Mesa Tribune: Northeast 02-09-2020

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Sunday, February 9, 2020

As huge East Mesa rezoning nears OK, farm exodus begins

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

MESATRIBUNE.COM

NEWS .........................8 Mesa mourns boy, 6, killed when truck struck him.

COMMUNITY ....... 19 East Mesa seniors pose for special calendar.

GET OUT ...............28 Mesa’s i.d.e.a Museum’s spring break camp.

COMMUNITY ................. 18 BUSINESS ....................... 25 OPINION ........................ 29 SPORTS ........................... 32 GETOUT........................... 37 CLASSIFIED ..................... 42

Zone 2

U

rban sprawl may level Jim Boyle’s bucolic East Mesa dairy farm and force him to move his home and operation to Casa Grande, but he’s okay with that.

Despite the more than 40 years his family has tended his two farms near Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, Boyle and four other neighboring dairy families aren’t afraid of the coming upheaval in their lives.

Indeed,, they’ve been looking forward to it.

The upheaval will come if the Hawes Crossing proposal – a large controversial zoning case with astronomically high financial stakes – gets Mesa City Council approval later this month.

The measure to rezone hundreds of acres in the area is to be introduced tomorrow, Feb. 10, with a final council vote slated Feb. 24.

If Council okays the rezoning, Boyle and four neighboring dairy farmers will be following the path taken by other agricultural enterprises in the East Valley over the past few decades: moving to more suitable locations elsewhere.

The Arizona Land Department also is hoping for zoning approval, but for a somewhat different reason.

Because 595 acres of undeveloped state land in the 1,100-acre proposal is along the Loop 202 and near the airport, it is expected to yield a bonanza for Arizona at auction.

A state Land Department official estimated the property – earmarked for major commercial development as well as large residential projects – could raise tens of millions of dollars, if not hundreds of millions, for public schools.

Boyle knew it was inevitable that he and his

see HAWES page 12

Mesa Mayor Giles, standing next to one of the two downtown statues memorializing the old Mesa Tribune, which he delivered as a youngster, is thrilled that the city has its newspaper back. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Good news about the news

BY STEVE STRICKBINE Tribune Publisher

I

f you’re passionate about reading the news, then without a doubt you’ve seen some dire stories about newspapers over the past few years. Media companies nationwide are struggling to make a profit when it comes to putting out print editions.

As the founder and president of Times Media Group, I get a lot of sympathy from my business peers when I mention being in the news business.

The truth? So long as media companies stand ready to embrace change, these aren’t dark days. In fact, for creative publishers of lo-

see NEWS page 3

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

NEWS from page 1 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: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 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 Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@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 Copy Editor: April Morganroth | 480-656-9667 | amorganroth@timespublications.com Reporters: Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@timespublications.com Jordan Houston | 480-898-7915 | jhouston@timespublications.com Kevin Reagan |480-898-5638 | kreagan@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: Pablo Robles |Probles@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, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia. com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

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

© 2017 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

cal publications like the one you’re holding in hand, the year 2020 is full of opportunity.

It mostly depends how you define yourself.

Sure, many traditional newspapers are dying and many of their owners wish they’d be put out of their misery. But in our shop, we’ve changed our approach to how we get stories to readers and how we connect our advertisers to their would-be customers and clients.

We’ve built a robust website in EastValley.com – one that has 300,000 unique visitors each month according to Google Analytics.

Even so, we’ve come to understand that many people still want to hold a thick newspaper in their hands come Sunday.

For that reason, we have made the decision to bring back The Mesa Tribune print edition starting today.

As I see it, our company isn’t simply a newspaper anymore. We’re fully and passionately invested in the news business – more specifically, the community news business.

We want to be your place of choice for stories about schools, city council initiatives, political corruption, community events, prep sports and what’s happening up the street. There’s no substitute for this type of information – and no lack of desire to consume it.

For all the futile attempts by digital media giants like Facebook and Google to produce such news themselves, community news publishers like Times Media Group continue to fill this extremely vital

STEVE STRICKBINE

role in communities everywhere.

All of this makes today, the day we’re bringing back Mesa’s original hometown newspaper, very special to me.

As a kid growing up in the Valley, I always thought of this paper as the only paper that really covered the news of the East Valley. Today, as a resident, business owner and a father raising a family in Mesa, my wife Suzy and I are proud to be taking the news about the Mesa community forward.

Like its original founders in 1891, we bring with us a great deal of optimism and a serious sense of the responsibility that comes with being an information source telling readers what is going on in our great city.

Since its original paper was folded into the East Valley Tribune in 1999, and with a population exceeding 500,000, Mesa

3

has been the largest city in the country without a namesake paper. Today, that changes.

The Mesa Tribune will be circulated every Sunday throughout the city in hightraffic areas and delivered directly to 45,000 neighborhood driveways.

It will also be available online at TheMesaTribune.com. There, you’ll find up-tothe-minute information on big stories, and everything you might have missed if you didn’t see the print edition on Sunday.

At Times Media Group, we truly been heartened by the overwhelming support from our neighbors, friends and business acquaintances throughout the city.

Mayor John Giles, who graciously agreed to meet us for a front-page photo shoot next to the old Tribune statue on Main Street, has been extremely supportive. I’d like to thank him. As a kid, the Mayor delivered the old Tribune. So, we’re glad to be bringing back his hometown paper, too.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to contact me with your feedback, ideas and story tips. That isn’t an empty request.

If you think we can add to something to The Mesa Tribune or do something better, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me any time at steve@themesatribune. com or you can call our newsroom at 480898-5647.

Thank you for letting us into your home each week and for making us a part of your life. In return, we hope to do what every great publication should do: Inform you, entertain you, and help our community better serve its residents and business owners.

Pols back couple’s teen suicide prevention plan

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

T

he health care insurance system failed 14-year-old Jacob Edward Machovsky miserably in 2015.

An insurance company decided his inpatient treatment for a mental illness was not a “medical necessity,’’ ending the second of two hospitalizations within two months.

That decision led to tragedy when Jacob, who had turned 15, took his life at his family’s Tempe home in January 2016.

His parents, Denise and Ben Denslow – who have since moved to Gilbert –

launched the JEM Foundation in Jacob’s memory, setting in motion their mission to save the lives of other teenagers suffering from mental illness.

Now, the Denslows are hoping the same legislative coalition that a year ago won passage of a landmark suicide prevention bill will help them with the adoption of “Jake’s Law’’– a wide-ranging bill designed to improve access to treatment for troubled juveniles.

At least 38 East Valley teens have taken their lives since 2017.

“We don’t want any other family to go through this. That’s why we are fighting so hard,’’ Denise Denslow said. “We

definitely have momentum from last year and we are going to build on that. It’s a huge next step and I am really proud of this bill.’’

Jake’s Law would: • expand youth access to behavioral health services in schools at a cost of $8 million; • establish a suicide mortality review team that would start looking into the root causes of a death within a few days after teens take their own life; • create parity in the insurance cov-

see SUICIDE page 6

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Education jewel a point of Eastmark’s pride

hood and into adulthood, it requires some thought about what career pathway you’re going to be on.” multi-story jewel a half-decade Gagnon wants his students to in the making continues taking find something they’re passionate shape in Eastmark. about while in high school so as to The jewel is Eastmark High School, give them an extra jolt of motivawhich opened its doors in August – and tion when they enter college. which Principal Paul Gagnon believes has The results of that pursuit are the potential to revolutionize secondary still pending – the first graduation education in the region. won’t be held for two more years The facility, which serves in grades 7-12, – but Gagnon believes his students currently has around 850 students and are on the right path. can eventually hold up to 3,200, according “We felt like with our kids, it gives to Gagnon. them that focus outside of school,” The Tucson native, who previously Gagnon said. “They might not folserved as an administrator at high schools low the trade in the long run, but High Principal Paul Gagnon chats with students. in Page and Queen Creek, said Eastmark Eastmark at least they have some knowledge (Special to the Tribune) offers a unique curriculum that features a and some skills.

“Career Path model” that enables students nursing assistant program to a coding “And maybe they’ll have a certificate Eastmark High Atheletic Director/Assistant Principal Kraig to learn in a given trade while earning program through the district’s partner- as part of their pathway, which allows Leuschner said athleticss will “grow organically” over the next few years. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff) ship with Apple. school credits. them to be able to earn some money in Those partnerships allow Eastmark stu- that field while they’re going to some sort ty here. So, we want to partner with them “Our model is really unique, in that we dents to leave 12th grade with some idea of post-secondary school.” a couple of ways.” have a comprehensive high school—we of what they want to do with their lives.

“They’ve been involved with our athlethave your English and your math and your Another key part of Eastmark’s evoluAnd that serves the community well in tion, according to Gagnon, is its ability to ics, but we want to have our kids over in AP and band and choir and all that,” Gathe long-run, Gagnon believes. gnon said. bring together the entire community, re- the retirement community, setting up for “With most schools, students were ei- gardless of age. events and just doing some service learning “And then you have Career Pathway focus, because what we were seeing at our ther going to school and having kind of Gagnon has seen how quickly the com- because I think those things are amazing.”

The ability to build a strong athletic deschool in Queen Creek that students were a general studies type focus or choosing munity has embraced his students – and leaving without knowing what they want- a major because they think it’s easy or vice versa. He said that symbiotic relation- partment is what drew former Saguaro whatever, or they’re taking some time to ship has been growing over time.

High School Athletic Director Kraig Leused to do.”

Eastmark is one of two high schools in find themselves,” Gagnon said.

He hopes that the school’s athletics chner to take the same role at Eastmark.

“And that’s all well and good, I think, in programs, which currently only compete Leuschner believes Eastmark can follow the Queen Creek Unified School District. some respect,” he continued. “But at the on the freshman/sophomore circuit, can in the footsteps of other fledgling schools, Gagnon said the career path program features a litany of options, ranging from same time, you have to understand that eventually become must-see entertain- such as Casteel High School in Gilbert, in creating a sustainable athletic program a medical pathway that leads to a licensed to be successful and to move out of child- ment for community members.

“I think it presents a lot of unique oppor- that is the pride of the community at-large.

“We weren’t turnkey ready to compete tunities for us,” he said. “We’ve already had conversations with the community about right away, our program will grow organihow we can be – I want to say good neigh- cally,” Leuschner said, adding: “We’ll have some success in some probors, that’s not really what I mean in the traditional sense – how we can participate gram, and we’ll grow in other programs. and just interface well with the community But starting up, it was about conference alignment and then once you’re selected and participate in community events.”

The early results of that quest have been into a conference, it’s all about regional alignment, which is what we’re working positive.

Eastmark students have assisted in a va- on now.”

Leuschner believes Eastmark’s placeriety of events, such as a local color run, which forge a stronger sense of commu- ment in the 3A conference is ideal, as their athletes will have the opportunity to learn nity in Gagnon’s eyes.

“We just want this to be a really great the ropes of varsity competition against community feeling here within Eastmark similarly sized schools.

He believes a quality athletic program is and the high school plays a really big part in that,” Gagnon said. “We’ve also partClassroom furniture at Eastmark High facilitates collaboration among sttudents in a high-tech atmosphere. see EASTMARK page 8 nered with our local retirement communi(Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff Photographer)

BY CHRISTOPHER BOAN Tribune Staff Writer

A

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

SUICIDE from page 3

employees who for it on this issue.’’ serve kids in sixth Denslow, Chimbo-Andrade and through 12th grade McPherson all said that the bill would receive training address a gap between the mental health within three years coverage provided to low income stuon how to rec- dents through the Arizona Health Care ognize the early Cost Containment System and by private warning signs of insurance. suicide and what Denslow said she receives reports to do. every couple of weeks from frustrated But she said parents who tell her how a child sufferprevention, while ing from a mental health illness has been laudable, needs turned down for treatment. to be followed up “We definitely hear that, that folks want with safeguards to this coverage. They often find out they ensure access to are not covered,’’ said Bowie, one of the primary sponsors of the Mitch Warnock Ben and Denise Denslow were motivated by their 15-year-old son’s suicide to start proper treatment. the Jem Foundation, which advocates for suicide prevention. (Tribune file photo) “This whole bill is Act and also a co-sponsor of the parity a game-changer for bill.

Arizona and for those who work in be“The mental health parity piece is very view team will help save lives by idenhavioral health,’’ Chimbo-Andrade said. important,’’ he said. tifying the common factors that lead to Chimbo-Andrade said the state funding Although Bowie and Ducey are memsuicides. would allow school districts to contract bers of different parties and clash on othThese factors sometimes include emowith behavioral health agencies to treat er issues, Bowie praised the governor for tional problems related to family relathe mental health needs of students or to his support of mental health. tionships, breaking up with a boyfriend He said there appears to be a consensus or girlfriend, getting a bad grade in provide the services through their own counselors and seek reimbursement. that problems with mental health affect school, or having easy access to an im“It’s the missing piece of the puzzle,’’ everyone. properly stored firearm.

“We are trying to use our role as a leg“For me, whenever we have data in she said. “You can scream from the mountain tops about prevention and educaislature to be helpful’’ in the prevention front of us, we can look at the protective tion, but if you don’t provide the services, of suicide and the treatment of mental illfactors, what would have prevented this it’s all for nothing.’’ ness, Bowie said. death,’’ McPherson said.

Weninger said he supports state overBowie, whose district includes Mesa, is “When a review team comes out and sight to ensure that insurance companies sponsoring three additional bills aimed says, here are some commonalities, now are following the federal parity law. at addressing mental health. They inwe can attack the problem,’’ she said. “It’s “It’s creating the ability of mental clude authorizing the state Department a point of reference to start looking at the health coverage to be extended to school of Education to set rules for allow sturoot causes.’’ campuses,’’ he said.

“We are trying to dents an excused absence for mental Denslow has recruited some powerful make sure we are all on same page and health reasons, such as being victimized allies, including Gov. Doug Ducey.

She said Ducey’s office suggested the they are all covered by the same statute.’’ by bullying.

He said his bill in the House mirrors The others include requiring teaching, bill seek the $8 million for addressing the Brophy-McGee’s Senate bill. counseling and social worker instrucmental health needs of students.

“It’s a great bi-partisan bill.

I think tional programs to teach suicide awareThe bill is sponsored in the state SenaKate’s got all but four senators on board,’’ ness and prevention and requiring school tors Kate Brophy-McGee, R-Phoenix;.

Weninger said.

“You are always going to district ID cards for students in grades Sean Bowie, D-Mesa; and J.D Mesnard, Rhave partisanship, but there’s no room 9-12 to include suicide hotline numbers.

Chandler, and in the State House by Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler.

“Insurance companies should be covering mental health, just like they cover an annual physical. And we’re going to make Chandler child psychologist Dr. Paula McCall is holding a special free seminar sure they do,’’ Ducey said in the annual on teen suicide prevention for parents 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Chandler ComState of the State address on Jan. 13. munity Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler.

Natalia Chimbo-Andrade, director of Called Prepared Parenting, the symposium will feature University of Arizona community education and outreach for psychology grad students and licensed psychologists addressing a range of teenCommunity Bridges, a behavioral health related issues, including suicide prevention, vaping, social media and anxiety. agency in Mesa, said that approval of last A panel of teens will address parents’ questions and breakfast and lunch will be year’s bill, the Mitch Warnock Act, was provided without charge. critical in prevention.

Information/registration: preparedparentingaz.org.

It requires that as of the 2020-21 school year, all teachers and other school

6

erage of medical and mental health conditions.

Approval of the parity measure would mean that Arizona for the first time would be enforcing a federal law, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act, that was signed in 2008 by former President George W. Bush.

Jake’s Law would require insurance companies to demonstrate how they are complying with the federal law.

That law requires insurance coverage for illnesses of the brain – such as depression, anxiety and addiction – be no more restrictive than any other medical condition, according to the JEM Foundation.

“It’s access and having the industry treat mental health in the same manner as physical health,’’ Denslow said. “If he (Jacob) had gone to the hospital with a cardiac issue, they would not have released him until it was repaired.’’

She recalled her own apprehension when she learned the treatment center was going to discharge Jacob.

Jacob had spent five days in a treatment center in September 2015. He was readmitted in October 2015, only to be discharged another five days later after an insurance company decided his hospitalization was unnecessary.

“I’m worried, I’m not sure he’s ready to come home,’’ Denslow said.

She said Jacob’s follow-up care for treatment of bipolar disorder was inadequate. It included seeing a psychiatrist once and month and waiting months to see a counselor.

Jacob’s state of mind seemed to improve. Only after his death did Denslow learn that it’s easy to misinterpret the actions of a mentally ill person, who may only be signaling that they are comfortable with taking their own life.

Three months after Jacob’s discharge, he was found dead.

If the bill passes, his mother said, “It helps us to know that Jake is still making a positive impact on people’s lives.”

She believes with the proper recognition of warning signs and follow up treatment, that teen suicide is 100 percent preventable.

“It’s about saving lives and saving our kids,’’ Denslow said.

Katey McPherson, a former longtime East Valley educator and a suicide prevention advocate, said the mortality re-

Suicide prevention symposium for parents

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

7

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Mesa grieves after traffic death of boy, 6

ways see Mr. Gardner around campus, he’s a great guy. It’s sad it happened to him. We are going to play for him and his son this ragedy struck East Mesa Jan. 3 when year” said Red Mountain High outfielder 6-year-old Holden Gardner was Dakota Duffalo. struck and killed by a semi-truck on Similar sentiments were bountiful, with his way home from school. neighbors and strangers alike flooding Mesa Police said the accident at the a GoFundMe.com page set up by family intersection of Power Road and Jensen friend Amber Smith Long.

Street occurred after the truck’s back tires Contributions in response to that page rode onto the curb, striking Gardner as he – set up to help cover funeral and medistood on the sidewalk. cal costs – swelled quickly to more than The Falcon Hill Elementary kindergar- $38,000 in three days. tener was transported to a local hospital A family statement written by Long on in critical condition but succumbed upon the page thanked the community for their arrival. continued support, saying the Gardners The tragedy sparked an outpouring of were humbled by the outpouring of supsupport from neighbors and friends, as port. well as students at Red Mountain High “On behalf of the Gardners’ family and School, where the youngster’s father, friends, a sincere thank you goes out for Brent Gardner, is a teacher. all of the generous donations from loved “Everyone has been pretty sad. We al- ones and strangers who are mourning with them,” Long wrote.

“The goal has been reached, but feel free to continue to share this campaign,” she continued.

“It is remaining open for donations for those who would still like to show support and love in this way.

“I trust that Brent and Jasmine will be wise and gracious stewards of the donations they receive,” Long said, referring to Holden’s parents. “It will help them in many ways as they navigate through this new, heartbreaking life they have to figure out one day at a time.”

Mesa Public Schools officials also mourned the tragedy.

This family portrait of Holden Gardner, left, his three siblings and parents were among numerous photos commeorating the boy that In a statement, the district exwere posted online after his death. (GoFundMe.com) pressed condolences to Holden’s

BY CHRISTOPHER BOAN Tribune Staff Writer

T

EASTMARK from page 4

an excellent complement to Gagnon’s academic vision as it gives parents another reason to choose Eastmark in a competitive field of schools in the region.

“I just think it adds to the overall experience and helps kids connect to their surroundings,” Leuschner said.

“And when they’re connected to their school and they have pride in their school,” he explained, “they’re more likely to listen to that teacher to pick up that piece

of trash after lunch to, to have pride and come back to a homecoming.

“And I think we have a good opportunity sitting right in front of us to build our culture, but we have to get people in the door that want to be here.”

It’s been roughly six months since Gagnon welcomed the first crop of students inside Eastmark’s oversized doors.

Gagnon reflects fondly on the school’s formal opening day, calling it one of the definitive highlights of his time as a principal.

“Just seeing all the hard work that we’ve

and prayers are with Mr. Gardner right now.”

Holden’s mother posted on her Facebook page: “Holden loved board games. He loved sports (especially basketball) and video games with his dad (and all other times too). He loved being outHolden Gardner loved sports, especially basketball, an video games, according to his side. He LOVED mother Jasmine Gardner, who posted a tribute to her son the day after he died in an rocks and fossils accident. (Facebook) and wanted to be parents and their three other children, a paleontologist/archeologist when he stating: grew up. He loved his cousins. He loved “The Mesa Public Schools family is sad- dogs and he loved Greysen. dened by the tragic death of an elemen“He loved Jesus and church and he tary school student this afternoon in a looked so dang good in his Sunday clothes. traffic accident. Our thoughts are with the He was the best helper and the coolest kid child’s family and friends. The district will I know. And HE IS MINE. For all eternity, be providing additional counseling sup- he is mine.” port tomorrow and for as long as needed Mesa police said the accident is still unby the school community.” der investigation and declined to say why The mood around Red Mountain High the semi-truck was on Jensen Street at the was somber, according to senior, Hyrum time he turned right onto Power, striking Boren.

Holden.

Hyrum, who has grown to know the Television newscasts said the youngGardners through the years, said, “It was ster was with his sister and aunt just rough. We didn’t do too much learning. Ev- standing on the sidewalk when the eryone was trying to cope with it,” Boren truck’s rear wheels jumped the curb dursaid. ing that turn.

“Mr. Gardner is an awesome guy; I’ve Police did not disclose the driver’s idenbeen in contact with him for a long time. tity or the company that owned the rig.

He’s just an awesome guy,” Hyrum added.

Holden’s funeral was to be held yester“We’ve really rallied together. It’s some- day, Feb. 8 and his family had asked that, thing most people can’t talk about without in lieu of flowers, attendees honor Holden crying to each other. So, it hasn’t been talk- with rocks and fossils – two of his favorite ed about too much, but all our thoughts things.

done kind of come to fruition has been great,” Gagnon said.

“By no means are we perfect and I’m not ever going to say that we have done things perfectly, but I think that we’re always striving for that and trying to get better,” he said.

Gagnon also reflected on a time last fall, when several of the school’s cheerleaders took part in a school spirit event.

He remembers how amazing it was to see the community wholeheartedly embrace his students, realizing how quickly

the school had become engrained within the community.

“It was so cool to see our cheer team out there, because we had junior high and high school cheerleaders and the whole front of the Eastmark performing pavilion…was filled with our cheer kids.”

“That was a pretty big deal and pretty big highlight because it was like seeing the whole community come together with the school to make something really cool and for us to show off our pride here for Eastmark.”

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Giles bullish on better educated citizenry

BY CHRISTOPHER BOAN Tribune Staff Writer

T

here’s a burgeoning issue that’s at the top of Mesa Mayor John Giles’ mind, centering around the lack of college-educated citizens and residents who completed some kind of post-high school education.

Giles believes this issue should be at the forefront of all Mesa residents’ minds as well, given the need for a highly skilled workforce in the years to come.

Statistics seem to back up the mayor’s concern, with 35 percent of residents achieving post-secondary certification – whether that be an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or some form of job or vocational training.

Mesa’s so-called post-secondary attainment rate trails the statewide average by 10 percentage points.

Giles believes a quintessential way for Mesa to catch up would be to provide free community college education to qualified residents.

The mayor is teaming up with Mesa Community College and the local business community to raise $500,000 to fund the program, which costs $200,000 a year or $1 million over a five-year period.

“We’re kind of the poster child for a situation that needs to be addressed,” Giles said. “This is something that we need to get better at. So, to that end, we need to use the tools that we have, and one of the best tools we have in Mesa is Mesa Community College.”

Giles envisions a day when Mesa Public Schools alums can breeze through a twoyear program at MCC without taking on excess debt.

Such a future would allow more students to finish their four-year studies, which would boost the local economy in return.

Giles called it a “selfish problem,” for both parties, as businesses would have a well-trained workforce while the city would have more high-earners living here.

t o G ws?

Ne

“This is the right thing to do,” Giles said.

“Having a well-trained workforce, having people progress from inactive, low-performing economic levels to higher ones that saves society literally billions of dollars. So, it’s about poverty prevention and helping people be more productive.”

Giles’ positive outlook about the Mesa Promise program is shared by Dr. Lori Berquam, recently named MCC interim president.

Berquam believes the triparty relationship between the college, the city and the business community could redefine college education in the state.

“We’re really excited to partner with the city of Mesa on this,” Berquam said. “What we’re excited about in all of this partnership is, number one, that it’s an exciting time to be part of the city of Mesa and it’s a very exciting time to be part of the Mesa Community College.

“And, we know more than ever, it’s so important to make sure that our students have the support financially, specifically, that they need to be able to achieve an education and go out into the community and thrive.”

The Mesa operation is an offshoot of the statewide Achieve60AZ program, which aims to push the state’s population with a college degree, a certificate or a license to 60 percent by 2030.

The opportunity to build a coalition with Berquam and Giles is what excites MPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis the most.

Fourlis believes the district is making progress towards greater college attainment levels of-late, but that such a partnership would provide a shot in the arm in that pursuit.

She cited the district’s strategic planning about what the collective can do to advance college attainment, finding key traits that fuel higher college graduation rates.

“We need to provide an opportunity for our children to tackle postsecondary education by removing the barriers,” Fourlis

said, adding: “And the barriers are often funding.

And with the city’s initiative in partnership with a community college, it looks as though students will be able to engage in two years of college coursework at no charge or maybe limited fees.”

Fourlis said the district believes graduates should be able to communicate as well as be creative and have the ability to critically think and solve problems.

Its strategic plan found that the district needed to do more to provide opportunities for students so they could be ready to tackle college and other post-secondary educational outlets.

“I think on a wider scale, we found that, to meet the needs of our ever-changing economy, we’re going to have to work differently towards those goals,” Fourlis said.

“School districts could no longer work independently of their city,” she explained.

“They cannot work independently of their community colleges and our four-year universities. They cannot work independently of nonprofit initiatives.

“So, to me, the takeaway is how are these organizations all focused on education coming together to create, to make educational attainment specifically postsecondary attainment, understandable and doable because we all have an interest in it,” Fourlas added.

It’s that shared interest that motivates Giles, who has defined himself as an advocate for education on multiple occasions.

Giles knows that heavy-hitting corporations such as Google and Boeing wouldn’t have moved employees to Mesa if not for the highly-educated and skilled population in the region.

He knows too that those companies won’t stick around forever should that population stall out in the future – which is why he wants everyone to get on-board.

“If we fall behind in having a skilled and educated employee workforce to offer to these businesses, they’re going to stop coming,” Giles said. “So, it’s good for everyone.”

The Class of 2017 Some of the data studied by people involved in the the statewide AchieveAZ60 initiative involved a look at the percentage of 2017 high school seniors who graduated and then enrolled in some kind of two- or four-year college.

Here is what the data showed for some Mesa high schools. The third column only reflects high school grads who were enrolled for at least one year in college after graduation and does not reflect how many actually completed a college program.

School

% % graduated enrolled in college

Mesa High 79 Westwood 72.8 Mt. View 84.7 Dobson 76.4 Red Mt. 84.6 Heritage Academy

96.4 Skyline 74.6 Desert Ridge 92.6

39.4 46 55.6 50.7 58.8

57 47.1 62.2

The class of 2019 Mesa Public Schools supplied this data for the percentage of students who graduated last year from its six comprehensive high schools. A spokeswoman said the district-wide graduation rate from these schools was 82 percent, compared to the statewide average of 78 percent.

Dobson: Mesa: Mountain View: Red Mountain: Skyline: Westwood:

86 80 89 92 83 77

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

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NEWS

HAWES from page 1

fellow dairymen would join an inexorable exodus from an area where they made their livelihood for decades.

Dairy farms have become increasingly rare in the East Valley.

Statistics provided by the United Dairymen of Arizona, a farm cooperative, show that the dairies have been moving either south to Pinal County or west to Buckeye and Gila Bend.

The United Dairymen list four co-op members in Mesa, two in Chandler and Gilbert, one in Queen Creek, 18 in Pinal County, 6 in Litchfield Park, Tolleson and Tonopah and 20 in Buckeye and Gila Bend.

“People are moving out of the way from urban sprawl,’’ said Ed Martin, director of the University of Arizona’s extension service in Mesa.

“These folks are business savvy,’’ he said. “You are always looking 10 years down the road.’’

Boyle’s flight from East Mesa, along with that of four other dairy families, depends on Mesa City Council’s approval of

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

zoning changes required to make Hawes Crossing possible.

The plan’s controversial part is the mixed-use development’s location – about two miles from the airport, one of Mesa’s primary economic development engines.

Councilman Kevin Thompson and economic development advocates oppose Hawes Crossing because they fear the impact of residential encroachment on the airport.

They say homeowners will become angry about the inevitable noise from air traffic, eventually demanding restrictions on flights even though they will be required to sign a document when they buy their house that acknowledges the noise is likely.

Airport officials have not opposed Hawes Crossing because it falls in Airport Overflight Area III – just like much of East Mesa – where residential housing is considered compatible.

But they have warned the council that noise complaints are likely, especially when new houses turn over to their sec-

ond or third owner.

Mesa would require a series of notifications about the homes’ close proximity to the airport if the rezoning and annexation are approved. Even directional signs with pictures of airplanes are part of the plan.

Thompson has been a part of a vocal minority of one, however; no other council members have spoken out against the proposal at a series of study sessions.

“We saw the writing on the wall in the 90s,’’ Boyle said, remarking, “you can flip an alfalfa field into a development’’ with relative ease.

“Developers have a tendency to skip over the dairies,’’ he said, because of the time and costs required for them to move equipment, cows and farm families’ homes to another location.

Boyle was well aware that he needed to find a new location eventually. He bought a farm in Casa Grande to grow feed for his cows.

In the end, Boyle ended up with 3,500 head of cows at his Casa Grande dairy and 2,500 in Mesa. Recently, he moved virtually all his Mesa dairy cows to Casa Grande.

Because his land is on a county island near Elliot and Hawes Road and zoned for one house per acre, Boyle knew his options for selling the property were limited.

The neighboring dairy families were in the same predicament, so they banded together and invested in the planning of Hawes Crossing.

The move was necessary, Boyle said, because all the farms were built in the late 1970s and are aging. Boyle’s father bought the land in 1978 and started the dairy farm.

After 40 years, a major capital improvement is required. The situation is not surprising, with dairy farms typically needing to upgrade equipment every 30 years or so, he said.

It makes more sense, Boyle said, to spend money at a facility in a location more suitable for farming, where he can dispose of his manure easier and buy feed for his cows.

“We have to replace $200,000 in equip-

III – where housing is considered a compatible use – but noise complaints also are considered inevitable.

East Mesa council Kevin Thompson, the most outspoken opponent, launched one more attack on the project, saying Mesa was asking for trouble long-term by allowing more rooftops only two miles or so from the airport.

“It seems like every time we take a look at it, it gets better and better,’’ Thompson said, as the council reviewed a series of last-minute changes requested by the city and agreed to by zoning attorney Jordan Rose.

The changes are small tweaks rather than the major cut in residential development favored by Thompson, who favors commercial and industrial development to create jobs.

The changes include restricting Elliot Road to only mixed -use development with shops or other businesses on the first floor and residential on the upper floors.

“You don’t want to recreate a residential community that is not compatible with the commercial uses along the Elliot Road (Technology) Corridor,’’ Planning Director

Nana Appiah said. “It has to be a vertically integrated, mixed use building.’’

Signs at major intersections would direct travelers to the airport and even feature pictures of airplanes to underscore the close location to the airport even further.

The close proximity of Gateway also would be included in the covenants, conditions and regulations governing the site use when property eventually is sold to homeowners or others.

“This is not something hidden. It’s going to be all over,’’ Appiah said.

A 30 -foot easement would allow commercial users to tap into a high voltage Salt River Project electrical line, a nod to business development advocates who did not want to see opportunities to attract jobs squandered.

Still, none of these small changes satisfied Thompson, who has noted that Mesa has protected the area from residential development for decades to maximize the airport’s economic development potential.

“I think it’s a bad idea. That’s why I hope it gets tabled,’’ Thompson said. “You are going to force the airport into flight operation restrictions.’’

“We’re going to add more housing and more complaints and more people,’’ he said.

Because a construction project shifted air traffic from one runway to another, Gateway experienced a huge increase in complaints compared with a year ago.

He said there were 177 complaints from November 2019 through January, with 121 from Mesa. A year earlier, there were 47 complaints during the same period, 25 of them from Mesa.

But Ryan Smith, an airport spokesman, said the construction project should be finished by March 20, mitigating the problem. He said 17 people were responsible for all the latest Mesa complaints and 13 people generated the complaints from a year ago.

“We have a few residents who are very active in making these calls,’’ he said.

“That’s the nature of having an airport.

There are going to be complaints.’’

Smith reiterated remarks by his boss, executive director and CEO J. Brian O’Neill, that flight patterns are bound to change from time to time in the future because of construction projects that will improve the flow of air and ground traffic.

see HAWES page 13

Councilman remains opposed to Hawes project

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

A

fter months of controversy and 29 different iterations of a development plan, Mesa City Council appears set to decide whether five dairy farms and hundreds of acres of vacant desert turns into Hawes Crossing.

City officials plan to introduce an ordinance approving a series of zoning changes that would allow the construction of a dairy-themed, master planned community on Feb. 10 with a final vote scheduled on Feb. 24.

Two forces have collided since the case arrived at the Planning and Zoning Commission last fall: the desire to protect the economic prowess of Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport versus the desire to develop 1,100 acres in a coordinated, attractive fashion.

An annexation of 900 acres from Maricopa County is contingent on the zoning approval.

Airport officials stopped short of opposing Hawes Crossing at a council study session Jan. 27, repeating their position that the plan falls into Airport Overflight Area

NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

HAWES from page 12

ment right away. I can’t justify that now with the planning matter up in the air,’’ Boyle said.

Boyle closed down his antiquated milk house and started trucking his cows down to Casa Grande when they were old enough and big enough to produce milk.

“We need to do something with these cows really soon,’’ Boyle told the Mesa Planning and Zoning Board in October shortly before it voted to recommend approval of Hawes Crossing on a 3-2 vote.

Boyle said the other farmers have exit plans too, but that with all the equipment and cows involved, a move likely will take several months.

Boyle gets irritated when some people look at the dairy farmers’ proposal as a get-rich-quick scheme.

“I don’t want to make a quick buck off this thing,’’ he said.

Instead, he looks at it as not only his livelihood but his legacy.

“We thought we would do this in a big piece,’’ Boyle said. “The only way this works is in a cohesive way. Selling 40 acres here and 30 acres there, it would create a hodge-podge. It would look like

south Phoenix.’’

The dairymen’s portion of Hawes Crossing covers 535 acres. More than 900 acres would be annexed into Mesa as a package with the zoning changes. Since almost all of that is county land, Mesa’s acquisition would enable home developers to built houses on lots less than the acre required by the county’s zoning.

Though they are preparing for their future by relocating, Boyle and the other dairy farmers are nostalgic about leaving east Mesa after so many years of living and working there.

“My family has been in Arizona since the 1880s and we’ve been in the Phoenix area since the 1930s. There’s a lot of the city we feel connected to,’’ Boyle said.

His grandfather, Bill Boyle, owned a dairy farm in south Phoenix and eventually became the principal of Tempe High School and the first principal of McClintock High School.

His father, Jim Boyle Sr., managed the former Roeloffs dairy near Mountain View High School, which gave birth at one time to an anachronistic nickname, “Mountain Pew.’’ “I want to be able to come back in 10 years with my kids and point out, this is

where you grew up and look what’s here now,’’ Boyle said. “We leave behind a vibrant community.’’

There seems to be little doubt that Hawes Crossing would be enticing to developers and that land sales would be lucrative for the present owners.

Jim Perry, deputy commissioner of the Arizona Land Department, said his department was glad to join planning the Hawes Crossing project when zoning attorney Jordan Rose made the offer.

“It’s definitely a significant increase in value’’ if the proposal is approved, Perry said. “We were very happy to be part of it.’’

Because the state land access to the Loop 202 and is near the airport, “this a nice uplift in our land’s value,’’ he said, adding that he expects the land will be sold for a series of major projects over several years if the rezoning case wins approval.

Perry said K-12 schools throughout the state are designated as beneficiaries of 83 percent of state land, with other beneficiaries including public universities.

Arizona’s Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund recently achieved a record value of $6.2 billion, deputy state treasurer Mark Swenson said.

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The state land was given to Arizona at statehood by the federal government and is divvied up among 13 beneficiaries, with schools historically benefiting from 93 percent of sales.

The fund paid out a record of $342 million in school funding during the 2020 fiscal year.

Proceeds from auctions have ranged from as little as $17,000 to $83 million for 134 acres along the Loop 101 in Scottsdale for Nationwide Insurance.

“We’re hoping for a great result for our beneficiaries,’’ Perry said.

Meanwhile, existing homeowners near the sprawling Hawes Landing area welcome the prospect of council approval.

After years of putting up with the stench of manure, scores of homeowners showed up at a city hearing last fall with bright yellow shirts that simply stated, “Yes to Hawes Crossing.”

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NEWS

14

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Giles faces resistance to proposed fiscal plan

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

M

esa Mayor John Giles last week touted a long list of his city’s attributes during the annual state of the city address – including a strong economy, construction of 1,500 housing units downtown and more educational opportunities.

But Giles also foreshadowed the debate in the near future on a new utility ordinance that already is a subject of a strong disagreement between himself and council member Jeremy Whittaker.

The portion Giles briefly described seems innocuous enough: a 30 percent discount in water rates paid by seniors on a fixed income and no electricity cutoffs for customers during excessive heat warnings.

Part of Giles’ plan speaks to the reliance of Mesa on utility revenue as a substitute for a primary property tax. Mesa abolished that tax after World War II. Giles wants an ordinance that formalizes a years-long city practice of transfer-

ring 25 percent of the Enterprise Fund – funded by utility payments – to the General Fund for public safety.

Another 5 percent transfer would be added to cover emergencies or other needs while the utilities would also pay a 3 percent franchise fee to the General Fund.

The specific series of transfers would replace a looser city policy of tying increases in the public safety transfer to the consumer price index – a practice started under former Mayor Scott Smith.

Giles views the ordinance as a way to clarify city polices while providing relief to the utility customers who need it the most. The plan also includes increasing the fund used to help low-income customers avoid utility cutoffs from $100,000 to $125,000.

“We’re very aware of our social responsibility as a utility provider,’’ Giles said during his address, sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

“Let’s have a clear policy and give it the weight of law to eliminate that suspicion people have,’’ he said during an interview,

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predicting that the ordinance will come before the council in about a month.

He cited an oft-repeated criticism that “when Mesa wants to do something, they just raise utility rates to pay for it.”

“That’s not true and it’s never been true,’’ he told the Tribune.

During the council’s budget debate last summer, “there were some things that came up that were legitimate questions,’’ Giles said.

One of those questions was raised again

by Whittaker at a recent study session – that the increases in transfers sometimes exceeded the consumer price index.

City Budget Director Candace Cannistraro said council exceeded the index once to correct a disparity in pay between police salaries in Mesa and those in other area cities.

The specific schedule of transfers, Giles said, might serve to disarm critics of Mesa’s financial practices.

The proposed ordinance is meant to counter Whittaker’s proposed charter amendment, “Yes on Affordable Utilities” – which Giles adamantly opposes as draconian and unnecessary. Whitaker is currently circulating petitions to get his charter amendment on the ballot.

He said Whittaker’s initiative, which would create a 20 percent cap on transfers from the Enterprise Fund, would be

devastating.

“It would be a drastic cut in city services,’’ Giles said. “Why would we throw the city into reverse and layoff police and firefighters?’’

Whittaker has repeatedly criticized Mesa for having the Valley’s second highest utility rates.

Mesa is somewhat different than the other cities: most have a primary property tax but not an electric utility. The electric utility serves the city’s central district.

Whittaker is unimpressed with the proposed utility ordinance.

“I think it’s a fraud,’’ Whittaker said, adding that other revenues could cover public safety.

“It’s sort of a joke, in my opinion,’’ Whittaker said, calling opposition to his drive an attempt to scare voters.

He said Giles and other officials are always focusing on the sustainability of the General Fund, but rarely express similar concerns about sustaining the Enterprise Fund.

“It’s completely politically motivated,’’ he said, citing a 2005 council report recommending that the Enterprise Fund be protected by limiting transfers to 17 percent.

During the Jan. 30 study session, Whita-

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

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16

NEWS

UTILITY from page 14

ker said Giles’ proposal “does not lower utility rates that are the second most unaffordable utility rates in the Valley. I don’t know how this solves the problem.’’

But City Manager Chris Brady insisted the public safety transfers must continue and said the ordinance would maintain services at the same level.

Brady said Whittaker’s initiative would cut revenues for general city services, including public safety, by $30-$50 million.

He said the ordinance would formalize a city policy in place for more than a decade.

“It’s a way for us to explain to our community how we pay for the most important purpose we have,’’ he said.

Councilwoman Jen Duff backed Giles and Brady at the study session, saying the enterprise fund transfer is necessary and part of Mesa’s obligation to residents.

“I am in support of this. If we want to reduce utility rates, we have to reduce public safety or institute a property tax,’’ Duff said. “I would hate to lose that. A property tax is not palatable to our residents.’’

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

AROUND MESA

Vietnam Veterans’ ‘pinning event’ slated in Mesa next month

The public and all Vietnam War veterans are invited to participate in a ‘pinning event’ slated to mark the war’s 50th anniversary.

The pinning at the event – 10:45 a.m. March 21 at Mesa Market Place, 10550 E. Baseline Road, Mesa – is open to any U.S. Armed Forces veteran who served between November 1955 and May 15, 1975.

Surviving spouses of a deceased veteran who served during that time also can be pinned.

Major Gen. James T. Jackson, U.S. Army (Retired), director of Vietnam War Commemoration will conduct the ceremony.

Speakers include author Kerry Pardue and veteran and author Nancy Fassbender. The Department of Defense is also offering some additional honors for qualifying veterans. Information: Nancy Fassbender at 480-983-0634.

Mesa rolling out new Alexa app for residents’ access to city services

The City of Mesa is making access to services and information easier starting March 1 with the new MesaNow app for the virtual assistant device Alexa.

Mayor John Giles announced the new technology and demonstrated it during his State of the City address last week.

It will enable residents to pay their utility bill, check the balance and due date; check the city calendar for upcoming events; and see dates for recycle, yard waste and trash collections.

The MesaNow app also provides access to online information on other activities, such as road restrictions, and will enable people to report problems.

Information: mesaaz.gov/alexa.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at street dance downtown next Friday

Main Street in downtown Mesa will host a Valentine’s Day dance and party 6-10 p.m. Friday.

There will be a free swing dance lesson for beginners, a swing dance contest at 8 p.m. with prizes, valentine making for kids, food trucks and over 50 artists showcasing original artwork in booths on Main from Center to Robson.

Gallery openings and live music also are featured at the free event.

Information: Suzanne at 602-318-5689 or visit 2ndFridayNightOut.com.

Mesa roofing company lauded for customer service by Angie’s List

Overson Roofing in Mesa for the fifth year has received an Angie’s List Super Service Award, given by the referral website to services that have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews.

“Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks.

Awardees must maintain an “A” rating and undergo addi-

tional screening by Angie’s List.

Overson Roofing owner Pat Overson said he was honored by the award, noting his company part of Angie’s List since 2011.

Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Ovverson Roofing started 30 years ago and is only the second roofing company in the state to receive the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for ethics.

Information: oversonroofing.com

Eastmark shopping center getting Australian fitness studio in March

Global fitness company F45 Training has signed a lease at The Point, Eastmark’s first shopping plaza at 10706 East Point Twenty-Two Boulevard in Mesa.

The Australian fitness company – which combines interval, cardiovascular and strength training in 45-minute workouts– is leasing 2,403 square feet in the 181,289-square-foot shopping center.

F45 Training has five Valley area locations with 12 additional locations opening soon.

Heather Wiseman, director of leasing for developer Evergreen Delco, said F45 will open in March and “will be a great addition to the dynamic assortment of shops, restaurants and amenities.”

The fitness company boasts a mix of circuit and “hit style” workouts geared to everyday movement.

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Crime and mystery made Mesa author’s success

BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor

G

rowing up in northern Virginia as a voracious reader, Isabella Maldonado realized she wanted to be a writer.

But, at 19 or 20, she needed more life experience to enhance her work.

“If I have a career in law enforcement, I’ll have something to say,” she thought at the time. “While I’m at it, I could file away things that would make an interesting story.”

After earning a law degree and during her subsequent 22-year career in law enforcement, she filed such things as studies of human nature, the criminal mind, victim’s mind and how people act around each other.

They form the basis of Maldonado’s crime fiction today.

Minnesota-based Midnight Ink, a subsidiary of Llewellyn Worldwide, first pub-

imprint, Thomas & Mercer, which places her among literary greats such as Dean Koontz, Patricia Cornwell, Jeffery Deaver and Lee Goldberg.

Maldonado’s writing career was established in Arizona. She and her husband Mike moved to Mesa in 2010 after they both worked in law enforcement just outside the Washington D.C. area.

Her last job was as captain and commander of special investigaIsabella Maldonado promotes her books at a literary event in Mesa. (Srianthi tions in forensics. She Perera/Tribune Contributor) retired early because she wanted to become a mom and start a lished Maldonado’s work.

Recently, she received a coveted con- second career as a writer.

She accomplished both her goals. tract from Amazon’s mystery and thriller

Mesa golf course owner seeks coveted PGA post

BY JANELLE MOLONY Tribune Contributor

D

on Rea, owner of the Augusta Ranch Golf Club in East Mesa, is running for the highly coveted position of secretary of the Professional Golfers Association of America.

Founded in 1916, the PGA is known as the largest sports organization in the world.

His campaign plans are stirring up business and keeping the “teeny tiny” Par 61 club owner extra busy.

If he wins the vote in October, he’ll serve two years as secretary, then become eligible for a promotion to vice president, and later, president.

“It’s a big deal,” Rea said, “One day

you’re the secretary, then the next, you could be handing the trophy to the next big ‘Tiger Woods.’”

His excitement could be felt during the interview with the Tribune.

If elected, the new title would come with a lot of responsibility and no pay.

“It’s not a job,” Rea explained, “it’s volunteer work.” As secretary, he’d oversee PGA of America memberships, some media engagements, host Junior events, and organize the annual meetings.

There is an administrative function as well, such as tracking budgets and recording board meetings.

When asked how he heard about the position – which is unlisted on the as-

see REA page 22

Her son Max is now 10.

After studying the art and craft of writing for five years – during which time she read more than 100 books on the topic – she completed a three-book series, which was snapped up by Midnight Ink and received good critical reviews.

In her debut, “Blood’s Echo,” she introduced a fictional Phoenix-based homicide detective, Veranda Cruz, who takes on the ruthless Villalobos Cartel.

For her efforts, she received the Mariposa Award for Best First Novel. The second and third books are titled “Phoenix Burning” and “Death Blow,” respectively.

Thomas & Mercer will publish “The Cipher,” the first book in her next series, in September. The first draft of the second book is due in June.

Call it beginner’s luck.

In the publishing arena, it’s rare for a beginning novelist to be offered a three-

see AUTHOR page 20

Augusta Ranch owner Don Rea said golfing has left him with many fond moments spent with his wife Karen and daughter Katie. (Special to the Tribune)

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

19

Retirement home showcases residents on calendar

BY CHRISTOPHER BOAN Tribune Staff Writer

W

hat started out as a simple photo shoot quickly turned into a crowning achievement for residents of a Mesa retirement home.

The residents at Broadway Mesa Village’s achievement was the completion of an 18-month calendar featuring residents in a series of humorous activities – from fishing to painting, enjoying chocolate and more.

The 2020-21 calendar was the brainchild of Sarah Skradski, the community’s executive director.

Skradski said the retirement community decided to launch the full-fledged calendar after originally planning to use the photo shoot as a relationship-building exercise.

The team at Broadway Mesa Village decided to dedicate the calendar to Marilyn Pell, who passed away after a long battle with cancer shortly after the initial photo shoot.

Both Skradski and the residents decided their calendar proceeds would go toward the American Cancer Society in Pell’s name.

Skradski described the community’s decision to turn their one-day photo excursion into a calendar as second-nature, given how great the pictures turned out.

“It was all pretty last-minute,” Skradski said. “We decided after we got all the pictures together, it was like an after-thought, ‘this should be a calendar. This was so much fun.’

“We’ve got to do more with this than

endar is the latest example of creating fun-filled and fulfilling activities for residents.

She noted of resident Dorothy Freye, who once was an artist, hadn’t picked up a paintbrush in a long time.

Hadley made sure Freye had an opportunity to rekindle the passion, through the community’s weekly painting days on Thursdays.

Such a feat falls in Residents and staff at Broadway Mesa Village are proud of the calendar they put line with other actogether featuring some of the seniors who live there. (Special to the Tribune) tivities, such as the just put them on the wall. Everybody photo shoot and subsequent calendar, should be able to see these, everyone. And can enrich residents’ lives at the Mesa fasure enough, we dedicated the calendar cility, according to Hadley. to Marilyn, and she had lots of complica“I feel like life has just begun once you tions, but the main thing was cancer, so come through our doors, because we’re we decided to donate the proceeds to the always seeking new ways to enrich life,” American Cancer Society in her honor.”

Hadley said.

The calendar features 18 different resi“One of the things I know about Dorothy, dents over the 18 months, between Jan. is long ago, she was a painter. And when I 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 – resulting in talked to her and said, ‘would you like to a collection of memories few involved will join my paint table?’ She goes, ‘well, I just forget. don’t know if I can do it anymore.’ And Curating and creating fun activities is a now, it’s what she dreams about every passion for Teresa Hadley, who serves as week.” the resident enrichment director of the reFreye believes the communal activities, tirement community. like the photo shoot and calendar, go a Hadley believes the community’s cal- long way toward building a more inclu-

sive environment for residents and employees alike.

“It was huge to me because I got to get my face made up and my hair done. I got to wear fancy clothes and they had the bubble machine and it was blowing bubbles,” Hadley said.

“And I was watching everybody, I thought it brought us all closer together. Laughing at each other and with each other.”

Residents, like Freye, have become local celebrities of sorts at their local doctor’s or dentist office, thanks to the calendar’s success in the community.

Such a response proves how much the local community supports and believes in residents as a whole, according to Skradski.

“We’ve been able to take those around to different people in our community, things like that, and every time somebody opens one, they’re shocked at the things they’ve done,” Skradski said.

“And they’re so excited to hang it up and share it with their residents maybe they have in the community.”

Freye has seen the impact the calendar has on the places she frequents, including her local dentist office.

She’s been thrilled to see how enthusiastic the community-at-large is to get their hands on a copy of the calendar, and to be an overnight celebrity in East Mesa.

“I was at the dentist yesterday, and the dentist receptionist was given the calendar, and she immediately hung it up,” Freye said.

The calendar is available only by visiting Mesa Broadway Village, 7231 E. Broadway Road.

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

Dorothy Freye, left, blew bubbles for her calendar pose while George Tikotsky played fisherman for the Broadway Mesa Village calendar. (Special to the Tribune)

20

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Mesa schools creating well-rounded healthy students

BY LAURIE STRUNA Tribune Guest Writer

S

tudies show physical inactivity and obesity have replaced smoking as the leading factors causing heart disease.

Mesa Public Schools is taking a proactive approach to ensuring students are healthy for years to come.

The district is committed to creating comprehensive healthy school communities.

This is evident in the district’s recordbreaking showing on the list of America’s Healthiest Schools. Mesa Public Schools has 53 schools on the list, more than any other district in the nation.

Through programming including physical education, recess activities, classroom movement breaks and healthy nutrition, district schools support the whole child.

“Our elementary PE program curriculum aligns with national, state and district

AUTHOR from page 18

book publishing deal. It’s what Maldonado received in 2015.

Max was in kindergarten and she was heading the local Sisters in Crime chapter when she made a commitment to her husband she would be the best president of the literary group, finish her first novel and obtain a contract by the year’s end.

“I made this commitment with the full ignorance of someone who had no idea what they’re talking about. If I knew what I know now, I would be like ‘it would be impossible,’” Maldonado said.

“But I actually accomplished all three.

All because I didn’t know any better.”

Sisters in Crime hosted a major conference in 2015 which she spearheaded.

During the seminar, a visiting agent heard her pitch and invited her to submit the manuscript.

She received the three-book deal in November of that year.

Her next quest was to obtain an agent.

Although she had the book deal, she needed representation to negotiate a fair contract.

It was time to sign up for another conference. Maldonado attended the debut authors program at Thrillerfest.

She made another commitment to her husband. “I’m not coming back without an agent. I don’t care what the odds are.

I’ll just do it,” she told him.

standards and are taught by highly qualified, state-certified teachers,” says Debra Pangrazi, elementary PE specialist. “Students receive more than 25 units of skillspecific instruction designed to engage students in fun ways.”

Students participate in PE twice a week.

The 30-minute lessons include parachute fitness, cooperative games and climbing rock walls.

Along with physical health, students develop confidence, kindness and respect for others through team-based activities.

Scientific evidence proves when kids move, they learn. To encourage movement outside PE, students participate in morning and lunch recess to boost their health and brainpower.

The Food & Nutrition Department provides healthier breakfast and lunch options, while schools promote smart snacks.

Students take HOPSports Brain Breaks,

The program was similar to speed-dating.

“You sit down at a table, and they put a timer on there and you get three minutes with each agent,” she recalled.

That day she pitched to eight agents and one struck a chord with her. Before coming home, she had secured an agent: Lisa Fleissig of the New York-based Lisa Royce Agency.

The timing was good because Midnight Ink closed its doors just before Maldonado’s third book came out. She asked Fleissig to submit her work to a larger publishing company.

Maldonado wrote a book proposal with the first three chapters and an overview of two books set in Quantico, Virginia.

It was based on a serial killer and her hero was fresh and different – Latina FBI agent Nina Guerrera. The first book is the agent’s backstory and the second is about the killer.

This time, she pulled from her threemonth course at the FBI National Academy, where she lived on campus and studied with 220 executive level management in law enforcement.

Fleissig shopped around the proposal and accepted Thomas & Mercer’s bid.

Then, Maldonado had to write “like a lunatic. It was crazy,” she said. “I had to give a first draft to them in eight weeks. In five months, I wrote one book, it’s 91,000 words.”

which provide the benefits of physical activity without leaving the classroom.

Kris Burton, Hermosa Vista Elementary kindergarten teacher, uses the short twoto-five minute, web-based activities for her students when they start to get restless.

Lessons include simulating riding on a roller coaster, racing around a track or walking through peanut butter.

“It re-energizes and refocuses them — they love it,” says Burton, a 22-year teaching veteran who has been using the program since its inception.

Burton says when her students sit back down, they know it’s time to regroup and focus on their lesson.

Students are encouraged to stay active outside of the school day.

The district partners with the City of Mesa Bicycle & Pedestrian Program to provide student bike and helmet safety assemblies.

The book, together with its audio version, will be out in September.

Even though she’s at a huge advantage with her professional background, like any writer, Maldonado researches beforehand.

“Because of my background, I want to make sure I get everything right,” she said. “I read other people’s work and see mistakes.”

Many have questioned why she doesn’t write about real-life crime. She has a ready answer.

True crime is unsatisfying.

“There’s no story there. The stuff that happens in real-life, a lot of times, is pointless violence,” she said. “I wanted to figure out why they did something. Many times, the answer was, ‘I don’t know.’”

Hence why she uses creative fiction.

Maldonado’s work is fast-paced and edgy with lots of action and snappy dialog. Don’t look for narrative or dense description. It’s not a sweeping family saga although generations of a family features in it.

Her writing style lends itself to being movie-material. “It could be a script,” she said.

The fast-pace writing may be a harkening to her former life, where she was on call at every hour of the day.

“It was a huge transition to go from being a police commander, where I was in charge of a precinct and there was a to-

During the 30-minute presentations, students learn about basic safety checks, rules of the road, proper bike gear and the importance of helmet safety.

Mental health is also a key factor to student success. The 37 additional elementary counselors hired in fall 2019 already have a positive impact on school campuses.

Dr. Michael Garcia, director of opportunity and achievement, shares counselors implement schoolwide behavior and decision-making programs for all students, such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which reduce negative student behaviors.

“Having more counselors means we can identify students in crisis earlier and provide the support they need to thrive,” Garcia says.

Laurie Struna is a communications specialist for Mesa Public Schools.

tal of about 150 employees,” she said. “I was in charge of first lieutenant, second lieutenant, sergeants, patrol officers, detectives and civilians, and served an area with 144,000 residents.

“I go from that to I am a mom, and I have a little newborn baby. I have one little tiny person in diapers who is running my life.

I’m running to take care of his every need.

I don’t have a sergeant or someone where I can say ‘can you take care of this?’”

For Maldonado, it was a shock. She took several years to get used to motherhood.

Just now, things are at an equilibrium.

Her career has established well, her husband has retired and her son is a reader.

She’s planning on starting a truecrime podcast with a former detective in Phoenix.

She thinks her new book series will be successful.

“It seems so many detective stories are of older white males with a drinking problem. This is the opposite of all of that.

“It’s a Latina, she’s younger than most of them and she’s just not having a drinking problem, she’s not a loner, but she’s got a lot of personal issues she has to work through,” she said. “I just think it’s time for something like that. I would love it if people would embrace that.”

Write to Maldonado at isabella@isabellamaldonado.com. Details: isabellamaldonado.com.

COMMUNITY

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Time When ...

BY SHANNON MAKI Tribune Guest Writer

I

t is well known Mormon pioneers founded Lehi and Mesa, but the city ended up quickly becoming a religious and ethnically diverse area.

There came a growing Mexican American, Japanese and African American population, to name a few.

The African American population grew into its own unique community, which is demonstrated by the Washington-Escobedo Heritage Neighborhood.

Alexander McPherson was the first African American settler in Mesa in 1905.

Over the next two decades, many more joined him and the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, the first African-American church in Mesa, opened in 1918, in response to the growing African American community.

Racial discrimination prevented African Americans from owning homes in the original townsite which resulted in the creation of an area known as the Mitchell

This neighborhood is part of Mesa’s rich history

21

Learn more Check out the Mesa Historical Museum’s new exhibit “Hallelujah Hats: A celebration of Mesa’s Washington Park Community.” The museum is at 2345 N. Horne, Mesa. Information: mesahistoricalmuseum.com

their own cultural community.

This area would later become known as the Escobedo neighborhood.

The Escobedo Apartments were built in 1941, originally for the purpose of housing the African American soldiers stationed at Williams Air Force Base as they were not allowed to live on the base.

After the war, the City of Mesa leased the apartments In the 1920s, Booker T. Washington School was the only school for African Americans in the East Valley. (Courtesy of Mesa Veora Johnson was the Mesa Citizen of the Year in 1953 to low-income families.

Historical Museum) because of her work with African American youths. (Courtesy of In the early days of Mesa, Mesa Historical Museum) all students could attend any Mesa Even at the Webster school, they were Addition in 1920. school, whichever one happened to be segregated by classroom.

The Mitchell Addition was eventually closest usually.

In the 1920s, the Booker T. Washingcombined with Tuskeegee Place to create Schools began turning away colored ton School opened specifically for African what would become known as the Wash- children as early as 1910, and in response American students. Children from Higley, ington Neighborhood due to the segregat- the Daniel Webster School was built in Gilbert and Chandler went to school at the ed Booker T. Washington school in the area. 1911, originally to service the Mexican Booker T. Washington school as it was the The Verde Vista subdivision, created in American children, and later the African only African American school in the area 1916, gave Mexican Americans the oppor- American children when their population tunity to buy homes in Mesa and create began to grow. see MUSEUM page 22

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

22

REA from page 18

sociation’s job board, he replied, “I’m a very prepared board member and I’ve been serving on the board of directors for the National Golf Club Owners Association.”

His reputation preceded him. When the NGCOA suggested he run for the position, then “the local PGA section got behind it and nominated me.”

His official nomination letter offered an exuberant recommendation for Rea as a passionate and visionary leader.

In this year’s election, Rea will be against Tom Henderson of Connecticut, David Schneider of Iowa, and Kelly Williams from Kentucky.

“Only one other person from Arizona has ever run, and it was a decade ago,” Rea said.

The public cannot contribute to the vote. The election is limited to officers in the association from 41 sections of the country.

Rea was drawn to this opportunity because of the potential to impact more PGA members and families in a positive way.

Golf, Rea believes, has a unique advantage over other sports because of its whole-family component.

He cited a recent sample survey which showed only 8 to 10 percent of adults in America as having played golf in past years.

Though the activity continues to be more popular among seniors, he says the competition against other sport options is very high for the younger crowd.

Rea, 52, hopes to change this.

“I love what golf does for families,” said Rea, describing the game as the “greatest thing ever,” because it incorporates fun, family, fitness and “forever” – stressing the importance of making treasured memories through gameplay.

Rea fondly remembers golfing together with his father, before his passing. He’s also spent many hours with his wife Karen and daughter Katie on the course.

In person, Don Rea is a vivacious gogetter who never turns down an opportunity to help in his community.

In 2019, he hosted a 100-hole “Golf-aThon” in support of Every Nation Campus, a faith-based outreach program pro-

viding resources to students at ASU and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Over $40,000 was raised through this initiative.

Augusta Ranch hosts programs in support of PGA Hope, a military-focused outreach uses golf to support veterans in need of ways to increase their mental, emotional and physical emotional wellbeing.

He strives to invite younger crowds onto the green with family movie nights on a 50-foot screen and free clinics for kids. Rea hopes more youth with try golfing and fall in love.

Rea started working at Augusta Ranch in 1999 in an outdoor/maintenance capacity, “cleaning clubs,” as he’s said on social media.

He jokes even after 20 years, and at the age of 52, he can still be found help his employees make the club sparkle and shine.

Upcoming community events at the Ranch can be found at AugustaRanchGolf. com/Community and more information on the Arizona nominee’s campaign are posted at DonReaPGA.com.

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

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MUSEUM from page 21

for many years.

The school was for 1st-8th grade, after 8th grade students went on to Mesa High School which was never segregated.

The superintendent of the Mesa Public Schools contacted the historically African American university in Texas, Prairie View University, and asked for him to recommend someone who could teach and connect with the African American students and encourage them to stay in school, as many left to work after 8th grade.

They sent over Veora Johnson who was an outstanding student, graduating Magna Cum Laude at a young age.

In 1927, at the age of 16, she moved to Mesa and began her tenure at the Booker T. Washington School. She continued her education in Arizona and in 1945, she became the first African American principal in Mesa.

She would go on to serve the school for 30 more years as the first African American to hold administration credentials in education, eventually retiring in 1974.

Shannon Maki is operations manager and volunteer coordinator for the Mesa Historical Museum.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

23

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 40

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Renovated and now thriving, East Mesa strip mall sold

BY HALEY LORENZEN

Tribune Contributor

O

ver the last 15 years, Sun Valley Plaza in East Mesa transformed from a dilapidated strip mall into to a popular shopping center – so popular developer Michael Pollack sold it for $6 million.

Pollack began redeveloping the strip mall at 7740 E. Main St. the year after he bought it in 2004.

“There was almost nobody left there,” Pollack said. “It had about a 15 percent occupancy when we took it over. It had spaces that hadn’t been rented in many years.”

Pollack, who has a long track record in reviving dying strip malls, mainly in the East Valley, sold the 94,094-square-feet

Sun Valley Plaza in East Mesa was a dilapidated strip mall when developer Michael Pollack bought it 15 years ago.

Since then, he has restored it with “a lot of heavy lifting.” (Special to the Tribune)

Sun Valley Plaza for $6.36 million to President Darryl Senger of Sun Valley Plaza Holdings Inc.

Pollack said it took a lot of “heavy lifting” to grow the shopping center to a 96 percent occupancy rate.

First, he said, “we had to take spaces that were larger and we had to cut them up and make them smaller.

“For example, there was a former grocery store and the grocery store was 35,000 square feet. Finding a 35,000 square foot grocer to retrofit in that particular area or neighborhood was not really possible,” Pollack said.

“We ended up cutting the space into a 15,000 and a 20,000 square foot space, and then we leased them to more serviceoriented types of tenants,” he explained.

Some of the more service-oriented types of tenants Pollack brought into the plaza included a spay and neuter clinic and Denim Diamonds, a country nightclub. Currently, some of the other tenants

see STRIP MALL page 26

FatCats bowled over by Mesa, Gilbert popularity

BY KATHERINE NOWICKI

Tribune Contributor

H

ot on the heels of opening an entertainment center in Mesa, FatCats is expanding farther into Arizona with a third location in Queen Creek.

The brand was founded by two friends, a restaurant owner and a bowling equipment sales executive.

The first FatCats opened in 2001 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has since expanded to three more entertainment centers in Utah, plus a center in Colorado and another in Idaho which both opened in 2010.

The chain’s expansion into Arizona began in 2015 with its Gilbert venue. After the success of the Gilbert location, the second Arizona FatCats opened in Mesa last November.

The Queen Creek location is expected to open next year.

“Gilbert launched and opened up so well once people started hearing about Mesa, it was just kind of a slam dunk,” said FatCats Marketing Coordinator Trevor Cannon.

With an arcade, imaginatively designed bowling alleys and a theater showing first-run movies, FatCats has won a big following in Mesa and Gilbert - so big it’s opening its third Arizona location in Queen Creek. (Special to the Tribune)

The Gilbert and Mesa locations each employ 50 to 70 workers, depending on the season. Winter is typically the busiest time because of the holidays.

The available FatCats attractions vary slightly among the different locations, but both the Gilbert and Mesa entertainment centers offer 20 lanes of bowling, minia-

ture glow golf, an arcade and an all-reclining movie theater.

Miniature glow golf is space-themed at the Mesa location while it carries a pirate theme in Gilbert.

Both the Gilbert and Mesa centers offer a bowling special called Thunder Alley, starting at 9 p.m., and typically lasts until

midnight.

During this time customers in the bowling alley can also enjoy games, prizes, and music hosted by an entertainer – all for a discounted price.

FatCats centers also host birthday parties, corporate events, and school activities.

The Queen Creek FatCats center will be almost identical to the Mesa location.

Like the Mesa location, it will include 20 lanes of bowling, a movie theater, an arcade, miniature glow golf, and a fullservice grill and bar.

The Queen Creek center is also slated

see FATCATS page 26

26

BUSINESS

STRIP MALL from page 25

include Main Street Antique Mall and Carbajal’s Mexican Restaurant.

Pollack also said had the plaza’s exterior extensively renovated.

“Aesthetically speaking, the center, unfortunately, was just plain old ugly. It was dated. Some people they go in and they buy a property and, you know I kind of liken it to being a plastic surgeon,” he said.

“Some people go in and they put a little Botox here and there and they’re done. In my world, that means a little paint and a little putty.”

“But it’s not what I do, I go in and I give them real life face-lift, I go in and I do structural changes in order to modernize, in order to improve the curb appeal or the aesthetic appeal,” Pollack said.

Along with Sun Valley Plaza, Pollack has been involved in around 12 million square feet of real estate projects throughout the Valley for more than 30 years.

After completing renovations on similar shopping centers or other real estate projects, Pollack explained he will typically sell to another buyer.

“It’s really what we specialize in: we

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

do the heavy lifting. Sometimes we keep them for a long time. We kept this one for a long time, we had it in our inventory for more than 15 years,” he said.

The decision to sell the plaza came at the right time, Pollack said, as it was in good shape both physically and it had such a high occupancy rate.

“This happened to be an older partnership we decided to sell, but we’d already taken it to like 96 percent occupancy,” he said. “So, we were moving on into other ventures, and we’re always looking for new opportunities.”

“It’s the type of redevelopment, the type of work, I enjoy,” Pollack added.

He also said there was a “tremendous” amount of interest in the sale of the shopping center, due to a low price per square foot as well as the high occupancy rate.

As for what’s next for Sun Valley Plaza, Pollack hopes it will continue to see success with its new owners.

“Their job now is just pretty much maintain the tenants, maintain the property and if they can do what we did with it, keep it in that same kind of condition and that same kind of occupancy. Then it’s going to be a great project for them,” he said.

FAT CATS from page 25

to offer virtual reality activities – a feature the Gilbert location does not currently include this attraction.

The Mesa FatCats contains three virtual reality bays where customers put on a HTC Vive headset and choose from a variety of games or experiences for prices ranging from $5 to $40.

With the assortment of activities, the entertainment centers appeal to a variety of clientele.

“What I love about FatCats is we don’t really have a demographic,” said Cannon.

“We hit families, we hit couples, we have date nights, we have elderly people that come in and want to bowl. We really don’t have a demographic at FatCats and it’s what makes us so special.”

Cannon said FatCats wants to encourage all of these groups to return.

“Our motto is ‘We Create Experiences That Bring People Back’ and we hope we do every time.”

The Arizona FatCats locations were chosen based on several factors, including investor ownership in the area and a desire to add locations with movie theaters.

The first-run movies offered at both the Gilbert and Mesa locations run the gamut, from comedies to action and familyfriendly flicks.

FatCats also finds the summer heat helps to drive customers indoors.

While summer is typically a slow time for the Utah locations when the weather is pleasant and people want to be outside, Cooper said it’s a boon to FatCats in Gilbert and Mesa.

“One thing really awesome about Arizona is the seasonality of it,” said Cannon.

“With Arizona there’s no such thing as a slow season.”

Cannon said another important factor in choosing the FatCats Arizona locations is the people in the surrounding communities.

“Gilbert, our spot in Mesa, and then in Queen Creek, the one determining factor for all of them is they’re in neighborhoods. They’re in a community where basically the people are what make FatCats special. We go community first and then we go outward. We really want people to feel like ‘This is my FatCats.’”

Information: fatcatsfun.com.

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BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Opponents of high-interest loans throw in towel

BY HOWARD FISCHER

Capitol Media Services

B

ackers of a bid to ask voters to outlaw title loans have quit amid the inability to raise the cash they need to get it – and keep it – on the November ballot.

Rodd McLeod, campaign consultant for Arizonans for Fair Lending said the refusal of federal courts to void a law on petition signatures raised the costs beyond the point supporters were willing to fund.

The initiative sought to ask voters to remove the exemption the industry now has from a state law limiting allowable interest to no more than 36 percent a year.

Current title loans can carry an annual percentage rate up to 204 percent a year.

Backers needed 237,645 valid signatures by July 2 to put the issue on the general election ballot in November.

But McLeod said the 2014 law actually requires circulators to gather far more as a cushion against signatures being dis-

qualified.

And even if they do, he said, the law gives foes of the measure new legal tools to try to keep it from ever going to voters.

On paper, the law in question requires paid circulators to register and provide and address where they can be subpoenaed.

What’s crucial, though, is judges are required to throw out all the signatures of any circulator who does not show up in court, regardless of whether there is other evidence showing the signatures themselves are valid and were legally gathered.

So concerned was McLeod’s group it asked a federal judge to void the laws.

In a 19-page ruling last year, Judge Susan Bolton acknowledged the 2014 statute could make it more difficult for those proposing their own laws and constitutional amendments to put their proposals before voters.

But Bolton said challengers did not present enough evidence to show it presents irreparable harm, either to voters or those who hope to propose future ballot

measures.

So, she agreed to allow the law and its hurdles to remain on the books pending a full trial, something unlikely to occur before the deadline for groups like McLeod’s to turn in their signatures.

“We don’t have the money as a campaign to not only gather the extra signatures due to the ones that are going to get thrown out on these legal technicalities but also to get people into court at the same time’’ to confirm the signatures they gathered. “That’s also costly.’’

Voters may still get to weigh in on the subject of interest limits – but in a quite different way.

A ballot measure being pushed by the National Credit Alliance would overturn virtually all laws now limiting annual interest charges to 36 percent.

Sean Noble, campaign manager for the group, called it a “stand against socialism.’’

As a constitutional amendment, it needs 356,467 valid signatures on petition by July 2 to qualify for the November ballot.

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

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Trip to a bookstore harkens to a long-gone era

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

I

t was a Wednesday morning around lunchtime and my schedule was empty for a few hours between meetings.

Driving east along Dunlap Avenue near Interstate 17, I was passing Metrocenter Mall when a strange urge struck.

I hung a right. A minute later, I found myself driving through a parking lot emptier than the brain of your average politician.

This was how I browsed a bookstore for the first time in years.

Inside Barnes & Noble, the 20-something behind the customer service counter greeted me with the kind of enthusiasm I imagine shipwreck survivors muster when rescuers finally land on the beach.

“Hey there, sir! Welcome! How are you?” she sing-songed. “Can I help you find anything?”

The answer in my head: 2009. I used to

go to bookstores all the time in 2009. Also, I fit into slim-cut jeans, still recalled Bruce Jenner as an Olympic decathlete and rooted for the Phoenix Suns when they didn’t suck.

“You’ll be the first to know,” I told her, before veering toward the magazines.

The once-familiar sight of glossy covers in rows felt odd, like revisiting your old hometown after years away.

Oddly, soft-core porn like Penthouse is still published in magazine form these days, wrapped in plastic and stashed behind the sports magazines.

Given that it’s virtually impossible to avoid naked people on the Internet in 2020 – displayed free of charge – I can’t imagine who still buys Penthouse and Playboy, but at least, uh, old-fashioned “readers” have that option.

Barnes & Noble also still sells scores of novels in hardcover and paperback, which I imagine most people use as bookends, doorstops and gag gifts.

As an avid reader, a guy who goes

through a hundred books annually, I don’t remember the last time I read a book in paper form.

For old time’s sake, I spent a few minutes searching for the Cliffsnotes versions of various works of literature I was assigned to read in high school, but skipped.

One day I may get around to Aldous Huxley and Zora Neale Hurston in full. But surely in digital form and not with sufficient clarity to write a five-page, doublespaced term paper.

It was comforting to find old favorites still on the shelves: Catch-22, Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon and the incomparable Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and survivor of the Nazi death camps.

Flipping through them, I tried to recall when and why I gave up paper texts for digital.

Dates are hazy, but the why is easy: The majority of us have traded the superior heft of texts, the tactile joy of turning pages and the ability to scribble in a book’s

margins for the simplicity of pointing, clicking, buying, downloading, reading.

You didn’t need to stand in the business aisle to get a lesson in 21st century economics: Plenty of overhead in the form of square footage, power and human beings.

But the place was devoid of humanity.

Sure, some local bookstores – Changing Hands, the Poisoned Pen – still make a go of it, but a thought occurred: When our children’s children’s children go to Old Western towns like Rawhide for kicks in 2120, will the faux scenery still be saloons, shooting galleries and the undertaker?

Or will the place feature storefronts like Borders, Fashion Bug and The Gap? Sheer guilt made me buy something: Another copy of The Great Gatsby, though I already own more than a few. I haven’t read it in a couple years, but that famous last line of Fitzgerald’s stuck with me as I turned back onto Dunlap Avenue.

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

are among the highest rent increases in the country.

Higher rents are stressing my fellow teachers and other Valley residents who love living and working here but are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a place to live.

Metro Phoenix has long been an attractive place to move to and live and for companies to locate because of our less expensive cost of living, especially compared to California.

Let’s not lose quality of life and competitive advantage.

Thankfully, there are those in our community and the real estate industry listening to the concerns of our neighbors.

Sometimes government can solve problems and sometimes they can’t. And when government is slow or deficient it is nice to see the private sector step up.

Scottsdale-based Greenlight Communities, for example, has developed a new

business model for building ‘attainable housing’ for working families, nurses and other health care workers, first responders and teachers like me. This is exciting.

Greenlight Communities’ Cabana multifamily concept utilizes innovative construction and design practices to build new developments offering design-forward and well-amenitized communities with rents significantly less expensive than other new apartments being built in metro Phoenix.

This math means teachers and other middle-class renters can afford to live in our city rather than be priced out of all the luxury apartments being built which require incomes of $80,000 or more.

Greenlight is doing what we have needed developers and others to do for a long time.

They are focused on and willing to serve the middle-class and build attractive attainable rental housing residents will be

proud to live in and call home.

Middle class households – including nurses, firefighters and teachers – are frequently finding themselves priced out of expensive ‘luxury’ apartments they can’t afford.

We need market-based and community solutions to help the backbones of our society afford a place to live they will love.

Other developers and apartment builders, as well as policymakers and elected officials, should take note.

They need to be aware of the housing crunch facing middle-class families and households, the impacts on their communities and innovative solutions to this problem.

One of those creative solutions is being fostered right here in Arizona and will serve as a model across the country.

A home-grown solution to rising rents

BY KAREEM NEAL Tribune Guest Writer

I

know what it is like for teachers who work hard for their students and schools but struggle to afford to live in the same communities they love.

I have been a special education teacher for 23 years and after all this time, I was just finally able to buy my first place Even working a second job in addition to teaching I have found it tough to find and afford quality housing and apartments to rent.

This is a mounting problem for teachers, first responders, health care workers and other middle-class residents across the Valley.

Phoenix apartment rents were up 9 percent in 2019 compared to just a year earlier, according to research reports. Those

Kareem Neal is the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

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SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

Desert Ridge Girls Soccer hitting late-season stride

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

I

t’s the one night most senior athletes in high school both dream of and dread heading into their final year competing at the high school level.

For some, senior night brings with it a way to celebrate the accomplishments throughout one’s high school career. But for others, including some members of the Desert Ridge girls soccer team, it signaled the end of a decade-long bond as teammates on the soccer field.

The pregame festivities already brought along a swirl of emotions for all nine senior girls. But it quickly gave way to an even more emotional ending their match last Tuesday against Mountain Pointe.

“Our message all season has been, ‘who is going to make an impact? Who is going to be the one that gets a game-winner with 20 seconds left?’” Desert Ridge girls soccer coach Danny Gonzalez said. “We

Desert Ridge girls soccer coach Danny Gonzalez is starting to see the benefit of his players buying into the new culture and mindset he created in his first season leading the Jaguars. (Chris Mortenson/Tribune Staff)

with Desert Ridge and Mountain Pointe tied at a goal apiece, junior Emma Brown found herself streaking toward the net behind the Pride’s back line. As she and Mountain Pointe goalie Kristen Kopplin made contact, the ball ricocheted forward and rolled into the net to secure Desert Ridge’s win.

It was the type of play Gonzalez had eluded to before the start of the 2019-20 season, when he was hired to take over the girls soccer program

found a way.”

With just under 30 seconds remaining

at Desert Ridge.

His goal early on was to establish a cul-

speed and agility training,” Red Mountain coach Mike Miller said.

The results have Miller believing his team can beat anyone when playing at their best. However, there’s one problem.

He needs his players to play at this level every time they step on the field.

“For us, it’s just being consistent,” Miller said. “We have games where we show some inconsistency in our play. Not many, but a few. So, we need to make sure to be more consistent in our play.”

It’s easier to be consistent when returning 10 of 11 starters from the previous season. Not to mention, they have the experience to match with 15 seniors on the roster.

The combination of chemistry and experience has Red Mountain soccer poised to go further in the playoffs.

“Last year, it was our first time in the playoffs for a lot of us,” senior Ryan Gal-

loway said. “So having playoff experience and knowing what the atmosphere is like really helps.”

“They’ve been there,” Miller added. “They know how to play in the playoffs now, so for them theexperience is going to be huge as we head into the playoffs.”

For the sophomores on the team, this will be their first taste of postseason action. With so many seniors on the roster - the sophomores have veteran leadership to look up to when facing uncertainty.

“The sophomores who are here have adopted the same mentality of the seniors,” Miller said. “The seniors have done a great job of adopting them, mentoring them

ture within the program centered around becoming a family. In his mind, it would help each girl become accustomed to a style of coaching they were unfamiliar with. As the season has progressed, the team has bought in to everything new surrounding the program this year. And it has shown in Desert Ridge’s last seven games, where it went 6-1 leading up to the regular-season finale against Highland on Friday.

But it hasn’t been like that the entire season for the Jaguars. In fact, they were on the wrong end of the scoreboard on several occasions in the first half of the season.

“It was stressful,” Gonzalez said. “On any given day in high school you can win or lose. But this group has bought in to the culture and I think it’s why we are seeing these types of results after a rough start.”

Desert Ridge began the season with two

see DESERT RIDGE page 33

Red Mountain soccer aiming higher as playoffs loom

BY MILLARD THOMAS Tribune Contributing Writer

R

ed Mountain’s boys soccer program has its sights set on more than just repeating as champions of the 6A East Valley Region this season.

They envision being champions of the entire conference.

After a heartbreaking loss in last season’s quarterfinals, Red Mountain has extra motivation to win the title. But the first step they needed to take to get back to the playoffs was establishing a mindset for the rest of the season.

The second step was to get back in the gym and start working on their craft. Red Mountain was determined to take their skills to the next level, so they started their own soccer academy.

“They work five days a week. Weight room, technical training on the field, and

see RED MTN page 34

LEFT: Red Mountain senior Diego Casillas is ready to put it all on the line to not only repeat as 6A East Valley Region champions but compete for a state title in his final year. RIGHT: Red Mountain senior Ryan Galloway believes the experience he and others gained in the playoffs last season will benefit the Mountain Lions as the postseason nears.

(Millard Thomas/Tribune Contributor)

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

DESERT RIDGE from page 32

consecutive ties before a convincing win over Tolleson in a preseason tournament it hosted. At the Coyote Classic, however, the Jaguars fell in three straight matches.

Another tie and loss followed before they were finally able to get their first powerpoint win over Mountain View on Jan. 7.

Following a loss to Basha in their next outing, something clicked. They were finally able to find a consistent rhythm and rattled of five straight wins, including one over then-top-ranked Desert Vista.

Now seven games removed from the loss to the Bears, Desert Ridge is nearing the end of the season having outscored opponents 24-4 during the seven-game stretch with just one loss.

It’s quickly become clear the Jaguars seem to be hitting their stride at the right time.

“We’ve been working hard all season,” sophomore Amanda Bix said. “After winter break everything clicked, and we learned to fight for each other. This has been the main goal every single game.”

Desert Ridge captain Abby Frey has reaped the benefits of the Jaguars’ hot streak as of late, as she and the other seniors won on senior night for the first time since 2016.

(Chris Mortenson/Tribune Staff)

Bix has been played a key role in Desert Ridge’s success as of late. She leads the

Have an interesting sports story?

team with 11 goals on the season, her latest coming against Mountain Pointe.

Gonzalez said Bix from the start has been one of the leaders when it came to embracing the new culture set forth by him this season. Part of that, he said, comes from her believing in herself and her ability to not only learn a new position, but to thrive in it as well.

“She’s bought in to the new role and she’s been the first one to hold herself accountable and produce,” Gonzalez said. “She was nervous at first, but she’s believing.”

Bix has quickly become one of several leaders both vocally and by example on the field for Desert Ridge. Part of her ability to step into such a role stems from the close bond between each girl on the team.

Not one player holds themselves above another, whether they wear one of four captain’s bands or not. They all hold themselves and each other accountable whether it be in practice or during a match.

They all share the same vision of making a run in the playoffs, and they all recognize what it will take to get there.

“We just need to continue working

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

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hard,” said senior Abby Frey, who has scored six goals this season. “As long as we do that, I think anything is obtainable.”

Frey is one of four seniors who wears the captain’s bands for every match. An honor she’s earned having played a key role in the girls soccer program since she was a freshman.

As she moved up a grade level each year, she watched as the seniors ahead of her never got to enjoy a win on senior night.

The last time the Jaguars won on the night seniors were honored was in 2016.

“We haven’t won senior night in a while,” Frey said. “So, to kind of start off a new winning streak is special. It feels like all of our hard work is starting to pay off.”

While a win in their final regular-season home game of their careers was uplifting, each girls aspires to achieve even more this season.

“We just need to keep our heads on straight and remember our goal is to fight for each other,” Bix said. “We aren’t going to let this success get to our heads and just keep our eyes on the prize.”

••

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RED MTN from page 32

and not isolating them.”

As the playoffs near, Miller wants his team to keep this same mentality that got them to this point. He wants them to remain focused - not getting complacent with success.

“You just have to work hard. At this level no one gives you anything” Miller said.

“We have to go into every game and out work our opponents because on any given day, they can have their best day.”

So far, the philosophy seems to be rubbing off on the players. Evident not only by their record, but the way they carry themselves.

Red Mountain led the 6A East Valley Region heading into the final game of the regular season Friday against Westwood.

A win would have locked up the region in the Mountain Lions favor and would likely help them improve on their current ranking of No. 10 in the AIA. Regardless, Red Mountain is poised to host either a play-in game or in the first round of the playoffs. Repeating as champs would be the cherry-on-top to what they hope is a magical postseason run.

“We have to work really hard,” senior

Red Mountain boys soccer coach Mike Miller believes his team can beat anyone when playing at their best, as long as they play up to that level every time they step on the field.(Millard Thomas/Tribune Contributor)

Diego Casillas said. “This is my last year and I don’t want to have any regrets by not working hard enough.”

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

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i.d.e.a. Museum slates spring break camp GETOUT STAFF

I

t’s not too early to think about what the kids will do during spring break, the i.d.e.a. Museum is reminding parents.

Toward that end, the downtown Mesa museum is featuring a hands-on program on science technology engineering arts and math.

The idea behind the museum’s Wonder Camp is to give kids ages 6 to 12 a chance to deepen their STEAM knowledge in a fun and engaging manner.

“Busy families seeking a fun, educational experience for their school-age children will delight in our spring Wonder Camp,” said i.d.e.a. Museum Education Curator Dena Milliron.

“Wonder Camp was developed to encourage collaboration, promote a love for learning and inspire creative problem solving through art and science activities,” she added.

Because space is limited, the museum Supermodel Erin Nass loves horses and looks forward to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show every year. (Special to GetOut)

is suggesting parents make their reservations soon for the camp, which runs March 9-13 in half-day and full-day sessions.

Activities will focus on “how stuff is made” and incorporate themes from museum’s “Art of the Story” exhibition on the art of storytelling.

Children will get to create their own “Wonderland” island with plaster, construct bridges to transport hexbugs between islands, explore energy sources and build a solar oven, make story cubes with a special guest artist and sew a pillow-pet sidekick creature.

The half-day camp, 8:30 a.m.-noon costs $76 for museum members and $85 for nonmembers.

The full-day camp, which runs until 4 p.m., costs $170 for members and $190 for nonmembers. Children will be expected to bring a lunch.

Museum officials also are developing a summer Wonder Camp for July 13-17 and while no details have been announced,

through various mediums – including visual arts, spoken word, film, animation, pop-up books, novels, short stories, dance, music and other forms of expression.

There also are 70 artworks by artists from around the country done in paintings, ceramics, mixed-media monotypes, woodcut prints, drawings, sculpture, glass, fiber, digital photographs and video.

Planned activities for children of all ages include performing in a puppet/ musical theater, creating a set and acting out a story via green screen, sharing family stories, building a stoNoah and Ali Cardenas learn coding and building at the i.d.e.a. Mu- ryboard and making bookmarks, seum. The same kinds of exercises are part of the Wonder Camp puppets, booklets and more. curriculum. (Special to GetOut) “Art of the Story,” which runs registration is already open online. Regis- through May 24, is included with regular ter at ideaMuseum.org/camps.html. museum admission, which is $9 for ages The museum’s separate “Art of the Sto- 1 and older; i.d.e.a. Museum members ry” exhibition is already open to parents are free. and their children, featuring stories told Information: ideaMuseum.org.

Horse lovers gallup to Arabian show

CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

E

rin Naas was born obsessed with horses.

From the time she could walk or talk, Naas and her mom attended Mommy and Me riding lessons in her home state of California.

“I would ride sassy, little bad ponies and she would trot along next to us leading me,” said Naas with a laugh.

“That’s how I started and I’ve ridden ever since.”

A supermodel and actress, Naas has shown horses and competed throughout her years in Los Angeles and North Scottsdale, where she currently resides. Her love is Arabian horses.

Horse owners like Naas will show their Arabians at the 65th annual Arabian Horse Show from Thursday, Feb.

13, to Sunday, Feb. 23, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

The show brings to WestWorld more than 2,400 Arabian horses, all of whom will vie for the title of Scottsdale Champion, with more than $3 million in prize money handed out.

The horse show is a rite of passage for Taryl O’Shea, who is in her 22nd year as the executive director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, which hosts the event. Last year’s edition drew 302,600 patrons, generating $98 million in economic impact, according to O’Shea.

O’Shea believes the 2020 version of the event, which features more than 350 booths full of unique items, ranging from saddles to gifts, artwork and trinkets, is a can’t-miss attraction for horse enthusiasts of all ages.

“It’s just a really big versatile horse

show people love to come and just see all the things these horses can do,” O’Shea said. “Arabian horses are the oldest known breed of domesticated horse in the world and a lot of other breeds are derived from them. So, you’ve got collectors who appreciate the history, the beauty and the versatility of the breed.

“So, this horse has a magnetic appeal to many cultures and many people because of the story it tells throughout the ages.”

O’Shea delved into a brief history of the breed and its path to the Wild West, tracing back to a surplus of horses owned by the Polish government sold to several families in the area.

“It’s a long story, but basically Ara-

see ARABIAN page 38

GET OUT

38

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Criss Angel balances son’s cancer battle, magic CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

M

agician Criss Angel met a woman recently with 19 tattoos of him.

Calmly, he chalks it up to his connection to his fans.

“I can’t believe how many people I’ve met who have been so connected to me because of something I said or did,” Angel said.

“I would have never expected a woman to have 19 tattoos of myself—including my face. It’s because that connection goes beyond the trick. It’s the magic of emotion.”

Angel – who brings his “Raw: The Mindfreak Unplugged” to the Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin on Sunday, Feb. 16 – has been emotional himself.

His 5-year-old son, Johnny Crisstopher, with Australian singer Shaunyl Benson is suffering from leukemia.

“I’m always open and positive, espe-

If You Go...

What: “Criss Angel Raw: The Mindfreak Unplugged”.

Where: The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa.

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 16.

Cost: Start at $47.50. (Show is open to those 18 and older) More info: caesars.com/harrahs/ak-chin, ticketmaster.com

ARABIAN from page 37

bians are a breed haiing from the desert,” she said. “And so, when the horses were brought here, they acclimated to Scottsdale and the desert very well. It was kind of a no-brainer for these other families to start buying and importing these horses.”

Fast forward a century, and this relationship is still going strong, with the annual horse show being the main outlet to showcase the breed.

O’Shea said she expects high rollers from as far away as Australia and the Middle East to jet-set to Scottsdale Airport, where their various private jets will be parked during their stay in the desert.

The event is for everyone. General admission tickets are $10, with $7 admission for seniors and military, and no cost

cially because of what I’m going through with my son, Johnny Crisstopher,” Angel says.

“You’ll see I go out there and still appreciate every moment. Every moment’s a blessing. I encourage people to live their dreams. I’m not special. I’m not different, except I work very hard.”

Angel said he was “6 years young” when he learned his first card trick from his aunt. From there, he, admittedly, drove everyone crazy performing the same trick.

“It’s such a sense of power to be able to do something an adult didn’t understand,” Angel says. “I love magic. When I was 10 or 11, I got a magic set under the Christmas tree. I was obsessed with it. I used to watch magic on television.”

For nearly two decades, Angel has dominated the world of magic, from “Criss Angel Mindfreak” on A&E to TV specials, best-selling books, top-grossing retail products and sold-out tours.

The youngest inductee in the International Magicians Society Hall of Fame, Angel’s performance is a theatrical experience, featuring his famous sleight of hand street magic, mentalism and some of his most iconic illusions.

“I always wanted to do magic and music. My wish came true. Be careful what you wish for. The fact I can vanish on stage and reappear in the audience means you can become a doctor, lawyer, actor or ma-

for children under the age of 12.

There will be a host of free activities to entertain younger patrons, such as ice cream socials, ceramic horse painting, art contests, barn tours and, of course, opportunities to meet Arabian horses.

Naas acquired her first Arabian when she was 10. It was a riding horse. At 17, she bought a mare with the money she made from modeling around the world.

Naas has modeled for Victoria’s Secret, Maxim and Sports Illustrated, and starred in commercials for Pepsi. She appeared on Howie Mandel’s “Deal or No Deal.”

Naas loves the beauty of Arabian horses, whom she keeps on a sprawling ranch in Scottsdale with her husband, Jay Grdina.

“I love the history of the breed,” Naas said. “I love the relationship they develop

encourage people to conquer their own dreams.”

Johnny Crisstopher is undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia and will for three years.

“He looks like he’s responding very, very well to treatment. It’s a great sign,” he said.

“Everything is looking very promising,” he adds. “We know, with this disease – which affects one child every two minutes – can change on a dime.

We have a lot of bad days, one great day, but you always have to keep your Magician Criss Angel, who will appear next Sunday at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Event eyes open and stay Center, was deeply affected by his son’s cancer. (Special to GetOut) vigilant.”

Angel rattles off gician. My show is a fun night and people statistics like it’s rote. Toxic chemotherawill have a great, fun time with me.” py claims 10 percent of the children who Angel chalks up his success to fans con- have must go through it because their ornecting with his message. gans are so fragile, he says.

“It’s not about what I do or how do I “You see an innocent child there and do that trick,” he says. “It’s how you feel see ANGEL page 39 when you watch it. I want to inspire and with their owner or caretaker. They are very personal horses. When you develop a bond with an Arabian, it’s different than any other horse. I just fell in love with the mystery and the mystique around them.”

Naas studied the pedigrees, the history and how the breed has evolved. Her reading material of choice as a child was Arabian Horse World Magazine. A breeder bequeathed Naas her entire magazine collection from the ’50s onward.

“They were like giant manuals just filled with all of the breeds,” Naas said. “I learned what to look for and what made a great Arabian. I started reading those when I was probably 7.”

Naas said the Scottsdale show is special because there are multiple arenas with different disciplines simultaneously vying for titles. The vendors are just as

striking.

“They have anything you can think of like amazing clothing and beautiful coats,” Naas said. “Then there’s beautiful tack horse equipment and supplies.

“It’s really a horse-lover’s dream. The horses are set free in the arena to music and the audience goes crazy for their favorite horse. In the Liberty class, the horses are electrifying, and their tails are flagging and their nostrils are flaring. It’s definitely an exciting breed.

“Arabians really draw in people who have maybe never been around horses or aren’t familiar with horses. They don’t just stand there with their heads down.

They are alert and excitable, yet also kind and manageable. It’s really a unique breed with a fire in them.”

Information: scottsdaleshow.com.

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

ANGEL from page 38

you feel so helpless,” Angel says. “It’s a horrible thing to go through.”

Angel created the Believe Foundation and was awarded the Make-a-Wish Foundation award for most supportive celebrity in May 2010.

“All of the money I raise goes to research and treatment,” Angel says. “There is no overhead and no administrative costs.

The kids who do go through, look at us and the families don’t feel alone. They can relate to us and see the frustration and anger and the up and down rollercoaster we go through.”

Angel is working on a documentary called “1095,” named after the number of days Johnny Crisstopher went through chemotherapy. He hopes the documentary, produced by “At the Heart of Gold:

Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal’s” Sarah Gibson, will be released this year.

“We’re trying to bring awareness and we’re going to have a huge event,” he said.

“We’ll be announcing in April. We’re trying to raise many millions of dollars for pediatric cancer, go in front of Congress and enact a legislation to get more funding for this horrible disease.”

The show in Maricopa is “going to be fantastic,” he says. The show is straight from his Broadway production, an amalgamation of his Planet Hollywood show in Las Vegas, his TV series and world premiere efforts.

“I love touring,” he says. “I perform 40 weeks a year in Vegas. I have 12 weeks off. Eight or 10 of those 12 weeks. I tour because I love it so much. I take it quite seriously. I love getting out there and doing my thing.”

GOT NEWS?

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

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Stage debut

The East Valley Children’s Theatre will present the world premiere of “Space Mission #5379:Saving Rachel Nevada” Feb. 13-23 with shows at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Mesa Arts Center. More than 30 young people ages 8 to 18 are in the show, which features a spaceship and other special effects that are sure to delight science fiction fans. Tickets are at mesaartscenter. com or 480-644-6500. Rehearsing for a scene are, from left, Ashley Gebhard of Gilbert and Mesa residents Mitchell Henriksen and Kassandra Diaz of Mesa. (Special to GetOut)

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Add tried-and-true Partythis hardy with this treasure toParty your menu Pepperoni Bread

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Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 package frozen or refrigerated bread or pizza dough 4-6 cups chicken, and oil diced (breasts, thighs 1 tablespoon extracooked virgin olive or legs) 1 tablespoon butter, melted 58 cups chicken stockslices ounces pepperoni 28 chicken bouillons ounces shredded cheese (like Gruyère or mozza12 tablespoons rella cheese) unsalted butter (1 ½ cups) 11 large sweetpepperoncini yellow onion (or 2 cups) cup sliced ¾ cup flour dried or fresh herbs (garlic salt, Italian 2 tablespoons 1seasonings, teaspoon salt red pepper flakes, parsley, etc.)

11 teaspoon pepper water egg plus 1 tablespoon ½ cup heavy cream or half half ½ cup fresh parsley Marinara or pizza sauce, forand dipping 2 cups blanched carrots cut in small wheels (baby 2 packages of refrigerated pie crusts or enough for carrots work well) Directions: With fork, mix the egg yolk and water, and brush 4 pot apies 2 cups peas,oven fresh, or canned of tablespoon dough. Sprinkle with remaining Preheat to frozen 350 degrees.

Spray a spring form egg 1 eggwash yolkover plustop one of water (for egg 2 cupspieblanched diced dish with cooking tablespoon of seasonings. pan, plate orpotatoes, round baking wash) Bake for 35-40 minutes or until bread is golden spray. brown.

Remove frompepper pan. Place a plate and slice.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out bread dough Directions: until thick.

Add salt, andon cream, stirring well with rolling pin into thin rectangle.

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Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of seasonings.

Layer the bouillon cubes in the stock. Bring to a boil and bowls on the dough. Cut around the bowl. Repeat party bread, dough the amount of inpepperoni slices then turn off heat.across the dough. Sprinkle shred- to For makelarger 4 crust toppers. thevegetable seasonings.

You will dedIn cheese a largeover potpepperoni or Dutch slices. oven, melt the butter gredients Pour theexcept chickenforand mixture intoonly the need 2andtablespoons seasonings larger sprinkle over andDrain sautépeperoncini the onionsslices over and medium-low heatcheese. for 10 bowls top with pieofcrust, crimpingfor thethe dough or Carefullyorroll thesoft dough up lengthwise. the letting party bread. minutes until and translucent.

AddPlace the flour a small amount hang over the bowl. Mix the dough in the panlow or pie plate coilingconstantly, it into a doughthewith bread, combine two over packages refrigand cook over heat, stirring for 2 eggForyolk water and brush crust.ofSprinkle nut shape.Add the hot chicken stock to the sauce. with erateda small breadamount dough and spread intodegrees one larger minutes. of salt.

Bakeout at 350 for Pinch over the ends together secure the stirring, dough. 30 rectangle.

Simmer low heat for 1 to more minute, minutes or until top is golden brown.

For more great recipe ideas and videos, visit jandatri.com.

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Obituaries James H. ("Jim") Freer

With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Jim. Jim accepted the terminal nature of the Parkinson's diagnosis with grace, courage and fortitude. Unfortunately, after a long and brave battle Jim passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at his daughter's home in Seattle with her by his side.

Jim was born to John and Harriet Freer on April 7, 1932 in Graceville, MN. After graduating high school Jim made his way west to Washington State University in Pullman, WA and became a life-long Cougar. Jim graduated 1955. While in Pullman Jim met and married his first wife, Kathryn E. Womeldorf. Jim and Kay had four children, David James, John Steven, Janice Kay and Robert Howard. Jim served in the Air Force as a commercial pilot and retired the rank of Major in 1975. Jim's professional career then took him to the USPS as a mail carrier at the Manito and Garland Station in Spokane, Washington and again retired in 1993.

Jim was a cherished life partner, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Jim is survived by his life partner; Delia Smith and her daughter Rebecca; his four children, David (Tracy), John (Tamara), Janice and Robert (Katy); four grandchildren, Chad, Matthew, Larissa (Lonnie Newton), and Cody; great grandchild Kinley Newton; and brother Robert. Jim is also survived by sister-in-law's family Quetta Collin, Greg (Esther), David, Marklyn, Caleb and Casey Hallett and Carol (Tony Cabera), as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Harriet Freer; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara (Doug Smith); his first wife Kathryn E. Womeldorf Sanders and his life saving four legged companion, Shasta Pup. Passionate as Jim was about his professional life, his greatest loves were his life partner, Delia, family and becoming a snowbird! Jim's fondest and happiest memories were those spent with family and friends, especially those junking and garage selling with Del; fishing and huckleberry picking with his sons and competing in international, national and state shuffleboard tournaments with his daughter.

Throughout his life in his own quiet way, Jim was a very strong, warm, kind, caring, funny, generous and loving man who believed strongly in giving to others and the communities he loved. Jim enjoyed the life-long friendships and camaraderie of his many friends in Washington and Arizona and the opportunities to share his many talents by mentoring and teaching in some of his favorite activities such as Spanish, shuffleboard, cribbage, pool, Sudoku and woodworking. Jim followed his beloved WSU Cougars, Gonzaga basketball and the Seattle Seahawks. Jim also gave generously to Wounded Warriors, USO, as well as being a staunch blood donor for decades.

Jim lived a rich and full life. Jim was a man whose mind and hands had to be busy all day long and there was never enough time to do everything! Jim's passions were riding his bike, even in the snow to go to work, shuffleboard, woodworking, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, cribbage, bridge, pool, gardening, canning chairs, planting succulents in shoes and donating them to the local community center, making wind chimes, collecting matchbooks, Pub jugs, German beer and wine glasses, German Volksmarches and last but not least his 1967 Impala, 1968 Caprice and Shasta Pup. Jim was one of a kind and will be remembered for his honesty, conscientious work ethic, sense of humor, being soft spoken, a gentle soul, a man of few words yet a very big and warm heart.

Jim was intelligent, a gentleman genuinely and dearly loved by his family and friends and leaves a huge void in the lives of all he touched. Jim will be missed by all those whom he loved and loved him. Jim will be forever in our hearts and his spirit lives on in all those who were blessed to know him.

Jim asks you spend time with loved ones, ride a bike, plant a garden, make a toast to enduring life-long and beyond friendships with your favorite drink complete with ice cube or two!! Jim will be forever pleased.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Kline Galland Home for their loving and compassionate care to our father and sister during his final days. Also, appreciation and thank you to Visiting Angels caregivers and staff at American Lake VA for their care of Jim. A Memorial Service / Celebration of Life honoring Jim's amazing full life and love of family and friends is planned later in the year in the fall / winter in Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider a donation in honor of Jim's memory to the NW Parkinson's Foundation (NWPF.org), Wounded Warriors, USO or a charity of your choosing. Family and friends may leave remembrances by signing Jim's online guest book at cascadememorial.com. Condolences may also be sent to 18925 37th Ave. S., Seattle, Washington 98188.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

43

Employ ment

Obituaries Shirley Ann Maynard Shirley Ann Maynard, 85, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2020 in Mesa.

She fought a valiant fight against cancer and brought sunshine to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. Her greatest joy was found in helping others and volunteering wherever she was needed. Sher served in crisis centers, in church activities and most importantly in her own home. Everyone who came to her home was blessed by her sweet, giving nature. She had the gift of making everyone and everything better than she found it.

Shirley was born to Gus and Ruth Lengfelder in Dixon, IL on May 2nd, 1934. She married the love of her life, Bill Maynard in 1952 and they were blessed to celebrate 67 joyous years together. Throughout their lives they enjoyed living in Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, Texas and Arizona. Some of their happiest memories were spent traveling and exploring Europe together. Bill and Shirley were always active and loved to run together around White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX where they lived for 23 years. One of their greatest accomplishments was running the White Rock Marathon together.

She loved her family fiercely and is survived by her husband Bill, and her daughters Barbara Stone ( Mark) of Carrollton, TX and Kim Rogers (Jeff) of Mesa, her sister and best friend Patsy Hatten (Jim) of Rock Falls, IL and special sister-in-law Dottie Conboy (Ed) of Illinois. She has five grandchildren (all girls!) and eight great grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held in Mesa, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to HOSPICE of the VALLEY www.hov.org

Obituaries John M. Daley

Mike Daley passed away on January 27, 2020 in Bellingham, WA. In 1978, Mike accepted a professor position at Arizona State University in Tempe, and went on to serve as assistant dean and dean of the School of Social Work before retiring in 2003. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Assumption in Bellingham followed by a reception at the church. A 1:00 pm graveside service with military honors will be held at Bayview Cemetery. View the complete obituary and share your memories of Mike with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

A mass of christian burial will be held at Church of the Assumption, 2116 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA, USA. Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

Need help writing an obituary?

We have articles that will help guide you through the process.

Deadline for obituaries is Wednesday at 5pm for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.

Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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Employment General MetaSoftTech Solutions has openings for Software Engineers in Chandler, AZ area.

Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in Java/Salesforce/HTML/ Oracle/SQL to analyze/design/develop/ implement/test systems & applications.

Email resume to applymst@gmail.com with ref # 2020-19 & ref EVT ad PT Janitor $12/hour. Mesa. MonFri. Derrick 623-2108719. Must have vehicle. Only Serious Need Apply.

Backgrnd check IntraEdge has multiple openings for Software Engineer (SE) positions in Chandler, AZ. SE candidates req US Masters degree/foreign equiv or bachelors degree + 5 yrs exp, w/ skills in C,SQL,Oracle,J2EE,SAP,JAVA,J SP,UNIX to analyze/dsgn/dev/implement/test systems & applics.

Email resume to jobs@intraedge.com w/ ref no 2020-19 for SE directly on resume/cover & ref ad in EVT IntraEdge has multiple openings for Sr. Programmer Analyst II in Chandler, AZ. Reqs US Bachelor degree/foreign (3 or 4 yr degree) equiv in Commerce/BusAdm/STEM field. Will accept combination of IT training/education/experience for equiv to ed req. Analyze/resolve/test/report on IT related projects using skills in EMC/MS/SQL/Excel/ Java/C. Email resume to jobs@intraedge.com w/ ref no 2020-25 directly on resume & ref ad in EVT

Employment General Automotive Restoration Sales. Duties involves sales in automotive restoration, performance, & styling products for classic vehicles.

Req. 2 yrs exp in job or 2 yrs exp as General Mgr. or rel occup. Any suitable combo of educ, training &/or exp is acceptable. Jobsite: El Mirage, AZ. Send resume: K. Marti, Marti Auto Works, Inc., 13238 W. Butler Dr., El Mirage, AZ 85335.

KollaSoft, Inc has openings for the following positions in Scottsdale, AZ and/or client sites throughout the US. Must be willing to travel/relocate.

IT Engineer reqs US Masters/equiv or bachelors + 5 yrs exp to design/dev/test systems/apps using Java/J2EE/HTML/CSS/.

Net/C#/Unix. IT Analyst reqs Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) to test/maintain/monitor systems/programs using SQL/Oracle/JAVA/Hadoop/UNIX/.Net/C#.

Send resume to jobs@kollasoft.com with ref # 2020-19 for IT Eng; 2020-21 for IT Analyst & ref EVT ad HUMAC, Inc has openings for the following positions in Phoenix, AZ and/or client sites throughout the US. Must be willing to travel/relocate. IT Engineer reqs US Masters/equiv or bachelors + 5 yrs exp to design/dev/test systems/apps using Java/J2EE/HTML/CSS/ Unix/Windows. IT Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) to test/maintain/monitor systems/programs using SQL/Oracle/Java/Hadoop/Unix.

Send resume to jobs@humacinc.com with ref # 2020-19 for IT Eng; 2020-21 for IT Analyst & ref this ad

Employment General Engineering: Schneider Electric Engineering Services, LLC seeks Senior Power Systems Engineer in Phoenix, AZ. Perf & automate commissioning, & power sys design & consultation for customers. Execute electrcl dist design, Protect / Cntrl / & Auto, equip assessmnts, power qual, & grounding assessmnts. 30% travel w/in the U.S. to project sites.

70% Telecommuting. Req. Master’s degree in Elect Engrg & 2 yrs work exp in electric power sys OR a Bachelor’s Elect Engrg & 5 yrs progressive work exp in electric power sys. To apply, submit resume to http://www.schneider-electric.us/sites/us/en/ company/careers/jobs-with-us/jobs-with-us.page req. #005U1F. EOE. Project Leader 2, IQVIA, Mesa, AZ: Manage ongoing support projects for multiple Pharmaceutical customers using CRM product suite & partner w/Product Development team to resolve customer issues. Drive requirements gathering & other client meetings. Work in a collaborative onshore-offshore model & communicate w/client & offshore team.

Configure Force.com, develop reports & dashboards using Salesforce.com and provide integrated solutions with other platforms such as ETL or iOS. Review design & application development independently in Force.com. Conduct primary research & drive proof of concept for potential new solutions using salesforce.com platform. Leverage business experience & acumen to suggest strategic alternatives & approach for client needs. Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Comp. Science, Comp. Engineering, or rel. field & 1.5 yrs exp (i) in Salesforce.com using development platform (such as Salesforce lightning, Apex, Visual force, Eclipse/Salesforce IDE, or Data Loader) & (ii) consulting for Pharmaceutical customers. Must have Salesforce.com developer certification. Mail resume & cover letter to K. Mallardi, [Req. 1114264], IQVIA, 1 IMS Dr., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. No calls.

ENGINEERING: Quality Engineer, Hanchett Entry Systems, Phoenix, AZ. Analyze &ensure final products comply w/ ASSA ABLOY qlty standards, applying qlty assurance &lean mfg techniques, to reduce scrap rates, production lost time &return material authorization (RMA) during high volume electromechanical mfg plant production of electric strikes, access control cmpnts, electronic locking syss, cabinet locks, electromagnetic locks, exit bars &power supplies. Use Oracle JDE ERP sys, &Thrive &QlikView tools, &collect &analyze qlty metrics incldg customer returns, scrap percentage, qlty audits results, production lost time due to qlty issues &first pass yield results, &distribute results to production, R&D, custmr servce &mgmt. Recommend design enhancements w/in engrg &cost parameters, facilitate qlty &process efficiency. Assist w/ product testing, evaluate &assure product compliance w/ UL, EUCE &Builders Hardware Manufacturers Assoc. reqmts incldg ANSI/BHMA A156.23-2010– American Natl Standard for Electromagnetic Locks. Monitor total cost of poor qlty incldg rework, scrap, &RMA of non-conforming cmpnts &finished goods.

Bachelor, Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engrg, or related. 12 mos exp as Engineer, collecting &analyzing qlty metrics incldg customer returns, scrap percentage &production lost time, &monitoring total cost of electromagnetic component or medical device poor qlty incldg rework, scrap, &RMA of all non-conforming components &finished goods, or related. Mail resume to Ref#7703, Human Resources, Hanchett Entry Systems Inc., 10027 S. 51st St., Ste 102, Phoenix AZ 85044.

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

44

East Valley Tribune

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • 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 Region Technologies has openings for the following positions in Phoenix, AZ and/or client sites throughout the US. Must be willing to travel/relocate. IT Engineer reqs US Masters/equiv or bachelors + 5 yrs exp to design/dev/test systems/apps using Java/J2EE/CSS/Net/Database/DataAnalysis/Mainframe/Testing technologies on Linux/Unix/Windows/HTML. IT Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) to test/maintain/monitor systems/ programs using Hadoop/Bigdata/Tableau/SQL/ Selenium/QA on Linux/Unix/Windows.

Send resume to careers@regiontechnologies.com with ref # 2020-19 for IT Eng; 2020-21 for IT Analyst & ref EVT ad

Seniors Welcome - Join Our Family!

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Send your resume to Elaine ecota@timespublications.com EOE

ALMA SCH & MAIN UTILITIES INCLUDED Duplex Apt. Bad Credit OK. No Deposit Close to Lightrail $700 (602) 339-1555 APACHE TRAIL & IRONWOOD Roomie 1bd 1 bath secluded, fenced yard, off street parking Bad Credit ok No Deposit. $780 a month.

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Merch andise Garage Sales/ Bazaars Mesa Parkwide Patio Sale.

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Plumbing Painting • Flooring • Electrical Ceiling FansDecks • Tile • More!

“No Job Too Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry • Switches/Outlets “No Job Small Too Man!” Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too - Ahw Resident Since 1987 - • Home Remodel Small Man!” Small Man!” y Work Since 1999

“No Job Too Affordable, Qualit Work Since 1999 Quality le,Small 2010, 2011 9 Affordab Man!” ALL RESIDENTIAL rk Since 199& 2012, 2013, Affordable, Quality Wo 2010, 2011 “No Job 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012,92013, COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL e 199 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a LicensedToo Contractor “No Man!” Job Too Work SincAhwatukee Small QualityContractor 2014 References/ Insured/ Notle,a Licensed Affordab CallAhwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 Small Man!” Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

2010, 2011 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2014 2014

Call Bruce 602.670.7038 9 ce 199 rk Sinat Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured Affordable, Quality Wo

2010, 2011 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Concrete & Masonry

Fencing/Gates

Appliance Repair Now

DESERT ROCK

Block Fence * Gates

• 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

CONCRETE & MASONRY CONCRETE BLOCKWALL RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

• Painting • Plumbing • Carpentry • Drywall • Roofing • Block

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

- Free Estimates -

480-276-6600

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

*Not a Licensed Contractor

Home Improvement Garage/Doors

Contractors

Cleaning Services

REASONABLE HANDYMAN

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Appliance Repairs

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

ACTION CONTRACTING

SIR JOHNS CONTRACTING

WE DO IT ALL!

Bath & Kitchen Remodels • Car-Port to Garage Conversion • Drywall & Stucco Repairs Plumbing • Electrical • Can Lights Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Painting Block Fences • Wrought Iron Gates Remodeling • Additions • Patios • Tenant Improvements

HOME IMPROVEMENTS REMODEL& REPAIR Painting of All Types Interior & Exterior Cabinets Stains & Paints

RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CLEANING SPECIALISTS SINCE 2007 Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured

FreeFree estimates estimatesat at 480-802-1992 480-802-1992 or or dennis@simplygrandcleaningaz.com reed@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

Over 30 Years Quality Experience

HIG

H

QUA Lice LITY nse d ROC & B 251 ond 661 ed

2012, 2013, 2014

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Est Free ima tes

A+

East Valley 480-833-7353

LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

-S

I

E NC

19

78

-

aaaActionContractingInc.com

602-315-5470

4960 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite #1 Unit #260 John McMillan-Owner Chandler, AZ 85249 sirjohn53@gmail.com

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

Drywall

Handyman

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!

Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists 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.

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

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

Classifieds 480-898-6465

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

46

Handyman HANDYMAN 37 years experience.

Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057

Home Improvement MESA HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Plumbing, electric, irrigation, garage doors, water heaters, tile and drywall repairs, carpentry, handyman lists and other services. Not a licensed contractor.

All work guaranteed.

Sean Sornberger 480-699-7990

Home Improvement 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 Office 480-820-8515 Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146

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

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Plumbing

Plumbing Heating & Air

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Weekly • Bi Weekly • Monthly Low Rates

Painting

LICENSED • INSURED OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

PlumbSmart

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Tree Trimming Removals Weed Control Winter Grass • Clean Ups Irrigation Repairs Timer Repairs & More...

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

480-354-5802

Carlos Medina - 602-677-3200

• • • • • •

Mariano 480-276-5598

PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

Call or Text Today for a FREE ESTIMATE

NOPAL LANDSCAPE

www.irsaz.com

ALL Pro

RAMIRO MEDINA LANDSCAPING

COMMERCIAL ➧ RESIDENTIAL ➧

Painting

ROC# 256752

Landscape Maintenance ➧ LANDSCAPING ➧ TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL ➧ IRRIGATION ➧ YARD CLEAN-UP ➧ GRAVEL

Landscape Maintenance

Landscape Maintenance

4995

$

Plumbing

East Valley PAINTERS

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

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

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

ROC#309706

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Not a licensed contractor

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.EastValleyTribune.com

FREE SERVICE CALLS

189

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

($85 Value)

ITS

NEW A/C UN

Water Heaters $

799

480-338-4011

Plumbing

$

DRAIN CLEANING

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

$

3,995!

starting at

480-405-7099

(advertised offers cannot be combined)

We are A+ Rated by the BBB and stand behind our work with a Lifetime Warranty. Call us for the BEST SERVICE and PRICES in the East Valley!

Thank you Mesa for Voting us #1

Experience, Service and Price

Find out why our customers become customers for life! Over 700 five-star Google reviews!

FREE ESTIMATES

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Call 480-868-6722 ROC 316690

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

47

Roofing

Pool Service / Repair

AE &Sons Pool Plaster Company

Roofing

Pebble • White Plaster • New Pool Builds Tile • Deck • Pump & Filters

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

FREE Estimates • BEST Prices

Over 30 yrs. Experience

602-505-8066 Cell Se Habla Espanõl

Lic’d, Bonded • ROC #235771 • ROC #235770

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Your leaks stop here!

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

Tax Services

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

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

SAME DAY SERVICE

Call Juan at

30 Years Experience References Available

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

REFLECTIONS WINDOW CLEANING

DIRTY WINDOWS? Call Fish Window Cleaning 480-962-4688 And you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block.

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

It’s your money.

Let us help you keep it!

Full-Service Accounting & Tax Services for Businesses, Individuals, Trusts, and Estates • Put 35 years of experience to work for you!

• Appointments at your home, office, or our office • Evening and weekend appointments available • Tax prep, advising, planning/strategy • Tax services for Federal, all US States, and other countries • We are available 12 months a year

480-646-3419 • SOLVEDtax.com Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Window Cleaning

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

Plumbing

Window Cleaning $100 - One Story $140 - Two Story

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes Sun Screens Cleaned $3 each Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

Bonded & Insured

LLC

(480) 584-1643

FREE Estimates.

BONDED/INSURED. Member IWCA 480-892-1999

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS

COUNTS

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Sell Your Stuff!

Window Cleaning

Make your home sparkle with the cleanest windows you've ever seen! Instant 10% discount.

All Complete Pool Renovations

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

Window Cleaning

Below is the list of services we offer: Windows – Interior & Exterior Screens – Sunscreens and Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing Your driveway, sidewalks and patios.

InstaGram @FISH_WCEAST VALLEYAZ

Public Notices CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, DOCKET NUMBER 19CP0008HO, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Hampden County Juvenile Court, Holyoke Division, 121 Elm St., Holyoke, MA 01040 TO: Jesus Gonzalez or the father of Joilyn Aida Gonzalez born on 11/15/2011 to April Danielle Richard in Northampton, MA: A petition has been presented to this court by DCF Holyoke, seeking as to the following child: Joilyn Gonzalez, that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named herein, if it finds that the child is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition.

You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following date and time: 02/24/2020 at 9:00 AM Other Hearing.

You may bring an attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you.

If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter with a trial on the merits of the petition and an adjudication of this matter.

For further information call the Office of the Clerk-Magistrate at 413-322-6700 WITNESS: Hon. Lois M. Eaton, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 01/14/2020, Donald P. Whitney, ClerkMagistrate Published: East Valley Tribune, Jan, 26, Feb 2, 9, 2020 / 27628

Roofing

What we do…

• Employees Background Checked • Up-Front Pricing • Tankless Water Heaters • Tank Water Heaters • Fixture Replacements

• Plumbing & Drain Repairs • Water Treatment • Best Warranties • Fully Stocked Vans • Fix It Or It’s Free Guarantee

Drain Specialists…

• FREE Camera Inspection With Every Drain Cleared • Hydrojetting

$45 off Any service call With service performed

Financing Available

• Pipe Relining • Clean Out Installation • Sewer Repair/Replacement • Pipe Bursting

*$69 drain good Monday thru Friday during normal business hours and not combined with any other offers.

480-281-7564

The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

TK

®

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

480-357-2463

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 9, 2020

48

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

Award-winning Arizona builder for 40 years.

Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities and charm. Many offer resort-style amenities such as pickleball, event lawns, and lifestyle activities. You’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle.

A Canyon Preserve at Mountain Bridge NOW SELLING

Vintage Collection • From the low $400’s • 480-988-2400 A Mountain Bridge CLOSEOUT Acclaimed Resort-Style Master Planned Community in Northeast Mesa Vintage Collection • From the low $400’s • 480-988-2400 B Sanctuary at Las Sendas ONLY A FEW HOMES REMAIN Northeast Mesa resort-style master planned community.

Vintage Collection • From the low $400’s • 480-988-2400

B

C Mulberry – “New Old-Home Neighborhood” Resort-Style in SE Mesa Americana Collection • From the low $300’s • 480-895-2800 D Stratford in Gilbert COMING SUMMER 2020

H

A dramatic new gated community. Interest list forming.

C

E Estates on McDowell – 35,000 Sq. Ft. Homesites 2 PRIME HOMESITES LEFT Luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the high $800’s • 480-750-3000

I

F Estates at Mandarin Grove GRAND OPENING

11 luxury single-level estate homes, in the Citrus Groves of Northeast Mesa, with 3- to 6-car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses From the high $800’s • 480-750-3000

GERMANN

G Sienna Hills Scottsdale – 124th St & Shea NOW SELLING LAST 5 HOMES Luxury single-level estate homes • From the $900’s • 480-661-3811

H The Grove at Valencia – Gated Lushly Landscaped Neighborhood CLOSEOUT Luxury single-level estate homes with eclectic architecture in the charming Groves area of Northeast Mesa • From the mid $500’s • 480-895-6300

I

Palma Brisa – In Ahwatukee Foothills SALES BEGIN VERY SOON! A Dramatic New Gated Community Interest list forming • From the $400’s • 480-641-1800

BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities.

Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.