Fan favorites gear up for the Cup Series
BY JORDAN ROGERS West Valley View Staff Writer
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series has begun, and after an action-packed race at the Daytona 500, Arizona natives and fan favorites are off to a great start.
Drivers like Glendale native Michael McDowell and Tucson’s Alex Bowman will return home to the Grand Canyon State for the NASCAR Cup Series Race at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14, at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale.
McDowell recently won the Daytona 500.
“It’s just amazing,” McDowell said. “There’s so much to be thankful for and so much along the way that the journey hasn’t been super easy. It’s very gratifying and very rewarding. I feel like (there has been a long) process to get to this point.”
Daytona marked McDowell’s first career win in the Cup Series. It’s also the first time an Arizona driver won the race.
McDowell pitted during the caution prior to a huge wreck at the front of the pack that took out 16 cars, including the pole winner and Tucson native Alex Bowman.
Images)
“At Daytona, you’ve got to get to the end; you’ve got to survive,” McDowell said. “There’s a lot to it. There are a lot of circumstances involved in there and luck and
putting yourself in a position (to win). A lot has got to go your way. Go get to the end of
NASCAR...continued on page 6
Hickman’s suffers devastating losses in fire
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Hickman’s Family Farms is rebuilding its Arlington South facility after a devastating March 6 fire that claimed 165,000 hens and leveled two barns.
“Those birds can’t be replaced,” said Shar-
man Hickman of Hickman’s Family Farms.
“They’re part of our bird family here. Our staff is upset over the loss of these birds.”
Fire officials are still investigating the cause.
Hickman said she received the call regarding the fire shortly after noon. Family
members were attempting to extinguish the fire, save the birds and rescue staff when firefighters were dispatched.
“Our focus was get in there, get the blaze out, save the hens and keep humans safe,”
Fire...continued on page 7
Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty
Avondale receives $15K for senior meal service
BY KAREN MARROQUIN West Valley View Contributing Writer
The city of Avondale received $15,000 from the Area Agency on Aging to help fund meals for seniors and other needy recipients in the West Valley.
This amendment to an ongoing contract with the Area Agency on Aging was approved by councilmembers at a recent Avondale City Council meeting. According to Chris Lopez, the Avondale neighborhood and family services director, this comes as a result of an approximate 15% increase in individuals signing up for the meal service in the past year.
The Avondale Senior Center is one of many that collaborates with Area Agency on Aging to provide meals to seniors. Avondale’s senior services coordina-
tor, Erin Lutz, said COVID-19 called for extra funding.
“During the pandemic, the senior center has doubled our home-delivered meal participants, delivering to additional clients authorized by the Area Agency on Aging as well as to clients who normally would have been driven to the center for activities and lunch program.”
The Area Agency on Aging offers a wide variety of services to the elderly community, adults with disabilities, adults with HIV/AIDS and family caregivers. However, this program mainly serves the senior community, according to Lopez.
These meals are home-delivered and served at West Valley senior centers. Both the home-delivered and congregate meals are served with the COVID-19
safety protocols in mind to keep the seniors and workers safe. Lutz said the Avondale Senior Center has transitioned its congregate meals to to-go meals.
Avondale Councilmember Pat Dennis said $5,000 of the funding will be used for the home-delivered meals while the remaining $10,000 will be used for meals served at the centers. She explained what this means to her.
“To me, this is the way our community gives back,” Dennis said. “We receive CARES funding, so it’s almost like a transfer from what we receive from the federal government, and we then pass along to our community and the other communities we serve.”
Seniors don’t just receive meals when the food is delivered to their door.
“Not only does this program serve as
a good way to get a nutritious meal to the clients, it also serves as a way to have participants at risk of social isolation to see a friendly smile and have someone to check on them on a regular basis,” Dennis said.
And while many times these checkups serve as a reminder that they are not alone, Lopez explained that sometimes these are the same checkups that have helped seniors in critical times.
“We have encountered situations where the individual is not answering the door and we’ve had to call first responders, so there are been some health issues that have been addressed,” Lopez said.
According to Lutz, seniors are very grateful for the program, and the food they get is sometimes the only meal they eat in the day.”
Economic impact promising for Spring Training
BY ZACH MOORE West Valley View Staff Writer
It has been approximately one year
since Spring Training and the entire sports world as a whole shut down. People lost jobs.
Teams and leagues lost revenue.
Sponsorships were hard to come by.
Florian T. Walter
D.O.
Raj S. Rathee, M.D.
Jordan Oland
M.D.
B.J. Ho
D.O.
Sarah Colwell
D.O.
Ingrid Gold
CNM
Meaghan Gomez
FNP-C
Britt Michie
RNC, MSN, WHNP
Jennifer Woodruff
RNC, MSN, WHNP
Anna Gomez, CNM
Yisel Carter
PA-C
Tracy Burns CNM
Michaela Wagner CNM
623-846-7558
Yet, a year later, Spring Training is in the Valley once again. While there may be limited fans allowed in venues like Glendale’s Camelback Ranch, Goodyear Ballpark and Peoria Sports Complex, their respective cities are thankful for any return of live sports.
Spring Training is typically known to bring fans from all over the country to Arizona for warm weather and the early fix of baseball. However, due to the pandemic’s ongoing presence, many fans are not traveling, which has a snowball effect on ticket sales, restaurants and hotels.
Still, Cactus League and city officials are optimistic.
“There is certainly some good economic impact for the city of Goodyear and, quite frankly the whole region of the West Valley,” said Lori Gary, Goodyear’s economic development director.
The city of Goodyear owns Goodyear Ballpark, where the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds play their Spring Training games.
According to Gary, Goodyear Ballpark sold out its first game of the Spring Training season on Feb. 28.
Jay Crandall, Glendale’s public information officer, is optimistic as well.
Camelback Ranch hosts the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.
“We are looking forward to the future and the opportunity to once again host a full stadium filled with people from all over the world who come to stay, shop, dine and experience our local Glendale businesses as part of Spring Training,” he said.
Cactus League Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher said she’s unsure of the economic impact for the 2021 Spring Training season. However, many of the Cactus League games are sold out, leaving fans to scramble for the few tickets on third-party sites.
“We realize that many Spring Training experiences, like autographs and close-up interactions with players, are not possible this year,” Binsbacher said.
“But we’re excited to be able to host a limited number of fans. We are hopeful that local businesses will see some benefits this spring, either from visiting fans or from team personnel who spend the entire spring season here.”
According to an ASU study, in 2018, the Cactus League generated $644 million in economic impact and $373 million in gross domestic product for Ari-
Impact...continued on page 3
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Goodyear FD opens new station in Estrella
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
With a statue of a roadrunner placed at the forefront of the station to represent the quick response from the crew, the Goodyear Fire Department officially opened Fire Station 186.
In a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 3, remarks were made by seven community members, including Mayor Georgia Lord, Goodyear Fire Department Fire Chief Paul Luizzi and Capt. Manny Cordova.
“It’s important for us to make investments like this into our city, because you can’t stop our growth,” Lord said. “It’s something special, something to brag about.”
The 12,587-square-foot facility located on Willis Road, just east of Rainbow Valley Road, includes measures and design elements to ensure firefighters’ long-term health.
Station 186 is considered cleaner and safer for Goodyear’s firefighters, according to Luizzi.
“It’s super exciting and at times hard to put into words, but it’s absolutely unbelievable,” he said. “What makes me feel good about this station is that I know the firefighters are going to be safe and kept healthy with the systems we built in here.”
Fire Station 186 is one of the two stations approved by the Goodyear City Council that center around the health and safety of the city’s firefighters. Station 181, located on 143rd Avenue between Van Buren Street and Celebrate Life Way, is scheduled to open in the spring.
Both fire stations include safety features such as a decontamination corridor that will allow firefighters to decontam-
Impact
...continued from page 2
zona. Binsbacher said the 2020 Spring Training season was on pace to match those numbers.
Like many venues, Camelback Ranch, Peoria Sports Complex and Goodyear Ballpark are selling tickets for 16% to 20% of the venue’s capacity.
Ticketholders can expect mandatory masks, contactless transactions, social distancing throughout the stadium, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting guidelines.
inate their gear immediately upon returning to the station.
Luizzi said the new station is not only beneficial to the firefighters but to the community as well.
“We now have better response times for our neighbors. Before, they weren’t the best because we were coming from a distance away. Now, as this community is starting to fill in and build up, we now have public safety that is very close to them, and that level of reassurance really drives people to think about moving into the neighborhood,” he said.
Additionally, Luizzi said the new stations reflect Goodyear’s commitment to investing in the health and safety of its employees and citizens.
“It represents growth, and it shows the type of commitment from city council. It shows their commitment to safety and that there’s a priority of keeping fire-
fighters healthy,” he said.
As the Goodyear Fire Department takes residence in its new home at Station 186, Luizzi said the station is now officially part of the community and hopes to open the doors to the public as soon as it’s safe to do so.
—Staff writer Lauren Serrato can be reached at lserrato@timespublications.com.
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
Officials including Mayor Georgia Lord, wearing pink, celebrate the opening of Goodyear Fire Station 186. (Photo courtesy City of Goodyear)
Avondale responds to pandemic’s ‘digital divide’
BY CHRISTIAN SERRANO West Valley View Contributing Writer
The city of Avondale’s Neighborhood & Family Services is introducing two programs in response to the digital divide and homelessness caused by the pandemic.
The School Hotspot and Temporary Shelter programs are two additions to the city’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
The city is finalizing the details of the programs, but Chris Lopez, Avondale’s director of neighborhood and family services, said, “We know that there is a digital divide.
“There were a lot of students even preCOVID who were without sufficient internet. We want to make that available so
kids get caught up and meet their educational objectives.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided $426,811 in the first round of funding in CDBG CARES Act funding to the city of Avondale of the 2021 fiscal year. In the third round of funding, the city received an additional $606,152.
CDBG funding is expected to carry out activities that benefit low- to moderate-income residents or meet an urgent need caused by the coronavirus.
The School Hotspot Program will be allocated $110,000 and the Temporary Shelter program will receive $85,000.
“The funding is anticipated to account for a percentage of existing needs as de-
termined by the most recently available data from the U.S. Census,” said Marsha Chavez, Avondale’s housing and community development manager.
The School Hotspot Program will allow students without internet at home to use a mobile hotspot device. The city anticipates serving a minimum of 100 students. Hotspots are available for a one-year subscription. Devices will be monitored to ensure they are used only for educational purposes.
The city will partner with public school districts to determine students in need of a mobile hotspot. Avondale will continue providing Wi-Fi at public libraries for students who may not be eligible for mobile hotspots.
Additionally, the Temporary Shelter program will provide housing to individuals struggling through coronavirus-caused homelessness. Homeless individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 can also receive proper quarantine.
A city council report on the program states, “This may include quarantine due to COVID testing, diagnosis or other related temporary shelter needs to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”
The city intends to partner with local homeless service providers. Twenty-five to 35 individuals or family units are projected to benefit from the program.
“We see an urgent need to assist nonprofit organizations that provide shelter to the homeless population,” Lopez said.
Avondale offers limited, free tax preparation help
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
The city of Avondale’s Neighborhood & Family Services has partnered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Turn A New Leaf to offer free tax preparation services to
benefit individuals and families with low to moderate income.
A New Leaf’s VITA program offers free tax assistance to households that make $57,000 or less for the taxes to be prepared at the sites. Services focus on community members with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
VITA sites not only offer free tax preparation, they also help taxpayers apply for benefits they may not be aware of, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. VITA will be offered as a drop-off service at two Avondale locations. This Tax Preparation assistance is available through April 15 in the following locations:
• Walk-in services: Thursdays 4 to 6 p.m. at the Family Welcome Center, 1642 S. 107th Avenue.
• By appointment only: Tuesdays 2 to 4 p.m. at the Avondale Resource Center, 995 E. Riley Drive.
• By appointment only: Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Avondale Resource Center, 995 E. Riley Drive.
VITA site visitors should bring the following items with them:
• For married filing joint returns, both taxpayer and spouse must be present to sign the tax returns before it is electronically filed.
• Proof of photo identifications (need
taxpayer and spouse for married filing joint returns).
• Social Security cards or ITIN and birthdates for everyone on the tax return.
• A copy of last year’s tax return.
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN.
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, SSA-1099, 1099Misc) from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099-INT, 1099-DIV).
• Information for all other income (Pensions Form 1099-R, Social Security Statement Form 1099-SSA, Sale of stocks & bonds Form 1099-B).
• Documents for medical deductions, property taxes paid, mortgage interest, auto registration, charity contributions — all added up individually
• Form 1098-T from educational institution to claim education credits.
• Amount paid to day care provider, their tax ID number and address.
• Forms 1095-A (Healthcare Marketplace), 1095-B or 1095-C.
• Unmasked copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable.
• Proof of bank routing and account number.
For more information, call 623-3332703. COVID-19 precautions and social distancing measures will be in place.
the race. A lot of the race is that survival element.”
For McDowell, he said sometimes you just have to be at the right place at the right time. He has finished in the top five at Daytona and used that experience to score the victory.
“We felt like this could be a really great year for us with the new schedule,” he said. “Obviously, kicking it off with a win is huge.”
Bowman was running in second place at the time of the wreck. The 27-yearold knows he has a bright future in NASCAR.
“Alex Bowman is from Arizona as well, and he’s a super talented guy,” McDowell said. “He’s with a great organization, and he’s going to have a long career and do a lot of things. I feel fortunate that I beat him to the punch in winning the (Daytona) 500. He’s going to be so successful, and it would be hard to stay ahead of him in any category.”
McDowell and Bowman are the only two Arizonans in the Cup Series. McDowell said it’s a privilege and a cool opportunity to represent the state.
Big shoes to fill
During the offseason, NASCAR lost one of its most storied and successful drivers, as Jimmie Johnson retired after 18 years. He left behind seven championships and 83 career victories.
His legacy in NASCAR leaves him among the greats in the sport, and the onus now falls onto Bowman as he inherited Johnson’s No. 48 car after his retirement. Bowman said he and his team are extremely excited to get to work on that No. 48 car
“To try and fill another set of big shoes and go to the 48 is going to be really fun,” Bowman said. “I was definitely nervous when (team owner Rick Hendrick) told me.”
The changes don’t stop at the car number for Bowman. He also inherited Johnson’s primary sponsor: Ally Financial Bank. Bowman said he’s looking forward to getting Ally its first win.
“You never know how working with a new partner is going to be,” Bowman said. “But working with Ally has been so much fun so far. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
While he knows driving the No. 48 car is a huge deal that comes with a lot of added pressure, Bowman isn’t going
to allow it to get to him this season.
“I think the biggest thing for me is that there’s not a car number in the world or a situation in the world that’s going to put more pressure on me than I put on myself,” he said. “Obviously, I want to win for Hendrick Motorsports and for Chevrolet and for Ally and for everybody that makes this deal possible. More so than any of that, I just want to win for me, so I put a ton of pressure on myself each and every week to go do that and to run well, to run how we should.
“Outside situations don’t really add to that. I probably put too much stress and too much pressure on myself at times, but I really care about how we run. It’s not because somebody’s saying, ‘Oh, the 48 (car) has to go win or needs to go win a championship.’”
Hendrick knows Bowman has what it takes to win and is looking forward to seeing what he can do.
there’s more for us to go get,” Elliott said. “I don’t think we’re at our very best in every category, which is really cool for me and something our team should be able to take a lot of pride in, to have the result we did last year but also know that we can still improve in some pretty big ways.”
Hendrick said he feels Elliott is at an all-time confidence level. Bowman echoes that feeling.
“I’m super excited about this year,” he said. “Alex can definitely win; he had a bunch of second-place finishes. He’s just going to get better.”
Though he hasn’t been in the shop as much during the offseason due to the pandemic, Bowman knows that the key to his Cup Series is consistency. He wants to represent Hendrick Motorsports the right way.
“Anytime you walk through the front door at Henrick Motorsports you know there’s a standard here, and it’s a very high standard,” Bowman said. “The expectation is to win a lot of races and to win championships.”
Bowman believes he and his team can make a lot of noise if they can run this season similarly to the way they ran last season’s playoffs.
Last year’s winner
Bowman’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, may just be NASCAR’s single biggest fan favorite. He’s coming off of a season in which he won the championship at Phoenix Raceway, and he is ready to defend his title.
Despite last season’s championship, however, Elliott believes he and his team have more work to do and can get even better
“The cool thing for me is that I think
“The confidence level with Chase Elliott is unbelievable,” Hendrick said. “They really believe they can win every week. He’s way more mature than his age.”
“They’ve been really dialed in for a long time, and I think that’s just going to continue,” Bowman said. “Chase has always been confident, especially on the racetrack. He’s always been a confident guy.”
Elliott recognizes his confidence level and feels as though the 2021 Cup Series can be a successful one. He said winning a championship plays a huge role in that.
“I think for me, I’ve just been trying to enjoy all of the different situations and scenarios that I’ve been a part of,” he said. “Obviously, winning a championship is great. I think it brings confidence to our entire team. I’ve really just enjoyed winning and enjoyed racing.”
Elliott ran about five or six races in the offseason. He said that at 25 years old, he’s just doing the best he can to enjoy life and takes every opportunity placed in front of him.
He recognizes sports as a whole are a “what have you done lately” game. Even though he’ll run this Cup Series as the defending champion, he knows he can’t afford to take his foot off the gas pedal.
“No matter what you do, if you have a bad stretch or don’t do well, they’re going to come after you about whatever
Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
you’ve done recently,” Elliott said. “On the flip side of that, too, if you have a good run after being trash for a year, everybody is going to be hyping you up and jumping on the bandwagon.
“It’s all about performance. We want to push and continue to do good for ourselves and push our team internally. That’s all that really matters to me.”
Hendrick said his driver is in a fantastic headspace. He thinks this season can be a special one for the Georgia native.
“I think Chase has such a sharp head on his shoulders,” Hendrick said. “You don’t have to tell him too much. He celebrated, and now he’s ready to go and try and do it again. He’s got his head on right. He’s a competitor, but he takes it all in stride. I’m really excited about this year for Chase.”
Elliott is going to do his best to live through the peaks and valleys of the season while staying as levelheaded as possible.
He knows being the defending champion brings many, many more eyeballs. In the end, he wants to be one of the best and most consistent drivers the sport has to offer.
“I think there’s a small group of guys that can win literally every week, that nobody would be a bit surprised if they
won the race,” Elliott said. “I think that I can want our team to be a part of that conversation as well. I want to get to the point that when we leave the racetrack, that nobody is surprised that we won.”
Elliott will return to the site of his championship victory. For McDowell, this season’s race in Phoenix carries more weight.
“Any time it’s a hometown race it’s special,” McDowell said. “My wife and I like to make a trip out of it and get to see all of our family. This year it’s even more so special — just bringing the hardware back to Arizona and representing Arizona as its first Daytona 500 champion.
“That was very cool and was a very special moment. I’m really looking forward to coming back home and seeing everybody and just being able to celebrate that.”
If You Go...
What: NASCAR Cup Series Race
When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14
Where: Phoenix Raceway,
7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale
Cost: Visit website for information Info: 1-866-408-7223, www.phoenixraceway.com
Fire...continued from page 1
Hickman said.
Arlington South and Arlington North are separated by Ward Road.
The chicken houses are numbered one through 12 in Arlington South, and 13 to 26 in Arlington North.
The Buckeye Valley Fire District, the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, city of Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale and Harquahala Fire District sent more than 60 firefighters to Hickman’s Family Farms.
The Buckeye Valley Fire District, the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, city of Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale and Harquahala Fire District sent more than 60 firefighters to fight the fire at Hickman’s Family Farms.
“The firefighters came as fast as they could,” Hickman said. “I just want to say thank you. I’ve been watching all the trucks all day. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office had six vehicles to make sure everybody stopping to film was safe.
“As the trucks were leaving, the cleanup and rebuild teams were coming in, along with all of the engineers from the other farms. We’re trying to build. But there will be no interruptions in our deliveries. I’m looking at fully loaded semis getting ready to make deliveries tomorrow morning.”
(Photo by William Van Gotum)
OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Support the home state
Editor:
David Leibowitz calls Arizona home. Why? He calls Arizonans crazy, insane and nuts. Quotes from his article: “Arizona has an abundance of new Cs. I’d like to add to the mix — crazies.” “Whenever some big national story involving insane behavior erupts, Arizona will make the news.” “That’s hardly a surprise. It’s Arizona. We grow nuts here.” It doesn’t sound like he is trying to bring Arizonans together.
Randall Harvey Goodyear
Tom Vilsack doesn’t belong
Editor:
Tom Vilsack’s nomination as secretary of agriculture does not belong within Joe Biden’s progressive agenda.
Vilsack has served as governor of Iowa, secretary of agriculture under President Obama, and chief lobbyist for the dairy industry. His candidacy is opposed by a vast coalition of small and minority farmers, as well as consumer, labor and environmental advocates. Here’s why:
• He presided over consolidation of Big Ag to take unfair advantage of small farmers.
• He failed to protect minority farmers and farm workers from exploitation by Big Ag.
• He supported location of highly polluting factory farms in minority communities.
• He promoted approval of numerous genetically modified food products.
• He allowed meatpacking employees to replace government food safety inspectors.
• He serves as a highly paid lobbyist for the dairy industry, a significant factor in the climate crisis.
• He failed to lead our nation’s transition from a meat and fat-laden diet to a healthy, eco-friendly diet of vegetables, fruits and grains.
• Even in crass political terms, he failed to deliver the Iowa caucuses to the Biden candidacy and the rural vote to the Biden presidency.
Our senators must oppose Tom Vilsack’s nomination as secretary of agriculture.
Wilfred Wallace Litchfield Park
Two worst election comments
Editor:
Two worst comments of the election season. “I’m a D and I only vote for the D.” “I’m an R and I only vote for the R.” I’m an American and I only vote for the person I feel is best for the USA. I always (including 2020) have a split ballot.
I have taken an oath of office at both the federal and state levels. It is always to protect and defend the Constitution. It is never to protect and defend a political party or political leader.
Dr. Leonard Kirschner Col. USAF (Retired) AHCCCS Director (1987-93) Litchfield Park
Slipped their minds
Editor:
It’s time for the people of the West Valley to ask their legislators whom exactly they represent. Sine Kerr, Tim Dunn and Joanne Osborn seem to have forgotten that. They certainly don’t represent their constituents. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be rushing through all these voter suppression bills and trying to cut off access to voting by mail. We have voted safely and securely by mail for a generation in Arizona. It works. Even Gov. Ducey said so. Why are they wasting money trying
to relitigate an election from last year — especially one that they won?
They certainly aren’t listening to their constituents. The people of Arizona voted for Prop 208. They voted for Gov. Brewer’s penny tax for schools. But Kerr, Dunn and Osborne continue to ignore the voters to help their big business donors and PAC groups like ALEC get around the law and take money from our schools. They’re even trying to drive more teachers from an already shorthanded profession with SB 1058 — a petty piece of big government micromanagement to force educators to post all their plans and material online a year in advance. Do we ask that of any other profession? Maybe Kerr, Dunn and Osborne would care to practice what they preach and write down every piece of legislation they will vote on for 2021 now?
Perhaps if Kerr, Dunn and Osborne listened to the people they’re supposed to represent more often, they wouldn’t have to waste so much time and taxpayer money on trying to suppress our vote and workarounds of the law for rich donors. If they have such disdain for the people of the West Valley and our votes and voices, maybe it’s time to look for
some real representation next election. Shame on Kerr, Dunn and Osborne.
Steve Truog Litchfield Park
Presidential readathon
Editor:
“Read Across America Day” lost an icon this year. President Biden is the perfect replacement. He’s a great reader — just not necessarily of books. I submit that if there actually are any presidential news conferences in the future, they be renamed “presidential readathons.”
Lynne Cole Goodyear
Goodyear Ballpark
— don’t bother
Editor:
Do not go to a Spring Training baseball game at Goodyear Ballpark. One of the most unpleasant experiences ever! I didn’t mind wearing a mask while going
SMITH’S OPINION — Las Vegas Sun
Buckeye’s foundation for tomorrow
BY ERIC ORSBORN Buckeye Mayor
Ten years ago, when I became a Buckeye councilmember for District 6, it never occurred to me that I would be the Buckeye mayor today. But here I am, 100 days into my new job, and I am more excited than ever to continue building on the great work from our previous city councils to ensure Buckeye moves forward thoughtfully and strategically
As one of the fastest-growing cities for the past 10 years, the Buckeye City Council will continue focusing on managing this growth appropriately, by providing the needed resources to our residents and staff.
To do this, we’re concentrating on four key areas — improving our infrastructure, attracting good jobs and retail stores, acquiring additional water resources and better communicating with residents.
Infrastructure
Water and sewer service and the streets we drive on are the city’s lifelines. We’re in the process of improving each of these throughout the city.
The Jackie A. Meck Water Campus will improve water quality by upgrading or replacing wells and consolidating several water facilities into one central location.
The new sewer line nearing completion on Miller Road will properly serve current residents in the area. It will also accommodate the expected growth projected for future residential and employment centers.
ADOT is set to start construction on the widening of I-10 from SR 85 to Verrado Way this summer. The project also includes new divergent diamond interchanges at Miller and Watson roads, which will help improve traffic flow in these areas.
Water
Water is essential for Buckeye’s current and future residents. Water is also critical in attracting new jobs and retail stores to our city.
In April 2020, the council approved the city’s water resources master plan. This comprehensive plan covers all things water related, including acquiring additional water supplies. The challenge is, Buckeye is not the only city in the Valley looking for new and/or additional supplies, and none of this is cheap.
Thankfully, the municipal water industry works together on a variety of topics. West Valley leaders and water experts continue to meet regularly to find the best options for everyone. We know that working together to find solutions creates a win for the entire West Valley.
Economic Development
We are very aware Buckeye is extremely underserved for sit-down restaurants, medical facilities, grocers and large box stores. Our economic development staff works tirelessly recruiting new employers along with new retail businesses and services.
Their work is paying off. Retail stores, hotels, medical offices, restaurants and grocery stores are popping up in the Sundance and Verrado areas of the city. We
Letters...continued from page 8
in, walking around to get refreshments or using the restrooms. What I didn’t know was that once you sat down in your seat with at least 6 feet away from any other fans that you had to keep your mask on. If you were drinking or eating, you had to pull your mask down, take a sip or shove your food in and pull your mask back up. If you didn’t, you had personnel to harass you during the game. That was their goal. (Remember we were in an outside venue.)
I even took a walk around during the game and the personnel, meaning the cops, security and ushers, were harassing everyone about their masks. Stay home and save your money. You’ll be glad you did. (By the way, my husband and
are working hard to develop opportunities in other areas as well.
Later this year, Five Below will begin operations at its Western distribution center, creating 150 jobs. The number of jobs at Five Below will nearly double within five years.
Just south of Five Below, a new “spec industrial” facility by LGE has started construction. When completed, the tenant or tenants at this location will bring additional jobs to the city.
Communication
There are so many other great things happening in Buckeye, and we are working to better communicate this news to you. The best way to keep up with the latest city news is to subscribe to our electronic newsletters and/or follow us on social media.
These channels provide videos on various construction projects, links to city council meetings, where to register for special interest classes and youth sports, and tips on how to stay active and healthy.
Once you see all the great things happening in Buckeye, you’ll be as excited as I am to call Buckeye home. You’ll also see how we’re building efficiencies and the city’s foundation for tomorrow.
I already had our COVID shots, which I told them, but they couldn’t care less.)
Diane Piorkowski Avondale
How to get a letter published 250 N. Litchfield Road, Ste. 130, Goodyear, AZ 85340
E-mail: editor@westvalleyview.com
The West Valley View welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The West Valley View will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The West
Paradise cost: Sports teams that break hearts
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist
A week of mild Arizona weather and the start of Cactus League baseball can only mean one thing: Again it’s that time when hope springs eternal for Valley sports fans.
Couple that with your Phoenix Suns playing top-tier basketball and the Arizona Cardinals signing three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, and our sports future feels desert-sun dazzling. But we all know how this ends, don’t we?
With millions of broken hearts.
Because this is Phoenix, and if our hometown had a sports tagline, it would be “Welcome to the Valley of the Crushed.”
This place has everything — weather to die for, the nation’s hottest housing market, a solid economy, Chris Bianco’s pizza — but no major American city has suffered more sports futility, statistically speaking.
Well, save Minneapolis. But that comes with an asterisk. Allow me to explain.
Thirteen American cities are currently home to all four major professional sports. Phoenix joined those ranks in 1998, when the Arizona Diamondbacks began play. Since then, the Suns, Cardinals, D-backs and Arizona Coyotes have had a collective 87 opportunities to win a championship. We have worn but one single crown.
And it took a near-miracle World Series victory by the 2001 Diamondbacks for us to have even that single ecstatic moment.
In that time period, Boston has won a dozen titles — at least one in every sport — including six Super Bowls, four World Series, one NBA championship and a Stanley Cup. Los Angeles has 11 titles, Chicago and New York six. Detroit and Miami have four apiece. San Francisco and Denver have three. Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington each have a pair.
Then there’s us with the one.
Only Minneapolis has been shut out of winning championships in those 22 years. But like I said, there’s a caveat.
The Minnesota Twins won baseball titles in 1987 and 1991. Plus, the Minneapolis Lakers took home five basketball titles in six seasons between 1949 and 1954.
Given how slowly time moves in Minnesota, 1954 probably still feels like yesterday to them. I mean, if you’ll eat lutefisk, you have bigger issues to worry about than the Vikings blowing four Super Bowls in the 1970s.
The only explanation for this much major sports futility is a curse. As NFL legend has it, that explains why the Cardinals are suffering the longest current championship drought in professional sports, winning zero titles since 1947.
According to the “Coal Miners Curse,” invoked by fans of the Pottsville, Pennsylvania Maroons, the Cards, then playing in Chicago, stole the 1925 NFL championship from the mighty Maroons, damning the franchise to never win another title until Pottsville is re-crowned champions. That’s not happening anytime soon: The NFL investigated this theft in 1967 and voted against Pottsville.
Personally, I don’t think this is about coal miners. I think life is too good here, so we can’t have everything.
Sports failure is the price we pay for perfect spring afternoons, abundant sunshine and the natural beauty of the desert and the mountains. Detroit was recently named the most miserable city in America.
Dallas is surrounded by Texas. I’ve lived in New York, Philly and Miami, which explains why I’ve lived here for 25 years and plan to leave feet first — or in an urn.
San Francisco? For the price of a seven-bedroom Paradise Valley manse, you could live in the Bay Area in a cardboard box and awake each day to the pungent aroma of defecating hobos.
Or you can live here. So what if four times each year you get kicked in the gut when the hometown teams are mathematically eliminated from contention?
Sucking at sports seems a small price to pay for paradise.
David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com
Business Briefcase
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
Hello and welcome back to Business Briefcase! To kick off the month of March, we are highlighting two small businesses owned and operated by West Valley residents. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the new CEO and chairman at Duncan Family Farms in Goodyear. As always, be sure to check out and continue to support our local businesses.
Zydeco’s Louisiana Kitchen
Owner and head chef: Lynn Thomas
This food truck and catering business came to life when Lynn Thomas and Aimee Thomas-Parker moved to
Arizona and quickly realized the lack of authentic Creole and Cajun staples in food. Zydeco’s Louisiana Kitchen focuses on dishes that come from the Creole and Cajun culture, including gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and po boy sandwiches. The food truck is constantly on the move, typically making its way out to the West Valley four times a week. One of the spots it frequents is off Waddell Road in Goodyear. Thomas-Parker, the company’s chief marketing officer, said since coming from Louisiana and spending most of her life there, the business is big on educating customers about the culture beyond the food. “I want people to understand and be able to identify ‘this’ is a Cajun
dish and ‘this’ is a Creole dish. Two very different cultures, but they do have similarities in they’re both born out of Louisiana. We just want people to be able to identify the differences through our food,” she said. To check out the menu, follow its Facebook account at @zydecoslakitchen.
Antojitos
By Bri Owned and operated by Briana Chavez
Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth? Look no further than Antojitos By Bri, a small business based in Goodyear. Briana Chavez started her candy shop in June 2020 with the goal of “not building a business, but building people that will build the business.” Chavez sells candy, but with a twist. A customizable order can include Gushers, Starbursts, Skittles and more, all covered with chili powder and chamoy. Chavez said she’s excited to see her business grow as she continues to take more orders. “When people support an independent business, you’re supporting a true reflection and dream of the person behind it. Supporting Antojitos By Bri not only helps me but makes a huge difference in my family’s life. Your purchase makes me the happiest person, and knowing I get to do something I love as well as achieving your smile is what makes my day a success,” she said. To view the menu or to place an order, visit her Instagram page @antojitosbybri.
Executive changes at Duncan Family Farms
Duncan Family Farms announced the family-owned business has made executive changes, effective immediately. Will Feliz has been appointed CEO and co-founder Arnott Duncan has assumed the position of chairman. Feliz has been with Duncan Fami-
ly Farms since 2009, making his way up the ranks from COO to president and now serving as CEO. Duncan, a fourth-generation Arizona farmer who founded the company with his wife, Kathleen, in 1985, takes on the role as chairman, with a focus on agronomics as the company continues to provide produce in Arizona, California, Oregon, New York and potential new locations.
“Our greatest assets are our people, and I’m excited and honored to lead the Duncan Family Farms team as we continue to achieve our mission to produce clean, healthy, life-giving food while making a strong contribution to an improved environment and to giving back to our community,” Duncan said.
—Staff writer Lauren Serrato
Antojitos By Bri offers 8-ounce, 16-ounce or platters on all candy items. Chavez also sells fruit options, including apples and mangos. (Photo courtesy of Briana Chavez)
Lennar’s NextGen homes put amenities first
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Homes in the Valley for baby boomers and beyond are taking on a new feel.
Lennar is offering innovative choices in its communities. Lennar recently broke ground in Surprise at Heritage Encore and Buckeye’s Arroyo Seco, both of which are multigenerational NextGen home developments, complete with RV garages.
“We are unaware of anywhere else in the country where this home style is being built,” said Alan Jones, Lennar division president.
NextGen models are, essentially, homes within a home, giving residents the balance of family privacy and togetherness under one roof. NextGen units can serve as fully functioning home offices, a state-of-the-art gym, a home for aging relatives, or even a classroom that keeps kids engaged and learning.
“With the realities of homeschooling, working from home and having grandparents living in the family residence now, coupled with the explosion in popularity of RVs, this project was definitely accelerated due to what’s happening in the world today,” said Jones, whose company created the first NextGen home in the Phoenix market in 2012.
Jones explained he and his team discussed how to combine the next generation of homes with an RV “home.”
“We thought we would have something that’s really unique,” he added. “Our new home consultants are excited about it. We have one under construction as a model in Buckeye. It’s right by Verrado. It’s kind of fun and exciting for us.
“We look at it and realize it’s a combination of two really unique, new products. It took us a little bit to figure out how to make it all work without having the home be extremely large. It came out really well.”
Jones said NextGen models have been popular in the last two years. Lennar sold more NextGen homes in 2020 than in any other year since the model was conceived. Nearly 500 NextGen
homes were sold this year in the Phoenix market, accounting for more than 25% of all Lennar home sales.
The RV garage homes are expected to follow suit, Jones added. Those on his sales team say they could “sell one every day.”
“That’s quite a vote of confidence,” he added. “It’s exciting when you find something that’s innovative, and it’s coming about as a result of the pandemic, frankly.
“That’s what expedited the whole situation.”
Initially, officials in a variety of cities questioned Lennar’s plans of having a separate living space with a full kitchen.
“When we first started, the cities were resistant to it,” Jones said. “It was new and different. Now the cities look at it and say, ‘Oh, my gosh. We love this. You’re building homes for the way people are living.”
Jones is equally as excited about the Surprise active adult community that has RV garages as well.
“The people who live in Sun City, Sun City West or Sun City Grand are going to be interested in them,” Jones said. “We’re seeing a lot of people in Sun City Grand and Sun City West coming over and going, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m going to buy this and help my son or daughter so that I can live in the NextGen suite and they can live in the home.”
Lennar Homes
Visit lennar.com for information on Surprise at Asante Heritage - Encore and Buckeye’s Arroyo Seco. Houses start at $352,990.
Live. Give. Thrive.
Not simply a place, a company or a destination, Sun Health is an idea, a movement and a state-ofmind 50-plus years in the making.
Invested in the lives of our members, our residents, our teams, our community, our donors, and you. We empower people to enjoy living longer, more purposeful lives.
We welcome you to become a part of all we have to offer. See more at sunhealth.org.
Alan Jones, Lennar division president, said new homes with RV garages are in demand.
(Photo by Pablo Robles)
Fix the broken
JOHN SAFIN, President/CEO Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce
To be completely candid, my original topic for this article was a welcome to our winter visitors and all the wonderful activities and events that happen this time of year in the Southwest Valley. We do live and work in a wonderful community with nice people, plenty to do, and a great quality of life, which is the reason we like being here. My topic changed when I heard two national news reports that will or has already reached Arizona.
which has been missing from most national reports.
The first news was the announcement by the states of Mississippi and Texas will lift the statewide mask and other virus-related mandates. Counties in both states have the authority to continue enforcing restrictions as required,
Obviously, debates are ongoing as to whether this action is correct or not. Governors in both states are doing what they believe is best for their residents. I continue to hope our Arizona elected officials are doing the same for all of us. Texas and Mississippi join other states in loosening the restrictions with regard to the virus. Breaking News: This was bound to happen. The question for us: When will Arizona be on this list?
The virus and government’s reaction to it impacted our economic, social and mental health. The second news story focused on mental health, and that bothered me the most. I don’t have any kids, so now you know my situation, but my concern is genuine. Suicide for
teens and younger children doubled during the pandemic. That’s appalling. It was also reported there were triple the cases of selfharm, such as cutting, and 1 of every 5 teens or young adults considered suicide. Reasons for this included isolation, feeling neglected, strain on family life and more. Alcoholism and drug and other addictions increased in all age groups. All this was brought up as a concern a year ago but never really given any serious attention or consideration. The numbers are bad. We most definitely don’t want them to get worse.
Anthony Fauci and other doctors have said this virus will be with us for a long time. There’s no cure for the common cold, as many a wise person has said. For centuries, we have individually and collectively done our parts to avoid getting sick. The medical experts have said COVID-19 will
have a “tipping point” where the virus spread will be very much reduced or a rare occurrence. Maybe Texas and Mississippi are the first signs this point has been reached. It’s also a signal we need to urge our elected officials to focus on the economic, social and mental health issues with as much vigor as they did with “slowing the spread.”
JOHN SAFIN
John Safin is the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. For more information and events, visit southwestvalleychamber.org.
Verrado’s Isabella Barrett puts the team first
BY ETHAN GRENI West Valley View Staff Writer
Isabella Barrett may be a 6-foot high school basketball star, but she likes to do a lot of the same things as most teens her age.
“Well, pretty much basketball takes up a lot of my time,” Isabella said. “But I like playing PlayStation with my friends, I enjoy going on dirt bike rides, bike rides, just hanging out with my brother, anything in that sort.”
Bella, as her friends call her, is a sophomore at Verrado High School in Buckeye. The 14-1 Vipers sit atop the 5A Desert West standings and are ranked second in the 5A conference, as of March 5.
The impressive record isn’t the only thing that’s special about this team.
“It’s been kind of fun because these girls — a lot of them on the team — have known each other for a long time, and they played (together) when they were younger,” said Isabella’s mother, Lisa. “So, it’s a lot of fun to see them growing up and maturing as people, students and players.”
Isabella added, “We’ve molded together over the years to be able to be the team that we are today. We’re so reliant on each other. There is no drama. There is no one person that is trying to stand out themselves. It’s a team, and
we’re all trying to win that day and just make sure we keep going.”
Because of that team-first mentality, Isabella said scoring points isn’t necessarily her favorite part of the game.
“I enjoy getting rebounds, because that’s able to stem to everything that happens on the floor,” Isabella said. “If no one gets a rebound, then no one’s able to score, no one’s able to pass the ball, so I think rebounds (are critical).”
The bonds between Verrado’s players run deeper than on most high school teams. Isabella and her teammate Hannah Beard, for example, have known each other since kindergarten.
“I get to play with my friends. We’re all really close. It’s just like playing with your sisters basically,” Hannah said. “I know where (Bella) wants the ball, she knows where I want the ball, so it’s just an easy game playing with her.”
On the court, Isabella is having a strong season for the Vipers, averaging 11 points and 8.9 rebounds through 13 games. She attributes her versatile style of play to watching her favorite player, two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart.
“She’s what I try to model my game after. … How she’s able to play any position,” Isabella said. “She’s 6-foot4, so that would be considered like a bigger player, but she’s able to bring
the ball down, shoot the ball, do basically anything on the floor.”
In addition to her talents, Isabella brings certain intangibles to the team that coaches look for in their players.
“What I really appreciate about her more than anything else is her basketball IQ,” said Verrado coach and Hannah Beard’s father, Vernon Beard. “We talk the game, we talk about certain situations, why we do it. And it’s not me talking at her; it’s us talking to each other.”
“Basketball IQ is not something that just comes naturally to people. It’s understanding, study, watching the game, watching the game and really seeing it,” said Isabella’s father, Ron. “Everyone does hard work on the court, but understanding what happens off the court is equally hard work.”
“Hard work” may not be enough to describe Isabella’s work ethic. Vernon said he’s let her into the gym at 4 a.m. some days, just because she wants to get as much practice time as she can.
“You can’t teach that. That’s either you want to be better at some endeavor or you don’t,” Vernon said. “We all know if you want to be great at anything, you’ve got to sacrifice some time, and that’s what makes it a beauty to be around her, to coach her. … She’s going to be the first one there and the last one out.”
For Ron, watching his daughter play at this level has become a bit of a roller coaster.
“It’s a whole landscape of emotions,” Ron said. “From joy, being a proud parent, to frustration because she didn’t make that one move that we’ve been working on, to wishing I could run down to give her a quick little tip, to … seeing
her elevate her game, help the team, be a good basketball player all around.”
Being only a sophomore, Isabella’s future is far from certain. One thing she said she does know, however, is that college basketball is her next target, no matter where that leads her.
“Definitely (NCAA) Division I, that’s my goal,” Isabella said. “If I’m given the opportunity to play overseas or play to the next level after college, then that’s definitely an option I would consider, but I think definitely anywhere across the United States, I’d be open to playing.”
“Well, that’s her dream, so I hope that that happens for her,” Lisa said. “That would be really exciting for us to be able to continue watching her (for) more years to come.”
Isabella Barrett’s goal is to play NCAA Division I basketball. The Verrado High School student would also consider an overseas team. (Photo by Pablo Robles)
Kiwanis Run brings out the community
BY JAKARIA ROSS West Valley View Staff Writer
Families, community members and city officials gathered at Old Litchfield Road and Wigwam Boulevard to participate in the 10K, 5K 1K and 1-mile “fun run” for walkers and children.
Kiwanis Litchfield Park Run benefited Friends of the Rec. and saw a collaboration with several sponsors, including BackFit Health + Spine Chiropractic, for the Feb. 27 event. More than 300 participants registered virtually and in person to enjoy the atmosphere, raffle prizes and awards.
All participants were entered into a raffle with a chance to win prizes like restaurant gift cards, activewear and recreation passes.
Virtual participants can take part in the event through March 27. Race winners will be updated through results. racetimers.com, where participants’ times and names are categorized.
Trisha Kramer, the Litchfield Park community and recreation services di-
rector, reflected on the development of the event that has been occurring longer than the city has been established.
“The city has been working with Kiwanis Club of Litchfield for more than 30 years on this event,” Kramer said. “It’s been going on since before the city was incorporated in 1987.”
Kramer said the key to the event’s success has been the community’s input and involvement.
“For us, this event is part of keeping up the spirit of our community,” she said. “It’s important to us to continue to offer activities to our community members and the visitors of our community so that they can remain active and mentally healthy.”
Kramer said the staff ensured CDC guidelines were met during the event. Signs detailing mask etiquette, hand hygiene and social distancing were placed throughout the race milestones to keep participants in compliance.
“We’re doing all we can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at our events,
and I think we’ve been doing a good job,” Kramer said. “People are pretty respectful of each other and stay in their groups.”
Among those at the run were children. Kramer said it is important for children to be involved in events like this during the pandemic.
“It’s part of keeping them active and healthy, especially now,” she said. “Kids have not been able to be in school as much and have been stuck at home and not out with their friends. Being able to do this in the open air and open space just helps encourage them to not just sit in front of the TV but to get physically moving.”
including the West Valley. They provided refreshments, water and hand sanitizers.
The title sponsor, Kiwanis International, is a global community of volunteers with 550,000 members in 80 countries and many geographic areas,
“Kiwanis International, in general, is an organization that helps children in any way that we can, and this is a family event,” said three-year Kiwanis volunteer Robert Sanchez.
“For many years we have provided the background stuff like waters and volunteers.”
“
Runners remain socially distanced as they began the 5K mile run. (Photo by Jakaria Ross)
Wigwam Golf Club welcomes tiny new residents
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
The Wigwam Golf Club has installed barn owl nesting habitats through its courses, allowing the 1-pound birds to safely seek shelter.
With the help of Arizona Wildlife Resource and Wild at Heart Wildlife Rescue, eight habitats have been installed, each standing 13 feet tall. The goal of the habitat is to encourage more natural rodent control.
“We started to see a gopher problem here, so we decided to reach out to the Rescue to have them build some owl houses for us. This is really just a natural way to remove the gophers, instead of using chemicals,” said Chad Parron, The Wigwam’s superintendent.
Valerie Motyka, owner of Arizona Wildlife Support, said one of the major reasons for the decline of all species is usually habitat loss. The Wigwam’s implementation of the habitats allows
the resort to utilize the birds for their rodent and insect control while also preventing injury or loss to the owls.
“It’s a natural rodent control that keeps the rodent population in check without putting chemicals like identified rat poison into the ground to try to kill the rodents. If we were to use rat poison to kill the rodents, that would have harmful effects to owls, hawks and even domestic pets like cats and dogs,” Motyka said.
The habitats are perfect for the cavity nesters, as they are nonterritorial, Motyka said, meaning multiple owls tend to nest together in a small space.
Barn owls are not a risk to domestic pets, as they only eat rodents such as pack rats, pocket gophers and roof rats. A nesting family can easily hunt over 100 rodents a week, Motyka said.
“In urban developments, especially golf courses, they have the wide-open area that the owl likes to hunt in and they usually have a ton of pocket gophers,
which is a nocturnal rodent that does a lot of damage, and the owls are really good at hunting them,” Motyka said. “By simply giving them the cavity structure and the safe space to nest, they will automatically be drawn to the area.”
As The Wigwam has made the effort to do their part in helping wildlife in the community, Motyka said she hopes it inspires others to keep rodenticide use down and find alternative ways.
“One owl family can hunt over 100 rodents a week, but it also only takes one poisoned rodent to kill an entire nest of owls,” she said.
Motyka said there are ways residents can help save the wildlife simply by the choices they make when choosing pest control companies.
“Make sure they are not just lazily throwing around poison without suggesting or making any habitat changes,” Motyka said. “Poison should only ever be used as a last base scenario.
Cleaning up debris, installing rodent exclusion products and eliminating attractants should all be part of a healthy pest management control.”
Motyka said she hopes the implementation of the habitats will help the wildlife find a much-needed safe and environmentally friendly home that will benefit both the animals and the community.
“Baby birds eat an insane amount of rodents and insects, and if we could partner together to nurture wildlife, then we can get a more biodiverse, pretty environment that we can live in without the use of all these toxic chemicals,” Motyka said. “It will bring hawks and owls and songbirds like orioles, cardinals and hummingbirds that even though we see them, they’re still kind of muted, because we’re not giving them the best environment.”
—Staff writer Lauren Serrato can be reached at lserrato@timespublications.com
West Valley View Dining
King Crossword
GO FIGURE!
by Linda Thistle
The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.
EVEN EXCHANGE
by Donna Pettman
SUDOKU
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.
Make-A-Wish turns LP girl into fashion model
BY AYANNA MUHAMMAD West Valley View Staff Writer
Audrey Murphy’s dream was to be a fashion model. A stroke at birth and a subsequent diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation made that seemingly impossible.
Until the Make-A-Wish Foundation stepped in and created a day of beauty for the 12-year-old Litchfield Park girl.
“I was so happy with the clothes, the makeup, everything,” Audrey said.
Partnered with Buzz RX, MakeA-Wish scheduled a photoshoot for Audrey at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa in February.
the choice of being what she wanted, which turned out great.”
Unbeknownst to her parents, Audrey had a stroke at birth and was diagnosed at 6 months old with arteriovenous malformation, an abnormal tangle of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen circulation.
At 14 months, she had a lifesaving surgery, but she continues to have daily seizures, which began when she was 3 years old.
“The journey’s been pretty much nonstop since August of 2008,” Matt said.
“It was a real wish come true for her,” said Audrey’s mother, Lisa. “She clicked with the photographer and all the people there supporting her wish.”
Audrey was originally set to have a Vogue supermodel day in New York City in February 2020, but COVID-19 postponed the family’s plans until this year.
“It was absolutely thrilling,” said Audrey’s father, Matt. “It was a long time coming. Make-A-Wish does a lot of great things and allowed us
For the past five years, she has been educated by tutors from noon to 5 p.m. If she’s not at school, Audrey has doctor or therapy appointments to adjust her leg braces or medication. Sometimes she’ll have multiple doctor’s appointments on the same day.
“My daughter is probably one of the strongest people I know. She never complains about anything,” Lisa said. “Even if she’s having a bad seizure day, she’s like, ‘I got this,’ and it makes you appreciate the life that you have.”
In her spare time, Audrey likes to dance, swim and hang out with her friends. Several of her friends recently celebrated Audrey’s 13th birthday.
Doctors nominated Audrey for Make-A-Wish in the fall of 2019 after she was hospitalized for 40 days because of her seizures. Part of that time, she was in a coma.
“It’s great she had that day, but obviously that day is now in the past,” Matt said.
“I’m a little hopeful that this whole Make-A-Wish creates awareness for others to see that kids can have strokes and tremendously challenging health issues. There are a lot of great people doing great things for these young kids, and Make-A-Wish blew away our expectations.”
Left, Audrey Murphy in her first outfit as a model. “It was bright and sparkly just like her,” said Lisa Murphy, her mother. Right, Audrey Murphy loved her second ensemble, which included a pink frilly skirt and elegant scarf. (Photos courtesy of Lisa Murphy)
Boys & Girls Club in Avondale reopens with new name
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
The Boys & Girls Clubs’ Tri-City West Thornwood Branch in Avondale has officially been renamed the Bob Bové Branch: A Thornwood Legacy.
The mayors of Avondale, Goodyear and Litchfield Park were in attendance for the Feb. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony, in addition to board members and business leader and philanthropist Bob Bové.
The upgrades within the facility at 301 E. Western Avenue include a learning lab for students and a creative music studio where teens are able to create video content and music.
“We were able to update the entire club and give our youth a lot more opportunities,” said Brittany Espinoza, branch director. “It’s kind of an outlet for them. So, we’re able to do that, as well upgrade our Cox Innovation Lab, which allows us to help our youth in general, especially this year with distance learning.”
Safety features within the club were also upgraded in the renovation, including a push button entrance to monitor exactly who is coming in and out of the building, and additional emergency exits throughout the building.
The Avondale branch has served hundreds of youth and teens every day since 1998. Now, the West Valley community will have the opportunity to experience the newly renovated building, thanks to a more than $1 million donation from Bové.
Brothers Craig and Scott Thorn
committed $1 million to the club’s 50 Years Capital Campaign 25 years ago. The club was named Tri-City West Thornwood Branch to recognize their gift. Both Thorn brothers are longtime members of BGCAZ’s board of directors.
“Bob Bové is a partner with us, and he works with our AZ Youth Force that encourages teenagers to go through internships,” Espinoza said. “He felt the need for this club to have a renovation, so he made that $1 million pledge. And we still kept the Thorns included because they still are heavily involved.”
The afterschool and summer program has stayed open since the pandemic first hit last year. When the initial shutdown occurred, the club was only open for children of essential workers and first responders. As mandates were lifted, more kids were welcomed back into the branch, Espinoza said.
The West Valley community can expect the facility to look different — inside and out — since the renovation.
“We remodeled our game room, our front lobby area; our kitchen was made more of a serving kitchen,” Espinoza said.
“Our team was expanded because the high teen attendance we typically had pre-COVID is starting to come back, which is super, super awesome. The rooms that were not renovated, our neighborhood Lowe’s volunteered their time and they painted our gym, yoga studio room and redid the flooring.”
As the Bob Bové Branch: A Thorn-
(Submitted photo)
wood Legacy continues to serve the community, Espinoza said she hopes to see an increase of children participating in their programs.
“Everything is about the kids. We want to empower them, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential. We offer a recreational
sports program; structured, safe and positive opportunities for our youth; as well as skill development and character building — and also just appreciation for healthy living,” she said.
—Staff writer Lauren Serrato can be reached at lserrato@timespublications.com
EPA Begins Review of Hassayampa Landfill Superfund Cleanup Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started its fifth Five-Year Review for the Hassayampa Landfill Superfund site cleanup plan. The 10-acre site is about 10 miles west of Buckeye, Ariz. Maricopa County formerly used the site for hazardous waste disposal. In 1992, EPA issued its cleanup plan for the site. Cleanup work began in 1994.
Federal law requires EPA to review its cleanup plans every five years if: - a cleanup takes more than five years to complete; or - hazardous waste is still on-site.
The Five-Year Review will show if the cleanup plan continues to work as designed. EPA did the last such review in 2016 and the next one is due by September 30, 2021.
What does the review include?
The 2021 Five-Year Review includes:
• an inspection of the site and its cleanup technologies;
• a review of site data and maintenance records; and
• a review of any new laws or requirements that could affect the cleanup.
We would like to hear from you!
We would like to interview community members about how you think the site cleanup is going. If you would like to learn more about the site and/or be interviewed, please contact the EPA project manager below before March 31, 2021: Nadia Hollan Burke, EPA, 415-972-3187, Burke.NadiaHollan@epa.gov
Where can I learn more?
Visit EPA’s site webpage at epa.gov/superfund/hassyampalandfill and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) site webpage at azdeq.gov/superfund/hassayampa-landfill for more information. EPA and ADEQ plan to post the complete Five-Year Review report on these websites within the first week of October 2021.
You may review site information at the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007. For information on requesting records, please call ADEQ at (602) 771-4380 or visit their website: azdeq.gov/records-center.
CNSB#3438905
The mayors of Avondale, Goodyear and Litchfield Park, as well as board members and business leader and philanthropist Bob Bové, celebrate the renaming of a local Boys & Girls Clubs branch.
Avondale hosts virtual STEAM fest
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Avondale Libraries will host a Virtual STEAM-Fest Family Event to inspire the next generation of scientists, programmers, engineers, artists and mathematicians from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, on the Avondale Public Library Facebook page, @ AvondaleLibrary.
The STEAM-Fest Family Event is for all ages, and virtual admission is
free. Explore five fun activities with exciting video demonstrations all related to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).
The event will feature instructional videos on building Bristlebots, Paper Circuits and Draw Bots. The event also includes presentations on participating in Avondale’s new Citizen Science program, through fun activities like Zombee Hunting and Observing Pollinators.
All materials needed to participate in these activities will be provided in a STEAM-Fest Kit, available for pickup from the Avondale libraries beginning March 13. Kits are available while supplies last. To claim a kit, register by contacting 623-333-2602 or EmailLibrary@avondaleaz.gov.
For details on Avondale’s programs, visit avondalelibrary.org or call 623333-2602.
Avondale to host fishing derby at Festival Fields
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Avondale Parks & Recreation Department will host a fishing derby from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, at Festival Fields, 101 E. Lower Buckeye Road, at the Community Fishing Pond.
Families are invited to bring their fishing equipment and chairs to the
event to compete in several competitions, including biggest fish, smallest fish, heaviest fish and most fish.
The event is free to attend, but space is limited. Interested participants should register at avondaleaz.gov/rec to ensure their spot around the pond.
The city is asking attendees to be mindful of public health protocols to
Coming March 31st
avoid the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing measures will be in place, and masks will be required.
For more information, call Avondale Parks & Recreation at 623-333-2400 or visit avondaleaz.gov/events.
MagdalenaCastelamare
Itiswithtremendoussadnessthat werememberMagdalena Castelamare.Margielovedwithall herheartandyoucouldalwaysfind herwithabeautifulsmile.She welcomedeveryoneintoherhome andwasaninspirationtoall.She washappiestwhenshewas surroundedbyherfamily.Everyonehasfantastic memoriesplayinggameswithher,dancingand laughing.Shelovedmusic,thelake,attending PhoenixRisingandDiamondbacksgames.Shewas someoneyoucouldalwayscountonandnevermissed agame,recitaloreventforherchildrenor grandchildren.ShewasbornonAugust29,1956and grewupinBuckeye,Arizona.Shewenttojointhe lordonJanuary21,2021at64yearsold.Shemarried theloveofherlifeRickonFebruary14,1993.Sheis survivedbyherhusbandRichardCastelamareandher fivesons,MichaelandJacobYanesandRichard, WilliamandVincentCastelamare.Shehasfour daughters-in-law,15grandchildrenandtwogreat grandchildren.Sheisalsosurvivedbyherfour brothers,Juan,Carlos,RicardoandYsidroGutierrez andsomanymorefamilyandfriends.Sheis predeceasedbybothherparentsYsidroandAngelita GutierrezandherthreesistersMaryOrtega,Monica GutierrezandAngieCarrasco.Sheworkedatthe BuckeyePoliceDepartmentasadispatcher,911 operatorandCommunicationssupervisorfor25years. Shehadjustretiredin2019.Shestillfilledinwhen neededbecauseshelovedherjobandconsideredthem family.Shefoundherjobrewardingbecauseshewas doingwhatshedidbest-Helpingothers!Shelovedthe lordandwillbedeeplymissedbyall.Weloveyouso muchMargie...Untilwemeetagain.Funeralservices willbeprivate.ShewillbelaidtorestatHolyCross CemeteryinAvondale,AzonMarch13.
Michele Lynne Nunez Rendon
On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Michele, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 70. Michele was preceded in death by her father William Sells, and mother, Marjorie Sells. She is survived by her husband Hector Rendon, and her two children, Carrie Lynne Rowe, and Landon William Toon, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. At Michele's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. She will be loved and severely missed.
Jose Angel Guerrero
Jose "Joe" Angel Guerrero; born April 23, 1960 to Benita and Manuel Guerrero departed February 24, 2021.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, brothers Tony and Pedro Guerrero and sister Bellia Cabrera. He is survived by the love of his life, Theresa (Brooks) Guerrero, his daughter Jessica (Guerrero) Spratley, sonin-law Ronnie Spratley Jr. and his two granddaughters Moxie and Remi Spratley; his mother Benita Guerrero, brothers Manuel, Jesus, and Ted Guerrero, sisters Juanita Guerrero, Lina Snider and Mercy Guerrero.
Joe is loved and adored by so many. He was everyone's "Uncle or Tio Joe", he will be missed for his positivity, generosity and the happiness he created wherever he went. Whether it was his stern look that turned to the greatest smile, his loud voice that made you think you were in trouble (no matter how old you were), or him telling you how to do things his way - because of course it was the only way; he would always be there for you.
Even though he has left us much too soon, he will forever live on in our hearts.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date as conditions allow.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/josejoe-angel-guerrero/
MichaelWayneWilliamsSr.
MichaelWayneWilliamsSr.,age 75,passedawayFebruary22,2021in PhoenixArizona.Hewasbornin KonawaOklahoma,toJamesand MaryWilliams.Hegraduatedfrom GlendaleHighSchoolin1963.He servedintheUnitedStatesNavy. Michaelworkedasaheavyequipment operatorforVulcanMaterialswhere helaterretired.
Heissurvivedbyhislovingwifeof 34years,VickiWilliams.FourchildrensonsMichael WilliamsJr.,JefferyWilliams,DwayneWilliamsand daughterCarlaAllmon.EightgrandchildrenJulia, Derek,Michael,Mikayla,Riley,Daisy,Dwayneand Ryder.TwogreatgrandchildrenSawyerandArcher. BrothersMelvinWhite,CDWilliams,andDarrell Williams,sisterPatriciaHill.Aswellasmanynieces andnephews.
Michaelisprecededintodeathbyfathers,JamesEllis WilliamsandMelvinWhiteSr.,motherMaryWhite, brothersJamesWilliamsandVictorWilliams. AcelebrationoflifewillbeMarch20,2021at1:00pm atFirstBaptistChurchGardenLakes2517N107thAve. AvondaleAZ,85392.
Classifieds
OBITUARIES
James Monico Griego
James M. Griego (Jimmy) 66, went with Our Heavenly Father, February 25,2021. Although currently residing with his life partner, Mary H.Pineda, in Avondale,AZ. Jimmy's heart belonged to his hometown, St. Johns, AZ. where he also had a home. His passions were anything related to horses the southwest and automobiles. He will forever be missed by Mary his surviving siblings three sisters and two brothers his children who were all extremely close to their father, Teresa Sarah Christy 'Sonny' Celedonio, 15 beloved Grandchildren (departed and with Adan Molina Griego A.K.A. Junior), five great grandchildren. Also, near and dear to Jimmy are numerous family members and lifelong friends. Services to be held in St. Johns, AZ. On March 5th, at 7pm will be the Rosary at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on March 6th, 9a-10a the viewing and from 10a-11a the Mass also at the Catholic Church followed by the Burial at the local cemetery Reception at Barth Hall immediately following.
Deadline for obituaries is Thursday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays. Call 623-535-8439 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions. Visit: obituaries.WestValleyView.com
EMPLOYMENT
CAREGIVER
Female required
NO EXPERIENCE needed. full-time Private home in Buckeye. We train 623-826-6715
Established Cleaning Service in the West Valley. Needing one or two people for residential cleaning. Must have own transportation. Experienced English speaking a plus. But can train right person. For information call or text after 4:00 pm.
Rosalina 602-760-6296 "Spanish"
Jutta 602-505-8141 "English"
EMPLOYMENT
We are hiring for various construction positions at the Clayton-Buckeye
Home Building Facility STARTING at $16/Hr with bonus
IMMEDIATE OPENING for a Maintenance Technician.
Apply at our online site. http:// Careers.ClaytonHomes.com
Search for positions in Buckeye, AZ
EMPLOYMENT
HIRING!!
Caregivers
Program Leads and Managers
AIRES is looking for caring, capable and compassionate people! Our mission is to help people live happy, healthy & fulfilling lives. Paid training provided. Must be 21+yrs, w/ good driving record & reliable transportation.
AIRES is paying a temporary bonus of $2.00 hour for Direct Care Services through 3/31/2021 Apply at www.aires.org or visit us at 2140 W. Greenway Rd, Ste 140, Phoenix.
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!
Must have reliable transportation
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
EMPLOYMENT
Looking for Experience with a backpack blower and hedge trimmer.
$15.00to $16.00/hr, based on experience. Call Dustin 602-918-0357
LOOKING for experienced compassionate CNA's. Certified Caregivers. Part time/ full time. 623-547-7521
Hiring driver for a full septic pumping and installation company
Class B CDL is preferred but not required. Salary depends on experience. 623-386-4112
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
I clean houses licensed massage therapist and pet set. Colleen 602-579-9836
GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS
Garage Sale Country Albums from the 70's and 80's, tools and more. Saturday March 13th @ 7:00 am 774 N. 156th Ln, Goodyear, AZ
RANCHO VISTA COMMUNITY YARD SALE
The weather is perfect for one-stop shopping with a wide variety of items to choose from. Come find your treasure. Saturday, March 13th
DEADLINES for the View Classifieds is FRIDAY AT 1 PM 623.535.VIEW (8439)
HANDYMAN
JOEL Cedillo- I do construct ion work! Concrete, Block , S tucco, Bobcat work, Haula way, Demolition. Call fo r free estimates, 623-707-6072 *Not A Licensed Contractor
HANDYMAN - 37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan 602-434-6057
PERSONALS
ATTRACTIVE 70 year old female 5 ft. 5 140 lbs. red hair, financially secure, seeking active positive male 5570 years old, for companionship and serious travel. karenms9738@gmail.com
LAND FOR SALE
1 to 24 acres, Starting $14000. Various Locations, Seller financing, Owner/Agent, Call Ken, 602-510-8900 WANTED TO BUY
$100-$500+ Cash for Junk Cars all "as is" autos! Good condition more $$$$. Best Prices! Fast, free pickup. 623-329-2043
WeBuyJunkor RunningCars! Wepaytopdollar, Freeestimate/Towing. Samedaypickup! 602-384-4486 West Valley View CLASSIFIEDS Make your ad stand out! Add Color! Call 623-535-8439
Garage Sale!
1. Sort through your closets, cupboards and garage for items to sell.
2. Partner up with a neighbor or friend. This is helpful to give each other breaks during the day.
3. Advertise your sale — ask us for our Yard Sale Special!
4. In your ad include the type of sale, (e.g., Yard Sale, Multi-Family Sale), date, time, address/ cross streets, and be specific on prices for high dollar items. Popular items you can include: furniture, appliances, electronics, tools, yard equipment, designer/children’s clothes and shoes, craft items, antiques, unique items and collectibles/ collections.
5. Place signs on major cross streets and on the corners leading into your neighborhood. Just a fat, solid black arrow on colorful poster board works fine.
6. Price your items. If having a Multi-Family sale, each family should have a different colored price tag. You can do a $1 table, $5 table, etc., to save time.
7. Money. Be prepared with change, including coins. Do not accept checks. Cash only!
8. Have electricity available to test items.
9. Be safe. Do not let anyone into your home. Take your phone outside with you Have an extra person relieve you occasionally.
10. If it’s warm, offer cold bottled water for sale to cool off your customers! Happy customers buy things!
11. After the sale, remove your signs and donate leftover items to a local charity.
