The Chandler Arizonan May 1, 2022

CITY HELPING NEEDY SENIORS

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From Uptown to Downtown, covering Chandler like the sun.

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

City Council grapples with housing hopelessness City hosts landlords to promote vouchers.

See page 13

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

COMMUNITY............. 21

ACP junior an all-around science/ math whiz.

BUSINESS .................... 25 Chandler fitness expert says count your macros.

SPORTS ........................ 28

Chandler seniors on the gridiron honored.

COMMUNITY .............................. 21

BUSINESS ...................................... 25 SPORTS ......................................... 28

CLASSIFIEDS ................................ 30

May 1, 2022

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nyone shopping for a home in Chandler knows prices are up. So do city leaders.

They met last week to discuss what they could do about it, and the takeaway is that there are steps they are already taking, more they can do – but in the end it won’t matter much.

The factors driving up home prices in

Chandler are too strong to change the tide.

Council met April 18 in a work session to look at what is being done and what more could be done to make homes in Chandler more affordable.

Here are the steps Council was told they could take that would help a little.

Rezone some areas of South Chandler to allow for denser populations. Many are currently zoned for no more than 18 units per acre, and with the city running out of empty lots, space is at a premium. More available homes would, in theory, lower demand and relieve some of the upward pressure on prices.

Reduce the setback requirements for new developments. Most new developments must be set back at least 50 feet from roads.

By lessening that number to, say, 25 feet, there would be more space available on lots for more homes.

Working with developers on any new projects to ensure a certain percentage of the homes they are building will be affordable. Planning Administrator Kevin Mayo said if they ask early in the process, most developers are willing to commit to some affordable units.

see HOUSING page 3

School lunch programs About those traffic jams face reductions here

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AND KEN SAINS Arizonan News Staff

T

he universal free meals that school districts serving northern Chandler have been providing to their students for two years could end this summer – as they could in virtually all schools.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) apparently told fellow Republicans the program was never intended to be permanent and many Senate Republicans object to the $11 billion annual price tag as the federal deficit continues to grow, according to reports in salon.com, Politico and other news sites.

Republicans want schools to return to pre-pandemic operation that provided free lunches – and in many cases, breakfasts – only to kids whose families met federal guidelines for low-income recipients, according to those reports.

The move will impact Kyrene, Chandler Unified and Tempe Union High School districts.

“Currently universal free meals will expire on June 30,” said Jenny Bracamonte, director of food and nutrition operations for CUSD. “At that point we will transition back to a traditional [National School

see LUNCHES page 2

Dana Alvidrez, city transportation engineer for Chandler, references a graphic illustrating road traffic inside the Traffic Management Center. Turns out the city looked into whether artificial intelligence can help traffic flow on Chandler streets. For the surprising conclusion, see page 8. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

2

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Low-income seniors find welcome help from city

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

I

n 2019, the City of Chandler was looking for ways to help its older residents. especially those on fixed incomes.

Officials looked at their neighborhood enhancement coordinator and said, “What can we do?”

“I was tasked with coming up with a new program that we could introduce to our community,” said Priscilla Quintana, who is the city’s neighborhood enhancement coordinator. “In the research, I found that 6% of our population in Chandler was living on a fixed income or was living alone and they were facing a lot of different challenges.”

Those challenges include financial instability, having to choose between paying for medication or personal hygiene products. She said that is how they came up with the Golden Neighbors program.

Two weeks ago, officials set aside part of the parking garage at City Hall to display some personal hygiene items as well as other goods, such as laundry detergent. It invited residents to come pick up what they needed.

Quintana said they hope to repeat the experience next month and keep it going as long as they have goods to hand out.

“Not having them pick between I have to pay a bill this month, a medical bill, or buy something to keep my house going,” she said.

The Salvation Army provided many

LUNCHES from page 1

Lunch Program]. That being said, there is a new bill in Congress that allows for universal free meals to extend through September of 2023.

“We have not released any guidance to our families yet because it could very well change and it’s a bit too early,” Bracamonte said. “Of course, we will keep the district apprised of any changes as soon as we are aware.”

Communications directors for both Tempe Union and Kyrene said last week

Loyd and Jane Buchanan examine the household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products beign provided for free at the Senior Store as part of Chandler’s Golden Neighbors program. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) of the goods handed out so far, she said.

Army workers purchase items in bulk from Amazon, and some of those items are not right for the people they care for. Few homeless people have need or a place to store a large bottle of laundry detergent, for example.

They also get some items, such as car care products, that they can’t use. Those were the ones they donated to the city.

Quintana said they’re still trying to figure out what to do with all the car care items, but they want to put everything to good use.

She said they also had a discussion with Amazon, which gave them a $20,000 grant for the Golden Neighbors

program. Those two sources of donations have helped launch the program with three events so far.

In December, the city kicked off the program by handing out goods to people inside the public housing program. They handed out 15 baskets just before the holidays.

The second event was in February when they gave 10 baskets of household goods to the Senior Center for them to award at its Valentine’s Day dance.

At this month’s event, officials handed out goods to 70 households, Quintana said. They hope to repeat it again next month. Then it will depend on if more donations come in or not.

their districts are poised to return to the pre-COVID proof-of-need requirements for free or reduced-price meals.

“When the waivers expire June 30, Tempe Union High School District will have to return to pre-pandemic rules,” Tempe Union spokeswoman Megan Sterling said.

“Families will need to complete paperwork to qualify for free or reduced-price meals and students will be charged accordingly,” Sterling explained. “As a district, we need to plan an outreach campaign that includes making coaches,

teachers, counselors, and community organizations aware of the changes; and communicate with students and families directly about what they need to do to sign up as many of our families have not completed a meal application since 2018-2019.

“It is critical that families in need complete the required paperwork before the start of school as we will not be able to provide meals to those students that do not qualify without going into debt. As you may be aware research shows that when children go hungry, it can have

She said if anyone in the community can spare a bottle of detergent, or a roll of toilet paper, or any other household goods and they want to donate them to Golden Neighbors she would appreciate it. She said that’s the only way to keep the program going.

Quintana said her hope is that helping seniors is not a once-in-a-month event.

“It shouldn’t become an event for us to be able to assist someone,” Quintana said. “It should be that if somebody is in dire need of some of these items, they can reach out to us and we can connect them with those items they need.”

Quintana said her office gets calls from seniors asking for help. Their air conditioning might have gone out and they don’t have the extra funds to get it repaired. They may no longer be able to use the stairs in front of their homes and need a ramp put in.

That’s where she hopes Golden Neighbors and a sister program, Let’s Pull Together, can fill the gaps. The second program is where volunteers will go to someone’s home and help with yard work or if the home is in violation of city codes, get it into compliance.

“We’re always going to need to help our seniors, whether it’s with physical items or giving them that social interaction and letting them know that they do have somebody that is looking out for them, and someone who cares about our aging population,” Quintana said. “Because the truth of the matter is, we’re all going to be there.”

profound and long-term consequences on their physical health and development and their ability to learn,” Sterling said.

Meal applications for the 2022-2023 school year will be available on July 1, she added.

Similarly, Kyrene spokeswoman Erin Helm told AFN: “If the federal government discontinues the free lunch program, Kyrene would not continue the program on its own.”

see LUNCHES page 19

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

HOUSING from page 1

“We’re kind of a victim of our own success,” said Councilmember Rene Lopez.

“Everybody wants to be in Chandler.”

Mayo told Council that it would take a while before those changes would make any kind of an impact in the housing market. That put a focus on the steps the city is already doing.

They’ve built about 2,700 single family units and 4,300 multi-family units since January of 2018.

They’ve partnered with Newtown Community Land Trusts for 69 affordable homes. There are two in the process of being added. However, only eight have been added since 2018 because the huge increase in prices makes it harder for Newtown to purchase homes to turn into affordable housing. Newtown buys existing properties, repairs them, and then sells them to moderate-to-low income buyers.

Habitat for Humanity has built 15 homes in the city.

Chandler has 447 low income housing tax credit units.

It has 14 affordable rental units available, with two more on the way. However, the high prices of rents available has slowed

adding more units. There have only been three of these units added since 2018.

Chandler currently has a couple of options for public housing. It has more than 300 units available for families, seniors and single families. The wait list to get one of these is long. The city opened it up at the end of last year0 and cut off accepting applications when they reached 2,000.

The city also offers a program where

Urban Development. So landlords are opting out.

The city is planning a landlord outreach event later this month to try to encourage more to participate in the program.

Jacobson said the city is trying to build 158 more public housing units and currently working on a proposal to submit to Housing and Urban Development. She said they hope to present a development

we studied this issue over the last year or so, “weAsdefinitely learned that addressing housing is a complex issue, and one that doesn’t fall on city shoulders alone.

”

residents can rent apartments, but that requires buy-in from landlords. The tenant pays 30% of their monthly income, then the federal government pays a big chunk to keep that family in their home.

However, Amy Jacobson, Chandler’s housing and redevelopment director, says landlords can get more for their units than the combined 30% from the tenant and the grant from Housing and

– Joshua Wright

agreement to the Council for its approval in the coming months.

She said they also want to look at their existing public housing buildings to see if they can be upgraded and if it might be possible to add more units.

There is no mystery why home prices are climbing as this is a classic supply and demand case.

Chandler is running out of empty lots

to build on. The city has less than 10% of vacant land, and most of that is set aside for businesses that provide jobs.

There is a shortage in available highend homes for the wealthy. Because there is not enough of these to meet demand, some who can afford more are buying homes in the next highest category. That has a cascading effect, with more and more people buying homes in a lower category than they can afford because there are none available.

Before the pandemic, on a typical day there were about 24,000 homes for sale in the Valley. Now, that number is about 5,000.

In addition to people looking to buy homes, there has been an increase in the number of investors looking to purchase property. So, demand has increased as supply has fallen to about 20 percent of what it was only a few years ago.

“As we studied this issue over the last year or so, we definitely learned that addressing housing is a complex issue,” said City Manager Joshua Wright. “And one that doesn’t fall on city shoulders alone. There are many market factors outside of our control effecting housing right now. While it is easy to paint this as a city issue, the reality is certainly more complicated.”

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Housing supply tilting upward – but so are prices

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

T

he supply of homes for sale across the valley is starting to increase significantly but that may not be something to cheer about for either sellers or buyers, the Cromford Report said lasy month.

In several reports of the last few weeks, the Cromford Report, a daily analyst of the Valley’s housing market, offered little encouraging news for buyers.

It noted that fewer listed homes are going under contact and warned, “Ordinary owner-occupier home buyers are hitting real trouble.”

Blame spiraling home prices and increasing mortgage rates, it said.

“The very significant rise in mortgage interest rates over the past few months is keeping many sellers out of the market - they do not want to let go of their cheap fixed rate loans,” it said. “However, it is also taking the wind from the sails of the normal owner occupiers, especially the first-time home buyer.

“Not only are they suffering stickershock from the asking prices of the homes they would like to buy, and crazy competition from cash buyers, the higher interest rates mean their monthly mortgage payment has increased alarmingly. In some cases, it has increased so much it is no longer deemed to be affordable by their lender and their loan application is denied.

Comparing April 1 of this year with the same date last year, Cromford said active listings are up 23.6%, excluding those that are under contract but still taking offers and those sales contingent on the seller finding a new home.

That percentage shrinks to less than 1% year-over-year when those two categories are included, it said, though they dropped 4.3% between March 1 and April 1.

Moreover, under-contract listings that include those two categories and pending sales are down 7.6% year-over-year and down 3.6% from what they were on March 1.

Sales for March were down 2.6% yearover-year on April 1 but up 26.6% from February, according to the report.

The Chandler Arizonan is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Chandler. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of The Chandler Arizonan, please visit www.ChandlerNews.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Chandler Arizonan 1990 W. Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282

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(Special to the Arizonan)

Meanwhile, Cromford reported that in March, the median square-foot price soared 25.5% from what it was in March 2021 and 2.3% from February 2022.

At the same time, the median home sale price in March was $456 – up 27.3% from the $358,250 median price in March 2021 and up 2.5% from the February 2022 median of $445,000.

Last month also saw the highest monthly dollar volume in sales ever recorded, it said, with $5.8 billion.

“This might lead you to think that demand remains very strong, but you would be wrong,” Cromford said. “The falling number of listings under contract show a negative story –down almost 8% from this time last year and even down 3.6% compared to the beginning of March. As we said - fewer active listings are going under contract.”

Cromford also said investors – not homebuyers look for a place to live in – continue to drive home prices upward.

“In this way an expensive market reduces demand and prices start to climb less steeply – at least they would if it were not for the investor demand,” it said. “Many investors are flush with cash and to them, residential real-estate looks like a safe haven. A hedge against inflation, revenue producing (unlike many stocks, cryptocurrency, commodities and gold) and very tangible – it looks extremely attractive when coupled with rapidly rising rents.”

Looking at the first quarter of this year, Cromford said, “home prices are still rising at amazing speed” and said the perfoot increase for the first three months of 2022 rose 8.9% “and is likely to continue rising until June at least.” “ The third quarter is always a slower period and it is likely we will get some respite from the rising prices between June and September,” it added. “What happens in the fourth quarter will largely depend on how long investors retain their current euphoria in the face of increasing risks. “ Cromford developed an index that measures whether home prices in submarkets involving 17 Valley municipalities are trending more in favor of sellers or buyers.

It said last week that “over the last month, two of the 17 cities have improved for sellers while 15 have deteriorated. The market strongly favors sellers, but the trend is now moving slowly towards a more balanced market.

But “deteriorated” does not necessarily hold much hope for Valley buyers in the short-term, since the lowest number on the chart was Buckeye with 239. Chandler had an index of 453 – more than four times the threshold for a “balanced” market in Cromford Report’s eyes.

“The cooling of the market continues to accelerate, but it will take several months before reaching normal at the current rate of change,” it added.

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt

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NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@chandlernews.com Reporter Ken Sain | 480-898-6825 | ksain@timespublications.com Photographer David Minton | dmonton@timespublications.com Design Jay Banbury | jbanbury@chandlernews.com Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@chandlernews.com Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@chandlernews.com The Chandler Arizonan is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Chandler Arizonan assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement. © 2022 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

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CITY NEWS

6

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Lithium battery storage fire stymies Chandler

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

C

handler Fire Battalion Chief Keith Welch says there is still a whole lot they don’t know about lithium battery fires, which explains why they are proceeding with care to one underway in West Chandler.

“I wish I had all kinds of experience to give you, if you want to ask about a house fire I could tell you more,” he said.

A lot of what they do know came after eight Peoria firefighters were injured in a lithium explosion at an Arizona Public Service substation in Surprise in April 2019.

That is why they waited four days to address a fire inside the AES Salt River Project battery storage facility on 54th Street, just south of the Loop 202 freeway that started around 11 a.m. April 18.

On April 21, firefighters sent a robot to open the door to the facility to start ventilating the space. And that only came after they asked all businesses in the area to voluntarily evacuate the area. But on

sprinkler system ran continuously, keeping more than 3,200 batteries inside the facility cool.

“The sprinkler system is doing it’s job,” Welch said.

“It’s designed to keep the batteries Chandler firefighters on April 22 were stymied on how to quell a cool, but water is smoldering blaze inside an APS lithium battery storage facility on not going to put [a 54th Street near the San Tan Loop 202 Freeway that began five days fire] out. ” earlier. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer) The voluntary evacuation period April 29, the fire was still smoldering ended after two hours. and fire officials planned a second evacThe department had no additional inforuation of the area to ventilate the buildmation on its efforts to quell the smolderign and turn off its sprinkler system. ing blaze as of the Arizonan's print dead“We learned a lot from that incident,” line April 29..

Welch said on April 22. “This is one of the Welch said lithium fires can react in reasons that we had such an approach to a number of different ways. It is mostly this, really, safety one to the community, but plastic and metals that are burning, and safety to us.” if someone were to open a door to enter In between, the start of the fire and a the building, the rush of air could change robot opening the door, the building’s

what’s happening inside in volatile ways.

That was one of the lessons learned from the Peoria firefighters.

He said they hope to resolve the issue by this weekend.

“We have crews still on the scene,” he said. “Right now it’s a defensive strategy.

We’ve had some experience in the Valley with these battery storage facilities.

There’s not a predictability that it’s going to behave in a certain way.”

He said the best way to put out a lithium battery fire is with time and cutting off the power to the building.

“It’s a very complicated situation,” Welch said.

Lithium batteries have become more popular in everyday use, but have been known to catch fire. The cause is usually a manufacturing defect or the device took some damage. Those types of fires remain rare. Consumers are warned that a Class D fire extinguisher will not put out a lithiumion blaze. Residents should get a Class B

see FIRE page 7

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There will be a camp for ages 6 to 8, ages 9 to 12 and teens 13-18. The children meet for four days, two hours a day, from 10 a.m. to noon and the teen workshop will meet two days, for three hours each day, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Diversity study progressing, city says, but work remains

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

C

handler’s study of diversity, equality and inclusion issues is progressing on schedule.

Councilmember OD Harris requested an update on the diversity, equity and inclusion survey the city commissioned and was told an action plan for Council to consider would be presented this summer.

The city hired CPS HR as a consultant to put together the DEI assessment and make recommendations.

They began by meeting with every member of the council to find out what diversity, equity and inclusion meant to them and what they would consider a successful outcome.

Next, Niki Tapia, the city’s DEI program manager, said they chose 25 citizens to serve on a committee.

“It’s a very diverse panel that represents the different ages, faiths, races, ethnicities, and genders of our city,” Tapia said. “Individuals were selected to represent as much diversity as possible, as well as individuals who had the time to commit to this project.”

The committee broke up into smaller subcommittees that are looking at a number of DEI-related issues.

They include: Understanding youth population service needs; improving opportunities for all voices to be heard/ community voice coming in; LGBTQ+ outreach and resources; building community partnerships; and improving external communications so the city’s voice gets out to all groups.

Harris wanted to know if a non-dis-

FIRE from page 6

fire extinguisher as lithium batteries become more prevalent in their homes.

SRP announced in 2018 it was partnering with The AES Corporation on the 10 megawatt battery storage facility. It was SRP’s first standalone facility of its kind. It’s designed to provide more power during peak usage periods.

According to a news release at the time, they expected the facility to be able to power up to 2,400 homes in the Valley

crimination ordinance was one of the issues they are looking at as Chandler is the largest city in Arizona that has not adopted a non-discrimination ordinance.

“It will be,” Tapia said. She said the topics she discussed during her presentation before Council this month were the ones that came up the first time the 25-person committee met to discuss what works well and what needs to be improved in Chandler’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

She said since then they have had other conversations and a NDO has been brought up. When Council first considered passing a NDO it was rejected on a 5-2 vote. The mayor instead chose to release a non-binding proclamation.

Harris and Matt Orlando were the two councilmembers in favor of a NDO. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce and a number of the city’s top businesses have expressed support for a NDO. Harris said he wanted to see a scientific poll to measure support for a NDO and was concerned the consultant hired by the city was relying instead on a survey.

Tapia pointed out the first survey was done by the city Human Rights Commission. She said that gives them a solid base to consider recommendations.

Tapia said the committee expects to wrap up its work in May. While it is doing its work, the city will also survey its employees and also break up into committees that will meet in May and June.

Members of the public can also comment through the city’s website.

The final report with recommendations is expected to be presented to Council in July. for up to four hours.

An AES spokesperson said that the building is usually unmanned and it was their automated systems that first detected the fire.

Scott Harelson with SRP said they are taking steps to ensure power will remain available to the area even if they have to completely shut down the substation.

He said their biggest concern is the rest of the substation next to the battery storage facility, where they have transformers and lines they want to protect.

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CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

AI not much help for traffic, pilot study finds

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

We are lucky in Chan“ dler in that we have a good

T

he City of Chandler was part of a pilot program to look at how artificial intelligence might improve traffic flow.

Their conclusion: There was a slight benefit to using AI, but not enough to justify the cost.

“We are lucky in Chandler in that we have a good staff,” said the city’s traffic engineer, Dana Alvidrez. “We do have the capability that we get to retime our signals frequently, and we have the expertise to do that. Not all jurisdictions have that.”

She said there was some benefits in the adaptive signal pilot program the city was part of.

“It came back that there might be slight improvements that we could make, here and there, in the 2-5% range as far as delays, but as far as the cost of the system vs. the improvements that it got, we decided it was not necessarily for us.”

Alvidrez said, however, it would be ideal for other jurisdictions that don’t have the staff or expertise to adjust their signals on a regular basis. She added that this technology is still new and improving, and this is something they may want to revisit in the future after improvements are made.

She said currently they change the timing on lights in one section of the city every year and that they are currently able to retime lights to optimize traffic flow at least every three years.

Another new program that Alvidrez said the city is starting to look at is V2I,

staff, we do have the capability that we get to retime our signals frequently, and we have the expertise to do that. Not all jurisdictions have that.

”

– Dana Alvidrez

Dana Alvidrez, city transportation engineer, said she and motorists are lucky to have a staff that can re-time traffic signals to improve traffic flow. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) or vehicle-to-infrastructure. This is where a car can communicate directly with traffic infrastructure, such as at an intersection.

Alvidrez says it is limited now, only a few luxury brand cars have the capabilities to use it. And most of the information being transmitted is from the infrastructure to the car.

For example, using a predictive algorithm, it could tell the driver how fast they could travel to stay within the speed limit and also make the next five lights. If there was an accident or heavy

traffic ahead, they could alert a driver so they could take a detour and avoid that.

“Basically, they take our data from the signal system and then they do some sort of prediction algorithm to figure out what they think the signal will be and when it will change, based on some history. It’s a learning process for their system.”

Right now, the city’s traffic department is focused on how the area next to the SanTan Mountain Casino is expected to change when it opens in two years.

“It’s something we’re actively looking

at,” Alvidrez said. “It’s something we’re getting a lot of questions about right now.”

The city has been upgrading its cameras at intersections. The new cameras can identify not only cars, but also bicycles. She said hopefully they will be able to identify pedestrians in the future, but that we’re not there yet.

In the past, glare would make it hard to know if there was a bicycle or pedestrian crossing the street. If they do know they are there, they can extend the time a light is red to allow them to get across safely without them having to get off their bike to push the button, Alvidrez said.

Technology is also changing quickly.

In the future, they may be planning traffic for a world where autonomous cars dominate the roads.

“As soon as you think you got it figured out, something else changes and we get to do it all over again,” Alvidrez said. “It’s definitely an ongoing process.”

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CITY NEWS

10

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Chandler PD has a history of ‘evolving,’ chief says

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

O

ther police departments around the country are now looking to reform their departments because of the fallout of the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Chandler’s police chief says his department is well ahead of its peers.

“The term ‘reform’ is not alien to the

Chandler Police Department,” Chief Sean Duggan told a Chamber of Commerce audience during a panel discussion on police reform held at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on April 8. “In fact, reform – or as I like to call it ‘evolution’ – … that is part of the fabric of our organization and has been for years.”

Duggan said his department is constantly learning and evolving. He pointed out they were among one of the first to

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Chandler Police Chief Sean Duggan said reform, or evolution, “is part of the fabric” of his department. (YouTube) fully embrace the use of body cameras, which they’ve been using for nine years.

“This is not something that we were compelled to do, a court didn’t order us to do this,” Duggan said. “Nine years ago, we recognized the technology of body-worn cameras and how it collects compelling evidence, how it my help deescalate a situation, how it holds people accountable.”

He said it also helps the department to prosecute cases faster.

Duggan said there have been other changes. After the Michael Brown death in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, this department made it an official policy that any police officer who uses deadly force must do all they can to provide aid. Another change is duty to intervene.

“If you see an officer next to you doing something inappropriately, it is your expectation policy to intervene and stop that action,” Duggan said. “This is five years before George Floyd was murdered.”

City Council is currently considering its next fiscal budget and one of the proposals being discussed for the Police Department is the addition of five mental health professionals.

“It’s still in its infancy stages, but what we want to do is to take some of the burden away from our officers on the street and train up a highly-skilled, dedicated unit to help respond to some of those mental health calls,” Duggan said after the meeting.

Anthony Cano, 17, was killed on Jan. 2, 2021 after being pulled over for having a broken light on his bicycle. The teen decided to flee and a chase began through a park. During the chase a gun Cano was

carrying fell to the ground. Officer Chase BebakMiller ordered Cano to drop to the ground at that point. He fired the first of two shots a second later.

Cano died after three weeks in the hospital. The Maricopa County Attorney Office said the case is still under review and no decision has been reached to charge

Bebak-Miller or not.

Duggan said they did make a change in how they report use of deadly force cases after the Cano shooting. He said that was the only change they made because of that case.

Chandler settled a lawsuit with Cano’s family for $1.125 million.

Michael Collins, the president of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association, agreed with Duggan that Chandler PD has been ahead of other departments around the nation.

“We’re constantly reforming what we do, and always have been,” Collins said.

“I think our department has been at the forefront of trying to identify issues ahead of time and to mitigate them.”

Duggan and the other panelists were asked what did they think would be the biggest issue for police departments in the coming years.

He said recruitment will be an issue every department in the nation will be struggling with.

Duggan said attacks on officers are up around the nation. Also, officers’ reputations have been tarnished because of a few cases. That makes filling positions vacated by retirements very difficult.

“How many people out there are willing to be police officers today, and of those people, how many people out there are talented and qualified to be police officers today?” Duggan asked. “The pool is small and we’re competing with every chief in this Valley, every chief regionally for that very, very tiny pool of candidates.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

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illon Ryan was working on an email at his desk when the world suddenly exploded around him.

His friend and employee Parker Milldebrandt was at his desk along the east wall of Platinum Printing, working on a printing order.

Andrew Ryan was in the back storage room, looking for a specific kind of paper to fill an order. He was the closest to where the Aug. 26 gas explosion began at their workplace in Sunset Plaza at Ray and Kyrene roads, Chandler.

After the blast, they could look up and see the sky from inside their building.

Their bodies were engulfed in flames as they struggled to find a way out. Dillon and Parker were able to climb over a printing machine and exit through where the front door had been. The force of the blast blew it 150 feet away.

Once they reached the parking lot, their thoughts turned to Andrew. Dillon started screaming his brother’s name and fear the worst, until Andrew finally emerged from the wreckage of their business.

Those details from the natural gas explosion are part of a lawsuit the three men and their families filed on April 14 against 13 companies they blame for the explosion that left all three men with severe burns and destroyed their business.

A lawyer representing the three men said they are still recuperating from their injuries and were not available for interviews. A fourth man, Glenn Jordan, was also injured in the blast. He was working at his eyeglass-repair shop two doors down from Platinum Printing when the explosion happened. He is not among the plaintiffs in this lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims that unbeknownst to them, there was an undetected natural gas leak from a Driscopipe 8000 pipe that caused the explosion. The lawsuit

says Platinum Printing did not use natural gas and was not hooked up for natural gas.

It further claims a crack in the Driscopipe 8000 service stub allowed natural gas to leak through a trench to their utility room.

Listed as defendants in the lawsuit are Southwest Gas Corporation; Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.; Arizona Pipeline Company; Chevron Corporation; Chevron USA; Phillips 66; Phillips 66 Company; Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP; ConocoPhillips; ConocoPhillips Company; Black and White Corporations I-X; and ABC Partnerships I-X. The lawsuit claims Chevron-Phillips defendants made the Driscopipe 8000 pipe; that pipe was distributed by Southwest Gas defendants; and it was installed

by Arizona Pipeline.

It goes on to say that because of the physically demanding nature of running a printing company, and because of the injuries they sustained, the three men would never be able to work in that field again.

The lawsuit says with the building destroyed, and their injuries keeping them from working, they have lost all the clientele they had built up over a decade.

Lawyers for the three men are not specifying the amount in damages they are seeking. Instead, they are asking for a sum that must be fair and just to compensate each of them for their general and special damages.

Milldebrandt is permanently injured, scarred and disfigured by the blast, according to the lawsuit. It says he will need many more surgical procedures in the future.

The 78-page lawsuit details a lot of the known problems with Driscopipe 8000 pipes, and how the defendants knew about them. It also includes incidents around the Valley that have happened with those pipes since the Platinum Printing gas explosion.

Do you have an interesting story? Contact Paul Maryniak: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

City holds meeting for landlords to push voucher program

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

I

t’s becoming a familiar story in Chandler.

“A couple of months ago there were 11 or 12 residents in one apartment complex being asked to leave because they no longer would accept Section 8,” said Misty Gustafson, a Chandler community navigator. “The rents went up almost $900 a month. Some of them were a little less than that, but with a fixed income these folks were not able to afford those units.”

The city Housing Department helped them find temporary housing, Gustafson said. But it’s getting harder to do so as housing prices increase and the number of landlords willing to accept federal dollars to provide affordable housing decreases.

That’s one reason why Chandler played host to its first landlord outreach event on April 26.

Amy Jacobson, the city’s housing and redevelopment manager, said the amount of money combined from the tenant and federal subsidies is no longer enough in a red-hot real estate market where rents are soaring. She said they still have thousands on a waiting list for affordable housing.

Landlords can get more, so some are raising the rent and if the current tenant can’t pay that amount, they’re out. And those tenants are not going to find affordable alternatives.

“We actually saw a very large increase in elderly becoming homeless, not only because the rents are going up extremely high, but the buildings are getting sold and the new landlord won’t accept Section 8, or the current landlord won’t accept Section 8,” Gustafson said. “We have a giant increase in that population.”

Section 8 is also known as Housing Choice Vouchers. The city has 486 available vouchers it could hand out and it is currently using only 450 of them, Jacobson said. They have plenty of people on a waiting list to use the other 36 vouchers, but they don’t have enough landlords willing to take them.

In the voucher program, the tenant pays 40% of their monthly income for housing and the city, using federal funds, pays the rest. It is willing to pay just below $1,200 a month for a loft apartment, to $1,560 for a two-bedroom.

A look on Apartments.com shows most two-bedroom apartments in Chandler are going for at least $1,800 a month to more than $2,200.

The city does have some programs to help seniors and others who are forced to leave their homes because they can no longer afford the rent.

Gustafson said the city also has a noncongregate shelter called Operation Open Door. The city rents a hotel room for a senior to live in while a case manager works on a longer-term solution with weekly meetings.

They encourage seniors to look at possibly pairing up as roommates so they can afford a more expensive place.

There is also the Emergency Housing Voucher program that was started to help keep people in their homes during the pandemic. Another program the city offers is the Tenant Based Rental Assistance plan, that offers residents one-to-two years assistance.

Gustafson said there is a three-month wait even for the Emergency Housing Voucher program. So, seniors who are forced out may have to live in their car for 90 days before they can get emergency help.

She said if they have family or friends out of state who are willing to help, then Chandler will buy a bus ticket to help them get there.

The homeless problem is growing because as rental prices go up, the number of landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers goes down.

“That’s exactly what’s happening,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said she was happy with the turnout for their first landlord outreach event.

“This is just one of many,” she said.

“We’re going to continue to do these events and talk about issues that landlords may have and new programs and incentives that the city can offer.”

One of the incentives discussed at the meeting was the IROC (Increase Rental Opportunities in Chandler) program.

That gives a $1,000 bonus to landlords signing up to offer Section 8 housing for the first time. The city also offers new and existing landlords who participate a $400 bonus for each lease renewal.

The city has created a new landlord portal on its website to help manage the voucher programs.

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CITY NEWS

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State Legislature passes parental rights bill

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

S

tate senators voted April 18 to allow parents to sue teachers and other government officials if they “usurp’’ their “fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of their children.’’

The 16-12 vote came over the objections of several Democrats who worried what kind of legal troubles could result as it is now up to the governor to decide whether to sign it..

“The language is not clear at all,’’ said Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, who also is a teacher, quoting from HB 2161.

“That entire quotation is so incredibly vague that anything could potentially qualify for it, meaning that we might have a whole bunch of teachers going to court over this,’’ she said.

Marsh pointed out that this new restriction comes even as the state faces a teacher shortage, with about 2,000 classrooms across the state headed by someone who is not a certified educator.

No one spoke in favor of the measure, which was crafted by Rep. Steve Kaiser, RPhoenix and approved by the House.

But Kaiser, to get that prior House approval, had removed one provision that had given some lawmakers heartburn.

It would have required teachers to share with parents a student’s purported gender identity or requested transition’’ if the child identifies in a way that is “incongruous with the student’s biological sex.’’

Kaiser, in proposing the measure, told members of the House Education Committee that what is in HB 2161 simply underlines and gives teeth to existing requirements that ensure that parents have access to various records, grades and test scores.

The bigger problem, he said, is when students are given various assessments and surveys. The legislation spells out that these would first need to be sent to parents at least seven days ahead.

Kaiser said some get into personal areas, like whether there are firearms at home and whether their parents get along.

By that same 16-12 party-line vote, the Republican-controlled Senate also approved HB 2439.

It spells out that beginning in 2023 that school boards must adopt procedures for parents to access the school’s library collection of available books and materials.

And the same measure spells out that parents are entitled to get a list of all books and materials that their child borrows from the library.

Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, said there’s a simpler way to deal with this other than passing another law that could penalize school staff.

"The best way to find out what your kid is reading in school or what they’re checking out from the library is just to talk to them," he said.

"If you can’t establish that relationship with your own child and they don’t want to tell you what they’re reading, then that’s emblematic of a bigger problem, not the fact that the school isn’t telling you," Quezada said.

Sen. Raquel Teran, D-Phoenix, said the measure is overkill and will just create additional work. She pointed out that there already are various laws protecting the rights of parents to access information about their children.

That same concern resulted in the defeat of a related measure in the House.

SB 1211 sought to mandate that each school district and charter school post on its website a list of learning materials and activities used for student instruction.

Several Democrats spoke against the measure, including Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, D-Chandler, who spoke about the burden.

"You need to understand that this bill will require the teachers to post every single item that they use in every single lesson every single day," said Pawlik, a teacher.

But what resulted in its defeat was the decision of Rep. Joel John, R-Arlington, to part way with all other House Republicans who voted in support.

"I’ve got a laundry list of statutes on the rights that parents already have," he said,

see PARENTS page 16

$

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

15

Hartke, Orlando campaigns pile up cash

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

C

handler Mayor Kevin Hartke did not face a challenger for his office four years ago. There is a challenger on the ballot in 2022, but the mayor enjoys a huge campaign finance advantage heading into the Aug. 2 primary.

All the candidates in Chandler’s election for mayor and city council had to report their finances through the first quarter by April 15. Hartke reported having more than $228,000 in campaign funds. His opponent, Ruth Jones, had about $111.

“I don’t think that money makes a campaign,” Jones said. “You have to be out talking to the people, that’s my priority.

Being a new candidate, it’s been slow going so far, but there’s been an increase lately. I expect to see quite an improvement the next time we report.”

In the race for the three Council seats, incumbent Matt Orlando has a significant advantage. He has garnered more than $32,000 so far.

There are two open seats because incumbents Rene Lopez and Terry Roe are termed out.

Farhana Shifa leads the money race of the four remaining Council challenges, with more than $17,000 on hand. She’s

Chandler Fire Department seeks volunteers for walk

The Chandler Fire Department is looking for volunteers to participate in a neighborhood water safety walk on May 7.

This is the seventh year that firefighters have set out to educate residents of the dangers of backyard pools for both children and adults. Chandler Fire Department responded to 20 water-related calls last year. Ten people lost their lives.

This year they will target central Chandler, visiting about 2,000 homes located east of Arizona Avenue, south of Ray Road, and north of Chandler Boulevard.

Volunteers will hand water safety information on doors along a pre-determined route. It should take between two

Chandler 2022 Campaign Reports Here's how much cash each candidate had on hand on at the end of March, according to their financial reports: Mayor

$228,911.53

Kevin Hartke Ruth Jones $110.93

Council

Angel Encinas Darla Gonzalez Matt Orlando Jane Poston Farhana Shifa

$8,012.31 $2,504.08 $4,704.92

Source: Candidate campaign finance reports

$32,281.23 $17,078.52 Ken Sain/Times Media Group

This chart shows how much candidates for mayor and city council had available after the first quarter of this year for their campaigns. (Ken Sain/SanTan Sun News)

a member of the city’s arts council and has run for state Legislature in the past.

Angel Encinas, who runs an immigration consulting and real estate business, is next with more than $8,000 in the bank. Jane Poston is next with more than $4,800 and Darla Gonzalez has about $2,500.

Poston runs her own video production company and Gonzalez runs a consulting company.

The mayor’s largest campaign donation last quarter came from someone living outside of Arizona. Jordan Schnitzer,

of Portland, Ore., donated the maximum allowed $6,550 to Hartke’s campaign.

Hartke said he’s never met Schnitzer, the CEO of Harsch Investment Properties.

That company owns Queen Creek Commerce Center, a 556,000-squarfoot complex with two buildings near the Chandler Municipal Airport. Harsch said in a news release it owns 109 acres of land at three separate Chandler locations.

Hartke said the Queen Creek Commerce Center fits in with the city’s Gen-

to three hours to complete the task.

To volunteer, call 480-782-2120 or email chandlerfire@chandleraz.gov.

CinePark is sponsored by Arizona Public Service.

Around Chandler

Outdoor movie night is returning to Chandler

Chandler is returning its outdoor movie night, CinePark, to Tumbleweed Park this month. Residents can bring a blanket, a picnic meal, or purchase food and beverages from vendors.

Admission is free to the family-friendly shows. The lawn opens up for seating at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m.

Here’s the films being shown this year: May 6: “Raya and the Last Dragon;” May 13: “Luca; “May 20: “Sing 2.”

City still accepting ballot arguments onhome rule

The City of Chandler is accepting arguments both for and against Prop.

470, also known as the Home Rule option. Deadline to get the arguments in is May 4.

Arguments must be 300 words or less and there is a $150 fee to have it included on the ballot information packet.

Home Rule allows a local government to exceed Constitutional spending restrictions for four years. Chandler voters have granted this exemption to the City Council every time.

eral Plan and Airpark Development Plan.

The mayor also received donations of $1,500 from developer Luke Still of Lake Havasu, and eight others who contributed $1,000 each. Three of those listed Sonoran Roots as their place of work.

That’s a cannabis company.

The other five are either developers or lawyers for Withy Morris, a local law firm that has represented developers before the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and at council meetings.

Jones list only one donor who contributed more than $50. Joanna Coles donated about $240. Jones entered the quarter with $142 raised, and added about $2170 more. However, she spend $2,200 last quarter.

Orlando only had one contribution bigger than $500, and that came from Patsy and Marlene Orlando for $1,000.

Shifa received two donations of $1,000, both from real estate brokers. The rest of her donations were $500 or less.

Most of the donations to the Encinas campaign are under $500. The largest donation came from Dulce Encinas at $760.

Poston has only one donation of $500, from Lori Collins.

Gonzalez had three donations for $1,000 each, from Deana J. Layton-Hatch, Carleen Brophy, and Michael Futrell.

Cryptocurrency allowed to pay Chandler utility bills

Chandler residents can now pay their utility bills with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

To do so, they must have their cryptocurrency tied to their PayPal account.

The city said in its news release that it is one of the first in the Valley to offer this as an option.

Cryptocurrencies are funds that exist entirely online. They are considered secure because they use blockchain technology. Councilmember Mark Stewart has been the driving force behind efforts to explore ways to use blockchain tech-

see AROUND page 20

CITY NEWS

16

PARENTS from page 14

ranging from the ability to publicly review courses of studies and textbooks to public access to school policies and curriculum.

"I think this bill frankly goes too far and puts too many extra burdens" on teachers, said John who has been a teacher. "Teaching already is a low-paying, thankless job, lots of work, lots of worry. How do I know?

I’ve been there."

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Other Republicans, however, didn’t see it that way.

"It does take extra work," conceded Rep. Michelle Udall, D-Mesa, who also is a teacher. And she suggested that lawmakers might want to consider an additional stipend for educators to do the posting.

But Udall said she does not consider the measure "overly burdensome."

Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, ar-

gued that the disclosure is necessary. She said students are presented with lesson plans and questions about whether they believe they are "normal" if they have sexual fantasies or even whether they masturbate.

"I do not require these schools in the state of Arizona to teach sexuality to my child," Martinez said.

"I need them to teach reading, writing, science and history," she continued. "Chil-

dren belong to their parents and their parents are responsible for the morality that they choose for their child."

After the measure fell one vote short of the majority – that of John – another lawmaker made a procedural motion to allow it to be reconsidered at a future date.

But that would require John to change his mind unless one of the House Democrats agrees to go along. ■

Fuel price hikes hurting school districts too

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

A

s most motor vehicle owners know, gas prices are up a lot.

Those increases are hitting school districts and cities just as hard as they are families.

Chandler Unified School District Governing Board approved a $250,000 increase to its fuel budget this month to

get it through the end of this year.

“We’re definitely spending more, with diesel going to more than $5 a gallon,” said Lana Berry, district chief financial officer. “We’re still going the same number of miles.”

The district had a contract with Flyers Energy for $1.25 million for this school year.

That was increased to $1.5 million last week.

They’re not alone.

Higley Unified School District paid about $1.93 per gallon in the first three

months of 2021. For the same three months of this year, it is paying an average $3.16, according to Teresa Joseph, the districts spokesperson.

Mesa Public Schools uses propanepowered buses and approved a $250,000 increase to cover that cost in February.

A Gilbert Public Schools spokesperson said her district’s officials anticipate a 17 percent increase in fuel costs this year over what they paid in 2018-19 school

year. That was the last time they operated transportation for the entire school year.

The City of Chandler is dipping into a reserve of $400,000 to cover the increase cost of fuel for this year. A city spokesperson said they have a reserve of $849,000 set aside for next year, which would allow them to cover an average price of $4.75 a gallon.

The average price of gas in Arizona early last week was $4.57 per gallon.

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CITY NEWS

17

Commission signs off on big Chandler go-kart venue

BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

A

ndretti Indoor Karting & Games is racing toward opening a megaentertainment venue in Chandler in summer 2023.

The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Andretti’s new facility at the southwest corner of the San Tan Loop 202 Freeway and Cooper Road on April 20. The preliminary development plan next goes to City Council for approval, probably this month.

The entertainment complex includes a three-level go-kart racing track, a “dark ride,” laser tag and a large gaming center.

Chad Montgomery, the director of real estate and development for Andretti, said some games would likely include virtual reality headsets with omni-directional treadmills.

The plan also calls for private rooms for parties and food and beverage areas when visitors need a break from the fun. Named after racing legend Mario Andretti, the company operates six venues in Florida, Georgia and Texas. This would be the first location in Arizona and, like the others, is billed as a family entertainment center.

In addition to the three levels, the gokart track includes hairpin turns for the electric-motor karts. “[They can go] 35 miles per hour,” Montgomery said. “We’ll do like 150 arcade games, bowling lanes, laser tag, a number of virtual reality experiences.”

On its website, the company states, “Experience the adrenaline rush of our electric go kart races with instant acceleration as you put the pedal to the metal around hairpin turns, up and down elevation changes and long straightaways on our indoor climate-controlled tracks.”

“Andretti’s racing simulators are the most advanced on the market and deliver big-time on thrills and heart-pounding excitement,” the company brags. “It’s so realistic that you actually feel the motion and vibrations of the car, experience the tension in the seatbelt, and hear the sounds of the race track.”

With panoramic screens, the simulators “are the same kind that professional

spaces and that is how many the developer is planning to provide. Residents said they fear more will be needed, which they said could lead to people parking on Pleasant. One neighbor said that is already taking place and there are times he has to drive between parked cars on both sides now.

Kevin Mayo, the city’s planning administrator, said the city looks at parking issues on a regular basis and if it becomes a concern The proposed Andretti Indoor Karting & Games venue at Cooper Road and the Loop 202 is slated to open in on Pleasant, the city summer 2023. (City of Chandler) could turn it into a no parking zone. race car drivers use,” the company said, one of only two drivers to have won racWith that, the commisand its “full motion actuators” “give the es in Formula One, IndyCar, the World sion voted to recommend council apfeel of driving at high speeds.”

Sportscar Championship and NASCAR. proval of the apartment complex.

Another attraction, called the 7D XpeMontgomery said they expect Council The commission also recommended rience, offers “a 3D interactive movie to vote on the development plan in May approval for a new home on a vacant lot experience with amazing special effects. and break ground in the third quarter of near the Chicago and California intersecUp to eight riders at a time compete for this year. He said if that happens, they tion in historic downtown. the highest score using laser blasters expect to open in the summer of 2023.

The home has a modern design, which and battling on-screen enemies. You While there was no controversy or will stand out among neighboring homes actually feel the earth-rumbling move- debate in the commission’s review and built more than 90 years ago. ment and wind,” the website states. approval of the Andretti development, a Harley Mehlhorn, the city planner, Go-kart racing ranges in price from proposed apartment complex at Pecos said there are no historic districts in $23 for a single adult spin along the Road and Pleasant Drive provoked com- Chandler that restrict what homeowntrack on weekdays to a $55 three-race plaints. ers can do with their property. He said package. Other attractions range in price Two residents spoke against the de- if someone wanted to buy one of the hisfrom $11 for a 10-minute weekday laser veloper’s request for approval to build toric downtown homes, tear it down and tag experience to $30 to $35 for bowling 24 apartments on about two acres. The build a new home on that property, they for an hour with up to six people on one neighbors said they were concerned could. lane to a $90 VIP package that combines about people parking on Pleasant Drive, “Per the General Plan and area plan one race, six other attractions and a $10 which would limit access to their Fair- guidance, there is guidance on creating game card. view Meadows subdivsion. more of an urban feel in the area,” MehlPatrons who posted reviews on travel One also expressed concern about pri- horn said. “That being said, obviously, sites gave various Andretti Indoor Kart- vacy, saying the setback requirements sensitivity to scale is very important ing Venues generally high marks. While were not large enough. She also said she there, so finding a consistency between some posts warned of sticker shock, the was concerned about living next to a more neutral colors and neutral types of pricing apparently is no major obstacle: transient population because it’ a rental materials was important there.” the Orlando, Florida, venue reportedly complex.

The proposed home would house the draws close to a half million guests a The developer agreed to make the four Moore family and would have two bedyear. units closest to the Fairview Meadows rooms and two dens as well as a multiFlorida developer Eddie Hamann homes single-story after listening to car garage. The lot was originally zoned opened the original Andretti Indoor concerns from those residents. The rest for multi-family development, so the Karting and Games in Roswell in 1999, of the units would be two stories.

Moores need approval to build a singlenaming it after his friend Mario Andretti, The city requires at least 51 parking family home on it instead.

18

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

2 local school staffers in sex predator cases

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor

J

ust as one case involving a former Ahwatukee private school teacher preying on a minor student for sex moved to a close in court last week, a new case emerged involving a Mountain Pointe High classified employee and a

17-year-old student.

Justin Walters, 31, of Tempe, a former teacher at Desert Garden Montessori School in Ahwatukee, pleaded guilty on April 19 to three felony counts involving a nearly five-month series of sexual encounters with a student that began when she was 15 in 2019.

Walters will be formally sentenced the

day before Memorial Day weekend, May 27. As part of his plea agreement, he must serve at least three and as many as five years in prison, be on lifetime probation and register as a sex offender. He had faced 10 criminal counts and the three charges he pleaded to alone carried a maximum of more than 38 years behind bars.

The day before Walters’ guilty plea, Mountain High Principal Tomika Banks told parents a teacher had been arrested

by Phoenix Police for “inappropriate interaction with a student.”

Phoenix Police and Maricopa County Superior Court records show that Mohamed El Nounw, 32, was arrested at his South Phoenix home April 7 on four felony counts of sexual abuse for a “relationship” that involved several incidents of indecent physical contact with the student at school since last September.

He is free on bond following his arraigned April 12 in Kyrene Justice Court\ but he was suspended from his job April 7 in a letter from Dr. Mary Keller, Tempe Union assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

El Nownw’s specific position at Mountain Pointe is not clear because Tempe Union declined to answer any questions about him or his arrest. His name had already been removed from the district’s employee roster by the time his arrest became known last week.

Records the district provided AFN last week through a public records request show he had applied on Nov. 4, 2019, for two positions: a network engineer at the Tempe Union district office and instructional trainer at Compadre High, which was closed last June and its staff reassigned to other schools.

Series of indecent acts alleged According to the arrest report, the victim in El Nownw’s case told her mother on April 6 “she had a relationship with a school staff member since September 2021 where he groped” parts of her body and rubbed himself against her.

“The victim identified the staff member as Mohamed Ryad El Nounw,” the arrest affidavit states. The victim said the relationship began when the victim and Mohamed spoke to each other about their personal problems. The victim said

Justin Walters

Mohamed El Nouwn the relationship escalated to hugging and touch each others’ thighs. The victim said she ended the relationship with Mohamed, causing him to become jealous and aggressive towards her.”

The affidavit states that the victim told police that on several occasions, El Nounw kissed her and touched her indecently and that he had her take nude photos of herself and show them to her on her cellphone. He also allegedly told the victim how thinking about her sexually aroused him. The only dates the affidavit provides for these acts are April 5 and April 6 The affidavit states that in an interview with police, El Nounw described all the incidents of indecent contact as

see PREDATOR page 19

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

19

LUNCHES from page 2

price lunches in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

For the 2018-19 school year, the Kyrene schools with the highest percentages of free and or reduced-price lunches district-wide were Kyrene de la Ninos in Tempe, 70%, Kyrene Middle School in Tempe with 50% and Kyrene de las Lomas in Ahwatukee with 48%.

McConnell opposed including the free lunch program in the omnibus spending bill that funds the government through the end of this fiscal year.

Congress approved free meals at the nation’s schools as part of its first COVID-19 stimulus bill in March 2020. It gave districts U.S. Department of Agriculture waivers to feed an additional 10 million American students and also relaxed some regulations so they could deal with supply chain problems and staffing issues. The students, who are 18 and younger, get up to two meals a day, including lunch and breakfast.

Unless Congress takes action, the program will end July 1.

Two Senators introduced a bill to keep it going for at least one more year. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) are the main sponsors of what they’re calling the Support Kids Not Red Tape Act. If Congress does not renew the program, then schools will revert back to the free or reduced-price meal program they used before the pandemic,

where eligibility was determined by a family’s income.

In 2018-19, Chandler Unified School District provided 5,210,080 meals. Just over 2 million of those were free, with about 145,000 price-reduced. More than 3 million students paid full price that year.

This year they expect that number of free meals to exceed 6.8 million.

The Arizona Food Bank Network said that one in six Arizonans struggles with food insecurity and that more than 311,000 children in this state face food insecurity.

USDA officials say 30 million American students have benefited from the universal free meal program during the pandemic – 10 million more kids than they were serving before the pandemic began.

The food bank network was criticized by many school officials. Parents had to fill out a lot of paperwork to determine if they were eligible for either free and reduced-price meals. Then schools were responsible for keeping track of which students got free meals, and which ones had to pay either partial, or full price.

Three months ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that it funded low-cost or free lunches for 29.6 million children each school day in the 2018-19 school year at a total cost of $14.2 billion.

The following year, it said, about 22.6

million children were served – a decline it blamed on pandemic-driven school closings.

Bracamonte said there were a number of benefits to the universal free meal program for all school districts, stating that they: • Addressed the challenges of operating the NSLP program during a period where students were in and out of school • Districts could easily transition to curbside services should they need to close; • Allowed districts to address their supply chain and staffing issues without running into a deficit; • Reduced or eliminated stigma, as the financial barrier of paying for school meals is eliminated; • Reduced red tape and paperwork for school nutrition staff; • Streamlined meal service operations so the district could serve students faster and gives them more time to eat; • Did not turn students away due to inability to pay at the secondary level and elementary students do not accrue meal debt; • Allowed district to reach additional students by serving in non-traditional serving areas – no cash registers, data hookups, etc.

A doggone shame

PREDATOR from page 18

assistants there as references.

Prior to getting hired by Phoenix Union, according to his application, ERl Nounw had been a CTE teacher for one year at Agua Fria High School and listed his reason for leaving as “seeking other opportunities.”

A graduate of Northern Arizona University after only two years in December 2012, El Nounw prior to that job was a CTE teacher for the Deer Valley School District from July 2014 until January 2017 and listed his reason for leaving before the school year ended as “seeking other opportunities/family illness.” He lists himself as a graduate of Cactus High School in Glendale.

Banks’ announcement of the arrest to Mountain Pointe parents triggered a storm of criticism and questions on so-

cial media about why El Nounw’s arrest had not been disclosed for 11 days even though he had already been directed to surrender his keys and district ID card in his April 7 suspension.

“We want to be transparent and share this news with our school community so you hear it from us first,” Banks said in her April 18 announcement, referring to the anticipation of news stories about the arrest.

Ashe said the investigation was ongoing and that detectives had not identified any other victims.

Keller’s letter to El Nounw on April 7 told him that he was “being temporarily reassigned to home with pay” and cautioned him against contact the victim or retaliating “against anyone participating in the investigation.

“Please be assured that the District

is interested in protecting your rights, maintaining the welfare of all students and staff and ensuring protocol is followed,” Keller wrote, stressing “it is critical that we honor the need for confidentiality during this time.”

AFN also requested all written communication between the administration and the Tempe Union Governing Board about the arrest. District spokeswoman Megan Sterling said there was none.

In 2018-19 – the last “normal” school year – 10% of Desert Vista High School students and 30% of Mountain Pointe’s student body qualified for free or reduced-price lunches.

Those percentages dropped for both schools to less than 1% the following school year because the federal government waived eligibility requirements and the district was distributing meals to anyone who wanted them.

Tempe Union Food & Nutrition Director Julie Peterson said the district provided 103,185 free or reduced-price breakfasts in 2018-19, 144,190 in 2019-20 and 87,777 in 2020-21. Free or reduced-price lunches totaled 321,982 in 2018-19.

In 2019-20, all lunches, like breakfasts, were free once the pandemic shut down campuses in March 2020. The total number of free and reduced-price lunches in 2019-20 was 204,865 and 209,061 the following year.

Helm said Kyrene did not have data for free meal distributions for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years and she was able to supply only partial data for the 2019-20 school year, when campuses were closed for virtually the entire final quarter by the pandemic.

The data Kyrene did supply showed, however, little change in the percentages of students who got free or reduced-

accidents of one kind or another. However, the affidavit also states El Nounw at some point invoked his right to an attorney. The document provides no further information.

Records that were provided by Tempe Union in response to AFN’s request under the state public record law show that he apparently did not disclose prior arrests for theft in 2008 and for criminal damage in 2013 that are listed on court records in connection with his arrest this month.

His application indicates that at the time he was seeking the Tempe Union jobs, he was a Career and Technical Education teacher at Phoenix Union High School since July 2018, earning $52,000 a year. He listed the principal and two

Walters’ plea spares long prison term Prior to pleading guilty Walters – the son of the founder-owner of Desert Garden Montessori – was told by Superior Court Judge Geoff Fish that he could be fined as much as $150,000 for his plea to

see PREDATOR page 20

20

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

AROUND from page 15

nology to provide city services.

Southeast area Hadassah chapter seeks members

Devorah Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the Southeast Valley chapter of a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to the land, the people, and the future of Israel.

Get-togethers include Out to Lunch the first Monday of the month; the Literary Ladies book group via Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month; collecting food on the third Wednesday for the Jewish Family & Children’s Services agency; and a general meeting the fourth Wednesday.

For more information: Eliana Bar-Shalom at 860-377-7126 or email at ebarshalom.eb@gmail.com.

Kyrene Foundation seeks sponsors for golf tourney

Sponsors are being sought for the Kyrene Foundation’s 11th annual Golf Classic May 6 at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass.

Last year the Golf Classic raised more than $25,000 to help support various Foundation initiatives in the Kyrene School District including the Kyrene Family Resource Center, teacher minigrants and principal (cq) grant, student scholarships and recognitions and annual initiatives such as Backpacks for Students, Thanksgiving Food Baskets and Winter Wonderland.

This year’s goal is $30,000.

Information: Kyrene Foundation.org.

Service Saturdays back in action with ASU prof

Dr. Neal Lester, Foundation Professor of English at Arizona State University and founder/director of its Project Humanities, has begun its biweekly Service Saturdays, where groups and individuals distribute clothing and toiletries at the Human Services Campus in down-

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town Phoenix.

The outreach runs from 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. and services the campus’ unhoused clients.

During the outreach, clients shop alongside “personal shopper” volunteers who aid in searching for various styles and sizes, as well as share warm conversations with them.

There also is a weekly sorting of donated items 2-4 p.m. Fridays.

Information: projecthumanities.asu. edu/service-Saturdays or projecthumanities@asu.edu.

GOP candidates at series of Ahwatukee town halls

Republican committees will hold a series of question-and-answer town halls “with a moderator asking questions with regard to pertinent issues our state and nation are facing.” All run from 7-9 p.m. at the Club West Community Center, 16414 S. 14th Ave., Ahwatukee.

The next one on May 8 will feature U.S. Senate candidates; June 7, Secretary of

PREDATOR from page 19

the three charges.

His plea did not contain as much detail as the arrest affidavit in his case, which set out a series of incidents that followed what police called his attempt to “groom her” when she was 14 during a class trip to Puerto Rico that he apparently was chaperoning.

On June 4, 2019, the affidavit states, he bought an air mattress and alcohol from Walmart and took her to the desert, where they had sex in the back of his pickup truck.

“The victim and Justin began messaging each other and Justin told the victim that he had feelings for her and was attracted to her,” the arrest affidavit states.

Walters had the victim create a Snapchat account and after asking her to send photos, “the victim sent Justin sexually explicit pictures,” police said, and he in turn sent her sexually explicit photos of himself.

She eventually met with Phoenix detectives on in December 2020 about a week after their last sexual encounter in his truck in the parking lot of her church.

“The victim stated she and Justin had a lot of sex,” the affidavit states, adding, “The victim was 15 to 16 years old dur-

State hopefuls; June 23, gubernatorial candidates; and July 14, state Senate and Superintendent of Schools candidates.

Chandler man sentenced for stealing from NBA star

A Chandler man who acted as the personal assistant for a NBA star is going to jail for stealing from him.

Theodore Itsvan Joseph Kritza, 46, pled guilty to stealing about $4.8 million dollars from Richard Jefferson, a UArizona star who played more than 1,100 games in the NBA between 2001-2018. Jefferson, a Moon Valley High School graduate, is currently an NBA analyst for ESPN. Kritza was accused of forging Jefferson’s signature on loan and credit applications as well as a power of attorney over seven years starting in 2005.

He was sentenced to 70 months (nearly six years) in jail and ordered to pay Jefferson back the money he stole.

Kritza now lives in Colorado and will serve his term at a prison close to his home. ing the acts while Justin was between the ages of 27 and 28.”

Walters has not been associated with the school since December 2020, according to a statement the school released after his arrest.

According to new information the victim provided last July, she and Walters were communicating while he was abroad.

“The victim disclosed that he said he was in Ukraine and then Montenegro and that he was trying to find a way to get citizenship,” Deputy County Attorney Marcus Beecher told Superior Court Judge Michael Kemp last fall. “He said getting citizenship was hard but he could do it if his family made an investment to the country of $250,000.”

Attorney Chase Rasmussen, who is representing the victim, told the County Attorney “Justin spoke to my client herself about getting Montenegro citizenship and that his uncle was helping him with that,” according to a filing by Beecher.

The victim also disclosed that “he talked to her about not wanting to go to prison and mentioned that he had a plan, which the victim interpreted as a plan to get a fake identity.”

Walters eventually returned to the U.S. and surrendered in spring 2021.

COMMUNITY

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

21

Chandler student, 12, a published playwright ishing touches on the work.

“My story is about traveling the world in Google Maps, because I was unable to go anywhere,” Aditi said. “A bunch of friends and I decided, let’s travel the world in Google Maps. So we were creating vacations, and it was a lot of fun.”

Aditi wrote up a short story about a girl named Tara who sees the world through the app.

“She has the same problem as me, and she has the same solution, except one dif-

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

A

diti Ganash, a 12-year-old Chandler resident, wanted to see the world. The problem for the Knox Gifted Academy student was the same as it was everyone else on the planet: a global pandemic limited travel.

She didn’t let that stop her and her solution for getting around that problem led to her being published in a book.

Aditi was one of two Chandler youth chosen to have their original play published in “I Have a Story.” The book’s publisher chose 31 works written by young people during and about the pandemic. They paired each student with a professional playwright to put the fin-

Aditi Ganash, 12, a student at Knox Gifted Academy, is one of two Chandler youngsters chosen to have their original play published in a special book put out by the Valley theater group Childsplay.

(David. Minton/Staff Photographer)

ference, she gets stuck in Google Maps.”

She submitted it to Childsplay, a nonprofit that introduces children to theater, and it was chosen to be part of a book titled “I Have a Story.”

Childsplay paired Aditi with playwright Dr. Suzan Zeder. Together, they wrote “Whoosh.” Aditi was actually able to see a Maryland school perform her play by video recording.

She found out writing a play is a lot different from writing a story.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written before,” Aditi said. “Because you have to think about the format, the scenery, the plausibility of it – that it can like actually be done, you have to think about all

see CHILDSPLAY page 23

ACP junior is becoming a national science whiz

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

T

he first hint that Arizona College Prep High School junior Dean Brasen might be headed for a career in theoretical physics came while he was watching the hit TV comedy, Big Bang Theory.

If someone mentioned string theory, he said he’d go look it up. Chaos theory, the same. He might have even considered adopting Schrödinger’s cat.

“I tried to look up some of those, but I don’t have a deep understanding of it,” Dean said.

There’s not much in the science field that Dean doesn’t have a deep understanding of, at least for his age. The Chandler resident is currently waiting to find out if he’s a finalist for the USA Biolympiad.

He was one of 424 students nationally to make it to the semifinal round. Only 10 percent of them advance to be finalists. They will be announced at the end

Arizona College Prep High School junior Dean Brasen is one of about 400 students nationwide to advance to the semifinals of the USA Biolympiad.

(David Minton/Staff Photographer)

of this month.

But he’s not done. He plans to compete

in the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad later this year. Oh, and he was in the USA Mathematical Olympiad earlier this year.

“He has won multiple awards at the city level, the district level, the state level … he is a math genius,” said Rachna Nath, who is Dean’s honors STEM research teacher at ACP. “And apparently a biology genius too.”

Dean said the semifinalist biology test covered pretty much every aspect of the field, from molecules and cells to animals, plants and organ systems. It was about 120 questions and he had only two hours to answer them.

“A lot of it is like AP biology type stuff, but a lot more advanced than that,” Dean said.

He said it was really difficult because they are trying to separate the best students in the nation.

A key to doing well, Dean said, is having good test-taking skills, where if you’re not sure of an answer, being able to figure out which of the multiplechoice answers to eliminate as possibilities to improve your chances of getting

it right.

Dean did not reach the finals of the Mathematical Olympiad. He said you have to go four rounds to qualify for the international math Olympiad.

Dean said he took the first step to competing in the chemistry Olympiad at the end of March. He is currently preparing for the national test.

If he advances from that he’ll attend a camp with other finalists.

“I had a lot of interest in STEM, because my goal in high school was to learn as much as I could, because I know in college … there are not a lot of science fields that I’m going to focus on, because I’m going to narrow it down,” he said.

“These competitions are an incentive to learn more about these types of things.”

It’s all so he could build the base so he can pursue theoretical physics as a career.

“For me, theoretical physics is like a way to understand how all of this stuff works pretty well,” Deann said. “That’s really something I want to do, investigate a lot more in the future.”

22

COMMUNITY

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Local Reiki master publishes third book ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

C

handler author and Reiki master Olivia Veloso couldn’t visit her native Philippines or engage in many of the activities she normally does during the pandemic, but COVID-19 hardly slowed her down.

Veloso has just published her third book, “From a Place of Knowing,” which she started in April 2020 after opening her Instagram account an seeing a post that read: “When you know, teach.”

While her first book, “On the Wings of Manifestations,” was about her guardian angel experiences and the second one, “Wherever You Take Me,” is about the law of attraction, her new book contains “interrelated stories of my guardian angel, the law of attraction and Reiki.”

“I added unexpected and surprising twists to every chapter and as you read on, some of the experiences will make you cry, while others will make you laugh, and I added some of my true to life spiriti encounters - ghost stories that will make your hair rise,” she explained.

Chandler author and Reiki master Olivia Veloso has just published her third book.

(Special to the Arizonan)

“Without trying, the sequence of how I got to a powerful place began to naturally unfold, a place where I surrendered the control and let situations be. I started to respond to life from my place of knowing. I wanted this book to be an easy read and as it turned out, my experiences will show my readers how they too can move forward and become aware of an amazing world where synchronized events unfold right before their eyes.”

There were other things Veloso discovered during the pandemic.

“I started to receive phone calls, at first from close friends and my Reiki students who needed someone to talk to,” she recalled. “Before I knew it, I was spending two to three hours almost every afternoon attending to calls. It was my way of helping out when we were at the height of the pandemic. Most of the time, I didn’t have to say anything, all I did was listen, and that helped them know they weren’t alone and that they mattered.”

After COVID restrictions were lifted, Veloso worked with Shaunte Fox, owner of Sozo Healing House in Tempe, to in-

troduce Reiki to people.

“Reiki calms and soothes, and uplifts our energy,” Veloso explained. “It helps speed up the recovery stage of any ailment. The benefits that we can get out of a Reiki treatment are endless. That was the beginning of our Open Reiki Share Days, when we offered half an hour Reiki treatments for a small fee.

“And it is thanks to my Reiki students who volunteer to give treatments, to this day, we continue to give everyone the opportunity to improve their health and their quality of life.”

A Reiki master for 30 years who supervises the treatments, Veloso believes “more people are turning to holistic medicine and natural healing than ever before” in the wake of the pandemic.

She established Gendai Reiki Ho, Oneness “ to contribute to the promotion of peace and restore wellness in our society.” It is a sponsor of the Usui Reiki 2022-2023 Osaka, Japan Convention and because she is a member of the Associa-

by customers, and reusing local materials. Its cofounder, award-winning designer Angela Johnson, creates her own fashionforward products.

“Fashion is the second most polluting industry on the planet,” Johnson said.

“It’s second to the oil industry and probably catching up very fast, and so it’s ready to be disrupted.”

That’s why FABRIC is pushing to change the industry through technology and through its annual ecofashion week, which celebrates Earth Day and features apparel made locally with donated denim scraps.

To make clothing more sustainable, FABRIC utilizes new technology, in-

cluding a Kornit Presto printer and Gerber Z1 digital cutter, which can create personalized prints in a single step.

The printer makes a 3-D rendering of designs and limits the use of prototypes, which end up in the landfill. The Gerber Z1 uses ContourVision to automatically cut fabric to reduce time and labor costs.

All this means FABRIC can control where their product comes from without worrying about the honesty of suppliers.

The Arizona Sustainable Apparel Association also is pushing to make fashion more sustainable. Stella Abril, the group’s president, said greenwashing – when a company falsely claims or gives the impression of environmentally friendly practices – remains a huge issue in the fashion industry.

“Companies are stating that they have sustainable practices, that they are transparent, have traceability … It’s just a state-

see REIKI page 23

Tempe nonprofit making fashion more sustainable

BY PAYTON MAJOR Cronkite News

I

t’s easy to find cheap options to fulfill your fashion desires, whether online or at a brick and mortar store. But most major retailers mass-produce their inventories, making it hard to find information on where a fabric came from and how it was manufactured.

According to the U.N. Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, the fashion industry consumes 215 trillion liters of water annually. Textiles are responsible for 9% of ocean microplastics.

Most sellers aren’t aware of the impact the products they sell have on the environment, but in Arizona, efforts are underway to establish fashion that’s sustainable.

FABRIC, a Tempe nonprofit, is a part of this effort by helping apparel businesses produce merchandise and teaching them how to make their companies sustainable by creating products as they are ordered

Angela Zdrale, founder of LivTall, models one of the wrap dresses she created for tall women. LivTall is just one brand in Arizona that’s prioritizing sustainable practices. (Courtesy of LivTall)

see FASHION page 23

COMMUNITY

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

CHILDSPLAY ���� page 21

these little elements.

“And when it got picked up by the Lucy School I learned about a bunch of things that I didn’t even think about.”

That performing arts school near Frederick, Maryland, was looking for a play to put on and Zeder suggested “Whoosh.” After reading it, they agreed

REIKI ���� page 22

tion of Gendai Reiki Ho Madrid, Spain, who are the main organizers of the Usui Reiki Convention, she will be there as a volunteer.

For the first time in two years, she also

FASHION ���� page 22

ment,” Abril said. “Not all of us have the time to sit here and research everything we purchase.”

Her association encourages consumers to research before purchasing clothes and to remember that sustainability isn’t limited to environmentally friendly products – it includes ethics, workplace conditions and fair wages to workers.

LivTall, founded by Angela Zdrale, 38, of

to do it. They sent Aditi a recording of her play being performed by students who are in the fifth and sixth grades.

“It was so cool,” Aditi said. “They made the anaconda 24 feet long. It wouldn’t fit on the screen.”

When Aditi was doing her own trip around the world via an app, she visited the planet’s most expensive hotel, a lot of theme parks, many beaches and even a ghost town.

was able to return to the Phillipines, whereshe was the first master to introduce Genai Reiki Ho to that country.

“Since there are many different lineages in western Reiki, Gendai Reiki Ho is the only system recognized by the Japa-

Phoenix, is one company that’s working to be transparent. She discovered at a young age that the fashion industry had limited options for tall women like her.

“I knew what all the trends were, and I wanted to wear them, and they did not come in my size,” said Zdrale, who’s over 6 foot tall. “At that time, if it wasn’t at the mall, it didn’t exist for you, sorry.”

Zdrale noticed many brands listed themselves as “size inclusive” but didn’t account for height. That inspired her to

Childsplay chose seven Arizona students to showcase their works in “I Have a Story.”

The other Chandler resident chosen was Samantha Chuck, a freshman at Perry High School. Her story was titled “Tap Dance.”

The 229-page collection offers emotional, searing, eye-opening plays by kids in 19 states and Washington, D.C., aged 7 to 18, including eight from Arizona, whose personal stories have come

nese government as the one and true Reiki. In the world of Reiki, this lineage is very important.”

She will be having a reading from her book at 3 p.m. May 1 at Sozo Healing House. RSVP at: 480-266-4575 because

create an apparel brand for tall women where she could control the creation and production of her clothes.

“The good news is that the whole industry has had a wake up call,” she said.

“They’re really being more conscious in how they’re actually making the fabrics.

So then the end product is also more sustainable.”

LivTall, which launched last year, works with FABRIC to create a sustainable business model. Zdrale makes her clothes to

23

to life in diverse and creative fashion.

Aditi says she plans to keep writing and is currently working on a book with a friend that she hopes to get published.

“It means so much,” Aditi said about getting her story published. “This thing that I wrote, this idea, the feeling that I had, has been turned into this play and people have performed it and people are going to be able to read my play.”

space is limited. After that she will. be returning to the Philippines for another book presentation and signing.

Information on Veloso’s Reiki and other holistic practices: 480-471-5891 or 480-2664575 or e-mail ochiong@hotmail.com

order, donates her extra fabric scraps to a nonprofit and ships her products in reusable packaging.

“I literally work shoulder-to-shoulder with my pattern maker,” Zdrale said. “I know I can go in and say hello to the people who are making my clothes.”

LivTall is just one brand in Arizona that’s prioritizing sustainable practices.

For more, check the sustainable apparel association’s website for a list of certified sustainable brands. ■

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

BUSINESS

25

Chandler mom sees opportunity in ‘macro counting’

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

C

handler resident Shannon Dougherty says it’s easy to see why people don’t always stick to diets.

“When I started down my own personal path of macro tracking, I realized all the things that I was depriving myself of in the past, and struggling with those restrictive diet plans that most of us, women especially, feel like excess cardio, under eating and restrict ourselves, a whole new world opened up.”

In macro counting, people count carbohydrates, proteins and fats instead of calories. Dougherty said that helped her finally keep off the same 10 or so pounds she would gain, then lose, then gain, then lose.

She said what she likes about counting macros, is there are no good or bad foods. You can eat what you want, you

Chandler resident Shannon Dougherty runs Fit Mom Living and has clients from Europe to Canada. (Photo by Stephanie Slezak)

just have to limit it to the macro daily goals.

Dougherty has always been interested in health.

She’s been a fitness trainer for years but after having success with macro counting in her own life, decided to make the switch and become a macro counting coach.

“It’s a really hard concept for a lot of people to grasp,” Dougherty said. “They think, shoot, I’m going to add more food, and the panic sets in, ‘I’m going to gain weight, I’m adding more food.’ There’s no magic pill, everyone’s searching for the quick fix, and they want results yesterday.”

Dougherty said the best way to think about macro counting is like a race car.

If there’s no fuel in the tank, it’s not going anywhere. She said denying the body

see MACRO page 26

St. Amand Kitchen reopens after some upgrades

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

A

n Ocotillo landmark restaurant is open again after shutting down for a little more than a month to make some upgrades.

The owners of St. Amand Kitchen and Cocktails in Ocotillo have added more shade to their outdoor dining area, and improved its private dining area.

There has been a restaurant at the corner of Ocotillo and Alma School roads for 17 years. For most of its life, it was known as D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar. Ken and Lynn Morrow joined the ownership group in 2018 and oversaw the transformation to St. Amand, who is the patron saint of beer, wine and fine food.

“We shut down for a refresh for about six weeks or so,” Ken said. “We extended the patio out to what it is now, and re-

When Ken and Lynn Morrow joined the ownership group of St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails in 2018, they oversaw its transformation from an earlier eatery.

(David Minton/Staff Photographer)

did the back dining room floor, and then redid the panels going around the back that way.”

They also made some changes to the menu, replacing items that aren’t ordered as much with new dishes they hope will be popular.

“It was changed dramatically when we first took over from D’Vine to St. Amand,” Lynn said.

“We kept all the favorites, … so it’s relatively the same. We have a new executive chef, and that’s been wonderful.”

Ken said it wasn’t an easy decision to shut down just as they were picking up steam from the pandemic.

“Very difficult and not cheap,” Ken said. “We had our reasons for doing it, and they’re paying off. The patio extension is the best thing to come out of it.”

see AMAND page 26

26

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

MACRO from page 25

her business.

“It used to be that they wanted to lose their baby weight, now they want to lose their COVID weight,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty said she studied sports medicine at San Diego State University before starting work as a personal trainer.

She said with her experience as a mom, and a business owner and a person who tries to stay fit herself, she can help other busy moms find the balance

they need to care for their families and still find time to invest in themselves.

Dougherty said first her clients have to make the decision to buy in. Then, she starts by setting small goals to make the changes sustainable. While exercise will definitely help with that journey, it’s not the priority.

“I always like to say you can’t out-train a bad diet,” Dougherty said. “Nutrition is 85 percent of the equation, I like to say exercising is the icing on the cake.”

She said she limits the number of oneon-one clients she takes so that she can maintain a high level of service. She also offers group classes.

“I just want women and moms to know that they’re not alone in struggling, and there is a way that they can feel good about themselves and see results and not give up on their goals.”

Information: Sign up for service at FitMomLiving.com. Learn more on Instagram at FitMomLiving.

AMAND from page 25

sulation from the weather,” Lynn said.

“Hopefully, that means we’ll be able to extend it through the summer a little bit longer with more shade.”

It was the second time they’ve had to close down since changing the name.

The first came when the government ordered a shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ken said despite that, they were able to pay their employees during the nearly two months they were shut down.

St. Amand remains one of the few places in South Chandler that has live entertainment on the weekend.

“Right here in Ocotillo, we’re it,” Ken said.

Ken and Lynn said the secret to their success in the restaurant business is to hire great people, and then get out of their way.

“Our day jobs are not restaurateurs,” Ken said.

“The smaller you are, the more important your people can be,” Lynn said. “We invest in our people.”

Ken owns a general contracting business and Lynn works at a biotech company. They got interested in owning a restaurant because they live in the neighborhood and were regular patrons of D’Vine.

“We don’t come here to micromanage,” Ken said. “We let people do their jobs.

We come here to relax and get away and to be with the community as well.”

Information: 3990 S. Alma School Road, Chandler; stamandaz.com

nutrition leads to binge eating.

By instead of counting calories and instead counting how macros, you’re not denying the body the fuel it needs and you can stick to the types of food that will allow you to still lose weight.

Dougherty started her online coaching in 2019 and currently has clients as far away as Europe and Canada. Because she’s online, the pandemic hasn’t hurt

Before, the shade on the outdoor patio was limited.

By adding more cover, most diners are out of direct sunlight except for when the sun sets late in the afternoon.

They’ve added some curtains to keep the sunlight out of diners’ eyes.

“Everyone who comes back here says, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so glad the patio is extended, there’s more shade, more in-

Do you have an interesting story? Contact Paul Maryniak: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

27

3 major strategies to save you lots of tax

BY HAROLD WONG Arizonan Guest Writer

W

e’ve just passed April 18, the date when 2021 personal tax returns were due.

Here are three major strategies available in 2022 to taxpayers: Contribute to a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as an IRA or 401k, for those age 50 or older. In 2022, one can contribute a maximum of $7,000 to an IRA; $27,000 to a 401(k); $67,500 to your own SEP IRA or solo 401(k) if one adds both the employee and employer maximum contribution; and $17,000 to the simple IRA. The Defined Benefit Plan (DB) is not limited by an arbitrary annual contribution limit. Instead the limitation is the annual benefit from a DB plan when one retires and is $245,000 in 2022.

One has to have a third-party administrator do an annual actuarial report to figure out your maximum annual contribution, based on your annual in-

come and age. My clients older than age 55 have been able to contribute over $200,000 per year to a DB plan.

Caveat: As your tax-deferred retirement plan grows, it becomes a Ticking Tax Time Bomb. Is it time to consider a Roth IRA Conversion?

Example: Over 30 years, you contribute $10,000 per year to your 401K, or a total $300,000. If you were in the 25% tax bracket, you saved a total of $75,000 in taxes. It is now worth $1.2 million.

If you and your wife are killed in a car crash, the $1.2 million is 100% taxable as wage income. When your only child inherits this, assume a 40% tax bracket and $480,000 is paid in taxes. You will have paid 6.40 times the taxes you saved.

Residential Rental Real Estate, such as Rental Homes or Apartments: The 1986 Tax Reform Act specified that depreciable life for residential rental real estate is 27.5 years and 31 years for all other types of real estate. The straight-line method of depreciation must be used.

Example: You buy a starter house in

Kathleen A. Nielsen

Chandler for $450,000. You allocate 20% ($90,000) to land which is not depreciable and $360,000 to the building. If you started renting the house in January, 2022, you would get $360,000/27.5 years = $13,092 of annual depreciation which is deductible on your 2022 tax return.

If you started renting that house in October, 2022, you would only qualify for 3 months depreciation in 2022, or $3,273. If you were in a 25% tax bracket, that would save you only $818 of taxes in 2022. However, one’s total cash investment, even with a 75% mortgage, would probably be at least $120,000 cash counting closing costs but without any fix-up costs.

Solar business equipment: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 defined solar business equipment as eligible for 5-year MACRS (accelerated) depreciation. However, if one is qualified as “material participation”, instead of being a “passive” investor, one can also take Section 179, which allows you to deduct 87% of the cost of equipment, even if “placed in service” at the end of 2022.

Everyone, no matter what depreciation method chosen, also gets the same 26% solar tax credit as your neighbor that bought a solar system for his personal house. If one bought $70,000 of solar business equipment and rented it out, total tax savings might be $35,000.

For far less cash than buying a rental house, one gets far more tax savings.

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by Free Catered Lunch at 12:15 pm.

To RSVP for the seminar or schedule a free consultation: contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@ hotmail.com. His website is drharoldwong.com. Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

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SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Senior football players get scholar honors from NFF

BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

B

ryce Chen takes pride in Arizona College Prep football.

It was the program he found his calling in when he was a freshman at the school’s old campus, a small building along Alma School Road. It was the program he grew up with, playing alongside some of his best friends and for a coach that truly valued each and every one of his players.

Chen was one of the architects of the ACP football program, which will now move up to the 4A Conference and for the first time, has a field and campus to call its own after it opened in 2021 near Gilbert and Ocotillo roads. So it’s only fitting Chen be honored for his accolades not only on the field as a receiver for the Knights, but in the classroom as well.

“There’s 23 of us here today and it’s really exciting,” Chen said. “I’m just amazed right now. I’m at a loss for words because I’m from a small school. Some of these kids are from big 6A schools. I’m just …. wow, I’m here.”

Chen was one of 23 high school football players from around the state honored by the National Football Foundation Valley of the Sun Chapter at its 41st Scholar Athlete Luncheon at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.

Currently with a 4.35 GPA at ACP, Chen was honored with the Core Construction Award, awarded to athletes that solidify themselves as difference makers on and off the field, something Chen did during his time at ACP. As a wide receiver and defensive back, Chen ranks second all-time in career receptions, receiving yards, yards per reception and receiving touchdowns. Despite battling an injury that kept him out the first few games of the season, he again became the top wideout for junior quarterback Jayden Diaz.

He earned a scholarship to play at the next level at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a Division III engineering school in Indiana.

Chen was joined by other Chandler athletes as part of the NFF luncheon Saturday, April 23.

Nason Coleman’s high school career was

Left: Arizona College Prep senior Bryce Chen was honored with the Core Construction Award from the National Football Foundation Valley of the Sun Chapter during its 41st annual Scholar Athlete Luncheon on Saturday, April 23 at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler. Right: Chandler senior Nason Coleman was another honoree at the luncheon. He will continue his academic and athletic career at BYU in the fall after winning three state titles during his time with the Wolves. (Dave Minton/Arizonan Staff) nearly derailed by a knee injury before the start of his junior season. But as a senior he reestablished himself as one of the best at his position in the state as he helped lead the Wolves to yet another Open Division State Championship appearance last fall.

He will attend BYU to continue his football and academic career.

“The amount of games and seasons we’ve gone through, just making those relationships with my teammates is what is going to stick with me the most,” Coleman said. “Going out with this honor means a lot. I think this focuses more how you are outside of the football field. That’s something Chandler teaches us a lot, how to represent ourselves off the field. I think it’s an extremely great honor.”

Dawson Hubbard’s time at Hamilton was short as he transferred in before his junior season from Illinois. But in that time, he became a dominating presence for the Huskies on the defensive line.

Hubbard starred at the position for the Huskies, helping lead them to the Open Division State Championship game in his first season and the semifinals as a senior.

He also maintained a 3.6 GPA throughout, which helped him earn a scholarship offer to Butler University where he will continue his football career.

Hubbard was one of four players named to the 2022 Elite Fiesta Bowl Academic Team and was honored at the

Scholar Luncheon. To him, it was the perfect event to cap off his high school career.

“The situation I was put in, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Hubbard said.

“Moving during COVID and playing at one of the best high schools in the nation, I’m just thankful to God, my coaches and my family.

“They accepted me for who I was and gave me the best opportunity to play football.”

Seton Catholic senior Mattias Benally was also honored by the NFF as he received the Native American Award. Other notable Chandler ties included an inaugural scholarship in honor of former Chandler offensive line and in-game run coordinator Chris Chick, who passed away suddenly last year.

Chick’s family established the scholarship in his honor, with Florence’s Ryan King named the inaugural recipient for his leadership and passion for football and academics with a 4.22 GPA. The Scholar Athlete Luncheon honored three local college football players at the event as well as three distinguished Arizonans, which included AIA Executive Director David Hines, Arizona State awardwinning Associate Athletic Director of Media Relations Mark Brand and longtime quarterback coach Dan Manucci.

Other East Valley high school honorees included Red Mountain senior Ryan Grossklaus, Mesa senior Joshua Irish and Notre Dame Prep senior Duke Frye, who received the

Coach Tom Wheatley Memorial Award.

Saguaro senior Miles Crutchley was the fifth recipient of the Bob and Janet Casciola Family Scholarship on Saturday. He shared the moment with teammate Thomas DeChesaro, who received the highest honor of the day.

“There’s a lot of really good, smart athletic guys here,” DeChesaro said. “It’s really cool to all come together for one big event like this to honor our achievements.”

DeChesaro was named the NFF Valley of the Sun Chapter Scholar Athlete of the Year. The senior helped lead Saguaro to the Open Division State Championship last fall, beating Chandler.

Ahwatukee resident Adonis Watt, who captured the hearts of the hearts of the high school football community when he made his varsity debut in 2019 for Brophy.

A sophomore at the time, he lined up at running back against Alhambra High School and plunged into the end zone from a yard out.

Moments like that motivated him to continue pursuing his dream of playing football. He was honored with the Shaw Courage Award.

“When you find something you love, stick with it as long as you can or until you don’t love it anymore, until the wheels fall off,” Watt said. “That’s what I’m doing and what I’m going to continue to do.

“Everyone has their own battles. Mine just happens to be my vision. That’s how I look at it.”

SPORTS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

29

AZSTA donates $80K Dignity, local school athletic trainers

BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

A

thletic trainers are often the forgotten piece to any sports program, especially at the high school level.

They can treat a wide variety of injuries, from bumps and bruises to immediate urgent care until paramedics can arrive on scene. They can be a coach’s best friend or worst enemy, depending on who you ask.

But one thing is clear: They’re there no matter when called upon.

School districts will often spend enough to ensure its head athletic trainer and staff have the necessary equipment. But like in most aspects of education, the funds aren’t unlimited.

That’s where Dignity Health has come in.

In partnership with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, Dignity secured an $80,000 grant for new equipment for its partner schools across Queen Creek, Chandler and Gilbert. In total, 28 schools received new equipment for its training staff, including 14 high schools.

“The athletic trainers are extremely grateful, said Suzie Squires, Athletic Training Manager of the Dignity Health Sports Medicine Program. “They know having the funds and these items allow them to do their jobs that much better which is their ultimate goal. Some of our schools, it’s adding to their long-running wish list.”

Most of the equipment donated through the grants went to portable automated external defibrillators. Some schools, like Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, will receive a new equipment cart used to transport equipment, staff and when necessary, injured athletes.

The new cart is a welcomed sight for Campo Verde head athletic trainer Julia Marino. While still in her first year, she’s felt the brunt of having an outdated cart with battery issues. But she now looks forward to a new one on the way.

“Our current golf cart is running on its last leg,” Marino said. “Just to have those funds available, we don’t have to fundraise or find the funds, we can give more attention to our athletes knowing Dignity is in the background preparing these resources for us. We can get around easier, we can build our program and use some of that money elsewhere.

Left: From left: Chris Marquez of Arizona College Prep, Julia Marino of Campo Verde and Jennifer Yates of Casteel are all in the process of receiving new equipment from Dignity as part of an $80,000 grant from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority. In total, 23 middle schools and high schools in Gilbert, Chandler and Queen Creek will benefit from the grant. Right: Since 2014 Dignity has partnered with local schools to deliver top-notch athletic training programs. Along with grants, it has also set up events where athletes can receive a full screening to be cleared for play well in advance of the season. The most recent event was held Saturday, April 23 at Chandler Gilbert Community College. (Dave Minton/Arizonan Staff) “Same thing with the AED. Those get old quickly. Many schools apply for grants and get denied so having Dignity under our belt is amazing.”

Campo Verde, like other schools, will also receive five years of subscriptions for an electronic medical record software used by trainers daily. The software allows trainers to better monitor and track each individual athlete.

Some schools are also receiving iPads and WiFi jetpacks with the grant, which can be used for training and a variety of other things related to the head athletic trainer’s day-today operations keeping athletes healthy.

Chris Marquez came to Arizona College Prep two years ago from Arizona State where he served as the wrestling athletic trainer.

At the time of his arrival, ACP was still at its old campus near Alma School and Ray roads in Chandler. The school, at the time, had a practice field and small gym, but not much else.

But last fall the school opened its larger standalone campus near Gilbert and Ocotillo roads, which included multiple practice fields, softball, baseball, a football stadium and large gym and weight room. Quickly, Marquez had much more ground to cover during the school year when most sports are in full swing.

“Having access to those supplies and

have the golf carts to cover the such a huge ground has been so helpful, especially as we find new access points and a way to run athletics out there,” Marquez said. “It’s a lot of ground to cover.”

Along with ACP, Basha, Chandler, Hamilton, Perry and seven middle schools and junior highs received part of the grant. In Gilbert, Mesquite, Desert Ridge, Gilbert, Highland and Gilbert Classical Academy were the beneficiaries alongside Campo Verde and five junior highs.

Queen Creek, Eastmark, Queen Creek Middle School and Newell Barney Middle School in Queen Creek were gifted equipment.

Casteel, one of the newer and fastestgrowing schools on the border of Queen Creek and Chandler, received most of its equipment from a previous grant gifted to Dignity in year’s past. This time around, the athletic training staff received the software and an extra AED. School athletic trainer Jennifer Yates said the school’s partnership with Dignity has been key for their growth, especially as the school’s athletic programs continue to see a constant uptick in participation from its students.

“Our campus is super spread out, we have a junior high and high school in one,” said Yates, who has been at Casteel for four years. “Having access to golf carts or new AEDs, new ice submerging tubs or

whatever it may be has been fantastic because of how many athletes we are working with in such a large, expansive space.

“Having the support of Dignity is amazing.”

Since 2014, Dignity has partnered with schools in the three communities to deliver top-notch care in a timely fashion for athletes.

Along with in-season injury prevention and care, Dignity also routinely hosts events that allow athletes to receive a full screening before the start of their respective season.

The most recent one was held at Chandler Gilbert Community College on Saturday, April 23. Trainers and physicians from Dignity were on site with multiple stations for a wide variety of tests often conducted during a sports physical.

Hundreds of high school athletes from Dignity’s partner schools attended the event to be cleared for summer workouts and the season. Yates said the ability for them to get cleared early gives them the opportunity to enjoy their summer and trainers the peace of mind heading into a new season.

“It’s nice for the athletes to come in today, get it done and be over with it,” Yates said. “The coaches back us on this as well because they need it done to play and can’t practice. We get support from all sides to have something this big.”

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Obituaries

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

480-898-6465 • obits@timespublications.com Deadline: Wednesday by 5pm for Sunday

Barbara Elizabeth Garcia

Barbara Garcia, wife, mother and Nana passed away on April 15, 2022.

She is survived by her loving husband Moses, her daughter Christy Garcia, her granddaughter Avery. Also, her siblings Christine Deleon and Anthony Deleon. Her son Carlos passed away in 1994.

Barbara was born in Morenci Arizona on August 22, 1957 to Belia Rios and Augustine Carrasco. She grew up in Morenci and graduated from Morenci Highschool. Later in life obtaining her Associates degree. She worked for the State of AZ for 25 years.

Barbara married Moses in 1973 in Safford, Az and were they Married for 47 years.

Barbara went to he with the Lord surrounded by her husband, daughter, granddaughter and grandson.

Barbara will be laid to rest next to her son.

A funeral service will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on 2022-04-22 at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 West Juniper Street, Mesa, AZ, USA.

H E A D STO N E S Looking For A Career Opportunity In A Rewarding Field?

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

“Memories cut in Stone” • MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

480-969-0788 75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233

www.everlastingmonumentco.com info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com

Make your choice Everlasting

Need help writing an obituary?

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

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

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

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today!

Call us for details.

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

Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE WANTED!

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

If you have an interest in caring for others and want to make a difference in supporting individuals with disabilities, Arizona MENTOR may be right for you!

We Are Hiring For: Behavioral Health Technicians Direct Support Professional/Caregivers Why Join Our Team?

• Competitive pay, benefits and growth opportunities • The opportunity to make a difference • Comprehensive rewards & benefits • Professional development • Supportive & collaborative teams • Innovative health & wellness options • Paid Training • Employee recognition programs

To apply, visit us at jobs.sevitahealth.com or call Marc Baker at 602-529-4775 or email marc.baker@sevitahealth.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Head Start Programs to Host Job Fair With Goal of Hiring Hundreds To Start New Jobs and Careers in Early Childhood Education

Head Start and Early Head Start programs — which serve children from six weeks to 5 years old free of charge through federal funding — are hosting a job fair on Saturday, May 7 to recruit new professionals to the field.

Hundreds of positions are available at the job fair for both entry-level and experienced professionals.

Head Start’s early learning efforts help children with or without special needs find their footing in academic environments. In addition to introducing fundamental skills relating

to language, math and literacy, among other areas, early learning efforts seek to help kids develop their life skills through instruction and interactive play.

Head Start programs seek to ensure that all participants have access to the medical, dental and health services they need to succeed, function and thrive. All program participants enjoy access to health and development screenings, nutritious meals and snacks, and oral and metal health support, among related services.

Founded In 1981, Southwest Human Development is a leader in early childhood development and education, serving more than 140,000 children and their families every year.

Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated

to early childhood development, Southwest Human Development works with young children and their families during their child’s earliest years to have the greatest impact on their future success and development. The organization’s 40 programs and services focus on child development, mental health, Easterseals disabilities services, early literacy, Head Start, family support and child welfare. For more information visit www.swhd.org.

Head Start Job Fair, Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Boulevard, Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona 85040 FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.azheadstart.org

TEACHER STARTING PAY:

$43,864 - $57,834 Fully Funded Employee Benefits 3200 Performance Pay APPLY TODAY!

Union Elementary School District 3834 S. 91st Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353 623-478-5025 | www.unionesd.org

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

JOIN US TODAY!!

NOW HIRING

PHOENIX (April 25, 2022) — Early childhood programs throughout the Valley are giving people an opportunity to get a Head Start on a great new job — and a path to a career in this growing field.

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

JOB SEEKERS

jobs.phoenix.org 480-898-6465

31

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

NOW HIRING

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

32

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Be a part of something

BIG

CMC Steel Arizona is hiring immediately for multiple positions including machine operators, maintenance positions, and crane operators.

We also have current openings for our Modern Steelmaker Program, a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking.

If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!

jobs.cmc.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

RAUCH IS RECENTLY EXPANDED GEOGRAPHICALLY TO BETTER SERVE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MARKETS ON THE PLANET, NORTH-AMERICA.

FIND YOUR JOB

PLEASE APPLY AT WWW.RAUCH.CC/CAREER OR BRING RESUME

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

ONSITE INTERVIEWS

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

HIRING EVENT

33

WHEN?

MAY 13, 2022 9AM TO 3PM

WHERE?

10501 N. REEMS RD. GLENDALE, AZ

WHO?

OPEN POSITIONS FORKLIFT OPERATOR MATERIAL HANDLER SYRUP ROOM BLENDER RAILCAR RECEIVER MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SANITATION TECHNICIAN WASTE WATER TECHNICIAN FACILITIES TECHNICIAN MACHINE OPERATOR NIGHT SHIFT

NOT ONLY IS RAUCH ONE OF THE TOP FRUIT JUICE PRODUCERS IN EUROPE; WE ARE AN INDUSTRY LEADER FOR CONTRACT FILLING OF PREMIUM BEVERAGES, GOBALLY.

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

FIND YOUR JOB

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

34

NOW HIRING! SERVING MARICOPA COUNTY! EXPERIENCED TECHS • INSTALLERS & ENTRY LEVEL!

UP TO $ 3000 SIGNING BONUS!

TOP DOLLAR Based on your level of education and experience Medical Insurance - Your premiums fully paid with $1500 deductible from provider Truck Provided - You take the truck home You are paid from the time you turn it on until the time you get home.

Vacation and Sick Leave - Earned from the day you start!

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED • ROC# 313262

TO APPLY: 623-932-1674 OR WWW.AIRNOWAC.COM

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Peter Piper Pizza’s commitment to outstanding service starts with our employees.

• Competitive benefits and rewards • Day, Evenings, Night positions • Flexible Management hours - go to school and work full-time • Opportunities for growth - we promote from within • Early paycheck access

McDowell and Miller Road • (480) 947-9901 Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

• In-Office Position • Health, Dental, Vision • Paid Vacations, Holidays • 401K and more • Full-Time

Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Why Work Here?

A Good Candidate Possesses

Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, employee training, a talented team, and lots of professional growth opportunities.

• An energetic and upbeat attitude • A minimum of two years of office experience • The ability to work well on a team • An ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment • Exceptional organizational skills • A desire for hands-on professional growth experience

Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

We are seeking a highly organized, friendly, and outgoing individual who excels at making customers happy and keeping the office environment functioning. A good candidate will have strong computer and communication skills and an ability to build rapport and communicate with customers, usually by phone.

If you are a hardworking and resourceful individual, please respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe your skill set and experience make you a good fit for this position. We are currently scheduling interviews for an immediate opening.

Apply today, upload your resume: TimesLocalMedia.com

EOE

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

Job Description

FIND YOUR JOB

Team Member Full and Part Time

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

EVERYBODY GRAB A FUTURE

35

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

FIND YOUR JOB

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

36

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Employment General Niagara Bottling, LLC seeks Sr. Manager of Systems Engineering in Chandler, AZ (& other US locations as needed) to lead design, architecture & execution of solutions for critical business tech apps.

Requires domestic travel up to 50% of the time to other plant locations. Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com Ref #66024

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE

MLCo is a 93 year old family owned and operated business that provides a full array of services to the world’s leading airlines including the procurement, warehousing and distribution of the food and equipment used for inflight services.

As a private business our focus is on our employees and customers making MLCo one of the best places to work in our industry.

Starting pay is $16/hr plus eligible escalators Healthcare benefits and 401K investment options offered Full-time and Summer Positions Available $1000 New Hire Bonus (After 90 day review) $1000 Referral Bonus (After 90 day review) MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE: (WILL FILL SHIFTS AS NEEDED)

1st Shift: 4:00am-12:30pm Mon-Fri 2nd Shift: Mon – Fri, 1:00 – 9:30 pm OR Tues – Fri 1:00 – 9:30 pm, Sat 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

EOE

Please contact jobs@mlco.com for more information

HUMAC, Inc has openings for the following positions in Phoenix, AZ and/or client sites throughout the US. Must be willing to travel/relocate. IT Engineer reqs US Masters/equiv or bachelors + 5 yrs exp to design/dev/test systems/apps using Java/J2EE/HTML/CSS/Unix/Windows. IT Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) to test/maintain/monitor systems/programs using SQL/Oracle/Java/Hadoop/Unix. Send resume to jobs@humacinc.com with ref # 2022-19 for IT Eng; 2022-21 for IT Analyst & ref this ad

PayPal, Inc. has the following positions available in Scottsdale AZ.: MTS 2, Systems Administrator (Req#:18-6059): Act as the Tech.

Duty Ofc. (TDO) who is resp. for Site Incident Mgmt. Req’s: MS (or equiv.) +1yr. exp. Or BS (or equiv.) +5yrs. exp. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. To apply, please send your resume with references, specifying Req.# by email to: paypaljobs@paypal.com; or by mail: ATTN: HR, Cube 10.3.561, PayPal, Inc. HQ, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. EOE, including disability/vets.

Food Preparation Worker: Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed etc. No Exp. Rqr’d. Send res u me to Res tau r ant Zushi Company: 6727 E. McDowell Rd., #110, Mesa, AZ 85215

Food Preparation Worker: Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed etc. No Exp. Rqr’d. Send resume to Zugoi Sushi Corporation: 6813 E. MAIN ST, MESA, AZ 85027

HIRING?

If someone Needs a Job, They Look Every Day! For a Quote email: class@times publications.com

480-898-6465

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER • Experienced & Licensed • Will Have Exclusive Area • Top Commissions

Great Company Back Up to Help Loans Go Through

NOW HIRING

Call Jack, AZ Branch Manager • 520-458-2800

INSIDE SALES TEAM PLAYER IN TEMPE

Cleaning Specialists Needed Valleywide!

Salary + Comission, Benefits, Vacation and Sick Time Times Media Group is the largest publisher of community news in Arizona. With a complete digital advertising suite and over 300,000 copies a week – our reach is a must-have for local businesses, and we offer advertising solutions to fit any business in any community! We are hiring inside advertising sales representatives to help with inbound and outbound sales.

TMG has grown 500% in the past six years, and we expect this growth trajectory to continue. Come join us!

Do you get excited when you sell? We get it - it’s exciting to sell! Do you have an interest in selling solutions and not just ads? If you are a fast learner, tech savvy and familiar with Google and other digital advertising solutions, you should contact us. If you want to learn how, we have you covered too! Will train. This is a full time job with the hours of 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. in Tempe near the Broadway Curve.

Need we say more? Contact us TODAY!

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Elaine Cota, ecota@timespublications.com

EOE

• Full/Part time • Willing to work around your schedule • OT in some areas • Permanent positions • Pay $13.50 - $17.00

• Must pass background check • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. • Must bring two forms of Identification for E-verify purposes

Applications are being accepted Monday-Friday 9am-3:30pm Apply at: 8930 N. 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345

Call: 623-937-0000

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

37

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

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesPublications.com

Merch andise Wanted to Buy Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand.

Will pay top dollar.

Call Pat 480-323-8846

DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring?

Children need your help!

Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

Service Directory Air Conditioning/Heating

Air Duct Cleaning

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BY JOHN

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THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When

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Block Fence * Gates

480-671-0833

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602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

Obituaries Obituaries have moved to the Community section of the paper!

Concrete & Masonry

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

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

Drywall

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

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

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

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

Classifieds 480-898-6465

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

CLASSIFIEDS

38

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Hauling

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Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Not a licensed contractor

Electrical Services

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

• Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

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

QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

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

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! ks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring ainting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” umbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More!

Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y dable, Qualit ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce Sin Quality Work 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More!

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uce at 602.670.7038 t 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

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

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CALL US TODAY!

• Old Tires

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

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If water runs through it we do it!

602-663-8432

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Painting

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

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

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

• Old Paint & Chems.

Plumbing

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

Home Improvement

K Roger Kretz 480.233.0336

rogerkretz@yahoo.com 25+ Years of Customer Services

• Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

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

480-354-5802

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

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Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Irrigation

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service ARRANTY 5 -YEAR PART W

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

L L C

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

General Contracting, Inc.

480.654.5600

S E R V I C E

Prepare for Monsoon Season!

HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

ALL Pro

T R E E

Painting

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

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

(602) 502-1655 Plumbing

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

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

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

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

— Call Jason —

East Valley PAINTERS

Family Owned & Operated

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

10% OFF

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

CLASSIFIEDS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

Plumbing

Roofing

Roofing

480-477-8842

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC 3297740

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

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

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

MonsoonRoofingInc.com

623-873-1626

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Pool Service / Repair

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Not a licensed contractor

Juan Hernandez

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

Call Juan at

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: FREE ESTIMATES • Tiles & Shingles • Installation • Repair • Re-Roofing

sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com

602-471-2346

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Quality Pool Service, That is Priceless!

Weekly WeeklyServices Services

Netting • Brushing • Emptying Baskets Netting ● Brushing ● Emptying Baskets Equipment Check • Water Testing Equipment Check ● Water Testing

Other Services

Other Services Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Sand/Water Change • Repairs • Acid Wash Sand/Water Repairs ●&Acid Wash HandrailsChange • Filter ●Cleaning Repair ● Filter Cleaning & Repair PoolHandrails Tile Cleaning • Green Pool Clean Up PoolAngela Tile Cleaning ● GreenClark, Pool Clean UpClark Owners: Clark, Chelsea & Homer

480-489-0713 • lizardpools.com Owners: Angela Clark, Chelsea Clark, & Homer Clark ROC 303766

ROC 303766 ● 480-489-0713 lizardpools.com

Roofing

PHILLIPS

HYDROJETTING

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

39

Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Public Notices NOTICE OF SALE OF MOBILE HOME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following item of personal property will be sold at public sale to the highest bidder, to satisfy a landlord's lien: Mobile Home Make: DON A BELL Body Style: 12 X 50 Model Year: 1960 VIN: 5083560 / AZ341420 Date and Time of Sale: 06/02/22 AT 9:30 A.M. Location of Sale: Space No. 464 HOLIDAY VILLAGE 701 S DOBSON ROAD MESA, AZ 85202 Name of landlord: HOLIDAY MHC, LP DBA HOLIDAY VILLAGE Amount of Claimed Lien: $4,285.21 as of February 1, 2022 The Landlord reserves the right to bid at said sale and if its bid is the highest, to purchase said mobile home. The Landlord claims a lien against this property in the amount shown above as of the date shown above, for rents and other charges which have accrued through that date under a rental agreement covering the space occupied by the mobile home.

The rental agreement giving rise to this lien was entered into by the Landlord and the following parties, owners of the mobile home, as tenants: Date of Rental Agreement: 08/05/2020 Name(s) of Tenant(s): Michael Andrew Thomas Owner of Record: Michael Andrew Thomas Said mobile home is located at the address shown above as the location of sale. The above described property shall be offered for sale pursuant to A.R.S. 33- 1023. The proceeds from the sale will be applied to the cost of sale and to the lien, and any money that remains will be disposed of as provided in A.R.S. 33-1023. COVID-19 Guidelines to be followed with limited number of attendees as stated in state guidelines.

HOLIDAY MHC, LP DBA HOLIDAY VILLAGE By: Cecilia A. Prendergast Title Administrator Dated: April 15, 2022 April 20, 2022 & April 27, 2022 Published: West Valley View/Business, Apr 24, May 1, 2022 / 46061

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 1, 2022

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

Award-winning Arizona builder for over 40 years.

F BELL RD.

56TH ST.

Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities, parks, and charm.

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A STRATFORD NOW SELLING B C D E F G H

A Dramatic New Gated Community in Gilbert Vintage Collection • From the low $600’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the mid $700’s • 480-988-2400 PALMA BRISA – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community Vintage Collection • From the high $600’s • 480-641-1800 Craftsman Collection • From the low $800’s • 480-641-1800 BELMONT AT SOMERSET – Prime Gilbert Location CLOSEOUT Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture • From the low $1,000,000’s • 480-895-6300 MONTELUNA – Brand New Gated Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa NOW SELLING B McKellips Rd just east of the Red Mountain 202 Fwy • From the low $700’s RESERVE AT RED ROCK – New Upscale Resort Community in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa COMING IN 2022 Stunning views of Red Mountain • From the $600’s TALINN AT DESERT RIDGE – SALES BEGIN EARLY IN 2022 Spectacular location at Desert Ridge ESTATES AT MANDARIN GROVE – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 11 luxury single-level estate homes with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000 ESTATES AT HERMOSA RANCH – In the Citrus Groves of NE Mesa CLOSEOUT 12 single-level homes on extra large homesites with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the mid $1,000,000’s • 480-750-3000

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