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VOTE NOW Doomsday clock ticking for Mesa Public Schools

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor and HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

financial doomsday clock is ticking for most school districts in Arizona and unless the Legislature acts to stop it by March 1, Mesa Public Schools faces the need to make $73 million in immediate spending cuts before the end of the current school year.

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1

Cactus League on the ropes for 3rd straight year

In all, Arizona school districts face $1.2 billion in immediate cuts if the Legislature does not raise or postpone the Aggregate Expenditure Limit that dates back to the 1980s, when Arizona voters approved a spending cap for K-12 schools that the Legislature could override with a simple vote.

As that harsh prospect moves closer to reality, only a few school officials in the East Valley are even talking about it, though officials in both Gilbert school districts and Kyrene

School District have begun to calling it to the public’s attention and Mesa officials have been periodically raising the alarm.

That may be because school officials are keeping their fingers crossed for legislative action soon and at the same time don’t want to panic employees – especially when districts already are struggling to fill scores of vacancies among teaching and support staff.

Moooving encounter

see SPENDING page 6

BY KEN SAIN Tribune Staff Writer

S

pring is coming, but it appears Cactus League baseball will be delayed. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to start reporting on Valentine’s Day, but instead of peanuts and Cracker Jacks baseball fans will likely get broken hearts.

A labor dispute is threatening the Cactus League season. If it delays the start, it will be the third straight year that Spring Training Season in Arizona suffered.

“The Cactus League is the crown jewel of Arizona tourism,” said Kim Sabow, president and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. “There is most definitely a ripple effect that permeates our entire economy.”

Baseball owners locked out players once

see CACTUS page 11

Dorothy Hagen had a strange encounter of the bovine kind last Wednesday when Dolly Star, a therapy cow, visited Oakwood Town Center in downtown Mesa. See story on page 10. (David

Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

The Mesa Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the East Valley.

Times Media Group: 1990 W. Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282

CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 480-898-6500 | Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Senior Account Sales: Ryan Brown | 480-898-6482 | rbrown@timespublications.com Local Advertising Sales: Chris Ross | 480-898-5649 | cross@timespublications.com Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@evtrib.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@evtrib.com Director of National Advertising: Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@evtrib.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 pmaryniak@timespublications.com Staff Writers: : Dana Hawman-Trumbull | 480-898-6466 dhawman@timespublications.com Josh Ortega | 480-898-615 | jortega@timespublications.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@timespublications.com Get Out Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-641-4518 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: David Minton | dminton@timespublications.com Designer: Ruth Carlton | rcarlton@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com The Mesa Tribune 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, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement.

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Inflation also impacts city’s operating costs

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

A

s people across the country battle with inflation, the City of Mesa also is grappling with higher costs.

City Council recently gave unanimous approval to several spending ceiling increases across various departments as well as a small rate increase for residential trash services. The other spending involved new police vehicle costs, construction supplies and building renovations.

City spokeswoman Ana Pereira said the city understands its responsibility to provide reliable public services, sound infrastructure and quality amenities.

“To ensure we can fulfill our citizens’ duty, Mesa is cautious with spending, plans for economic ebbs and flows, and incorporates inflation in the budgeting process,” she said.

The biggest hit involved the purchase of 90 new police vehicles as the spending cap was raised from $5.7 million to $9.4 million.

The department has ordered 60 vehicles for fiscal year 2021-22, including 25 Ford F-150 Responders slated for marked patrol, and 35 unmarked vehicles. Of the unmarked vehicles, 17 will be hybrids, including 12 Toyota Siennas and five Ford Explorers.

A department spokesperson said in an email police currently have 648 active vehicles (including trailers). The vehicles are ordered from the City of Mesa Automobile Dealers Eligibility List, utilizing quotes from dealerships throughout the Valley, primarily from Peoria Ford in Peoria and Midway Chevrolet in Phoenix.

Meanwhile, solid waste pick-up rates increased for residents by an average 41 cents a month and Scott Bouchie, director for the city’s Environmental Management & Sustainability Department, said the increases are part of “normal operations for long-term contracts.”

“We review our rates on an annual basis and take variables such as these increases, along with other financial factors, into

see INFLATION page 4

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

United Food Bank struggles to find volunteers

BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer

U

nited Food Bank is hurting for volunteers.

The shortage at the Mesa food bank’s Volunteer Center, 358 E. Javelina Ave., comes as demand remains high and both trends have largely been fueled by the pandemic.

“We really need people who are feeling healthy to sign up for volunteer shifts at unitedfoodbank.org/volunteer,” said Grace Bishara, Corporate Engagement & Volunteerism manager.

“Our center sorts food donations and packs as many as 26,000 emergency food bags per month to provide food assistance to people in need throughout the East Valley and eastern Arizona. We simply can’t accomplish it without the help of volunteers.”

Unfortunately, the virus not only affects the availability of volunteers; it also spurs the demand for assistance.

“We saw a dip in the number of people served when the pandemic numbers dropped a bit, but now that the numbers are skyrocketing again, we’re seeing a corresponding increase in the number of families needing help,” said Bishara. “We don’t have a backstock anymore. Right now, it’s all about how much we can pump out because we don’t have anything on the shelves.”

Currently, the center limits the number of scheduled volunteers to 25 per shift due to COVID safety precautions. That is the minimum number of hands needed to get the job done.

When even a few people don’t show, it impacts the center’s ability to fulfill its mission.

So, who can volunteer to help?

Bishara encourages anyone who desires to engage in an activity that is both fun

INFLATION from page 3

consideration when making any type of recommended rate adjustments to present to Council for review and approval,” Bouchie said.

The 90-gallon black trash & blue recycle barrel rate rose from $29.34 per month to $29.92. The 60-gallon black trash & blue

Volunteers provide much-needed help to staff at Mesa Food Bank as it provides food for thousands of needy individuals and families. (Special to the Tribune) and fulfilling – and a great opportunity to “get your steps in” – to sign up online.

Families are welcome. The center accepts children as young as age 5 with their parents. “And the kids love volunteering,” said Bishara.

Many seniors volunteer as a way to meet people, make friends and stay involved. If an individual has mobility issues or back problems, they can be stationed to “fluff bags” or asked to pass out one type of food item to be packed in an assembly line.

Others like to volunteer as a community service project with their club or organization. The volunteer page has a link for groups to request the days/times that work for them, or they can email Bishara directly at gbishara@unitedfoodbank.org.

What they need most right now, though, are individuals who are willing to sign up to fill the gaps in the roster. If the desired date doesn’t show any slots available, Bis-

recycle barrel rate increased from $26.19 per month to $26.71 while green barrel rates rose from $6.93 per month to $7.07.

The rising cost of construction materials impacted two different projects, including the Mesa Family Advocacy Center and another building at 26 North Macdonald.

Council awarded a $5.4 million con-

hara’s advice is to check again.

“Maybe it’s not open right now, but we are updating the schedule constantly as we learn that volunteers won’t be able to make it,” she said. “You could check back an hour later, and we’ll need like 10 people, or 5, or 20.”

Volunteer shifts are two hours, with morning and evening shifts running on Monday through Wednesday, and morning shifts only on Thursday through Saturday. Morning shifts are 9-11 a.m. Evening shifts are 6–8 p.m. The greatest need is during the weekdays.

United Food Bank also needs volunteers to deliver food drive boxes and pick up the donations using either the food bank’s box trucks or their own vehicle. They are also currently seeking a master gardener to assist with the new community garden. Contact Bishara via email to learn more about these positions.

tract of $4.9 million, with an increase of $492,760, to the W.E. O’Neil Construction Company for various improvements to the advocacy center, including energy-saving lighting and heating and air conditioning.

“The MFAC improvements project is to correct functionality and maintenance issues by creating a layout that promotes an

The volunteer efforts make it possible for United Food Bank to distribute emergency food supplies to more than 145 agency partners and programs, including senior centers, homeless shelters, afterschool programs like Boys and Girls Club, and weekend backpack programs that make sure children can eat when schools are not in session.

UFB also provides food to over 165 food pantries and agencies in the East Valley and eastern Arizona.

Their work helps ensure that those in immediate need of food, a hot meal or an emergency food box can find it using the Arizona Food Bank Network food locator at arizonafoodbank.org.

The pandemic has increased the demand for food assistance dramatically.

During the first two weeks of business closures in 2020, UFB experienced a 400% increase in direct food distribution.

Although the numbers have leveled off somewhat since then, in the fiscal year 2020-21, United Food Bank logged a 35% increase in distribution over the previous year, supplying food for nearly 60,000 meals per day.

Even so, Bishara has observed that most people are really trying to get back on their feet.

“It’s interesting that, when we were getting stimulus checks from the government, there was a dip in demand. When the money ran out, they came back. You can tell that people are trying to cope on their own. But gas is higher, food is higher, living expenses, all around, are higher.

It’s hard. We can help with the groceries when money is tight, so you can keep the utilities on and put gas in your car to get to work.”

And what happens when people get back to work? “They often come back to volunteer.” ■

effective, efficient, and safe environment for both the public and City staff,” the administration told Council.

Also approved as an $8.5 million contract – increased from $8.1 million – to Foresite Design & Construction for work on all three floors of the old post office building, which the city is turning into event space for community organizations. ■

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

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

SPENDING from page 1

“Districts are in a very difficult position when it comes to addressing your questions,” said Scott Thompson, MPS assistant superintendent for business and support services, when the Tribune asked about the impending crisis.

“We want to educate the public and our staff on this issue,” Thompson said. “We do not want to scare off employees in a very difficult employment environment. We struggle every day to meet the needs of our students with limited staff due to both vacant positions and illnesses.”

The prospects of no legislative action put districts in unchartered waters.

“Since the Legislature has never failed to override the AEL,” Thompson said, “there is no precedent for how this may be addressed both at a state and local level.”

Kyrene Governing Board member Michelle Fahy two weeks ago said at a meeting that “we are going to experience devastating financial impact” if her district must cut $17 million from its current budget.

Higley Unified also raised the issue at its most recent meeting, though officials there said they expect to maintain current operations for this school year, though they will exhaust all their reserves.

State Sen. Sean Bowie, whose district includes part of MPS and five others, said those school systems alone face a combined $177 million in cuts, including Chandler Unified, which would be on the hook for $54 million.

Gilbert Public Schools’ toll would amount to about $40 million.

Like many district officials across the East Valley, Thompson said, “We are focused on working to help our legislators understand the importance of overriding the AEL. “These are funds they have already designated for education,” he added. “The district is discussing our options should the Legislature fail to act.”

But while legislative panels in recent weeks have heard testimony – and taken preliminary votes – on secondary school issues such as whether teachers should be required to tell parents if their child confides in them they are gay and banning references to homosexuality in textbooks – the fiscal crisis facing districts has received scant attention.

Democrats have introduced a couple of measures, one to waive the cap for this year and another to abolish it entirely –

Scott Thompson, Mesa Public Schools assistant superintendent for business and support services, said he and other district officials have been trying to “help our legislators understand” the impact of not raising the spending lid. (Tribune file photo) just won’t be able to spend it all. which would require voter approval.

And that has implications for districts Bowie said in a message to his constituents last week, “My worry is that some who may find themselves unable to pay of my colleagues will demand policy for the teachers they hired and the conchanges in exchange for lifting the cap. I tracts they’ve already signed.

The only thing that could avert this fiscal hope we will do the right thing and vote to raise the cap before March 1st, but it’s train wreck would be action by the Legislature which could approve an exemption too early to tell.”

Republicans have not brought the issue from the voter-approved aggregate expenditure limit forward and of about $6.6 may be angling billion. But that for something would take a in return first – two-thirds vote. such as voucher “It’s cataexpansion or strophic and reenactment of it would be the income tax devastating to cut that is now our budget, estentative schedpecially since uled to be on we’ve already the November committed conballot. tracts for the Without acyear,” Kyrene tion by March 1, Chief Financial school districts Officer Chris across Arizona Hermann said would have to last fall. He said cut more than if the district $1,300 per stuhas to start aldent than what tering spendthey’ve already ing plans in budgeted — a the spring “it 17% drop. doesn’t give you They will be hardly any time able to collect the state and MPS Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis faces some major to make adjustlocal taxes as spending decisions if the cut is not lifted. (Tribune file ments.”

Gubernatoplanned. They photo)

rial press aide C.J. Karamargin last fall would not commit to Ducey supporting an exemption.

In his budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year, Ducey proposed a $14.25 billion spending plan that included $227 million in new K-12 funding above and behind what’s required to keep pace with enrollment growth and inflation and $127 million for higher education, including $46 million for “economy workforce initiatives’’ at the three universities to prepare students for careers in future job.

Karamargin last fall noted that schools got more than $4 billion in COVID relief dollars. While those dollars are not subject to the expenditure limit, they also are one-time monies.

The current problem goes back to the Aggregate Expenditure Limit. Based on figures at that time, it is adjusted annually for inflation and student growth. Charters are not affected because they did not exist then.

What’s happening this year is largely the convergence of two unusual factors.

First, the limit is always based on last year’s student numbers. Chuck Essigs, lobbyist for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, estimates that the drop in students in public K-12 education last year, much of that due to COVID, will reduce the spending limit by about $300 million.

But the bigger problem is one that the Legislature created in seeking to provide financial help.

In 2000 voters approved Proposition 301 to levy a 0.6-cent sales tax to fund education, including teacher salaries, for 20 years. And voters made those revenues exempt from the aggregate expenditure limit.

With that tax expiring this year, lawmakers in 2018 agreed to a new, identical levy to pick up in July and run until 2041 to keep the money flowing without interruption.

Only thing is, they never exempted what the new levy will raise from the expenditure limit. And that alone accounts for more than $632 million of money now coming in to schools — money they formerly got to spend but, legally speaking, cannot spend this year absent a legislatively approved exemption.

If lawmakers do not act, that starts the process of determining how much each district will lose in spending authority.

see SPENDING page 7

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

SPENDING from page 6

Tucson projects a $58 million spending cut would be necessary in the current school year, gutting kindergarten and after-school programs and pushing class sizes to more than 40 pupils.

“If you’re a district that has a lot of special ed kids, obviously you can spend more because the formula allows you to spend more,” Essigs explained. That’s because state law provides a higher level of aid for youngsters with special needs.

But that 17% hit, he said, would come to the total spending authority, “even the part of it that includes special ed students.”

Also complicating the problem is the fact that to balance the budget in the last decade, lawmakers cut dollars from the “district additional assistance” fund, money earmarked for schools to pay for items like books, computers and buses. In fact, that account was zeroed out by Ducey during his first year in office.

That account is now fully funded. But those additional dollars that were restored to schools also helped to push total statewide expenditures above the constitutional limit. ■

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

House Speaker protects election results from Legislature

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

T

he top House Republican is unilaterally quashing legislation that would have given lawmakers the power to reject election returns.

Strictly speaking, Speaker Rusty Bowers of Mesa told Capitol Media Services on Wednesday that he is not killing HB 2596.

That’s something he could do by simply refusing to assign it to any committee to be considered.

Instead, Bowers last week took the unprecedented step of assigning the proposal by Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, to each and every one of the 12 House committees, saying he knows full well there is no way it can secure approval of each of them.

The maneuver drew an angry reaction from Fillmore, who complained that “his highness’’ was abusing his powers in deep-sixing a measure that has the support of 14 other Republicans in the Legislature – including Gilbert Rep. Jake Hoffman.

“He does things like he’s God,’’ Fillmore said of the speaker, ignoring the will of other GOP lawmakers.

But Fillmore acknowledged he doesn’t have the votes to oust Bowers as speaker and install someone who would allow a full debate on the plan.

“Sometimes there are a great many of the legislators (who) don’t have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right,’’ he told Capitol Media Services.

Fillmore’s legislation is a grab-bag of changes to election laws. It would: • Repeal laws allowing anyone to get an early ballot, saying only those with an excuse, like being hospitalized, would get that right; • Bar all other forms of early voting, requiring that ballots be cast only on election day; • Prohibit the use of Election Day voting centers available to anyone within a county, restricting people to cast ballots only in

House Speaker Rusty Bowers consoles Apache Junction Rep. John Fillmore after essentially killing Fillmore’s bill to give the Legislature the power to overturn election results. Fillmore said Arizona “needs to get back to 1958-style voting." (Capitol Media Services. their home precinct.

“We need to get back to 1958-style voting,’’ Fillmore said.

But the provision that alarmed Bowers and some others would have required the legislature to call itself in special session after every election to review the ballot tabulating process for both the primary and general elections. More to the point, it would permit lawmakers to “accept or reject the election returns,’’ with the latter option paving the way for anyone to file suit to seek a new election.

That, Bowers told Capitol Media Services, is unacceptable.

“We gave the authority to the people,’’ he said.

“For somebody to say we have plenary authority to overthrow a vote of the peo-

ple for something we think may have happened, where is it?’’ Bowers said of the unproven and unverified claims made by those seeking a new vote.

And he said that an audit of Maricopa County election returns ordered by Senate President Karen Fann has not produced any evidence that, as some have suggested, the election was stolen from Donald Trump.

“The point is, when we gave fundamental rights to the people, I don’t care if I win or lose, that right was theirs,’’ Bowers said.

“And I’m not going to go back and kick them in the teeth.’’

The speaker also said he could not go along with another provision which would have scrapped the current system of having ballots tabulated by machine, replacing that with a hand count of the all the

votes cast, a figure that in 2020 exceeded 3.4 million.

Bowers acknowledged there are those within his own party who continue to insist that the last election was rigged despite the lack of any proof provided by proponents of that charge. And he said he is willing to consider changes in law designed to protect the right to vote and protect against cheating.

For example, he has allowed bills to go forward that alter the early voting process or increase identification requirements.

But Bowers said he’s not willing to go along with “capricious’’ alterations to the law that are supported by “people of that ilk, the screaming, demanding, arrogant, self-righteous bunch.’’ And the speaker said it is his job to stand up and say ‘no,’ even when others cannot –or will not.

“I would say that most Republicans don’t like it that way,’’ he said. “They’re just intimidated by these people.’’

Killing Fillmore’s bill, Bowers said, “is just a message.’’

Fillmore told Capitol Media Services he isn’t buying arguments by election officials who say that machine counts are more accurate.

Nor was he swayed by the fact that current law already requires there be a hand count of ballots from selected precincts to compare that tally with what the machines registered.

Bowers said that in assigning HB 2596 to all 12 committees, he actually is giving Fillmore what he wants: the chance for one or more hearings. That, the speaker said, could not have occurred if he refused to refer it to any committee at all.

But Bowers made it clear that there is no way this bill would ever become law.

He gets that power not just by virtue of being the speaker and deciding what bills are put up for votes of the full House.

There are only 31 Republicans in the 60-member chamber. And with no Democrats in support, that means a single GOP vote against it – including his – would kill it if it even got that far. ■

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

America’s first therapy cow visits Mesa seniors

BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer

T

he staff at Oakwood Creative Care’s downtown and East Mesa senior centers welcomed the nation’s first therapy cow for a visit last week as part of its mission to create a fun, supportive and engaging place for seniors.

Dolly Star and her “mom,” Karin Boyd, were greeted with enthusiastic “oohs” and “ahs” as they walked into the main room of the nonprofit adult day care facility on Macdonald after an earlier visit to its Red Mountain Club on E. Adobe Street.

Members of the Day Club, most of whom are coping with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other cognitive disabilities, reached to stroke the long, soft, snowy white hair of the micro-mini American White Park heifer.

Some of them fired questions at Boyd, “What does she eat?” (hay, fruit, vegetables, and her favorite treat: marshmallows.) Does she stay in the house with you? (“No, she lives in my yard, but we take walks through the neighborhood, and my dog complains that Dolly gets treated better!”)

Others swapped stories of growing up on a farm, or about pets they’ve had through the years.

Dolly’s visit thrilled Sherri Friend, president and CEO of Oakwood Creative Care.

“During dementia, the first part of the brain to go is the short-term memory,” she explained. “So when we can connect shortterm memory with long-term memory like this, it ignites the neurons. They will go home talking about this and tell their families about something special that they experienced today.”

Oakwood has nurses on staff who can help with medication and personal care and wellness, but the center’s emphasis is on engagement.

“We focus on the creative center of the brain,” said Friend. “That’s one of the last areas of the brain to deteriorate with the dementia process. So, rather than treating seniors like caged animals, we inspire them and give them a place where they can have purpose and meaning in their life and a sense of belonging. And it works. We have no agitation or aggression, and they are increasing in cognitive function and having fun.”

Amy Adams gives a treat to Dolly Star during the Mini White Park Heifer’s visit with seniors at Oakwood Town Center last Wednesday. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer) Oakwood has been around for almost 50 years. It started out as Sirrine Adult Day Health Services in 1975 and the name changed in 2013.

“When I came 10 years ago, we went through a whole revitalization process, moving away from the traditional bingo and coloring sheets to more innovative and creative activities,” Friend said.

Some of those activities involve volunteer work in the community, intergenera-

tional activities, art projects and art history. A music teacher leads jam sessions, choir and drum circles. They also do tai chi, Zumba and strength training.

“Anything to get the neurons firing so they have a great day and go home tired and ready for the next day,” added Friend.

When a staff member heard about Dolly Star, she knew she had found a new and fun addition to the center’s activity list.

Patients who use animal assisted ther-

apy are shown to have improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, depression, anxiety and perceived quality of health.

In the U.S., people are accustomed to hearing about therapy dogs and horses, but Koe knuffelen, Dutch for “cow hugging,” originated about a decade ago in the Netherlands. Compared to humans, cows have a higher body temperature and a slower heart rate, making the cuddling experience more relaxing than with other animals.

Boyd first learned about bovine therapy when her father suffered memory loss following heart surgery.

“My dad had a dairy farm, and there really weren’t a lot of activities that resonated with him,” she explained. “So, I started brainstorming. When a parent needs you, you do what you need to do to help them feel better. I brought Dolly home, and he really seemed to respond.”

Boyd’s father made a full recovery and is back home. But Boyd continued the program, launching the Dolly Star Foundation just four months ago. She knew if it had helped her dad, there would be others who would benefit as well.

Now she and Dolly stay busy, visiting memory care and rehabilitation facilities, assisted living and children’s hospitals whenever Boyd has a day off from her fulltime job as a hairdresser.

Currently, Dolly travels in a U-Haul, but the foundation is working to raise funds for a cargo van.

For more information about the Dolly Star Foundation, go to: dollystarfoundation.com or email info@dollystarfoundation.com.

To learn more about Oakwood Creative Care, go to: oakwoodcreativecare. org or call 480-464-1061. ■

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

Jane Mulligan reacts with surprise while petting Dolly Star. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photog-

rapher)

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

CACTUS from page 1

the previous collective bargaining agreement expired on Dec. 2. MLB Players Association leaders have said they gave up too much in the most recent agreements and they are determined to get some of that back.

The Associated Press reported that the average salary for Major League Baseball players has dropped from about $4.1 million in 2018, to $4.05 million in 2019, to $3.89 million in 2020 (based on a whole season).

The median MLB salary last year was down 6% from where it was in 2017. AP says the last time salaries were this low was in 2015.

Owners, however, don’t want to give up their gains. Both sides are hoping that as financial pressure builds, either in the form of missed paychecks or gate receipts, the other side will be more willing to compromise. However, for that to happen, Spring Training and possibly regular season games would have to be postponed.

That’s not good news for people in the

Valley who rely on Spring Training to bring in tourism dollars and boost the local economy. The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University estimated the 2019 Cactus League season generated over $644 million in economic impact.

That number dropped significantly in 2020 after the pandemic forced an early end to Spring Training Season on March 12. The business school estimates the economic impact that shortened season fell to only $363 million that year.

“The pinch we’re feeling is that we’re not able to distribute as much money out to youth sports,” said Steve Adams, the president of the Hohokams nonprofit group, which handles parking at both Mesa ballparks.

“We’ve earned enough money for the past two years to basically cover our operating costs, but didn’t have any left over for youth sports,” Adams said.

He said that wasn’t necessarily a problem in 2020 because most youth sports leagues were shut down by the pandemic.

However, pandemic-driven limits on attendance in 2021 did hurt youth sports

teams last year. Most parks limited the number of fans to about a fifth of capacity to promote social distancing.

And it appears it will be the labor issues that threaten this Cactus League season.

“We have more than 2,000 volunteers who put in about 100,000 volunteer hours each year,” said Cactus League Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher.

Binsbacher said another shortened Spring Training Season will definitely hurt the Valley’s economy.

“The trickle-down effect is significant, it’s very real,” she said. “Obviously, it’s been a tough time for everyone involved.”

There are 10 Cactus League stadiums that host 15 teams. Hohokam Park and Sloan Park in Mesa are home to the Oakland A’s and Chicago Cubs, respectively.

The Los Angeles Angels call Tempe’s Diablo Stadium home.

There are two ballparks in Scottsdale, Salt River Fields is the home to the Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

The San Francisco Giants train at Scottsdale Stadium.

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home. The Los Angeles Dodgers and C hicago White Sox train in Phoenix. The two Ohio teams, the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, set up shop in Goodyear. The Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres are based in Peoria and the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals play in Surprise.

Sabow, the head of the state’s tourism association, pointed out the ASU study found that six out of 10 fans attending Cactus League games came from out of state.

It also found that a third of them travel to other parts of Arizona.

“I want to emphasize, we remain optimistic,” Sabow said. “When a decision is reached, this industry is ready to welcome everybody back. We’re looking forward to a 2022 Cactus League season. It would be devastating for the local economy if there isn’t one.”

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Pilot license help for vets at Gateway Airport

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

M

ichael Anderson says veterans who want their private pilot’s license can find help through a new scholarship his flight school is offering to 25 recipients.

The retired munitions specialist said there’s no catch with the new Ray Foundation Scholarship offered at the University of North Dakota Phoenix Flight Training Center at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

The new scholarship, which will cover 80% toward the cost of the lessons required to qualify for a private pilot license, will be awarded to 25 qualified veterans or authorized dependents with training expected to begin March 1.

“Every veteran that I’ve interviewed so far is waiting for the catch,” he said. “And there isn’t a catch. This is absolutely on the up and up.”

A private pilot license is a prerequisite for vocational flight training and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs hasn’t covered it since 2015.

It can cost approximately $15,000 and Anderson knows money is not something most veterans have a lot of when they exit their service.

“No one got out of the military because they had too much money laying around,” he said.

Anderson left the Air Force after 25 years of service at the rank of senior master sergeant and is now assistant chief flight instructor for the UND program at Gateway Airport.

The scholarship covers $12,000 of the total tuition at the UND Aerospace Phoe-

Michael Anderson left the Air Force after 25 years of service at the rank of senior master sergeant and is now assistant chief flight instructor for the University of North Dakota Phoenix Flight Training Center at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff) nix Flight Training Center and the Ray Foundation expects students to cover the additional $3,000.

While other supply costs may be incurred, Anderson said the scholarship takes a massive financial load off students’ shoulders.

He said the training he and many other veterans have received at UNDAF is comparable to training received in the military: money is no object, but cost is kept low.

“The manner in which we approach flight training is to absolutely give the student the best value for their money, period,” he said. “We’re about providing the absolute best training we can for the best price.”

Students training at the flight center immerse themselves in full-time flight operations at the airport. This can include taxiing

behind an Airbus A320 commercial airline or landing behind an F-35 fighter jet.

Upon completion of their pilots’ license, students can use the GI Bill at Chandler Gilbert Community College to obtain their associate in applied science degree in airway science technology.

UNDAF has partnered with the college for the past 26 years to provide students with a five-term course that helps students learn nearly everything they need to become a qualified pilot.

The coursework includes operation of basic and advanced aircraft systems and instrumentation, analyze and utilize navigational charts, demonstrate proper operation of a multi-engine airplane, and practice industry safety standards.

Library to take one of his exhibits in recognition of Black History Month.

“The mayor designated that Juneteenth is a holiday but nothing has been done,” Nelson said, contending that the city has also not publicly shown interest in spreading resources and awareness about Black History Month, which honors the struggles and achievements of African Americans.

“What’s the point?” Nelson questioned, referring to the lack of effort the city has

shown in representing a portion of its population in other forms of appreciation.

The downtown library branch, 64 E. First St., will run the exhibit through February.

The exhibit, titled “Veterans of Washington- Escobedo Community Exhibition,” features the various accomplishments of veterans of color who were from one of Mesa’s past segregated communities.

Today, the community is now known as Washington-Escobedo.

Nelson’s exhibit not only includes Af-

Anderson said he hopes students will enjoy the UND program so much they want to return as instructors just as he did.

“I think every veteran that’s graduated the program that’s wanted to work here, we’ve been able to hire,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration has recorded a 29,000 decline in the number of airmen’s certificates since 2011. As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were 469,062 pilots certified with the FAA. Some experts have speculated this decrease stems from an aging workforce and the cost of training.

The partnership between UND and Chandler Gilbert Community College could help close the gap with the pilot shortage because all the students graduate as certified commercial pilots and flight instructors.

UND Phoenix Flight Center Associate Director Rex Ginder said that’s why they like to hire their alumni as much as possible.

Ginder said thanks to the Ray Foundation this scholarship is the removal of a barrier to entry for a lot of veterans.

“This is a great opportunity to further our partnership and give back to the veteran community,” he said.

James C. Ray, founder of the Ray Foundation in 1963 with his wife Joan, felt strongly that the flight training instilled in him the traits and drive which made him a successful aviator, and successful individual.

Ray was at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and eventually flew 30 missions while stationed in England as a B-17 command pilot. He took part in an attack on the German Army headquarters in Caen, France, on D-Day. ■

Mesa debuts Black History Month exhibit

BY GRACE BENALLY Tribune Contributor

B

lack History Month has officially started and Historic Preservation board member Bruce Nelson plans on celebrating it with a new exhibit in Mesa Public Library, because the city had not made preparations to celebrate it.

At a board meeting on Feb. 1, Nelson expressed his disappointment and told his colleagues that he asked the Mesa Public

rican Americans, but Latino and Native American veterans, who aided in the Civil War and both world wars in all branches of the military.

An opening ceremony had been scheduled for yesterday, Feb. 5, with Nelson presenting the exhibit.

Mesa Public Library will be holding other similar events related to veterans of color, including short films and documentaries.

see BLACK HISTORY page 13

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

For Gateway Airport, the pandemic is so over

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

T

wo years after the pandemic hit Arizona, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has returned to normal including a first in airport history.

Gateway Airport Executive Director J. Brian O’Neill’s January report said more than 641,000 passengers came through its terminals so far this fiscal year and that they are on pace to match their 2019 total of 1.7 million people.

For the first time in airport history, passengers briefly filled all 2,809 spaces in its largest parking lot, the Ray Road Economy Parking Lot, over the Christmas holiday.

“We’ve officially recovered from the pandemic,” airport spokesman Ryan Smith declared.

In November, 147,285 passengers passed through the airport’s gates – an 8% increase over the previous record set two years prior, according to a release.

The airport’s largest carrier, Allegiant, contributed to much of this increase with flights twice weekly to places such as Orange County, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The airport’s master plan update in June 2020 predicted the airport will have 1.2 million passenger enplanements and 369,000 total aircraft operations annually by 2038.

A major hurdle to make this possible remains the opening of the new $30 million air traffic control tower that’s slated for completion this summer.

The 190-foot tower is 60 feet taller than the old tower built in 1970 and will provide greater space and unobstructed views of the airspace for air traffic controllers.

Airport improvements will continue afterward with work on the $5 billion terminal modernization project.

Officials look to replace Gates 1-4, which currently sit in temporary buildings that were built approximately 13 years ago.

The terminal modernization project will add new permanent gates that will allow the airport to operate five gates simultaneously, add more space for social distancing, and improve ADA-compliance.

BLACK HISTORY from page 12

Nelson also curates additional AfricanAmerican exhibits that are available to rent for museums, libraries, or any other

A major improvement at Gateway Airport is the construction of a long-delayed new flight control tower, which is being built near the antiquated tower. The new tower is scheduled to open later this year. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff Writer) All these changes have already helped the airport add $1.8 billion in total output toward the local economy, according to the 2021 Arizona Aviation Economic Impact Study conducted by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The study also found that the airport employs 10,224 people earning approximately $524 million in annual wages and benefits.

Passengers won’t be the only ones taken care of, as the runway is under repairs that will allow nearly any size plane to land at the airport, even a 747.

“There’s not an airplane that hasn’t or can’t land here,” Smith said as he explained what makes the airport a “convenient alternative” in the Valley.

With this increased activity comes the increase in noise O’Neill’s report also acknowledged with 59 airport noise calls, up from 46 in 2021.

The executive director’s report also said general aviation flight numbers were slightly down but this could certainly change with the completion of the Executive Airpark’s 183,000 square-foot hangar complex planned for completion this summer.

Tourists are returning in droves to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff) open space that may want to display his works and productions for public viewing.

His work reflects the people who have lived in the Washington-Escobedo and celebrates their accomplishments.

Nelson has created, written, and curated the exhibit, featuring a documentary with brief histories about the veterans, Buffalo Soldier uniforms, and various badges and medals that were given to the

13

Smith said each of the three hangars will have the capability to house a Boeing 737 as part of the facilities maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.

All these projects have been made possible by $5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden in November. The money will be spent over five years to further upgrade the airport.

One project already underway is SkyBridge Arizona, a venture with commercial partners that will add industrial buildings, hangars and a hotel to the airport property This project will allow commerce to be easily processed and shipped between the U.S. and Mexico with the Unified Cargo Processing Program.

A joint venture between both nation’s customs agencies that will allow shipments to fly from Gateway to anywhere in Mexico without additional processing in Mexico City.

The 360-acre, $230 million project is projected to add more than 14,000 jobs to the area and have more than 10,000 cargo flights per year by 2036.

In November, Gulfstream announced it will construct a 225,000-square-foot maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, part of a $70 million investment by the private jet company into the airport.

“The arrival of Gulfstream is further proof that Gateway Airport is one of the best locations in North America for MRO and other aerospace facilities,” Mesa Mayor and Airport Authority Chairman John Giles, said. “The hundreds of high-wage jobs and educational partnerships that will be generated with this facility will have a profound impact on the entire region.”

Smith said the distant future holds an even bigger goal of building a new terminal dubbed Gateway East that will also include 400 acres of retail and industrial businesses.

But for now, Smith said the airport is focusing on what he believes could be their busiest spring season in a long time.

“We are looking forward to one of the busiest spring travel seasons in the airport’s history,” he said. ■ veterans of color.

He produces documentaries and films said they are for a culturally diverse population that challenges the audience’s moral compass. ■

14

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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Mesa woman’s camera captures feathery beauties

BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor

S

ally Mesarosh aims her camera at a trio of feeding pelicans at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert.

Their pouches seemed full of fish but the pelicans glided towards the Mesa woman, perhaps with the hope of securing more.

“It’s pretty cool when you get to see them. They are winter visitors; they are not here all the time,” Mesarosh said. “They travel together in little groups, almost synchronized when they dive for fish.”

Mesarosh has been birding in the East Valley’s nature parks for nearly a decade.

The urban Riparian Preserve is her favorite spot because it contains the most birds, which she attributes to its plentiful water.

There she has photographed least bitterns, hummingbirds, vermilion flycatchers, night crowned black herons, cormorants, great blue herons, Canadian geese,

Sally Mesarosh has a passion for birding in the East Valley. Here she aims her camera at a pair of water fowl. (Srianthi Perera/Tribune Contributor) mockingbirds, black-necked stilts and many other species.

In the spring, she has seen Gila wood-

peckers living inside saguaro cactus in the cactus garden. Often, she spots baby woodpeckers peeping from their tem-

porary homes. The males have a distinct red crown, which make for a contrasting photo when they perch on the ridges of the thorny green plant.

Many times, she has also seen the coveted roseate spoonbill, the large pink waterbird with its broad, spoon-like bill, affectionately named Rosie by local birders.

The bird is not native to Arizona, but has been found around the state. Rosie is not always visible in the Riparian’s sludgy waters, and tends to appear and disappear from time to time, thereby increasing its endearment and causing ripples in birders’ lives.

Mesarosh is an early morning riser who prefers to bird at that time rather than the hours approaching twilight, which are the two optimal times for nature photography.

The early morning hours are perfect to photograph the fluorescent colors of the

see BIRDING page 16

Two Mesa teens nominated as CTE Presidential Scholars

BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer

T

wo Red Mountain High school seniors are among the five Arizona nominees for a prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education recognition.

As semifinalists, Lydia Pastore and Garrett Comes, both of Mesa, now are among 200 seniors nationwide awaiting a national review by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars at the US Department of Education.

Although the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program does not award a monetary scholarship, students chosen get an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC and are presented with the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a special ceremony sponsored at the White House.

While in DC, students are able to network with national and international leaders, government officials, educators and

LYDIA PASTORE

GARRETT COMES

scientists, as well as like-minded peers.

The daughter of Delphine and John Pastore, Lydia ranked first in class and carries an unweighted GPA of 3.98, and a weighted Core GPA of 5.0.

A finalist for the lucrative Flinn Scholarship, she plans to pursue a major in neuroscience and cognitive science with an emphasis in philosophy and a minor in public health.

As a student in the Red Mountain High School Biotechnology Laboratory, Lydia participated in a research internship at the Arizona State University Laboratory of Evolutionary Medicine, working on several different projects.

She recently placed first in the state and second internationally for the Biomedical Laboratory Science Competition.

Outside of school, she has embraced opportunities to shadow physicians, coauthored a pediatric radiology paper under the guidance of a medical student, and participated in the Summer and Saturday scrubs programs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix.

After dealing with post-viral syndrome as a result of Long Haul COVID-19 during her junior year, Lydia put personal experience into action, creating the platform Chronic Connections, an international support group that has reached kids in over 12

see SCHOLARS page 16

16

COMMUNITY

BIRDING from page 15

hummingbirds because the sunlight is on them, she explained. Hummingbirds are notoriously hard to shoot because of their endless fluttering around bushes and require a high shutter speed setting.

“The birds are most active the first thing in the morning as the sun rises. If you come at sunset, you never know what you’re going to see, too,” she said.

By mid-morning or noon, there’s less action to observe as the creatures have fed themselves and are more sedentary. On the occasions that Mesarosh has come in the early evening, she has observed another uptick in activity.

Mesarosh lugs a four-pound camera ensemble: a Cannon EOS Rebel SL2 with a powerful Sigma 600 milli meter telephoto lens. Add to that weight her water bottle and backpack with other necessities.

“It’s rather heavy. I can’t go forever, but I can go a couple of miles,” she said. “It’s similar to going to the gym and working with weights.”

She describes the walk as “half-exercise, half birding.”

“If I don’t run into any exciting birds, at least I’ve got my exercise. So that makes me feel better,” she said.

How did the pastime begin?

She used to walk around her neighborhood, but it got boring. Gradually, from viewing others’ photos on social media, she began walking in places such as Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler and the Riparian Preserve. At first, she wanted to see the wildlife. Then, she wanted to capture them on camera.

SCHOLARS from page 15

countries (chronicconnections.org). Followers on the site share their stories, offering mutual support and advocating for the implementation of safer public health measures in middle and high schools.

As a youth advisor for the AZ Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities, Lydia has partnered with the Center for Health Equity Research at NAU and board members from the Mayo Clinic and NIH to advocate for chronically ill adolescents.

“These experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue a career in medicine alongside an education in public policy, as I hope to help continue to dismantle the stig-

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

view them from afar.

“I see the birders, they’re on the shore and they have their tripods. It used to be intimidating to talk to them. I can talk to them easier now. I don’t bring a tripod because a lot of the time, the birds will fly by and it’s hard if the camera is on a tripod,” she noted.

To photograph the birds that are flying across the sky, she aims her lens at them and hope that one of the pictures comes out well.

She also learned the techDuring one morning, hobby birder Sally Mesarosh pho- nique of talking to a birder. tographed a mockingbird, Great Blue Heron, Gila wood- “You whisper when you talk pecker, black-crowned night heron and pelicans at the to a birder,” she said. “If you Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert. (Courtesy of talk too loud, it might scare Sally Mesarosh) the birds away.”

“The East Valley has a lot of really nice The spoonbill didn’t make an appearance places to explore wildlife. You don’t really on that day, but plenty of other birds did, know that until you get into it,” she said. including a night-crowned black heron.

Mesarosh used to support the marketing She enjoys getting close to nature. division of Mesa Community College, and “There’s a natural rhythm to the birds. And had learned to shoot good pictures. She if we go away from that, spending so much bought her own camera with new lenses time inside on electronic equipment, here and began experimenting with wildlife when you’re outside, the natural rhythm photography. She took a few classes for of the earth – when the sun comes up, the added skills. birds feed, they take a nap. It’s kind of nice Her early retirement in 2020 coincid- to be tied into that,” she said. ed with the pandemic, which gradually Back home after each birding trip, moved into everyone’s perspective. Now Mesarosh edits the pictures and posts that gatherings were limited and she the best ones on Instagram (smesarosh) could go birding during the weekdays and and Facebook. not only on the weekend, she splurged on Her work has also been published in an expensive lens. That’s when her pic- local blogs and newspapers, by the Mesa tures really improved.

Community College and Arizona HighShe doesn’t consider herself as a profes- ways Friday Fotos series. She won the sional wildlife photographer. She used to 2018 photography contest organized by ma surrounding chronic illness in teens.”

Lydia has been involved in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) for the past four years and is her school’s chapter president and state vice president.

Garrett, the son of Annemarie and Demetrius Comes, has an unweighted GPA is 3.855, and his weighted Core GPA is 4.806.

He plans to major in aerospace engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Georgia Tech or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, working toward a career in the field of propulsion.

He currently serves as president of both the Robotics Club and the SkillsUSA CTSO Chapter.

He appreciates the leadership positions, saying they provide an opportunity to de-

velop practical skills as well as management skills that apply to the workplace.

He has also been the lead software engineer each of his four years in robotics. In his freshman year, the VEX Robotics team traveled to Kentucky for the VEX World Robotics Competition.

Garrett credits teacher Adam Middleton, his engineering and robotics mentor, who has watched him grow from “a freshman who wanted to be a part of any club with the words ‘engineering’ or ‘robotics’” to a contributing member of many of the programs.

“He taught me where to better aim my efforts, to focus on doing things the right way, building a strong foundation and letting the success come on its own,” Garrett said.

Mesa Public Library and was a finalist in the Tempe Instagrammys photo contest in 2021.

But Mesarosh yields more than pretty pictures and plaudits from the creative process.

She’s aware that North America’s birds are disappearing. According to one of the world’s top academic journals, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the continent has lost three billion birds since the 1970s.

Just during the past decade of birding, she has noticed less birds flying about.

“It’s a motivation for me to get out and look at them and take pictures of them. In 20 years, it might be even less,” she said.

“These guys might not be around forever.” ■ Sally Mesarosh recommends the following spots for birding and seeing wildlife in the East Valley and environs.

The Gilbert Riparian at Guadalupe and Greenfield roads has the most bird variety, with ducks, egrets, heron and pelicans.

Freestone Park in Gilbert at Guadalupe and Lindsay roads has a small batch of ducks, egrets and sometimes a great heron.

Veterans Oasis Park in south Chandler at Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads has coyotes, jackrabbits, Common Gallinule, crested ducks, ospreys, peach-faced lovebirds and green herons.

The Salt River off Bush Highway has horses and a few birds, in north Mesa.

Usery Park off Ellsworth in north Mesa has a little nature area with water that attracts a few small birds like woodpeckers and hummingbirds.

Scottsdale Community College and ASU Polytechnic campus in Mesa have burrows that house burrowing owls.

His extracurricular activities include robotics, academic decathlon, Stellar Xplorers, Engineering Club and tennis.

Outside of school, Garrett enjoys working on his own personal projects.

“One of the first problems I attempted to solve was the relation between wind turbine blade angle and efficiency. My team and I developed an equation that was able to predict the turbine’s angular speed depending on specific characteristics of the turbine,” he said.

The project received a gold medal at the District Science and Engineering Fair.

“Seeing a robot that my team and I have worked on day and night finally complete its task is one of the most rewarding experiences ever,” he added.■

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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Bird owners flock to this Mesa store

BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor

C

anaries, finches, parakeets, budgies, conures, cockatiels, amazons, cockatoos, ringnecks and quakers are among the many breeds people will find the Arizona Bird Store.

“We hand-raise babies,” said AZ Bird Store owner Debbie Schweikardt, who owned the former Cage World in Mesa for 19 years before moving to the current location near Dobson and Broadway roads in 2013. “When we get babies in, we run them through a panel of four different tests before we open them up to the public.”

She said birds don’t breed in Arizona during the summer because it’s too hot with few food sources so she doesn’t have as many birds at the moment.

“But this time of year, the birds know there are going to be fresh flowers and

Jack is a black palm cockatoo, which is very country. (Special to the Tribune)

grasses and other food sources to feed their babies,” said Schweikardt, adding that no breeding is done at the store.

For anyone who never has had a bird for a pet, Schweikardt said cockatiels are “super cuddly and super friendly.

“They’re bred that way,” she added.

“If they lay three eggs and three babies hatch, they’re only going to raise one baby.

They’re going to let these other two go.

They’re going to put all of their focus and attention on this one baby. So, innately, this is an animal that’s going to be very codependent – like an only child.”

Scheikardt said she takes the babies out of their nest at four weeks and starts hand-feeding them, “getting them superused to people.”

Hand-feeding the babies socializes the birds and makes them more comfortable with humans, enabling an easier adjustment to a new home.

For those who live in apartments, condos or townhouses, Schweikardt said canaries, finches, parakeets and budgies are suitable whole conures and amazons are very loud.

“We also wouldn’t recommend a macaw or cockatiel for an apartment, although people do have them,” she said. “Some of the smaller birds can be pretty loud, too. Many times, they call out to each other.

Most of the time birds are very active a half-hour before the sun comes up, a half-hour afterward and a half-hour before the sun goes down.”

She advised that birds make great pets for kids.

“They’re very forgiving.

They’re very docile and passive. I’m sure every once in a while you’re going to get one rare in this that likes to bite and are a little unruly but when we raise lit-

AZ Bird Store owner Debbie Schweikardt poses Kaos, Indigo and Flower, all of whom are trained.

(Melody Birkett/Tribune Contributor)

tle babies, they’re super sweet and have been handled ever since they were four weeks old.”

Schweikardt recommends setting boundaries for handling the birds.

“We recommend you handle them one hour a day because they’re clingy,” said Schweikardt. “Let’s say you’re talking on the phone, they know you’re talking but it’s not to them and they don’t like that. So they start making a lot of noise, banging their toys around.

“The human will try to comfort them, rewarding the animal for acting out and throwing a tantrum. They’re smart. Do that one or two times, they realize they’re getting attention. We try to educate people. Don’t do it. Set some boundaries.

You’re in control of this animal.”

Owning a bird is relatively inexpensive in comparison to a dog.

For little birds, a complete setup with a cage runs $100. Schweikardt said handfed parakeets start at $60 and hand-fed

cockatiels at $200.

Grooming every other month costs $15 but the store has a special: buy four sessions and get two free.

“Food is much cheaper than dog food,” added Schweikardt. “The thing is to get good food. We sell it at the store. We don’t encourage people to buy their bird food at Walmart.

“These are exotic animals. Some of their diets are going to be a little precise but we always want to give them a good feed with plenty of vitamins, plenty of minerals and plenty of amino acids. We always suggest feeding them fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes if you don’t do that early enough they won’t take to it later on.”

She explained that manufacturers make pellets with grains, fruits, vegetables that have all of the necessary vitamins and minerals birds need.

see BIRDS page 20

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

20

Mesa remodeling firm slates grand opening TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

A

rebranded home remodeling business in Mesa is inviting the public to its grand opening.

Valley Remodeling, 4446 E. University Drive, will have food, drinks and entertainment 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, as the Mesa Chamber of Commerce presides over the festivities.

RSVPs are requested by calling 602316-9187.

The family-owned remodeling business has served the Southeast Valley since 2011 under the title UMGS, but rebranded as Valley Remodeling at the beginning of the year with a focus on kitchen and bathroom remodels.

The company obtained its general contractor’s license three years ago and have since completed a few kitchen and bath-

BIRDS from page 19

“We recommend that to be 80-percent of their diet and then 20-percent fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Schweikardt, who said it’s OK to feed birds things like French fries and tuna fish – “things you wouldn’t think to feed them but they might totally love.”

Birds live a long time so getting one as a pet can sometimes be a life-long commitment. Macaws live 50-60 years, the lifespan for cockatiels is 20-25 years and finches/canaries generally last sevennine years. A good diet contributes to a longer life.

Compared to dogs and cats, Schweikardt said birds are lower maintenance but it depends on the owner.

“The bigger the bird, the bigger the cage, the bigger the mess. But birds aren’t necessarily anything you have to take out as long as you have them in a cage and got everything they need and it’s big enough.”

Employees at the store work with owners who must give up their birds by putting them on consignment.

As far as grooming services, Schweikardt said, “We do the wings, trim the beak, microchipping, DNA testing because with a lot of birds, you can’t tell the difference between male and female.”

“We recommend grooming every other

room remodeling projects.

“With everyone wanting to renovate, it feels like this is the best time to move forward specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels,” the company says on its website.

“Our passion for our work comes from our desire to put you and your home first,” it adds. “We love to enrich people’s lives by providing a higher quality of life, working on each house as if it were our own.” ■ Valley Remodeling’s staff is celebrating its rebranding with a grand opening Friday.

(Special to the Tribune)

fly on top of somebody’s house or a tree a half-mile away.”

Clipping wings isn’t painful to the bird. “It’s not even like hair because hair is something that continually grows,” explained Schweikardt. “Feathers, when they grow, are basically dead after that. There’s no blood supply. There are no nerve endings. Twice a year they molt.”

She said some people want their birds to fly and not clip their wings but Schweikardt said it’s the equivalent of taking a dog that has never been trained to walk on a leash and letting them go.

“It’s out of control.

They’re just doing instinctively what they’re going to do,” adding that letting birds fly has resulted in a lot of them getting outside Carter is a cockatiel that, at 6 weeks old, is just learning to which can be dangerous.

“Birds don’t like a lot adapt to humans. (Special to the Tribune) of temperature changes,” month such as the wings…We change the Schweikardt said. “They don’t know how shape of the wing so they won’t be able to to fend for themselves. They can’t go from

a warm temperature during the day to a cold temperature at night.

“We also run a lost and found. Ever since this way of thinking started to happen, our lost team is just going crazy. Accidents happen. We totally get it. We understand.”

Trimming nails is included in the grooming. “That’s usually what brings people in,” said Schweikardt. “It’s a necessary evil.”

When owners go out of town for a weekend, Schweikardt said to put out an extra bowl of water and food. But a trip lasting longer than a weekend, it’s best to have someone look after your bird or board it.

“We offer boarding here,” said Schweikardt. “It’s minimal. $15 a day. Then bird owners feel confident if something were to happen, we’re going to know what to do. With birds, any exotic, if they’re sick, they don’t allow that to be known.

“A lot of it is due to survival. In the wild, if you have a flock of birds and one or two are not looking good or feeling good, they’re a liability. They’re going to draw predators to this flock and potentially they get the whole flock sick. So, they’re killed off. They spend an enormous amount of time pretending they’re fine by eating, etc.

People who know exotic animals know how to look for warning signs.”

Information: azbirdstore.com, 480833-4001. ■

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OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Share Your Thoughts:

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com TheMesaTribune.com

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Election audit raised questions that are ignored

BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

I

f a murder mystery is called a “Whodunit,” what should we call the curious events surrounding Election Day 2020?

The Left has collectively decried any expression of concern as willing participation in spreading “the big lie.”

The Right, gobsmacked by the audacity and perverse ingenuity of the caper’s magnitude, has characteristically split into two major factions.

First, there are the MAGA backers who loudly object that what transpired was the “Crime of the Century.” Then there are the Establishmentarians, who are so dependent on “business as usual” in the D.C. swamp that they meekly agree with their tormentors across the aisle.

It is that second “conservative” faction,

racked by the odious combination of self-interest and self-loathing, that predictably earns plaudits from the chattering classes.

While the blow-dried and bubbly infotainers on the alphabet networks and their cable cousins celebrate Republican “statesmen,” a very different assessment comes from Americans who work hard, play by the rules and have been awakened to the absurd scam of “wokeism.”

On the rare occasions when those outside the spotlight are asked about their wayward “brethren,” a one-word description is heard: “Sellouts!”

The Arizona Senate, unlike its federal counterpart, actually took steps to explore possible electoral malfeasance in Arizona’s most populous county.

For its authorization of an election audit in Maricopa County, a cacophony

of criticism was unleashed upon our State Senate.

The pro-authoritarian stenographers who self-identify as “journalists” routinely ignore or mischaracterize revelations that raise the specter of a suspect election.

A case in point: the recent Senate Government Committee hearing featuring the testimony of Paul Harris, who voiced his concerns with possible violations of the Uniform Overseas Civilian Absentee Voting Act. Harris, an audit manager, told the committee that actual ballots had been replaced by sheets of copy paper: “Did you all know that our ballots came back like this from our overseas people? Did any of you know this? It is such a sham that I had people every day at my table taking pictures of these ‘ballots’ that were scanned down. It took my team three complete days

to count all of the UOCAVA ballots.

“You know why? Because in 2016, the numbers were apparently 1,600 UOCAVA ballots that came back in the most significant election in our lifetime. In 2020, the numbers were close to 9,600 ballots that came back. ... And in a state where a candidate won by 10,000 votes, that is 8,000 new votes during an election where people were brought home because there was a pandemic…No chain of custody. There’s nothing to identify where this piece of paper came from.”

No imagination is required to identify where the local daily newspaper is coming from in its coverage, which headlined its coverage thusly: “Arizona Senate panel gives platform to conspiracy theories as it approves election-related bills.”

Objective coverage?

Fuggedaboutit! ■

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Peterson retires, Enders named Red Mtn football coach

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

B

ecoming the head football coach at Red Mountain High School has been a dream for Kyle Enders since he played for the program under legendary coach Jim Jones.

It was where he got his first opportunity in coaching at the lower level, learning from former coach Ron Wisniewski and most recently, Mike Peterson. It became well-known that Peterson was grooming Enders to take over the program when it came time for him to step away.

That day came on Friday, Jan. 28 when Peterson announced he would officially retire from coaching. Red Mountain’s admin team named Enders just the fourth head coach in program history shortly after.

“I’m super excited for this opportunity.

I’m fired up to be honest with you,” Enders said. “I know Peterson is going to be here

Kyle Enders, who served as Red Mountain’s defensive coordinator, was named the program’s fourth head coach after Mike Peterson announced he would step down and retire. (Courtesy Red Mountain Athletics) for any questions I have, and he’s been a great mentor. There’s been other opportunities that have come my way, but this is the one where I always thought if I’m

going to make the jump, this is the place I wanted to do it.”

A 2007 graduate of Red Mountain, Enders has been a part of the program for more than a decade, well before he began teaching in the district.

He started off as an assistant, helping with the linebackers and special teams.

Peterson, who was the defensive coordinator at the varsity level under Wisniewski, gave him the opportunity at the varsity level when he was just 23 years old.

Eventually, when Peterson took over five years ago, Enders moved up and became the defensive coordinator. Since then, Red Mountain has had a stretch as one of the top defenses in the state, catalyzed by high-powered offenses that made the Mountain Lions a well-rounded team.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work under some really good coaches that gave me opportunities,” Enders said. “Peterson saw something in me that you don’t always see in yourself as a kid.”

Peterson led the Mountain Lions to the postseason four out of his five seasons leading the program. In 2017, he led them to the semifinals. Two years later, they played and lost in overtime to Liberty in the 6A Conference championship game – the first year of the Open Division.

In 2020, the “COVID season,” Red Mountain finished 3-4 but bounced back this past season by making a run to the 6A Conference semifinals.

Peterson said in a text message that he knew it was time to step away. He informed his players of his decision the same morning Enders was announced as the program’s new head coach.

“I told the team this morning: it’s like grandpa says, ‘the two best days & worst days of your life are the day you buy a boat and the day you sell a boat,’” Peterson wrote in the text. “Today is one of those days for me - I’m retiring from coaching.

see ENDERS page 28

Arizona Arsenal to hold tryouts for Premier soccer leagues

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

A

rizona Arsenal Soccer Club, one of the top organizations for youth soccer in the state, is further expanding its empire to cater to adults looking to play at a high level.

Arsenal announced Wednesday it had become the latest club to expand and join the United Premier Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League. The leagues, which cater to players ages 18-30 in a highly competitive club format, are among the largest professional-development organizations in the country and world.

Teams in the two leagues span across the country. The women’s league alone has more than 125 teams with Arizona

Arsenal being the latest to join.

“We at Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club are super excited about this,” said Ty Iannone, the general manager of Arsenal’s two team joining the Premier Soccer League.

“We’re going to expand into the professional soccer realm now. We want to give something to our youth they can strive for and play with. It will be the top team, in some sense.”

Iannone said the process of putting these two teams together and joining the UPSL has been a long one.

He, alongside Arsenal Technical Director Dave Belfort, have worked countless hours trying to put the logistics in place for the teams to join as expansions for Arizona.

But they managed to get it done. Now,

see

ARSENAL page 29

Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club recently announced it was named an expansion for the United Premier Soccer League, a professional-development league catering to high-level players ranging from ages 18-30. Tryouts will be held in three sessions in February at Bell Bank Park.

(Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

28

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Seton girls eye threepeat under legendary coach

BY GABRIELLE DUCHARME Cronkite News

A

lways apply full-court pressure.

Always force opposing players to their left when they have the ball.

In theory, those simple building blocks explain how Seton Catholic women’s basketball coach Karen Self has built her program and keeps her teams on top.

Under Self, Seton Catholic has won 12 state titles, including the last two 4A championships, and has appeared in 17 championship games.

“Play defense,” Self said. “We have made a name for our program by playing outstanding team defense.”

Self’s players practice two hours a day, six days a week. They travel across the country, from New York to sunny California, to chase the best competition the nation has to offer. Late-night film sessions are followed by 6 a.m. weightlifting.

“Everybody’s gunning for you when you’ve won state the last two years, and 12 overall,” Self said. “Everybody’s always gunning for us.”

Coaches like Self don’t become legendary without maintaining high expectations.

That was evident midway through the third quarter of a recent game against St. Mary’s. The Sentinels were headed for another victory but Self called a timeout, visibly frustrated after one of her young forwards committed a foul.

“Play defense!” Self shouted. “Stop letting people drive by you so you can block their shot. That is horrible defense!”

ENDERS from page 27

It’s time, it’s a young man’s game.”

He went on to reiterate his desire for Enders to take over the program.

“I’ve always said, when I’m done, then Kyle Enders should be the guy & administration has made that possible,” he said. “He’s an energetic, bright young coach who will do great things moving Red Mountain Football forward. I’ll still be here on campus loving Red Mtn kids, staff, coaches, and athletics.”

Not only the school, but the entire Red Mountain community still holds a special place in Enders’ heart.

He always remained in the community even after he began to start

Seton’s defense strangled the Knights after that timeout and Seton went on to win 53-33, outscoring St. Mary’s 25-14 in the second half.

Senior captain Sasha Daniel led the way with 21 points.

Teams haven’t always been gunning for Seton, which was the Seton Catholic coach Karen Self has won 12 state championships and is Valley’s smallest hoping for a 13th in her 30th season. (Courtesy of Seton Catholic) Catholic school before a fire destroyed most of its old “And just being a part of, you know, gocampus near downtown Chandler in the ing to this wedding or going to this baby 1980s. Self arrived at Seton’s new campus shower (over the years).”

This year’s team is young, with four near Ray Road and Dobson in 1992 as a 22-year-old, a year removed from playing freshmen, one sophomore and just two seniors. As always, Self relies heavily on basketball for Arizona State.

“My first season, we went 12-14 and her team captains – Daniel and junior I thought ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ guard Amelie Cartagena – to lead the Self said. “I was so afraid to tell them that young players and ingrain Seton’s teamI didn’t want to come back. It got to be a first culture.

Daniel and Cartagena grew up in the couple weeks before the season. My husband and I talked about it, and we’re like, program, winning a state title in 2020 a week before the COVID-19 pandemic real‘Well, I can’t really tell them now.’”

In year two, her system “clicked,” Self ly took hold. They won again while playing said. The Sentinels won their first state title under strict COVID-19 protocols in 2021. in her fifth season. Seton has been clicking Then, they were appointed captains of one of the youngest teams in program history ever since, and Self is in her 30th season.

“It’s unbelievable to look back and think and tasked with handling the pressure how quickly this has gone, how many peo- that comes with pursuit of a three-peat.

“It’s pretty intense,” Daniel said. “There’s ple who have touched my life,” Self said.

his own family. He’s always felt the support from members and knew it was the place he wanted to be even if he had to wait for the opportunity to become head coach.

“I take a lot of pride in this community, and I wanted to make a difference with these kids,” Enders said. “The impact this place has had on me, I want to do the same for the kids. Things don’t always work out where you can stay where you went. But I was thankful to have the opportunities for me to grow as a coach. There was never a reason for me to leave here.”

Enders plans to take it this opportunity in stride.

His next goal is to meet with

coaches still on staff to go over the 2021 season and look forward to 2022. He said he will begin to fill holes as needed on the staff and begin getting the community excited for the new era of Red Mountain football.

“Once I get a core staff together, we will make a decision as a group on how we want to operate moving forward,” Enders said. “Probably in about a week or so I want to address some parents in the community, answer questions and introduce myself.

“A lot of them may know me but I want to get them excited about the season and Red Mountain football.”■

never a day where we just kind of slack off.

Every day has meaning.”

Daniel never stops competing because she’s on a mission to maintain the program’s level of excellence.

“When you look at the wall and see all the championships from girls basketball, you see that’s a big legacy to live up to,” Daniel said. “At school, people expect (us) to win all the time. You live up to this really big legacy.”

It’s been a tough season for Cartagena.

During a practice in early November, the two-time state champion started feeling her throat close up. She was diagnosed with an allergic reaction. But to this day, doctors don’t know what caused it.

Then two weeks later, Seton traveled to San Diego for a tournament. Four minutes into their first game, Cartagena stepped on a player’s foot, causing a painful sprain.

She was sidelined again.

During the St. Mary’s game, Cartagena sat next to Self and assistant coach Kayla Refner, cheering on her teammates.

“I wouldn’t expect anything else from her,” Self said. “She’s a very intense player.

She’s very smart and has a very high basketball IQ.” As a former player for Seton Catholic and Self, Refner has mentored Cartagena the same way she has supported many Seton players through the years.

“I really tried to focus on individuals a lot,” Refner said. “So Karen has a big picture in mind and can see that very, very

see

SETON page 29

Peterson, who led the Mountain Lions for five seasons, said he felt it was the right time to step away from coaching. He had always believed Enders was the guy who should take over after he called it a career. Now, that became a reality. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff)

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

SETON from page 28

well. And she can see that for other teams.”

Daniel takes a place among the best in Seton history.

“Sasha is gonna be stellar every night, that’s just what she does,” Self said.

Self impacts her players far beyond the court, and she is well aware of the role she can play in their lives beyond their hoop dreams.

“When we are surrounded by strong women who can help these kids develop and follow their dreams, it normalizes something that wasn’t normal for me as a child,” Self said.

An economics and math teacher at Seton Catholic, Self is a mother of four children, including triplets and a child born 21 months before the triplets.

When she was pregnant with her triplets, doctors told Self to go on bed rest over Thanksgiving. But it was the beginning of the basketball season, so hopeful that she could continue coaching, she pushed back.

Naturally, she was persuasive and convinced the doctor to let her coach under strict guidelines. Self used a wheelchair and was hooked up to a terbutaline pump to ease her breathing and help prevent early on-set labor.

She coached all the way up to the state semifinals.

ARSENAL from page 27

comes the fun part: finding players.

Arsenal will hold three tryouts for prospective players for both the men’s and women’s teams. The cost per player to tryout will be $50, which allows them to attend all three days – though not a requirement.

Tryouts will be held Thursday, Feb. 10, Wednesday, Feb. 16 and Monday, Feb. 28 on the turf fields at Bell Bank Park, the new multi-million-dollar sports and entertainment facility that recently opened in Mesa.

Bell Bank, which is managed by Legacy Sports USA and partnered with Arsenal, will host all home matches for the two teams in the UPSL. Games will be played inside the main stadium at the park.

“With our staff and with our partnership with Legacy, I think it’s going to be really exciting,” Iannone said. “I’m excited to see where it goes. I’m going to be playing for one of the teams as well.”

Iannone and Belfort are currently in the process of securing sponsors for the

29

Her children were born just four days after the semifinals. She was unable to attend the state championship game, and the Sentinels lost.

All she could think about was not being present for her team’s heartwrenching loss.

After that season ended, there was still the matter of Self and her husband raising four children all born within 21 months. So she hired what she calls a “basketball nanny” to help navigate the “baby chaos.”

“I would take a portion of my basketball pay and pay them to be there on every game day,” Self said.

Now, Self mentors younger female coaches. She advises many to also invest in a “basketball nanny,” and regularly consults with ASU coach Charli Turner Thorne, who raised three sons while coaching.

Beyond state titles, national tournaments and college scholarships, Self’s program is preparing players for the next chapter in their lives – whether it involves basketball or not.

Self hopes the sport helps her players envision the path to greater accomplishments.

“It just changes the way kids see those possibilities in the future that’s available to them,” she said. ■ team. Iannone hopes, aside from the tryouts, players will not have to come out of pocket for any costs related to playing for the two teams.

In total, they hope to have 40 players per roster.

Arsenal joins FC Arizona and FC Tucson as another club team from the state to join the UPSL. In total, 18 teams are joining as expansions for the 2022 season, including Arsenal.

“We are excited to finally get it launched and have the tryouts and get to compete against other teams in the area,” Iannone said. “We are trying to make this as professional as possible and create a stepping stone for our youth and an opportunity for our alumni to play for the summer and get ready for the MLS Draft, college or wherever they may be playing.

“I think this is good not only for Arsenal, but all of Arizona.”

For more information about the tryout process and to register, visit www. azarsenalsc.org/upsl. ■

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GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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Bigger Renaissance Fest better than ever

BY GERI KOEPPEL GetOut Contributor

A

fter a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the 34th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace has returned to Gold Canyon with so many attractions, it’s impossible to pack them all into one visit.

That’s why insiders say to go early and go often to get as much as possible out of the event.

“Personally, I think many people miss out on only going for one hour or two and then they leave,” says Killian Davis of Phoenix, who portrays Sir Walter Raleigh on the grounds.

Davis urges visitors to arrive early and go multiple times to see numerous shows, experience various theme weekends and truly soak up the ambiance. “Don’t be afraid to sit down for a couple minutes and just take it all in,” he advises.

This year’s festival runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends from Feb. 5 to April 3 as well as Presidents Day, Feb. 21 – rain or shine.

The 50-acre village is home to 16 stages, more than 200 arts and crafts shops, and of course, a jousting arena.

Games, rides, feasts and live entertainment abound, and visitors are urged to don period attire and become part of the show if they wish. A costume rental shop is next to the box office, and guests can create a complete outfit from the on-site vendors.

One of the most popular weekends for dressing up is Pirates Weekend March

Colorfully attired damsels and men are part of the attraction at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which starts Saturday. (Special to GetOut) 5-6, says William Cussins, who served as The Lord Mayor of the festival for the past seven years. This year, he says he is “lost at sea” and can’t serve in his official capacity.

“It’s a very fun weekend because there are pirate contests for adults and children,” he notes. “There’s also a contest of: Give me your best ‘Aaargh!’”

Cussins and Davis offered more savvy insider tips for getting the most out of the festival. On the topic of clothing, they implore guests in modern-day garb to use common sense, keep an eye on the weath-

er and wear sturdy walking shoes instead of flip-flops.

On that note, both encourage people to visit on gloomy or rainy days, as long as they dress appropriately for it. “You have children splashing in puddles, the drinks feel so much warmer and pleasant, the food gives you more joy, people huddle with family and friends,” Davis says.

In terms of food, Davis remarks while most people look forward to the turkey legs, his favorite is the medium-rare steak-on-a-stake. “They’re very juicy and

flavorful,” he says, adding he highly recommends the fudge.

Cussins, meanwhile, raves about anything from Cottage Bakery. “I always tell people, ‘When you say no to pastry, you say no to life. Don’t say no to life.’” He also sings the praises of the vegetable crepes.

No matter what the guest’s palate, Cussins urges visitors to grab lunch early before the lines begin to stretch. Also, they both strongly advise bringing paper currency, because the food vendors, games and rides only accept cash, and lines can get long at the ATMs. As for entertainment, popular attractions like The Ded Bob Show and the jousting arena fill up early, so make sure you arrive well in advance – particularly for the 5 p.m. joust, which Davis hints is extra special.

And be aware you might not want to be right up front for some acts such as the Washing Well Wenches, unless you have that rain jacket with you.

Other entertainment ranges from live “mermaids” to musicians, dancers, falconers and ever “Cirque de Sewer,” with trained rats and cats. That said, you don’t need to attend a formal show to enjoy the performers – all the world’s a stage here. “We’re not a museum; we’re an experience,” Davis says. “Feel free to approach us.” ■

If You Go...

What: The Arizona Renaissance Festival Where: Gold Canyon, 7 miles east of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60 When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays — Saturday, February 5, to Sunday, April 3 — and Presidents Day, Monday, February 21 Cost: Online and advance tickets are $29 for adults, $19 for ages 5 to 12 and free for age 4 and younger; tickets are $1 more at the gate.

Group rates, season passes and other discounts are available; parking is free Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

31

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Kitten’s cry 4 Opera set in Egypt 8 Garden intruder 12 Eggs 13 Some deer 14 -- -bitty 15 Containers for laundering 17 Appease 18 “So there!”

19 Pittsburgh pro 21 Emphasize 24 Droop 25 Chop 26 Pirate’s potation 28 Yokels 32 “I’ve Got -- in Kalamazoo” 34 Pinnacle 36 “-- come back now, hear?”

37 Trifled (with) 39 PC alternative 41 Roman 151 42 “-- the season ...”

44 NASA vehicle 46 Critic’s essays 50 Part of DJIA 51 Send forth 52 Give a faded look to, as jeans 56 Lettuce variety 57 Think (over) 58 HBO rival 59 Sheltered 60 Between jobs 61 Layer

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

This Latin American favorite makes a tasty dessert

I

t’s a Latin American favorite that the western world has embraced as its own.

Dulce de leche, a thick and sugary caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweet milk, has found its way into just about every dessert and beverage we love. Here is a rich and delicious cupcake made with homemade dulce de leche that’s incorporated in the batter as well as the frosting. Enjoy! ■

35 38 40 43 45 46

Standard Conk out Pamper Sage Farm female Country’s McEntire

47 48 49 53 54 55

Actor Jannings Unspoken feeling Gulf War missile Unwell Yon maiden Sweetie

Sudoku

DOWN 1 Trim the grass 2 Actress Longoria 3 Remove by cleaning 4 Tennis legend Ashe 5 Debtor’s note 6 Society newbies 7 Admin. aides 8 Know-it-all 9 And others (Lat.) 10 Diminutive suffix 11 Color worker 16 Dinner for Dobbin 20 Corn spike 21 Excellent, in slang 22 Toy block name 23 Place 27 May honoree 29 Aftermath 30 Vogue rival 31 Thin cut 33 Beatles classic

For the cupcakes: Ingredients: 1 (14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt Directions: Remove label from sweetened condensed milk and place on its side in a pot.

Extremely important: Cover the can with water to at least 2 inches above the can, making sure the water level always covers the can during the cooking process.

Bring water to a boil, cover and reduce heat to rolling For the frosting: Ingredients: 1 pint heavy cream 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened Remainder of caramelized sweetened condensed milk 2 cups powdered sugar (add one more cup if not sweet enough) ¼ teaspoon salt

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 33

boil. Cook for 2 ½ hours, again, making sure the water covers the can. You can also place the can in a pot in the oven using the same method of covering the can with water. Cook at 425 degrees for 1 ½ hours.

When done, cool the can before opening. When ready to bake, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Line two regular cupcake pans with liners and lightly spray liners with cooking spray. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, add butter and sugars, beating until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla and buttermilk, beating well.

(Note: For homemade buttermilk, add 3 tablespoons of either vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Vigorously stir for 10 seconds and then let sit for 15 minutes to thicken.) Add 3 tablespoons of caramelized sweetened condensed milk and beat to fully incorporate. Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix well.

Fill each cupcake liner about two thirds full. Bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes up clean. Cupcakes should be completely cooled before frosting.

Directions: Beat heavy cream to stiff peaks and place in refrigerator.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat cream cheese until soft. Add the butter and caramelized milk, beating until well incorporated. Add powdered sugar and salt and beat until light and fluffy. If frosting isn’t sweet enough, add up to one more cup of powdered sugar.

Fold in chilled whipped cream until well incorporated. Pipe frosting on the cupcakes.

Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 24 cupcakes.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

32

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Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore that blood flow without surgery, without scalpels, without stitches.”

Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen. In fact, if you are experiencing any type of discomfort or things just don’t seem right, tell your doctor. The only way we can help is if you let us know you need it.”

Heel Pain Is On The Rise The weather has a big impact on heel pain. As the days cool down, our activity levels heat up. Going for a walk, playing a round of golf, and hiking are all possible again with the temperature below 100 degrees. But you need to pay attention to your feet. “Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet, especially to your heels,” says Dr. Shah Askari of CIC Foot & Ankle.

More than two million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, a sharp, stabbing, sometimes burning pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It’s anticipated this number will rise as people start taking advantage of better weather.

It typically hurts when first getting up, may lessen after a few steps but always returns. In the past, a cortisone injection was the treatment of choice.

“Cortisone manages the pain, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the pain,” explains Askari. Now, treatment focuses on the condition, not just the symptom.

“Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising ways to deal with pain, because it triggers the body to heal,” he explains. “Prolotherapy is an option that uses a natural irritant which starts the healing process.”

Growth factor therapy also jump starts and maintains regeneration of new tissues.

In addition, the FDA recently approved cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis.

“Laser treatment is another way to treat heel pain, because it increases circulation, which promotes healing,” says Askari. “It’s all about healing.”

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 31

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SAME-DAY HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICE Call us for quick, honest, reliable service 7 days a week!

Public Notices CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Job Order Contractor for the following: GENERAL UTILITY CONSTRUCTION JOB ORDER CONTRACT PROJECT NO. JOC-U22 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Contractor to provide Job Order General Utility Construction Services. All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

The following is a summary of the project. The Utility Job Order Contract to provide General underground utility construction services for minor and major projects, maintenance, repairs, re-construction and alteration services to City facilities.

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A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on February 16, 2022 at 9:00 am through Microsoft Teams. Parties interested in attending should request an invitation from Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below.

RFQ Lists. The RFQ is available on the City’s website at https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/construction-manager-at-risk-and-job-ordercontracting-opportunities The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt. Please provide one (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov

by February 24, 2022 at 2 pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Se rvice (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service). Questions. Questions pertaining to the Job Order selection process or contract issues should be directed to Stephanie Gishey of the Engineering Department at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov.

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Obituaries

Employment

Howard Lee Johnson

Obituaries H E A D STO N E S

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Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.

Howard Lee Johnson was born in Blackduck, MN on March 3, 1933, and 25 minutes later his identical twin brother Willard was

born.

Howard is preceded in death by his Dad; Art Johnson, Mom; Viola Johnson, Step- Dad; Elmer Lee and Stepbrothers and Stepsister: Ernest, Lester, Eunice, Dennis, Harris and Russell as well as three wives: Barbara, Martha and Viona.

He is survived by his identical twin brother Willard (Gerri), Stepsisters Carol and Ilane and his children, Scott (Judy), Sheila, Jay and Stepdaughters Terri (David) and Pamela (Jason) as well as seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He grew up in Fosston, MN and along with Willard, attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, which is a branch of University of Minnesota. They met friends Dale Finkenbinder and Allen Love. They all graduated in the Advanced Class of 1951 and remained friends until Dad passed.

After graduation, Howard and Willard moved to the Twin Cities and worked for WCCO Radio before enlisting in the Air Force, to serve in the Korean War. He was sent to Kunsan, South Korea to serve with the 5th Air Force, 13th Bomb Division. He was a Flight Engineer / Navigator on a B26 Bomber. He flew 50 missions over the 38 th Parallel with the Light Night Invaders. His unit was one of the few on full lockdown due their close proximity to North Korea. He spent a short time in Japan where he and Willard, who was stationed in Japan with the U.S Marine Corps, had Liberty together. Next he went to Mitchell AFB,

Long Island, NY. He served in the Air Force from February 1952 – February of 1956.

During his service at Mitchell, he met Barbara Benevides from the Island of Bermuda. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, they married and raised a family of three children: Scott (Judy) of Palm Springs, CA, Sheila of Mesa, AZ and Jay of Boise, ID. Howard and Barbara first lived in Fosston, MN. and then moved to the Twin Cities where Howard had a long, successful career in sales, made many friends and was involved in the Polka community.

He moved to Arizona in the mid80s and fell in love with the state. He moved back to MN for a few years and as soon as he could, he returned to Arizona where he lived out the remainder of his life. He and wife, Viona (Rice) Johnson bought a motor home and travelled across the country.

They spent the winters in Arizona and eventually purchased a home in Mesa.

They were known for entertaining, card parties and their involvement in the P.O.L.K of A, Arizona Chapter.

Dad was an active member of Victory Lutheran Church for many years.

He was known and loved by many in the congregation.

After Vi was moved to a nursing home in MN, Howard bought his dream home at Sunland Village East Retirement Community and made it into his “man cave”. He loved entertaining, playing bridge and of course Polka Dancing. He remained on the board of the P.O.L.K.ofA., AZ Chapter.

Dad lived life on his terms and taught all of us that the most important thing is the friendships that you create. He excelled at letting people know how much they meant to him. Dad was a good man to have as a friend. Howard Johnson was a loving and dedicated father. He will be sorely missed.

Employment General Certified Nurse Assistant CNA One on One Patient Care Full-time and Part-time hours available $18.00 per hour - Private duty caregiver Benefits at 30+ hrs/week $500 Sign on Bonus To learn more and Apply go to cnscares.com/careers/ EOE Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive software development & implementation services to address manufacturing, financial, human resources, customer relationship management, supply chain, & other business needs, utilizing SAP products. 15% travel required nationally.

Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0122GIL8201 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive Oracle software advisory & implementation services to help companies unlock the value of big technology investments as discrete services or comprehensive solutions in the Insurance, Financial Services, Healthcare, State & Local Government, Telecommunications, & Retail industries.

15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0122GIL786 in “Search jobs” field.

EOE, including disability/veterans.

Clairvoyant has openings for the following positions in Chandler, AZ area.

Software Engineers reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in J2EE, Java, XML, SQL, and Unix to analyze/dsgn/dev/implement/test systems & applics.

Sr. Programmer Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) in Commerce/BusAdm/STEM field to analyze/resolve/test/report on IT related projects using skills in EMC/MS/SQL/Excel/ Java/C. Email your resume to jobs@clairvoyantsoft.com with ref # 2022-19 for Software Eng; 2022-20 for Sr. Prog Analyst & ref EVT ad Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive software testing and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of big technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions in the insurance, financial services, healthcare, state and local government, telecom, and retail industries. 15 % travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0122GIL7390 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

36

Employment General

Earn Extra Income For The Holidays!

Gannett Publishing Services wants to contract you to deliver newspapers and magazine products in the early morning hours in the Phoenix metro area.

Earn up to $400 per week Work just 2-3 hours a day between 12:00AM - 6:00AM All routes are 7 days a week

Routes are available now across metro Phoenix (East Valley, West Valley, North and South Phoenix). Please include home zip code when applying.

How It Works

What You Need

What We Offer

We’ll provide you a daily delivery list

A Reliable Vehicle

Weekly pay can be up to $400 per week depending on the size of your route

Pick up your newspapers from our local distribution center

A Valid Arizona Driver’s License

Direct payment deposit into bank account

Go at your own pace, as long as papers are delivered by our established deadlines

Valid Auto Insurance

Flexibility, as most routes have a wide allotted time frame for delivery

APPLY NOW Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit htp://deliveryopportunities.gannett.com

or call 602-444-4243

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

37

The East Valley Tribune

1900 W. Broadway Rd. • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Deadlines

Classifieds: Thursday 11am for Sunday Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | EastValleyTribune.com Employment General

inside | sales Join our experienced inside sales team!

Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be looking for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway curve area) includes lots of out-bound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need!

Great team environment

Our small team wants to grow with you! Do you get excited when you sell? Do you talk louder when you are selling something you believe in? We get it—it’s exciting to sell!

Do you learn quickly, like to stay organized, multi-task, are you familiar with Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets/Voice, Word, Excel, internet browsing and other software programs?

This is a full time job with benefits. 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. If you think you are the missing puzzle piece, please apply!

Wait, did I mention we are a FUN team?

Send your resume with cover letter to Elaine: ecota@timespublications.com

NOW HIRING Peter Piper Pizza

Location: McDowell and Miller Road We are now hiring Full Time / Part Time, Team Members for Day, Evenings and Night positions.

Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, Az. 85257 (480) 947-9901 Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

Announce

ments Meetings/Events WEEKLY BINGO SUN VALLEY PARK Tuesday Nights 6:30PM $500 Weekly Jackpot 11101 E University Dr University Between Signal Butte/Meridian

Miscellaneous For Sale

Auctions & Estate Sales 3 SISTERS ESTATE SALES LET US SELL THE CONTENTS OF YOUR HOME 19 YRS EXPERIENCE IMPECCABLE REFERENCES LOCATED IN MESA 763-443-0519 ALSO DO PRICING FOR YOUR SALES

CLASSIFIEDS and LEGALS

Service Directory Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

Deadline: Thursday at 10am for Sunday 480-898-6465

Patio heater like new with tank $95 Bistro patio set w/cushions $110 (602)369-3795

Email Your Ad: class@times publications.com

Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand.

Will pay top dollar.

Call Pat 480-323-8846

eastvalley tribune.com

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588 Family Owned & Operated

Three Phase Mechanical

480-671-0833

www.3phasemech.com

Real Estate for Sale Manufactured Homes

Sales, Service & Installation NO TRIP CHARGE • NOT COMMISSION BASED ROC# 247803 Bonded • Insured

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

Appliance Repairs

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! FROM THE UPPER 200’s

ASK US HOW YOUR $150k-180k CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME.

Gawthorp & Associates

4046 N Green St. • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

38

Carpet Cleaning

Glass/Mirror

Home Improvement

Insurance

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window.

From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more.

All trades done by hands-on General Contractor.

Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable.

40 years’ experience.

Call Ron Wolfgang Please text or leave message Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Best Auto & Home Insurance Brokers Rates in AZ. One Agency with 20+ companies Like Progressive, Safeco and more, that will shop Instantly & Save you money.

Call/Text Ed Caceres 480-717-7277 www.TheFreedomInsurance.com Ed@TheFreedomInsurance.com

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you.

QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Handyman Decks • Tile • More!

Drywall

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting JOSE DOMINGUEZ Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” DRYWALL & PAINTING Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More!

House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Decks •Affo Quality Work Since 1999 Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Baseboards, Crown Molding Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL!

Man!”

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 SinceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM rk Wo y alit Qu e, abl Afford

480.266.4589 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Not a licensed contractor.

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

✔ Kitchens

✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More!

2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor 1999 Ahwatukee Resident / Referencesty Work Since

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Affordable, Quali

Cleaning Services

Irrigation

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Landscape/Maintenance

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Electrical Services

Hauling

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

10 OFF

$

Your First Recurring Cleaning License #000825-2018

480-550-8282

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Closed Weekends

www.twomaidsgilbert.com

Concrete & Masonry

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

Handyman

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

• Remodeling Debris

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

General Contracting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

520.508.1420

Ask me about FREE water testing!

ROC# 256752

• Old Tires

www.husbands2go.com

All Estimates are Free • Call:

www.irsaz.com

• Concrete Slab

All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

480.721.4146

• Yard Waste

Home Improvement LLC

CALL US TODAY!

• Old Paint & Chems.

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Winter Season!

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Plumbing

Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels.

Rapid Response.

If water runs through it we do it!

602-663-8432

39

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

Painting

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Pool Service / Repair

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

Juan Hernandez

ROC#309706

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Not a licensed contractor.

(602) 502-1655

Roofing

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Public Notices OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE!

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund.

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemption must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips.

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

East Valley PAINTERS

Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Serving All Types of Roofing:

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

• • • •

Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service

FREE ESTIMATES

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

PHILLIPS

Call Juan at

480-720-3840

— Call Jason —

Family Owned & Operated

Roofing

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

480-338-4011

Roofing

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

480-446-7663 FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

40

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5

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ROC# 310824