West Valley View 03-01-2023

Goodyear implements 2 new directors

BY JOE MCHUGH West Valley View Staff Writer

With the city of Goodyear rapidly expanding, the need for more city leadership is growing with it.

To remedy this, the city recently appointed two new directors that will help the city maintain its steady growth.

Wendy Bridges and Barbara Chappell have been named the economic development director and water services director, respectively, and both will play a vital role in the success and continued “golden age” of Goodyear.

Bridges has been serving local government for the better part of three decades. Recently serving the city of Avondale as its business development manager and the economic development coordinator prior to that, her experience will be an asset to Goodyear.

“I am really excited,” she said. “Working for the city of Goodyear is kind of amazing. It’s like all the right things come together at the right time. We have a fantastic city council, we have a fantastic leadership team and the staff that I work with here is

incredibly talented.”

Just prior to being named the full-time economic development director, she served as the interim of the position in what was “the longest job interview” of her life. But

Bridges aced the interview and was named to the position on Feb. 6.

“One of the things that (City Manager

Directors...continued on page 3

2 bicyclists dead after being hit on MC-85

BY JORDAN ROGERS West Valley View Managing Editor

Just prior to 8 a.m. on Feb. 25, officers with the Goodyear Police Department responded to calls of a very serious crash involving a large group of adult bicyclists who were hit by a pickup truck on the Cotton Lane Bridge in Goodyear.

Two bicyclists were confirmed to have died in the incident — a man who died on scene and another who died after being transported to a nearby hospital.

One of the deceased is a local resident of

Goodyear, and one was visiting from out of state.

Another 11 bicyclists were transported to three different area hospitals with various injuries, some serious. One of the 11, as of print time, was in life-threatening condition.

The driver of the pick-up truck, 26-year-old Pedro Quintana-Lujan of Phoenix, remained on scene and was booked on two counts of manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault, 18 counts of endangerment, and two counts of causing serious injury or death by a

moving violation.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Goodyear Fire Department, Avondale Fire and Medical, Buckeye Fire Department, Glendale Police Department, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and Arizona Fire and Medical assisted Goodyear police with this incident.

“The Goodyear Police Department is deeply saddened by this tragedy and extends condolences to the loved ones of the victims as well as to the cycling community and the community as a whole,” Goodyear police said in a statement.

Barbara Chappell and Wendy Bridges look to leverage their nearly 50 combined years of government experience to keep propelling Goodyear upward. (City of Goodyear/Submitted)

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Wynette Reed) told me early on, when I was interim, and it was great advice, she said to go ahead and make it my own,” Bridges said. “Which meant that she was giving me the space to make some decisions and do things. That she trusted me to try out different things. And that gave me the confidence to really work with the team, talk to the team and to businesses and our community.”

Her new role focuses on developing specific industries in response to what residents want. This includes a focus on retail and entertainment that are underserved areas in the field.

“A great example of that is the BJ’s Brewhouse that just opened in Goodyear,” Bridges said. “They broke a 10year company record for best opening weekend at their Goodyear location. It continues to be one of their top performing locations, and that demonstrates the kind of demand there is for more retail and restaurants and things in that vein.”

Bridges brings plenty of value to the

table for Mayor Joe Pizzillo and the rest of city leadership to be excited about. She is ready to jump right in and help the city keep trending upward.

“There aren’t a lot of opportunities in one’s career to work for a community that has such a bright future ahead of it,” she said. “Right out of the gate we’re set up for success; we really are.”

Chappell, like Bridges, is a wellknown entity in Goodyear.

She brings over 20 years of experience to the table, seven of which were spent with Goodyear prior to a short stint in Tempe. She has worked around utilities and public works across the Valley, and her familiarity will prove to be an asset to the city in her new position.

“I really feel like I’ve hit the ground running,” Chappell said. “That was an amazing spirit, that I could do that and help them keep things moving. Because honestly, I don’t know that they were that confident that they would be able to find someone to fill that need if I hadn’t just said no, take me back.”

The water services director position is a brand-new position heading

a brand-new department that serves a well-documented critical need. Her focus will be on maintaining and implementing good water habits and protecting a valuable resource.

In addition, Goodyear has a robust water profile with many good policies that Chappell will look to build on.

“It is a lot of pressure; I hope to keep it up,” Chappell said. “I know that I have a good relationship with our council. They’re very engaged. They love Goodyear, and they want to do what’s right for Goodyear.

“They have no problem reaching out and asking really tough questions and asking how things work and just leaning on me as a subject matter expert, and I hope that continues.”

Instated on the same day as Bridges, Feb. 6, Chappell is chomping at the bit to do right for and by her city in making Goodyear the best it can be.

“This is hard to put into words how excited I am to be back in Goodyear, and how great it feels; it really felt like coming home,” Chappell said. “They’ve embraced me, and they’ve just let me hit the ground running.”

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Justin Ernst is Avondale’s new assistant fire chief

BY JOE MCHUGH West Valley View Staff Writer

The Avondale Fire Department recently appointed Justin Ernst as its new assistant chief for Avondale Fire and Medical.

Sworn in on Feb. 6, Ernst will look to provide the best fire, medical and life safety services to the citizens of Avondale.

“It was very exciting,” he said. “I’ve worked here for 18 years, and I’ve been afforded a lot of opportunities. It was a competitive process.

“Having this position allows me to have a bigger impact on the department and help provide a great service to our community. So, I was very excited about that opportunity.”

Originally hired in 2005, Ernst began

Honoring

03.05

On March 5th, 2023 Bishop Eddie Robinson will pass the baton of Senior Pastor to his daughter

Bishop Robinson has served the city of Avondale as the Senior Pastor of Word of Life Christian Center for the past 28 years. We honor his dedication to the Kingdom and we celebrate him as he transitions into this next season of his life.

His daughter Prophetess Taramisha Burr has served alongside him in the ministry while serving the West Valley community. It is her determination to lead with integrity, share her passion for the truth of God's Word, and live a life completely poured out.

We are excited to witness this momentous, and honorable occasion.

his career with Avondale Fire as a base level firefighter. He worked his way up the ranks through the roles of engineer, captain, battalion chief and, finally, analysis system chief.

His résumé also includes being a part of the technical rescue team and paramedics. He will look to use all of the skills he’s learned to serve the city to the best of his abilities.

“It’s more of the opportunity to develop our department. We’re a growing department; this community is growing rapidly,” Ernst said. “We just added a new station last year, so we have a lot of people and there’s opportunity to train and develop them and give them the same opportunities that I’ve had since I’ve been here.

“So, it’s just an exciting time for the department because we’re growing fast. And there’s a lot of new people and senior people, so just a lot of opportunities to get a lot of things done.”

Ernst hasn’t been alone throughout his journey, though, as he said he has “a lot of great mentors” and would “hate to even single one out,” but named Avondale Interim Fire Chief Larry Rooney as one person who was a mentor to him.

“(I) served under him before as assistant chief,” Ernst said. “He’s helped me learn all of the management because we work with other departments. So other directors and the city managers and all them, so it’s inclusive. Because none of us operate in a vacuum.

“Everybody who I work with who’s a lower rank has helped me because we all need each other.”

The respect is mutual from Rooney to Ernst as well, as he expressed his congratulations and regards for Ernst becoming his assistant chief.

“Avondale Fire and Medical will greatly bene-

fit by having the skills and talents of Chief Ernst on our command team,” Rooney said. “His commonsense approach and leadership style are a great fit for the entire department. Justin is well known for his hard work, guidance and collaboration throughout the region in providing solutions to fire, medical and rescue issues that municipal fire departments face.”

“It’s flattering,” Ernst said in reaction to Rooney’s words. “And I do believe in collaboration and working with other cities and in our own departments inside the city to find the best solutions for our customers and citizens.”

Since his instatement, Ernst has already hit the ground running by focusing on what he can do to better the rapidly growing city of Avondale.

“A big problem right now is that Avondale is growing really fast. And so, we’re just looking to be proactive to make sure that our services keep up with the demand.”

Justin Ernst will look to capitalize on his new position by continuing to provide the best service to his community.

(City of Avondale/Submitted)

Graphic Created by: Tina Taliaferro

BISHOP EDDIE ROBINSON & PROPHETESS TARAMISHA BURR

Prophetess Taramisha Burr.

Art center to host art, music discussion

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The WHAM Community Art Center will host a discussion titled “Interpretations VIII: Art and Music through a Humanities Lens” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4.

The event will occur in conjunction with the Artists Reception for the Interpretations VIII Exhibition, sponsored by Arizona Art Alliance.

“Art decorates space, and music decorates time,” CAFE President Leslie Etzel said. “It will be interesting to discuss how we connect the two.”

Central Arizona Flute Ensemble will provide live music. Dr. Julie Codell and Dr. Janice Jarrett will facilitate the free discussion.

“Artists know that the very, very personal is universal,” Jarrett said. “The arts invite us to participate and to interact, but we don’t always have opportunities that foster this interaction. The process of engagement can be made more possible by dialogue.”

Central Arizona Flute Ensemble (CAFE Flutes) will perform four selections of music that relate to four pieces of artwork in the exhibition. While studying an image displayed on an easel, viewers will listen to music that connects with that piece of art. Connection points include subject, mood, style, motion, repetition and storytelling.

After each experience, Jarrett and Codell will lead the audience in a conversation about their experience. Through discussion, they will build meaning, create dialogue, and offer insight about how artists and composers express their ideas, and how audiences process them.

The exhibiting artists will offer insights about their techniques and inspiration.

“We will pose open questions about the content and discuss the relationships

between art and music in several cultures,” Codell said.

This event is a collaboration between Central Arizona Flute Ensemble, Arizona Art Alliance, WHAM Community Art Center.

WHAM Community Art Center is located at 16560 N. Dysart Road, Surprise. For more info, visit azhumanities. or g/event/interpretations-art-andmusic-through-a-humanities-lens/?cn-reloaded=1.

The Central Arizona Flute Ensemble, or CAFE Flutes, will perform four pieces of music relating to foir pieces of art at the Interpretations VIII Exhibition. (CAFE Flutes/Submitted)

City of Avondale issues

Drought Stage 1 declaration

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The city of Avondale recently declared Drought Stage 1 of the city’s Drought Preparedness Plan.

Avondale City Manager Ron Corbin issued this declaration on Feb. 15 upon recommendation of the city’s Water Resources Division.

Drought Stage 1 does not mean that Avondale residents are or will be experiencing any mandatory water reductions or shortage at the tap. However, during Drought Stage 1 the city of Avondale will begin taking more direct action to reduce water consumption to include reducing irrigation of certain landscaping and conducting water efficiency checks on all city facilities and expanding public information and awareness campaigns.

Additional communication efforts will be directed to commercial businesses to help them find ways to reduce water consumption.

“Implementation of Stage 1 of the city’s Drought Preparedness Plan initiates changes in city operations to increase water conservation, and to provide even more awareness and education to our businesses and residents as we prepare for a future with less Colorado River water,” said Kirk Beaty, director of Public Works. “There will be no direct action for residents of Avondale; however, everyone is encouraged to do their part to reduce water consumption, especially outdoor water use.

“There is enough water available for everyone in Avondale, but we must continue to use water wisely.”

The recommendation to move to Stage 1 of the Drought Preparedness Plan is based upon the possibility of minimal water shortages or drought conditions within the next year. The city receives a portion of its water allocation from the Colorado River, which has been experiencing drought conditions of historic proportions.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced a Tier 2a shortage for Colorado River operations for 2023. Indications are that in late 2023 or 2024, Arizona and the entities that utilize Colorado River water may realize additional reductions in supply from this resource that could be as high as 50%.

While only about one-third of Avondale’s water comes from the Colorado River, a reduction of this magnitude would impact long-term water supplies and growth for the city. Avondale maintains a robust water portfolio that includes other water sources — for example, from the Salt and Verde River — to help mitigate the impacts of a more immediate reduction, but the city must remain prepared long term.

Information regarding the city of Avondale’s water resources, the Drought Preparedness Plan, and resources and information to help residents and businesses conserve water can be found on the city of Avondale website, avondaleaz.gov/PublicWorks.

Credit Union West promotes new VP of administration

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Credit Union West, a member-owned and Arizona-based financial institution, recently announced the promotion of Jaime Burt to the position of vice president of administration.

“Jaime exemplifies the truest attributes of a servant leader with a willingness to help in any capacity to serve the needs of our employees and members,” said Cheryl Brown, vice president and chief people officer of Credit Union West. “Under her leadership, Jaime has transformed the administration department and has earned an outstanding reputation

as a supportive and motivational leader.”

Burt joined Credit Union West as a member service officer in 2004. She was the recipient of the Credit Union West Chairman’s Award of Service Excellence twice — once in 2007 and again in 2016.

She has served nearly two decades at the $1.1 billion credit union with a passion to serve.

Gifted in organization and operational support, Burt was named director of administration in 2019. She was responsible for all facets of administration and managed the crucial support of the organization’s senior leadership

and board of directors.

Now, as vice president of administration, Burt will be instrumental in the organization’s growth strategies, project management, and people and culture initiatives.

“One of my biggest joys as a leader is being able to support and mentor the future leaders of Credit Union West,” Burt said. “When I started with the credit union over 18 years ago, I never imagined I would be here. I am grateful to my mentor who helped me develop my skill set, and I am honored by this leadership team for recognizing my contribution with this promotion.”

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Jamie Burt is the new vice president of administation at Credit Union West. (Credit Union West/Submitted)

The respiratory syncytial virus has become a huge issue

BY DIANA CHAVEZ Coalition for Safe and Innovative Medicine Volunteer

As a pediatric nurse in Phoenix, I have witnessed the devastating impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on children and their families. This highly contagious virus, which causes severe respiratory illness, has become an increasingly prevalent issue in our community over the past year, compounding the strain on our health care system amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal flu outbreaks.

Last year, we faced an early and aggressive arrival of the virus. RSV season typically lasts from November to March, but in 2022, cases began to uptick sooner in the season than usual. This tells us that RSV is an unpredictable virus and can affect people of all ages, but particularly impacts young

children and older adults. It can cause mild to severe respiratory illness in children, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

In the most severe cases it can lead to hospitalization, and it in fact is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under the age 1, sending between 58,000 and 80,000 children to the hospital and leading to up to 300 deaths per year in the U.S.

Young children who suffer from severe RSV infections can experience trouble breathing, difficulty eating and dehydration. They may even have to receive oxygen therapy, intubation or ventilation to breathe better.

I have seen the impact of RSV firsthand, both in my professional life and in my personal life, when my 1-yearold nephew contracted the virus. I saw him struggle to breathe and not eat. He had a ferocious cough with phlegm and a high fever. Unfortunately, his experience is just one of thousands in Arizo-

OUR READERS’ V IEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bicyclists’ deaths were senseless

Editor:

This is an open message to the Goodyear mayor, council and police department.

I wanted to address the tragic accident on Cotton Lane on Feb. 25 and the senseless loss of lives and multiple injured victims. This could have been avoided with better planning and common sense.

Why are large groups of cyclists allowed to ride on major roadways with heavy traffic?

This could have happened at Riggs and Rainbow Valley roads on Feb. 17 when there was an even larger group of cyclists and pedestrians. They were blocking two

main access roads — the only two for the area.

There was police presence, which was no help. Someone dropped the ball, and this was addressed with the mayor’s office and police department.

This issue should not be taken lightly! Do we have to have more lives lost before someone opens their eyes? Please find safer places for cyclists to enjoy their rides.

Event coordinators need to be educated on traffic situations. The department that issues permits also needs to look at all ramifications of the activity.

My sincerest sympathy to the families of the victims. This was senseless.

Charlie Atkinson Goodyear

na, where RSV cases have risen 340% from the average season with the highest number of cases occurring in children between the ages of one and four.

He was part of the thousands of cases impacting Arizona. It used to be just 239 cases over a five-year average, but our state has faced 1,610 cases since October 2022 when it was just only 1,103 cases from 202 to 2022. The highest number of cases occurred in children between the ages of 1 and 4, meaning that overall Arizona reported four times the number of usual cases.

Despite the prevalence of RSV, infants and children are not immunized against it, which is concerning because immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of this virus and protect those who are most vulnerable.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Immunizations are under review by the FDA and CDC. These immunizations to help children fight against

RSV have already been approved in Europe. They have been proven to be safe and effective and can help prevent serious illness and hospitalization caused by RSV. For those who are among the most vulnerable, like children, being protected against this virus is critical.

The FDA and CDC should move quickly to review these immunizations before the next RSV season hits. These immunizations should be made accessible to all families through the Vaccines for Children program and coverage of the Affordable Care Act.

Families, health care providers and the public health community need safe and effective immunizations now, and the Biden administration has a chance to protect infants to avoid a repeat of last season’s RSV outbreak. The need for immunization against RSV cannot be overstated, and I urge leadership to take this important step in protecting the health of our children.

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist

The first time I visited Nogales to see the Mexican border with my own eyes was more than 20 years ago.

George W. Bush was President and the border was a sieve. A rancher named Roger Barnett gave me a tour of his land near Douglas, where he detained border crossers by the score. Later, I headed to Nogales and spoke to the Border Patrol officers.

One statistic lodged in my mind.

That year, the Border Patrol reported 1.6 million “encounters” with migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Fast forward 20 years. Little has changed except for the name of our president. In 2021, the last year for which we have complete numbers, the Border Patrol again reported 1.6 million encounters with migrants.

I mention it because the story of George Alan Kelly and Gabriel Cuen-Butimea should come as absolutely no surprise.

Kelly, a 75-year-old rancher, has been charged with first-degree homicide for allegedly shooting down Cuen-Butimea in cold blood on Jan. 30 near Kino Springs in Santa Cruz County Kelly also faces two counts of assault for allegedly shooting two of Cuen-Butimea’s compatriots.

“Mr. Kelly shot an unarmed man in the back in an unprovoked attack as he ran for his life,” said Kimberly Hunley, the chief deputy Santa Cruz County Attorney, in a Feb. 22 court hearing. “There was no warning, and the victim was more than 100 yards from the defendant’s residence when he was shot and killed.”

Kelly and his court-appointed lawyer call this version of the story absolutely false.

As Kelly tells the tale through court documents, he and his wife Wanda were about to eat lunch when he heard a gunshot. He looked outside and saw a “group of men” brandishing AK-47s “moving through the trees around his home.”

Kelly says he grabbed a rifle. “As he shot, Mr. Kelly took care to aim well over the heads of the armed group of men,” a defense motion says. “The group then began running into the desert surrounding his home.”

The Kellys called the Border Patrol, which came to investigate. The feds found nothing and left. Come sundown, Kelly went to check on his horse. That’s when he says he found a body.

“The cause of death appeared to be a single gunshot wound, and it appeared that the body was fresh,” according to the defense. “The person had a radio with him, and he was wearing tactical boots, indicating that he was possibly involved in illegal activity.”

No bullet has been found to determine which gun fired the deadly shot. Thus far, it appears the prosecutor’s case is based mostly on the testimony of Kelly’s two other alleged victims.

Unimpressed, the defense says, “It is entirely possible that the person found on Mr. Kelly’s property was a victim of other drug traffickers.”

Predictably, Kelly’s case has spawned massive international media coverage. He remains in jail on $1 million bond, the subject of death threats and on 23hour lockdown.

Multiple GoFundMes have been started to pay for his defense — and been shut down because the case is so controversial.

On the political right, Kelly has become a hero, his case a cautionary tale of the evil left. As one conservative blogger spins it: “How is it that Mr. Kelly finds himself in this position? It is because of the lawlessness of the progressive socialist left, the Biden administration, to enact an unconstitutional open borders policy.”

I believe two things about this case with all my heart.

One, Kelly is innocent until proven guilty. And two, nothing at the border has changed in 20 years, no matter the president, no matter the political promises, no matter the lengthy list of the dead.

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Fed response weak to Ohio rail disaster

BY J.D. HAYWORTH West Valley View Columnist

For the better part of four generations, Americans have grown into adulthood seemingly afloat upon an ocean of acronyms.

That’s especially true when it comes to our federal government.

News from Washington is filled with letters denoting governmental entities — DOJ, FBI, CIA… CDC, OMB — and the one agency that expects to hear directly from you every April 15 — the IRS.

What most of us find especially taxing is the explosion of acronyms that corresponds with the exponential growth of government.

Bill Clinton may have said “The Era of Big Government is over” in early 1995 but 9/11, the Age of Obama, and the “Pandemic Panic” ensured that poll-tested phrase would end up in history’s wastebasket.

More resilient and reliable is the humor of the late Ronald Reagan. Our 40th president, speaking at a 1986 press conference, famously quipped, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’”

Sure enough, there’s one federal agency that is supposed to answer urgent calls for assistance requiring the resources of the feds.

It answers to the acronym FEMA —

the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As the name implies it is supposed to assist states, cities, towns — and wherever afflicted Americans can be found in times of peril.

But like the Reagan observation of almost 40 years ago, a recent national emergency did not result in an urgent response from Uncle Sam — and unlike the Gipper’s anecdote — there’s nothing funny about it.

On the first Friday night in February, a Norfolk Southern train pulling close to 150 freight cars derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.

Twenty of those cars were carrying hazardous materials, and five of them were filled with vinyl chloride. That’s the chemical compound associated with increased risk for liver cancer, and other forms of that disease, according to another federally funded entity, the National Cancer Institute — also known by its acronym, NCI.

Given the dangers, you would think that an SOS would emanate from that eastern Ohio town — and also from affected Pennsylvanians, who live just across the nearby state line.

In fact, that distress call did go out — but for some reason, the bureaucrats on the banks of the Potomac weren’t especially keen on offering a quick response.

Instead, those “acronym-bearing swamp dwellers” embraced an anachronism — the old advertising slogan of a bygone era: “Long Distance is the next best thing to being there.”

So with official Washington con -

tent to “phone it in,” state and local officials — along with railroad representatives — worked over that first February weekend to contain a catastrophe that soon grew even more catastrophic.

Officials on the ground observed a “drastic temperature change” in one of the rail cars carrying vinyl chloride, and that prompted a drastic decision.

Fearing a massive explosion that could scatter shrapnel over a milewide area, authorities opted to evacuate East Palestine on Sunday evening, then initiate a “controlled release” of the toxic chemical the following day.

When that “vent and burn” began in the late afternoon of Monday, Feb. 6, a mushroom cloud soon took shape, prompting one official to comment that the small town had been “nuked.”

Certainly it made the situation even more politically “radioactive” for elected officials, but it was much worse for residents who were eventually allowed — and encouraged — to return to their homes.

They found pets and livestock sick and dying…and the water in nearby creeks shimmering with an ominous rainbow hue.

Even the air that they breathed concerned the townspeople, as officials explained that the evacuation was required since more than vinyl chloride was released.

Phosgene and hydrogen chloride fumes also escaped.

Phosgene was used as a chemical weapon in World War I — a highly toxic gas that causes vomiting and breathing difficulties… and some area residents began suffering from those symptoms long after authorities had given the “all clear.”

Still unclear is Washington’s lack of motivation to provide a “muscular response.”

Is it because East Palestine, Ohio, is not “diverse” enough?

Recall that Vice President Harris initially suggested that post-Hurricane Ian aid to Florida be based on “equity, and understanding that not everyone starts out at the same place… sometimes we have to take into account those disparities.”

Or could it be the disparity between the 2020 vote totals in East Palestine? The Trump/Pence ticket received 906 more votes than Biden/Harris… a margin far greater than the 641 ballots cast in favor of Joe and Kamala.

What casts a political shadow on all of this is the fact that FEMA finally decided to show up in East Palestine… as soon as Donald Trump announced that he would personally visit on Feb. 22.

Which proves that the acronym giving Joe Biden a “sinking feeling” is spelled “GOP.”

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.

Phoenix Raceway and Walmart bring store to campground

BY JOE MCHUGH West Valley View Staff Writer

Phoenix Raceway is the hidden gem of the West Valley.

Year after year, tens of thousands of people pile into the area to see professional racing at a peak form.

But for fans who come out and stay at the raceway, there was something missing — a place where they could go and get groceries and other necessities to make their stay at the Phoenix Raceway Gecko Campground even better.

The track has answered the clamoring by bringing in one of the biggest names in the world, Walmart, to fill the void, and drastically enhance the experience of their fans.

Officially opening on Monday,

March 6, the deal is just in time for the track’s first event of the year — the United Rentals Work United 500 on Sunday, March 12 — to which fans will get to see quality racing as well as have access to one of the most popular stores in the world.

“We’re super excited to have Walmart coming to the Geico Gecko Campgrounds,” Phoenix Raceway Track President Latasha Causey said. “We were listening to our fans. Our fans have been wanting a new grocery store. Really wanting something that is all for their needs. And so, we listened. We are very, very excited that Walmart was the partner that was able to fulfill the needs.”

Phoenix Raceway is home to two

NASCAR events per year, the aforementioned United Rentals Work United 500, and the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Both races bring massive crowds and foot traffic to the Avondale area.

Prior to Walmart, the track had a deal with Safeway and Bashas’ grocery that have since expired, leaving a void for freelancing opportunities to come through the location to provide a baseline service to the fans. Now that the deal is done, Walmart will prove as a staple for fans to get everything from food to accessories and whatever else they need.

“It does feel good to have some consistency,” Causey said. “We’re really hopeful that it will suffice for the fans and, not only suffice for them but really exceed their expectations.

“Walmart is a staple. Walmart knows how to produce a grocery store and knows how to provide products and services. We’re really grateful for them in the partnership to be able to help our fans while they’re able to enjoy their experience at Phoenix Raceway.”

Sitting on 600 acres of land and housing over 5,400 camping spaces, the Gecko Campground has been a staple for racing fans for years. Coming out and spending time at the raceway is a highlight of the year for some fans, and the deal with Walmart aims to keep

them coming back every year.

The store didn’t just spawn overnight, though, as the track has been hard at work finding the right suitor for the fans. Causey said it took several months of planning and scheming which company would best serve the campground.

“Our team came together to ideate around you to who could be the best partner,” Causey said. “So it took several months to build that relationship; build that partnership; and to make sure that on both fronts we had at the Phoenix Raceway, where we had a property, an area, that would suffice for a grocer like Walmart. And Walmart had what we were looking for, for our fans.”

All in all, the cohesive relationship is purely beneficial, making the whole racing week a better experience for everyone involved, and only making a great race into an even better event.

“With NASCAR, everything is about the experience,” Causey said. “So for us, it’s collective. It’s from camping and for all the days that (the fans are) there camping, we want to make sure that experience is just as great as being able to watch the race and being able to enjoy the inside of Phoenix Raceway.

“Collectively, we want to make sure that our fans have a wonderful and fantastic experience.”

With Walmart coming to Phoenix Raceway, fans camping at the Gecko Campground will have everything they need to make the whole racing experience the best it can be. (Phoenix Raceway/Submitted)

Millennium girls beat Perry, move on to state championship

BY JOE MCHUGH West Valley View Staff Writer

In a battle of two of the top girls basketball teams Arizona had to offer, Millennium upset Gilbert Perry, the state’s reigning champion, in a wire-towire close contest.

Former Sandra Day O’Connor head coach Danny Soliman brought over a new philosophy to the Tigers’ program.

“If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Soliman said.

He put his team through the ringer by scheduling some of the top teams in the country in nonleague play, and it paid off in a big way at neutral site Gilbert High School.

“To be honest, in the beginning when I did it, I was like, ‘Did I mess up?’” Soliman said. “Then I realized you’ve got to be battle tested. You’ve got to be prepared for every moment. And that’s what it did. For us. It made us dig deep. If we want what we want, we’ve got to work a little harder now.”

The Open division semifinal got off to a hot start for Perry, as senior forward Khamil Pierre ripped off six early points and a couple of rebounds. The game began with a 7-3 lead for the Pumas, but the Tigers had an ace up their sleeve in junior guard Elli Guiney, and they dealt it.

Guiney was on fire from the tip. She drained two threes in the first quarter — one of which a buzzer beater to end the first quarter. She continued her dominance in the second quarter by compiling 12 points.

Her efforts punched the Tigers a constant lead and took them into the half with a 28-20 lead after a second buzzer-beating three-pointer.

“I know my teammates set a lot of good screens, they were moving the ball, they were threats (which got) me open looks,” Guiney said. “I think at that point, they put me in a great spot to make plays. In practice all week, we were repping what Perry was working

on defensively.”

The eight-point Millennium lead left Perry having to come up with a gameplan to stop the Millennium star.

“We had to kind of get a feel of what they were doing, which is fine,” Perry head coach Andrew Curtis said. “Credit to Guiney, she went off in the first half and that was it. We gave up to 20 in the half to her.”

Perry came out of the half fired up, and they seemed to find the winning formula for stopping Guiney.

“(They were) face guarding (Guiney) a little bit kind of make it hard,” Soliman said. “They sat (Lauren Crocker of Perry) in the paint instead of her having to guard someone. So it was a good adjustment by him. They starred her and then brought a trap when she got the ball. So that was the difference.”

In what was a quiet third quarter for both teams, Perry clawed their way back into the game after going down by as many as 10 points at the start of the quarter. Entering the final frame, the score stood a 34-32 Tiger lead.

The fourth quarter alone was an entire game in and of itself. After opening with nearly three minutes of scoreless basketball due to turnovers and the proverbial lid on the basket, the intensity for both teams skyrocketed.

Crocker broke the dry spell with a layup, immediately followed by a Millennium three by Mia Amundsen.

Pierre was then fouled and cashed in at the charity stripe, making the game 37-35 with roughly two minutes left in the game.

The dagger hit when Alayna Boss of Millennium nailed a three with a minute and a half left in the game, to give the Tigers a five point late lead.

From there, Pierre earned her way to the free throw line and hit six consecutive free throws.

But Millennium kept hitting theirs as well, and it wound up enough to outlast the late Perry surge and end the Pumas’ playoff hopes.

The game concluded in a 45-39 upset victory for the Tigers, something they had been preparing for since the begin-

ning of the season. After having gone through two of the top three teams in the bracket, Millennium is now faced with their biggest test yet — a state championship matchup against the No. 23 team in the nation and top seed of the Open Bracket, Phoenix Desert Vista at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on Saturday, March 4.

“(I’m) just proud of this group,” Soliman said. “(They are) resilient, tough, a family, and play for each other. It’s all the things I’ve ever wanted in the team, they’re doing.”

For more stories & the latest news: westvalleyview.com

Going through one of the toughest schedules on paper for the 2022-23 season, the Millennium girls basketball team is battle tested entering a matchup against the no. 23 ranked team in the country. (Submitted)

Cardinals hire new offensive and defensive coordinators

BY JOE MCHUGH West Valley View Staff Writer

The Arizona Cardinals’ exciting offseason continues as the team recently hired Drew Petzing and Nick Rallis to serve as the new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator, respectively.

Both coaches are first-time coordinators in the league and will look to make their mark in Arizona.

Starting with Petzing, he is making the transition to the Cardinals from the Cleveland Browns where he was the Browns’ quarterbacks coach in 2022, and he feels he has all the support he could need in his new role with Arizona.

“(I’m) 100% confident,” new head coach Jonathan Gannon said at Petzing’s intro press conference about Petzing’s ability to run the offense. “That’s why he’s sitting next to me.”

Petzing has been coaching for 10 years in the NFL. He began his career as the Minnesota Vikings assistant wide

receiver coach, and was then moved to the team’s assistant quarterbacks coach in 2018. From there, he became the team’s head wide receivers coach.

Petzing then moved on from Minnesota to Cleveland in 2019, where he took over as tight ends coach for the Browns.

The career path then took him to the Browns’ quarterbacks coach, where he battled with a turbulent quarterback room in 2022.

With the suspension of quarterback Deshaun Watson, Petzing compiled a game plan for backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who had a solid showing in his 11-game stint. The veteran threw for 2,608 yards and a 2:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Petzing will be walking into yet another turbulent quarterback room with the Cardinals, as quarterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL at the end of last season. The offense as a whole was toward the bottom half of the league in total yards per game and points per

game.

But Petzing is ready to take over and implement what he’s learned over the years to help right the ship.

“I think it’s exciting; it’s something you certainly dream about,” Petzing said. “I can remember even when we were assistants back in Minnesota talking about if we had the chance to do it, we would do this or that. I think I’ve been very fortunate enough to be around some great people that have helped me grow in my career.

“And that answer and my goal in doing that has changed every year and every time I’ve met somebody new. So, it’s certainly a dream come true in a lot of ways, and it’s going to continue to be that way as we put the staff together. And I lean on those guys to help me do that.”

Switching over to the defensive side of the ball, with the hire, Rallis is now the youngest coordinator in the league at 29 years old.

Rallis served on the Eagles coaching staff with Gannon, and was instrumental in leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance last season. He is looking forward to working with Gannon again.

“I have believed in him as a person, as a coach, as a guy that will help me out as a coordinator because he was just in my shoes,” Gannon said. “And

obviously I got to witness work with him.”

Rallis’ coaching career began at Wake Forest University as the football team’s quality control coach in 2-17 before later serving three seasons with the Vikings in a similar role.

He found his way to Gannon in 2021, serving as the linebackers coach for the Eagles.

With just two years of positional coaching, Rallis has a lot to learn, but he is more than ready to take over the defense with Gannon and bring life back to a defense that allowed the second most points per game last season.

Rallis will have his work cut out for him, but he will look to develop as a coach, without letting his age hold him back.

“I think there’s a lot of things that go into making a coach a good coach,” Rallis said. “And whether I’m 29 or 55 years old, I’m still trying to be a great coach. There’s certain things that you have to do, whether it’s acquiring more knowledge or adapting to the game, or being able to connect with players so that you can coach them better.

“And everything that involves maximizing the player and putting us in position to win, I’m always striving to get better at those things no matter what age I am.”

Nick Rallis speaks after the announcement that he will take over defensive coordinator duties for the Arizona Cardinals. (Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals/Submitted)

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

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

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

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

Cactus League Games

ALL MARCH

Spring Training is back in the Valley, and Goodyear Ballpark is ready to host fans of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. Goodyear Ballpark is honing in on the fan experience for 2023. The stadium will have new food and beverage items, giveaways, kids run the bases, and the senior stroll. Check out the Cactus League

website at cactusleague.com for the full schedule.

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, visit website for tickets and times, goodyearbp.com

Buckeye Valley Museum Open

WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

The Buckeye Valley Museum is a place with

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

Buckeye Valley Museum, 116 E. MC 85, Buckeye, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 623-349-6315, buckeyeaz.gov/residents/buckeye-valley-museum

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

Preschool Art Studio

MARCH 3

Focus on the fun process of making art rather than the finished product. We start with a story, then create art to go with it. Dress to be messy! This is primarily aimed at children ages 3 to 6 and their adult caregivers. Registration is required.

Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath

SATURDAYS

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

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

Ecstatic Dance

SUNDAYS

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

Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival

MARCH 4

tchfield Park Library to discuss the top 10 categories of scams/fraud that their o ce sees, warning signs, and how to protect yourself. Registration is not required. Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 11 a.m. to noon, free, mcldaz.org/litchfieldpark

Adventures in Art

MARCH 8

Let your children — grades kindergarten through sixth — release their creative energies as we explore a variety of art mediums. Each session will include a story and short lesson featuring an artist, illustrator or related style. Dress to be messy! Registration is required.

Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., free, mcldaz.org/litchfieldpark

Veterans Lift Up

MARCH 4

This free event connects veterans from all branches of the military with businesses, organizations and nonprofits that o er programs, services and information specifically for veterans. A few of the benefits and services o ered include registration with the Veterans Administration, resume services, blood pressure and eye exams, volunteer opportunities and education/ job opportunities. A complimentary breakfast will be provided courtesy of Buckeye Elks.

Odyssey Institute, 1595 S. Verrado Way, Buckeye, 8 to 11 a.m., buckeyeaz.gov

Get ready for the annual fine art festival with over 200 art booths, a beer and wine garden with tastings from a variety of Arizona wineries and breweries, plus live music and an assortment of food options. Buy wine and/or beer tasting tickets ahead of time to bypass the lines at the gate. Six tickets with a commemorative wine glass or one ticket for a 16-ounce beer or 9-ounce cocktail with a commemorative Pilsner glass is $15. Ten tickets and wine glass or two beer/cocktail tickets and a Pilsner glass is $20. The festival is open to all ages while the beer and wine garden is 21 or over.

Downtown Litchfield Park, E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., http://bit. ly/3S8hlX8

Consumer Scams

MARCH 7

An event for adults, Jillian Ashby from the Attorney General’s o ce will join the Li-

Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 4 to 5 p.m., free, mcldaz. org/litchfieldpark

The Irish In Arizona

MARCH 16

The Litchfield Park Historical Society is slated to give another lecture at Goodyear’s Georgia T. Loyd Library. Speaker Janice Ryan Bryson, who is a member of the First Families of Arizona, will give “The Irish In Arizona.”In addition to prominent Irish such as Nellie Cashman and Buckey O’Neill, Bryson will present the stories of the Irish who worked as cowboys, built railroads, worked in the mines, owned businesses and worked the land.

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

Craig Mabbitt brings Escape the Fate back to the Valley

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Glendale Star Staff Writer

The last time Escape the Fate performed a proper headlining show was days before the world would shut down at a venue that would succumb to the shutdowns.

The band played its last headline gig on March 7, 2020, at Club Red in Mesa, becoming one of the last bands to play the venue.

“Being a local boy and seeing some of my favorite stomping ground venues close down like the Club Red situation was so disheartening,” vocalist Craig Mabbitt said.

Although the pandemic was detrimental to most musicians like Mabbitt — who had spent almost half of his life touring until that point — for some members of the band it allowed them to grow individually.

Mabbitt used the time to focus on his sobriety, and longtime guitarist Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft used the time to launch his producing career and work with artists like Avril Lavigne, Machine Gun Kelly and Yungblud. However, Gruft’s new career called him away from the band he had been a part of since 2011 leaving the band searching for a guitarist to fill the void.

That was when Mabbitt began his search.

Amid his sobriety journey, Mabbitt began working with Tucson-based bodybuilder and musician Matt Diana, who recommended guitarist Matti Hoffman as the possible fill-in for Gruft.

“I had heard about Matti from multiple sources. I was working out with another buddy of mine from Tucson whose name is also Matt, and he was in a band with Matti,” recalled Mabbitt, an alumnus of Independence High School who played in the school’s jazz and marching band.

“Then a buddy online recommended me to Matti, so I just hit him up, we had a rehearsal with him and he just fit right in.”

Hoffman hasn’t been the only new face to join Escape the Fate either, as the band has also officially welcomed bassist Erik Jensen, who replaced longtime bassist Max Greene, into the fold after he had been a touring member of the band for nearly five years and a member of Mabbitt’s side band The Dead Rabbits.

Since being added, the duo of Hoffman and Jensen have had an immediate impact, as best exemplified by the band’s newest single “H8 MYSELF” — a rhythmically heavy track that has set the tone for the band’s next fulllength album that is currently unnamed and due sometime this fall.

“With Erik coming in and being a fan of the band before he played with us live and then became official, he told us, ‘A lot of people think heavy is just chug and screaming, but it doesn’t have to be. We can be heavy with just the music and still be melodic,’” said Mabbitt, who resides in Glendale. “That’s what Escape the Fate was, and that’s what we feel like Escape the Fate is.”

Mabbitt also said the tune is a teaser of heavier things to come.

“There’s a track on the (new) record called ‘Low’ that me, Erik and Matti were trying to push to be the first track out the gate because it’s even heavier than ‘H8 MYSELF’,” Mabbitt said.

However, heavy tunes are not the only thing Escape the Fate has primed for its next 15-track record.

“This record is all over the place, and there’s something for everybody,” Mabbitt said.

Mabbitt hopes to give some fans a taste of these tracks and layer in some of his favorite hits when the band rolls into the Crescent Ballroom on Friday, March 10.

In addition to giving fans samples of

new sounds, Mabbitt is continuing his commitment to exposing fans to the flavors of the scene he cut his teeth in over a decade and a half ago by featuring Phoenix-based post-hardcore outfit Not Nearly, Mesa-based punk and metal band Inept Hero and Phoenix-based female-fronted rock band Jane N’ The Jungle on the bill.

With myriad sounds slated to fill the Downtown Phoenix airwaves on March 10, Mabbitt hopes to create an inclusive environment for all in attendance.

“Fans can expect a rejuvenated, fun, happy and safe space where they can come in and have a good time,” Mabbitt said.

If You Go...

WHAT: Escape the Fate with Not Nearly, Inept Hero and Jane N’ The Jungle

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, March 10

WHERE: Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd Avenue, Phoenix

COST: $25

INFO: crescentphx.com, escapethefate.com

Escape the Fate, which consists of, from left to right, drummer Robert Ortiz, guitarist Matti Ho man, vocalist Craig Mabbitt, guitarist TJ Bell and bassist Erik Jensen, is set to return to headlining with a gig on March 10 at the Crescent Ballroom. (Submitted)

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson finds some opinions collide

BY GREY GARTIN West Valley View Contributing Writer

American astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson has popularized science since the early 1990s.

Over the years, however, the way Tyson communicates the ideas of science and the truths of the universe has evolved. He said the “system has broken in recent years, where people are cherry-picking their own truths.”

He’ll share his thoughts about this and “cosmic collisions” during a stop at the Arizona Financial Theatre on Thursday, March 9.

“The stuff that goes bump in the night — the galaxies, stars and black holes that collide in space — knows no end,” Tyson said.

“There might even be intersecting universes, parallel universes, for example, and then there are particles that collide, asteroids that collide.”

Although the idea of gargantuan objects striking each other at unfathomable speeds can seem dark, some of these cosmological events resulted in

the reality in which we live, he said.

“The asteroid that took out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago pried open an ecological niche, enabling the newly shaped mammals of the day to evolve into something more ambitious than just a tree rodent, scurrying, trying to avoid getting eaten by T-Rex,” he said.

His presentations are fully illustrated with videos, slides and simulations. The information changes from date to date, as there are around a dozen topics from which event coordinators can choose.

Tyson has devoted his life to the study of science, spending time leading institutions such as Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Meanwhile, he brings complex knowledge to people across the globe.

New research allows Tyson to reference findings that give him and those he presents to “a deeper, more sensitive awareness of what’s going on,” he said. One of the more recent breakthroughs in astrophysics was the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in December 2021.

“Now the James Webb telescope, it’s truly transcended the Hubble telescope, not only in how far away it can see but the level of detail it provides and the new windows it was opening to phenomena in the universe,” he said.

The James Webb telescope has been so valuable because it has much greater light-gathering power than the Hubble telescope. Because of this, the longer, dimmer wavelengths of light are studied in more detail. It allows researchers to see further back into the timeline of the universe.

Tyson recognizes that most people don’t spend a night out listening to an astrophysicist’s lecture. However, space has increasingly become a topic of interest in recent years. He said there is certainly an “appetite” for this information, and he sees it as his job to provide that information to the public.

Aside from the lecture series, Tyson released the book “Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization” late last year. The book is a departure

for Tyson, as it offers scientific perspectives to social and political issues.

Tyson is active on social media, reflecting on his followers’ comments. He adjusts the way he presents the information to make sure the objective truth, “brought to you by the methods and tools of science,” can land on the most ears possible, he said.

“It’s helped to sharpen my communication tactics.”

He said that we need to teach “science as a possibly unique method of approach to establishing what is and is not objectively true in the world.” This would help us to better consider our biases and unseen influences on measurements, according to Tyson.

If You Go...

WHAT: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: “Cosmic Collisions”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9

WHERE: Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $59.50

INFO: livenation.com

West Valley View Dining

ANSWERS ON PAGE 23

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

SUDOKU TIME

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

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H H H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

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

SCRAMBLERS

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

Elbert L. Phillips of Goodyear, Arizona passed away February 10 at the age of 84. He was born May 11, 1938 in San Diego, California to Aaron Phillips and Winona Phillips (Ward).

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

A memorial service was held at 10am, Saturday, February 25 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.

Ms. Jacquelyn Schmidt, 72, of Sun City, Arizona died February 6, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born June 4, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to Arthur Schmidt, Sr. and Ruth Murray.

A visitation was held February 27 at New Life Community Church. Burial followed at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

To leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel. com/obituary/jacquelyn-jackieschmidt

Msgt. Danny Cabinatan, Sr. of Litchfield Park, Arizona passed away February 13, 2023. He was born May 4, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona to Danford and Maria (nee Zepeda) Cabinatan. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Services under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel

To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit: www. thompsonfuneralchapel.com/obituary/ danford-danny-cabinatan-sr

Mr. Victor Knapp of Goodyear, Arizona passed away on February 13, 2023 at the age of 91. He was born September 9, 1931 in Champion, New York to Harold and Lida (nee Souva) Knapp. He was a veteran of the United States Army. A visitation will begin at 9AM on Saturday, March 3 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will begin at 10:30.

To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit: www.thompsonfuneralchapel. com/obituary/victor-knapp

Orlando Hernandez, 43 of Tolleson, Arizona

Sadly left us on February 16, 2023 he was born on January 23, 1980. Orlando’s devoted family and many friends will miss him dearly and will love him always. He will mostly be remembered for his big bear hugs, good sense of humor, and his laid-back loving nature. He was liked by all that met him. Orlando’s family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. He is survived by his Nana Cruz Hernandez and Tata Fernando Hernandez; His Mother Senaida Hernandez, Daughters Anissa Nuñez (Samuel) and Angelina Hernandez grandson Waylon Russell Nuñez Brothers, Christopher, Ronnie, and Zachary, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Friday March 3, 2023 12:00 pm2:00 pm Palm Valley Church 431 N Litchfield Rd Goodyear, Az 85338

Elbert Phillips

Orlando Hernandez

Victor Knapp

Danny Cabinatan Sr.

Jacquelyn Schmidt

Festival displays Avondale’s STEAM commitment

BY COLE JANUSZEWSKI West Valley View Staff Writer

The Avondale Libraries recently hosted its annual STEAM-Fest Family Event at the Avondale Civic Center Library and featured a number of different booths and handson activities for children.

Stephanie Douglas, library branch manager for the city of Avondale, detailed the wide range of activities featured at the Feb. 22 event.

“Kids are getting to have a well-rounded experience with STEAM,” Douglas said. “It’s not just robotics and mathematics; it’s biology and interacting with animals and art and all of it. We try to approach it in a well-rounded way that culminates in the STEAM-Fest.”

While there was a large variety of

STEAM programming. So, at the Civic Center Library, we’re getting ready to open up a STEAM lab that will be open to the public. They can come in and we’ll have different STEAM-related projects that are kind of self-directed.”

Beyond just opening the STEAM lab, Douglas said they have also received a grant from the YWCA nonprofit organization to create more STEAM opportunities with robotics.

“We’re going to be doing a renovation at Civic Center Library in April, and after that our STEAM lab will be open,” she said. “So we’re gearing up to get ready for that. We just bought robotics tables and all kinds of fun stuff to have in the STEAM labs.”

She said they are planning next year’s STEAM event as well.

“This will definitely continue,” she said. “It’s going to be annual, and we will continue to work with the city between now and then. We will have a lot of STEAM offerings. It will occur again next year in February.”

around, and that was really fun,” she said. “I think the kids really loved it visually. It was very attractive and they wanted to see what it was and how to do it, and there were definitely long lines for that. We also had booths where they were making slime, and the kids were really into that.”

She also said the Phoenix Zoo brought turtles and frogs for the kids. Moreover, the police came to the event and gave kids tours of their vehicles. Overall, she said the event was successful, with over 120 attendees — who were offered a free giveaway science book and book bag from First Things First.

She credited this success due to the city’s focus on their community’s needs.

“The public library is really interested in what the community wants,” Douglas said. “And the community seems to be reacting really positively to

Beyond the STEAM offerings, Douglas wants the community to know that the city of Avondale and its public libraries care for the community and will continue to listen to their needs.

“We really want the community to know that we hear them and we see that this is what they’re interested in for their children,” she said. “We are working diligently to really incorporate steam into everything we do at the library.”

For more stories & the latest news: westvalleyview.com

The police came to the event and gave kids tours of their vehicles. (Avondale Libraries/Submitted)

West-MEC Automotive students compete at skills challenge

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The West-MEC Automotive Technology Program is set to host a student skills competition on Saturday, March 4, at its Northeast Campus, located at 1617 W. Williams Drive, Phoenix.

This full-day event tests students’ technical and professional skills throughout several different categories and is made possible through industry sponsorships totaling over $20,000.

Sanderson Ford and Peoria Ford are among nearly two-dozen industry partners that came together to donate funding for prizes, food, creating skill stations, and volunteering. Representatives from Ford Motor Company, Toyota USA, Subaru USA, Big Brand Tires, Discount Tires and TechForce Foundation will be in attendance to support the student competitors and scout up-andcoming talent for employment.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for employers to engage with skilled and dedicated students who will be ready

to enter the workforce in just a few months,” West-MEC automotive technology instructor Randy Golding said.

“Historically, when our students complete the Automotive Technology program and are ready to start working, they seek out employers that they have seen invest time and energy into supporting their development.”

West-MEC Automotive Technology students will demonstrate the skills they have learned through the past year as they compete against each other. Among the top prizes is a MATCO Tool Cart complete with tools, setting up the winner for a successful start as a technician.

The West-MEC Automotive Technology program teaches students all aspects of automotive repair and maintenance, including engine performance, engine repair, brakes, steering, suspension and alignment, and electrical systems. Apart from the core curriculum, learners are trained for the job-seeking process through guest speakers and resume-building workshops.

During the two-year program, accommodations and modifications are provided to high school students based on the IEP/504. Furthermore, students have an option to receive college credit for the classes they take.

These credits are transferable to community colleges or universities.

West-MEC programs prepare students to seek one or more industry certification or licensure in their field of study. Through the automotive training and certification, students are provided a pathway to economic independence.

If You Go...

WHAT: West-MEC Auto Tech Challenge, Skills Competition

WHERE: West-MEC Northeast Campus, Automotive Building

1617 W. Williams Drive, Phoenix

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4

INFO: The awards ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m.

The West-MEC Automotive Technology Program is hosting a student skills competition on Saturday, March 4, at its Northeast Campus. (Submitted)

School safety a top priority for community leaders

BY BRYSON TAYLOR Verrado High School

The inaugural Southwest Valley School Safety Summit was a big success. Representatives from multiple school districts attended the event to discuss school safety, including the Agua Fria High, Buckeye Union High, Avondale Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Litchfield Elementary school districts.

Throughout the day, several breakout groups and guest speakers shared their stories and provided guidance on school safety.

All attendees shared a common goal: to ensure safer schools within Southwest Valley districts.

The summit was emceed by Megan Duplain, executive director of student services at the Litchfield Elementary School District.

“Our goal for this event is to have law enforcement, schools and city officials come together in the name of

safety to create the safest schools possible,” Duplain said when asked about the importance of the Safety Summit.

The idea for this summit originated when Superintendents Mark Yslas, Jodi Gunning and Dr. Betsy Hargrove convened shortly after the tragedies at Uvalde Elementary School in Texas last year.

“We wanted to see how the K-12 system could work together to develop the best and most comprehensive plan to keep all of our students safe,” Yslas said.

Along with school board members, many safety officials were also in attendance from the cities of Avondale, Buckeye and Goodyear.

“It was important to have us all in the same room, to have these tough conversations, and try to take us to the next level,” Sgt. Sean Taylor said. “It is important to make sure that we take into consideration all possible scenarios and work together to find solutions.”

After being asked what the future looks like for school safety in the local districts, Trey Terry, Agua Fria District board President said “the future of our districts looks very good; we have already initiated a variety of safety measures that are nondisruptive to the day-to-day activities on our campuses.

“Our safety procedures are in great hands with many school board members and safety officials eager to improve upon it. Over the rest of the current school year and moving forward, we can expect more safety protocols and procedures to be implemented. The summit was a great way to share information and continue to make school safety a priority in Arizona.”

The momentum from the summit will continue to build. In April another Safety Summit is being planned, which will focus on parents as partners. For additional details about the upcoming summit, email amoreno@ aguafria.org.

1. You might skip the waitlist: Limited seats are available! Offers are sent on a first-come, firstserved basis. Act now to beat the rush!

2. You can drop your stress level: Secure your child’s seat in our affordable before and after school programs. It’s one less thing to worry about!

3. You can get the jump on next year: Start getting involved now with our events and extracurriculars updates to set up your student’s best year yet!

Multiple Southwest Valley school districts came together to discuss school safety. (Submitted)

Become Better at Networking

In some cases, who you know is as important as what you know. Building professional relationships through networking can be a cornerstone of professional development.

They provide tips, expert advice and camaraderie when you are tenured at a certain company, then can play a key role in opening doors for your next professional role.

Best of all, networking costs you nothing. The only investment is time, either by joining industry groups, being actively involved with online forums or professional websites, and attending meetings and conventions. The results will be friendships and connections that may unlock doors to opportunities you may never have even heard about before.

GOING ON-LINE

Networking forums and websites have made it easier than ever to make new connections. Sometimes, it’s smart to begin with your long-standing ones. Prior relationships can lead to introductions, since your friends, family and coworkers may already be connected to decision-makers, hiring managers or related professionals. Friend, follow, comment, endorse skills and write recommendations. These professional courtesies might just lead to real-life partnership opportunities in the future.

IN-PERSON MEET UPS

It can be easy to rely too much on technology, since connecting with others is now such a streamlined experience. But sometimes there’s simply no substitute for person-to-person conversations. This kind of traditional relationship-building does more than put a name with a face. By catching up over lunch or coffee, you’re creating a conversational space to discuss things that go far beyond a specific job opportunity. Open up about your goals and dreams, ideas you have to advance your role or the wider industry, or other long-range professional-development goals. When that perfect position comes open, these contacts will more likely to recommend you based on knowing more about how well you’d fit.

JOIN THE CLUB

Attending a professional association or trade-group event can provide job seekers with early information about staffing changes or new employment opportunities. Even joining an online forum can open the door to a wealth of information, including things like industry trends. Some of these groups and associations are focused on complete business sectors, while others might be job specific. Either way, you’ll be have access to leaders, influencers and fellow workers who move these industries forward. Some university alumni associations also create smaller professional subgroups so that graduates can advance their careers. Contact your alumni relations office.

LEGAL NOTICES

TERAVALIS PHASE 1 WET UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE CFD

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria Phoenix SanTan Scottsdale Queen Creek West Valley

CITY OF BUCKEYE, ARIZONA

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR:

JOHNSON ROAD & TERAVALIS PARKWAY

SUN VALLEY PARKWAY COLLECTOR ROADS (304TH AVE & ROSEWOOD AVE)

FLOREO CIRCLE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Friday, April 5, 2023 until 10:00 a.m. local time. All sealed bids will be received at the office of EPS Group, Inc., 1130 N. Alma School Road, Suite 120, Mesa, AZ 85201. Please mark the outside of the bid envelope with the name of this bid document: “TERAVALIS PHASE 1 WET UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE CFD”. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration. No bid shall be altered, amended or withdrawn after the specified bid due date and time. A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held Tuesday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the offices of EPS Group, Inc., 1130 N. Alma School Road, Suite 120, Mesa, AZ 85201. Every bid made by a Contractor pursuant to this Notice shall be accompanied by a surety bond for ten percent (10%) of the bid amount, listing Trillium Management Development Company, LLC as the Oblige, as a guarantee that the Contractor will enter into a contract to perform the Work, or as liquidated damages in the event the Contractor refuses or fails to enter into the Contract with Trillium Management Development Company, LLC upon award. The bonds will be returned to all Contractors whose bids are not awarded the Contract, and to the successful Contractor, upon execution of the Contract, and receipt of Payment and Performance bonds for the Work. The cost for providing Payment and Performance bonds shall be included in the bid submittal. A Payment and Performance bond will be required in the amount of 100% of the original Contract value for the duration of the Contract. All bidders shall be required to submit, with their bid proposal, a completed Certificate of Insurance evidencing their ability to meet the insurance requirements for this project. The Contractor shall carry property damage and public liability insurance and shall hold and save harmless Trillium Management Development Company, LLC, the City of Buckeye and the Trillium Community Facilities District from any employer’s liability and from any and all liens for materials or labor in connection with this Work as specified in the bid documents. Any bids submitted without the bid bond, certificate of insurance and any other items as required in the bid documents will be deemed incomplete and will be rejected. Trillium Management Development Company, LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to withhold the award for any reason Trillium Management Development Company, LLC determines necessary and appropriate. Award of the successful bid shall be subject to approval by Trillium Management Development Company, LLC or its representatives.

TERAVALIS PHASE 1 WET UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE CFD:

This bid shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation, and services for the construction and/or installation of all sewer, transmission water, domestic water, reclaimed water, and storm drain improvements shown on the Plans, including, but not limited to the following:

• Johnson Road & Teravalis Parkway – Sewer Plans Ph 1

• Johnson Road & Teravalis Parkway – Water Transmission Plans Ph 1

• Johnson Road & Teravalis Parkway – Water Plans Ph 1

• Johnson Road & Teravalis Parkway – Reclaimed Water Plans Ph 1

• Johnson Road & Teravalis Parkway – Paving Plans Ph 1

• Sun Valley Parkway – Paving Plans

• Collector Roads – Sewer Plans

• Collector Roads – Water Plans

• Collector Roads – Paving Plans

• Collector Roads – Landscaping Plans

• Floreo Circle - Offsite Sewer Plans

• Floreo Circle – Water Plans

• Floreo Circle – Paving Plans

Contractors desiring to submit proposals may be requested for download by emailing Greg Hahn at greg. hahn@epsgroupinc.com. Please reference the project name above in the email subject line. No questions will be answered verbally. No explanations, answers to technical questions, representations, nor comments will be made by the Owner's personnel concerning this Project. Technical questions regarding this Project may be submitted via email to the following:

EPS Group, Inc

Greg Hahn

1130 N. Alma School Road, Suite 120 Mesa AZ 85201

greg.hahn@epsgroupinc.com

Technical questions received prior to the Pre-Bid Conference and questions raised at the Pre-Bid Conference will be answered at said conference. Subsequent to the Conference, minutes of said meeting will be issued to all official Plan Holders. An Addendum or Addenda will be issued on technical questions received in writing, by EMAIL and/or raised at the Conference, which in the opinion of the Owner , or EPS Group, Inc meets the requirements thereof.

Technical questions, in the format described hereinabove, will be received up to 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

Bidders are required to submit the completed “Contractor Information” and “Bid” pages provided. Bidders shall acknowledge any addendums received and provide a duration and/or completion date as requested in the “Bid” page provided. Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form (“Bid Schedule”) provided.

Published in the West Valley View, Mar 1, 8, 2023

To Advertise Call: 480-898-6500 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com

Affinity Behavioral Care, LLC Is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician who is responsible for the direct care of adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders in a group home Residential setting. Qualifications - Need to be 21 years of age and 1 year experience in the Behavioral Health Field. - Shifts available F/T Monday – Friday, P/T SaturdaySunday, and on call, needs to have current CPR/FA, Fingerprint Clear-ance card, pre-employment physical, TB test; as well as a valid Arizona drivers license, be able to pass a back-ground check and a 39 month MVR check.Hourly rate $15-$16. www.affinitybehavioralcare.net

Please call 480-590-6877

VALLEY LIFE

is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities.

Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed!

We are currently looking for caregivers to work in group homes throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check.

Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org

FEMALE CAREGIVER

Position Available No Experienced Needed We Will Train. Part Time $15/hr Private Home in Buckeye. ****Please Call for Interview 623-826-6715**** *** NO TEXT **

Estate Sale -Moving Sale !! Sat. Mar. 4 & Sun. Mar. 5th 7AM-2PM Located in Canyon Trails, Goodyear 16959 W Sonora St Goodyear AZ From Lots of household Furniture & decor , Flat Screen TV’s Patio Furniture, Top of the line brand new NordicTrack Treadmill & more! Everything Must go! Priced to SELL!

Sat, March 5

Huge Community Sale!!

PebbleCreek, Goodyear 16222 Clubhouse Dr 75+ Resident Vendors Selling in One Parking Lot!

Massive Garage Sale! Free to Attend; 8-11a.m

Classifieds

D:(623)670-0080

O:(623)536-8275

HANDYMAN

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

LANDSCAPE/MAINTENANCE

Uriel 623-297-0114

623-297-0114