Scottsdale Progress 03-12-2023

Scottsdale banking huge quantities of water

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor Andrew Bloom REALTOR®, Senior Partner Andrew@BVOLuxury.com

In her book “The Soul of Money,” Lynne Twist writes, “Money is like water.”

If that works both ways and water is like money, Scottsdale’s savings account would be bursting while neighboring Rio Verde Foothills is “broke.”

Despite the city’s repeated warnings about the drought’s impact on drinking water supplies, Scottsdale “banks” massive quanities of water every year – and is building more places to store what some call “liquid gold.”

Documents obtained by the Progress show that from 2019 through 2021, Scott-

Former mayor keeps eye on Scottsdale’s issues

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Tall, confident and smiling as usual, William James Lane –better known as “Jim” – strode out of Scottsdale City Hall as 2020 ended. Since 2004, the place had been his second home, first as a one-term councilman, then for a dozen years as mayor.

Lane, “termed out” after three straight stints, was not eligible to run for mayor again…not right away, at least.

But is he done leading Scottsdale for good?

As loquacious as they come, Lane’s light blue eyes twinkle as he says a lot of things about that. But there’s one word he avoids: No.

“People say that all the time,” Lane said with a chuckle. “They’ll say, 'Would you come back? Are you planning or would you? Would you like to go back? What would you like to do? Would you like to go back and be mayor?’

“I say there’s a lot of things I’d like to do,” he concluded, with a knowing grin. “Let me

As founder and CEO of Putting World, a new indoor putting course and training facility, in Scottsdale, Tim Suzor has latched onto an idea that may turn some entrepreneurs in the world of golf green with envy. He’s not worried about that, as he has some big plans with hopes for a lot of green in his future. For the story, see page 26.

(David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Scottsdale ponders utility rate increase

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Like just about everything else in these inflationary times, Scottsdale’s water, sewer and garbage-recycling ratesmay be on the rise.

The good news: Water rate increases, if approved by City Council, would not go into effect until Nov. 1, though sewer increases would take effect July 1.

In her presentation at the March 7 council meeting, Judy Doyle, the city’s budget director, stressed no action was needed and the proposed fees will be posted on the city’s website for at least 60 days.

Brian Biesemeyer, executive director of Scottsdale Water, said the city's water suppliers are raising prices, with CAP water rising 27% and SRP water

costs going up 10%.

Costs are also going up due to “increasing actions required for drought preparedness,” along with increased staffing and increased operating costs at treatment plants and “increased groundwater treatment costs.”

Biesemeyer’s proposed increase water service rates by 4.2% and sewer by 5.8% – which he called “well below the consumer price index for overall commodities.”

The combined 4.7% increase continues a trend in which water and sewer

rates have increased in four of the last five years (including this year).

Even so, the city’s projected average residential water-sewer bill of $59.12 for those who use 9,000 gallons or less – with a proposed $2.26 increase –would remain lower than Peoria, Glendale and Mesa, though it would climb over Gilbert’s $58.93 average.

Scottsdale water rates are currently higher on average than Chandler, Phoenix and Tempe.

Base fees and usage fees will both increase.

“The good news is they’ve reduced their water consumption,” Biesemeyer said of Scottsdale residents. “Kudos to our customers. We’re really trying to encourage customers to use 10,000 gallons a month or less."

A proposed 8% increase in garbage collection would raise monthly rates for one can from $25.96 to $28.03.

Even with the increase, Scottsdale’s garbage collection rates would be lower than Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe. Scottsdale’s garbage rates are currently higher than Gilbert, Chandler and Peoria.

Stormwater fees would also increase by $1 per month, from $4.95 to $5.95.

As previously reported by the Progress, the Parks and Recreation Department is proposing a $1 increase for lap swim, fitness center and public swim “due to exponential increases in operational costs.”

A proposed increase in Scottsdale’s water and sewer rates would increase the average residential bill by $2.26.

The average bill of $59.12 would remain lower than Peoria, Glendale and Mesa, though it would climb over Gilbert’s $58.93 average. Scottsdale’s water and sewer service is currently higher on average than Chandler, Phoenix and Tempe.

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Supervisors bash Ortega, reject Rio Verde plan

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Rio Verde Foothills residents remain dry as any hope that Maricopa County and Scottsdale could find a quick fix was dashed and appeared to give way –to a city vs. county battle that is becoming increasingly personal.

At its March 3 meeting, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors forcefully rejected a Scottsdale proposal– which Rio Verde Foothills residents seemed to embrace – to temporarily provide water to the county island outside the city’s northeast border.

The county formally slapped the city in the face, passing a resolution that “rejects city of Scottsdale’s intergovernmental agreement as impractical, inefficient and overly burdensome” and called on Scottsdale to reach an agreement with EPCOR, a private utility company.

“And we still don’t have water,” yelled resident Karen Pollari Nabity as she stormed out of the meeting.

The political situation quickly became an ad hominem argument.

Several supervisors bashed Scottsdale and Mayor David Ortega, blaming the city’s elected officials for denying water to Rio Verde Foothills for more than two months.

“David Ortega has embarrassed us on the national stage and I’m not going to stand for it,” Supervisor Thomas Galvin said.

Supervisor Steve Gallardo said, “The Scottsdale mayor needs to get off his little high horse.”

Ortega fired back:

“It is unfortunate that Supervisor Galvin continues to deflect his responsibilities to me. Conversely, I will continue to serve my constituents and continue to protect Scottsdale Water from those who would commandeer our facilities.”

Kelly Corsette, a city spokesperson, provided a statement following the county meeting:

“The Scottsdale City Council unanimously approved a proposed agreement that would assist Maricopa County in providing water to county residents in Rio Verde Foothills.

“The City of Scottsdale recognizes that Maricopa County may have concerns with elements of that proposal, but rather

than directing their staff to work with the city on those concerns, they rejected Scottsdale’s offer of assistance outright.

“Maricopa County is the local government for Rio Verde Foothills and today’s action makes it clear that they want to wash their hands of the matter and make Scottsdale responsible for their constituents. Should Maricopa County want to re-engage on Scottsdale’s draft intergovernmental agreement, it remains on the table.”

The county’s resolution tore apart Scottsdale’s proposal, calling it too expensive for RVF residents and “haphazard” in not identifying the source of 600 acre feet of water.

And the county pushed back hard on Scottsdale’s insistence of building limits in the county island just outside the city.

At a Feb. 21 meeting, after Scottsdale City Council voted unanimously on an agenda item titled “Temporary Water Supply Intergovernmental Agreement” called “a giant step forward” by one council member, Rio Valley Foothills residents were guardedly thrilled.

Galvin quickly attacked that plan, insisting “My plan is better”–referring to a plan in which private utility EPCOR would provide the water to Scottsdale.

In emails to the Progress, Ortega defended his plan and went after Galvin’s motivations.

Insisting Scottsdale’s plan for RVF “is comprehensive and protects Scottsdale residents, businesses, schools and essential services,” Ortega said Galvin “goes for the sound bite” and is “an annoyance.”

“And Galvin’ s law firm represents two of the largest home builders in Rio Verde (Toll Brothers and Meritage),” Ortega stated.

“Supervisor, attorney Tom Galvin is so compromised, I strongly suggest he recuse himself, entirely.

"He needs to quit trying to get into Scottsdale Water business so developers can build dry lot subdivisions in the county.”

According to the law firm’s website, “Thomas Galvin is a partner at Rose Law

Group and his legal career has been spent fighting for and on behalf of homeowners, property owners, farmers, and small business owners. His legal practice focuses on land use, real estate, and water law.”

Rose Law Group includes Meritage, Toll Brothers and other real estate developers on its “representative clients” list.

Galvin told the Progress he was offended by Ortega’s statement.

“My law firm doesn’t represent any builders that are looking to get a single drop of water from the standpipe, but I suspect Mayor Ortega already knew this,” Galvin said.

“Mayor Ortega continues to be focused on lobbing false or misleading allegations at me while I remain focused on trying to get increasingly desperate families the water that they so urgently need and getting this resolved for the City of Scottsdale.”

So, it seems, the two sides have dug deep trenches.

At a press conference after the March 3 meeting, Galvin was asked what the next steps will be to provide water to RFV. “I think Scottsdale now needs to figure it out,” he snapped.

Ten days before, a quick fix seemed promising for Rio Verde Foothills, who had their Scottsdale-provided water shut off Jan. 1, after decades of indirect service.

At the Feb. 21 Scottsdale City Council meeting, after profusely thanking Scottsdale, Lee Harris said, “We want the county to step up to the plate and take care of us because we are county taxpayers.”

Cody Reim and Christy Jackman, coleaders of the Rio Verde Foothills residents looking for water, were guardedly thankful; they had questions about the plan, but were respectful.

A few days later, their gloves came off.

Calling Ortega a “dictatorial tyrant,” Reim insisted private company EPCOR “has water in the CAP and they are waiting for you to get off your throne and make a deal.”

Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin led a charge to reject Scottsdale’s proposal for a temporary Rio Verde Foothills water solution. (Tom Scanlon/ Progress Managing Editor)

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sdale used far less water than it received from the Central Arizona Project and Salt River Project.

A Scottsdale Water representative declined to provide 2022 figures “as those are not finalized yet.”

However, near the end of 2022, Scottsdale Water Director Brian Biesemeyer informed council the city recharges around 10,000 acre feet of CAP water per year.

At the end of 2022, Scottsdale was finalizing plans to cut off water it provided for decades to Rio Valley Foothills. Mayor David Ortega implemented the shutdown Jan. 1, using the city’s drought plan as justification.

Seven weeks later, after intense scrutiny both locally and nationally, Scottsdale designed a temporary plan to provide water to residents in the county island just outside the city’s northeast borders for three years.

Based on recent usage, the plan would provide 126 acre feet of water for up to three years–but Maricopa County rejected the plan, which

hinged on Scottsdale “finding” 600 acre feet of water.

The per year total of 126 acre feet is approximately 0.01% of what Scottsdale typically banks per year – or about as much water as the city puts aside every five days.

In other words, Rio Verde wants Scottsdale to fill a bucket of water from its lake of reserves.

The Progress asked for the current or most recent volume of the city’s aquifers, but the city did not provide the information.

According to Biesemeyer, Scottsdale has been adding to its water reserves “for decades.”

Records show Scottsdale pumps billions of gallons annually into underground tanks and other storage sites.

One acre foot of water, so named as it is enough to cover 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot, is about 325,851 gallons. So the 10,000 acre feet of water Scottsdale has been saving represents more than 3 billion gallons per year.

When the Progress asked to interview the water director by March 8 for this story, Valerie Schneider, a Scottsdale Water spokesperson, said, “Mr. Biesemeyer is out of the office through your deadline.”

However, Biesemeyer was at the March 7 Scottsdale City Council meeting – giving a presentation on proposed water rate increases.

At that meeting, in answering a question from Councilmember Barry Graham on pumping cost increases, Biesemeyer said, “We anticipate large cuts in cap Colorado River water. We anticipate pulling from groundwater reserves we’ve been putting in for decades.”

“We’ve been adding water to our reserves,” Graham noted. “Are we going to be drawing on our savings?”

“Perhaps,” Biesemeyer said. “We could get to the point where we’d be drawing on that savings.”

While potential cuts from CAP water loom, Scottsdale Water is confident enough about continuing to bank water that it has a massive aquifer expansion project underway – essentially building more vaults for its liquid gold.

So, as headlines and TV stories around the country sound alarms over a “megadrought,” Scottsdale con -

Scottsdale

Council the city has been “banking” water for decades–recent figures show the city puts into its reserves some 10,000 acre feet of water per year. Meanwhile, the city shut down the 130 acre feet per year of Scottsdale water Rio Valley Foothills has been using. (Tom Scanlon/Progress Staff)

tinues to put aside the equivalent of small lakes.

Over the last few years, voluntary cutbacks by residents, tightening measures by city departments and a flourishing “water reclamation” (treating sewage water to make it suitable for irrigation and even drinking) system have reduced Scottsdale’s water consumption even as its population grows.

That means more for the bank.

As the city’s list of construction projects explains:

“Scottsdale is constructing four Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Wells at strategic locations throughout the city as part of its commitment to maximizing renewable surface water supplies and minimizing the use of groundwater.

“This will ensure long-term water supply sustainability by recharging high quality, potable water directly into the aquifer when water demand is low (late fall and winter months) and retain the capability to withdraw groundwater during high demand or emergencies.”

Schneider said one well will be ready early next year, with the other three scheduled to be up and running in early 2025.

Guarding the bank

The way City Council sees it, Scottsdale’s widely-bashed shut-off of water to Rio Verde Foothills while literally sitting on a massive water supply is simply guarding the city’s treasure.

Councilman Tom Durham said Biesemeyer regularly updates council on its water reserves –“recharge is what they often call it.”

Regarding the total water stored, Durham said, “I’m aware it’s a very, very large volume.”

So why wouldn’t Scottsdale provide a relatively few buckets of water to the 500 or so Rio Verde Foothills homes?

For Durham, it’s a matter of protecting the water reserves, so “they’re there when we need it…The day may be coming when we need it. It’s very important for us to preserve it.

“It’s not much different than a savings account at the bank,” Durham said. “You want it to be there for the long term. We don’t want to dip into it unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Providing even a relatively tiny amount of water to Rio Verde, Durham stressed, “is contrary to our drought management plan. That’s the No. 1 reason. …You don’t know what the long-term future is going to be.”

And, he added, “People in Scottsdale have paid for (water) – the processing and the infrastructure.”

“We would love to be able to help out Rio Verde. We thought we made a good offer to the county,” he said. “Frankly, I don’t know why the county isn’t accepting it.”

He was referring to the Scottsdale “Temporary Water Supply Intergovernmental Agreement,” which would provide up to 126 acre feet of water to Rio Verde Foothills annually for two or three years. The plan was contingent on Scottsdale obtaining a source for 600 acre feet before processing the water to drinking quality.

The county supervisors rejected the plan, demanding to know where Scottsdale would get the 600 acre feet of water.

“If they have a question with that, sign the agreement,” Durham said. “Put us to the test: we will get the water.”

Asked why Scottsdale couldn’t dip

Water Director Brian Biesemeyer told City

into its own massive reserves for the water the plan requires, Durham was adamant:

“The stored water is for Scottsdale,” he said. “It would be contrary to our drought management plan. That water is there for Scottsdale.”

Graham framed Rio Verde Foothills as a potential future legal issue that could drag the city into uncharted territory.

“We don’t want to be a utility for wildcat developments in an area growing without any management of that growth,” he said. “It’s unbridled, unregulated growth…They’re going to keep wanting more and more and more water.”

The supervisors also took issue with the part of Scottsdale’s plan asking the county to regulate growth in and around Rio Verde Foothills.

Noting some 70% of Scottsdale’s water “comes from an area that is most drought-stricken,” Graham added, “we have pressures to make sure we protect our water supply.”

“The good news is they’ve reduced their water consumption,” Biesemeyer said of Scottsdale residents at the March 7 meeting. “Kudos to our customers.”

City records show Scottsdale used 76,207 acre feet of water in 2021, 4,022 acre feet less than in 2020.

Scottsdale received 86,222.68 acre feet of water in 2021, with 72,695 acre feet of that coming from CAP. So that leaves 10,015 acre feet of water that were banked in 2021 alone. That figure climbs by another 20% when factoring in reclaimed water the city added to its reserves.

Ahead of the game

The technical term for banking water is “recharging.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Aquifer recharge (AR) and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) are man-made processes or natural processes enhanced by humans that convey water underground. The processes replenish groundwater stored in aquifers for beneficial purposes…AR is used solely to replenish

water in aquifers. ASR is used to store water, which is later recovered for use.”

Scottsdale Water likes to think of itself as innovative, and is indeed ahead of the game here.

Its website boasts, “Scottsdale Water operates one of the most extensive aquifer recharge programs in the country. Established in the late 1990s, the program promotes aquifer sustainability, ensuring our aquifer remains viable and available for use during surface water shortages and to meet peak demands.”

In 2021, “total production demand” for the city was 76,207 acre feet.

Records reviewed by the Progress show the city expects that demand to rise to over 79,000 acre feet in 2025 and 88,224 acre feet in 2030.

That increased demand mainly will be due to a growing population fueled by massive apartment and condo projects.

At the March 7 meeting, Council unanimously approved an increase in a job order limit from $2 million to $3.3 million for “TPC sewer line in-

stallation.”

According to the project description provided to council, “This will include installation of a section of a new 36inch diameter parallel relief sewer (1, 000 linear feet) that will eventually serve many private developments in North Scottsdale that will require increased sewer capacity.

“It is the rapid pace of new development that is driving the immediate need for the sewer repairs and capacity increase.”

Perhaps due to the city’s confidence in its extraordinary water reserves, no restrictions have been placed – either in city codes or the drought water plan – limiting how much water new projects can use.

At the March 7 meeting, a new “water analysis review” fee of $500 was introduced, targeting developments projected to use 100,000 gallons of water per day.

The city projects three of those projects will be built each year.

Each of those “mega users” would use about as much water as the Rio Verde Foothills community.

just say that that’s not on the top of the list.”

Tall and lean, slightly hunched over as he recovers from shoulder surgery, the 72-year-old spends his time like many of his fellow Scottsdale retirees: gardening, reading, researching – and keeping up with the news, both national and local.

On the Scottsdale level, there are a few things that raise his brown eyebrows in Clark Gable fashion (his wife says he also gets compared to Mike Ditka, the former football coach).

He is almost fiercely proud of what he says his accomplishments are: Pushing through charter reforms to limit the power of city administrators vs. elected officials; revitalizing Old Town; helping create the medical-biotech “cure corridor.”

He said his “philosophy of running the city as business” is “a point of pride as far as something that was accomplished–and it rang through the entire term of 12 years.”

Asked if he thinks the city is continuing that philosophy, he gives a grim grin, looking down at his loafers for a moment.

“There’s been a big shift in politics just generally in people’s minds. And a certain amount of fear and hysteria, you know, through the pandemic and things like that, that have really changed the sort of the psyche of our entire city,” Lane said. “And it is reflected, I think, in some of the folks that are on the council right now and were elected by that same group of citizens.

“So I think some of it has changed and slipped away. And I think some of the authority that they should have, has slipped into the administrative side…and primarily, with a strong city manager.”

That would be Jim Thompson, who was city manager during Lane’s last years as mayor; the two didn’t have a match “between his idea of how the city should be run and mine,” Lane notes.

Lane and current Mayor David Ortega are also a little different – to put it mildly.

One of the last things Lane did in office was his Sept. 21, 2020, rescinding of the city’s mask mandate, going against the advice of public health authorities and medical professionals to cancel a requirement Lane himself made three months earlier.

One of the first things Ortega did: reinstate the city’s mask mandate.

It’s hardly just a piece of cloth that separates the two.

“What people always used to say to me,” Joanne, Lane’s wife of 43 years, said, “is the thing they admired the most about Jim was that you could go into his office and you could talk to him. He might not always agree with you, but he always listened.”

Councilwoman Solange Whitehead laughed when asked what comes to mind when she thinks about Lane.

“He’s got one of my favorite lines,” she said. “He was always pleasant to work with. And my favorite thing he said was: I was ‘the most agreeable diagreer’ he knew.”

That way of charming your opponent wouldn’t be said about Ortega by some people – such as Cody Reim and Christy Jackman, two Rio Verde Foothills leaders singled out for criticism after Ortega and the city cut off their water.

After harsh words for Rio Verde’s problem (“There’s no Santa Claus” “water is not a compassion game”), Oretga turned his ire to state "irrespojnsible" lawmakers who came up with a plan to force Scottsdale to resume making water available to the community.

Last week, as County Supervisor Thomas Galvin led a sharply-worded rejection of Scottsdale’s plan for temporary water to RVF, Ortega called Galvin “an annoyance.’

Some would argue Ortega is simply sticking up for his city’s residents in protecting their most valuable asset – even Lane said he can see that.

Yet, even while he edged around direct

criticism of Ortega, it’s safe to say Lane likely would handle this crisis differently.

Rio Verde Foothills

Lane knows all about the water issue, as the unincorporated area had been

provided access to Scottsdale water (via a standpipe in northeast Scottsdale) long before Lane took office.

He said that in 2017, there was a threat to shut that access, abruptly: “They had a one-year permit to truck water away from a hydrant…It was a mess. But the bottom line is they had a one-year permit and they had been using it for 13 years.”

According to Lane, Scottsdale Water Director Brian Biesemeyer flatly stated, “’We can’t do it anymore’ – and he gave them 30 days to find another source. He was enforcing the permit…Brian was well within his authority.”

Lane said he stepped in: “I insisted that they give (the community) more time than that.”

The Progress asked Bisemeyer if this was accurate; he did not respond.

Lane sat back and shrugged, though not dismissively.

“Everybody’s got their own situation, their own personalities and how they deal with this kind of thing,” Lane said. “But it’s a touchy enough issue. And

see LANE page 10

From his central Scottsdale home, former Mayor Jim Lane says he keeps active with business interests, gardening–and keeping an eye on city news and issues.

(David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

when you’re talking about survivability, the value to your homes and everything else, you’ve got to work these things with kid gloves.

“And frankly,” he added, “with a little bit of humanity in the way you even approach it.”

As for Scottsdale rejecting Galvin’s plan – and then Galvin and his fellow supervisors rejecting Scottsdale’s plan, Lane struggled to remain detached.

“That was precipitated, I suppose, in part by an approach to it. I know that David was probably trying to protect Scottsdale residents and that’s fine,” Lane said of Ortega. “That’s altogether good sense. But it didn’t necessarily have to be said the way it was – or at least the way it was reported.”

Informed Galvin called Ortega “a national embarrassment,” Lane raised his eyebrows. “I like Galvin and I think he had a reasonable approach to this thing,” the former mayor said.

“But, on the other hand, that doesn’t help either.”

Even so, it’s unlikely that Lane will visit

City Hall to try to coach Ortega through this crisis.

“I don’t need to be bugging him and poking my head in there,” Lane said.

Choosing his words carefully, Lane summarized his relationship with Ortega: “It’s been a bit of a challenge.”

Lane said he tried to ease Ortega’s transition into office and sensed his help was not appreciated. “I haven’t really been back since,” Lane said.

Ortega did not respond to a request to provide his version of this.

A return to the spotlight

Lane remains second in longevity to the late Mayor Herb Drinkwater, who served 16 years before voters approved a three-term limit for future mayors.

After two years of relative silence, Lane’s even-keeled but definitive voice again rang out when he forcefully weighed in on the Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Scott Menzel controversy.

In January, Fox News did a story on a 2019 Michigan interview Menzel in which he used the word “problematic” to describe some white history.

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That was closely followed by a widelypublicized Feb. 1 “open letter” from three state lawmakers to the SUSD board demanding Menzel’s “immediate removal.”

Though his tone was more understated, Lane supported this notion in a Feb. 5 letter to the Progress in which he stated, “I believe that Dr. Menzel is not a good match for our community. In fact, if he can impose his mission to Disrupt, Dismantle and Reconstruct our school district’s educational system, I believe it would be detrimental to the education of our children and grandchildren.”

Two weeks later, Lane was the first public speaker at the Feb. 21 SUSD board meeting.

“Dr. Menzel has said many of the things you’re looking to try to avoid, in his interview,” Lane told the board. He began to expound on his argument – but was cut off, reaching the board’s 1-minute time limit per speaker.

No such limitations last week, as Lane chatted with the Progress on a number of topics during a 90-minute interview.

From the comfortable home near Cactus and Scottsdale roads where Lane has lived for decades, Lane showed he is keeping a close eye on the school district and other Scottsdale hot issues.

In 2007, Lane’s campaign promised transparency and fiscal accountability as he challenged incumbent Mayor Mary Manross.

Voters picked Lane by just 590 votes. After that, Lane steadily gained popularity. In the next two elections, John Wash-

ington, a longtime community activist, and Bob Littlefield, a former three-term councilman, challenged Lane, telling voters Lane supported subsidies for big business and that debt and overdevelopment ran rampant under his watch.

In 2016, a whopping 64% of Scottsdale voters went for Lane.

Lane led the approval of several 150foot developments in downtown Scottsdale – desperately needed for economic development, he said.

Lane expressed disgust for a “nogrowth mentality” he sees in the majority of council.

But, he added, “I think we have a great city government really in a lot of respects and I think that we have great people working there and they’ve done good things…But they need good leadership.”

As for what keeps his mind occupied post-City Hall, Lane said he is involved in the technology field, though informally.

“I dabble in talking to folks for folks,” he said. “But it’s not a compensation thing. It’s because of my interest in what they’re doing in the technology and innovation side of it."

One more go-around?

Scottsdale City Charter, Article 2, Section 18:

“Limitation Of Terms. No mayor shall serve more than three consecutive elected terms as mayor.”

As Scottsdale’s mayor for a dozen years, Jim Lane enjoyed community events and socializing, from ribbon cuttings to graduations. (Progress file photo)

Citizens line up to volunteer for commissions

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

“Is anyone here for a job interview?”

Mayor David Ortega asked, only half-joking, before a March 7 meeting at City Hall.

“Yes – but not a paying one,” answered one of 20 citizens ready, willing and eager to do free work on six city commissions.

For the next hour, council members repeatedly noted how impressed they were, not just by the size of the field but the level of qualifications and passion the candidates exhibited.

“I am so impressed,” Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said.

“Unbelievably talented candidates,” Councilman Barry Graham agreed.

Councilman Tom Durham, acting as informal master of ceremonies, summed up the city’s position: “I want to thank the individuals for their willingness to volunteer their time and service to the community.”

For free work, it was surprisingly competitive. Each candidate gave a brief statement, with many pitching hard for council votes.

Library

Everyone loves libraries – and, in Scottsdale, many want to be part of the library system.

There were five Library Board nominees for just one position.

Eric Goeld, a 30-year resident, told council, “I’ve always wanted to do some volunteering.”

He has a master’s degree in engineering and extensive experience in the electronics field. Since retiring, he added, he has published four books, “most written in the Mustang Library.”

George Hartz said he is a long-time resident and 10-year member of the board of Friends of the Scottsdale Library.

LANE from PAGE 10

The key word there, at least for Lane fans, is consecutive

Discussion of this brings his wife from the kitchen, where she is preparing for a small dinner party, to the Lane living room.

When people run into her and say “we

“I’ve been a lover of libraries my whole life,” Hartz said, pledging to continue making the library “accessible and exciting to residents.”

Enid Seiden said she has lived in the city since 1995 and is retired from Scottsdale Unified School District, where she continues to volunteer “to help support pupil testing.”

She previously served on the Human Services Commission. As a teacher, she “was a huge proponent” of libraries, she noted.

Christine Wilson described herself as a 27-year resident of the city, and also a former teacher. “I have always, always loved libraries,” she said. “The top issue I see today is trying to attract more people to come to the library.”

Gould, Seiden and Wilson received two votes each, forcing a runoff.

And the winner was…well, it took yet another round, with Gold and Seiden getting three votes each in round two.

Finally, Eiden won by a 4-3 vote.

Airport

For the Airport Advisory Commission, Sabrina Haverty joined the meeting via video. She said she has lived in Scottsdale for one year–and can see the airport runway from where she lives. She pledged to keep a strong watch over air traffic.

Charles McDermott, the other nominee to fill one vacancy, appeared in person. He is currently chair of the airport commission, an aviation managing engineer and has worked in aviation for more than three decades.

“Scottsdale is experiencing tremendous growth…it is critical for airspace around the airport be protected,” McDermott said.

McDermott was re-appointed by a unanimous decision.

Development Review

There was one opening and one candi-

want your husband back,” -how does she answer?

“I’m very proud of the job he did,” she said.

“Anything he wants to do, I’ll support… I still have people walk up to me and say, ‘Your husband just did such great things for the city.’”

So, Jim Lane, what’s it going to be?

date for the Development Review Board. Michal Joyner, a current board member, was re-appointed to review architectural and design plans. Despite a lack of competition, she gave a forceful presentation.

She noted her board’s challenges are similar to council’s: “Citizens have great expectations of us on how they want to live. The developers who come to Scottsdale expect to be treated with kindness and fairness and have their cases reviewed fairly and impartially.”

With looming legislation, Joyner identified a “new threat” to city planning: “State and federal governments seem to want to tell us how we can run our city and how we can build.”

Human Relations

The Human Relations Commission had four nominees for one position.

Marcie LePine described herself as an associate professor at ASU’s WP Carey School of Business who works in human resources. She does research in the area of resilience. So, it should have been no surprise when she identified the top issue facing the commission: “I see resilience as encompassing stress, well-being and burnout.” She pledged to work to increase residents’ sense of “belongingness.”

Cynthia Romagnolo said that in her work in banking, “I have focused on elevating women’s voices.” She added the challenge of the commission is to share with residents that “despite perceived differences they have more in common than they perceive.”

Marietta Strano, who came here from Kansas, where she worked in the education system, emphasizing collaborations. She also previously taught in China and volunteers at the library. An issue for the commission, she said, “Could be how and when to reach out…to promote

see COMMISSIONS page 13

Will you run again, in 2024?

He chuckles. “People tell me that I can come back–sitting out one term–and do it again,” he said. “There’s hardly a day goes by that people don’t come up to me and ask me.”

Asked how they phrase it, Lane said it’s usually three words:

“‘We need you.”

CHANGE A CHILD’S

Donors have until April 17, 2023 to contribute to a Qualifying Charitable Organization for it to count as a credit on their 2022 taxes. Donations received after April 17, 2023 may be applied to their 2023 taxes.

Taxpayers can receive a dollar-fordollar credit, up to $400 for individuals and $800 for joint filers for the Qualifying Charitable Organization Tax Credit. Please don’t wait. Make your Arizona tax credit gift to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale TODAY. Help kids who need us most right here in our community.

Civic Center Library exhibit scores home run

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Libraries just aren’t about books or using the internet.

Just ask Arizona Baseball Legacy & Experience President Mike Phillips and Vice President Charlie Vascellaro.

They saw the Civic Center Library, located 800 feet from Scottsdale Stadium, as the perfect spot for an exhibit dedicated to one of Spring Training’s most storied stadiums.

“I think libraries suck people in. If you’re an out-of-towner and you’re walking by, that’s a good way to get to know a place a little bit better,” Vascellaro said.

The two had an idea in 2020 for a small exhibit that described the evolution of the Cactus League. That exhibit opened in March 2020 – but closed after four days when the pandemic shut down virtually all public facilities.

Phillips and Vascellaro then collaborated on an exhibit titled “Rebuilding

Home Plate,” which centered around the history of baseball played during the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II.

The exhibit was shown at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and currently resides in the Arizona Heritage Center.

Phillips, Vascellaro and the rest of the nonprofit decided to take a swing at telling another story: that of Scottsdale Stadium and Spring Training in the city.

This seemed to be a natural progression for Phillips, who has spent the past quarter century working in media relations for the City of Scottsdale and as a Scottsdale Progress editor.

“I’ve worked for the City of Scottsdale for over 20 years and worked on a variety of projects to promote Spring Training and through that process, I’ve met a lot of people who were passionate about Spring Training,” Phillips said.

“A few years ago, there just seemed to be a gap in any organization that was celebrating the Cactus League and cel-

ebrating Arizona baseball history.”

Phillips rounded up some of his friends last year and formed what would

become the Arizona Baseball Legacy & Experience.

“We felt that the best approach to take was that this is a community-focused effort and a nonprofit was the best way to structure it,” Phillips recalled. “We’ve been a nonprofit for about a year and it’s just taken off like crazy.”

The nonprofit asked City Council for a $7,000 grant to curate the exhibit, which recaps the vast history of the five teams that have called Scottsdale Stadium home since 1956.

“We wanted to do a Scottsdale-focused exhibit because the city has more spring training history than any other community probably in the country,” Phillips said. “They’ve had five teams here and every one of those teams, there’s really cool stories attached to that time.”

After securing the grant, the two men began reaching out to ex-Major League umpires and friends who had ties to the league.

Eventually, a dozen collectors agreed to loan their collectibles to the exhibit.

“It’s from this network that myself and my partners have built over the last 2530 years,” Phillips said.

Among the relics on display are jerseys from each team, bats, baseballs and even a stall from Scottsdale Stadium be-

see ABLE page 13

Mike Phillips stands in front of a player’s locker from the original 1950s iteration of Scottsdale Stadium, part of the new exhibit at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

better understanding.”

Romagnola received five votes to win the appointment.

Neighborhood Advisory

For one vacancy on the Neighborhood Advisory Commission, there were also multiple candidates.

Nancy Brady moved here from Colorado, where she was a county commissioner. A former auditor and accountant, she said she wants “to make sure policies and procedures meet best standards.” Here, she is an ambassador for Old Town. She identified water conservation as the biggest issue for the commission.

Lee Cooley said he has lived in Scottsdale for 17 years, and has worked in Make a Wish here. He identified finding grants as a crucial goal.

Sheri Lopez said she was a flight attendant for 25 years and “a survivor of human trafficking.” She said she wants to keep “the charm of Old Town” while

ABLE from PAGE 12

fore its renovation.

Although the exhibit features memorabilia from the New York and San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago Cubs, it tells a deeper story of how the city grew around Spring Training.

“When you think about the contribution that that ballpark has made to this community – and I’m not just talking about sports and people –I’m talking about culture and history, there’s a whole wealth of history and stories that go back decades and kind of almost explains the evolution of the town and how the town evolved around the ballpark,” Vascellaro said.

This is evidenced by photographs on display throughout the exhibit showing Scottsdale Stadium through the years and how it was surrounded by nothing but farm fields in its early days and a view of the Camelback Mountains that provided the backdrop to the outfield.

The exhibit also highlights a business that was a fixture during the game’s early days: Hanging above one of the displays is the cutout of the sign that stood above the Pink Pony from 1947 until the restau-

“making a positive future growth.”

Brady received four votes to take the commission seat.

Parks and Recreation

Two nominees went after one Parks and Recreation Commission opening.

Eric Maschhaupt said as a father he “spends a lot of time in our parks.” He is a software technology professional who said the top issue of the board is to “spend wisely the available budgets.”

Kim Ollerhead said she has lived in the city for 40 years and is a “stay-at-home mom, blogger and influencer” who spends a great deal of time with her child in parks. The biggest challenge, as she sees it: “keeping our parks inclusive.”

Maschhaupt was appointed by a unanimous vote.

Tourism

Ray Michaels, who worked in the cruise industry for three decades, and Anna Mineer, a hospitality professional whose

see COMMISSIONS page 18

rant closed in 2017.

Because of this, Phillips hopes this exhibit sparks conversations about the good old days when fans would hang around these establishments and share a drink with umpires who called the game and the occasional ball player that would sneak into the space.

The exhibit also features an interactive component as fans can vote on their team of all-stars who played at Scottsdale Stadium. The votes will be tallied and a team will be assembled following the closure of the exhibit.

However, the main goal is to tell the story of one of Spring Training’s most storied stadiums.

Because of this, Phillips says that the Arizona Baseball Legacy & Experience plans to expand the exhibit and show it at different locations throughout the city for the next three years.

Legends, All-Stars and Rogues

Exhibit

When: Now through April.

Where: Civic Center Library, 3839

N. Civic Center Blvd., Scottsdale

Cost: Free

Info: ABLEAZ.org

Local lawmaker favors armed parents on campus

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

House lawmakers voted Wednesday to let certain parents bring their loaded guns onto school campuses despite the fact they themselves are protected by rules and a metal detector that keep their armed constituents out.

Existing laws now prohibit loaded firearms on public school, college and university campuses. SB 1331 would create an exemption saying that doesn’t apply to parents or guardians of children who attend that school provided they have a state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW).

The measure, which already has been approved by the Senate, now goes to the full House.

Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, said the existing restriction makes no sense.

“How many criminals pay attention to a law?’’ she asked, contending her bill would extend his right only to

“people who have taken the training and who are looking to protect.’’

That didn’t convince Anne Thompson with Moms Demand Action which lobbies for stronger gun laws.

She told lawmakers, “Allowing guns in schools is an extreme measure that will endanger children, young people, teachers, staff and visitors.’’

Thompson pointed out there are places where guns are not allowed, whether because of federal or state laws. These include polling places on Election Day, secure areas of airports and detention facilities.

And to that list, add the Arizona House where visitors are required to go through metal detectors and must either leave their weapons in their vehicles or check them with security.

“Why would we not give our children the same security?’’ she asked.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, acknowledged the point.

“I agree, it does make us look slightly hypocritical when we’re running bills

like this,’’ he said. In fact, Kolodin said he would support removing the metal detectors

“just as the Senate has so that citizens could exercise the constitutional right to keep and bear arms in their House.’’ That’s not exactly true: While there are no metal detectors at the Senate, visitors are not allowed to bring in their weapons there either.

But Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, said that doesn’t mean there are no guns at the Capitol, even beyond security officers.

“I’ve been a CCW holder for probably close to the last 20 years,’’ he said.

A similar exception to laws banning weapons in public buildings exists for lawmakers in the Senate.

Michael Infanzon, lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League, told lawmakers there’s no reason to believe that allowingCCW permit holders to bring the guns onto campus would lead to more students being shot and killed in school shootings. Instead, In-

see GUNS page 18

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, supports legislation allowing parents with carry permits to come armed to schools. (Capitol Media Services)

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GUNS

fanzon cited instances where he said armed individuals helped stop mass shootings.

But Rep. Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale, said simply having a CCW permit, with its four-hour training requirement, hardly prepares people to deal with emergency situations.

He noted testimony on other gun bills by police officers who have talked about the issues they face when being called to an active shooter situation. Contreras said that these are adrenaline-filled situations where they are trying to get people out while focused

COMMISSIONS from PAGE 13

three-year term on the commission is expiring, were nominees for Mineer’s Tourism Development Commission seat. Mineer was reappointed with six of seven votes.

Veterans Advisory

Four nominees went up for one Veter-

on finding the person with the gun.

“With all the chaos going on, they can’t depict who the perpetrator is and who is not because they’re going in there to try to save our children and save the people that are in whatever environment,’’ he said.

But Kolodin, in supporting the legislation, said it doesn’t go far enough. The way he sees it, carrying a concealed weapon is a “constitutional right’’ and there should be no requirement to get a permit to do so.

That actually already is the case.

Arizona adults who have not been convicted of felonies always have been allowed to carry sidearms openly. The

ans Advisory Commission seat.

Roger Day, a Vietnam War veteran and current member of the commission, said many veterans do not know of resources.

“We need to help supply that information,” he said.

Joe DuBois said he is a West Point graduate and combat veteran. Through a career as an attorney, he said, “I’ve never lost my passion for

right to have a concealed firearm was added in 1994, though that required getting a state-issued permit.

In 2010, however, Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation allowing any adult to carry a concealed gun.

But some people still want – and the state still issues – permits, though the requirements have been eased over the years. CCW permit holders still have special privileges, such as the ability to bring their weapons into bars and, if this bill becomes law, onto school campuses if they are parents or guardians.

The Department of Public Safety reports there are currently 452,024 active

veterans.” He stressed supporting female veterans.

Justin Layman also said he is a combat veteran, with multi ple deployments before becoming a smallbusiness owner. In a high-energy presentation during which he apologized for being nervous, he said veterans who are homeless and/or have PTSD would be his priorities.

permits in Arizona.

What applies to lawmakers and guns at the Capitol is a bit fuzzier.

In 2007, Karen Johnson, then a senator from Mesa, told Capitol Media Services that she was bringing her .22 caliber eight-shot revolver into the Senate building despite state laws prohibiting weapons in public buildings.

Bethany Schilling said she served in the military for 12 years and had “multiple deployments” and is the wife of a current military professional. Her biggest issue is providing resources to veterans.

“Once again, we have an embarrassment of riches,” Durham said, before the vote. Layman won four votes and the appointment.

Society welcomes first Historymakers class since 2019

BY ALEX GALLAGHER  Progress Staff Writer

Since 1992, the Arizona Historical Society has partnered with the Arizona Historical League in Tempe to induct a class of living history makers each year.

But after inducting its 2019 class of Historymakers, the pandemic brought the annual event to a halt – until Feb. 23, when nine new individuals and one family were formally introduced as the 2023 class of Historymakers at an official ceremony held at the Arizona Heritage Center. Six of the 10 inductees attended the ceremony.

This year’s class includes:

Frank Barrios, a civil engineer who worked on flood control, the Central

Arizona Project and policy for the Arizona Department of Water Resources. He served three years on the Central Arizona Project Board after his retirement.

He also became instrumental in social issues involving Mexican Americans and the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul which garnered him the Hon-Kachina Award for Volunteer Service and the title of an Arizona Culture Keeper.

Dr. Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University and the 16th in school history who has spearheaded ASU's rapid and groundbreaking transformative evolution into one of the world’s best public metropolitan research universities.

Angel

SUSD Governing Board honors standout students, staff

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

Scottsdale Unified School District recently recognized some of its high achievers–and life savers.

On the music front, Marco Montemore of Chaparral High School and Jake Weiss of Saguaro High first provided a little entertainment and were honored at a recent district board meeting for being selected for the All State Jazz Band.

Also at the Feb. 21 board meeting, Baraa Abdelghne of Saguaro High School and Zack Okun of Desert Mountain High School received wild applause for being Flinn Scholarship finalists.

Abdelghne and Okun were chosen from more than 1,000 applicants for their academic excellence and school and community leadership.

Anasazi Elementary School was recognized for becoming an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school.

Desert Canyon Middle School's "DC Voltz" robotics team was recognized for participating in the LEGO League State Championship. The team won the first place trophy for exemplifying the competition’s Core Values.

Robotics Coach Larry Bloom was also honored with the Coach/Mentor Award.

And, while shaping young lives, sometimes school really is a matter of life and death–as two examples showed.

Kiva Elementary School teacher Alexandria Hawley and school nurse Kelley Eckhauser were recognized for performing life-saving aid to a choking student.

Cherokee Elementary School nurse Will Graham, health assistant Bobbi Treadwell and third grade teachers John Avianantos and Amber Lindsey were applauded for performing life-saving measures to save the life of a parent (who had come to the school for a parent-teacher conference).

Delgadillo, who began his career Also honored were Dr. Jeffrey Trent, founder of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, left, and Daniel Von Hoff, TGen’s founding Physician-in-Chief. (David Minton/ Progress Staff Photographer) see HISTORYMAKERS page 24

Marco Montemore of Chaparral High School, left, and Jake Weiss of Saguaro High were honored for being selected to the All State Jazz Band. (SUSD)

Rotary fundraiser to help 2 local organizations

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

With client visits increasing 50% at The Foothills Food Bank in 2022 and the Foothills Caring Corps seeing sharp increase in requests for meals, transportation, in-home visits and other help, the Rotary Club of Scottsdale is coming to their aid.

“These two organizations play a critical role in the health of our com -

Doreen A. Burnett

March 26, 1923 - March 2, 2023

Doreen A. Burnett, 99, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on March 2, 2023. She was born in Transfer, PA on March 26, 1923. She graduated from a one-room schoolhouse and went on to serve as Seaman 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She and her family moved to Scottsdale, AZ from Greenville, PA in 1973. She was Post Commander of American Legion Post 44 and President of the Women’s Auxiliary. She was also a member and President of Post 3513 VFW Auxiliary. She is survived by daughter Sheryl Nevarez of Arizona, sons Richard of Louisiana and Brian of Connecticut, and five grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles, son Stephen, parents Charles and Mildred Amon, sisters Erla Stoyer and Shirley Ortman, and granddaughter Deanna Doreen Soulier. Doreen will always be remembered for her artful needlepoint and quick wit. Services will be held Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Messinger Indian School Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Visitation will be at 12:30, with services at 1:00 PM.

munity and our ability to help our neighbors,” the Rotary said in a release. “Now they need help to continue their work. “

The club will hold its Spring into Action fundraiser 5-8 p.m. March 25 at The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B in Scottsdale.

The evening will include live music, wine and beer, appetizers and small plates, live and silent auctions as well as a wine bottle pull. Live auction items include a Phoenix Police Helicopter Ride-along. Tickets are $100 per person.

“This is the first time these three or-

ganizations have combined their efforts to present a single fundraiser”, said Daniel Eastburn, president of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale North.

“It makes so much sense because we often work together on specific projects and needs in the community. And we always support each other’s efforts and missions”.

Leigh Zydonik, executive director of the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center said, “We share a common passion to lift up our community, and we look forward to collaborating with the Foothills Caring Corps and Rotary Club of Scottsdale on this fundraising event".

"It's a sign of a great community when leaders build each other up and the Rotary Club is showing us all the strength we have when we work together," Zydonik added.

Nancy Cohrs, interim executive director of Foothills Caring Corps agreed.

“We’re grateful to be included in this wonderful community event,” she said. “It takes a village to support our neighbors, and it’s because of your support that those who are aging in place are able to access supportive programs and services close to home.”

For information contact: Ann Burke at annburke1@cox.ne t

Passover food drive now underway in Scottsdale

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

Jewish Family & Children’s Service and the Bureau of Jewish Education are hosting their Passover Food Drive.

In the past year, Jewish Family and Children’s Service has seen a startling increase in the number of people experiencing food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices climbed 10 percent in 2022.

“JFCS wants to ensure that everyone in our Jewish community has access to the food they need to observe a traditional Passover,” said JFCS Jewish Program Manager Kathy Rood.

“We’re asking the community to support our efforts by making a monetary or food donation so we can help ensure a meaningful holiday for more than 200 Valley families.”

Individuals can also support the effort by making a monetary donation via check sent to Bureau of Jewish Education-Passover Food Drive, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 203, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 or online at.jfcsaz.org/donate/ donate-online-now/passover.

All monetary donations will be used to purchase perishables such as whole Kosher chickens, and to supplement the food collected from Passover drop-off location boxes.

Food items can be dropped off at the

Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus and local synagogues in the Passover Food Drive collection boxes by March 30.

Requested Kosher for Passover nonperishable food items include but are not limited to matzah, gefilte fish, wine, grape juice, matzah ball (and soup) mix, horseradish, candy, cookies, cake mixes, and matzah farfel.

If you or someone you know needs assistance in celebrating Passover this year, contact Jewish Community Services at Kathy.Rood@jfcsaz.org or 602452-4627.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service is a non-sectarian nonprofit that provides behavioral health, healthcare and social services to all ages, faiths and backgrounds.

DAR Good Citizen

Members of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored Chaparral High School student Renee Hsu with a Good Citizen Award, calling her “an outstanding writer and leader.” At the award presentation were, from left: Leslie Rold, Chaparral Counselor; Betty Heenan, DAR Grand Canyon Chapter Chair; Renee, and Regent Stephanie Troth. (Special to the Progress)

with a barber shop in Seligman along Route 66. After his business was bypassed by the opening of US 40, he doggedly built support from local businesses, counties and the state to make Route 66 a historic road. In 1987 he founded the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona; and in 1988, 159 miles of the “Mother Road was dedicated as historic.

Delgadillo also finally retired from his barbershop in 2022 at age 95.

Dolan Ellis, who has penned more than 300 songs and ballads about Arizona, its history and its people, earning him the honor of “Arizona’s Official State Balladeer” for over 55 years.

He was also a member of the Grammyaward-winning 60s folk group “The New Christy Minstrels” and established the Arizona Folklore Preserve in Southern Arizona’s Ramsey Canyon, where Arizona songs and stories have been presented and preserved for over 25 years.

Ira Fulton and the Fulton Family have become a name synonymous with the state and the two schools at Arizona State University are named after them.

Ira Fulton was born in Tempe in 1931 and grew Fulton Homes into one of the nation’s largest private home builders.

He and his wife, Mary Lou, who met as students at ASU, were partners in their philanthropy as her dream was to be a teacher, but she quit school to raise a family. Urged by Ira, she returned to ASU to complete her teaching degree in 1975. Mary Lou passed in 2015.

The family founded The Fulton Family Foundation in 1988 to support higher education and has made a difference for thousands of college students.

Since then, The Fulton’s have donated more than $160 million to ASU for the teacher’s program and the engineering college, among other areas.

Terry Goddard, former state attorney general, Phoenix mayor and son of former governor Sam Goddard, who  has spent his life in public service, working to increase citizen participation in government, enhancing consumer protection and making government more transparent.

Most recently, he spearheaded the Arizona voter approval of Prop. 211, the Stop Dark Money initiative in the fall of 2022. The initiative will require public disclosure of major donations used in campaign media spending.

Though an accomplished politician and lawmaker, Goddard humbly told the Progress “I'm in awe of some of the great people that have served Arizona in the past and it's been fun to be a small part of many different aspects of our state.”

Denise Resnik.  When her 2-year-old son Matt was diagnosed with autism in 1993, she and her husband were advised to “love, accept and plan to institutionalize” their child. Resnik committed to finding another way.

The two did much more than that. The native Phoenician applied her business background, communications skills and energies toward co-founding the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, which is now a nationally renowned nonprofit serving children and adults.

Its flagship property, First Place–Phoenix, opened in 2018 and = provides residents with support for honing essential life skills that lead to more independent living.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Trent, Ph.D., FACMGG is the visionary founder of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

TGen helped revolutionize the field of precision medicine, a medical approach that takes into account an individual's genomic makeup when diagnosing and treating diseases.

The Phoenix native's illustrious career includes serving as the founding director of the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) at the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. entity that led the international effort to map the human genome, and faculty leadership

positions at the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona.

Trent has also authored more than 400 manuscripts in the scientific literature, numerous book chapters, invited reviews and invited lectures.

Along with his role as president and research director of TGen, he maintains an active research lab that focuses primarily on cancer, including seminal work in skin, prostate and ovarian cancer.

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff is the founding Physician-in-Chief of TGen and has devoted much of his life to laboratory and clinical development of new anti-cancer agents.

The Scottsdale resident and his colleagues were also involved at the beginning of the development of many new therapies now used routinely for the treatment of patients with leukemias, breast, prostate, lung, colon, gallbladder, ovarian, skin and multiple other types of cancer.

Additionally, Von Hoff led the clinical trials for FDA approval of three of the four new therapies that improve survival rates for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

“In the last 40 years, it's gotten a lot better and survival has improved for every cancer there is, even pancreas cancer,” he said. “Although this is a great honor, we've got a lot of work to do, but at least this means that we are making progress.”

Elizabeth J. White, who turned 100 just days before joining her fellow Historymakers, is the owner of one of Phoenix’s “oldest and longest” owned and operated AfricanAmerican establishments, The Golden Rule Cafe – affectionately called “Mrs. White’s.”

She has weathered many storms…. in-

cluding, discrimination against AfricanAmericans and women, the business has stood the test of time.

A divorced mother of five, she and the four youngest children moved to Phoenix in 1963 to help her brother Floyd Jimmerson in his restaurant and the church. She eventually took over the restaurant and, the society noted, followed “golden rule of feeding the body and the spirit.”

White said she was “overflowing with joy” when she heard herself referred to as a Historymaker and called the honor a “blessing from the Lord” – a fitting saying for the business owner who is also an ordained pastor.

Though these Historymakers were all humbled by the honor, the impact they have made continues to be felt every day and was underscored by Arizona Historical League President Christine Hackett.

“This shows that there are history makers from every corner of our state and in every category from cultural events, music arts, right medicine,” Hackett said. “There are a lot of good people that are doing a lot of wonderful things and I think this goes to highlight that.”

The next steps for these Historymakers will be scheduling an in-person interview and dropping off some props that help tell their story for an exhibition that will go on display at the Arizona Heritage Center this fall.

Info: Arizona Historical League/ Arizona Heritage Center is located at 1300 North College Avenue, Tempe. 480-387-5369. historicalleague.org

Terry Goddard Elizabeth J. Whitev Dollan Ellis

Putting World rolls into Scottsdale Promenade

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Sta Writer

Tim Suzor, CEO and founder of Putting World, lives and breathes golf.

With over 30 years of professional experience as a golf pro, coach and lifelong fan of the sport, he has devoted most of his life to greens, golf clubs and the sport in general.

However, it wasn’t until three years ago that Suzor thought about turning one area of the game that most golfers struggle with into a business.

“When we teach golf, you usually start with the fundamentals but I’ll start about a foot away from the hole and we'll work our way back because it’s important to give people success right out of the gate to hear the ball go in the cup - then learn skills like chipping, pitching and di erent aspects of the game,” Suzor said.

With this approach to teaching the game, Suzor eventually gured he could create a business by teaching students how to putt 18 di erent holes inside a large space.

However, his dream didn’t hit a hole in one until he saw the space of what was once an O ceMax located o Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Scottsdale Road, just a mile away from TPC Scottsdale.

“I drove by this location one day and saw that it was an O ceMax that was closing and I thought ‘what a perfect location and what a perfect footprint,’” Suzor recalled.

He saw strong potential for the 25,000-square-foot former home of the once booming office supply retailer as it could accommodate an outdoor patio and a mezzanine as well as an intimate space for his highest-tier members.

“ is is 25,000 square feet that I felt

could be a great venue for events where we could get 400 people in here at a time and have 72 players on the course at a time,” Suzor said.

Although the concept was originally compared to entities like putt-putt courses and the Top Golf Franchises, Suzor saw it as more akin to a di erent sport that balances high-level competition with fun for all ages: Bowling.

“I think bowling alleys are not a bad analogy since there you have leagues and pros and amateurs,” Suzor said.

ere are putting leagues across the nation, Suzor admits, having represented Arizona in putting contests around the nation as recently as 2017.

But he said none are held in venues

owned by the tour. is gave Suzor the grand idea to start Putting World initially.

“Years ago, I putted it in the world putting championship in Florida and I represented Arizona as the winner from the state. en I also did one in Vegas in 2017 and I realized nobody owned the venue,’ Suzor said.

“They had the ingredients of a leaderboard, a purse and food and beverage, but they didn't have the technology in the fitting and instructional piece.”

With a 10-year lease and already building quick traction, Suzor plans to host the first World Putting Tour with a $30,000 purse the weekend of

March 31.

e competition is currently accepting quali ers through March 26.

Suzor also realized he still had plenty of room in his 25,000 square foot space to give the business some Scottsdale are by adding a restaurant caddied by a chef-driven menu and specialty cocktails.

Additionally, it boasts a pro shop selling clothing, putters and covers, a build shop to customize putters, private performance studios and a decorative ambiance of 50 86” televisions, a chandelier made out of putters and light fixtures that look like inverted golf holes.

With these added amenities, Putting World o ers day passes as well as four levels of membership ranging from Diamond down to junior.

e Diamond membership grants members luxuries like their own liquor and putting lockers, access to private rooms and full-course access.

Though these luxuries give members more bang for their buck, the course itself is a technological marvel as it utilizes lasers to pinpoint the starting point of each hole and balls that track each stroke and the distance traveled.

Although Putting World is only in its rst few months of operation, Suzor already sees his concept growing to markets like Minneapolis,  Chicago, Las Vegas and the Dallas/Fort Worth area and teased that he could eventually expand globally.

In the meantime, his focus is set on the "West’s Most Western Town" and becoming another destination spot in the city's ever-growing golf scene.

Putting World 16259 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

480-398-8201. puttingworld.com

Tom Suzor feels he struck green when he found an empty big box that he converted into an 18-hole putting practice area. (David Mionton/Progress Photographer)

3/21 Kelli O’Hara

3/19 Zukerman Trio

4/11 Folk Legacy Trio

3/27 Rosanne Cash

3/31 Tito Puente Jr.

Abstract artist journeys into Gebert Gallery

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Tucson abstract artist Carlos Ramirez had always admired the renowned Gebert Contemporary Art Gallery in Old Town and dreamed of showing his art there someday.

“Gebert is one of the nicest galleries around the country and it's a gallery I've always wanted to be part of,” Ramirez said.

“I also don't have any representation anywhere in the whole southwest or mountain region, so it's a good base to have representation in especially since moved to Tucson about two years ago.”  His dream quickly transcended into a reality when Ramirez received a direct message on Instagram from Gebert

Contemporary Art Gallery Director William Lykins stating he admired his work and he should pop by the gallery sometime soon.

Honored by the request, Ramirez made the trek up the I-10 and met with Lykins to discuss the potential of having an exhibition at the gallery.

After Lykins made a trip down south to check out Ramirez’s Tucson gallery, the talks began to escalate.

Eventually, a decision was made to exhibit a collection of works inspired by landscapes Ramirez found while riding his bike around his new city of residence.

“I get my inspiration from the world around me. I go hiking a lot and I also am a cyclist, so I spend a lot of time cy-

SMoCA curator’s project looks at miscommunication

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Lauren R. O’Connell, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art’s curator of contemporary art, has long been fascinated with art and focuses on miscommunication.

Beginning in 2016, three years before she rejoined SMoCA, O’Connell began to notice a change in the conversations she was having with artists and others.

“In 2016, ‘Post-truth’ was named word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries and a lot of what was happening in the news and in the conversations that I was having with family and friends fed into ideas of miscommunication,” O’Connell explained.

It took a while before she began begin exploring how art reflected the cultural shift in communication.

When she started at the museum. she said, “I realized I had this platform and I have this director, Jennifer McCabe , who really liked this idea and told me to go for it,” O’Connell recalled.

“I started doing research on topics of miscommunication and language,” she explained.

O’Connell was about to start visiting artists’ studios when the pandemic struck and intensified the complexity of how Americans discussed facts. In the long run, though, it helped her conversations with artists about the topic.

“All of these artists in the show contributed to expanding the idea,” she said.

Eighteen artists contributed to the show. And though their works differ in

Carlos Ramirez is showing a collection of six abstract landscape images as part of a collection he calls “Stories From Neighborhood Walks.” (Special to the Progress)  see GEBERT page 29

“Proof-Reading #3, 2018” by artist Ann Morton is part of the new exhibition “Language in Times of Miscommunication.” (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer) see SMOCA page 29

cling and I keep my phone right on top of my bike so if I want to take a picture, it's just super easy,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez used the photos as inspiration to create abstract works that invoked the emotion he felt while gazing at the landscapes.

“I used to be more of a representational painter where I would draw literally what you're seeing, but over the years, I felt that that doesn't really capture what I want to capture.

"I wanted to capture a little bit of the emotion in that I kind of get that from

just being outdoors,” he said.

However, it wasn’t just the landscapes that fascinated him.

He also became particularly enamored with the older homes that he discovered in the historic neighborhoods of Tucson.

What ensued was “Stories From Neighborhood Walks” abstract evergreen images of landscapes that capture the scenes Ramirez captured over the span of two years.

“They’re not specific to Tucson even though it is called ‘Stories From Neighborhood Walks’,” Ramirez said.

He says this is best exemplified by one of the six works he has in the show

a conversation to kind of expand our ideas.”

titled “Moonlight Block,” which tells the tale of nightly strolls he takes from his downtown Tucson residence to an ice cream parlor he frequents with his wife.

“We live in an area of town where there aren't a lot of lights and we like to walk a couple of miles to an ice cream shop where we get gelato,” Ramirez said.

“Walking back at night, we’re surrounded by basically the shadow of the trees up against the moonlit sky which is quite beautiful, he continued.

"Those are the things that I'm referring to in the works, which makes them not specific to Tucson as much as they are to

the western landscape.”

The six works, which opened last week  will be on display through April 5.

If You Go:

Carlos Ramirez: “Stories From Neighborhood Walks”

When: Through April 5

Where: Gebert Contemporary Art Gallery, 7160 Main St., Scottsdale Cost: Free.

Info: gebertartaz.com

content, each contributes to a larger conversation.

“Although all of the work is not on the same subject, it all leads to a bigger conversation,” O’Connell said.“

“So much of it is about engaging the public and seeing that art sometimes isn't just a beautiful thing, it is really about being in the contemporary moment.”

Some of the pieces underline political viewpoints and stances.

“I feel like when we talk about divisive language in this country or communication in this country, you can't help it's political,” she said. “It's something that everybody has an opinion on and I feel like with art, it can add to

The exhibition touches on a breadth of topics ranging from the origin of factchecking by Time Magazine to a work that re-writes the preamble to the Constitution in the slang language of Polari to works that depict historical movements.

The exhibition also features works ranging from mixed-media pieces to neon art, sculpture and text art.

“I really let the artwork speak for itself, and I think it does,” O’Connell said. “I did really try to make sure that the artists came from different generations, different parts of the country and different backgrounds, so that we have a mixture of perspectives from a lot of different viewpoints.”

Not only has this exhibition consumed three spaces inside of the museum, but the art featured in it has been placed around the Civic Center with banners hanging outside of the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Center for the Performing Arts that tease some of the works inside.

“I see this show as a conversation about the way that we communicate in this country right now while also looking at the way in which fiction actually shapes our reality,” O’Connell said.

“I hope it encourages interesting conversations and rather than pushing

people apart, I hope that it might help them come together on like-minded things.”

If You Go: “Language

in Times of Miscommunication”

When: Through Aug. 27, see website for museum hours

Where: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. 7374 E 2nd Street, Scottsdale

Cost: $10–$12

Info: smoca.org.

SMOCA from PAGE 28

Lauren O'Connell, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, ccame up with the idea of the new exhibition., (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

“Your Progress, 2019”, by artist April Bey is part of her larger series “Welcome to Atlantica,” included in the new exhibition “Language in Times of Miscommunication” at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

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