West Valley View 01-18-2023

Gov. Hobbs delivers State of the State speech

BY JORDAN ROGERS West Valley View Managing Editor

In front of a few hundred listeners at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, newly elected Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her State of the State speech at a luncheon co-hosted by Phoenix Raceway and WESTMARC.

Among those in attendance were officials from Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Litchfield Park and Phoenix.

Hobbs, a Democrat, is Arizona’s fifth female governor and 24th overall. She is heading into a situation in which tackling her agenda items may be difficult as Republicans hold a slight majority.

Her speech on Jan. 11, however, revealed her plans to be largely bipartisan. Hobbs, regardless of party preference, is looking to better the state of Arizona.

“As governor, I recognize the obligation to listen to find common ground and to provide real solutions for the challenges facing the state,” she said.

“My hope is that when we all leave here to-

day, you understand that I and my administration are committed to action, and to improving the lives of every Arizona,” she later added. “And if you’re committed to those same ideals,

then I’m ready to work side by side with you, no matter your party registration.”

State...continued on page 3

PepsiCo cuts ribbon on new Goodyear facility

BY JORDAN ROGERS West Valley View Managing Editor

PepsiCo Beverages North America recently held a ribbon-cutting event at its new Goodyear facility, highlighting even further growth taking place in the city and the West Valley as whole.

The celebratory event featured food

trucks and notable speakers from PepsiCo and the city of Goodyear. The Luke Air Force Base Color Guard also made an appearance for the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.

The 238,000-square-foot facility will serve everything west of Phoenix, while bringing 65 new jobs to the area and house

300 employees at full capacity.

“As we continue to grow and this state continues to grow, this is all ultimately for us from a footprint (perspective) in moving our footprint deeply and more ingrained in the community,” said Josh Crosman, vice

PepsiCo...continued on page 4

Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her State of the State speech in front of a few hundred listeners at Phoenix Raceway on Jan. 11. (Matt Young/Contributor)

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State...continued from page 1

Hobbs’ speech revealed plans to meet each of the “challenges” facing the state head on.

“As we look to the future, we cannot continue to kick the can down the road of these issues and many others,” Hobbs said. “We owe it to our fellow Arizonans, both this generation and the next, to face these challenges head on. … I’m an optimist, especially when it comes to Arizona. I believe we are the greatest state in this nation.”

Education

Hobbs said education gave her a chance to “build a better life” for herself. She has spent much of her life “fighting for better schools and to level the playing field” and will continue to do so as governor.

She began discussing the Aggregate Expenditure Limit, a 1980 act passed to limit the total amount of money that all K-12 schools can spend each year.

“As part of last year’s budget negotiations, a promise was made that a special session would be called to override this limit that’s based on an out-of-date, 40-year-old funding formula that’s holding our public schools hostage,” Hobbs said. “That promise was not kept.”

She said if this went unaddressed, that the state would see a $1.3 billion cut — the largest in Arizona’s history — and cause furloughs, layoffs and school closures.

“It is unnecessary to allow these hysterics to go on any longer,” she said. “Let’s give our students, our teachers and our parents the assurance that schools will remain.”

Hobbs said it is time to seriously invest in public schools, and her budget reflects that. Starting with teachers, she said they get “stuck in the middle of crises of our own making.”

She cited that 1 in 4 teachers leave Arizona schools each year — the highest rate in the nation. That leaves “more than 2,500 classroom educator positions” vacant.

“To the teachers and education support professionals of our state — I see you, I respect you and I will always stand up for you,” Hobbs said.

She said Arizona does not have an educator shortage, but rather a retention crisis.

“There are too many amazing professionals who have walked away from the career they love because of the uncom-

petitive salaries, onerous policies, and unfunded mandates this state has chosen to implement that rob educators of the joy of teaching,” Hobbs said. “Teachers are creating the workforce and leaders of tomorrow, and it’s time we started treating them with the respect they deserve.

To tackle that, Hobbs said she has plans to launch an Educator Retention Task Force, an initiative that will focus on improving class sizes, resources, working conditions and other factors that will put the state on a path to fix its education issues and retain educators.

“I hope we can all agree that when we keep the most talented teachers in the classroom, our kids win, our families win and our communities win,” she said.

Hobbs also will focus on equal funding for all schools. Currently, Arizona distributes more money to schools under a per-pupil basis based on grades and assessment results.

“This approach has largely benefited only schools in high-wealth areas of Arizona’s two largest counties — Maricopa and Pima — while leaving rural and economically struggling areas behind,” she said.

The new budget, Hobbs said, will redirect $68.6 million to the Base Level Support. This, she added, will be distributed to all schools across the state.

“Let me go on the record to say that any school that accepts taxpayer dollars should have to abide by the same accountability standards that all district schools do,” Hobbs said. “We have seen too many examples of individuals and shady corporations taking advantage of the system and our students.”

Additionally, Hobbs is planning to expand the Arizona Promise Scholarship Program to include 10,000 more students and allocate $40 million for the Promise for DREAMers Scholarship Program. This will assist all students across the state regardless of immigration status.

“My administration is ready and willing to work with any member of the Legislature to find additional solutions,” Hobbs said. “We need to work together to ensure that Arizona’s higher education opportunities are the best in the nation and put individuals on the path to future prosperity.”

Housing

Arizona’s job market, the governor said, is robust. But on the flip side of that coin, the cost of housing has reached a high. This

is something Hobbs wants to work on.

“Too many Arizona families are getting further away from achieving the American Dream due to the high cost of housing,” she said. “Our state is no stranger to the boom-and-bust housing cycles. But this is something totally different. Three Arizona cities — Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix — have seen some of the highest rent increases in the nation; the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has risen significantly in recent years. We can do better.”

To see a change in this aspect, Hobbs said she and her administration will be supporting a $150 million investment into the Housing Trust Fund this year and will call for additional support moving forward. She will also set aside $50 million for a state-level, child tax credit for families earning less than $40,000 a year to help pay for the rising costs of necessities for their children.

Regarding homelessness, Hobbs wasted no time into her tenure to get working on it. The governor signed an executive order re-establishing the Interagency and Community Council on Homelessness and Housing.

“This should only be the start,” she said. “My administration is ready and willing to work with members of the Legislature, and my door will always be open to any member who brings forward a serious proposal to help Arizona families, seniors and communities.”

United States and Mexico border

Hobbs said she is planning on building a “safe Arizona for everyone.” This, she said, “extends to our border, our broken immigration system and the communities across the state who must continue to bear the brunt of Washington’s decades of failure on this critical issue.”

She will work directly with communities and its leaders, sheriffs, local law enforcement, community centers and hospitals while pushing Washington to make necessary changes. Hobbs has also invited Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to visit the border with her and meet with those who want “effective and humane solutions to this longtime challenge.”

“We must take a holistic, realistic and humane approach to help solve this issue,” she said.

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Sun Health Foundation holds Smart-Giving Workshop

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Now is the time to learn the smart strategies that can help you maximize future benefits next year in both taxes and charitable giving, and Sun Health Foundation is staying on top of it.

The nonprofit is hosting a Smart-Giv-

ing Workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for Taxes and Charities, the first in a four-part series of Smart Giving workshops at PebbleCreek, Chianti Room, Tuscany Falls Clubhouse, 16222 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear.

The series is sponsored by the Council of Professional Advisors and Sun

Health Foundation.

At the workshop, attendees can hear directly from a leading expert in the field, Daniel Esparza, Esq., Attorney at Lincoln & Wenk PLLC, and discover IRS-approved tax strategies for charitable giving. Fortunately, help is available to learn about often-overlooked

secrets now to help with next year’s tax filing.

Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided. To register, please contact Nina at 623-471-8501 or nina. hadzic@sunhealth.org. Or register online at sunhealthfoundation.org/taxes.

president GTM, strategy and transformation for PepsiCo Beverages’ North America West Division. “This was really the perfect location. We are super proud and, again, couldn’t be happier.”

It was revealed at the Jan. 12 event that the new Goodyear facility was the fastest such facility to have been built in “the history of PepsiCo.” While conversations surrounding its existence had been taking place over the last three years, it took just 10 months to get the building up from start to finish.

For Crosman, this was a real team effort.

“That was only because all the teams coming together partnering with our community members, the strength from Goodyear … everybody coming together for one common goal, which was how can we get operated.”

PepsiCo has also put a focus on sustainability at the new facility. It houses features including solar charging for delivery trailers and electric Material Handling Equipment for increased energy efficiency and safety.

“This building is actually designed from an energy efficiency standpoint to be able to keep the hot air out and the cold air in, but also more importantly is the HVAC fans and everything that were really high efficiency but low voltage.” Crosman said. “So, it doesn’t take as much to power this building, which we’re really, really proud of and want to continue doing.”

This is PepsiCo’s ninth total facility in Arizona. The company’s presence in the state is huge as growth has been on the forefront for both Arizona and PBNA.

“We’re thinking about the future,”

said Johannes Evenblij, PBNA West Division president. “So, there’s been a lot of growth in the area. You don’t see any reason why this is not going to continue. We believe there’s just going to continue to be a high need for beverage products here. So, we’ve seen it and it continues to grow.”

PepsiCo is the official soft drink of the NFL. Just one month away from Super Bowl LVII, opening a facility that is just 18 miles from State Farm Stadium, the site of the big game, is the perfect storm.

“We are ready for the Super Bowl that’s happening in one month,” Evenblij said. “We are absolutely ready. The team is going to kill it. … I’m really proud of what we are going to do in a few weeks here in the Super Bowl.”

Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo was also in attendance at the event. He said Goodyear is the ninth-fastest growing city in the country and made it very clear that he is excited to see how PepsiCo can add to that growth.

“We value this partnership with PepsiCo and appreciate your investment in our community, as well as the substantially of this facility serving as a point of pride along Loop 303,” Pizzillo said. “With your tremendous investment helps us continue to build a diverse community that our residents and business parties can be proud to call home.

“I would like to give a special thanks to all the employees of the facility. We welcome you to the community. On behalf of the city of Goodyear and its council, we thank you so much for choosing Goodyear as a home for this world-class facility. We are thrilled to have you here. Your success is our success, and I’m sure you’re going to do great.”

PepsiCo...continued from page 1

PepsiCo Beverages North America, along with Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo, recently cut the ribbon on a new facility that will serve everything west of Phoenix. (PepsiCo/Submitted)

Water reductions for the new year may be just the beginning

BY RYAN KNAPPENBERGER Cronkite News

Experts say few Arizona residents will notice any immediate change to the availability of water in their daily lives after Jan. 1, when steep cuts will be imposed on the amount of water the state can draw from the Colorado River.

But that does not mean they can relax. State and federal water officials expect more cuts will be required in 2023, as they struggle to keep drought-ravaged Lake Powell and Lake Mead from falling to critically low levels.

And it’s anybody’s guess as to when and how those additional cuts will take effect, they say.

“If there’s one thing water managers really like, it’s certainty,” said Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. “And 2023 seems to be anything but.”

That uncertainty is felt on the local level as well. Phoenix Water Resources Management Adviser Cynthia Campbell said the most recent projections show

that Lake Mead and Lake Powell could drop below the point where the Hoover and Glen Canyon dams can produce hydroelectric power.

“It’s very bad,” Campbell said. “There’s no way to mince words about this … if we’re going to save the functionality of Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam, there’s going to have to be, by necessity, a significant decrease in demand on the river.”

Those cuts would be in addition to reductions already imposed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the dams and the water that passes through them.

The bureau last summer announced that the lakes had fallen to Tier 2A levels, triggering previously agreed-upon cuts to water supplied to states in the lower basin of the Colorado River, beginning on Jan. 1.

Arizona will see the steepest cuts, with the state set to give up 592,000 acre-feet of water — the amount of water is takes to cover an acre to a depth of one foot — in 2023. Mexico would lose 104,000

acre-feet, Nevada would lose 25,000 acre-feet, and California would not give up any of its water yet.

Most of the cuts in Arizona will be felt by farmers, with agriculture one of the biggest users of water in the state and one of the lowest priorities for delivery.

But Reclamation has already called on the seven states in the Colorado River Basin to find an additional 2 million to 4 million acre-feet to cut in the coming years, as Lake Powell and Lake Mead fall to the lowest levels since they were filled.

Campbell said that Phoenix is actively preparing for even the worst-case scenario, finding ways to continue providing water, but it will take some help from residents. That means people will have to start thinking about conservation in their daily lives, from making their homes more water efficient to getting rid of lawns and pools.

“We’re also making sure we’re ready to deliver alternate supplies and make our customers aware of what they can do to be as efficient as they can,” Campbell said.

Colorado River basin states have been planning for years for water restrictions. But Reclamation has said that if the first months of 2023 are particularly dry, Lake Powell levels could drop below 3,490 feet, the minimum level at which the dam can produce electricity. In the worst case, both lakes could fall

to the point at which water can no longer flow through the dam, a condition known as “dead pool.”

The bureau stressed that it will do everything in its power to maintain water levels needed for power production and water flow, either by limiting water deliveries to states, by prioritizing Lake Powell over Lake Mead by transferring water from one to the other, or both.

Noe Santos, the Bureau of Reclamation’s river operations manager for the Lower Colorado Basin, said the agency will begin releasing less water from the reservoirs in 2023. Most users will only feel the changes in winter and summer months, he said, when less water overall is pumped because agricultural demand is lower.

One step that some Arizona cities and tribes have already taken to protect reservoir levels is to store some of their water allotment in the lakes. Phoenix is part of that group, having already stored 30,000 acre-feet in 2022 and volunteering to store an additional 30,000.

But Buschatzke said there are concerns across the state, especially among tribal governments, that such goodwill could end up hurting them in the end.

“No one wants to put their water on the table when there’s a chance it could be cut anyway by the mandatory cuts the federal

A June 2021 photo of Reflection Canyon, upstream of Lake Powell showing the “bathtub ring” of whitened rock exposed as lake levels have fallen to historic lows. (National Park Service/Submitted)

Reproductive health care

Hobbs said “more than 90%” of Arizonans believe abortion should be legal. During her tenure, she said she will be supporting the right for everyone to make their own decisions regarding health care.

“I refuse to stand by and do nothing as my daughter or anyone’s daughter now has fewer rights today than I did growing up,” she said.

“I will use every power of the governor’s office to stop any legislation or action that attacks, strips or delays the liberty or inherent right of any individual to decide what is best for themselves or their families,” she later added.

Hobbs’ budget will match the federal Title X money Arizona receives to provide reproductive health services and family planning medication, bringing the state’s total to more than $12 million.

“I urge members of the Legislature to put bills on my desk that will protect women, support families, and create a future for Arizona where anyone regardless of gender can succeed,” Hobbs said. Water

For Hobbs, Arizona’s water crisis is the “challenge of our time.” On this, she called on the state to be unified in addressing this issue through “bipartisan solutions at a local, statewide and national level.”

The governor cited that on Jan. 1, the Colorado River Tier 2 mandatory water cuts went into effect, which means that Arizona will lose 21% of its water coming from the river.

“We must also all understand this — barring a miracle from nature, it will likely get worse before it gets better,” Hobbs said.

Water...continued from page 6

government is considering,” he said.

Those concerns are amplified for tribes that have long fought to have their claims to Colorado River water recognized and now worry that water could disappear before they ever get a chance to see it.

Campbell said all Arizonans will be stressed in the next three to five years, with water likely to become more expensive as the supply continues to dwindle. If residents can come together and be-

“This should be a wakeup call for all of us, because it will take all of us to solve it — legislators, public officials, the business community. Each and every one of us must commit to the partnerships needed to avoid this.”

For transparency purposes, Hobbs’ administration published a previously unreleased report by the Arizona Department of Water Resources that shows that portions of Phoenix are short of the 100-year assured water supply program by 15%.

“This report unequivocally shows that we have to act now,” Hobbs said.

“I don’t understand and don’t in any way agree with my predecessor choosing to keep this report from the public. However, my decision to release this report signals how I plan to tackle our water: issues openly and directly.”

Hobbs will also sign an executive order to launch the Governor’s Water Policy Council and expand the Groundwater Management Act.

“We must take these actions today because in many parts of our state, there are effectively no restrictions on groundwater pumping and local communities have little to no support to manage water supplies,” she said. “As a result, a new water user can move in, dig a well and pump as much water as possible, even if it dries up the community’s aquifer.”

In closing her speech, Hobbs again discussed that, through bipartisan leadership, Arizona has a bright future.

“We all hold a deep love for this state,” she said. “We are here because we want to ensure the generations that follow us have the chance to discover that love, too. Thank you for your partnership in finding real solutions and for the contributions we will all make going forward as we build an Arizona for everyone. Now let’s get to work.”

come more efficient water users, she said, there is hope that the city and state can comfortably adapt.

But she stressed that difficult changes are in store, adding that she has been using the “Serenity Prayer” as way to look at the coming years.

“To accept the things you cannot change and change the things you can, we have to accept the fact that this is going to happen,” Campbell recited.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Hands 4 Paws and Frontline Coalition partner for dog CPR class

BY COLE JANUSZEWSKI West Valley View Staff Writer

Apartnership between Hands 4 Paws and Frontline Coalition member Malinda Malone has yielded a course to help owners take better care of their own furry friends. On Feb. 25, Youngker High School is slated to host a dog CPR training course from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hands 4 Paws is a high school club

run by Youngker High School teacher Marie Buquicchio. Buquicchio, an animal rights activist, said the club started due to her love of animals. She said the club does work that focuses on the education, safety and welfare of dogs.

“We’re just a high school club, just a humble little high school club,” Buquicchio said. “We go into the community and volunteer our time and efforts. We do manual labor. We do fundraising. We

try to help out wherever we can.”

Malone also shares Buquicchio’s passion for animals. She has worked in the pet grooming industry for 25 years and is a certified master instructor of pet first aid and CPR — meaning she is qualified to both perform and teach pet first-aid and CPR. Malone has been teaching pet first aid since 2010 due to her intense love of dogs.

“I’ve always loved dogs, specifically dogs,” Malone said. “I have always had a dog; I have four dogs now. They have always been my kids. I don’t have any children of my own, I have four furry, four-legged children. They are my everything.”

Malone said the course will cover a variety of topics such as first aid; CPR; rescue breathing; and what to do incase of choking, poisoning, bleeding and bloating. She said participants will be tasked with diagnosing and treating mannequin dogs.

“It’s all hands on,” Malone said. “People come and they are going to put their hands on mannequins. They will practice until they feel comfortable doing the skills.”

Malone said her focus with hands-on work is vital as “there is no 911 for pets. We have to be the pets’ first responder, because if we don’t know what to do right when that incident happens, they could die.”

The six-and-a-half-hour course is

open to all members of the public, and the cost of entry is $100. Buquicchio said snacks and games, such as a raffle, will be included as well. She stressed that people shouldn’t bring their dogs as all the training will be done on mannequins.

She also hopes that this inaugural event will draw between 75 to 100 people. However, Buquicchio and Malone both said that every dog owner should attend this event.

“This is probably one of the most important things that any pet owner or pet professional can learn,” Malone said. “I just like to make sure people feel comfortable with it because we are dealing with life and death. If you can do something to save the life of your pet, there is nothing better than that.”

Buquicchio said all of the proceeds raised by the event will go into the community in some way. For example, she said the club will donate money raised at this event and their upcoming third annual golf outing at Sundance Golf Club on Saturday, April 15, to fund organizations such as Soldiers Best Friend — a nonprofit that trains dogs from shelters to become service animals for veterans.

To sign up for the dog CPR training course, visit thefrontlinecoalition. com/product/february-25th-2023-petcpr-first-aid-6-5-hrs or email marie. buquicchio@buhsd.org.

Good service evaporating on the business landscape

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley Viewe Columnist

Can we talk for a moment about service in America circa 2023?

This seems necessary because one of two things is afoot in this land of ours.

Either we are seeing the result of businesses being distracted from the real reason they operate — to serve their customers or clients. Or there’s a less pleasant possibility Americans are getting dumber with each passing year.

Whatever the explanation, I think we all can agree that the old days — when the customer was always right and spending money at a business meant they strived to fulfill your needs — is deader than a doornail, though we’ve yet to bury the corpse.

I say this having recently returned home from Starbucks with what was allegedly a black coffee. In theory, this should be the easiest beverage to manufacture in this $26 billion global

brand’s arsenal.

Drinking said beverage revealed it to be the approximate sweetness of a cinnamon roll. My pancreas spasmed like Kari Lake on Election Day. Reading the cup revealed I had received something called a caramel brulee latte, a drink I can neither pronounce nor stomach.

Typically, I wouldn’t complain about such trivia. But it seems nowadays that everywhere I go — that any of us goes — we end up with the wrong order.

Last week, I got not a few wrong groceries delivered, but every single item wrong. I feel bad for the poor lady who ordered tampons, skim milk, salad fixings and Purina cat food but ended up with my ground beef, spinach and popsicles.

One place I favor that rarely screws up is In-N-Out. Maybe they do a superior job training their people, but more likely their very limited menu makes screwing up difficult.

They serve burgers, fries and drinks. There’s no “SpongeBob” kiddie meals; no tuna sliders on special this month. And they don’t seem anxious to shove

their politics down your throat.

At Starbucks, the menu is in constant flux. So are the pronouns on employees’ name tags and the associated politics of the workplace.

In the last quarter of 2022, the company announced a new loyalty partnership with Delta Airlines, the opening of their 6,000th location — in China — and an international “leadership excellence” retreat to help managers “lead their stores and store partner (employees) through the company’s reinvention.”

“We must all think of ourselves as brand new — for the next few days we’ve got to get into a growth mindset,” North American Vice President Sarah Trilling told her colleagues. “What worked yesterday may not work today. We have to think differently.”

Actually, what Starbucks has to do is make coffee. That’s why people go to Starbucks — for the coffee. Not for the growth mindset.

Or for what company founder Howard Schultz described in a letter to employees late last year as his “business

philosophy” based on “the compounding momentum” of love.

I’m not sure what that means. And it may be a felony in Arizona.

The other possibility for this poor service is human error. Last week, the White House announced that a record number of Americans — nearly 160 million — are now employed.

Part of that is population growth. It also may be that people are so poor these days, they can’t afford to retire or skip work to attend college. Given how often we hear about businesses struggling to find workers, one thing seems certain: We appear to have scraped the bottom of the talent barrel.

The basic qualification for work today isn’t the willingness to exude perspiration. It’s the ability to exhibit respiration.

Employees who show up get to work. Customers who show up? Don’t expect much and maybe you won’t be disappointed.

OUR READERS’ V IEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

America is not a democracy

Editor:

In the Jan. 11 edition of the West Valley View opinion section, a former eighth grade civics teacher proposes changes to “improve” our electoral system. He first describes how he taught his students that the founders “designed a system to protect democracy.” Unfortunately for his now misinformed students, the word democracy appears nowhere in our nation’s two most fundamental documents — the Declaration of Independence and

the U.S. Constitution. The founders saw democracy as another form of tyranny, and therefore laid the ground rules for a republic (see Constitution Article IV, Section 4), a limited government designed to protect liberty, not to foster democracy. Calling America a democracy instead of a republic obscures the real meanings and principles of American government. Segueing to his proposed changes to the electoral system, the author posits that ranked-choice voting “solves the problem of vote splitting and spoiler candidates,” while in actuality, it

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com

does precisely the opposite. In this system, candidates with less support often surpass candidates with more support, as was the case in Alaska’s recent congressional special election. In the 2010 Australian House election, ranked-choice voting gave the victory to the Labor Party even though the Liberal-National coalition got the majority of first-place votes. In other words, more voters wanted a center-right government than a left-wing government, but ranked choice made sure that did not happen. In the mayor’s race in Oakland, California, in 2010, the candidate who received the most first-place votes lost the election to a candidate on the strength of nearly 25,000 second- and third-place votes after nine rounds of redistribution of votes. Ranked-choice voting also dis-

enfranchises voters, because ballots that do not include the two ultimate finalists are cast aside to manufacture a faux majority for the winner. It is only a majority of the voters remaining in the final round, not a majority of all the voters, who actually cast votes in the elections. Former California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill expanding ranked-choice voting because it is “overly complicated and confusing” and “deprives voters of genuinely informed choice.” Open primaries are an even worse idea. The point of primaries is so that people with very specific values have a chance to pick the candidate who best represents those values. With open primaries, though, people who share specific values don’t get to pick their champion. Instead, the primary is just a pre-election with the two top candidates facing each other in a final election in November.

We must be vigilant against so-called reformers who want to change process rules so they can manipulate election outcomes to obtain power. The aforementioned reforms would actually make the electoral system worse. In 2005, the nonpartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, found that the “electoral system cannot inspire public confidence if no safeguards exist to deter or detect fraud or to confirm the identity of voters.” The commission issued a report that proposed a uniform system of requiring a photo ID to vote in U.S. elections. Those opposing such commonsense measures to ensure integrity in U.S. elections are not motivated by a concern for democracy but by partisan interests. Despite the noted inaccuracies, the author does

conclude his essay with sage advice: “Do your own research and make your own decision.”

Steve Harrison Buckeye

NHWA awards national accreditation to West Valley agencies

BY JORDAN ROGERS West Valley View Managing Editor

The National Home Watch Association recently handed out national accreditation to home watch agencies across Arizona, and two receiving

recognition are from the West Valley.

The National Home Watch Association (NHWA) was formed in 2009 to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the

Need a plumber?

United States and Canada. Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence.

For more information on the NHWA, visit nationalhomewatchassociation.org.

AZ Home Watch Pros

AZ Home Watch Pros has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association.

Co-owner Regino (Reggie) Alfonso was born in Puerto Rico but grew up in Phoenix. He is married and a dad to three children. Alfonso spent almost 20 years in higher education, serving most of that time as an operation executive. During that time, he was a licensed Real-

tor for several years, as he’s always had a passion for seeing people realize their home-ownership goals.

Eventually, Alfonso became a licensed mortgage loan officer, where he continues to promote ownership through making real estate goals a reality. His favorite aspect of the mortgage industry is the level of trust he builds with his clients.

There are very few people in life that you provide all your sensitive financial information to, and Alfonso takes that responsibility very seriously. As a result, he’s built lifelong repeat clients who feel more like close friends that you share big moments in life with. These clients value the trust they’ve built together and trust Alfonso to point them in the right direction for other important services.

This is why he is passionate about the Home Watch industry. Alfonso understands how important home investment is and how necessary it is to feel comfortable when you’re leaving that investment behind for certain periods of time. He remains committed to ensuring his clients’ homes are kept maintained and secure if they must be away.

Co-owner Erik Tice grew up in Up-

state New York and earned a bachelor’s degree from Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York.

After graduating, he moved to Scottsdale with his wife and earned an MBA from Grand Canyon University. Tice and his wife reside in North Phoenix with their two dogs. After continuing to work for Grand Canyon University for more than 10 years, Tice eventually entered the mortgage industry and began to build relationships with many real estate agents. He was fortunate to work with many jumbo loans (luxury homes) and reverse mortgages (for those aged 62 and up) clients.

Through building strong relationships with his mortgage clients, he realized there is a need for trusted Home Watch companies in the Valley. Tice is extremely passionate about building the most reliable and trusted Home Watch company in Arizona.

Based out of Litchfield Park, AZ Home Watch Pros serves all of Arizona, including West Valley, East Valley, Central Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott and Lake Havasu, among others. It can be reached at 623-261-9127 or at info@ azhomewatchpros.com. Learn more at its website, azhomewatchpros.com.

Estrella Mountain Home Watch Services PLUS

Estrella Mountain Home Watch Services PLUS has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the third year.

Rick and Shannon Thomson moved to Estrella Mountain Ranch and wanted to build a type of business that would serve the community. Prior to starting his Home Watch business, Rick worked for years in logistics and transportation management, as well as project management. He spent his early years working in golf course design and construction. Shannon is a Realtor and has experience in real estate sales and property management.

NHWA...continued on page 16

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Business Briefcase

BY KAILA MELLOS West Valley View Staff Writer

This week, two businesses are in the spotlight for further expanding into the West Valley. The Business Briefcase will break it down, from Planet Fitness seeing new levels to a sushi franchise expanding.

Planet Fitness

Location: 409 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear

One of the largest franchisees of Planet Fitness, United FP, announced the opening of its new club in Goodyear on Jan. 10, along with another one coming soon in Gilbert.

“We are dedicated to bringing the most convenient and state-of-the-art fitness center to the greater Phoenix area with the amazing support from the community here,” Regional Director of United FP Emily Torpey said. “We invite the local community to come in for a tour and experience the Judgement Free Zone.”

Planet Fitness offers a wide array of memberships to choose from. The most basic of those memberships is The Classic membership, which asks members to pay $10 per month to access the gym. The next level up is the PF Black Card membership, which is $24.99 per month and provides members access to the Black Card Spa, the ability to bring a friend anytime, and entry to over 2,300 clubs around the country.

Leading up to the new Gilbert location opening, Planet Fitness will offer a special of $1 down on the Classic Membership and $1 down and $19.99 per month on the PF Black Card membership until Sunday, Jan. 29.

With the opening of the new Goodyear and Gilbert coming soon, there will be a total of 45 Planet Fitness locations across the greater Phoenix area, 42 of which are operated by United FP.

For more information, visit planetfitness.com.

Rock N’ Roll Sushi Location: 15611 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear

A sushi restaurant that started in 2010 in Mobile, Alabama, by husband and wife Lance and Gerri Mach Hallmark is now a franchise that has expanded into over 50 different states. The two previously had 14 years of work in the food and beverage industry and decided to take a chance on the restaurant concept, which has since taken off.

With favorite menu items featuring names like VIP Roll, the Crowd Surfer Roll, Thriller Roll and Tour Bus Roll, they draw in an audience that may not have had sushi before. But if sushi is not what is being craved, the restaurant also has hibachi options, including a chicken, shrimp and filet mignon combination, and desserts to finish with, including a brownie called the Hall of Fame Brownie.

For more information on Rock N’ Roll sushi, visit rocknrollsushi.com.

As local homeowners and full-time residents of Estrella Mountain Ranch, Rick and Shannon saw a unique opportunity to help serve their neighbors so they could rest assured that their biggest investment would be well taken care of while they are home or away.

When they are not working, Rick and Shannon enjoy volunteering in local organizations. They are working toward their overall goal of building a business structure that can support Rick and Shannon’s idea of financial yearly support to nonprofit organizations within their community, supporting others by giving back.

Estrella Mountain Home Watch Services PLUS offers Home Watch services, maintenance, key holder, concierge and real estate services so it can provide its clients with a unique, niche, one-stop shop. Clients include snowbirds, second homeowners, vacationers and investors.

Based out of Goodyear, Estrella Mountain Home Watch Services PLUS can be reached at 602-920-7175 or info@ estrellamountainhomewatch.com.

Learn more from their website, at estrellamountainhomewatch.com.

NHWA...continued from page 14

Odyssey Institute junior high wrestling thrives in inaugural year

BY JOE MCHUGH West Valley View Staff Writer

In its first season, the Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Students Junior High wrestling program saw success in the form of three state champions.

The tight-knit group of 25 wrestlers fought their way to the top, but as much as the success on the mat matters, it is what the wrestling program has provided to the kids off of the mat that brings them all the more success.

“Opening that wrestling team allowed (her daughter) not only to find friends and to find a place, but they were a family,” said Danielle Landers, mother of Maci Landers, an Odyssey Institute wrestler. “They were on the sidelines. Every one of those kids cheering each other on holding their hands, hugging them when they cried and when they lost, and screaming and yelling going crazy on the side when they won.”

The Minotaur’s wrestling program is a two-man coached team. Sean Loving serves as the program’s head coach, and Alex Arnold, who also is the head coach of Odyssey Institute’s high school wrestling program, is the team’s assistant coach.

The two were having conversations in the previous year that the middle school needed a program for wrestling, and they stumbled upon the Canyon

Athletic Association as their governing body of choice to join. Through the help of athletic director Chris McNally, the program was born.

“She loved the idea and ran with it,” Loving said. “We told her (that) we had a really good opportunity.”

The school quickly rounded up 25 wrestlers of varying skill levels, which gave the team the chance to compete against any program. But the skill level is the second most important aspect of the team, as Loving said relationships and positivity breed successful teams.

“They’re really positive kids. We’ve got great kids here; really coachable,” Loving said. “And they just always wanted to be competitive. And that was really set by the experienced wrestlers in the room. That mindset to show up every single day and just compete as hard as they can. And that’s something that just rubs off on others and helps us set a really good culture with them.”

Odyssey Institute’s most successful wrestler this year was Anthony Higuera. Wrestling out of the 128-pound weight class, he went all season without dropping a match, recording a 20-0 record and winning a state championship.

Another success story for the Minotaurs was Tristan Perez. Wrestling in the 190-pound weight class, Perez hadn’t won a tournament all year for Odyssey, but once he got to the

state championship mat, he defied the odds and locked up the second of the school’s three state championships.

Lastly was Maci. She spent her season wrestling girls almost 20 pounds heavier than her, but the 112-pound seventh grader stuck it out and kept a positive attitude, and that carried her to the state championship bracket.

“Her state finals match is actually a really, really, really cool moment for her because it was a girl she’d already wrestled twice in the season and in both times she’d been beaten by the girl pretty handily,” Loving said. “The girl would just catch her with this one funky move over and over, and would end up pinning or finishing the match early.”

“She said she was disappointed that she lost,” Danielle added. “But she was so grateful for that experience because now she knows how it feels and she doesn’t want it ever to happen again. And that was the attitude she carried

throughout the season that her coach fostered and allowed her to grow, that by the end of the season she had that determination and that will to win.”

Loving knows what his team is going through, as junior high can be a trying age for many children. The team, he said, is a good source of community for them.

“It feels really good. It feels really validating,” Loving said. “Middle school kids are going through so much as is, and just so much change. And so being able to be there and just be like, a stable encouraging presence for them feels great.”

Moving into next season and further, Loving plans to preach relationships and attitude to his wrestlers and that good things will come with hard work. But the Odyssey Institute Junior High Minotaurs are more than just a program.

“It is not just a team. It’s not just friends. It’s a family,” Danielle said.

Maci Landers, Anthony Higuera and Tristan Perez, from left to right, each won state championships this season. (Josh Landers/Contributor)

e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonpro t 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.

Weekly 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 o ce by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@TimesLocalMedia.com

Buckeye Valley Museum Open

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

The Buckeye Valley Museum is a place with a passion for local history, holding an impressive collection of pre-Columbian pottery, artifacts from Buckeye’s earliest days, and a number of historical photographs detailing how the Buckeye Valley came to be what it is today. Visit the open on Wednesdays and Fridays for thrilling looks into the past.

Buckeye Valley Museum, 116 E.

MC 85, Buckeye, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 623-349-6315, buckeyeaz.gov/residents/buckeye-valley-museum

Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath

SATURDAYS

Treat yourself with a nourishing yoga nidra and sound bath session. Lie on your yoga mat, do nothing, and restore your mind and body. A sound bath is a nurturing listening experience that uses sound to

invite gentle and natural restorative processes in the body.

206 N. Florence Avenue, Litchfield Park, 2 p.m., $20, soulshealinghumanity.com/ events

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6 to 7 p.m., free admission, wigwamarizona.com

The Litchfield Park Historical Society lectures return with this week’s lecture: “I built this house, adobe by adobe.” Learn more about the history of Mexican women in company owned townships in the state’s past, as well as the lives they led under the harsh conditions there.

Georgia T. Lord Library, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear, 10 a.m., free, mcldaz.org

Ecstatic Dance

SUNDAYS

Dance like nobody’s watching with an uninstructed freestyle dance session. There are no steps to follow and no guidebooks to use. People of all age groups and skill levels are encouraged to simply do what they feel and enjoy a judgment-free environment of love and inclusivity.

Turtle Park, 675 N. Villa Nueva Drive, Litchfield Park, 2 p.m., $20, soulshealinghumanity.com/events

Wigglers to Walkers

JAN. 18

Babies, toddlers, and their caretakers are invited to come to the library for rhymes, short stories, and language enrichment. Boost their mental development and give the kids some playtime afterwards. Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, 11 a.m. to noon, free, avondalelibrary.org

The Questers Organizational Meeting

JAN. 18

Basic Yoga

Come to La Placita Cafe for a meeting of Buckeye’s “The Questers,” a society dedicated to preservation, education, and restoration of America’s history. New members are always welcome to join. La Placita Cafe, 424 Monroe Avenue, Buckeye, 1 p.m., free, dldavisinteriors@gmail.com

JAN. 18

Each Wednesday, new and old practitioners of yoga are encouraged to expand their mind and relax their body with basic yoga courses at the Wigwam. Bring your own yoga mat and towel.

Jay Soto at Litchfield’s

JAN. 20

Join local musician Jay Soto at Litchfield’s bar for smooth music while you dine with friends and family. Enjoy high-quality food and drink.

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6 to 9 p.m., free admission, wigwamarizona.com

NHBA Arizona Super Show

JAN. 20 TO JAN. 22

Mexican Women’s Work and Cultural Lives in a Company Town

JAN. 19

Have a grand day at the races and watch the many horses of the National Barrel Horse Association perform grand feats of equine speed for the hungry public. Open races will be held and money will change hands for the fastest rider on the track.

South Buckeye Equestrian Center, 10300 S. Miller Road, Buckeye, check website for prices and times, nbha.com

The Fabulous Keen Brothers at Wigwam Bar

JAN. 21

The Fabulous Keen Brothers perform on the Wigwam patio, gracing patrons with their musical talent to help end the night on a high note.

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6 to 9 p.m., free admission, wigwamarizona.com

Secondhand Treasures

JAN. 24

Check out all kinds of secondhand treasures on sale for lower prices than you’d find buying them new at PebbleCreek. With over 35 resident vendors selling a wide variety of things, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

PebbleCreek, 16222 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear, noon to 4 p.m., free admission, traci.baker@ robson.com

Trivia Night

JAN. 24

Those of legal drinking age are invited to the Scale & Feather Meadery for a night of drinks and fantasy trivia. Teams of four to six players are invited to come together and test their mettle and knowledge of the magical realms of fantasy, from Tolkien to Dungeons & Dragons.

Scale & Feather Meadery, 1050 N. Fairway Drive, Building E, Suite 112, Avondale, 6 to 7:30 p.m., free, avondalelibrary.org

Goodyear AirPark breaks ground on phase one

BY JORDAN ROGERS West Valley View Managing Editor

Lincoln Property Company’s Southwest division, LPC Desert West, and Scottsdale-based Harvard Investments recently joined with the city of Goodyear and project stakeholders to break ground on phase one of Goodyear AirPark.

Located on 565 acres adjacent to the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport in Goodyear, the Class A industrial development at buildout will total 7 million square feet and up to 20 buildings, with access to enough data and fiber to power NASA.

Breaking ground on Jan. 12, phase one of the project totals 1.6 million square feet in six buildings ranging from 81,000 to 775,000 square feet. Targeting mid- and large-scale users, the buildings will offer up to 40-foot clear height, multiple points of ingress

and egress, private truck courts and generous parking.

“The city of Goodyear is thrilled to see the growth and the investment in our community,” Mayor Joe Pizzillo said. “Lincoln Property Company and Harvard Investments have a solid track record for success and are known for their expertise and award-winning developments, which ultimately will bring high-quality jobs to our residents and more retail opportunities south of MC85.”

Goodyear AirPark sits directly south of Phoenix-Goodyear Airport, approximately three miles south of Interstate 10 and at the entrance to the 20,000-acre, award-winning Estrella Mountain Ranch master-planned community. It is also minutes from the Goodyear Ballpark, the Spring Training home for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians.

“Goodyear AirPark sits on one of the last remaining large, industrial-zoned land sites in Goodyear, which is the second-fastest-growing city on our state and the ninth-fastest-growing city in the nation,” said David Krumwiede, Lincoln Property Company senior executive vice president. “We’re excited to partner with Harvard on yet another development project, where we can build to meet the needs of this growth.”

It is generally bounded by Estrella Parkway, Bullard Avenue and State Route MC 85, a high-volume east/west trucking route connecting Goodyear with Mexico.

The park also sits immediately adjacent to a dark fiber line, making it highly attractive for data center development. World-class global neighbors include Microsoft, Amazon, UPS, Walmart, Boeing, SubZero, Daimler-Benz, XPO Logistics, Red Bull and Aldi.

“The shovel-ready, infrastructure-ready condition of this site has given us tremendous speed to market,” Harvard Investments President and CEO Craig Krumwiede added. “There are so many industries seeking Class A industrial space in Phoenix and ready to generate well-paying jobs here, in sectors from logistics to data centers. This project will give them that opportunity.”

Cerberus Capital Management is the equity partner for LPC and Harvard on the project. The architect for Goodyear AirPark is Butler Design Group. The general contractor is Stevens-Leinweber Construction. LPC Desert West will direct all leasing and property management.

To discuss leasing, investment or property management opportunities with Lincoln Property Company in the Desert West region, call David Krumwiede or John Orsak at 602-912-8888.

West Valley View Dining

Scientists Stunned After Shocking Discovery Reveals True Cause of Fatigue

New research nds unlikely source for why some seniors have an endless supply of energy

Forthe millions of American’s suffering from fatigue there is nally hope.

A new study reveals our energy levels don’t have to decline with age.

Published by the National Institutes of Health, this peer-reviewed study caused shockwaves in the scientic community. That’s because it runs counter to everything scientists have believed about energy levels and aging for years. But the evidence is undeniable.

Researchers analyzing 142 scientic papers determined the key to gaining more energy with age lies inside our cells — in our mitochondria.

Mitochondria play a critical role in generating metabolic energy. They are responsible for converting the food we eat into energy we can use. A paper published by the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology even called them “the gatekeepers” of cellular life and death. That’s how vital they are to the survival of human cells.

However as we age, the number of our mitochondria declines. In addition, the mitochondria become susceptible to DNA damage, decreased function, oxidative stress and even mutations. All of which results in excess fatigue, accelerated aging and poor health.

But thanks to this study, America’s No. 1 anti-aging doctor has been able to develop a new, all-natural solution that helps seniors increase the number of their mitochondria, so they can “rewind” the clock on old age.

“By taking this one compound you can quickly restore the mitochondria inside your cells,” explains Dr. Al Sears – founder and director of the world-renowned Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine.

“And, once your mitochondria levels are restored, you will have so much energy that you will feel decades younger.”

Unique Discovery Restores Mitochondria

For more than 20 years, Dr. Sears has been considered America’s No.1 anti-aging pioneer. He has authored over 500 scientic papers and has appeared on dozens of media outlets including ABC News, CNN, Lifetime, and many more.

Now, his latest discovery — a unique molecule that restores mitochondria inside cells — is so popular that seniors all across the country are stocking up on this new, all-natural energy-booster.

Users say this advanced formula, sold under the name Ultra Accel II, allows them to experience the energy levels they had in their 20s and 30s. Those who’ve been lucky enough to get their hands on Ultra Accel II report seeing remarkable, almost unbelievable results.

As John H., from Bradenton, Florida reports: “I’m a 70-yearold man and I’ve been taking Ultra Accel II for 2 ½ months. On a recent treadmill test, I was told that I did as well as several patients tested who were in their 20s.”

As Karyn E. from Palm Beach, Florida says “I noticed more energy within 24 hours of taking Ultra Accel. I was thrilled to have all that extra strength and endurance. Then after a few months, I ran out... and within a week, all that extra energy disappeared. Now, I’ll never be without Ultra Accel II.”

Study Conrms 100% Success Rate

Scientists recently gathered a group of men and women suffering from high levels of fatigue.

Over an eight-week period they gave the subjects a daily dose of Ultra Accel II’s core compound. The results? All of the participants felt a signicant improvement in energy levels. And the study reported a 100% success rate in boosting the energy levels of those suffering from fatigue.

That’s because PQQ (CoQ10’s more powerful cousin) — the core ingredient in Ultra Accel II — is the only natural molecule that supports healthy numbers of mitochondria — the power generators inside your cells.

In one study, mice fed PQQ increased the number of mitochondria in their cells by more than 55%, in only eight weeks.

In addition to feeling more energized, users often report feeling mentally younger, with fewer “senior moments” and brain fog. That’s because the key compound has been shown to stimulate the production of NGF, which helps trigger the growth of new brain cells.

“I’ve been taking Ultra Accel II continuously for over 12 months and I’ve found my energy levels to be as high or higher with less exercise. People can’t believe I turn 50 this year,” reports Wayne L.

And Jerry M. says he “noticed a difference within a few days... my endurance doubled. I love it. There really is something about Ultra Accel II that I can FEEL. It’s not just in your body either. You can feel it mentally, too. This is something I’ll be taking for a long time.”

Demand For Ultra Accel II Soars

“For too long, millions of Americans have suffered the life-ruining effects of fatigue and lethargy,” says Dr. Sears when asked about the remarkable success of Ultra Accel II.

“Until now, there’s never been a science-backed solution that actually works and guarantees real results,” continued Dr. Sears, “but with the release of Ultra Accel II that all changes and now you can unlock an endless supply of all-day energy, at any age.”

Due to the unprecedented demand and recent media exposure, people are struggling to get their hands on this low cost, prescription-free energy booster.

PQQ Increases

“Power Generators” by 55%

However, through our partnership with the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine we’ve managed to secure a small supply exclusively for readers of this publication. For the next 48 hours only we’re able to offer a special discounted supply of Ultra Accel II.

How To Try It Risk-Free

Ultra Accel II is not available in any store at any price.

The only way to get this potent energy booster is by calling the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-369-0934 within the next 48 hours and taking advantage of this special offer.

Dr. Sears is so condent in this product he’s protecting customers with a 100% money-back guarantee on every order. “Just send back the unused bottles within 90 days of purchase, and I’ll refund every penny of your purchase price,” he adds.

The Hotline will be taking orders for the next 48 hours only. After that, the number will be shut down allowing them to restock.

Call 1-800-369-0934 to secure your limited supply of Ultra Accel II. It’s completely safe and no prescription is required. Those who call within the rst 24-hours qualify for a signicant discount. To take advantage of this great offer use Promo Code NP123UA70 when you call.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 24

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.

SUDOKU TIME

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

H

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H H

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

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 the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

See Puzzles Page 22

Al Birdsell

Al Birdsell passed from th i s li f e o n D e ce m b e r 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 . H e w a s a t e a c h e r a n d c o a c h a t R o u n d V a ll e y H i g h S c h o o l a n d B u c k e y e U n i o n H i g h School. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, son Lance ( C h r i s t i ) , g r a n d s A l e x i s ( F r a n c i s c o ) a n d S t e v e , g r e a t - g r a n d S a r a i t , s i s t e r A r l e n e , n u m e r o u s n i e c e s , n e p h e w s , i n - l a w s , f r i e n d s a n d f o r m e r s t u d e n t s

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7pm o n M o n d a y , J a n u a r y 2 3 a t T h o m p s o n F u n e r a l C h a p e l .

To read the full obituary, pl ease visit www thompsonfuneralchapel com/obituary/Al-Birdsell

w e m o u r n o u r l o s s o f a f a t h e r , g r a n d f a t h e r , g r e a t g r a n d f a t h e r , b r o t h e r , a n d f r i e n d , w e a l s o c e l e b r a t e h i s 8 8 y e a r s o n t h i s e a r t h .

M a n y r e m e m b e r h i m a s a h i g h w a y p a t r o l m a n a n d j u d g e , y e t w e k n o w w i t h certainty our lives were touched more by h i s c h a r a c t e r t h a n b y t h e v o c a t i o n s h e c h o s e . H e b l e s s e d u s w i t h w i s e c o u n s e l and a firm hand, with warm laughter and u n w a v e r i n g i n t e g r i t y . T h o u g h h e w a s a l e a d e r , h e l i v e d w i t h a s e r v a n t ' s h e a r t , never hesitating to help those in need. He w a l k e d t h r o u g h a d v e r s i t y w i t h f a i t h a n d q u i e t s t r e n g t h T o o u r g o o d f o r t u n e , h e g r a c e d u s w i t h p a t i e n c e , r e s p e c t , a n d a b o v e a l l - l o v e A l e x , " C o l l i e , " D a d , G r an d p a , " P o P o , " l e f t a n i n d e l i b l e i mp r i n t o n o u r h e a r t s Services were held at Trinity Lutheran C h u r c h , 8 3 0 E P l a z a C i r c l e , L i t c h f i e l d P a r k , A Z , S a t u r d a y , J a n u a r y 1 4 t h f o ll o w e d w i t h a r e c e p t i o n . Condolences may be shared at www.menkefuneralhome.com

Celia Z. Espinoza, 95 years old, from Goodyear, Arizona, passed away on December 21, 2022. Celia was born on February 18, 1927 in Douglas, Arizona. She was a devoted homemaker and later enjoyed employment at the Arizona State Industrial Commission.

Celia is survived by her daughters Celina Yeager (Joe), Diana Espinoza, Renee Espinoza-Dominguez (Louis), and Doralisa Medina; grandchildren Eric Espinoza, Alyssa Espinoza, Michael Yeager, Kirby Medina, Annelise Dominguez, and Charles Dominguez; and great-grandchildren Gabriel and Nathan Espinoza.

Celia joins her beloved husband Joe “Guero” Espinoza, their beloved son, Jose Carlos Espinoza, her loving parents Mariano and Carmen Zaragoza, and her ten siblings.

Celia’s devoted family and many friends will miss her dearly, and love her always. She will be remembered fondly for her big heart, good humor, and loving nature. Contributions in Celia’s memory are suggested to Hospice of the Valley (602-530-6900) and/or the Alzheimer’s Association (1-800-272-3900).

Services will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 800 W Loma Linda Blvd, Goodyear, AZ 85338. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10 a.m., and a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 12 p.m. at Glendale Memorial Park Cemetery, 7844 N 61st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301.

Celia Z. Espinoza

Girl Scouts unveil cookie season dates

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Each year, Girl Scouts in Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This year, the Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council season is longer — seven weeks — from Monday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, March 5.

“As in years past, all the Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to help girls fund impactful projects to benefit the community; embark on amazing girl-led troop adventures; provide programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills and entrepreneurship; maintain and improve four camp properties; and provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting available and affordable

for all girls,” said Mary Mitchell, coCEO of Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

More than 7,000 girls grades K-12 in over 90 communities across Central and Northern Arizona will take part in the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season.

Scout Cookie Season.

“We extended our cookie season by one week to support girls interested in selling our new, limited-edition raspberry rally cookie, as Feb. 27 is the earliest date the flavor will be available for shipping from our baker. Now our community has more time to support girls and

“We extended our

stock up on their favorite cookie flavors,” said Christina Spicer, the council’s co-CEO.

To add to the anticipation of the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season, Girl Scouts is excited to welcome Planet Oatmilk as a national sponsor of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Planet Oat Oatmilk is free from dairy, gluten, soy and peanuts, and pairs with the entire cookie lineup. Girl Scouts champion millions of girls as they learn, grow and thrive through adventure, and Planet Oat is proud to support these efforts as a national sponsor of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

In addition to the extended sale dates and the national partnership, here is a snapshot of everything as it relates to the 2023 cookie season across Central and Northern Arizona, including the new digital-only cookie, the return of the Bring Home the Cookies 5K, the Devin Booker Girl Scout Bus and Cookie CEO Fast Pitch.

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council cookie lineup

Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookiefinder and use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder to find a cookie booth near you. Enter a ZIP code and choose from a list of locations nearby.

Adventurefuls: Brownie-inspired

with

cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt. $5

Lemon-ups: Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages. $5

Thin mints: Mint flavored with a delicious chocolaty coating. Vegan. $5

Tagalongs: Layers of peanut butter with a rich, chocolaty coating. $5

Samoas: Caramel and toasted coconut-covered cookies. $5

Trefoils: short-

Iconic and delicious bread cookies. $5

Do-si-dos: Crisp and crunchy oatmeal outside and creamy peanut butter inside. $5

Girl Scout s’mores: Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallowy filling. $6

Toffee-tastics: Buttery (and gluten-free) cookies with sweet, crunchy golden toffee bits. $6

New raspberry rally: Thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in a delicious chocolaty Cookies...continued on page 25

Cookies...continued from page 24

coating. $5 (will be available through digital sales only, and only from Feb. 27 to Mar. 5, while supplies last)

The council and Girl Scouts of the USA’s new raspberry rally is a thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in a chocolate coating. This cookie will only be sold online from Monday, Feb. 27, to Sunday, March 5, while supplies last.

Digital cookie

Through the Digital Cookie platform, which Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has utilized since 2016 in addition to traditional booths, girls build a custom website so they can invite friends and family to purchase cookies, with the option of having cookies delivered in per-

son or shipped directly to their home. Girls can also use the Digital Cookie Mobile App to accept credit card payments on the go from customers. Digital cookie also introduces lessons about online marketing, application use and eCommerce to Girl Scouts, through building their own cookie website and managing their virtual sales.

New financial literacy badges

Girl Scouts’ newly updated financial literacy badges offer entrepreneurial playbooks for every age level. From the Cookie Goal Setter badge earned as a Daisy to the Entrepreneur Accelerator for girls in high school, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls financial literacy, planning, budgeting, teamwork, innovative thinking and confident decision making.

Local Cookie CEO Fast Pitch and new kicko block party: Tuesday, Jan. 21

Valley CEOs are preparing Girl Scout entrepreneurs for a successful cookie season at the Cookie CEO Fast Pitch on Jan. 21. During this event, local CEOs/executives will guide Girl Scout Juniors, Seniors and Ambassadors and help sharpen their communication skills, sales pitches, and give them sound business advice and tips to unleash their inner CEO.

For the first time, after the Cookie CEO Fast Pitch, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council join State Forty Eight for a block party at its Chandler location at 3245 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler. The free, public event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features Girl Scout cookie

State Forty Eight products and deals, local entrepreneurs, food trucks and a DJ.

Local Girl Scout Cookie Night, Devin Booker Bus and Patch Reveal with the Phoenix Suns: Wednesday, Jan. 22

On Jan. 22, hundreds of Girl Scouts will descend upon Footprint Center to collectively cheer on the Phoenix Suns in their showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies. Beyond that, as the game comes to a close, dozens of Girl Scouts will take over the plaza outside Footprint Center to sell cookies as well as showcase their new Girl Scout Devin Booker Bus on the plaza. This year, the local Girl Scouts have created a custom patch to commemorate the partnership, which will also be unveiled during the event as well.

cookie booths as well as BESTOF 2023 Vote from February 1st-March 1st

Scout Voting Starts February 1st! Vote at WestValleyView.com

partnership, which will theWHO’SBEST?The votes are in. The people have spoken… It’s the Best of the West Valley! BESTOF2022

“The minibus, made possible by a Devin Booker Starting Five grant, is used to transport girls to and from

At seven weeks, the Girl Scout Cookie is longer this year. (Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council/Submitted)

Cookies...continued from page 25

educational and character-building activities and experiences. Due to vandalism and theft of its prior vehicle, GSACPC had no way to transport girls to programs and events. The lack of transportation often meant that girls would not have an opportunity to participate in activities,” Mitchell said.

Local Mountainside Fitness National Cookie Weekend: Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19

For the first time, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is teaming up

with Mountainside Fitness. In addition to Girl Scouts boothing at several participating locations, after customers purchase cookies, they may take them inside to Mountainside’s MCafe and use them to make a shake.

Local: Bring Home the Cookies

5K Run/Walk: Saturday, Feb. 25

Join Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council and State Forty Eight Foundation for the second Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 25 at Westgate in Glendale. The family-friendly event, open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners, walkers and the community at large, will start and finish at Westgate and feature music, food and cookie booths. All registered participants will receive a Girl Scout goodie bag with a State Forty Eight branded 5K shirt, a package of Girl Scout Cookies and a medal.

To register for the 5K, visit girlscoutsaz.org/5k and for more information on the local Girl Scout Cookie Season, visit girlscoutsaz.org.

“Bring Home the Cookies 5K is a community celebration of all our in-

credible girls and their dedication, innovation and creativity. Girl Scouts are learning first-hand entrepreneurship and financial skills they will carry with them their entire life. We are honored to partner with State Forty Eight and State Forty Eight Foundation to celebrate Arizona’s entrepreneurs before the final week of cookie season,”

Spicer said.

In addition to the race, the event will feature special appearances from local mascots. There will be a full-scale Runner’s Village, including more traditional vendors and cookie booths as well as local Girl Scout entrepreneurs, who will be exhibiting and selling their crafts and goods.

Arts Academy @ Estrella Mountain hosts open enrollment

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Arts Academy @ Estrella Mountain, a K-8 charter school in Tolleson will be hosting an on campus open enrollment Event for the 2023-24 school year. The event is slated for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.

The school will also offer free immunizations, classroom tours, lunch, a prize wheel, information on its extracurricular activities, performing arts programs, and before- and af-

ter-school activities.

Parents will need a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of address (driver’s license, bill, bank statement) to enroll their child.

For more information, call 623474-2120 or visit the school’s website, at plcaaem.org.

Arts Academy @ Estrella Mountain

2504 S. 91st Avenue, Tolleson

PUBLIC NOTICES

“VB BTS II, LLC would like to place on notice the proposed Construction of an installation consisting of a 75’ (80’ including all appurtenances) monopine tower known as Tolleson located at 33°25’13.15” north latitude and 112°17’34.31” west longitude at the approximate vicinity of at near 10837 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Tolleson, Maricopa County, Arizona 85353. If you have any concerns regarding historic properties that may be affected by this proposed undertaking, please contact: Miles Walz-Salvador, Lotis Environmental, LLC, at NEPA.NHPA@TheLotisGroup .com or (716) 580-7000. In your response, please include the proposed undertaking’s location and a list of the historic resources that you believe to be affected along with their respective addresses or approximate locations.”

Published in the West Valley View, Jan 18, 2023

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Maricopa County, Arizona and Incorporated Areas

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Maricopa County, Arizona and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Maricopa County, Arizona and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.f loodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-3362627).

Published in the West Valley View, Jan 18, 25, 2023

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