigorous, standards-based and high-quality arts education course of study.” (Cronkite News

photos by Rio Paynter)

Students in concert band class rehearse at Arizona School for the Arts.

John William Johnson

ber 27, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ He was born October 1, 1953 , in Rockville Center, NY to Harold Johnsen and Anne Olsen A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S Litchfield Road, Goodyear , AZ 85338 Condolences for the family may be left at http://www thompsonfuneralchapel com/obituary/ william-john-johnsen/.

Guy Joseph Ginter

and Julia Ethel (Williamson)

Julian on August 4, 1947 She is preceded in death by her husband, Wil-

Army achieving the rank of Sergeant

Jack was awarded the Bronze Star and th

Purple Heart for his valiant service.

Jack worked for the US Post Office for 31 years He served as a deacon at The Church at Litchfield Park An outdoorsman a

Joseph Guy Ginter 57, of Phoenix, AZ passed aw ay o n D ecemb er 3 1 , 2 0 1 9 J o e w as b o r n o n

S e p t e m b e r 2 4

of Jean M Palmer of Dayton, Ohio and the late D

Goodyear, AZ; Dakota Ginter of Phoenix, AZ; a

of Dayton Ohio; and 2 granddaughters, Isabella and

EarlSimonYoung

EarlSimonYoungofBuckeye,AZpassedaway January1,2020inBuckeye,AZattheageof49.He wasborninPhoenix,AZAugust17,1970toEarland ValerieYoung.HeissurvivedbyhiswifeLorraine RoseYoung.Funeralarrangementswereentrustedto AdvantageCrystalRosetoleavecondolencesplease visitwww.AdvantageCrystalRose.com

MercedesSegundoTercero

MercyTercero,ofBuckeye,wasbornMay9,1948. ShewascalledtoheavenonDecember27,2019. Mercywasproceededindeathbyherhusband, ManuelTercero.SheissurvivedbyhersonsPaul, NickandwifeKorina.grandchildrenAngelicaand NicolasJr.,herbrothersJuan,David,andClementeJr, andhersistersLuz,Lily,Mary,Patty,Gloria,and Beatrice.

A p a c h

KY, and Debora Dumpert of Buckeye, AZ, 8 grandchil-

Treva and her family lived in Texas and New Mexico. I n N ew M

she went to work for the Post Office in Tempe, AZ, as a mail carrier.

S h e l o v ed w o r

n g . S h e r et i

n 2 0 0 5 , a n d w as a b le to go on many cruises and vacations with her friends and sisters She loved bowling, water aerobics, bingo, bunco, g a r d e

p a i n t , s e w , k n i t , a n d m a k e j e w e l r y S h e l o v e d t o s h o p and go to lunch with her friends She had many wonderful, lifelong friends

Treva’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, Janua r y 1 6 , 2 0 2 0 , a t W h i t e T a n k s S o u t h e r n B a p t i s t C h u r c h , 1420 N 192 nd Ave Buckeye AZ There will be a viewing from 9 to 10 am The memorial service will begin a t 10 am She will be laid to rest at Louis B Hazelton Mem o r i a l C e m e t e r y a f t e r t h e s e r v i c e A r e c e p t i o n w i l l be held at the Church immediately after the funeral service

friends, and weekend adventures with his neighbors He was a wonderful husband and a great dad

Jack is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sheila Porter; daugh-

Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfiel d Park, AZ 85340. Burial will be 10:30 am, Tuesday January 21 , 2020 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024

obituary/jack-ray-porter/

Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process.

Deadline for obituaries is Thursday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff 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

Ray Jack Porter

OBITUARIES

JesusReneeGarciaSolorzano

JesusReneeGarciaSolorzanoofTolleson,AZ passedawayJanuary5,2020inSurprise,AZatthe ageof87.HewasborninColima,MexicoJune28, 1932toAntonioandAngelinaGarcia.Heissurvived byhisspouseBerniceGarciaDeMorales. ArrangementswereentrustedtoAdvantageCrystal RoseFuneralHome.Toleavecondolencespleasevisit www.AdvantageCrystalRose.com

Rebecca June Miller

R e b e c c a J u n e M i

S h e w a s b o r n J u n e 2 3 , 1 9 4 3 i n M i l w a u k e e ,

W I t o R a l p h a n d C l a r a ( R o s e m e y e r )

M itch ell Reb ecca w as g en er o u s an d alw ay s w i l l i n g t o h e l p o t h e r s S h e w a s a R e d C r o s s v o l u n t e e r S h e l o v e d q u i l t i n g , s e w i n g a n d

cooking She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and th e best wife Rebecca is survived by her loving husband, Roberto Longhi-Miller; daughters Denise Miller and Gina Miller-Hallm a n ( G l e n n ) ; s o n s , T r o y D a v i d M i l l e r ( R e n e e ) a n d R o b e r t o

M i l l e r , J r ( S i m o n a ) ; s i s t e r , L o u i s e C u r l e r ( L a n c e ) ; b r o t h e r s , Larry Mitchell (Rosemary), Richard Mitchell, Marvin Mitchell ( L o r i ) , J o h n M i t c h e l l ( N a n c y , M i k e M i t c h e l l ( B r e n d a ) , a n d T o m M itch ell ( S elma) ; f iv e g r an d ch ild r en , Rach ele M o r b iato ,

G i a d a L o n g h i M i l l e r , R i c c a r d o M o r b i a t o , J o h n a t h a n L o n g h i M iller , an d D av id e M o r b iato ; an d s is ter s - in - law , J an M itch el l and Doreen Mitchell She was preceded in death by her brothers, Roger, Paul, and Bill Mitchell; Sister, Nadine; and Sisterin-law, Judy A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm followed by a f u n e r a l s e r v i c e a t 2 : 0 0 p m , T h u r s d a y , J a n u a r y 9 , 2 0 2 0 a t

Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear , AZ 85338. Condolences for the family may be left at h t t p : / / w w w t h o m p s o n f u n e r a l c h a p e l c

Carlos

Timothy Chavez

C a r l o s T i m o t h y C h a v e z " C A R " w e n t t o b e w i t h t h e L o r d o n D e c e m b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 i n G le n d a l e H e w a s b o r n i n P h o e n i x , t o A n d y & Isabel Chavez on November 15, 1983 He wa s the 6th of 8 children. Carlos is survived by his f ath er : A n d y Ch av ez S r H is 5 b r o th er s an d 2 s i s t e r s : A n d y C h a v e z J r , M a r k C h a v e z S r , Vivian Chavez, Christopher Chavez, Nicholas Chavez Sr, Mi -

c h a e l C h a v e z , a n d P r i s c i l l a C h a v e z E s p i n o z a . C a r l o s d i d n o t have any children however, he was blessed with 10 nephews, 5 nieces and 4 great nieces whom he loved with his whole heart

H e w a s a l s o d e e p l y l o v e d b y h i s a u n t s , u n c l e s , c o u s i n s & friends Preceded in death by his mother, Isabel G Chavez and n e p h e w M a r k C h a v e z J r C a r l o s w a s a l o v i n g s o n , b r o t h e r , uncle, nephew and friend who loved God and loved his family

C a r l o s e n j o y e d w a t c h i n g m o v i e s , l i s t e n i n g t o m u s i c , h a n g i n g out with his family and friends, and watching his favorite footb a l l t e a m , t h e A r i z o n a C a r d i n a l s H e w a s f u l l o f l i f e , l o v e , l a u g h t e r , a n d j o k e s A l w a y s w i l l i n g t o l e n d a h e l p i n g h a n d t o anyone who was in need. Our brother will be truly missed. We pray that when we start to miss him we will remember all of the good times and memories that we shared with Carlos That hi s legacy will live on through his family & friends who loved and c a r e d f o r h i m S e r v i c e w i l l b e h e l d a t V i n e y a r d C h u r c h S a tu r d a y J a n u a r y 1 1 , 2 0 2 0 . 9 : 0 0 a m - 1 2 : 0 0 p m . S c r i p t u r e : J o h n 11:25-26 "I am the Resurrection and the Life," said Jesus; "he w h o b e l i e v e s i n m e , e v e n i f h e h a s d i e d , h e s h a l l l i v e ; a nd everyone who is living and is a believer in me shall never die."

AliciaHernandezLopez

AliciaHernandezLopezofTolleson,AZPassed AwayonJanuary5,2020inTolleson,AZattheage of66.ShewasborninNewMexicoonApril8,1953 toPedroandVicentaLopez.Serviceshavebeen entrustedtoAdvantageCrystalRoseFuneralHome.A visitationwillbeheldJanuary17,2020at6:00PM andafuneralservicesfollowingat7:00PMatCrystal RoseFuneralChapel9155W.VanBurenSt. Tolleson,AZ.Toleavecondolencesforthefamily visitwww.AdvantageCrystalRose.com

DorisJuneHeffelfinger

DorisJuneHeffelfinger,92,passed awaypeacefullyonJanuary5th,2020. Shewassurroundedbyherloving childrenandnieces.Doriswasaloving andcaringmother,wife,aunt,and friend.

DoriswasbornonJuly31,1927in Medina,NDtoGeorgeandCelia Kalainov.Sheventuredoutaftergraduatingfromhigh schooltoattendaprestigiousnursingacademyin Michiganwheresheearnedherregisterednursingdegree. AfterashortreturntoherhomeinNorthDakota,she movedtoMiamiFloridatopursuehercareerinnursing. Shewasproudtotellherfamilythatshewas immediatelyofferedtheheadnursingpositionatamajor hospital.Thereshemetherhusbandof55years,John Heffelfinger.JohngrewupinIndianaandmovedto Floridatoearnhisbachelor'sdegreefromtheUniversity ofMiami.Hewasworkingasaninsuranceadjusterinthe medicalprofession,andtheymetatthehospital.They married,andsoonstartedafamily.Theyhad5sons, Thomas,Craig,Scott,BlakeandBrett.

Doriswasverysocialandlovedvisitingwithfriends andfamily.Shelovedcelebratingtheholidays,birthdays, andanyexcusetogettogether.Everyonelovedthe letters,birthdaycards,andholidaycardsshesent.She neverforgottoreachoutwithaletterorcardtoherloved ones!Shewasanavidreader.Shewouldclipinformation fromnewspapersthatwouldbenefitalovedoneandsend ittothem!Althoughshedidn'thaveanygrandchildrenof herown,thatdidn'tstopherfrombeinga"Grand"Auntto herniecesandnephewsandtheirchildren.Laterinlife sheworkedasarealestateagent.Inherretirementyears, shelovedtoorganizeandrunestatesales.Shelovedto travel,especiallyinthesummertoescapetheArizona heat.ShevisitedwithrelativesinNorthDakotaand traveledtonorthernArizonaandIdaho.

Doriswasprecededindeathbyherhusband,John,her oldestson,Thomas,herbrothersNickandSamKalainov, andsisters-in-law,EvelynandColettaKalainov,and Margaret.Sheissurvivedbyher4sons,Craig,Scott, Blake,andBrett,herbrotherGeorgeKalainovJr.,and numerousniecesandnephews.

HermemorialservicewillbeheldonThursday, January23rd,2020at11:00amatTheChurchat LitchfieldPark,300NOldLitchfieldRd,LitchfieldPark, AZ85340.Flowersordonationscanbesentthere. https://www.churchatlitchfieldpark.org/

AUTOS -FOR SALE

1966 Ford Fairlane 500, complete car, runs, with a/c $6,000 Call 623-419-8882

CEMETERY PLOTS

2 cemetary plots Sunland Mem Park in SC $8500 for both Call for details 602-622-0746

CLEANING SERVICES

Claudia Housekeeping, free estimates as well as reference available Please call 623-419-3949

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

VALLEY LIFE

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

RECREATION CENTERS OF SUN CITY WEST

FACILITIES ASSISTANT–FT, 3pm-11pm, M-F, with

p/h Sweeping floors, showers, restroom, pool deck and other

for events Must be able

powered blowers preferred; varies locations/hours/days/weekends

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

benefits Plan, care and maintain recreational grounds for the

Apply online/view more jobs:

City West, AZ

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

Classifieds

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

EMPLOYMENT

Need Secretary/ Bookkeeper, with accounting experience Call 602-625-2947

CAREGIVER

Female required NO EXPERIENCE needed full-time Private home in Buckeye We train 623-826-6715

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

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.

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.

GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS

Crystal Gardens Community Garage Sale, Saturday January 18th and Sunday the 19th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crystal Gardens is located between McDowell and Thomas Roads just west of 107th Avenue in Avondale

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

HANDYMAN

LAND FOR SALE

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

TONOPAH AZ & Harquahala, AZ, residential lots as well as land for sale Owner will finance, no pre-qualifying or credit check, $500/down and $500/monthly Habla Espanol Please Call Charlie Harrison "Agent" 710-500-5906 or email charlielandandhomes2 @gmail.com Please mention referred by Maria 480-773-0167 4 Acres Tonopah Power, water, phone, natural gas available $59,000

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Lifeline/Public Notice 2020 MTE Communications is a quality telecommunications service provider who provides basic and enhanced services within its service territory Basic services are offered at the following rates: Monthly Service Charge

Party Residential Service $24 00

Subscriber Line Charge-Single Line $6 50

$9 20 Toll Blocking No Charge Emergency 911 Service Surcharges for 911 services

Charged according to Governmental assessments

Low income individuals eligible for Lifeline and Link-up telephone assistance programs may be eligible for discounts on

specified in the Company's tariffs If you have any questions or

“Employee Owned, Community Focused, Customer Centered” MTE Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer Published: West Valley View, Jan 15, 2020 / 27459

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 br ng 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 proceed ng 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 f led with the Court a Petition for Guardianship of a Minor HEARING INFORMATION: A court hear ng 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 F le 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 petit on Published West Valley View, Jan 1, 8, 15, 2020 / 26899

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

MIDVALE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, INC P O BOX 7 2205 KEITHLEY CREEK RD MIDVALE, ID 83645

Midvale Telephone Exchange, Inc is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the U S Department of Agriculture (USDA) In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U S Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender exp r e s s i o n ) , s e x u a

ance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prio r civil rights activity, in any program or activity funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs) Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e g , Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc ) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at: (202) 7202600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www ascr usda gov/complaint filing cust html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992 Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U S Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, S W Washington, D C 20250-9410;

Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

Email: program intake@usda gov

“USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender”

“Employee Owned, Community Focused, Customer Centered”

MTE Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Published: West Valley View, Jan 15, 2020 / 27461