Ahwatukee Foothills News - January 23, 2018

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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

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Schmuck, Norgaard aim Room to vroom for county supervisor seat

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

P

@AhwatukeeFN |

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wo unsuccessful Republican Legislative District 18 candidates are now vying against each other to fill a pending vacancy on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Former state Rep. Jill Norgaard of Ahwatukee and Tempe commercial airline pilot and LD 18 Senate hopeful Frank Schmuck are among the three candidates who are lobbying to replace District 1 Supervisor Denny Barney.

So far, the only other hopeful is Gilbert resident Rusdon Ray, a construction worker who has publicly criticized building codes and other government regulations, including compulsory student performance tests such as AzMERIT, sometimes on a video blog titled “On Freedom Road.”

But a source predicted there could be as many as another dozen suitors for the position by the end of the week, when the time for applying expires.

“I have one of the greatest jobs in the world; yet, my profession is not what fulfills me completely,” Schmuck said in his application. “What really drives me is my passion to serve others. I feel my combined professional experience and decades of service in the community can help propel our community forward by assisting our residents and businesses gain greater opportunities.”

Norgaard touts her eningeering, business and legislative background, stating, “I have utilitzed these skills to implement business practices in gorverment to streamline processes in the state.

See

SUPERVISOR on page 23

(Kathy Gannis/Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee resident Cassie Gannis signs an autograph for a little fan at Tucson Raceway. Gannis is gearing up for an international competition that could put her in racing’s big leagues. Details, see page 24.

DiCiccio: Suns arena deal hoses city taxpayers

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

C

ity Councilman Sal DiCiccio said he’ll be voting today against a new agreement with the Phoenix Suns in its current form – contending that it asks the city to bear the brunt of proposed repairs to Talking Stick Resort Arena while giving the team more than three times the annual revenue than taxpayers would see.

“I have told the other council members that I could support lowering the overall amount from us by $20 million, paying down $40

DEC 26–JAN 31

million of debt, making sure that the branding of the name “Phoenix” in Phoenix Suns does not change and possibly some investment from that fund for police and fire,” he told AFN. In a video posted on YouTube over the weekend, DiCiccio quickly dissects the agreement, taking note not only of the cost but also what the city would receive in return as its cut of annual revenue.

That equation shows the Suns will get $14 million a year while the city will get only $4 million.

“I don’t think that that’s fair,” DiCiccio said.

“The more money you put into the deal, the more you should get in return.”

The agreement calls for the city to put up $150 million of a $230-million renovation that includes “significant repair and replacement of mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure,” according to a summary the city managing director’s office provided council.

The Suns would also spend $25 million to $50 million on a training facility elsewhere to free up space in the arena “for other necessary See

DICICCIO on page 20

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NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director

Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com Advertising Sales Representatives:

Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com Classified:

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NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com Managing Editor:

Lee Shappell 480-898-6825 lshappell@ahwatukee.com GetOut Editor:

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Ruth Carlton, rcarlton@timespublications.com Production Coordinator:

Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Reporters:

Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@ahwatukee.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilla Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Photographer:

Kimberly Carrillo, kcarrillo@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader.

For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia. com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

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The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author.

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Elderly couple victimized by pair of cons with kid

49 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE!

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

A

n 87-year-old retired dentist in Ahwatukee and his wife learned the hard way that you can’t always open your door to strangers – even ones with a kid in tow.

The incident at a home in the area of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center on the afternoon of Jan. 13 left the man and his wife shaken for days. AFN is withholding the victims’ names and specific street to protect the elderly couple.

It happened when the man was in his workshop at home and his wife was tinkering around in a room that was out of sight from the front door.

She heard the doorbell ring and, thinking it was a neighbor, told the visitor to just come on in.

“She thought it was a neighbor and he walked right into the house and down the hall,” the victim recalled.

“Then I heard her say, ‘You get out of here. I don’t know.’”

When her husband went in to see what was going on, he saw a man in his 30s.

“He told me he was doing some roof work down the street and offered to check ours,” the victim recalled.

“I thought it was a little odd because it was Sunday and the Ahwatukee Board of Management handles our roof repairs.”

When he asked for a business card, the visitor went to a white truck parked across the street that didn’t seem to have any markings he would expect the “roofer” to have.

“I was being polite, but I was trying to get rid of him,” the victim said.

“He went to his pickup and came back up to the door with a woman he said was his wife and their 8-year-old daughter,” he said. “They said they didn’t have a card but would write down the information.”

He had learned she was 8 because he had a brief conversation with the little girl and she told him how old she was.

The victim said as he went to the kitchen to fetch a pad and pen, the couple and the girl followed him into the house.

Then the woman told him she’d give him their contact information if he would just write it down. He turned his back to the couple and the girl and when he turned back around, the man had already gone down the hall and was walking out of a bedroom.

The couple and the girl then hastily left.

The victims called police and “they arrived right away.”

But it wasn’t until after the cops had left that the victim realized a diamond necklace that the dentist had given his wife many years ago was missing. Although he didn’t have his appraisal on hand, he estimated the necklace was worth around $2,000.

They called the police again.

“Fortunately, there were a pair of diamond earrings See

THEFT on page 4

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Desert Vista principal leaving, joining predecessor at ASU Prep AFN News Staff

A

hwatukee is losing its other longtime public high school principal.

Desert Vista Principal Christine Barela last week told parents in an email that she’s leaving Tempe Union High School District at the end of the current school year.

Barela’s departure from a position she’s held since 2014 comes on the heels of Mountain Pointe Principal Bruce Kipper’s promotion last summer to district athletic director. He was replaced by interim principal Tomika Banks.

Barela, who started at Tempe High in 2002 and joined Desert Vista four years later, is joining another former longtime Desert Vista principal at Arizona State University Preparatory Academy.

Anna Battle, whom Barela replaced after she was appointed Tempe Union assistant superintendent, left the district at the end of last school year to become chief leadership development officer at ASU Prep, a K-12 public charter school.

Barela, who will be chief of student affairs and programs at ASU Prep, told parents in her email that her decision “is bittersweet for me.”

“It has truly been such a blessing to be

THEFT

from page 3

that went with the necklace but he didn’t take those,” the victim said. Nor were they able to take his wife’s wedding and engagement rings, which she sometimes leaves on top of the bedroom dresser.

“She was wearing them, but the necklace was right on the dresser,” the victim said last Thursday, Jan. 17. “It was that quick. I’ve been trying to figure out if anything else was stolen but so far, it doesn’t look like it.”

Although the victim said the officers told him they had heard of similar instances occurring that involved a strange couple, a spokesman for Phoenix Police said he was unable to provide any information without a police report number.

Karen Young, ABM assistant general manager, said she and another elderly resident who lives in the retirement section of the HOA recalled that a couple of months ago, a couple showed up at her door claiming to be Realtors.

And even though that woman never opened her locked security screen door,

CHRISTINE BARELA

able to work for and with our amazing students, exceptional staff, and supportive and involved parents,” she said. “I have many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever.”

District spokeswoman Jen Liewer said a search process for Barela’s replacement would be announced later, and Barela told parents in her note that process “will provide an opportunity for the community to be involved in the selection.”

Young said, “she was really shaken up by that.”

So was the dentist and his wife.

“It really shook up the whole family,” he said, describing both the man and the woman as being around 5’6”, slender with dark hair and a medium dark complexion. He didn’t get the license plate number and said all he can say about the truck is that it was a late model white pickup.

But what he does know is that the incident has left him and his wife feeling a little less secure.

“Everybody around here knows each other and a lot of times they’ll just walk over into a house,” he said. “We call them walk-in neighbors.”

But that won’t happen again, he added, saying from now on, he’ll keep his security door locked.

Young said the retirement community at ABM is a little more vulnerable because it’s designated for people 55 and over.

But unlike similar mobile home communities that are age-restrictive, there is no gate, narrow streets with small lots and regular patrols that give “that added bit of security,” Young said.

NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Those were the days

5

(Jim Lindstrom/Special to AFN)

What a difference a year makes, especially when there’s no water. Club West resident Jim Lindstrom took these photos of the beleagured golf course behind his home exactly a year apart. On the right, this was his view a year ago after former owner Rick Brueninger had purchased it and restored the course to a lush green. But the course now looks as it does on the left since the city turned off the tap in February because Breuninger owed more than $150,000. Breuninger lost the course to a foreclosure by Wilson Gee for falling behind on his payments on his $1.3 million note to Gee when he bought the course. Gee now has the course up for sale, but without a buyer, it languishes as barren desert. Lost in the saga of the course’s rocky path over more than two years is the Phoenix Water Services Department’s responsibility for causing the mess in the first place by tearing down a waste water pumping station and forcing any owner to pay for potable water at a cost of more than $700,000 a year.

Ahwatukee businessman Rande Leonard is undertaking a pipeline project to bring cheaper water to the site, but construction won’t begin until at least summer, meaning the course will remain unplayable until at least 2020.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Kyrene adjusts cost-cutting proposals to soften blow AFN News Staff

T

he Kyrene School District administration heeded concerns from the governing board and parents and changed parts of three cost-cutting measures that impact parents, teachers and some district employees.

But at the same time, the amends to those measures also reduced the total savings that the district will achieve to fund other programs.

The board was to vote on the three measures Tuesday night, Jan. 22, after it met in a special session last week to discuss the proposals and hear how the administration might amend them to make them more palatable.

The proposals – while providing a financial lifeline for Kyrene, which has a current surplus of a mere $4,600 in its current $121-million budget – initially posed major implications for the lives and pocketbooks of parents, middle school teachers and an estimated 222 district employees.

They affected starting and ending times at all 25 Kyrene campuses, some middle school teachers’ planning periods and the number of students they teach in a day

and the fees paid by about 10 percent of the district workforce – teachers and other employees – for before- and after-school programs.

On the so-called bell schedule affecting start and end times for classes, the administration last week submitted a new option that would save $700,000 annually in bussing costs instead of the $1.2 mil-

in the start times would affect their household schedules, especially for those with both parents working and in single-parent homes, since they would have to worry about day care.

For those who take advantage of the tuition-based before- and after-school Community Education programs Kyrene offers, the district administration is pro-

Administrators two weeks ago “ told the board that the 75 percent discount

was costing taxpayers $400,000 a year.

Moreover, the IRS now considers anything above a 20 percent discount to be taxable income.

”

lion a less popular option would generate.

That option would make 7:35 a.m. the earliest starting time for schools and 3:55 p.m. the latest dismissal time. The other option would have had a starting time of 7:20 a.m. for some schools and a 4:15 p.m. dismissal time.

Some parents complained that a change

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posing to modify fees if they suddenly have to have a child in both a before- and after-school program if the bell schedule is adjusted.

Currently, those programs cost $370 a month per child and the district’s presentation states that “families who need both before- and after-school programs will not

see a significant increase in total tuition.

About 222 district employees who use those programs have been getting a 75 percent discount on that tuition, but that is certain to change despite pleas by some employees that it would create an economic hardship.

Administrators two weeks ago told the board that the 75 percent discount was costing taxpayers $400,000 a year. Moreover, the IRS now considers anything above a 20 percent discount to be taxable income.

The administration first proposed the discount now be set at 45 percent – which would be “cost neutral” for the district.

Now the district has offered another option that would phase in the lower discount – first at 60 percent in the coming school year and 45 percent the second year. The district stressed that from the 2020-21 school year going forward, any discount in tuition would have to be cost neutral. The 60 percent discount next year would cost taxpayers $208,000.

The middle school staffing changes would affect about 20 percent of the See

KYRENE on page 7

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NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

KYRENE

from page 6

teachers on those campuses. Those teachers currently see 120 students over five periods in a day while other teachers see 150. By taking away a planning period in some teachers’ daily schedule, all teachers would see 150 students a day. The measure does not affect class size.

The cost reductions would help underwrite several new priorities for the coming school year, including counselors and social workers to help beef up a social-emotional learning program for elementary students aimed at helping them develop personal responsibility, self-discipline, resourcefulness and other life skills for the

future. That program will cost an estimated $1.7 million.

Other programs would include an equity initiative aimed at addressing alleged disparities in grading and discipline involving minority students; enhanced intervention services for students struggling in math and English Language Arts; tutors and teachers who would improve middle school students’ academic skills to better prepare them for high school and college.

The district also is proposing school resource officers on all six middle school campuses at a cost of $400,000, but Kyrene may be able to save that money if the legislature approves Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget proposal to pay for SROs at whatever schools want one.

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As Gov. Doug Ducey looks on in the background, former Gov. Bruce Babbitt discusses the importance of reaching an agreement on the Colorado River before the end of the month.

Phoenix part of challenge to Pinal farmers’ water claims

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

n organization that represents Phoenix and other major Arizona municipalities is effectively warning Pinal County farmers not to demand more in the proposed drought contingency plan.

Warren Tenney, executive director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, said he believes the plan, delivered to lawmakers this week and awaiting legislative action, has been more than generous to the farmers.

It includes a promise of 105,000 acre feet of Colorado River water for the next three years – 70,000 acre feet of groundwater for four years after that.

The draft legislation also includes $5 million in state cash to drill wells and construct delivery systems for that water.

Tenney said cities will recharge 100,000 acre feet of their own water al-

location over a three-year period.

Farm interests want the state to pay them $10 million and be the backstop if the federal government does not come through with additional cash for well construction for farmers to be able to get that groundwater – a figure that could approach $50 million.

That, in turn, could upend efforts to get lawmakers to approve the final plan by the Jan. 31 deadline set by Brenda Burman, commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.

She has told the affected states her agency will step in if they don’t come up with an acceptable plan to keep water levels in Lake Mead from dropping any further.

“What we’re trying to say is, enough is enough,’’ Tenney told Capitol Media Services.

His organization is doing more than verbal saber rattling.

It also has prepared its own report See

WATER on page 10

NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

State water plan makes no mention of conservation

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

H

ouse Democrats are balking at ratifying a proposed drought contingency plan over what they see as a key missing element.

Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez said Thursday many of her members question why there’s nothing in the proposal to require more water conservation.

Instead, it is more focused on finding ways to move water around, particularly to meet the needs of Pinal County farmers. But the Yuma Democrat said that does not deal with the underlying problem that Arizona is using more water than is naturally available.

Fernandez said she’s not trying to hold the package hostage, especially with a Jan. 31 deadline to act or risk having the Bureau of Reclamation come up with its own plan to divide up the limited Colorado River water.

“Yes, we are at a very critical time with

SAVE with a

only 14 days left,’’ she said.

“But I do think it’s doable,’’ Fernandez continued. “Conservation is something that’s important.’’

She also pointed out that the package lawmakers are being asked to approve involves more than changing state water laws. There’s also money involved with the state coming up with cash both to buy water from the Colorado River Indian Community as well as to help Pinal County farmers drill new wells to replace some of the river water they will be losing.

“If we’re going to put money into this, and we’re talking about millions ... and we could be on the hook for more, we need to get exactly what we want,’’ Fernandez said.

Senate President Karen Fann said she agrees with the sentiment. But the Prescott Republican said she does not want to bog down an already complex issue at the last minute by throwing in See

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

from page 8

seeking to debunk – or at least minimize – a report commissioned by Pinal farmers about how not getting the water they need would have a major impact on the economy.

That report, performed under contract with the University of Arizona, says that the county accounts for 45 percent of the sales of cattle and calves in the state, 42 percent of its cotton and cottonseed, 39 percent of milk sold in the state and 22 percent of other crops and hay. And agribusiness, including food manufacturing, makes up 25 percent of the county manufacturing jobs.

All totaled, the report says, the total contribution of agriculture and agribusiness to the Pinal economy in 2016 was nearly $2.3 billion in sales.

AMWUA does not dispute those numbers.

But the organization said this has to be put into perspective, saying that the agriculture and agribusiness in Pinal represented only about two-tenths of a percent of the state’s economy, half as much as does golf.

The report contends that the costs of getting the farmers the water they want may exceed the loss to the economy.

Attorney Paul Orme, who represents some Pinal irrigation districts, said the study was not seeking to claim that the loss of water would damage the whole state.

What the study was doing, he said, was explaining how it would undermine the economy of the county.

On an even smaller scale is the effect on individual farmers.

Dan Thelander said last year he grew 2,200 acres of alfalfa sold to a local dairy for milk cows. There also was silage corn for another dairy, durum wheat for a pasta maker in Tolleson and 1,400 acres of cotton that was exported.

Thelander said he and other farmers spent $90 million to be able to take Colorado River water to reduce groundwater pumping, putting their land up as collateral.

That spending, he said, is in jeopardy if there is no river water to deliver.

That, he said, is why that 105,000 acre feet of water should be guaranteed for at least three years plus the cash to build wells and pipelines for groundwater after that.

Tiffany Shedd, another area farmer, said they were not being selfish in demanding the water and the money for the wells.

She said it was the farmers who es-

sentially financed the construction of the Central Arizona Project, making payments even before cities showed any interest in using – and paying for – any Colorado River water.

“And I think it’s safe to say turnabout is fair play,’’ Shedd said.

Tenney, however, prefers to look at it through the lens of agriculture actually getting more water than it otherwise would be entitled to take.

He said prior agreements were made of who would lose deliveries if the amount of Colorado River water were reduced.

Those agreements, Tenney said, would give the farmers only about 70,000 to 80,000 acre feet of water a year, far less than the plan would provide for the next three years.

Asking for more, he said, is wrong.

“There has been a lot of effort, there has been a plan put in place to take care of Pinal agriculture,’’ he said.

“And the time is now for us to shift our focus from just one sector in one county to focus on Arizona’s economy as a whole.’’

But Orme said Tenney’s claims of what farmers would otherwise get is based on some games being played.

He said what happened is that the cities and tribes decided this year to order as much Colorado River water as they could, regardless of what they actually needed. Orme said that in turn made it look like there was really less water for agriculture if the drought contingency plan were not adopted.

Orme said what the farmers demanded – 105,000 acre feet annually of river water followed by 70,000 acre feet from groundwater – is based on what was available, on average, for the prior eight years, before the cities took their full allocation.

“This jacking up their water order for the 2019 water year was manipulating this whole process to argue that our baseline is lower than we believe it actually is,’’ he said.

Orme said the demand for cash for well construction is justified.

He said the farmers would be just as happy getting that 70,000 acre feet for the last four years of the deal from the Colorado River.

It was only that the deal was to provide well water instead, Orme said, that necessitates the need for the finances to ensure the farmers can, in fact, get it pumped and delivered.

Orme said the farmers want more than just vague assurances that water and money will be coming.

“It can’t just be numbers on paper,’’ he said. “It has to be a reality.’’

NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CONSERVATION

from page 9

additional issues.

“We’re up against the wall,’’ said Fann.

She pointed out the whole point of the multi-state drought contingency plan is to keep the level of Lake Mead from going any lower than already projected. If that happens, that would trigger requirements to make even deeper cuts in water use than the current plan envisions.

That risk, according to projections from the Bureau of Reclamation, are real.

The last time Arizona and other states made projections was in 2007. Using data for the past 100 years they figured the chance of Lake Mead hitting critical shortage by 2026 was less than 10 percent.

But here’s the thing: Once you look at more recent data only – specifically the last 30 years when the Southwest has been in a historic drought – continuing to withdraw water at this rate increases the chance of the lake falling to critical levels to more than 40 percent.

And Brenda Burman, commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, has made it clear that if the states do not come up

with a plan to stop that, she will.

Fann said conservation will be addressed – eventually. But she said lawmakers need to keep an eye on the immediate problem and that hard “wall’’ of a Jan. 31 deadline.

“It’s really just a Band-Aid,’’ Fann said of the drought contingency plan.

“This is not the fix, this is not the solution,’’ she continued. “This is not the time or the place, quite honestly, because of the wall, to get into some of those bigger conversations about conservation.’’

Fernandez, however, said there’s no reason to delay.

“We need something to address this issue so we’re not back here in five or 10 years,’’ she said. Fernandez said it was ignoring the problem for years that suddenly created this push for immediate action.

“We knew there was a drought,’’ she said.

“We knew climate change was real,’’ Fernandez said. “And this is what happens when we don’t believe our scientists.’’

While Fann doesn’t want progress slowed by new issues like conservation, she said there’s no guarantee that she and other Republicans will vote for the

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has been drafts.

“So I can’t tell you what’s in it and what’s not,’’ Fann said. Instead, she said some ideas have been “floated by’’ lawmakers.

“And everything that’s been floated by we’re still being told, ‘We’re still doing a couple of tweaks’ or ‘We’re almost there,’” she said. And without that language, Fann said, there is no way for lawmakers to decide if what they are being asked to approve is what’s been agreed to by the various special interests.

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

(Capitol Media Services)

State Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, said trying to discuss conservation now would slow down the water agreement's progress.

necessary legislation.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Local founder/CEO steps down from Wings for Warriors AFN News Staff

A

n Ahwatukee veteran who founded an organization that helped thousands of U.S. soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan has resigned from the group.

Anthony “Doc” Ameen told supporters he was leaving Wings for Warriors “to pursue an enticing educational opportunity” and spend more time with his wife and their four children.

A member of the Desert Vista High School Class of 2000, Ameen was only four months into his Afghanistan deployment as a U.S. Navy Hospital corpsman in 2008 when he stepped on an explosive device.

The explosion left him with two shattered legs and a crushed left wrist with two dangling fingers.

During his ensuing 32 surgeries, the lower half of his left leg was amputated. Reconstructive surgeries were required for his left hand and fingers.

His “noodle” of a right leg was eventually reconstructed, but for some

time, its fate was borderline.

Though honored with numerous service medals, including the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Valor Distinction and a Purple Heart, Ameen was without Social Security benefits for nearly two years and his fight through government bureaucracy only exacerbated his combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder.

Finally, through tenacity of spirit and congressional assistance, he obtained his back benefits and used that money to establish Wings for Warriors – which he said “strives to provide the public with a raw look into the daily obstacles that wounded warriors face” re-entering civilian life.

His work has helped over 5,000 wounded warriors and their families and caregivers with healthcare, financial benefits and counseling. Over 300 military families have received travel assistance.

“There are over 56,000-plus combat wounded veterans that have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan,” he

said at one time. “I understand and know firsthand what these wounded warriors are facing on a daily basis with regard to their recovery process.”

In recent years, Ameen also crafted relationships with HomeBridge Financial Services and OdySea Aquarium to expand his work.

“As the founder, I’ve had immense pride in what the board has been able to accomplish with my executive leadership,” he told supporters.

“Our experienced board leadership will continue the fantastic work that Wings for Warriors has accomplished these past eight years.”

“This is a very exciting time for myself, as well as the organization to grow, and it will be fulfilling to watch it succeed from the sidelines,” he added.

Ameen, who also is a business consultant, did not say in his announcement what the educational opportu(Special to AFN) nity is and he did not respond to an Ahwatukee veteran Anthony Ameen has email request for comment. stepped down from the foundation he Information on the group: wings- created to help fellow wounded warriors. forwarriors.org

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Ducey rolls out his agenda in Capitol, East Valley

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

U

ndeterred by last year’s defeat, Gov. Doug Ducey said last week he will make another run at getting lawmakers to approve his school safety plan – including a controversial provision to allow judges to take weapons away from people considered dangerous and placing armed officers on every campus.

Speaking Monday at the Capitol and then again on Wednesday in Gilbert at a breakfast sponsored by the East Valley Chambers of Commerce and the East Valley Partnership, Ducey touted his administration’s Safe Arizona Schools Plan.

“More cops, more counselors, improved background checks” were only some of the aspects Ducey listed.

The governor also stated he wished to protect Second Amendment rights “while keeping guns out of the hands of individuals who are a lethal threat.”

But what he wants in the plan – and the universal background checks he refuses to consider – could again doom the proposal he said would help cut down on mass

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state’s “rainy-day’’ savings account from the current $450 million to $1 billion, a figure that would be about 10 percent of a normal state budget, to be prepared for the next financial downturn.

And he promised to make good on last year’s plan to hike teacher pay an average

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DUCEY

from page 14

of another 10 percent by 2020 on top of the current 10 percent – though there was no mention of pay hikes for counselors, bus drivers, custodians and others not included in the package.

What is most likely to create the most friction in the State Legislature for the governor is his school safety plan.

The governor told lawmakers his starting point is the plan he offered last year, one he said was based on a study of the five deadliest school shootings of the past two decades. More to the point, he wanted to know what could be done to have prevented them in the first place.

Some elements proved largely noncontroversial, like more police on school campuses and more school counselors.

But one common element was the belief that some of the incidents might never have happened given that there were people who had observed the soon-to-become shooters and raised questions about their safety.

That led to the STOP plan, Severe Threat Order of Protection. It would set up a procedure to allow not just police but family members and others to seek a court order to have law enforcement take an individual’s weapon while he or she is

locked up for up to 21 days for a mental evaluation.

Senate Republicans approved the proposal last year, but only after removing provisions to allow family members, guidance counselors and school administrators to refer to courts people they considered a danger to themselves or others.

Gilbert Republican Sen. Eddie Farnsworth, then the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, refused to even give the measure a hearing.

Farnsworth, now a state senator, said he remains skeptical that Ducey can craft a plan that protects the constitutional rights of gun owners.

He said, though, that’s only part of the problem. The rest, said Farnsworth, is locking people up for mental evaluations based on someone’s complaint.

“I think the intent’s good,’’ Farnsworth said. “I think we have to find a way to do it without violating the Constitution.’’

Democrats, in general, have had no problem with STOP orders. But they remain adamant that any plan must have something else that Ducey has so far been unwilling to provide.

“We want universal background checks,’’ said House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez after the governor’s speech. “We know it saves lives.’’

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Federal law requires licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks when a weapon is sold to ensure that the buyer is legally entitled to possess a gun. But those rules do not apply in person-to-person sales, including sales by individuals at gun shows.

There was no mention of universal background checks during Ducey’s speech despite that being a touchstone of what Gabrielle Giffords’ group wants. And even after the speech, the governor sidestepped questions about closing what some have called the “gun-show loophole.’’

“We’re going to improve these background checks,’’ Ducey said.

That’s what he proposed last year, with law enforcement agencies required to put more information into the database checked by gun dealers. But none of that extends the requirement to check to individual sellers.

So what’s different?

One is more resources: Ducey said there will be funds to put a police officer in every school that wants one.

“We know when a police officer is around, it makes things safer,’’ he said.

Not good enough, said Fernandez.

“We are committed to universal background checks,’’ she said. And their votes will be needed if Republicans balk.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

State Medicaid work requirement okayed by feds

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

bout 126,000 Arizonans who get free health care will soon be required to work if they can.

The federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Friday approved the state’s request that it be allowed to add a “community engagement’’ requirement to some enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program.

That means 80 hours a week of work, job search, part-time schooling, job training or organized community service, all of which has to be documented by the tenth day of the following month.

And those who don’t comply will find their benefits suspended for two months.

Friday’s announcement culminates multi-year efforts by Gov. Doug Ducey who, since the first days of his administration, has sought to make work a condition of the program.

But it is far scaled back from what the governor originally sought.

There are a host of exceptions, ranging from people with disabilities and those

attending school on a full-time basis to women who are pregnant or have given birth in the past 60 days. And members of federally recognized Native American tribes also need not comply.

It also applies only to those age 19 through 49.

The state can’t begin enforcing the requirement until at least next January.

The mandate approved by CMS applies only to those whose income is above the federal poverty level, which is $20,780 for a family of three. AHCCCS provides coverage for those earning up to 138 percent of the poverty level, or $28,676 for that same family of three.

AHCCCS figures that’s about 126,000 out of nearly 1.9 million Arizonans who get at least some care through the program.

In general, states cannot impose their own requirements on Medicaid recipients beyond what is permitted by federal law.

But CMS does allow states to seek waivers if they can show good reason.

Congressman Raul Grijalva said what CMS did here is a “stretch of the law.’’

“Congress never intended waivers to kick people out of the Medicaid program, and the law explicitly prohibits that,’’ he

MAKE SURE YOUR FURNACE IS

said.

“Our hospitals will once again be flooded with uncompensated care and families struggling with health issues, including women who have recently given birth, will be one medical bill away from bankruptcy,’’ he said.

CMS Administrator Seema Verma defended the decision.

“Medicaid demonstrations like this one empower states to provide health coverage to their citizens while allow the states the flexibility to tailor their approach to their unique populations,’’ she said, suggesting one reason her agency approved the state request was that it consulted with tribes, ultimately agreeing not to try to impose the work requirements on tribal members.

“Employment and community engagement are proven to have a positive effect on overall health and well-being,’’ the governor said. “By aligning educational and employment incentives, and providing robust job-search support services and educational opportunities, Arizona can create pathways toward better health outcomes and employment opportunities for our citizens.’’

But Siman Qaasim, director of health

policy for the Children’s Action Alliance, said it’s not that simple. She said it’s easy for people to be tripped up by new paperwork requirements.

The real problem, she said, is it fails to recognize the kind of things that will disqualify people.

For example, Qaasim said, it’s fine to say that people should be working 20 hours a week.

“It just doesn’t happen in real life,’’ she said, with people working certain jobs getting to come in only when they’re assigned a shift.

“They want to work,’’ Qassim said.

And she said people who get sick and don’t meet the work requirements for that month then find themselves in the position where they have neither work nor health care. Qassim said it’s fine to say that people can seek a waiver.

“But it’s hard to navigate the bureaucracy to get an exemption while lying in the hospital with a broken arm.’’

AHCCCS spokeswoman Heidi Capriotti said one concession to the problems that people may have is that those who don’t meet the work requirements lose their coverage for only two months.

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JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Legal pot use hit new highs in Arizona last year

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

T

he number of pounds of medical marijuana being purchased and consumed in Arizona is increasing at a rate twice as fast as the number of people legally entitled to use it.

New figures from the state Department of Health Services show that Arizonans smoke, ate or otherwise consumed nearly 60 tons of the drug in 2018.

That’s the equivalent of nearly 122,000 one-pound bags of Oreos.

The figure is a 40.7 percent increase over 2017 sales figures reported to state health officials.

But the number of medical marijuana patients is up less than 20 percent, to the current tally of slightly more than 186,000.

The Health Department does not provide figures on how much money the state-licensed dispensaries – the only places where marijuana legally can be sold – took in during 2018.

But if marijuana runs an average of $200 an ounce – and the prices can vary both up and down from that, depending on the dispensary and the quality of the drug – that’s close to $400 million changing hands at the retail level.

Will Humble, who was state health director when voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act in 2010, said the disparity between the increase in the amounts of pot bought and the number of users doesn’t necessarily mean that the average medical marijuana user is buying or consuming more.

“You’ve got a subset of the patients that are buying a lot of marijuana,’’ he said.

“And then there are patients that aren’t buying anything hardly,’’ Humble said, at least not from state-licensed dispensaries.

Instead, they may have obtained their state-issued card allowing them to be able to possess the drug without fear of arrest and prosecution but have found it more convenient to simply make their purchases from street dealers.

That, said Humble, may be changing as some of these buyers decide it’s not only more convenient to go to dispensaries but that they also can get a better variety of products there – particularly edibles ranging from gummies and chocolate bars to various oils and infusions.

The numbers suggest some basis for that.

While whole marijuana remains the most popular form for buyers, its yearover-year use is up less than 40 percent.

But sales of edibles and other forms jumped by 55 percent between 2017 and 2018.

Under the 2010 voter approved law, patients with certain medical conditions and a doctor’s recommendation can obtain up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana every two weeks.

Those conditions range from cancer and glaucoma to AIDS and post-traumatic stress disorder. But by far the largest category of patients are those who complain of “chronic pain.’’

The report also states that males with medical marijuana cards outnumber females by a margin of 3-2; the largest group of cardholders is in the 31-to-40 age group; and more sales are made on Saturdays than any other day of the week.

The 2018 sales figures of nearly 122,000 pounds have once again set a new record.

Fewer than 87,000 pounds were sold in 2017 and about 58,600 pounds the year before that.

That was a 52 percent increase over 2015 sales which, in turn, were double the 2014 numbers.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Schools big winners in Ducey budget plan in numerous ways

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lush with cash, Gov. Doug Ducey is proposing an $11.4 billion spending plan for the coming year.

The package, unveiled for lawmakers Friday, includes some significant increases in dollars for some state agencies – with big pay hikes for Child Protective Services caseworkers and officers of both the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Corrections.

Matt Gress, who runs the governor’s budget office, said the additional funds should help stem the high turnover.

There is also significant additional money going into K-12 education.

More than $160 million of (Capitol Media Services) that is for the next step of the Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday rolled out his budget plan, calling pay plan designed to boost for SROs on any campus that wants one amd increasing the teacher salaries by 20 percent bonus money available for high-performing schools. over 2017 levels by 2020.

That plan still has no new dollars for pared to just 285 under the current syspay hikes for non-teaching personnel, a tem.

Maricopa Community College will get gap that has angered members of Arizona Educators United who say that everyone $6 million to train more students in medfrom counselors to bus drivers need raises ical programs for staffing operating rooms, emergency care, oncology and intensive to get living wages.

Ducey has argued that schools are free to care units.

There also is $35 million in the budget use other funds for such pay raises if they want, with aides pointing out he is adding for university operating cash and capital another $68 million to the budget in his improvements.

But much of what Ducey is proposing promise to eventually restore other funds in new spending involves one-time dollars. taken from schools during the recession.

Gress said all indications are that the The governor is finding other ways to current growth rate of 6.8 percent a year use the money available for education.

Current law gives $38 million to schools cannot be maintained. The outlook is for whose students score in the top 10 percent that to drop in the coming fiscal year to on the AzMERIT standardized tests. That 3.3 percent, and 3.1 percent after that.

So, of the estimated $1.1 billion excess has led to criticism that the additional cash – up to $400 per pupil – was going largely the state is projected to have, Ducey wants to put $542 million of that into the “rainyto schools in higher-income areas.

Ducey proposes to alter the formula so day’’ fund, more than doubling the current the awards are based on the A-F grading levels. Aside from being a savings account against future economic downturns, Gress system for schools that now is in place.

Gress said this is fairer, as schools can get said that credit rating agencies look at such A status through not just absolute academ- accounts when grading the state, a grading ic performance but also how much stu- that affects the cost of borrowing.

The plan includes $95 million in the next dent achievement has improved and how many students graduate. And the plan also two years to widen Interstate 17 north of Anthem. And there’s $35 million to help would allow B-rated schools to qualify.

The governor’s office figures that the implement the drought contingency plan. change would make 951 schools throughout the state eligible for the dollars, comSee BAN on page 19

NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

STATE BUDGET

from page 18

Other priorities in Ducey’s budget include: • $1 million for veteran suicide-prevention efforts; • $11 million into programs designed to keep roads in good condition; • $1 million for a telemedicine program to help ensure prenatal care for women in rural areas; • restoring some state funds for superior court judges in Maricopa County that were cut during the recession.

• $21 million to expand the number of college students who would get free tuition if they agree to go into teaching in Arizona; • $9 million to ensure that any school that wants a sworn law enforcement officer on campus can have one; • $9 million to help at least some schools hire more counselors and social workers; • nearly $1 million for 10 staffers to provide better financial and academic oversight of charter schools; • restore funds to help National Guard members attend college.

High court hears Phoenix anti-bias ordinance

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

T

he Arizona Supreme Court is poised to decide exactly how far business owners can go in refusing to serve customers because of their sexual orientation as it considers a challenge to a Phoenix ordinance forbidding them to do just that.

Lawyers for Breanna Koski and Joanna Duka, owners of Brush & Nib Studio, argued Tuesday that they cannot be forced to use their talents to design custom wedding invitations, place cards and other material if the happy couple is of the same gender.

They say they are devout Christians and contend their sincerely held religious beliefs trump the ability of the city of Phoenix to enforce its ordinance barring places of “public accommodation’’ from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Attorneys for Phoenix, however, say the issue is simple: Once the women opened for business and began soliciting customers, they cannot pick and choose who to serve.

Officially, the only thing before the state’s high court is the request by the women for a ruling declaring the Phoenix ordinance

unenforceable, at least against them.

But the outcome will determine where the line is drawn between the right of governments to prevent discrimination and the right of individuals to follow what they say are their religious beliefs.

That line was supposed to have been drawn last year by the U.S. Supreme Court, hearing the case of a Colorado baker who was cited for refusing to craft a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

But the justices there sidestepped the issue. They overturned the trial court ruling against the baker – but only for the reason that he had not received a fair hearing before the Colorado Civil Rights Board.

That lack of clear precedent has not stopped dozens of organizations from filing their own legal briefs, each citing what they say are existing legal precedents the Arizona justices should follow.

For example, attorneys for Americans for Separation of Church and State point to a clause of the U.S. Constitution which forbids not just the establishment of a state religion but also forbids any laws that favor one religion over another. They contend that allowing the women to use their claim of religious beliefs effectively creates a sub-

stantial burden on those who do not share that belief.

And Lambda Legal cited a whole series of cases they say stand for the proposition that religious beliefs do not trump anti-discrimination law. That includes a ruling against business owners who refuse to serve blacks because of religious beliefs against integration.

There’s also the historic 1967 U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Virginia’s interracial marriage ban when the trial judge had said that “Almighty God creates the race white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents’’ and therefore “did not intend for the races to mix.’’

But the Cato Institute said forcing the women to craft something that goes against their religious beliefs is akin to forcing them to express a viewpoint with which they disagree.

Their lawyers cite the 1977 U.S. Supreme Court decision which concluded that the state cannot force people to display any specific messages on their license plates.

And they say if people can’t be forced to display a message contrary to their beliefs, See

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NEWS

DICICCIO

from page 1

program components.”

For future repairs beyond this project, the report states, “the city will contribute $2 million annually to the Sports Facilities Fund, up to a maximum of $25 million.

The Suns will contribute $1 million annually, up to a maximum of $12.5 million.”

The proposed contract would expire in 2037, and if the Suns left Phoenix before then, they would pay the city “up to $200 million in liquidated damages,” the city manager’s report states, although it does not elaborate how the exact penalty would be computed.

The agreement will require the approval of five of the nine council members and so far, only interim Mayor Thelda Williams and Councilwoman Debra Stark have indicated they’ll vote for it.

In its recommendation to council for approval, the city manager noted that the arena “has been a downtown anchor for 30 years, bringing 40 million visitors to the city’s core” and said it was a major contributor to downtown Phoenix’s diverse mix of attractions.

“It has been a key to the vitality, growth and success of downtown,” it stated.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

found nearly half favored the agreement while the other half was split evenly between opponents and those who had no opinion.

“Polling results are clear: when residents of Phoenix understand the facts surrounding the deal and the impact of the stadium, they too support the renovations. Without implementing new taxes, the City and Suns have the opportunity to improve the facility and make downtown Phoenix an even more attractive place to live, work or visit.”

DiCiccio said that’s not the point.

He cited the original agreement the city (Special to AFN) negotiated with then team City Councilman Sal DiCiccio is seeking changes in the new owner Jerry Colangelo. agreement between Phoenix and the Suns over the Talking Stick “The Phoenix Suns from Resort Arena that comes up for a vote today, Jan. 23. their inception put in more money than the city Also supporting the deal is the Greater of Phoenix,” he said, adding that Robert Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, which Sarver ponied up $29 million when he earlier this month said it had conducted bought the Suns in 2004. a poll of 493 Phoenix residents and Over time, he added, the Suns have

310346_4.9_x_5.4.indd 1

invested $150 million in the arena as opposed to the city’s $79 million.

But DiCiccio said it’s not enough to look at cost and that what each side gets out of the deal financially also should be considered, calling attention to the socalled “waterfall agreement” delineating the Suns’ and city’s share of annual revenue generated by the arena.

“Why are the Suns always making more money off this agreement? It’s because they put in the most amount of money,” he said.

“They put it in the most amount of risk.

They should expect the highest return.”

But even though the city is now being asked to put up more money than the Suns for the arena renovation, he noted, the terms of the waterfall agreement don’t change.

“The new one shows that they’re going to be making approximately $14 million per year and we’re going to be making about $4 million per year even though it’s switched with the amount of capital that’s being put in Phoenix,” DiCiccio said, adding: “Now the Phoenix taxpayers are putting in $150 million and the Suns are going to put in 80. The most important thing is not just what we pay, but what we get See

DICICCIO on page 21

9/12/18 12:09 PM

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

DICICCIO

from page 20

in return. That didn’t flip, that didn’t change.”

“So now we pay more and we get less out of the deal,” he added. “So that needs to change and the only way to change that is to drop the amount of money that we’re paying upfront.”

Today’s vote, delayed from a scheduled vote late last year, caps a week where DiCiccio saw some success in two other measures he’s pushed.

He submitted petitions with 49,554 signatures for an election – possibly as early as May – on his Responsible Budget Initiative.

That initiative, if passed, would require city officials to “honestly and accurately account for all pension obligations using realistic, historical average rates of return on the various funds’ investments and actuarial assumptions, instead of basing our costs on the phony, politically negotiated rates we currently use.”

It also would eliminate pensions for elected officials in the city – including himself – and limit city budget increases to inflation plus population increases until pensions for city workers would be fully funded. Phoenix currently faces a

staggering $4.4 billion. Increases for the police and fire budgets would be exempt from the initiative.

“I’ve asked over and over again for the real numbers, and they won’t give them to me, or to you, our bosses,” DiCiccio said. “Passing the Responsible Budgets Initiative is the only way to ensure that Phoenix’s citizens and elected officials will have all the information we need to make good decisions.

“We absolutely must pay every single dime we owe to our current employees and retirees,” he added, stating that he feared the city was heading toward a situation where it would either have to renege on pension payments or drastically cut services such as street maintenance and public safety.

While the signatures for that budget initiative still have to be verified, the city verified petition signatures for another pending public vote that DiCiccio has sought – the continuation of light rail expansion.

“If voters pass this critical ballot measure, we will finally end the wasteful light rail expansion, and use those monies for what we really need: fixing our crumbling streets and infrastructure, and improving bus service,” he said.

The election has not been scheduled yet.

BAN

NEWS from page 19

it follows that they can’t be forced to write out a message that violates their beliefs.

And a legal brief by the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty says even though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that gays have a right to marry, nothing in that ruling requires that others share that belief – or allows that they be forced to act in ways that endorse same-sex nuptials.

One issue that the justices may have to struggle with is that question of whether what the women are being asked to do effectively forces them to use their skills to express a viewpoint with which they disagree. And caught up in that could be a deeper question of what, exactly, is art.

The court may balk at telling artists they have to use their talents to create something that is antithetical to their beliefs.

Attorneys for Alliance Defending Freedom, the Christian law firm that is representing the women, said forcing them to design a wedding invitation for a same-sex couple would be the equivalent of requiring an artist to accept a commission to paint swastikas.

But Judge Lawrence Winthrop, writing last year for the state Court of Appeals, suggested that what the women were pro-

21

ducing hardly qualified as forcing them to express a sentiment with which they disagreed. He said the items that the women would produce “would likely be indistinguishable to the public’’ whether the invites were for a heterosexual or homosexual couple.

“Take for instance an invitation for the marriage of Pat and Pat,’’ Winthrop wrote.

He said that could have been created for Patrick and Patrick, or Patrick and Patricia.

“The invitation would not differ in creative expression,’’ the judge wrote for the unanimous court in upholding the Phoenix ordinance. And he rejected the idea that selling that invitation to a same-sex couple would be a forced endorsement of the marriage.

“It is unlikely that a general observer would attribute a company’s product or offer of services, in compliance with the law, as indicative of the company’s speech or personal beliefs,’’ he wrote.

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

22

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Barney leaving county post to supervise a new venture

BY JASON STONE AFN Staff Writer

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aricopa County Supervisor Denny Barney is in his final days on the board, but he doesn’t plan on going anywhere.

The Gilbert resident is ending his second term as a supervisor two years early so he can fully concentrate on his job as president and CEO of the East Valley Partnership, a consortium of local business and community leaders that advocates for economic development, education, transportation, (Special to AFN) infrastructure, arts and County Supervisor Denny Barney is stepping down to assume fulltime healthcare. responsibilities as CEO of the East Valley Partnership.

“There was part of me who thought I might Barney’s regular day job as a principal in be able to do both,” said Barney, who is ARCUS Private Capital Solutions, a spestepping down Feb. 1. “And the truth is I cialized realty investment and finance probably could.” company.

But with no plans to run for re-election “I still have a family and a vocation outin 2020 – and needing a little bit of a side of public service,” Barney said. “At breather – Barney said now is a good time some point I need to focus in on a little to step away from the Board of Supervibit.” sors.

Before his first election to the Board of Since 2012, the sixth-generation AriSupervisors, Barney was a member of the zona native has served District 1, which county’s Planning and Zoning Commisincludes Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, sion and served on the county’s Board of Tempe, Sun Lakes, west Mesa and AhHealth. watukee. He won re-election four years His public service credentials go back later by nearly 22,000 votes over Demoeven further as he’s been a member of crat challenger Matthew Cerra.

Greater Phoenix Leadership, served as During his time as a supervisor, he president of the Mesa Baseline Rotary served as chairman twice (2014 and 2017) Club and sat on the boards of the United and represented the board on the Greater Food Bank, Arizona board of American Phoenix Economic Council Board of DiIndian Services, Commission on Excelrectors and the Maricopa Association of lence in Education and various Banner Governments Regional Council.

Health Advisory boards.

He also serves on the Advisory Board for Barney had already indicated early last ASU’s Morrison Institute of Public Policy year that he wouldn’t run for a supervisor and on the Mesa United Way Board of Diseat for a third time. He made that decirectors, where he acted as the chairman for sion even before he was picked to lead the its annual campaign.

East Valley Partnership last year. In late In 2016, he was appointed as one of May, former CEO John Lewis, a one-time Arizona’s at-large delegates at the Repubmayor of Gilbert, left on a Mormon mislican National Convention, where he cast sion in Cambodia and handed over the one of the party’s 58 delegate votes for leadership reigns to Barney. now-President Donald Trump.

All that activity doesn’t even mention See

BARNEY on page 23

NEWS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SUPERVISOR

from page 1

“I believe my business, legislative and community experience will compliment the current board team.”

Barney is leaving the position two years early to start working fulltime as president/CEO of the East Valley partnership, a consortium of business, community and government leaders that addresses education, economic development and other major issues in the region.

A Gilbert resident, Barney was elected by the partnership board last June to replace former Gilbert Mayor John Lewis, who with his wife accepted a call from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a three-year mission assignment in Cambodia.

County Supervisor District 1 includes Ahwatukee and a large swath of the East Valley as well as Scottsdale. Barney was one of four Republicans on the five-member board.

The other four board members are soliciting applications for his replacement through this Friday, Jan. 25, and will then determine his successor. State law requires that Barney’s replacement be a Republican and live in the district – qualifications that both Norgaard and Schmuck meet. The successful candidate would have to seek election to a full four-year term in 2020.

The four current supervisors and the Clerk of the Board will vote on a replacement after interviewing the candidates and the board hopes to make a selection by mid-February, a spokesman said.

Each of the five supervisors also have their own staff and an annual office budget of about $440,000.

The board as a body oversees an annual budget that currently totals nearly $2.5 billion.

That money funds a wide variety of ser-

BARNEY

23

from page 22

“It just kind of evolved,” Barney said after he agreed to fill in part-time without pay. “(Lewis) said, ‘I would love to have you. Have you considered stepping in?’ I told him I hadn’t thought about it, but I’d be happy to fill in on a part-time basis. I said at some point we would have to consider the ramifications on the Board (of Supervisors).”

For half of last year, Barney juggled both positions, which wasn’t as difficult as he thought it would be.

“There’s a tremendous amount of overlap,” Barney said. “The work with the partnership very closely resembles the area that I control on the board. The partner-

JILL NORGAARD

FRANK SCHMUCK

RUSDON RAY

vices that include: county road and bridge construction and maintenance, the operation of all other county offices such as those of the sheriff and recorder; flood control and various health and sanitation programs, including restaurant and supermarket inspections; Superior Court and related operations, including the public defender, county attorney and probation; and various education, cultural and recreation programs.

The position of county supervisor pays $76,600 annually – more than three times the $24,000 annual salary earned by occupants of the positions that Norgaard and Schmuck sought last year in the State Legislature.

Norgaard lost her bid for a third term in the State House as Democrats Mitzi Epstein of Tempe and Jennifer Jermaine of Chandler took both seats.

An aerospace and defense engineer by education and background who also has experience in both corporate and small business worlds, Norgaard said, “My management experience, education and diplo-

macy greatly prepared me for the challenge of sponsoring productive legislation.

Her application touts her leadership in establishing a pilot early-intervention screening program program dyslexic preschoolers as well as various bills aimed at “protecting business from state regulatory overreach,” reducing K-12 education red tape and other initiatives.

A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and officer in the U.S. Air Force, Schmuck won distinction in the first Gulf War for delivering supplies under attack to Israel and airlifting wounded from the battlefield.

A pilot for Southwest Airlines, he was picked by Southwest founder Herb Kelleher to student international management at the American Graduate School of International Management – Thunderbird.

Schmuck touted that background in his application, stating, “Also of importance are my years of budgetary responsibility, ensuring the health and safety of others, understanding change management and implementing and monitoring policies, all of which can be immediately leveraged as

a value to Maricopa County and the Board of Supervisors.”

Schmuck lost his State Senate bid to incumbent Democrat Sean Bowie of Ahwatukee in a replay of the 2016 race. The race last year was one of the most expensive – and possible the most expensive legislative race in Arizona – as both Bowie and Schmuck spent a combined total of more than $400,000 on the campaign, with Schmuck contributing over $90,000 of his own money.

In his application, Schmuck said he has started three nonprofits over the years that support scholarships for young people, national healthcare advocacy and help veterans with their transition back into society.

He said 300 students have attended or are in college because of those scholarships and that his advocacy for patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease earned him a honors from the ALS Association. As president and later foundation chair of the Arizona Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society, he said he helped direct the growth of veterans’ courts.

ship is really about advocacy and bringing people together, and that’s significantly a component of what you do as a supervisor – bring people together.”

Barney, who lives with his wife Nichole and their four children, said transportation, jobs and education are the big issues the group will tackle in the near future.

The upcoming reauthorization of the transportation tax, or Prop 500, will be one fight to watch for East Valley cities and towns, he said.

“We have phenomenal transportation infrastructure, but only because 30 years ago a group got together and said we need to be thinking long-term,” Barney said. “If we don’t come together as a county now, 20 or 30 years from now the people who come after us are going to be behind. With

transportation you have to think about it decades in advance.”

As for employment opportunities, Barney said we could be in the golden age of jobs in the East Valley.

“It’s a fair question: How can it get better?” Barney said. “We really are super, super, super lucky. We are well-positioned with infrastructure, well-positioned with job growth and well-positioned with economic development.”

Barney said job creators such as Intel in Chandler and the work ASU is doing with innovation in Mesa and Tempe are helping “rise the whole market.”

For his replacement on Board of Supervisors, Arizona law requires the current supervisors to appoint a District 1 resident of the same political party, in this case a

Republican. If that person wants to keep the appointed seat, he or she will have to run in the next general election in 2020.

The clerk of the board is accepting applications through Jan. 25. After those are in, Barney said he expects the whole process to seat a new person to take a week to ten days.

“I’m sure the board will ask my opinion,” Barney said about his replacement choices. “It’s quite an evolving list, but I’m not going to publicly endorse one candidate.

There are some good choices though.”

Whoever is picked will be charged with keeping things running smoothly in district.

“There are a lot of good things happening right now,” Barney said. “We want to make sure we don’t lose momentum.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

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DV alumna ready, set, going toward NASCAR fame

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

C

assie Gannis, a 2009 Desert Vista High School alumna and Ahwatukee native, jets to Austria this week in her next step to NASCAR Formula 1 racing.

The NASCAR Super Late Model racer and team owner will be one of only eight American women invited to compete for a berth in the inaugural W Series – a women-only race car series designed to provide women experience to advance to Formula 1 racing.

There are 60 women racers from throughout Europe and the U.S. vying for 18 coveted spots. The four-day competition has 30 countries represented, with winners moving on to the W Series Races in Germany this May. The final 18 drivers will be provided with identical single-seat, open wheel 2019 Tatuus F3-318 cars.

The W series could open the door for some Formula 1 competition, including Grand Prix and Indy 500 contests.

(Elena Thornton/Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee race car driver Cassie Gannis swam as a youngster, undaunted by the scoliosis that took her years to overcome.

As for competing, well, that’s in her blood. And if the way she mastered swimming and a painful and disfiguring disease as a youngster is any indication, all signs point to success.

“The mission of the W Series is to give women an even playing field. I’m not sure how much they’re spending, but I am glad they have amazing sponsors to create this opportu-

nity,” said Gannis in a rare free moment.

“I have experience with stock cars and oval racing,” she added. “The W Series will be road course and open wheel. I don’t have much experience in these areas, but I am ready to get out there. I have been doing karting and computer simulated racing. I think the racecar they’re having us use is sleek and will be fast. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.”

Gannis’ interest in competitive racing started with midget cars on the Quarter Midget track at South Mountain Park at age 10.

She had grown up watching her father, John Gannis, a Southwest Airlines pilot, race those cars on the quarter mile dirt track at Manzanita Speedway, which closed in 2009.

“From the first time I saw cars racing, that is all I wanted to do,” she explained.

“From a very young age, once I saw my dad race, I was hooked. When other kids were watching kid shows, all I wanted to do was watch NASCAR. I fell in love with See

RACER on page 25

EV group a beacon for domestic violence victims

BY CECILIA CHAN AFN Staff Writer

L

isa described the abuse in her 15year marriage as a slow drip that crept up on her.

“It was very much a controlled situation that kind of slowly builds upon itself,” said the Gilbert resident, whose last name is not being used to protect her identity.

“At the end, probably the last three to four years it was the most intense where I wasn’t able to really go anywhere. There were times he took my purse, keys, phone and computer and everything so I could not go to work that day.”

There was also the time when he locked her out of the house in the middle of the night during an argument, the time he threw a computer across the room and broke the television and the time he chased her down the driveway and

flung soda at her car windshield when she tried to go to a hip-hop concert with girls from work because he was angry she didn’t make him dinner.

Still, the now 40-year-old mom of three young children stayed.

The breaking point for Lisa came when her husband physically attacked her one day.

“He shoved me into the wall and pinned me after chasing me around the house,” she said. “People ask, ‘why did you stay so long?’ You just don’t know what your line is until you know it happens. It was a horrible day but gratifying it happened because it pushed me to do what I needed to do.”

Helping Lisa as she left her marriage was Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation, a Gilbert nonprofit that focuses on preventing and healing family violence.

Winged Hope received the Service Co-

ordination Award in 2018 from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office in recognition of its work after it was nominated by Gilbert Prosecutor’s Office Victim Services Unit.

“We decided to nominate Winged Hope because of their ability to address victims’ unique needs,” said Dina Guilera, victim advocate for the office. “When we refer victims to Winged Hope, we know that they will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.”

Helping thousands Since its inception in 2013, Winged Hope has reached over 42,000 people across Arizona, including the number of di-

(Special to AFN)

WINGED on page 27

Jessica Nicely, CEO of Gilbert-based Winged Hope, helps children and spouses victimized by domestic violence.

See

COMMUNITY

JANUARY 23, 2019| AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

RACER

from page 24

racing.”

She credits her father with encouraging her passion – but not before proving she was serious.

“I watched the quarter midget cars race and decided I wanted to do it. My dad gave me a rule book and insisted I had to learn all the rules. Since I have dyslexia, it took me a long time to get through the book. I had the rules read to me, then I would memorize them,” the 27-year-old recalled.

“When my dad found out, he was so impressed. He got me a used quarter midget and I won my first race.”

With that, she added, “My competitive spirit was born.”

“I was swimming competitively, doing very well and winning races, but with car racing it was totally different. I had to win.

As I got better, we bought a kit and put one together in the garage. That is when I decided I liked working on the cars and understanding the mechanics of how the cars work. From there we bought a new quarter midget, and it was all downhill from there.”

Besides the dyslexia, the youngster who swam competitively for Sun Devil Aquatics

at ASU from ages 5 to 10 was nearly hobbled by scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.

In early photos of her, posing with her swim medals draped around her neck, its painfully obvious her left shoulder arches four inches higher than her right.

She was diagnosed at age 12, and in 2006, at age 15, underwent surgery to correct the condition after enduring years in hard shell upper body braces.

Despite years of spending 20 hours a day in two braces made to accommodate her growth, Gannis’ scoliosis worsened, progressing from a 15-percent curvature to 50 percent.

Two titanium rods in her back corrected the problem.

“After surgery the doctor came out and told me Cassie had grown two inches,” said Kathy Gannis, her mother and personal manager.

Though fearful she might not race again, she not only fully recovered but in 2013 founded Cassie Gannis Racing and bought her own NASCAR Super Late Model race car.

She travels the country for races and personal appearances for her sponsors like ToughTested. She also has a full-time job at Ahwatukee Animal Care.

Win a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience “Racing atand working full-time makes the NHRA Arizona Nationals me very aware of time management,” February 23rd-25th

Gannis said.

“My days are really full. I get up around four, head to the gym, then off to work, get home around 7 p.m., walk my dogs, eat, then off to bed to do it all over again the next day. I have one day off during the week and usually take that day for appointments and working on the racecar.

That doesn’t leave room for much else, she admitted.

“I don’t have much time for a social life, I really don’t have one. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I really need to focus on my career,” said Gannis.

“When I race everything just kinda…” she paused. “Stops.”

Being chosen as one of 60 women racers competing in the W Series tryouts came as a surprise.

“When I was notified… I was shocked.

Tiffany Coffman of The Coffman Agency called me and told me to get my International C License ASAP. We had little time to get everything together; the people at NASCAR were amazing, so we got it done.

“After the official list came out, that’s when it really hit me,” she said. “I mean, out of all the women racers in the world, I was picked to qualify for this groundbreaking series; I was humbled.”

Upon arriving at the training facility

See

RACER on page 27

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outside Vienna, the W Series qualifiers will be tested in driving techniques, technical and engineering approaches, fitness, mental endurance and media skills.

Expenses for travel, training and accommodations are paid by W Series to “ensure the competition was open to drivers from all economic backgrounds,” according to a press release.

David Coulthard, a 13-time Grand Prix winner-turned-sports commentator, is among those conducting testing and interviewing.

“We at W Series believe that female and male racing drivers can compete with one another on equal terms given the same opportunity,” he said, adding currently, “women racing drivers tend to reach a glass ceiling at around the GP3/Formula level, often as a result of a lack of funding.”

He said the female single-seat will “establish a competitive and constructive habitat” that will give the women the skills they need “to eventually move up to existing high-level mainstream racing series and compete with the best male drivers on equal terms.”

In her spare time, Gannis actively works to aid the NASCAR Foundation Speediatrics Children’s Fund, The Arizona Hu-

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Student artists shine at Mountain Pointe The annual Mountain Pointe High School student art show was held last Thursday, offering the student body a chance to not only see some of their peers’ creations but to also watch some of them actually creating. 1) Mikayla Begay sketched while 2) Armanee Hammond painted as 3) Jackie Bennett demonstrated her technique and 4) Kaylee Gleason showed off her photography. 5) Emily Zapata showed off her computer graphic art as 6) Madison Taylor displayed her work and 7) Kennedy Ross focused on a drawing and 8) Diego Avila made art in pen and ink.

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2

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PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO/AFN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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JANUARY 23, 2019| AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

RACER

WINGED

from page 25

mane Society and the Beatitude Campus Retirement Community Power of the Purse, which supports Comfort Matters: Living Better with Dementia.

“I’m a huge rescue animal supporter. My motto is ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop,” she said.

As for Beatitude, she explained, “My grandma has Alzheimer’s and although I can’t be with her in Pittsburgh, I can still use my name in racing to help here in Phoenix,” she said. “My scoliosis has allowed me to speak with others and help them through their journey.”

Her parents admit the possibility of having their daughter spend months racing in Europe is difficult, yet also joyful.

“We’re so excited for her – this is her first trip to Europe,” said Kathy Gannis.

“We would never want to hold her back; this is a huge opportunity. Just to be included in this is amazing.”

The Gannis family – including elder daughter Alexis, a Phoenix firefighter – has lived in Ahwatukee since 1989.

Regardless of the outcome of this week’s racing trials, the 5-foot-8-inch Gannis has plans for her future in racing: “My goal is to eventually race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.”

from page 24

rect victims as well as individuals reached with trainings and educational resources, according to Rebecca Hasulak, Winged Hope board secretary.

The group began offering direct victim services in June 2016 and since then helped 1,590 domestic violence victims and their families.

The nonprofit serves the community in three ways: providing direct victim services, renovating and starting new family advocacy centers and presenting training statewide.

The group and its board are volunteers with no paid staff and rely on donations.

The group’s Hope Run, a 1-mile run/ walk and 5K, coming up on April 6 at Freestone Park in Gilbert, raises some money, but its main function is to bring awareness of programs available to the community. Law enforcement and other nonprofits collaborate on and attend the event.

Winged Hope currently has 20 volunteers, says founder and CEO Jessica Nicely, a child abuse and domestic violence survivor who was a Miss Arizona USA contestant in 1979.

Domestic violence reporting has

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steadily increased in Arizona over the last five years – a trend Nicely credits to the growing awareness of the problem.

“I started sharing my story 22 years ago when not many survivors were telling their story,” Nicely said. “I want people to make it normal that we talk about past trauma as part of the story and not have shame in it.

Victims of violence always carry shame and I want people to understand they don’t have to hold onto it.”

Winged Hope’s free training statewide has encouraged survivors to step forward.

“When we do a (Special to AFN) training, 100 per- Winged Hope CEO Jessica Nicely filming for the group's child sexual abuse prevention

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from page 27

cent of the time we have a line of people ready to disclose their own trauma and abuse because they see someone talking about their past and history and it gives them strength and permission to tell their own story,” Nicely said. “That is what I really hope will start to change not only in Arizona but across the nation.”

Holistic approach

What sets Winged Hope apart from other nonprofits is its focus on the whole family.

“We serve children who have witnessed domestic violence,” Nicely said.

“Currently in the state of Arizona, a child who witnesses domestic violence is not considered a victim and (Special to AFN) doesn’t get victim services Winged Hope board member Elan Morris work at the Maricopa Family through the state.”

Advocacy Center.

Exposure to such violence Winged Hope’s new endeavors include is the single greatest predictor of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality, she forming a domestic violence support group sometime this year. Currently, said.

Children are one of the largest groups Catholic Charities is the only one proWinged Hope provides out-sourced viding that service in the Southeast Valley, according to Nicely. therapy for.

Working in collaboration with Catho“We heal the whole family,” said Nicely, a Gilbert resident. “We have a family lic Charities, the support group will inwhere the second marriage involved do- clude a victim advocate and a therapist, mestic violence. We are providing ther- she said.

Winged Hope also has partnered with apy for the non-offending father of the first marriage and the grandparents in the national nonprofit Camp Hope, that situation so they could know what which runs camps for children who have they need to look out for, how to heal witnessed abuse or have been abused the children because of the domestic vio- themselves.

“We’ve started the collaboration and lence they’ve witnessed.”

“We look at what household these chil- will go through training for one year dren go back to and get them the proper and then look at other camps around the care and healing and the understanding nation and start our first in Arizona in of the impact of domestic violence on 2020,” Nicely said.

This will be a chance for children who children.”

Winged Hope also provides therapy to have experienced this kind of trauma adult sexual-abuse survivors, no matter to get together since it is hard for them to relate to others who have not gone how long ago that abuse occurred.

“The abuse may have happened 20 to through domestic violence, according to 30 years ago, but they are ready for thera- Nicely.

This program especially is close to py now,” Nicely said. “We recognize that adult survivors who don’t heal are not al- Nicely’s heart, who experienced and witways the best and effective parents they nessed abuse from her father, who later can be. They don’t have the eyes to see killed himself.

“A lot of the programs we offer touched violence that comes into their home and my life,” she said. “I love the idea of predators count on that.

“We want people to understand no Camp Hope. As a child going through matter how long ago the abuse happened, there is always a chance for healing.”

See WINGED on page 29

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WINGED

from page 28

this, you pretend you are like everyone and everything is OK, but it’s not. The concept of Camp Hope is they can be around other children who know exactly what they are going through.”

Nicely said she got help in high school by attending a support group for children of alcoholics.

“I told the counselor what was happening at home and I was getting healing while still living with the abuse,” she said.

“That really is part of why I am able to be as healthy as I am.

“Also, the work I do is very healing,” she added. “It’s incredible the feeling and experience you get when you’re (working) with someone who is living this same kind of abuse and offering them hope.”

Staggering number of victims On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States or more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year, according to The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

In the state, an estimated 1.3 million women are victimized by intimate partners each year with one in every four women experiencing domestic violence in her lifetime, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported, adding many such cases are never reported to the police.

And, according to the state Attorney General’s Office, the rate of intimate partner homicides in Arizona is 45 percent higher than the national average.

Lisa came in contact with Winged Hope in 2017 during the middle of her divorce. She came home one day from work to find her patio door shattered.

She knew immediately her husband was responsible. The two had separated in 2016 after Lisa had him removed from the home with a restraining order.

Lisa, who was working with Gilbert Police and Gilbert Prosecutor’s Office on her case, called about the incident.

“They said, ‘don’t worry about the window, we will figure it out, we have an organization we are working with,’” Lisa recalled.

Winged Hope stepped in and helped replace the window along with Gilbert Police’s Family Violence Unit that had a See

Winged Hope volunteers helping remodel a building into a family advocacy center in Maricopa, which was due to open this January.

WINGED on page 30

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WINGED

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victims’ fund, Lisa said.

“In March of that year, he did the same thing and threw a baseball-size rock through the picture window in the family room,” she said. “Again, Winged Hope and the department stepped up and helped me replace that window.”

Both rock-throwing incidents were caught on Lisa’s home-security cameras.

Winged Hope also provided her advice and reassurances and connected her with a family attorney because of ongoing harassment from her ex-husband, who had sought full custody of the children.

Another big help was the group’s volunteer victim advocates, one of whom accompanied Lisa to her court hearings.

“The first six months of the criminal case, I was not in the right frame to be in a courtroom for that type of prosecution after he broke my windows,” she said.

“They escort you to the courtroom, sit with you and block the line of sight between your abuser and you.”

With her vision blocked, Lisa didn’t have to contend with her husband turning around and giving her a nasty look that once would have made her crumble.

“They try to guide you through differ-

ent things,” Lisa said of the advocates. “It was a whole new world, I had no knowledge of family law or what my rights were with my kids on top of getting divorced.”

Although her divorce was granted in May 2017, life will never be normal for Lisa.

Besides the security cameras, she has taken lessons on how to fire a gun, and she keeps a picture of her ex-husband at her workplace in case he walks through the door.

“People know it’s not a good situation,” she said.

As of Nov. 30, there have been 75 domestic violence-related deaths in the

she said.

“In the beginning for me, I felt like my situation was not that bad,” said Lisa, who was conditioned to believe her life was normal and that she deserved the abuse. “There were a lot of people in that situation and for me, other people have it worse than me. They have bruises.

“Having someone to talk you through the confusing moments, talk you through your thought process even if that thought is people have it worse than me, they teach you you don’t deserve to walk on eggshells. You’re able to go to work and not be harassed, and you deserve a safe and happy life.”

Some of Winged Hope’s accomplishments • • • •

Renovated three domestic violence shelters into warm, inviting homes for women and their children Reached over 8,080 families and children with its Child Abuse Prevention program Presented its Anti-Bullying and Cyber Safety program to over 7,779 students, parents and teachers Reached 16,655 women around

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

state, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

And for 2017, the nonprofit tracked 90 known domestic violence deaths in Arizona.

According to the coalition, Arizona consistently ranks among the states with the highest homicide rates of women murdered by men; between 2005 and 2015 there were 1,255 domestic violence-related deaths.

Lisa said there are many reasons why someone might not leave an abusive situation.

Having Winged Hope helped guide her through the scary transition period,

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•

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the state with its domestic violence program Revamped interview rooms into welcoming spaces for victims at Arizona State University, Tempe Police Department and Glendale Family Advocacy Center Instrumental in the opening of the Chandler Family Advocacy Center and furnished the entire space

•

Source: Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation.

To register for The Hope Run, 8 a.m., Saturday, April 6 at Freestone Park, go to https://register.chronotrack. com/r/42779.

13th Annual Walk the Fight & Run the Distance for Parkinsons

tain Team Cap nsible o sp re e b l il w g up for pickin ts! team shir

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Race Day Registration will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Tempe Beach Park.

Register at www.walkthefight.com • February 8 - 9:00 a.m. - Packet Pickup for Runners and Team Captains at Muhammad Ali Parkinsons Center • February 9 - 7:30 a.m. - Race Day Packet Pick-up and Registration Opens • February 9 - 8:00 a.m. - 5K Run Begins • February 9 - 8:30 a.m. - Resource Fair & Children’s activities

Carrie Klosowski, LME, LT

4425 E. Agave Road, Suite 148, Phoenix, Arizona 85044 www.ahwatukeeskincare.com 480.704.SKIN (7546)

Shared its Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Program to 5,535 people in Arizona and nationwide

• February 9 - 9:00 a.m. - Run Awards (approx) • February 9 - 10:00 a.m. - 5K Walk Begins • February 9 - 10:30 a.m. - 2 Block FUN Walk Begins • February 9 - 12:00 a.m. - Walk Awards (approx)

COMMUNITY

JANUARY 23, 2019| AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Tiny duffers

1

2

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3

The Junior Golf Association earlier this monthy held an Itty Bitty Golf event at Pecos Park to introduce kids 3 to 5 to the game. Among those who dropped over were 1) Patrick and Jennifer MacQueen of Ahwatukee and sons Liam, 5, and Rory, 3; 2) Jeremy Hescher and his 4-year-old son Drew; 3) Terrance Hunter and daughters Canaan and Olivia; and 4), from left, Taylor Hescher, John Paul and Treyden Hudson.

As photo 5 shows, the kids weren’t ready yet for Ping hardware.

PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN Staff Photographer

4

5

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COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Festival of Lights Committee announces call for charity grants

The Festival of Lights Committee is asking nonprofits to submit an application for a grant by Feb. 15 at folaz.org.

The Festival of Lights was founded in 1994 to raise money to fund the annual lighting of the million white lights along Chandler Boulevard and raises money through its wine tasting event in spring and the Kickoff Party the Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend.

FOL has partnered with local charities that assist in those two events. Each January, a selection process is held to determine an award to several of those groups, based on both the charity’s purpose and their contribution to the community.

Last year the committee awarded three grants: Y OPAS $3000, Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, $3000 and Wings for Warriors, $1000. Finalists in the grant process may be asked to make a brief 15-minute presentation to the board of directors Feb. 26.

Meanwhile, the committee has changed the venue and the day of the week for this year’s wine tasting event. Instead of Saturday at Rawhide, the event will be held Friday, April 12, at Foothills Country Club – the original venue.

The committee also is seeking new members and volunteers, and its first meeting is 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Meetings will be held weekly on Tuesdays at 6 at the church.

Garage sale here raising money for diabetes research

Amber Cicchillo, whose 10-year-old son Zachary

suffers from type 1 diabetes, is holding a garage sale to help raise money for Zachary’s Infantry, her son’s entry in the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation April 6 walk at Sloan Park in Mesa.

Zachary is getting pledges for the walk and his mom hopes to increase that pot of money with the garage sale. She also is soliciting donations for the sale and plans to hold a raffle. Already, Zeeks Pizza on Warner Road has donated a $40 gift card for the raffle.

To donate items for the garage sale, contact her at Amberlyn1007@gmail.com.

The sale is 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 2 at 2118 E. Mountain Sky Court, Ahwatukee.

Joint fundraiser benefits DV, youth lacrosse teams

The Desert Vista High School and Ahwatukee Lightning lacrosse teams will co-host a cornhole tournament fundraiser 12:30-6 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Sandbar, 7200 W. Ray Road, Chandler.

Cash prizes will be offered for first and second place finishers, and the tourney includes a youth division. A wide range of raffle items will be offered and guests can enjoy tacos, margaritas, beer, and mixed drink specials all day.

Registration fee is $50 for adult teams and $20 for youth. Register at ahwatukeelax.com. Information: petebeverage@gmail.com.

Kiwanis Club to hear state aide talk about foster children

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club member Andi Pettyjohn hopes that people who have supported her various programs to benefit foster children will attend the

VOTE FOR US! for Best of Ahwatukee 2018

club’s annual meeting 7:15-8:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at Biscuits Restaurant in the strip mall at the southwest corner of Elliot Road and 48th Street when a representative from Child Protective Services will speak.

“In 2012 I first became aware of the great needs for foster youth,” she said. “I never paid attention to that prior. Since then, many have helped me and my Kiwanis Club help foster youth, with Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving Dinner and Baby Showers. Some may want to get more involved.’

She said the speaker “will tie right into placing the kids in foster care and how we can help.”

She said people who want to attend – even though they are not a member – should RSVP so she can buy them a breakfast. Contact her at andi@wttaz.com

Resident to walk 60 miles next month to help aging pets

Cynthia Todd has challenged herself to walk 60 miles in three days in mid-February to raise funds to promote the adoption of senior animals through the Arizona Humane Society.

Her Funds for Old Friends fundraiser will funnel all donations to the organization to be used to “promote the adoption of homeless senior animals” by underwriting the adoption expenses.

“If donating by check, it should be written to the Arizona Humane Society with a notation that the donation is to be credited to the Funds for Old Friends adoption campaign,” she explained.

To donate online, go to GivingGrid.com and enter Funds for Old Friends in the search bar. One hundred percent of donations made by check will go to Arizona Humane Society. All donations made online will go to AHS, once a bank transaction fee has been deducted.

She said checks can be mailed to Mary Hetrick, Arizona Humane Society, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85041.

All donations should be made on or before March 15.

‘Down under’ birds subject of next Audubon meeting

Kookaburras, Rainbow Lorikeets and Kangaroos are the stars of the Feb. 12 speaker program hosted

by Desert Rivers Audubon Society when Tempe nature photographer Cindy Marple shares her images from a recent trip to southern Australia and Tasmania.

Australia is home to a unique variety of plants, animals and birds. Almost half of its 842 species of birds are found only in Australia. Marple’s favorite subject is birds, and she teaches an intermediate birding class through the Chandler Recreation Department.

Her appearance is 7-9 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Library, southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe in Gilbert. Admission is free.

Desert Rivers’ mobile bookstore, offering the latest birding guides and other nature books, opens at 6:30 p.m.

Information: desertriversaudubon.org

Epstein to hold neighborhood council session at State House

State Rep. Mitzi Epstein, whose district includes Ahwatukee, will hold a neighborhood council 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 5 in basement room 35-38 of the State House of Representatives building, 1700 W. Washington Ave., Phoenix.

The council is a community forum with the goals of See

AROUND on page 33

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Real Estate Guide Two big Realtor groups pondering a merger AFN News Staff

T

wo of Maricopa County’s four Realtor associations are considering a merger.

In a joint announcement last week, the SouthEast Valley Regional Association of Realtors (SEVRAR) and the West Maricopa County Regional Association of Realtors said they’ve been discussing a merger and that “the discussions created an undeniable synergy between” them.

Both were formed in 1946.

SEVRAR CEO Pamela Frestedt said

SPOTLIGHT home

that while a merger would primarily impact members, buyers and sellers would indirectly benefit from an even more educated group of Realtors.

She stressed that SEVRAR already runs “an education program almost every day” for members at no cost, since that effort is covered in their association dues.

“It’s more for the membership,” Frestedt told AFN. “We’re all about education and professional standards. But that can’t help benefit consumers in the long run.”

See

Absolutely gorgeous 6 bedroom / 4 bathroom home located on hillside cul-de-sac lot in the lovely gated community of Montana Vista.

Bonny Holland

MERGER on page RE7

Immaculately appointed single level on desirable Foothills cul-de-sac lot in gated community. 4 br plus den, 3.5 ba with 3,591 sq. ft. Spacious gourmet eat-in kitchen features oversized island, stainless steel appliances, Corian countertops and raised-panel maple cabinetry. Magnificent finishes throughout include 8’ doors, 9.5’ ceilings, wooden windowsills, ceiling fans, Plantation shutters and tile flooring. Open floorplan with fireplace in inviting family room. Master suite boasts spa-like bath. Generously sized secondary bedrooms plus Princess suite with private bath. Paradise-style backyard includes Pebble Tec pool with waterfall and slide, mature desert landscaping, extended covered patio and stunning mountain views.

Stunning & pristine single-level custom estate in gated Summerhill on a 1/2 acre lot with beautiful mountain views from the front & back Listed for $1,099,000 Geno Ross See Page 6 Listed for $699,000

Offered at $679,900

See Page 6

Extraordinary views of Mummy and Camelback mountains from private hillside lot in highly sought after MacDonald Acres.

Mike Mendoza

Listed for $1,395,000 See Page 6

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 28 Years 480-706-7234

Hidden Canyon

Hidden Canyon

Immaculately appointed single level on desirable Foothills cul-de-sac lot in gated community. 4 br plus den, 3.5 ba with 3,591 sq. ft. Spacious gourmet eat-in kitchen features oversized island, stainless steel appliances, Corian countertops and raised-panel maple cabinetry. Magnificent finishes throughout include 8’ doors, 9.5’ ceilings, wooden windowsills, ceiling fans, Plantation shutters and tile flooring. Paradise-style backyard includes Pebble Tec pool with waterfall and slide, mature desert landscaping, extended covered patio and stunning mountain views.

Listed for $699,000

www.MendozaTeam.com

Eagle Ridge - Front

Mike Mendoza

Eagle Ridge - Back

Enjoy resort-style luxury with privacy and space to entertain. 4 br, 4.5 ba with 5,464 sq. ft. Gorgeous hilltop custom with detached guest house and spectacular mountain views. No interior steps, two master suites with exterior entries, large bonus room, office/den and walk-in storage room with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Backyard oasis features heated pool with waterfall, spa, ramada with BBQ, fridge and bar, gas fire pit and sport court. Garages boast 11 ft. ceilings with room for seven cars and ample storage.

Listed for $1,450,000

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Splendor in the Preserve

(Special to AFN)

While the new year has yet to see the first seven-figure home sale in Ahwatukee, there are at least seven homes in the community on the market that are priced at more than $1 million. Of these, the priciest is this home on South Equestrian Trail, listed by United Brokers Group at $4.5 million. The 10,519-square-foot, two-story home, which was built in 1995, was designed by architect Ilan Baldinger and underwent a $2.5-million renovation recently. Besides plenty of copper, metal and glass finishes, the home boasts a 2,700-bottle wine cellar, a handforged kitchen countertop, collapsing walls extending 60 feet that provide dramatic views of the South Mountain Preserve and a backyard that includes a lanai kitchen.

R

Revelation Real Estate

Ron & Coleen Tompkins

Listings Profit From Call us to be among Our the Experience best! www.TompkinsAZHomes.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

602.690.6903

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re3

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

FEATURED LISTING 28 E OAKWOOD HILLS DR, CHANDLER, AZ 85248

$2,475,000

5bed+5bath • 7,003 sq ft • 57,939 sq ft lot • MLS#5848927

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$519,900 2115 E BARKWOOD RD, AHWATUKEE, AZ 85048 34,580 sq ft HILLSIDE lot in The Sanctuary • MLS#5799050

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“ B E S T O F A H WAT U K E E 2 0 1 8 ” $294,000 1664 W SATINWOOD DR, AHWATUKEE, AZ 85045 3bed+2.5bath • 1,782 sq ft • MLS#5841878

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$385,000 9256 E BLANCHE DR, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 4bed+2bath • 1,800 sq ft • MLS#5855939

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rachaelrichards.com 480.270.5782

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Ahwatukee homes sold 85044 $115,000 $119,000 $204,000 $250,000 $282,500 $287,500 $312,500 $315,000 $340,000

10610 S. 48th St. 10610 S. 48th St. 11640 S. Jokake St. 4701 E. Piedmont Road 4445 E. Olney Drive 4820 E. Western Star Blvd.

4601 E. Sunrise Drive 3842 E. Thunderhill Place 3938 E. Nambe St.

85045 $274,800 $280,000 $320,000 $381,000 $468,000 $513,000 $520,000

15550 S. Fifth Ave. 1720 W. Amberwood Drive 16610 S. 18th Drive 1735 W. Frye Road 16433 S. First Ave. 1614 W. Amberwood Drive 16047 S. Seventh Drive

85048 $220,000 16410 S. 12th St. $227,000 16620 S. 48th St.

REAL ESTATE

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Selling your home in the spring? Get started now

BY BONNY HOLLAND AFN Guest Writer

T

(Special to AFN)

This home in the 2000 block of East Barkwood Road recently sold for $790,000. Built in 2001, the five-bedroom, 4,030-square-foot single-level house has a large master suite with sitting room, a gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, a large family room with a stone fireplace and a resort-style backyard with pool and even a putting green.

$253,400 $287,000 $377,500

16026 S. 44th Place 748 E. Glenhaven Drive 2573 E. Desert Willow Drive

$448,000 $458,100 $472,000

14648 S. 24th St. 3747 E. Tanglewood Drive 2747 E. Mountain Sky Ave.

$475,000 $565,000 $790,000

1209 E. Rocky Slope Drive 3166 E. Desert Willow Road 2010 E. Barkwood Road

he best season to sell your home begins in the spring and lasts through the early summer. Arizona housing markets differ from other area markets with varying weather. In the case of supply and demand, more inventory usually means lower prices, but this isn’t the case in real estate.

When it comes to selling your home, the prices are highest when there are more homes for sale. It is also the time when you are more likely to get a better valuation for your home.

Appraisers calculate your home value by comparable properties to yours, so since there are more homes listed and sold for higher prices during the spring, they will find your home at a higher value than in the fall or winter.

Since the weather is at its best here in the spring, there are more potential buyers visiting for the Phoenix Open, spring training games, car shows, etc. out looking to purchase a home here in our sunny and beautiful state.

Leading Luxury Home Experts

According to the Arizona Regional MLS, the best time to sell a home in our valley is typically between March and July.

If you’ve made the decision to sell in the spring of 2019, this is the perfect time to get started readying your home for the

market.

We consulted with Ahwatukee resident and owner of Agave Staging, Sandy Salazar. She works on our team by offering a complimentary consultation for all of our sellers when they choose to list with us.

Here are some of her best tips to be sure your house is show ready before it goes to market: Be prepared. You’re going to make a big mess before it all comes back together. It’s a fact that you’re moving. Now is the time to decide what will be going with you and what it is time to part with.

Begin with the end in mind. When you are ready to list your home, you will want it to be sparkling clean, light, bright, open and spacious, but also homey and inviting.

Start with closets, garage and storage areas. These are the spaces most likely to store items that you haven’t seen in a while. This should be the time to throw away, donate, sell or keep. Separate into piles and get rid of the throw away and give away items.

Plan your next garage sale or post your items of value on a website like craigslist or Ahwatukee 411 Buy and Sell. Start boxing up some of the items you intend to keep, making your move easier when the time comes.

Begin attending to minor repairs and improvements or they will come back to haunt you. Home inspectors will find those See

SELLING on page RE7

#1 Agent in Ahwatukee Closed Volume 2017 CAMELOT SUMMIT

MONTANA VISTA

NEW LISTING

355 E Wildwood Drive

$559,000

223 W Desert Flower Lane

FEATURED LISTING

1622 E Nighthawk Way

$599,000

3,090sqft, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Stunning 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom home on premium hillside lot with gorgeous curb appeal and magnificent backyard mountain views

EAGLE RIDGE ESTATES

SUNRISE

MONTANA VISTA

TAPESTRY CANYON

SHADOW ROCK

3,026sqft, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, Luxurious single level semi-custom 4 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom with magnificent mountain views located in the beautiful community of Camelot Summit

NEW LISTING

(Special to AFN)

SOLD!!

1349 E Desert Willow Drive

$1,060,000

4,684sqft, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom Fabulous 5 bedroom / 4.5 bathroom home on beautiful hillside lot located in the gated community of Tapestry Canyon

FAIRWAY ESTATES 2

SOLD!!

14649 S 5th Avenue

$749,000

3,609sqft, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom Exquisite 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath single level home on breathtaking hillside lot located in the gated community of Montana Vista

RICHMOND HEIGHTS

$679,900

3,800sqft, 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom Absolutely gorgeous 6 bedroom / 4 bathroom home located on hillside cul-de-sac lot in the lovely gated community of Montana Vista

BONNY HOLLAND Ahwatukee Resident and Realtor since 1995

FEATURED LISTING

2713 W Wildwood Drive

$559,000

2,548sqft, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, Stunning Woodside semicustom single level 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom with 10 foot ceilings plus executive office home on fabulous cul-de-sac lot

602.369.1085

Bonny@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

FEATURED LISTING

347 E Windmere Drive

$1,449,000

5,467sqft, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, This luxury custom estate home is nestled on a 26,184sqft high mountain top above The Foothills with endless breathtaking views of Estrella and South Mountains located in the gated community of Eagle Ridge

SOLD!!

1466 N Bel Air Drive

$420,000

3,182sqft, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Absolutely beautiful custom mid-century modern home located in Fairway Estates 2

www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

re5

SOLD!!

1367 E Desert Flower Lane

$705,000

3,835sqft, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, Spectacular highly upgraded semi-custom Catalina model home located in the highly desirable community of Richmond Heights

re6

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

SPOTLIGHT home

223 W Desert Flower Lane

Absolutely gorgeous 6 bedroom / 4 bathroom home located on hillside cul-de-sac lot in the lovely gated community of Montana Vista. New paint, lighting and fixtures throughout! Bright and open foyer leads into elegant formal living and dining rooms. Spacious gourmet kitchen with granite counters, kitchen island, custom backsplash, stainless appliances, dual ovens and custom cabinetry.

Kitchen opens into large cozy family room with beautiful custom stone fireplace, lots of windows, spacious downstairs bedroom/office and patio access. Huge Master Bedroom suite with sitting area, access to private balcony with stunning mountain views and large walk-in closet.

Master Bathroom with granite counters, dual sinks, separate shower and tub with jets. 5 spacious secondary bedrooms. Soaring ceilings and plantation shutters throughout! Fabulous low maintenance backyard with covered patio, sparkling pool with water feature, spa, built-in BBQ, sitting area and breathtaking views of South Mountain! Large storage room under staircase, inside laundry shoot, 3 car garage with epoxy flooring and attached air conditioned storage room. This home has it all!

Great Ahwatukee location! Award winning Kyrene Schools!

Offered at $679,900

Bonny Holland 602.369.1085 www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

Stunning Estate in Summerhill!

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®

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

PARADISE VALLEY Extraordinary views of Mummy and Camelback mountains from private hillside lot in highly sought after MacDonald Acres.

Redesigned custom Territorial home by James Rodgers boasts a main house of 3,502 sq. ft. and a guest casita with 686 sq. ft. including 4 br, 4 ba plus den, bonus room and tandem 6-car-garage. Spacious open kitchen features Sub-Zero double ovens, large granite island and abundant cabinetry.

Stunning Santa Fe finishings throughout including vigas, exposed rustic beams, tongue and groove ceilings in master suite and bonus room and crisp masonry and plaster walls throughout. Inviting extended outdoor living space includes three covered patios, Kiva fireplace, large courtyard and an inspiring specimen cactus garden. Fully detached casita with one bedroom, full bath, kitchenette and great room. Make this incredible location your own secluded sanctuary.

Stunning & pristine single-level custom estate in gated summerhill on a 1/2 acre lot with beautiful mountain views from the front & back. Grand foyer, formal living & dining, family room w/ fireplace & niches. Gourmet kitchen includes: slab granite counters,rich alder cabinets, island,double ovens, 2 dw, cooktop, built-in fridge, & walk-in pantry. Master suite w/sitting area, master bath w/jacuzzi tub, snail shower, & large closet. 2 master suites, split floorplan, laundry room, executive office w/built-in cabinets, wood ceiling, & hardwood floors. 8 ft solid core doors, surround sound throughout. Tropical paradise backyard w/covered patio, gazebo, pebbletec pool, rock waterfall, built-in bbq, turf, & putting green. Extended 3-car garage with epoxy,cabinets, & 2 storage rooms. This estate has the perfect floorplan!!!

Listed for $1,395,000

Listed for $1,099,000

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®

Geno Ross (602) 751-2121 www.GenoRoss.com

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

Mike Mendoza

480.706.7234 • www.MendozaTeam.com

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

MERGER

from page RE1

SEVRAR serves over 13,700 Realtors and affiliates throughout Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Guadalupe, Mesa, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, Sun Lakes and Tempe. WeMAR serves over 10,000 brokers and agents throughout Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Youngtown, Waddell and Wickenburg, as well as the Douglas and Western Pinal Chapters.

Members of both associations will vote in person at a meeting in mid-March following a series of town hall meetings for them, Frestedt said.

A merger would provide “new advantages to agents that include expanded benefits and services, economies of scale and access to multiple locations throughout the Valley. Broker benefits include a stronger relationship with the Arizona Department of Real Estate, a reduction in processes and fees, special broker support and a broker liaison,” the associations’ joint release said.

For the industry at large, they added, benefits would include “additional

480-706-7234 ST JU TED S LI

opportunities for professional engagement and recognition, expansion of community outreach and programs and increased efforts to protect members and their businesses.”

Derek Anglin, SEVRAR president, said, “Because our members are the heart and purpose of our Association, we’re not taking this opportunity lightly. Merging our associations has to create value for our members.”

Added WeMAR President M. Teresa Rubio-Acuna: “With these similarities and strengths, it makes sense to unite efforts and become one to provide more value for our members.”

Both SEVRAR and WeMAR provide real estate advocacy, education, networking events, business services and other benefits to members.

In the statement, they touted their “strong leadership, financial discipline, positive cultures and unique philosophies.”

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

pesky repairs that you’ve been putting off, so it is much better to take care of them upfront so they are a non-issue.

Buyers want updates, so if you’ve been thinking of doing some minor updating, now is the time. Things like updating light fixtures, worn out door hardware, faucets that won’t clean up, worn out appliances and more should be done before you ever list your home.

Freshen and update your style. Sometimes a fresh coat of neutral paint on those heavy faux or overly bright walls will go a long way in terms of helping buyers to picture themselves in the home.

It also can make a big difference to begin purchasing things for your new home and using these to give your space a fresh appeal. New towels, bedding, rugs and pillows are all items that you get to keep, but will make a big impression on a buyer.

Don’t forget the outside. Curb appeal is the first impression that will set the tone for how a buyer perceives your home. Attend to out of control landscape and give it a chance to grow back and fill in.

Trees should be thinned out, dead leaves and branches removed, and add

re7

Bonny Holland is with Keller Williams, Sonoran Living in Ahwatukee Foothills. Reach her at 602-3691085, www.leadingluxuryexperts.com.

GetOut. GetConnected. ahwatukee.com/arts_life/ facebook.com/getoutaz twitter.com/getoutaz

Mike Mendoza

MendozaTeam.com

Resort-style luxury with privacy and space to entertain. Spectacular mountain views and abundant amenities including casita and 7-car-garage.

Listed for $1,450,000

!

LD

SO

Ahwatukee

4 BR / 3 BA / 3,072 SQFT

Listed for $517,500

2 BR / 2 BA / 1,406 SQFT

3 BR / 2 BA / 1,649 SQFT

Updated in retirement community. Includes 2018 AC unit and 2005 roof. Freshly painted with upgrades throughout

New roof on this updated single level.

Kitchen and master bath completely remodeled.

Pebble Tec pool.

Listed for $229,000

Mountain Park Ranch

Extraordinary views of Mummy and Camelback mountains from private hillside lot in Paradise Valley. Territorial main house plus casita and tandem 6-car-garage.

Immaculately appointed single level on desirable cul-de-sac lot. Paradise backyard boasts Pebble Tec pool with waterfall and slide.

Hidden Canyon

Listed for $699,000

Listed for $345,000

4 BR / 4 BA / 4,188 SQFT

5 BR / 3.5 BA / 3,591 SQFT

Exquisite mountain views from premium preserve lot on private cul-de-sac. Abundant updates plus pool with large flagstone surround.

Mountain Park Ranch

from page RE5

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 28 Years 4 BR / 4.5 BA / 5,464 SQFT

Eagle Ridge

SELLING

REAL ESTATE

fresh plants and flowers. Look for wood rot and areas that need painted and get it done ahead of time.

Make sure to consult a real estate professional as soon as possible to create a road map to help you prioritize what needs to be done before your home is ready to hit the market.

Doing this early will help guide you to the right choices and make the whole process more manageable. In the end, higher sales price and a quicker sale are what you can expect to achieve.

MacDonald Acres

Listed for $1,395,000

re8

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

COMMUNITY

JANUARY 23, 2019| AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

AROUND

from page 32

preventing teen suicide and to understand and prevent hate crimes. There is free parking directly across the street in Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Colina parent-teachers group plans ‘Pack-a-Palooza’

Colina Elementary School PTO has scheduled its Pack-a-Palooza fundraiser 6-8:30 p.m. March 29 at the school, 13612 S. 36th St. The public is invited to this free-admission event, which wil include a raffle for themed baskets, bounce houses, face painting and other games and activities for children and adults.

Vendors also are being sought for the first time.

For a $50 fee, they’ll be able to advertise their business and sell their wares. Interested vendors should contact Christian Becker by Feb. 15 at cbb1105@hotmail.com.

YOPAS book sale coming back and it needs tomes Donations needed for Y OPAS book sale

The Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors (Y OPAS) is in need of book donations for its 11th annual fundraising book sale 7 a.m.-2 p.m. March 31 and 8-11 a.m. March 31 at the Ahwatukee YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane.

Books can be dropped at the YMCA or the following Ahwatukee locations: Pecos Senior Center, 48th Street and Pecos Road; Odelay Bagel Company, Equestrian Trail and Warner/Elliot Loop; Cups N’ Crepes, 42nd Street and Chandler Boulevard; Ahwatukee Community Swim/Tennis Center, 48th Street and Warner Road; Mountain View Lutheran Church at 48th Street and Cheyenne; Desert Foothills United Methodist Church at 2156 E. Liberty Lane and Horizon Presbyterian Church at 1401 E. Liberty Lane.

Books may be dropped off beginning Feb. 1. Information: 602-212-6088.

A Goodwill donation truck will be accepting household goods donations at the YMCA during the book sale. Y OPAS will earn 10 cents a pound in donations.

In addition, Y OPAS will be holding several raffles during the sale.

Y OPAS is a volunteer driven organization whose mission is to provide free transportation to Ahwatukee seniors age 62 and older to medical appointments, grocery shopping, errands allowing seniors

to remain living independently. Y OPAS offers these services and social activities to prevent isolation for seniors who are homebound.

Kyrene sets free play day in Chandler this weekend

Kyrene Community Education will hold a district-wide community play day for the fifth consecutive year 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Kyrene Aprende Middle School, 777 N. Desert Breeze Blvd.

East, Chandler.

Billed as “the ultimate day of fun, with a lineup of free activities, food trucks, arts and crafts, music performances and more,” it is open to the public.

Special appearances will include the Arizona Balloon Club, Arizona Diamondbacks Street Team, Arizona Coyotes Mobile Tour, Manitas Steel Drum, Monte Vista Winter Singers, Pueblo Show Choir and Guitar Ensemble, KMS Mariachi Band, Paloma Arts Integrated Preschool Box Drummers, and local fire and police departments.

PD Tukee Talks slates January session at Pecos Center

PD Tukee talks will hold its quarterly session at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Pecos Community Center mul-

33

tipurpose room, 17010 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.

Speakers will include South Mountain Precinct officers and a presentation on the Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol.

The free Tukee Talks sessions help Ahwatukee residents raise public safety questions with Phoenix Police officers.

Planning Committee to meet next Monday to name chair

The Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Pecos Community Center.

The committee will elect a new chairman since three-term chair Chad Blostone has decided not to seek a fourth term and will set its meeting schedule for 2019.

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ ahwatukee.com

CALENDAR

THURSDAY, JAN. 24

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5-6

Mountain Pointe High School will host an informational workshop about the school for all eighth grade students and their families.

DETAILS>> 5-8 p.m., 44th Street and Knox Road gymnasium. Information: Joe Dominguez at jdominguez@ tempeunion.org

Dance Studio 111 owner Kimberly Lewis will be holding auditions for her June 22 summer musical. The name of the production will be announced soon. Actors, dancers and singers can attend the auditions and rehearsals will be held throughout most of June.

DETAILS>> 4:30-8 p.m. both days, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd #111. Information: 480-706-6040 or dancestudio111.com

Freshmen showcase

SATURDAY, FEB. 2

Meet Sen. Bowie

Judy Wade and Bill Baker are hosting a casual meetand-greet with state Sen. Sean Bowie of Ahwatukee.

Coffee and Danish will be served and the hosts stress this is not a fundraiser but an opportunity for an informal chat.

DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m., 11650 S. 44th St. Wade and Baker need a head count so RSVP at 480-893-0045 or wadewords@cov.net or text 480-213-6242.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5

Women Who Care to meet

The quarterly meeting of Ahwatukee-based 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun will hold their quarterly meeting. The philanthropic group of women meet quarterly to contribute to a charity selected by the group. Guests are welcome.

DETAILS>> 5:30-7:30 p.m., Foothills Golf Club, 2201 East Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee. Information: 100WWCValleyOfTheSun.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

Transportation Day coming

The 19th annual Transportation Day hosted on the campus of Horizon Presbyterian Church and God’s Garden Preschool promises more than 40 service and other vehicles – fire trucks, bulldozers and more­– along with bounce houses, raffles and pony and train rides.

DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1401 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee, Free. Sponsorship opportunities exist. Information: transportationday.com

Kimberly Lewis rehearsals

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Holocaust speaker

Congregation NefeshSoul and Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation are co-hosting Marty Brounstein, an engaging and lively speaker who will talk about non-Jews in Holland who hid many Jews during the Holocaust.

DETAILS>> 1 p.m., Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation: 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler, (near Ray and Kyrene roads). Free

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Colina Carnival

Colina Elementary School PTO is holding its annual fundraising carnival, with raffle tickets for baskets themed around wine, entertainment and arts and a number of activities for young and old alike. Though in the past this has been an event attended mainly by Colina parents, the PTO wants the entire community to know everyone is invited.

DETAILS>> 6-8:30 p.m., 13612 S. 36th St., Ahwatukee.

SUNDAYS

TinkerTime

Explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment and invent while learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) through tinkering.

DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.

Bible study

Foundations of Our Faith Bible Study, a journey through Exodus that is biblically accurate and understandable for everyone. Learn the historical perspective which reveals the love of God for all His people.

Technology and questions are both encouraged.

DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church.

11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org/classes

Learn gardening from pros

MONDAYS

Friends and Neighbors

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors (AFFAN) is an organization of women who meet regularly to socialize through groups/activities and provides educational and cultural information for its members.

General luncheon meetings are the fourth Monday of every month.

DETAILS>> For more information: affanwomensclub@ gmail.com

Learn desert gardening by getting your hands dirty with the Ahwatukee Community Gardening Project.

Share in the knowledge, the produce and the smiles.

All ages welcome. Bring sun protection and water, tools optional.

DETAILS>> 8-9:15 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee, behind the guitar player at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, which is open 9a.m.-1 p.m.

Information: acgarden.org or 480-759-5338

GOSBELLS

Chess, knitters clubs

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce’s Power Partners meets. It’s a category-specific networking and leads group. Non-Chamber members can attend one event to “check it out.”

DETAILS>> noon-1 p.m.at Native Grill and Wings 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Contact: Gina Jenkins, 480990-5444

Two new clubs meet in Ahwatukee every Sunday: The Chess Club for players at all skill levels and Knitters Anonymous for all levels of knitters and people who crochet.

DETAILS>> The Chess Club meets at 11 a.m. and Knitters Anonymous meets at 2 p.m., both at Sun Cup Café, 1241 E. Chandler Blvd. For either club, call 480246-1912 for more information.

Our Faith Bible Study

This biblical scripture study embraces a spirit-filled, intellectually honest and refreshingly understandable exploration of God’s Word. Lessons will combine Christian and Jewish theology along with bible history, archaeology and linguistics for a rich learning experience.

DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church.

11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-8932579, www.mvlutheran.org/classes

This learning handbell choir teaches you how to ring those bells! The group presents occasionally during worship services and special holidays throughout the school year.

DETAILS>> 6 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church.

11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org

Power Partners meet

LD 18 Dems meet monthly

Legislative District 18 Democrats gather monthly, usually the second Monday, to share news, opportunities, food and laughter. Meetings include guest speakers, legislative updates, how-to sessions and Q&A. Volunteer or just enjoy an evening with like-minded folks.

DETAILS>> For times and places: ld18democrats.org/ calendar

Babytime for walkers

Babies up to 23 months who are walking and are accompanied by a favorite adult enjoy Babytime with See

CALENDAR on page 34

34

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

from page 33

Sign Language for Walkers, with songs, activities to promote movement, rhymes, books and playtime in each lively session.

DETAILS>> Except Jan. 21, 9:30-10 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages walking to 23 months. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Babytime for crawlers

Accompanied by a favorite adult, babies birth to crawling can enjoy songs, music, rhymes, books, interactive stories, simple sign language words, activities to promote movement and playtime.

DETAILS>> Except Jan. 21, 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages birth to crawling.

Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Digital City

Children can let their digital creativity flow in this self-guided tech “playground.” We provide hands-on beginner bots, exercises to build fine motor skills and Chromebooks preloaded with links to code-learning environments, 3D modeling and digital art programs.

DETAILS>> Except Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12. Free. No registration required.

TUESDAYS

Estrangement support

Although rarely discussed, family estrangement is far more common than most people realize. The es-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

tranged suffer from loneliness, lack of self-esteem, guilt, anger and depression. Desert Foothills United Methodist Church provides a support group that meets the first Tuesday of every month. The public is invited to the “Living Loss” sessions. No questions asked, and anonymity will be respected.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month; 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Free. Information: 480460-1025 and office@desertfoothills.org

Prayer night offered

Ahwatukee Health and Recovery holds a weekly prayer night. The public is invited.

DETAILS>> noon-1:30 p.m., 16515 S. 40th St. #119, Ahwatukee. Free

Chair yoga featured

Inner Vision Yoga Studio offers chair yoga to help seniors and people recovering from injuries to stay fit.

DETAILS>> 1:30-2:30 p.m., 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. $6 per class. Information: 480-330-2015 or donna@innervisionyoga.com

Toastmasters sharpen skills

Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings.

DETAILS>> 6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Chamber offers Power Partners every Tuesday except the second Tuesday of the month, when attendees are encouraged to attend the Wake Up Ahwatukee Morning Mixer. Unlike our Monday Power Group, this group will be non-category specif-

ic, meaning you can have more than one member in each business category.

DETAILS>> 7:45-8:45 a.m. Jason’s Deli, 7230 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Free. Information: Gina Jenkins, 480990-5444

WEDNESDAYS ToddlerTime

Toddlers 24-47 months old, accompanied by a favorite adult, enjoy interactive activities that encourage emerging language skills such as stories, songs, games and playtime. Children and caregivers also practice Baby Sign Language, a great way to help young children develop communication skills, in this active session.

DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 24-47 months.

Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Sit, Stay, Read!

Emerging readers of all ages can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal & human team. Read to Truffles on Wednesdays.

DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. All Ages. Free. No registration required.

Chiming Cherubs

This “ringing and singing” choir is perfect for the younger kids who love music and want to learn to ring the handbells and/or enjoy singing. Chiming Cherubs present occasionally during our worship services and special holidays throughout the school year.

DETAILS>> 5:45 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org

Joyful Noiz Children’s Choir

Upbeat children’s choir with music and a message that kids can get excited about. This choir usually sings monthly during our worship services and presents a Christmas Musical.

DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church.

11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for today.

DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org

Lectionary Bible Study

Study and examine the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday at a deeper level. This weekly class dissects the passages for the upcoming weekend, giving you time to study and understand the historical background.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church.

11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org

The Boy Crisis Book Study

Boys are failing to thrive in nations throughout the world. This trend has been accelerating for the past 50 years. Why aren’t we paying attention? What is contributing to “The Boy Crisis,” and what can we do to change it?

See

CALENDAR on page 35

JANUARY 23, 2019| AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month,

CALENDAR

from page 34

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church.

11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org

Sanctuary Choir

If you enjoy singing and want to play a role in worship, the Sanctuary Choir is your next step! This choir sings regularly at our 9:15 a.m. worship services and is a part of our Cantata Choir that presents around Christmas and Easter.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org.

Fun with watercolors

People can get step-by-step instruction in water-coloring whether they are beginners or intermediates.

DETAILS>>2-4:30 p.m. in instructor’s home studio off Ranch Circle North in Ahwatukee. Four classes for $90.

To register: Judy Lokits 480-471-8505, or jlokits@yahoo

Montessori holds open house

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus.

DETAILS>>: 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810

Foothills Women meet

An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment featured.

Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact Shelley Miller, president, at 602-527-6789 or essentiallyshelley@gmail.com.

Parents can ‘drop in’

Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers.

DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-827-8200, ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu

‘Dems and Donuts’ set

Legislative District 18 Democrats gather for an informal chat.

DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Denny’s, 7400 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052

Grief support

Hospice of the Valley holds a grief support group for adults on alternating Wednesdays.

DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m. at Pecos Community Center, 1710 S. 48th S. The assigned classroom varies, signs will be on premises. It is a drop-in group and there is no need to call or register. Meeting dates this year: Jan. 23; Feb. 6 and 20; March 6 and 20; May 1, 15 and 29; June 12 and 26; July 10 and 24; Aug. 7 and 21; Sept.

4 and 18; Oct. 2, 16 and 20; Nov. 13 and 27; and Dec. 11.

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ ahwatukee.com

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COMMUNITY

35

OPINION

Opinion 36

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Life in 2019 is good – and yet, nostalgia perseveres

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

D

on’t get me wrong about life nearly two decades into the 21st century: It certainly has its share of modern conveniences.

It’s terrific that I’ll never again have to waste an hour trying to refold a paper map into its original condition. The Yellow Pages no longer takes up valuable kitchen cabinet space. And go to the grocery store? Why? A few computer clicks and everything I need shows up at the front door two hours later.

If you’re an inherently lazy person – someone who would prefer everything be done with the least amount of hassle possible – life in 2019 is for you.

Except here’s the dirty truth: I’m really starting to miss the way things were back in the day. I know technology and mankind allegedly continues to make progress, but

I’m beginning to think that for every sign of evolution there’s a corresponding sign of de-evolution.

What do I miss?

Calls instead of text messages.

Remember when friends and loved ones used to pick up the phone to say aloud stuff like, “Hey man, happy birthday,” or “Not sure if you heard, but we’re getting divorced?” Nowadays? If Shakespeare had written Hamlet’s big speech in 2019, it would’ve been a text. “2B or not 2B.” Not exactly the stuff of literary magic.

At least IMHO, U know?

What else do I miss? The days when people didn’t discuss politics at the dinner table, because that was rude. Life before cellphones and email, when it was possible to avoid work and the news for a few hours.

My first pair of Air Jordans. Bruce Jenner. NFL and NBA players who didn’t bray like jackasses after every play.

Saturday Night Live back when it was

funny. And ice cream trucks and kids who played ringolevio until the sun went down – without ending up on Dateline NBC. Part of this dissatisfaction is nostalgia about time passing me by, but not all of it. As life keeps gaining speed and we compress more of everything – noise and news, communications and crap to buy – into every 24 hours, we seem to have chosen quantity over quality in virtually every way imaginable.

My bookshelves are an example. When space was scarce and a hardcover cost $25, the books I bought were the ones I knew I would return to over the years. Today, a book is $11.99 or less and my iPad holds thousands of titles, half of which I’ve only skimmed. My library is bigger, but it’s absolutely no better.

You can make that point about so much of life today. We have never been offered more television channels or platforms to get news and entertainment.

Yet, there’s never been less worth

watching. Most reporters are little more than rumormongers, interested more in the pursuit of controversy and clicks than facts.

And Hollywood? If you’re not interested in superhero flicks, reboots and remakes, or animated tripe, don’t bother checking the movie showtimes anytime soon.

The list goes on: There was a day when people used to dress up to fly on airlines, versus sweatpants and slippers. Drinking straws used to be kind of fun, not a point of shame. We used to have friends we met in real life, not Facebook “connections” and a “network” of digital strangers.

There was a time when Americans were universally proud to be Americans, and when a neighbor was someone you agreed with more than disagreed or disliked on sight.

Of course, I also used to have a 32-inch waist. And like all the many things I miss, those acid-washed Levis from my college days also aren’t coming back anytime soon.

LETTERS

Allowing texting at the wheel courts death

Arizona is a showcase location for the polar opposite positions on automotive safety: We welcome testing of autonomous vehicles and we allow texting-while-driving. Whereas AVs are being promoted to eliminate human error on our roadways, texting-while-driving only increases the risk of human error.

While the legislature debates the details of a prohibition on texting-while-driving, some lawmakers have raised the issue of how to enforce such a law. In other words, why put a law on the books that would be difficult to enforce?

I suggest that there are other reasons to put a law on the books besides enforcement. What we allow to occur says something about what we consider valuable. By allowing AV testing on our roadways – in spite of a known death – we are saying that we value a promising but unproven technology.

In other words, we have hope that eventually this technology will save lives.

By allowing texting-while-driving – in

spite of known deaths, including the recent death of Officer Townsend – we are saying we value what?

The argument that texting laws are not enforceable and can cause worse behavior (e.g., holding the phone on one’s lap out of view) is missing the most important message: By outlawing texting-while-driving, we are creating a social norm.

We are setting expectations and defining what we value: that we recognize the importance of always paying attention while driving. That any unsafe driving behavior is unacceptable for all drivers.

That we are willing to do anything that it takes in the short-term (preventing texting) and in the long-term (AVs) to save lives.

-Norma Hubele, theautoprofessor.com

Kate Gallego will help Phoenix grow well

Phoenix growth requires smart and bold commitments to many issues, some of which include expanding the light rail

and other transportation needs, repairing our water infrastructure for future obligations, boosting the economy with well-paying jobs and solving our homelessness issue.

However, there is one issue hardly anyone is talking about: the taxpayer-funded $150 million upgrades for the Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mayoral candidate Kate Gallego has said she opposes giving the money to the Suns. She would rather grow our economy by supporting public education and investing in vital infrastructure.

Kate knows that a well-educated workforce is vital for a vibrant economy and smart growth. This plan together with Kate’s solid tackling of the issues above, as outlined in her website, checks all the boxes for my vote this March. Her Harvard degree in environmental studies and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania also provide the pavement to her leadership qualities.

I’m all in for Kate.

-CJ Briggle

Scientific advances have saved countless lives

I happened to pick up a paper at my local gym and turned to the opinion page where “Pollution affecting God’s plan for human beings’ mortality” caught my attention. As a medical professional, I was concerned about the abundant inaccuracies present in every single paragraph.

Biology and DNA are both very complex subjects which cannot be encapsulated in a five-paragraph musing. More importantly, scientific advances, such as vaccines, have saved countless lives and reduced our world’s morbidity and mortality.

Anyone who grew up with the ravages of polio and pertussis (whooping cough) can speak to the fear and hysteria which accompanied outbreaks. The people who chose to risk their children’s health by not vaccinating are protected by the herd immunity offered because so many of us follow medical guidelines to protect our children, thus preventing the widespread See

LETTERS on page 40

OPINION

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

37

Barney lists major accomplishments as county supervisor

BY DENNY BARNEY AFN Guest Writer

A

s many of you know, I am stepping down from my position on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to focus on my role as CEO of the East Valley Partnership.

Ultimately, the chance to be directly involved with economic development in the region my family helped found was one I couldn’t pass up. However, I will always be grateful to the voters who entrusted me to represent them; to my colleagues on the board who challenged and supported me; and to the 13,000+ county employees who did the hard work involved in providing responsive, accountable and fiscally intelligent public service.

I’m proud of many things we accomplished together, but I want to use my last column as a supervisor to highlight three items in particular. Hopefully they are making your life better in some way.

Fiscal management The county manages its finances differently than when I joined the board in 2013. During my first Chairmanship in 2014, I started a zero-based budgeting initiative where departments build budgets from the ground up, justifying all spending rather than just changes from the previous year.

That’s a cultural shift that has led to leaner budgets and more focus on key strategic goals. While other governments took on more debt than they could handle as our economy recovered, Maricopa County maintained a AAA bond rating by not overstepping our mandated authority, keeping two months’ emergency cash, and making sure our big spends align with our highest priorities and make us more efficient in the long run.

Regulatory reform New development is good for businesses and families and, when I took office, we were making people jump through too many hoops. The status quo needed to go.

Early in my tenure, we created citizen-led task forces so we could hear

directly from the businesses, developers and residents affected by regulatory policy. Since then, my colleagues and I have carefully considered which rules, regulations and processes make sense and which ones may be outdated, overly cumbersome or needlessly expensive.

We’re not there yet, but I think the pendulum has swung back in the right direction as we look for ways to approve plans faster and in a manner more convenient for our customers. Next steps include providing more options for those who prefer to do business online, as well as bringing our Air Quality, Environmental Services, and Planning and Development departments together under one roof for those seeking a permit. That’s something that will happen over the next couple of years.

Criminal justice Public safety is the #1 responsibility of any government and what I’ve learned during my time on the board is that we don’t have to choose between doing the right thing and doing the cost-effective thing. The Maricopa County Smart Justice Initiative has been using a collabo-

rative, evidence-based approach to find ways to reduce recidivism, average time spent in jail and cost of incarceration while increasing the number of positive outcomes for justice-involved individuals. Some of these approaches cut against common assumptions.

For example, research shows mixing low-risk and high-risk offenders – even in well-designed programs – actually increases the chance that low-level criminals will commit new crimes.

We’ve adjusted our programming as a result so that low-risk offenders have shorter jail stays while high-risk inmates get more intensive programming so they leave jail with skills to deal with past trauma or overcome substance misuse.

There is still a lot of work ahead for Maricopa County if we want to continue to be a place where families and businesses thrive. I have every confidence that my colleagues on the board, including the new District 1 Supervisor, will lead us into the next decade with wisdom, optimism and courage.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving on the Board of Supervisors.

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OPINION

38

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Stress is the silent epidemic in our schools

BY ISIS CASTANEDA, BRECKYN CRAMER, JONAH SINGH AND DYLAN VAZ AFN Guest Writers

T

here is no doubt that with the stress of doing well in school, holding a job, and yet still having time for a social life can take a toll on a student’s well-being. In fact, studies have shown that the anxiety levels of students in today’s society have drastically increased compared to child psychiatric patients in the 1950s.

With this in mind, it begs the question, do schools lack the necessary resources for students struggling with mental illnesses?

Mental health has never been a priority in many school districts, so it is not taken as seriously as other student-related issues. There is no push to hire professional social workers to help students cope with mental health issues.

On average, there is one social worker or counselor per 500 students.

Because of this, there are not enough people available to help students deal with the stresses of school. If schools were to hire more qualified counselors and social workers, it is more likely that students struggling with mental health issues would feel that their needs are important and that their school is truly there to support them and allow them to prosper in their studies.

One anonymous source volunteered to share their experience involving Desert Vista High School. When they sought help from our counselors, they were “forced to go to group therapy held in the counselor’s office, and the person running it just asked me if l talked to my parents about my problems.”

Our source felt as if our school didn’t know how to respond or what to do to help them. In an interview,

one of DV’s counselors stated that “we do a number of other things that just don’t really fall into what we went to school for necessarily, but someone’s got to do it.”

Even if there are counselors who have training specializing in mental health, they have a huge workload that falls on their shoulders alongside the 450 students that are assigned to them.

Aside from the issue of needing a more substantial counselor to student ratio, there is an ongoing problem of teachers not having sufficient training to create a healthy educational environment for students.

School districts should require teachers and counselors to go through more training hours to learn new ways to make a safe learning atmosphere, as well as work together with students and their families. This would give them the ability to provide students with resources that would be benefi-

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 52

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cial to their personal health and academic career.

Although it could be argued that hiring social workers and providing mental health training would require increased funding, the mental stability of their students should be worth it.

After all, this is what teaching is all about: helping students thrive and develop a better version of themselves.

All students are capable of accomplishing great things; some students just need the extra push.

As a group, we all agree that schools don’t take mental health seriously and they do not take proper steps to spread awareness of mental diseases until a drastic incident has happened.

Our goal is for schools to have the resources for students in need, to help students cope with stress in a healthy way.

The authors are students at Desert Vista High School.

OPINION

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Tempe Union schools need to ease up homework

BY DANIEL ANDERSON, JACK GILLIS, MICHAEL LARSON AND ZACH SEARLESS AFN Guest Writers

L

ots of students have to deal with stress in their lives. Some students may not know how to handle it and fall down the path of depression and also develop anxiety in the process.

According to research conducted by Healthline, 75 percent of college students do not look for the help that they need to deal with their anxiety and depression.

I have never gone through anything this rough in my life, but there are a lot of people out there who are struggling with this right now. When I played football last year, it was really hard to balance my social life and school life, I never had time to do my homework, and I was constantly tired.

Students are receiving overwhelming school work and on top of that are dealing with personal issues, such as family problems and life in general, resulting in overwhelming anxiety which could also lead to depression.

According to Healthline, “The researchers also found that spending too much

time on homework meant that students reported having little time for relaxing or were not meeting their developmental creative activities.” needs or cultivating other critical life Excessive outside activities and homeskills. Students were more likely to for- work can cause students to have anxiety go activities, stop seeing friends or fam- and depression. Students and teens can ily and not participate in hobbies. Many find plenty of solutions to help the anxstudents felt forced or obligated to choose iety and depression they receive from homework over developing other talents school.

At all schools there should be counselor skills.”

Students sometimes cannot even inter- ing for students for them to get the help act with their families and friends due to they need. Counseling is appropriate for overwhelming hours of homework. Some working on immediate problems as well people do not think that this is a big issue as therapy that can cater to what students because some students were sheltered at a need for their day-to-day lives. young age from the real world and they The only problem with counseling is think everything is a problem. some schools may not be able to afford it.

In short-term they cannot handle their For more severe depression that students problems because they were never taught may encounter, doctors can prescribe you how to. medications.

“Fortunately, advances in medicine have Healthline also found: “About half of the students said they re- provided a number of medications that ceived at least three hours of homework can be effective in treating depression.”

Some parents do not agree with medper night. They also faced pressure to take college-level classes and excel in activities icine to solve their problems and think that they should find another way to solve outside of school.

Many students felt they were being it. Lastly, support groups can be provided asked to work as hard as adults, and not- by the school in order to help students ed that their workload seemed inappro- that do not feel comfortable opening up priate for their development level. TheyT:10”to adults.

We would ask the community and Tempe Union High School District to not give us as much homework for the students who play sports and have other after-school activities.

We would ask them to shorten the length of practices after school or change when the practices are scheduled so it can work around everyone’s schedule. For the students that have jobs, we would ask all of the businesses around town if they would not schedule them as much.

Lots of people in our community already know that anxiety and depression are a major issue due to the intensity of Desert Vista.

We hope that the Tempe Union High School District will help us solve this issue by giving us less homework to reduce our stress. This way, we have more time to spend with our loved ones. If everyone in our community helps out, this will make a major impact and benefit everyone.

The authors are students at Desert Vista High School.

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OPINION

40

LETTERS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

from page 36

epidemics of prior eras.

As for oxygen levels, current atmospheric oxygen is just over 20 percent – which has been the stable life sustainable amount for many, many millions of years. Our atmosphere is mostly nitrogen, and we sustain life quite well with this mixture of gases.

Higher oxygen levels are actually associated with increased free radicals, which are damaging to cells and shorten cell life and increase incidence of cancers. His claim that a couple of hundred years ago “the percentage of oxygen in the air was about 50 percent” is completely false and totally unfounded.

The author's additional claim that “our water, in the olden days, was mostly clean” is also wildly unfounded. In truth,

many water-borne illnesses are still present as real health threats in third world countries, but have been eradicated by systemic community water cleaning programs in the United States and other developed countries.

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.8 million people worldwide die of water-borne pathogens every year, such as cholera, dysentery and shigellosis to name just three. In developing coun-

tries, it is estimated that 80 percent of illnesses are water-borne, and diarrhea is the leading cause of death among children in those countries.

I respect differing opinions, I listen to them every day, and mostly I stay silent.

However, I could not stay silent with this outrage.

-JoAnn Ott

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BUSINESS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Business

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41

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Ooh la la: Her French food truck is one of a kind

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

W

ith all the time she spends in the kitchen of her Ahwatukee home making more French dishes and pastries, it’s a miracle that Eve Visconti gets out at all.

But the fact is, she does quite a bit on the weekends – tooling around to various places in the East Valley in the only allFrench food truck in Arizona.

She doesn’t just sell her crepes, quiches, lasagna and other items – along, of course, with a seemingly limitless variety of French pastries – from her specially designed truck with the bold moniker “La Petite Provence.”

She also caters private gatherings big and small – most recently a 14-course gourmet Christmas dinner for 25 and, next month, 1,000 people for a Mesa church – and even makes dishes she delivers or arranges for pick-up.

And she does it all herself, aided by a young woman who mainly handles paper work and takes orders, since Visconti speaks French, German and Italian – but not English.

As interesting as her menu is, her back story is even more so.

A native of Italy, she ended up with her family in Aix-en-Provence, the home of the painter Cezanne and the former capitol of a region that has long been a tourist capitol of the world, known for its food and wine, its weather and shopping and the French Riviera.

When her father once asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she unhesitatingly replied she wanted to be just like him – a baker – and take over his bakery. It only seemed logical, since she had learned how to bake and made a lot of pastries and bread for her father’s bakery by the time she was 10.

But her father told her owning a bakery was not a job for a woman, so she became a physical therapist, relocating to Italy for a short time.

And it turned out her father was wrong, as Visconti explained through her best friend and interpreter, Pascale Dunton, a longtime Ahwatukee resident.

(Special to AFN)

Eve Visconti, left, (pictured with her best friend Pascale Dunton) operates Arizona’s only French food truck, stocked with dishes and pastries that she makes in her Ahwatukee home. Her La Petite Provence appears at various food truck rodeos and special events throughout the East Valley. In addition, she caters private parties and dinners and makes dishes to order for pickup or delivery.

“She decided to get into the businesses and show her father that a woman could be a baker and she went to Culinary Academy in the south of France,” Dunton said.

And voila, before long, she was the chef and owner of three celebrated restaurants in Provence.

But Visconti had another passion besides good food: She loved Arizona, and had been visiting annually for years, befriending Dunton along the way when they met on the beach at Rocky Point.

That friendship brought her to Ahwatukee three years ago, after Visconti’s son and two daughters were old enough to be on their own.

Dunton, a U.S. State Department-certified public diplomacy ambassador who coordinates exchange students visiting in

the southwest from abroad, has lived in Ahwatukee since 1991, when her husband began working for Intel.

She introduced Visconti to the community some time ago – and eventually the two women had become such close friends that Visconti decided to move here.

Before closing her three restaurants and moving here three years ago, Visconti had already been thinking about owning a food truck, as those vehicles also are popular in France.

“She came, she bought the truck,” Dunton said. “It was converted into a food truck. Her husband did all the work. He is an architect and he built this food truck.”

Equipping the truck with refrigerating and heating equipment was almost the least of Visconti’s hurdles.

“It was quite a steep learning curve, to learn everything about licensing and getting a different license in different places and figuring out what the American palate likes,” Dunton explained.

To her surprise, Visconti quickly learned that it wasn’t just one palate she needed to adapt to.

Even after operating the truck for more than a year, Visconti is continually amazed – and a little discouraged – by the American – or at least the Arizonan – palate as she works a couple standard places on the weekend in Gilbert and Queen Creek while making appearances at festivals, auto races and other outdoor events.

(She had been invited by the BarSee

FRENCH on page 42

42

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FRENCH

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

from page 41

rett-Jackson auction organizers to join its vendors, but declined when they told her it would cost $6,000.)

“She’s discovered that in a lot of the places it’s the quantity that attracts a buyer versus the quality,” Dunton said. “So, people will get a block of French fries that are smothered with a yellow cancer-causing cheese versus a nice portion of a spinach goat cheese quiche.”

She even has found that tastes can vary between cities in Arizona, noting that her clientele in Scottsdale seems more adventurous when it comes to trying new things.

“She finds that people are hesitant around here about trying things they don’t recognize,” Dunton said. “Whereas up in Scottsdale, she has people are more adventurous and they want to try everything that she has, even if they don’t recognize what it is. At some of the events, even the croque monsieur – which is a basic ham and cheese sandwich – basically you will have to explain what it is because it looks different than the ham and cheese you would make at home.”

Even at festivals in northern Arizona, she’s found “people come from all these little specks of towns and they are absolutely so adventurous in wanting to try new things,” Dunton said.

Yet, regardless of where Visconti goes, “the truck sells out pretty fast,” Dunton said.

Of course, besides her catering activities and her pickup-delivery services, Visconti also has to make all that stuff.

And that means more driving to places far and wide across the Valley.

“She goes to many different places because many of the things are specialty items,” Dunton said. “Like chocolate: she needs to be Belgian chocolate. She cooks and bakes with pine nuts. She goes to the restaurant supply warehouses. There’s also a Costco for businesses. She buys the fresh fruit wherever she can find it because she’s

Where to find her Jan. 25: Jan. 26: Jan. 27: Feb. 1: Feb. 2: Feb. 9:

Feb. 16: Feb. 24 :

very picky about her fruit.”

And of course, there‘s the baking and cooking.

“She is the one that shops. She’s the one that cooks, that stocks the truck and then goes to the events,” Dunton added.

She spends 12 hours a day for two days just to make enough for two food truck appearances on the weekend, storing dozens of handcrafted pastries in the commercial refrigerators in her home.

While La Petite Provence sells items never found on food trucks – croque monsieur and tiramisu, crème brulee among them – there’s one dish she makes only for her catered affairs.

“Her paella is so wonderful,” Dunton said. “The pan she has is as big as a table.

She brought it here special from France.”

Customers seem to agree with Dunton’s assessment of her friend’s skills.

“The mushroom quiche was the best I have ever had and the rhubarb tart was to die for,” one said on her Facebook page.

Said another, “Tonight my son and I had the opportunity to try La Petite Provence for the first time. It was so hard to narrow down what we were going to get... so we didn’t. We got two Napoleons, tiramisu, creme brulee, strawberry tart, and we got a very nice Nutella tart. the prices are excellent. The desserts are SO GOOD.” And another wrote, “This was the best food truck I’ve ever visited. The desserts were so fresh and beautiful. The crepes were heaven. I’m for sure following this truck around to try all the desserts.”

Visconti hasn’t operated in Ahwatukee.

She tried to sign up for the Sunday farmers market on Warner Road and 48th Street but was discouraged by all the paper work.

La Petite Provence is a regular at AZ Feastival’s food truck rodeo 5:30-9 p.m.

Fridays in the parking lot at Sam’s Club, 1225 N. Gilbert Road at Houston, Gilbert.

To learn where else you can find it, or to order a special dish: 480-621-2486 or lapetiteprovence1@gmail.com

1225 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert 526 E. Main St, Mesa 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Chandler Feastival, 25410 S. Arizona Ave. 1225 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert 526 E. Main St. Mesa 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fountain Hills Concours D’Elegance (Ferrari event) 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills 1-6 p.m., Gilbert Sweet Festival, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert Maricopa Film Festival, Maricopa City Hall, all day

BUSINESS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

State joblessness up a bit Therapeutic oils company

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

T

he state’s jobless rate ticked up a tenth of a point in December as companies shed employees.

New figures from the Office of Economic Opportunity put the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 4.8 percent. That is the result, at least in part, of private sector employment dropping by about 1,900 jobs.

And the new figure is also a tenth of a point higher than where it was a year ago.

But Doug Walls, the agency’s research administrator, said there’s another reason for the increase in the jobless rate.

He said lots more people are looking for jobs, with the number of people either working or looking for work up by nearly 22,800 over November levels. And he said that, on an annual basis, the labor force in Arizona is up by 3.2 percent, versus 1.6 percent for the rest of the country.

Retail employment was down by 3,500 from November. Some of this, Walls said, had to do with the fact that stores did not need to hire as many people in December

because they had already ramped up employment the prior month.

But he acknowledged that this also reflects the increasing role of e-commerce and people choosing to make their purchases online.

A separate report released Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the wages paid to Arizonans continues to lag behind the rest of the country.

Figures for the second quarter of 2018, the most recent numbers available, put the average weekly wage in Arizona at $973.

That compares with $1,055 nationally.

In fact, only Greenlee County beat the national average, at $1,339, propelled by higher paying jobs in mining. Average wages in Maricopa County were $1,055.

Walls said the below-average wages for the state are not unexpected, saying Arizona employers have been able to pay less because of a lower cost of living here, especially in rural areas.

But the trend also suggests the state is not making any progress at improving the situation, with a 3.3 percent year-over-year increase in average weekly wages while the national figure was up 3.4 percent.

opens Ahwatukee store AFN News Staff

E

ssential Oils Nation has opened a store at 3233 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

Registered nurse Jill Green said the store will sell “therapeutic-grade essential oils as well as carrier oils, essential oil diffusers, jewelry, glass roller bottles,

and more.”

Essential Oils Nation offers a full line of products designed for natural aromatherapy, topical use and other uses.

This is the company’s first brick-andmortar operation.

Information: essentialoilsnation. com, jgreen@essentialoilsnation.com or 480-529-5998

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BUSINESS

44

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Viridian office tower lifts Chandler to new heights

BY JASON STONE AFN Staff Writer

C

handler’s latest – and tallest – crown jewel is complete and open for business.

And with it goes any reminder of the eyesore that it replaced.

Workers put the finishing touches on the Chandler Viridian development with last week’s grand opening of the six-story Offices at Chandler Viridian tower.

The tallest multi-tenant office building in the city was the final piece of the complex that sits northwest of the Loop 101 and 202 interchange.

The $160-million project signals a new era for Chandler on the spot of the failed Elevation Chandler near the Chandler Fashion Center at 3133 W. Frye Road.

The Class A office building was recently completed after more than a year of work.

The first tenants of the 250,000-squarefoot building began moving in two months ago with more to come.

Global engineering firm Stantec plans to combine four regional offices in the Chandler building, taking up the entire third floor. That would bring together more

File photos

What a difference 12 years makes! On the left is a picture of the ugly eyesore Elevation Chandler that haunted the Price Road corridor until it was torn down and replaced by the stunning Chandler Viridian office building.

than 250 specialists in mining, water, transportation, community development and environmental consulting services.

Workuity will occupy 20,000 square feet, giving the Phoenix-based co-working space its second building in the Valley.

Other tenants haven’t been announced publicly yet. The new office tower features energy-efficient glass that allows natural light into the building. It also includes 10foot tall ceilings, a tenant lounge on the ground floor and a large public plaza and undergound parking.

Hines, the firm that co-developed the

high-end apartment complex with 335 units.

• 9,000 square feet of restaurant space.

Restaurants include Panera Bread and The Sicilian Butcher, which opened standalone retail spaces, known as Chandler Viridian Primegate, in 2017.

Officials say the office building is expected to bring between 1,250 and 1,500 jobs to Chandler. “We’ve got a couple more big announcements soon that will continue driving additional employment opportunities,” said Micah Miranda, Chandler’s economic development director.

site, bought the property for about $20 million. It tore down what was built of Elevation Chandler – an uncompleted hotel and residential development that stalled in 2006 before the Great Recession – to make room for the Viridian mixed-use project.

The office tower is the final phase of a development that’s already been open for business. Those already up and running include: • A 138-room Cambria Hotel with a pool, bar and lounge, and conference center that opened in April.

• The Broadstone Fashion Center, a

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Deja chew: Latin Kitchen cloned from Havana Café

BY LEE SHAPPELL AFN Managing Editor

A

sea of auto-body shops and used-car lots defines the aging strip of West Broadway Road in Mesa.

With a fledgling Cuba-theme restaurant in the middle of it all, one might expect fins on all those cars. Where are the ’57 Cadillacs and Chevys that you see in Havana? Did Fidel repossess them all?

B.J. Hernandez appreciates both the culture and the food of Cuba, and she’s done a marvelous job bringing it to Latin Kitchen, her most-recent restaurant venture, along with new business partner Elisa Nolan, a fellow veteran of the Valley restaurant industry.

Hernandez, who lives in south Scottsdale, is best-known for her three Havana Café restaurants, which drew rave critical acclaim and built a sizable clientele across the Valley for 28 years. They’ve all closed now for a variety of reasons, most relating to rising lease rates and declining profit margins.

Hernandez wasn’t on the sideline long.

“I looked for a year and I couldn’t find anything right for me either size-wise or location-wise or money-wise, so I just kind of gave up,” she said. “I told everybody when I left Havana Café I was only going to pay for a storage unit for 12 months.

“I’m a crazy person. I get bored very easily.

I always have to have a project.”

After getting a tip about this space, she soon had a catering business up and running there before Latin Kitchen, 540 W. Broadway Road, Suite 101, debuted last May. Fans of Havana Café will recognize the menu, although it has been expanded to include fare from other Latin American countries. The ambience also is different.

“That’s why I didn’t want to bring it back as Havana Café,” Hernandez said. “I had to have a different name.”

Ordering is done at the counter. At this point, it is not open nightly for dinner, alLatin Kitchen

540 W. Broadway Road, Suite 101 in Mesa.

480-306-7266 Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; evenings for special events and private functions. www.latinkitchenaz.com

though it has a full bar and Hernandez and Nolan do special events on Fridays and Saturdays and private parties other nights. They still cater, as well.

It is designed to attract a lunch crowd.

“This is a business neighborhood. It’s good for lunch. It’s priced for lunch,” Hernandez said. “We do good business. That’s the way we want to do it.

“I don’t think anyone will feel that portions are insufficient. We give you an $8 plate or a $10 plate with steak, shrimp or fish. The most expensive item on the menu is only $11. We do wraps, bowls, gluten free, low-carb. We try to address everybody’s dietary desires.

And we cook it any way you want it.”

Latin Kitchen has signed up with food-delivery services.

Havana Café fans who’ve found their way to Latin Kitchen say the quality remains top tier. Hernandez, a self-described Jew from New York, says the secret is simple to her ability to continue to knock Cuban fare out of the park: “I married a Cuban.”

More to the point, she married a Cuban who was in the food industry.

She remains head chef and her kitchen is populated with her old Havana Café staff.

“They all said they’d come back when I found a place and here they are,” she said.

Hernandez and Nolan strive to serve their cuisine Havana Café style: with warm hospitality, family recipes and authentic ingredi-

ents served with heart and soul.

“We’ve stayed in business because we keep it very authentic,” Hernandez said. “I still have things flown in from New York or Florida if I can’t get them here.”

She also understands her clientele. About half is Latino and they appreciate the authenticity. About half is Anglo. There is a balance to satisfying both. Take her presentation of papas rellenas, the most-popular type of croquettes in Latin America, for example.

“I understand how Anglos like to eat,” she said. “I knew that in a real Cuban restaurant if I wanted papas rellenas I would not get sauce with it. When I opened the restaurant in 1989, every chef was putting a million sauces on the plate, which I objected to because I never knew what flavor I was getting.

“Yet I was wondering how the American public was going to embrace this. Were they just going to see this thing, this potato that was fried with bread crumbs on the outside with nothing on it, thinking it was good? No, we eat our potatoes or other things with gravy on them. So, I decided to make a sauce that would mimic the ingredients in a Cuban kitchen. We have a cilantro-lime sauce with it. It’s a little bit creamy so it’s like having mashed potatoes with gravy, or biscuits and gravy.”

Then there are her Cuban sandwiches. “My Cuban sandwiches are really outstanding because my late husband lived in Cuba when they were invented by a chef in Cuba,” Hernandez said. “The chef wanted to make something that would be attractive to the American tourist, so he created the Cuban sandwich. He used different meats from different countries. He used roasted pork because that was the meat of Cuba.

“And then he used a serrano or prosciutto ham, a cured ham, and Italian bologna called mortadella, and a good imported Swiss cheese. Then, of course, the pickle that has the mojo (Kim Carrillo/GET OUT Staff) B.J. Hernandez, best known for her three Havana Café restaurants, garlic sauce on it when it’s which have all closed, is back in business in Mesa with Latin Kitchen, finished. And it’s pressed, which features most of the same staff and many familiar dishes and that’s the true Cuban from her old restaurants. sandwich.”

(Lee Shappell/GET OUT Staff)

How does a great chef prepare a lobster to be stuffed and cooked? Latin Kitchen head chef and co-owner B.J. Hernandez demonstrates as she applies the finishing touches to a lobster to begin the process.

At Latin Kitchen, Hernandez quickly reconnected with clients for whom she’d done catering through the years. Among them are Cactus League baseball teams, with their multitude of Latin American players.

Through the end of January, Latin Kitchen is teaming with Tempe-based Murder and a Meal Comedy Dinner Theatre at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for dinner and a show.

Tickets are available at murderandameal.com as well as Goldstar and Groupon.

Hernandez met Nolan a few years ago.

While Nolan was in the restaurant business, she had never owned her own place.

“She reminds me of one of my own daughters,” Hernandez said. “My job is to mentor her and get this going.”

Nolan and Hernandez envision Latin Kitchen as a gathering place with Latin-theme entertainment and special dinners served at tables family style.

Hernandez envisions a Havana Night, with decorations, fedoras, cigar roller and, of course, Cuban food. Her dream is to put together a culinary tour of Cuba.

“We want this to be a place where people gather for Latin-related events,” Hernandez said. “We have a nice patio. We have a full bar. We can do stuff. I want music. I want dancing. I want this to be fun.”

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JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

47

Nashville’s top acts fly high at The Coors Light Birds Nest

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GET OUT Editor

C

ountry music and the Coors Light Birds Nest are fast friends, and this year’s chairman, Michael Golding, wasn’t about to put a wedge in it.

Nashville’s best takes the stage two of the four days at the Waste Management Phoenix Open concert series. Reigning ACM Vocal Group of the Year Old Dominion, Midland and Brandon Lay kick off the festivities on Jan. 30, followed by Jake Owen, Lee Brice and Michael Ray on Jan. 31.

The last two days stretch outside of country’s boundaries with the Chainsmokers and Snoop Dogg playing a sold-out show on Feb. 1, and Martin Garrix, DJ Vice and Justin Mylo Feb. 2.

If you go

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What: The Coors Light Birds Nest Where: Directly across from the main Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament entrance at 82nd Street and Bell Road, Scottsdale When: 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 30-Feb. 2 Tickets: $65-$120 Info: coorslightbirdsnest.com

“Country music is a big hit in the Valley and country performers are a lot of fun to work with,” said Golding, this year’s Birds Nest chairman.

“The Birds Nest has a great reputation in Nashville. In my opinion, Old Dominion, Midland, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Michael Ray and Brandon Lay represent the best of country music right now. We were lucky to get them signed. It’s a great start to the Birds Nest.”

Old Dominion singer Matthew Ramsey vouches for Golding’s statement. Word has traveled to Nashville about the Birds Nest.

His guitarist, Brad Tursi, and drummer, Whit Sellers, are big golfers and hoping to get in a few holes.

Lay wants to give it a shot himself, even though he hasn’t hit the greens too often.

“We talked to some friends out there and they had good spots to go for a beginner, like myself,” he said. “I have so many hobbies. I’m sure my wife would like me to have another one. I figured I’d give it a swing while we’re out there.”

Lay and Ramsey, both of whom have new music ready for this year, are looking forward to sharing a stage again, as they spent the summer on Kenny Chesney’s Trip Around the Sun Tour.

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“We’ve done a lot of shows with Old Dominion and this is just the cherry on top,” Lay said. “They have a party crowd following them around, and we can make new fans based on their audience. At the Birds Nest, I’ll try to warm up the crowd right with some ‘Yada, Yada, Yada’ and ‘Speakers, Bleachers and Preachers’ and people will have a good time.

“Arizona has been a good honey hole for us. Anytime we get out there, we appreciate the love. This time of year, the cold in Nashville makes it this much sweeter.”

What’s making this year’s Birds Nest sweet for Golding is the inclusion of Snoop Dogg.

“Growing up, Snoop Dogg was a favorite of mine, and a favorite of many people and a lot of Thunderbirds,” he said about the nonprofit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament and the Birds Nest. The Thunderbirds host the tournament.

“We worked with his team and it took some time, but we got him. He’s one of the best acts we’ve ever had. He resonates very well with the age range and for what the Valley is looking for in the Birds Nest acts.”

The most important bit, though, is the money the concert series brings in for charity.

(Special to AFN)

Brandon Lay will help kick off festivities Jan. 30 at the Coors Light Birds Nest during the Waste Management Phoenix Open with some country music.

“That’s our job and the best part of being in the Thunderbirds organization,” he said. “We see where the dollars go.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Mesa couple open Arizona’s only veteran-owned gallery

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GET OUT Editor

S

usan Paige and her husband, Lt. Col. Barry Rosenblatt, are spreading their message that art boosts veterans’ morale by hosting exhibits at Paige Artists Studio/Gallery/Gifts in downtown Mesa’s OneOhOne collective.

The couple, contemporary artists will host an opening reception for their two-person art exhibit 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2. They believe that it is the only veteran-owned art gallery in the Valley.

Paige is a venue director for the Mesa Art League. Rosenblatt was in the military for 20 years and began painting four years ago,

IF YOU GO

What: Paige Artists Studio/Gallery/Gifts Where: OneOhOne Art Gallery, 101 W. Main St., Mesa When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 Cost: No charge Info: 214-207-9277, susanpaigeomc@yahoo.com

Photos by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Barry Rosenblatt and Susan Paige of the Mountain Bridge neighborhood in northeast Mesa are hosting a reception for their joint art show at their gallery in downtown Mesa on Saturday, Feb. 2.

thanks to the Mesa Art League’s free veterans’ art program sponsored by The Arizona Art Alliance.

“My husband and I are exhibiting all of our work throughout the building,” Paige said.

“It’ll be a pretty big show highlighting the things he does and the work I do.”

Paige has an extensive past with the Arizona art scene. In the early 1980s, she owned the only avant-garde art gallery in down-

town Phoenix. She hosted emerging artists that Scottsdale galleries wouldn’t entertain because they weren’t well known.

“I did performance art, too,” she said. “I was the first gallery to do performance art and mixed media. It was a lot of fun. I’ve been doing art and been involved in the art world here and in Dallas and Chicago. Then I got into the healing arts and was a massage therapist.”

Rosenblatt was a dentist and engineer in the military. He learned that art and the creative process can ease post-traumatic stress disorder. Paige said her husband doesn’t suffer from PTSD, but he saw those who did.

For him, art relieves the boredom of retirement.

“He took his first art class with the Tempe Artists Guild,” she said. “He goes to one in Apache Junction, too. He started painting and he’s really talented. He focuses on impressionist contemporary as well as military satire and political statements.

“I work with handmade papers, abstract art with an Asian flair and impressionist kinds of things. I urged him to pursue it.”

Paige, 64, said her gallery’s location is perfect. She believes that downtown Mesa will become the Valley’s cultural center.

“Guests see we have a working studio.

We’re painting. We also have a gift shop because I create jewelry and we have art images on products. Kids come in and I ask them if they’re artists. It’s fun. There are diverse people who hang out downtown and we love that.”

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JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Gold Canyon Arts Fest regarded among state’s best 1-day shows AFN News Staff

E

ach year, the all-volunteer Gold Canyon Arts Council gets together to produce a one-day labor of love that reflects its passion, the Gold Canyon Arts Festival.

The community seemingly shares that passion for the arts. The festival, nestled in the Superstition Mountains, is a gift to the community from the nonprofit Arts Council and its sponsors and is among the community’s most-anticipated celebrations.

This year, the 19th annual juried art show, which also has musical groups performing throughout the day and a variety of vendors in a food court, is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, on the grounds of the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. King’s Ranch Road in Gold Canyon.

Admission and parking are free.

Live entertainment scheduled to perform includes the Territorial Brass, Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, Arizona Trio and The Houser Family.

The Gold Canyon Food Bank will be present to encourage and collect donations.

Last year, more than 5,000 attended to

About 90 artists in a wide variety of genres and styles from the East Valley and throughout the state are committed this year.

The venue offers good parking and drive-by visibility.

The Gold Canyon Arts Council, a nonprofit organization, strives to bring world class concerts to the East Valley through its Canyon Sounds Performing Artist series. Its core nonprofit mission is student arts education, whereby its performing artists provide tutorials and workshops at schools in (Photo courtesy of Gold Canyon Arts Council) The 19th annual Gold Canyon Arts Festival is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, on the grounds of the Gold Canyon the Southeast Valley.

United Methodist Church, 6640 S. King’s Ranch Road in Gold Canyon. Admission and parking are free to the one-day, For questions and adjuried arts show. ditional information, contact GoldCanyoPrograms will be distributed at entry view the work of 85 artists and to listen to five musical groups. Many participating gates with a list of exhibiting artists, their nArtsFestival@gmail.com.

Further details can be found under artists said this festival is the best one-day specialty and their booth number, and an agenda for the musical performances. “Events” at www.goldcanyonarts.org. art show in Arizona.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Looking for unusual fun in Scottsdale? Just axe

BY KRISTINE CANNON GET OUT Staff

W

hat started out as friends throwing axes at a target in Matt Wilson’s backyard in Toronto, Canada, to kill time has turned into a national sensation – and now Scottsdale is joining in on the axe-hurling fun.

Over the past two years, axe-throwing bars have sprouted rapidly across the nation.

Here in the Valley, Lumberjaxes brought the first indoor axe-throwing club to Tempe in early 2018, and now Scottsdale has BATL: The Backyard Axe Throwing League.

BATL was founded by Wilson in 2006, although it wasn’t until 2011, before he opened up a second location, that Wilson decided to go full-time with it.

“2011 was when we started doing private events and parties, and that’s when I was, like, ‘Wait a minute, this could be a thing.

This is pretty great,’” he said.

Since then, BATL has grown to 14 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and over 1.25 million people have thrown an axe at one of their facilities.

“I am proud and excited to see BATL at such a pivotal time in our history,” Wilson said. “I never imagined when we started throwing axes in 2006 that BATL could grow into what it has become today.”

BATL Scottsdale opened earlier this month on the southwest corner of Thomas Road and Hayden Road.

It offers 16 axe-throwing targets with digital scoring, and its arenas are like a cross between a batting cage and bowling alley. The facility can host over 100 people at a time.

Axe throwing is for people of all ages and skill levels.

BATL breaks down its demographic as 53 percent male and 47 percent female, and 44 percent between the ages of 25 and 34 years old. Nineteen percent are over 45.

“We’ve had everyone from 18-yearolds walking by with their family to 70-, 80-year-old females, males – and everything in between,” said Straun Riley, BATL Scottsdale’s general manager. “There is no specific market. We’re just trying to get everyone in here trying it.”

Plenty of axe-throwing expert coaches are around to show you how to properly throw. And arguably the best axe-throwing coach is located right here in Scottsdale – Riley.

Riley, who moved from Toronto to take on the position, is a national axe-throwing champion and winner of the 2018 Wilson Cup. He picked up the sport three years ago.

(BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League/Special AFN)

BATL Scottsdale, an axe-throwing facility, is now open in the Indian River Plaza off Thomas Road and Hayden Road.

“Outside of the competition in the sport of it, the community is unreal,” Riley said.

“The amount of people and friends I’ve met is unreal. Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming.”

BATL’s mission is to use the axe as a tool to build a community.

“That’s kind of like our motto is just be good to each other and everyone’s welcome,” Riley said.

Since the Scottsdale location opened about three weeks ago, Riley has seen a positive turnout. His No. 1 goal since moving to Scottsdale, though, was to start a couple of leagues early.

“It was a little bit of a squeeze, but we managed to get two leagues put together. We have a Sunday league and a Tuesday league,” Riley said. “It’s great turnout; roughly, I would say 50 people per night every Friday and Saturday for the last three weekends in a row.”

Wilson, who pioneered urban axe throwing, is the commissioner of the National Axe Throwing Federation, the preeminent governing body for competitive axe throwing.

NATF grew exponentially since its inception in 2016. Currently, there are over 60 member locations on four continents with over 4,500 league members.

“I believe we’re just scratching the surface of BATL’s potential and how far axe throwing can go as a mainstream sport,” Wilson said.

Walk-ins and league members aside, Riley said BATL’s No. 1 clients are businesses booking arenas for team building events.

“I would say that’s our company’s bread

and butter. It’s what we’re constantly knocking out of the park, those corporate events,” he said. “We do full-facility buyouts all the time with those corporate groups and the energy in here, it could be quite infectious when one of those is going on.”

Guests come in to BATL to celebrate birthdays and bachelorette parties, too.

According to Wilson, interest in axe throwing has grown through awareness. He said once people have gotten over the initial reaction of shock and understood the concept and how it works, it has become a much more accepted and mainstream form of entertainment.

“It started in Canada probably in 2016 and really just the last 18 months to 24 months is it really taken off in the US,” Wilson said.

“Every time another location opens up, the awareness gets out there and more people hear about it and more people try it. And it’s just the time to see that growth take off right now.”

Reactions of shock are common, especially considering many axe-throwing clubs, including BATL, mix sharp, pointy objects and alcohol.

BATL Scottsdale doesn’t currently offer alcohol, but it will come February, as they’re currently waiting for their liquor license to be approved.

“We wouldn’t be in business the way we are if we weren’t able to run a safe and organized facility that promotes awareness and safety and an entertainment in the right way,” Wilson said.

“Our focus has always been about safety,” Wilson added. “Once people walk in the door, they see how things are organized

and what our venues look like and the safety involved in the equipment, as well as the attention to detail from our staff.”

BATL has had a handful of accidents, mostly minor injuries, since its inception.

None, however, were injuries to walk-ins or one-off attendees.

“We’ve seen small injuries to the fingers and hands of our league membership,” Wilson said, adding that the hatches aren’t fully sharpened for the average guest.

“They’re not in a position to cut themselves even if they do happen to make contact with the blade of the axe,” he said.

“They’re not actually dangerous, so there are no injuries there.”

It’s the league members – with their own, sharpened axe – who injure themselves.

“Every once in a while they might nick their finger a little bit while they’re sharpening their ax. That’s really when it happens, never during the throwing of the axe,” he said.

In terms of pricing, one- to two-and-ahalf-hour private axe-throwing events cost $40.99 plus tax per person, with discount pricing of $35.99 available on Tuesdays.

Public walk-ins, which take place only on the weekends, are $22.22 plus tax per hour per person.

To celebrate its opening, however, BATL Scottsdale offers free axe throwing from 6-10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Jan. 26.

“We’re excited to be in Scottsdale and looking forward to having people come out and say hello and getting ourselves ingrained in that neighborhood,” Wilson said.

Information: batlgrounds.com

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Comedy duo brings humor to female foibles

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GET OUT Editor

L

inda Klein found her childhood diary and had a good laugh. Relationship, school and family drama filled the pages. She thought her longtime writing partner, Barbara Gehring, would find it equally as funny.

“We were reading our diaries to each other that afternoon, and I said it could be a show,” Gehring said. “It’s something that’s universal for everyone because it’s all based in honesty and truth. You can’t make this stuff up.”

The result is The Secret Comedy of Wom-

IF YOU GO

What: The Secret Comedy of Women-Girls Only Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe St., Phoenix When: 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m.

Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Jan. 23 to Feb. 24 Cost: $54 to $62 Info: : 602-256-6995, herbergertheater. com

en-Girls Only, an original comedy celebrating the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female. Performances continue at the Herberger Theater Center today, Jan. 23, to Feb. 24.

“We had a blast brainstorming all things female,” Gehring said. “We started with diaries and all the funny things women go through in life.”

Klein adds, “We wrote a show that demonstrates to women all the triumphs over everything that’s put in their way. We get a laugh out of how hard it is to put on pantyhose and the heartbreaks of first boyfriends.”

The Secret Comedy of Women is a mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation and hilarious songs and videos.

“It is a unique theatrical experience in the sense it’s a blend of a lot of theater, sketch comedy and a Broadway theater,” Klein said.

“People like the fact it has a great pace and things are changing all the time. Every audience has a different experience, but it’s always like a girlhood reunion.”

The Secret Comedy of Women is intended for female audiences, but men enjoy it as well.

“There was a man who was brought to the

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51

“Other women are overwhelmed with laughter and say they should have brought their Depends, or we should sell them at intermission. We have lot of women who are touched by it and are not exactly sure why.”

Women enjoy reminiscing about their high school years, Klein and Gehring say. It can be emotional and funny.

The Secret Comedy of Women ran for two years at the Denver Centre for the Performing Arts, and in front of a quarter of a (Special to AFN) Linda Klein and Brabara Gehring are presenting a comedy about million guests nationally, female foibles, using improvisation, sketch comedy and songs and Gehring said. The show videos mixed in with audience participation. is appropriate for folks show by his sisters,” Gehring said. “I think he of all ages.

“We had a group of 11-year-olds at a show had seven sisters. They were all sitting in the front. He was the one who started the stand- for a birthday party and they all had a ball,” ing ovation. He said, ‘That was my life grow- Klein said. “There’s something in there for a ing up. What a celebration of my beautiful woman of any age. It looks at women in a lighthearted, innocent way.” sisters.’

THE EAST VALLEY | JANUARY 6, 2019 GET OUTTRIBUNE 24 OUT 36 SUNDAY 24 46 GET OUT GET JANUARY 16, 2019OUT |GET AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS GET OUT 52

What’s Cooking With WithJAN JAND’ATRI D’ATRI With JAN D’ATRI With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor GetOut Contributor GetOutContributor Contributor GetOut

IHW

Garlicky prosciutto chicken Salmon and garlic butter Meatloaf-stuffed sourdough Kids, adults will dig (into) with spinach a power kick off new year with zest makes a great meal – hot cold meatball sub casseroleormeal

ere’itsevery a perfect wait for year. recipe and ith the holidays Service behind us, you’re probably looking to eat more lean protein but suffer from chicken The Volunteer Nonprofit story to kick off the new year! boredom.

I’m about to change that with this super flavorful, incredibly easy dish that I can only Association Book haswell-worn become I found theSale dusty describe as my latest chicken flavor bomb! It’s a stuffed chicken, but not in the way you usually legendary for store finding cookbook inin anPhoenix old antique off prepare it.

This method makes it books on every imaginable the beaten pathsubject in Ogden, Iowa. In easier to stuffprices. and much easier to atresearching rock bottom TheI was cookbook the author, thrilled eat. is where you would have section that I had stumbled across a treasure. foundTucked me boxing up my of into each slitbounty of chicken “The Gold Cook Book,” first pubbooks. is prosciutto and a slice of your falished 1947, was

by Louis Amongincheese them, an written oldwith handmade vorite along garlicky, P. De Gouy, thea chef at the Waldorfbooklet with bright pink buttery sage leaves. Then, thatpiece garlic Hotel forpaper 30 years. ofAstoria construction as aover cover. butter gets spooned right the He was also“Key onetoofMy theFavorite original It simply read, top before it goes into the oven. It founders of Gourmet Magazine and Recipes, ” scribbled in black marker. really is sensation, especially with No butInthe theauthor authorwas of 16identified, cookbooks. the my Momma’loaded s spinach booklet withsalad. great recipes, this walls of sourdough. butter.

The great thing about compounded butters book, I was found an entire chapter devotedincluding to something adaptation old-fashioned meatloaf. up nice with your and favorite mashed that itthey can and be hot made ahead stored in a you don’t on finda good as a separate section in many cook- isServe The meatloaf mixture is stuffed veggies – or coldindefinitely the next day a readyclosed jarorand refrigerated forasuse when books today- compounded butters.into a bread loaf, potatoes where itfavorite is nestled slow cooked withinreads, the hollow sandwich!

Prosciutto Chicken My meatloaf Momma’s Spinach Salad necessary.

MyGarlicky lineand opening the chapter “Com- made Ingredients: (For 2 Servings) Ingredients for the Salad: I chose a recipe for a garlic butter and loved the pounded (creamed) butters in cookery are the finish2 Large Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts 1 large clove of garlic, crushed whole eatballs, marinara, mounds of garlicky, crusty and olive oil combo, and that just completes deidea of paring it with a simple salmon fillet.the Adding 1 teaspoon salt ingFor touch to food, be it a soup, fish, meat, sauce or the Meatloaf: 12 slices prosciutto, sliced thin 1 to 1½ bags fresh spinach (about 12 oz.) washed bread all bubbling away together in a hearty constructed meatball sub sandwich.

Everyone needs 1 teaspoon pepper some fresh squeezed lime juice to the compound vegetable as is powder and make-up to the face of a Ingredients: 12casserole (2x1 inch) Fontina, Havartithisordish. cheese of dishes and dried pretty much describes can a bright Pinch ofthey red pepper flakes and flavorful finish. Choose gave the salmon beautiful woman. ”slices 8 strips thin sliced bacon your choice ½ pound crispy (6 pieces) It’1sThe a simple and delicious casserole that I picture pull together largechapter fresh sourdough loaf scooped out hollow, fresh, thick bacon, slices ofchopped salmon,fine cook them in a grill covered every compounded butter nice hungry kids, time-crunched parents and anyone who in no time, and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 eggs, hardboiled and chopped reserve bread to truffle Butter, and I was struck at For the BBQ pan or skillet withSauce: a little salt and lemon pepper, and from anchovy loves1 lb. meatball sub sandwiches diving right into. this1 teaspoon one isofjust 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced salt (or more as needed) garlic lime butter ground beef thencup drop acatsup dollop of compounded how simple these compounds are, often mixing to- 3/4 for the It’ll1 lb.take youleaves just minutes to prepare, a few more right 12 sage 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper ground pork 2on teaspoons or redinwine) top for avinegar perfect(cider light meal minutes. gethertojust twoand or dinner three ingredients to the softened andWorcestershire minutes cook, is onfine the table before you meatball 1 sweet yellow onion,Mozzarella diced ½ cup shredded 1 teaspoon sauce cheese lov- dry know2 cloves it.Salt and garlic, minced 1 Ingredients teaspoon pepper to taste formustard the Salad Dressing: ers in the brown sugar or more for desired The casserole of meatballs is surrounded by slices 1 ½ Optional, cup fresh 1grated parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon cup marinara sauce (Rao’ s Tomato Basil) ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil For the salmon of fresh 4 eggsbread that have been brushed with a garlic family. sweetness 1 heaping tablespoon brown sugar 4milk (approx. 6 oz.) 1-inch thick salmon fillets, skin on 1 cupDirections: ½1 tablespoon teaspoon chili powder fresh lemon juice (1/2 lemon) 2 tablespoons olivefresh oil plus 1 tablespoon 2 heaping tablespoons parsley, choppedunsalted fine butter Dash of Sriracha or Tabasco Sauce Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper In a skillet,sea melt Directions: 1 teaspoon salt4 tablespoons of butter. When 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce it starts to sourdough brown, addloaf 3-4 lengthwise cloves of minced gar- out bread, leaving it hollow. Reserve bread dough. In Slice top of and scoop Ingredients: Directions: 1 a(26skillet, oz.) bag of frozen meatballs (yield, approx.

52 shredded Italian Blend or Pizza Blend cheese lic.

Add sage leaves and cook for 1 minute, just to 1 cup fry bacon until cooked halfway (not crispy).

For the compounded garlic lime butter Prepare salad In until a medium meatballs), amount can be doubled if desired 1 cup cheese soften.

(Do not burn the butter.)

Set bacon aside to cool.

In same skillet with bacon grease, sautéParmesan oniondressing: and garlic golden bowl, brown.

1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened but firm grated 1 Cool (24 oz.) jar of marinara or meat sauce (I used Rao’ s 1 fresh baguette, sliced whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, lemon Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts.

Make 5-6 and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 clove garlic, minced fine Tomato Basil bowl, Sauce) 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced juice, mustard and Worcestershire sauce cuts three quarters of the wayreserved throughbread Indiagonal large combine beef and pork, dough, cooled onion mixture, cheese, eggs,until milk, 2a tablespoons of freshly-squeezed lime juice 1 parsley, cupthe shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup extra virgin olive oil well blended.

Set aside. chicken.

Place chicken on a 9X13 baking sheet. salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt Coatcombined. the sides and bottom of a large wooden up prosciutto slices.

Tucklarge prosciutto, Mix the ingredients by hand or with spoon until well ¼Roll teaspoon black pepper Directions: bowl with garlic,the then discard garlic piece. you slice of cheese and a sage leaf into each slit in Prepare barbecue sauce.

In a bowl, combine catsup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dryand mustard, brown Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium to large saucepan, combine pasta sauce frozen(Ifmeatdon’t have a wooden bowl, mince the garlic clove the chicken.

Spoon garlic butter over the chicksugar, chili powder and hot sauce.

Set aside ½ cup of sauce for serving, if desired.

With a brush, lightly Directions: balls.

Cook over medium heat until warmed completely through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring so meat-coat tounsalted the saladbutter, mixture.) en. season with salt and Sprinkle inside ofLightly loaf with barbecue sauce. balls don’t stick to pan.

While meatballs are cooking, cut and baguette into approximately 12 slicesgarlic, (enough Prepare compounded garlic limepepper. butter by combining ½ add stickitof minced limeto In a large bowl, add spinach, crisp Mozzarella over each piece of chicken.

Pack meatloaf firmly into the hollow bread loaf.

Place strips of bacon across top, tucking thetoeggs, sides go around the edge of your baking dish).

Combine garlic and olive oil and brush of bacon, bread. juice, salt and pepper. Mix until well blended. Refrigerate until ready use. Heatover athe grillslices pan or skillet salt and pepper.

Bake for 25 minutes, basting halfway through the Place meatballs in the center of a 9x12 baking dish.

Sprinkle mozzarella, Italian blend cheese and parmeinto the bread.

Brush bacon with barbecue sauce.

Cover with loaf top and wrap in aluminum foil covering medium high heat.

Drizzle around sides of thefillets bowlin san oftablespoons meatballs.

Line the all thetablespoon wayOparound bread slices (standing up), pressing them cooking with the melted garlic butter. theover loaf completely.

Addtop twoprocess olive oilpan and one of with butter todressing pan.

When hot,the place salmon slightly into the meatball mixture.

If desired, sprinkle the bread lightly with any remaining cheese. (so spinach doesn’t get soggy) then gently mix. tional, serve on a bed of warmed marinara sauce.

Place on baking sheet and cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. skillet, skin side down. Sprinkle fillets with Lemon Pepper and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes depending on Bake forWatch aboutremove 20 how-to minutes or until cheesetop. is melted and bubbly and bread has toasted to aorgolden brown.

Serve on chilled salad plates and top with eggis my video: jandatri.com/recipe/ When done, foil and sourdough On broiler setting, cook for about 5 minutes until bacon thickness of fillet. Turn fillets over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. When done, place fillets on a plate Serve as a sideand or asbegins a maintodish with vegetables or a salad. and spinach for garnish. garlicky-prosciutto-chicken. fully cooked get crisp. or platter spoonahead one teaspoon of compounded garlicready lime butter on top of each fillet. Garnish with Casserole canand be made and heated in the oven when to serve.

Cut into slicesServes and serve with reserved heated barbecue sauce, vegetables or a salad. lime wedges.

4.

Watch my video: jandatri.com/recipe/meatball-sub-casserole/ Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/christmas-tree-pull-apart-appetizer.

Watchmy myhow-to how-tovideo: video:jandatri.com/recipe/garlicky-prosciutto-chicken. jandatri.com/recipe/garlicky-prosciutto-chicken.

Watch Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/garlicky-prosciutto-chicken.

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25 THESUNDAY SUNDAY EASTVALLEY VALLEY TRIBUNE JANUARY 13, 2019 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 2,9,2019 THE EAST TRIBUNE || JANUARY 2019 GET OUT 20, GETNEWS OUT FOOTHILLS NEWS JANUARY 2019 45 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS | |JANUARY 23, 2019

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page 25 PUZZLE ANSWERS ANSWERS on on page 13 PUZZLE ANSWERS PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 14 PUZZLE 25 PUZZLE ANSWERS on on page page12 15 PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 38 PUZZLE ANSWERS PUZZLE ANSWERS on on page page 12 12

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Sports & Recreation @AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee girl wrestlers no longer face inequality

BY ERIC NEWMAN AFN Staff Writer

A

t high schools in Ahwatukee, female wrestling has finally arrived, no holds barred.

Since the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the governing body of high school sports in the state, announced last May that it would sanction girls wrestling as an “emerging sport” this school year, a collective sigh of relief was uttered by every female wrestler who previously had to practice moves against a member of the boys wrestling team.

The first girls wrestling season is under way with sectional and state tournaments to follow. The script is similar to the AIA’s roll out of beach volleyball last year.

The girls respect that they are part of the inaugural year, setting the first records for girls down the line to break as the sport grows.

“We instantly become friends with every girl we meet on the other teams,” said

(Eric Newman/AFN Staff)

Akira Cook (from left), Hannah Armenta, Stephanie Pedersen and Bailey Busby are members of the Desert Vista High first girls wrestling team. The sport made its debut in Arizona this school year.

Desert Vista wrestler Akira Cook. “Being girls and the only girl wrestlers, we have to stick together. It’s an honor that all of us are here.”

The rules of the sport have not changed.

Neither has the coaching. What’s different

is the sense of accomplishment the girls get from competing in a sport tailored just to them.

“I’ve definitely bragged about wrestling to a bunch of my friends,” said Desert Vista junior Hannah Armenta. “Now I’m

trying to even more of them to do it, too.”

Mariah Gramza, one of just two on the Perry High girls wrestling team, took first place in her weight class in Perry’s first tournament of the season.

Gramza said that she sensed silent judgment that she lacked skill and was out of place on the mat when she used to wrestle against boys. Holding up a winner’s medal – the first Perry girl to do so in wrestling – it was clear that the tide had turned.

“It kind of felt nice winning and proving them wrong,” she said.

Having their own teams, being able to wrestle against other females and now having the opportunity to be crowned state champion makes Horizon High wrestler Andrea Horanzy feel like she and other girls finally have their own identity in the sport.

“Before, I kind of felt isolated being the only girl, like I wasn’t important, especially because I was losing a lot against the boys See

WRESTLING on page 55

Silent Assassin: DV’s big man lets his play do the talking

BY ERIC NEWMAN AFN Staff Writer

O

sasere Ighodaro backed up his defender on the perimeter.

Switching the ball to his right hand, he turned over the left shoulder, took a couple of dribbles and then threw down a ferocious dunk against Ahwatukee-rival Mountain Pointe.

It was among several highlight-reel plays that Ighodaro made during the Thunder’s surprisingly dominant 70-53 rout of the once-nationally ranked Pride.

The standing-room-only crowd, his teammates and seemingly everybody in the DV gym except the 6-foot-10 Desert Vista junior center erupted in celebration.

Ighodaro just turned around and ran back on defense.

This sort of non-verbal leadership has become commonplace for Ighodaro, who often has the same expressions and mannerisms whether his team is down 20 points or after a highlight play against a rival.

“He’s just a silent assassin,” said Thunder coach Gino Crump.

While he is not much of a talker and not the player that teammates look to for verbal motivation, Ighodaro’s play has made plenty of noise.

Ighodaro received multiple offers to play Division 1 basketball before his junior season began, and further success likely will bring him even more. Through 18 games, he averaged 10 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots.

Ighodaro and the Thunder have a rematch with Mountain Pointe on Jan. 29 in the Pride’s gym.

While training year-round, it is not just his own skills and college recruiting that he’s working to improve.

“I just want to win a state championship for my seniors. That’s really all I care about right now,” Ighodaro said.

He cares deeply about those who came before him in the Desert Vista program, claiming they taught him much of what he knows about playing basketball. To

(Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

He’s 6-foot-10 and only a junior, but already Desert Vista center Osasere Ighodaro, whom DV coach Gino Crump calls “The Silent Assassin,” is making noise on the court with his play.

this day, he regularly speaks with Thunder alumni, gathering advice for life on and off

the court.

“They (alumni) love him. He’s a little brother to those guys,” Crump said.

That group of former players is hoping Ighodaro can be the anchor on a state-title team after the championship eluded the Thunder the last two seasons.

Before the season, those championship hopes seemed like a long shot for the Thunder. The entire DV starting-five from last season either graduated or transferred.

That team reached the 6A semifinals and was an overtime away from the championship game.

“We weren’t even projected to get into the playoffs this year because we lost those guys,” Ighodaro said. “We’re underrated, so we just have a chip on our shoulder and we’re playing with that.”

Ighodaro is the one true big man left on a team of mostly guard-size players. He is Desert Vista’s only scary rim defender and low-post scoring threat.

See

IGHODARO on page 55

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

WRESTLING

from page 54

my size,” said Horanzy, the only girl on her wrestling team. “Now, I feel more included.”

For years, girls struggled to fit in to the high school wrestling community. They were permitted to wrestle on boys high school teams because they had none of their own.

That kept some potential female wrestlers away from the mat.

With rosters small while the new sport builds, girls often still must wrestle against boys during practice sessions. That’s uncomfortable for both, for reasons beyond a difference in muscle mass and natural strength.

Casteel High coach Frank Torres said several potential wrestlers and their parents were uncomfortable with their daughters in such close contact to similar-age boys.

“A couple of years ago, I had five junior-high cheerleaders walk in and say they wanted to wrestle,” Torres said. “I let them do it for a couple of practices and they didn’t come back because they were wrestling the boys.

“I asked them what drove them away, and to boil it down it was just strange for them being that close and having that

kind of contact with boys.”

The sport, by its nature, requires close contact with the opponent to train and compete.

Stefany Valencia, a first-year wrestler for Westwood High, who took third place in her weight class at the Anthony Robles Eastside Women’s Tournament on Jan. 12, found her first athletic calling in the sport.

Valencia likes the sense of camaraderie and pride among female wrestlers, knowing they are breaking ground.

“You have to get close with the girls to practice,” Valencia said. “Then we start talking to each other outside about wrestling, and we start knowing each other.”

Torres calls wrestling one of the most inclusive sports girls can be a part of in high school now. All body shapes and sizes are welcome, even encouraged. With weight classes from 101 to 225 pounds, and competitors of more or less equal size, girls who might be too big or too small for other sports actually provide their teams with a scoring advantage in wrestling.

Further, he said, the boys on the high school wrestling scene often are the girls’ biggest cheerleaders.

“Nobody gets more excited and there’s no louder cheers than when one of your girls makes a good move or wins,” Torres said.

IGHODARO

SPORTS from page 54

Isaiah Wilson, a senior point guard for the Thunder, said that Ighodaro’s ability around the basket at both ends allows his teammates to play more aggressively and take more chances on the perimeter. They know he will be back there to clean up any mistakes.

On offense, Ighodaro’s presence allows teammates space on the perimeter to make efficient cuts or shoot jumpers.

“He makes my job so much easier,” Wilson said. “He’s always back there on defense to help us out and giving me somebody to give the ball to in the post and setting picks on offense.”

While Ighodaro’s value is clear on an 11-7 team battling for playoff seeding, Crump said that the next step is raising his center’s intensity.

Ighodaro likely never will be the one screaming in the huddle or giving impassioned speeches to teammates. That does not mean that he cannot continue to improve his aggressiveness and leadership on the court, though.

“He’s really coming into his own, just scratching the surface of what he can really be,” Crump said.

year! t s 1 3 r u o in w No

!

XPO IS HERE E G IN N N U LONGEST-R ARIZONA’S ving re | Retirement Li

Healthca ir e | Home Repa Financial | Leisur vel inos | Tour & Tra Education | Cas and More...

(Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

Desert Vista junior center Osasere Ighodaro has shown that he is more than just tall – he’s 6-foot-10 – and he’s only scratching the surface of what he will be as a player, Thunder coach Gino Crump said.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

Desert Vista girls’ soccer finds success in mid-season tournament

BY ERIC NEWMAN AFN Staff Writer

T

his was not Desert Vista girls soccer as the players had come to know it.

The senior captains sensed that a spark was needed after their experienced team, with their usual state-championship aspirations, opened 2-3-1 in their first six games. They were shut out in all three losses, in which they gave up two or more goals.

Without having to verbalize it, the returning starters buckled down and played with more passion – and suddenly they were hoisting the AZ Soccer Showcase championship trophy with four wins in five days that improved their mark to 7-3-1.

After that rocky start, the Thunder seem to have found themselves.

Senior Megan Brouse said only four new players were added to the varsity this season, so the girls had experience playing together. However, because many played for different clubs and then were expected to play new roles and positions for the Thunder, team chemistry was off initially.

“We were having trouble figuring out what lineup worked the best, so we kept trying different ones until we found one that worked well,” Brouse said.

The result was a 16-2 goal difference in

about it, but nobody actually talked about it,” Brouse said.

Senior Bri Herman added, “I think it was definitely a big win, and kind of gives us hope for the future.”

With the lineup finally set, Thunder coach Marvin Hypolite no longer had to tinker with the roster. The team could focus on strengthening its technical play.

(Eric Newman/AFN Staff) Desert Vista plays Megan Brouse (left) was among the seniors on the Desert Vista girls soccer a possession-heavy, team who pulled the group together after an uncharacteristic rough start fast style, in which and got the Thunder playing more like a state-championship contender. play develops from its strong defensive line.

Wingers and forthe four games of the Showcase during the wards can make fast runs on the ball, using holiday break, including wins of 3-0 over efficient passing from the midfield to creHamilton, which defeated the Thunder ate chances on goal.

1-0 in last year’s playoff quarterfinal, and “We focus a lot on midfield and how 2-0 over Chaparral, which had defeated we transition, and that’s how we can play them 3-0 less than a month earlier. a high-flying style. And then, defending “We all had it in mind, where we all from the back has been one of our major wanted to go out and win that tournastrengths for years.

It makes that style of ment. You could tell we were thinking

play easier,” Hypolite said.

“I believe (the Showcase) increased our confidence, and we saw the results with a lot more goals and better play as a team.”

He said the girls played with significantly more certainty and decisiveness in practices following the Showcase, and the Thunder blew out section-rival Boulder Creek, 6-0, to open 2019.

More importantly, the girls grew closer with more time together on the practice pitch. While the players claim interpersonal relationships were a weakness early, the captains claim the bonds the players have formed will be a major advantage down the stretch.

“I think our biggest strength is our team chemistry. It keeps getting stronger, and you can see it in our play,” Herman said.

With their record over .500 heading into 6A Central section play, the Thunder’s goal is to not let up.

Starting with the captains, Desert Vista must work to fight complacency in order to capture the state title that has eluded it since 2016.

“When you start to win more, it can be easy to not try as hard in practice or relax a little bit. We know we can’t do that,” Herman said. “In practice, we’re working to keep getting better and try to be the best in the state.”

Players file racial-bias suit over shuttered juco football program

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

A

group of 11 African-American student-athletes last week filed a federal suit against the Maricopa County Community College District governing board, claiming racial bias motivated its elimination of its football program.

The suit accused the board of violating the U.S. Civil Rights Act and the Fourteenth Amendment in ending the program, which had its final season last fall.

“Sports is one of those industries that helps students achieve. Not only in the sport, but in academia and their professional life,” Mesa attorney Phillip A. Austin said during a press conference last week to announce the suit.

The plaintiffs include former East Valley high school athletes Darius Glover, Gerald Wilbon, Robert Jordan and Andre Adams, who signed to play football at a Maricopa County community college.

Some of them attended the press con-

(Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Attorney Phil Austin points to a chart during his press conference that shows the overwhelming number of African-Americans in the now-disbanded community college football program.

ference to discuss how eliminating football negatively impacts their education going forward.

“It broke my heart,” said Andre Adams, a freshman defensive back at Phoenix College. “I was just thinking what I would

do next. I was nervous.”

Adams, a 2018 graduate of Mountain Pointe High, decided to attend Phoenix College in order to try and move onto a four-year university or beyond. Football has always been his outlet, a way to take his mind off of any problems he experienced growing up.

Beyond that, the game has made him into a better student and man.

“Football is everything, it provides an escape,” Adams said. “It has guided me to make the right decisions and to be a better role model. Football will make you have good grades, it teaches you discipline.”

Signing to play at a community college gave each hope of continuing his education and eventually playing at a four-year university. They claim that terminating football programs diminishes those opportunities.

“They didn’t consider the fact that many of the football players transfer out to fouryear institutions to play,” Austin said.

See

FOOTBALL on page 57

SPORTS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

FOOTBALL

from page 56

The MCCCD board announced termination of junior college football in February, 2018. The announcement left players and coaching staffs at Scottsdale Community, Mesa Community, Glendale Community and Phoenix College questioning their future going into the final season of play, which ended in November.

Rosters for the four teams this past season contained 306 total players.

The MCCCD issued a statement in response to the suit.

“We understand the disappointment of these young men with our decision to eliminate our football programs,” the statement said. “We have great respect for the nearly 350 student athletes impacted by this decision, including these 11.

“We believe our decision in this matter was necessary and in the best interest of our students and system. Once we are served, we will carefully review the lawsuit and will respond further at the appropriate time.”

A few months after the Maricopa County schools’ announcement, Pima Community College in Tucson, Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher and Arizona Western in Yuma announced that 2018

as cost effective.

Part of that includes an estimated $20 million in renovations to facilities in order to adequately house the football program.

However, Austin said the board has not presented any adequate evidence to support that claim.

Instead, he says emails from board members Jean McGrath and Johanna Haver, as well as other documentation included in the lawsuit, (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) allegedly show the deMountain Pointe High alumnus Andre Adams, a defensive back cision was “prompted at Phoenix Vollege, spoke at a press conference announcing the by political and racial discrimination suit he and 10 other athletes filed last week. animus.”

“We have emails from McGrath and also would be the final season for their Haver where they have indicated a racial football program, as well.

Without Valley teams to play, there animus against Muslim, black and Latino were none to schedule close enough to student programs,” Austin said. “Howevmake continuation of those programs cost er, without a thought of the consequence, they decided to end these programs.” effective.

Austin explained the MCCCD governThe players’ lawsuit claims that adequate information was not presented to ing board negatively affects other Afrisupport the board’s termination decision can-Americans within the district at a rate

57

10 times that of non-African-American students.

“This kind of disparity cannot stand, and it’s illegal,” Austin added. “This lawsuit is demanding that the governing board of the Maricopa County Community College District reverse its decision and reinstate the football program” Other efforts to save juco football in the Valley are gaining traction.

The Athletic Advancement Association of America, a nonprofit foundation founded in Arizona, recently announced creation of the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference, which would field four teams in the Valley. All would be privately funded.

Athletes on each team would be required to enroll in a local community college and fulfill the classes required to obtain an Associate of Arts degree in order to remain eligible to play.

Despite creation of the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference, Austin and the 11 student-athletes in the lawsuit still want to see MCCCD’s decision reversed.

“They got rid of all Maricopa teams and we all came together. It’s a brotherhood,” Adams said. “Just take a look at us, we don’t want to do any harm. Education is important to us, and football is, too.”

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HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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First time, Every time!

is your roof

Monsoon Ready?

Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

480.399.ROCK (7625)

www.clrpoolservice.com 1st Month of Service FREE

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

CLR Pool Service LLC

aOver 30 Years of Experience aLicensed, Bonded & Insured

charles@clrpoolservice.com

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

ROC#309706

Int / Ext Home Painting 4-Less!

Call Now!

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service

We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

QUALITY PAINT #1 IN SERVICE

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

POOL REPAIR Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?

For a limited time

HIC PRO PAINTING

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member

I CAN HELP!

25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Let seasoned pros

handle all your roofing needs

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service 480-446-7663

Roofing

Not a licensed contractor.

480-454-3959 FREE ESTIMATES

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

ROC #301084

class@times publications.com

We’ll Beat Any Price!

Plumbing

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT We offer personalized service for our customers.

We use the best materials that we can find.

Owned and Operated

by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Roofing

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

(480)

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

• New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Repairs Tile • Foam • Shingles • Patios

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile & Foam Roofer!

Check Us Out FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

CLASSIFIEDS

JANUARY 23, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Roofing

Roofing

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC 223367

Valleywide

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

CR 42 DUAL

NOTICE TO READERS:

Window Cleaning

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

John's Window Cleaning 1-story $135 / 2-story $155 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane.

Power Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (480) 201-6471

CASH OUT!

623-873-1626

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

480-460-7602

Window Cleaning

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

Unbelievable Prices

Call our office today!

www.porterroofinginc.com

Insured•Licensed•Locally Owned

PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING

www.shine-master.com Winter Window Cleaning Special up to 32 Panes *1-Story Home only $140 total *2-Story Home only $165 total

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

phillipsroofing.org phillipsroofing@msn.com

WE ALSO REPAIR SCREENS

480-269-6133

What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) http://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01165.htm, is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

Reference: http://www.azroc.gov/invest/licensed_by _law.html

FALLEN MESSAGES: Redrum, anyone?

The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

TK

®

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today!

Call us for details.

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

The Shining...

A hotel caretaker and his family head to an isolated hotel in the dead of winter... what could possibly go wrong?

Although Stephen King got the idea for The Shining from a stay at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park CO, the filming was done almost entirely on sets. The set built for the Overlook Hotel was the largest ever built (at that time). It included the exterior of the hotel, as well as all of the interiors. A few exterior shots were done at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood (seen below) in Oregon.

CB

“Do you really want to go and live in hat hotel for the winter?” - Danny ,“The Shining”, 1980

Roofing

The letters in each column of the quotation have been transposed and placed below the column. Unscramble the columns to reconstruct the movie quote.

Word breaks occur only at the dark squares. The end of a row is not a sentence break.

D O Y O U R E A L L Y W A N T T O G O A N D L I V E I N T H A T H O T E L F O R T H E W I N T E R

www.Ahwatukee.com

480-357-2463

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC status at: http://www.azroc.gov/

Call Shine Master LLC

See MORE Ads Online!

63

Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon

Not nearly as spooky looking as the architecture at the Timberline Lodge, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO is noted as being haunted.

64

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 23, 2019

INVENTORY 43" SMART TV

• 1080p Resolution • Wide Color Enhancer • Smart Apps

LIMITED QUANTITIES UN43NU7100

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• 3.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity DRYER • 12 Wash Cycles • 7.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity • Quick Wash • WrinkleShield™ Option • Presoak • 12 Dry Cycles • 5 Temperature Settings WTW4816FW

429

$

NEXT

DAY DELIVERY

EACH

DISHWASHER

STAINLESS STEEL DISHWASHER

• AccuSense® Soil Sensor • AnyWare™ Plus Silverware Basket • 1-Hour Wash Cycle WDF520PADM

WASHER

• 3.6 Cu. Ft. • 10 Wash Cycles • Stainless Steel Drum • Deep Rinse Option

DAY DELIVERY

DRYER

• 6.2 Cu. Ft. • 4 Drying Cycles • 3 Temperature Settings HTX24EASKWS CLOSEOUT

359

$ NEXT

DAY DELIVERY

REFRIGERATOR

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified WRS325FDAM CLOSEOUT

ALL 3

EACH

229

HDA1100FWH

$

• Two Adjustable • Adjustable Humidity Shelves Drawers • Gallon Door Storage GTS15CTHRWW CLOSEOUT

1999 419

$

1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off

NO INTEREST**

• 4.8 Cu. Ft. • Self Cleaning • Flex Heat Elements • Extra Large Oven Window WFE510S0AS CLOSEOUT

HTW240ASKWS CLOSEOUT

WED4815EW CLOSEOUT

12 MONTHS

30” RANGE

NEXT

14.6 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR

WASHER

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NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR IT, SPENCERS WILL BEAT IT. IF WE AREN’T ALREADY LOWER, JUST LET US KNOW, BECAUSE WE GUARANTEE A LOWER PRICE!

• 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT

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DAY DELIVERY

STAINLESS STEEL 26 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • 3 Spill Safe Shelves • PureSource 3® Water Filtration

• Black, White or Stainless

199 949

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NEXT

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30

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MONTHLY PAYMENT**

*NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $399.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required* 30.49%APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2017 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

MESA SHOWROOM & CLEARANCE CENTER 115 W. First Ave. | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE 4601 E. Ray Rd. | Phoenix | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD RANCH 7346 W. Bell Road | 623-487-7700 EAST MESA/GILBERT Gateway Towne Center |4630 E. Ray Rd. | South End by Target | 480-988-1917 GILBERT Santan Village | 2711 S. Santan Village Pkwy | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE 10220 N. 43rd Ave | (602) 504-2122 GOODYEAR 1707 N. Litchfield Rd | 623-930-0770 SCOTTSDALE 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX 13820 N. Tatum Blvd. | (602) 494-0100

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM See Website for Additional Store Locations

Arizona’s largest independent dealer!

“It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business”

Come Visit Our New Mesa Clearance Center – 115 W. First Ave.

OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA