The Mesa Tribune - Zone 1 - 5.30.2021

New animal shelter / P. 12

Mesa �ire �ight / P. 3

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Memorial Day ‘returns’ to full commemorations

INSIDE

This Week

BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

ol High Scho Skyline School View High School Mesa High School tain High Red Moun l High Schoo Westwood Mountain

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BUSINESS ................. 17 El Vinaio passes test of time.

M

emorial Day is the most solemn day of the year for many veterans and the families of those who gave their lives for their country.

With the dangerous acceleration of COVID-19 leading to many lockdowns and restrictions, Memorial Day 2020 left many service veterans and family members feeling a bit empty.

This year, Memorial Day is back.

Flipping the script of 2020, vaccines and other measures checked the coronavirus spread to a level that makes state and local governments comfortable relaxing restrictions. The Centers for Disease and Control even gave the thumbs up for fully vaccinated people to gather with no masks.

While that signals “party time” to some, for those with connections to the military, tomorrow means comfortably gathering to

��� MEMORIAL ���� 6

Rosa Maria Del Rosario, Ph.D., commander of Pablo J. Cortez Post 26 American Legion, is flanked by, from left, Richard Weleh, William Brumme & Craig M. Renevitz. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Southeast Mesa mom vies for “Lego Master” title SPORTS ..................... 20 Mesa man is king of the pins.

COMMUNITY ............................... 15 BUSINESS ..................................... 17 OPINION .. ..................................... 19 SPORTS ........................................ 20 PUZZLES ...................................... 22 CLASSIFIED ................................. 23 Zone

1

Congratulations Class of 2021!

BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

W

hen Michelle and Tim Brooks bought a house in southeast Mesa and got ready to set up home in December, they had a little family meeting.

Five-year-old Annabelle got her own room.

Timmy and Owen, 14 and 10, were given a choice: Either each could have his own bedroom, or they could share a room and have the

other bedroom converted to a special room.

The response was immediate: “Lego room!”

The kids are homeschooled, so they get break time every day to work on their problem-solving skills and creativity, building assorted shapes out of the Lego bricks.

Tuesday night in the same room, they will watch their mother tackling Lego creations – on prime-time television.

Brooks and her building partner Natalie Cleveland made it to Season 2 of “Lego

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“My kids are over-the-moon excited,” Brooks said with a giggle during a Zoom call.

“The �irst season, we watched it so many times. We had to go through the whole season seven times. Even my 5-year-old can tell you

��� LEGO MASTER ���� 10

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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NEWS

3

Mesa responds to criticism with ‘praise and raise’

BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

D

espite some �iery behind-thescenes blasts launched at them, Mesa Mayor John Giles and City Manager Chris Brady responded with a “praise and raise” strategy toward the Mesa Fire and Medical Department.

The attack came in the form of a fullpage ad in the Tribune from the group Mesa Shell Game, which notes on its website it receives “major funding by the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona.”

The website encourages Mesa residents to call Giles and Brady and “tell them to restore 911 response times and to stop stiffing �ire�ighters on necessary resources and pay.”

And, on the Opinion page of the May 23 Tribune, Bryan Jeffries, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, complained Giles and Brady used a “shell game” to take money voters approved for public safety and use it for an ASU campus.

“The Mesa Fire Department and Mesa Police have suffered major reductions to pay for Giles’ and Brady’s spending spree,” Jeffries wrote.

Though a group of Mesa �ire�ighters gathered outside City Council Chambers May 17, none spoke during the council meeting.

At that meeting, council tentatively approved the city’s $2.1 billion 2021-22 budget, which includes just under $500 million in the city’s General Fund Of that, $91 million is budgeted for the Mesa Fire and Medical Department.

During the May 17 meeting and in previous study sessions, Brady and Giles stated several times they were committed to giving Mesa �ire�ighters a raise.

“In July, 20 percent of our �ire�ighters will make the top end of all the �ire�ighters in the Valley,” Brady said.

“Over a 15-year period, a Mesa �ire�ighter makes more than almost any other �ire�ighter in the Valley,” he added.

In January, an adjustment increased the minimum and maximum pay for �ire�ighters by 5 percent, with an annual 3 percent “step-pay” for all eligible �ire�ighters and a $2,000 bonus.

Starting in July, according to budget presentations, “Eligible employees at the rank of �ire�ighter, engineer and captain will receive up to a 3 percent step

$70,616 was higher than the other �ive cities used for comparison.

But the average salary of �ire�ighters in Mesa was $61,814, trailing Chandler ($62,574) Mesa City Council approved a tentative $2.1 billion budget, including raises for and Tempe ($62,327). firefighters. The Mesa Fire Department budget is $91 million. (City of Mesa) The averincrease effective the �irst pay period of age in Scottsdale ($61,560) is nearly identical to Mesa’s. each �iscal year.

And Mesa �ire�ighters on average “Eligible employees at the rank of �ire�ighter, engineer and captain with six to make more than their peers in Glendale 10 years of service will receive an in- ($58,893) and Phoenix ($57,143).

Giles acknowledged the �ire�ighters’ crease in base salary over a period of two years to equalize their base pay with em- union pointed out “some of our mid-caployees with the same rank and tenure at reer �ire�ighters fell behind.”

“We’re going to �ix it,” the mayor the city of Chandler.”

The annual �ire�ighter’s salary increase pledged. “We’re not going to play games; jumps to 5 percent starting July 1, 2023. we’re going to �ix it.”

According to a presentation at one of the And he added a heaping of praise, notbudget study sessions, Mesa �ire�ighters’ ing “in the last year, we saw (�ire�ighters) minimum salary of $50,785 was lower really rise to the challenge during the than Tempe’s entry-salary of $51,891, but pandemic.” higher than minimum salaries in ScottsCouncilman Mark Freeman, a former dale ($48,547), Phoenix ($48,036), Chan- Mesa �ire�ighter, agreed: “I’m supportive dler ($48,194) and Glendale ($45,145). of this. I think it’s important to remedy Mesa �ire�ighters’ maximum salary of this as quickly as possible.” 

A presentation at a Mesa City Council study session compared Mesa firefighters’ salaries to those in neighboring cities. (City of Mesa)

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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NEWS

Mesa poised to party like it’s 2019

BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

A

fter tipping their caps to soldiers, sailors and �liers who died in wars, many people view Memorial Day weekend as a great excuse to party – or at least socialize with friends and family.

Once casually used, “socialize” became an almost ugly word, at the heart of the pandemic. Now that cases and deaths from the disease have plummeted, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention giving the OK for those vaccinated to put masks away, Mesa is poised to party like it’s 2019.

“People are ready to be social again!”

Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/ CEO Sally Harrison proclaimed.

But she quickly added, “I am hearing that some people are still being cautious even after having been vaccinated.”

According to Nancy Hormann, president and executive director of the Downtown Mesa Association, the scene downtown is reminiscent of a line from an old movie:

MEMORIAL ���� ���� 1

remember the lives lost, both in times of war and the time of the great pandemic.

In 2020, for the �irst time in its 101-year history, American Legion Post 26 in Mesa was closed on Memorial Day. Christine Matsko started her job as manager of Post 26 a month before the pandemic hit.

“It was tough, but we soldiered on through,” she said. “We kept tabs with everybody to make sure everyone was OK.” Not only was Post 26 closed this time last year, but the members were not able to gather at the Mesa Cemetery, as they normally do on Memorial Day. Rosa Maria del Rosario was voted the commander of Pablo J. Cortez Post 26 just last week.

Her timing is impeccable, as she gets to of�icially reboot the post, including a gathering at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the post, 505 W. 2nd Ave. The service is open to the public, with a barbecue to follow.

“We are fully prepared for it,” del Rosario said.

What a difference a year makes.

“Last year, our post was closed due to the pandemic. Many of our traditional pa-

They’re baaaack …

“Everything’s open, now,” Hormann said. “We’re expecting to have a very busy weekend.”

Last Monday morning, she was still giddy over what she had seen over the weekend.

“It was hugely busy this past weekend …

It’s just been crazy how busy things are,” she said. “Saturday night, every bar and restaurant was packed.”

Though downtown restaurants and bars stayed a�loat during the darkest times of the pandemic, much of their business was to go – or with patrons socially distanced on patios.

The change over the last two weeks, since restrictions have been lifted, has been remarkable, Hormann noted.

“Now, everything’s busy, inside and out.”

She expects the three-day weekend to accelerate that trend: “People have been so pent up and they’re ready to get out.”

Festivals

Pretty much running right down the

Orlo “Ole” Robert Bjerk, a beloved member and leader of Legion Post 26, was one of more than 10,000 veterans to die from COVID-19. (Special to the Tribune) triotic ceremonies were canceled. This is the �irst time we’re doing it again after an absence of one year,” del Rosario said.

The Memorial Day gathering will include a color guard, guest speakers and American Legion motorcycle riders.

“We want to kind of start everything with a bang,” del Rosario, a U.S. Army veteran, said. “But we don’t know how our Mesa community is braced to join us for our patriotic ceremonies.

“We’ve been all con�ined long enough.

boundary of “memorial” and “fun” is Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery at 7900 E Main St. According to its website: “We invite you to join us for our Memorial Day event, Sunday, May 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket!”

The funeral home will host “patriotic music from Chad Freeman and Redline and a delicious meal with fellow community members.”

Though not until next weekend, a bigger crowd is expected at Eastmark’s �irst Canacopia, what event planner HDE is calling its “�irst post COVID-19 production.”

The event will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 5.

Canacopia is a festival “celebrating all spirits in a can including craft beer, hard seltzers, wine and other 21+ beverages.”

The Hourglass Cats, Jim Bachmann and the Day Drinkers and Tommy Price and the Stilettos will be cranking out music all day.

Online presale tickets are $68 until June 4. Tickets purchased at the event will be available for $80. All attendees must be

The ceremony is a wonderful way to gather veterans and their families, to remember those who passed, those warriors to our country who are missing.”

Meanwhile, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Mesa Post 1760 will have a Memorial Day barbecue at 1 p.m. at the post at 65 S. Macdonald, a few blocks east of the Legion post.

Last year, Dode Morris Post 1760 was closed for an extended period. Leaders used the time to do “some much-needed remodeling.”

Many members saw the upgrades for the �irst time May 15, when Post 1760 had a barbecue to celebrate Armed Forces Day — the �irst such gathering in nearly a year.

VFW Post 1760 boasts of being “one of the �ive oldest VFW’s in Arizona.”

The post’s slogan: “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.”

Thousands of soldiers, sailors and �liers who lived through wars fell to an invisible enemy over the last year.

According to the Veterans Administration, as of April 30, 11,774 veterans died from COVID-19.

The number of veterans who died from the disease is likely far higher, as the VA notes, “Those 11,774 deaths include only

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

over the age of 21.

The Eastmark festival will be at 10100 East Ray Rd.

Water fun

School’s out — and pool’s in.

The city of Mesa opened its pools May 29, just in time for Memorial Day. All nine pools will be open, with some capacity restrictions. Hours are 1 to 2:50 p.m. and 3 to 4:50 p.m.

Families can pre-register for $2 per person or drop-in at the public swim rate of $2 per child and $4 per adult.

The city pools: • Brimhall Aquatic Complex, 4949 E. Southern Ave., 480-644-5087.

• Carson Aquatic Complex, 525 N. Westwood, 480-644-2374.

• Fremont Aquatic Complex, 1101 N. Power Road, 480-644-2369.

• Kino Aquatic Center, 848 N. Horne, 480-644-2376.

• Mesa Aquatic Complex, 1630 E. South-

��� MEMORIAL FUN ���� 8

veterans diagnosed at VA hospitals and medical centers.”

Many around Mesa felt the pain of losing loved ones to the disease.

On Feb. 22, coronavirus snatched away Orlo “Ole” Robert Bjerk, a beloved member and leader of Legion Post 26. He was an unusually active 87-year-old.

According to his obituary, Bjerk was barely 16 when he joined the South Dakota National Guard. He spent four decades with the Guard, all of it in the 147th Field Artillery.

He was called to active duty multiple times, before retiring to Arizona and “enlisting” with the American Legion Post 26.

He held multiple positions in 28 year, including post commander, �inance of�icer and chaplain.

“It was a big loss to the community,” Matsko said, of Ole’s passing. “He was extremely active. He was recognized by the state and national people for his contributions.”

Del Rosario spoke at his memorial service.

She called him a “Jedi warrior.”

“He trained me as a legionnaire, how to be

��� MEMORIAL ���� 8

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

National Cemetery events resume – kind of TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

L

ast year, the pandemic forced the cancellation of Memorial Day events at all the 155 national memorial cemeteries, even the 624-acre National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

It was the �irst time since the National Cemetery of Arizona in Cave Creek was created in 1978, that no big public Memorial Day service was held.

And while the National Cemetery Administration lifted all restrictions on large gatherings, effective May 26, the move came too late for the traditional ceremony at the cemetery, which draws thousands of veterans and their families.

National cemeteries will allow mass �lag

MEMORIAL ���� ���� 6

the best Legionnaire. So I can tell you I am a Jedi, because of Ole,” she told the crowd.

He trained her well as Del Rosario spent the last �ive years as the post’s service of�icer.

“That means I am the key person to help veterans and their families in need,” The position probably was never as crucial as it was during the pandemic.

“It was a very sad year. Many of our

MEMORIAL FUN ���� ���� 6

ern Ave., 480-644-3036.

• Rhodes Aquatic Complex, 1860 S. Longmore, 480-644-2550.

• Shepherd Aquatic Complex, 1407 N. Alta Mesa Dr., 480-644-3037.

• Skyline Aquatic Center, 845 S. Crismon, 480-644-6040.

• Stapley Aquatic Complex, 3250 W. Hermosa Vista, 480-644-4977.

For those who prefer to be on the water over being in the water, the Desert Belle Tour Boat launches at 14011 N. Bush Highway.

Admission is $15-24 “for a party on the water!”

Visit desertbelle.com for the calendar of cruises, which include bands playing pop, jazz and rock.

And Salt River Tubing is gearing up for the summer down the road at 9200 N. Bush Highway.

Tubing the Lower Salt River rapids in the Tonto National Forest “is a recreational paradise that offers ‘chills and thrills’

placements across the U.S. to commemorate Memorial Day. It said volunteers wishing to place �lags should contact their local national cemetery. The Cave Creek cemetery had no new information on its website, cem.va.gov/ cems/nchp/NMCA.asp. It can be reached at 480-513-3600.

All 155 VA national cemeteries will be open Memorial Day weekend from dawn to dusk.

The VA will also debut new features on the Veterans Legacy Memorial site in time for Memorial Day. VLM will permit online visitors to submit photos and biographical summaries of a Veteran’s life, along with historical documents such as award citations, letters, and newspaper clippings. An-

veterans just like other citizens have lost their jobs, some of them were homeless. I lost track of quite a lot of people, some of our veterans left town,” she said.

“I don’t know how many passed due to the virus, and others were natural deaths due to old age. We’re losing a lot of our veterans; they’re in their 70s, 80s and 90s.”

A self-described “Air Force brat,” del Rosario came to Mesa when her father transferred to Williams Air Force Base.

She used the G.I. bill to �inance her edu-

other feature will allow visitors to receive email alerts when new content is posted.

One event that had already been scheduled in Cave Creek regardless of crowd restrictions was the Flags for Our Fallen ceremony organized by Riders USA. This is the 15th consecutive year that the men and women in the organization display up to 500 American Flags with an honor guard of hundreds of motorcycles and hot rods lining the streets leading into the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

The gathering will be held between 6-8 a.m. Monday, May 31, at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road.

Riders USA �ield headquarters will be located at the southeast corner of Pinnacle Peak and Cave Creek roads. 

cation, getting master’s and doctorate degrees from ASU. She worked in veterans’ affairs in New York City, San Antonio and Miami, then retired and returned to Mesa.

Now that she is the of�icial leader of the post, she has big plans.

“Our post needs what I call a booster shot,” del Rosario said.

“One of the things I really want to do is work with the city of Mesa in celebrating our patriotic holiday.”

The city opened its nine pools, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Kids will be ready to dive in and cool off. (City of Mesa) while �loating on cool and refreshing mountain-stream waters.”

Tube rentals and shuttle service are available starting at 9 a.m. every day for $19 per person. For information, visit: saltrivertubing.com.

Music

It will be “game on” for music and

more at the Revelry, “an entertainment and gaming venue featuring AZ’s largest covered outdoor patio” at 1065 N. Dobson Road.

The Riverview-area “food and entertainment collective” is a sprawling 60,000 square feet, spread out over two buildings and the canopy.

The Revelry was bold enough to open

What could be a better way to launch her leadership than Memorial Day? Her advice: Have fun, but keep this holiday in perspective.

“It’s wonderful for our citizens to enjoy and make a party out of Memorial Day as long as they remember the word memorial means ‘to remember.’ To remember those who came before us and also to remember our responsibility.

“They can party all they want as long as they remember that.” 

in November, just as another wave of COVID-19 was sweeping over Mesa.

After taking baby steps to ensure social distancing with limited crowds, it’s now a full-go at the Revelry, which features a “Country Concert in the Park” from 1 to 7 p.m. today, May 30.

A Johnny Cash Tribute Band plays at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 5.

In between the two concerts, DJs will be spinning to get crowds dancing at the Revelry.

Roosters Country, Baja Joe’s, the What the Hell Bar and other watering holes around the city will have music blaring over the holiday weekend.

Harrison of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce urges those planning to be out and about to have a little patience and understanding.

“Many of our restaurants are struggling with help,” she said. “I would ask people to support our restaurants, but have a little patience when doing so.

“Many of our folks are very short handed.” 

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

LEGO ���� ���� 1

who won, who was eliminated.”

The taping of the teams competing for the $100,000 grand prize is over, but Brooks is sworn to secrecy about how she and her partner did.

The show is hosted and executive-produced by Will Arnett, best known for his work on “Arrested Development.” Lego Group creative designers Amy Corbett and Jamie Berard are the judges.

The show’s publicity describes Brooks and her partner as “hip moms who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. If something needs to be built or �ixed around the house, these two know that they’re one Home Depot trip away from getting the job done.

“Both the wives of pastors, Michelle and Natalie met at church and quickly became close friends after bonding over art, DIY projects and parenting.”

Brooks, who started a small business building custom furniture, con�irms she is a longtime do-it-yourselfer.

But she has a confession to make.

“I didn’t play with Legos much growing up; I was more of a dolls person,” she said with a sheepish grin.

“Five or six years ago, my boys got me interested in Legos.”

The youthful 42-year-old mother of four – her oldest daughter is 24 – was instantly hooked.

“I met Natalie �ive or six years ago at

Michelle and Tim Brooks converted a bedroom of their new Mesa home to a “Lego room.”

They spend plenty of time there with kids Timmy, Owen and Annabelle. The crafting time paid off, as Michelle landed a spot on Season 2 of “Lego Masters.” She will compete on the Fox TV season debut at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1. (Fox TV) church. I had heard she likes to do DIY stuff, so the �irst time I saw her I did a beeline to her. I got my phone out and started showing her my stuff, then she showed me her stuff.”

The two collaborated on projects when they lived nearby in Texas. But Brooks, who grew up in the West Valley, returned to Arizona, settling with her family in Mesa.

Last year, she applied for the premiere season of “Lego TV,” but didn’t make the cut.

Michelle Brooks of Mesa and her partner Natalie Cleveland compete in the Fox TV show “Lego Masters.” (Fox TV)

As soon as the second season was announced, she went online and applied.

Her friend Cleveland agreed to give it a try – and Brooks was stunned and thrilled they were selected.

She and Cleveland had little time to celebrate, as they had to dig in and prepare.

The long-distance friends are up against married couples, siblings and lifelong friends.

Other than doing things together on

Facetime, Brooks and Cleveland never did Legos together live until just before the taping of the show in Atlanta.

With the cameras rolling, they faced the demolition derby challenge and a fashion challenge, then an intimidating earthquake tower challenge.

“I’ve never been on television before. It was kind of crazy. I would get so focused, I would forget cameras were even there,” Brooks said.

“Going into the set was crazy; there was a surreal moment to take it all in. It was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done.”

So, how did she do?

Brooks only grins. She signed an agreement not to reveal how she and Cleveland did.

But she will reveal her strategy.

“We went into it with the attitude, ‘We made it, let’s see what we can do and let’s have fun.’ We just love to create things, our minds are twirling with creative ideas,” she said.

The bottom line: “It was incredibly fun – and incredibly stressful.”  What: “Lego Masters” Who: Mesa’s Michelle Brooks competes When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1 Where: Fox TV

Mums the word for Michelle Brooks of Mesa, who cannot tell anyone how she fared in the Lego contest. (Fox TV)

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

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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NEWS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

cation Association and a social studies teacher at Red Mountain High School, said, “This compensation has been months and months of work.”

“This is a district that has gone above and beyond what was provided for us by the state,” he continued. “We’ve been able to show educators across the district that they are supported … It makes me proud.”

The district’s website shows the average annual teacher’s salary of $46,436 in 2018 has gone up to the current average of $55,826.

Hutchinson thanked Buckley and other leaders. “Josh, the board wants to thank you for your effective leadership,” she said before Buckley received a round of applause.

She also praised Frank Hunter, who represents bus drivers and other hourly “classi�ied” staff members. “He’s relentless in making sure every kid has a successful education,” she said.

“For anyone to say this is a dif�icult year - you know what it was like. Our staff has taken on every challenge while always staying student centered,” Hunter said, adding the raises will help the district recruit for open positions.

“Most important, this will bene�it kids,” said Hunter, �ighting back tears. 

12

Raises coming for all MPS employees

M

esa Public Schools teachers, assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other district employees will all get raises starting in the fall – and a bonus if they stick around.

Teachers on salary will receive 2 percent increases.

Hourly staff will get a raise of $1 per hour.

And all employees will receive a $3,000 “retention stipend for both their work this year and their continuing work into next year,” said Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson.

Mesa Association of School Administrators members also will receive a 2 percent increase. For Thompson, that means a raise from $170,119 to $173,521. Associate Superintendent Holly Williams’ salary will increase from $175,895 to $179,412.

With the safety net of $247 million in federal stimulus funds, the board felt comfortable in approving the raises despite a sizable budget de�icit until the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are received.

The board unanimously approved the increases. Board members Jenny Richardson and Joe O’Reilly did not attend the

The Mesa Public School District Governing Board approved raises for teachers, bus drivers and other employees, thanking Josh Buckley, left, who represents teachers, and Frank Hunter, who represents classified staff. (MPS) meeting with excused absences.

“I want to express my appreciation for all of our educators. This has been a year of building the airplane while we are �lying it,” said Lara Ellingson, a new board member.

“I wish we could do more,” she added.

District leaders and employee groups met for a year before hashing out �inal Employee Compensation Plan recommendations.

“I appreciate everything you do to make

the lives of our children great,” said board member Kiana Sears, speaking to district employees in the audience and beyond.

“We appreciate you more than we can say in words or monetary ... I just say, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ We couldn’t do this without you.”

Marcie Hutchinson thanked leadership groups. “Our intention was always to honor the service of all of our employees.

Particularly during this challenging year.”

Josh Buckley, president of the Mesa Edu-

County board approves $27M for dog shelter here TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

T

he Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved funding for a $27 million animal care shelter in the East Valley.

The county is reserving the money for a “new, modern shelter” at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive, Mesa, on land the county already owns.

“The Board of Supervisors heard East Valley residents loud and clear about the need for investment in a modernized animal care facility,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri.

Chucri promised to “closely monitor plans for this facility to ensure it serves the needs of our community while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.”

The new facility will replace the current shelter at Rio Salado and the Loop-101.

Built in 1991, the Rio Salado facility has received and managed more than 7,000 dogs and cats annually and consistently had a higher adoption rate than the West Valley shelter located at 27th Avenue and Durango in Phoenix.

Hundreds of volunteers are key to the shelter’s existence, say of�icials.

With funding for a new East Shelter reserved, the next step is to begin the procurement process and review construction proposals.

In the meantime, the Durango shelter remains the primary shelter and is open to the public and volunteers with the Rio Salado facility being used for weekend adoptions and special events.

To volunteer, foster, and or to adopt “your new best friend,” visit Maricopa. gov/pets. 

A new county animal shelter at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive will replace the existing one at Rio Salado and the Loop 101. (Maricopa County)

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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AROUND MESA

City hosts impaired driver ed program

The legalization of marijuana has raised questions about how that impacts safety on the roads.

How much weed can you smoke or eat without being considered an “impaired driver”?

Stoned drivers will be one of the topics when the city of Mesa will livestream an Impaired Driving Education Awareness (IDEA) event from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 1.

A panel of DUI investigative experts, prosecutors, victims and others will discuss impaired driving.

The event can be watched at Mesa11.com/live, the city’s YouTube channel or on the city’s Facebook page.

George Chwe, a Mesa police officer, will talk about impairment and how it doesn’t always mean being drunk, high or stoned.

Chwe, the state coordinator of the Drug Evaluation Classification Program for the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, will discuss common misconceptions of DUI laws, zero tolerance and how much alcohol, medications and marijuana can you consume before driving.

Stacey Good, an assistant city prosecutor, will explain the

recent passage of Proposition 207 and how recreational marijuana use changes the prosecution of DUIs in Arizona. She will also talk about marijuana impairment versus being high or stoned, marijuana as an impairing substance and how it is unsafe to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence.

Danny Montoya, survivor of DUI, will tell his story about the tragic loss of his son that was directly caused by impaired driving.

For more information about the impact of impaired driving and recent changes in the law, visit mesaaz.gov/ cannabisandDUI.

Summer reading program is back at library

Mesa Public Library is participating in the countywide Summer Reading Program, encouraging people of all ages to read at least 20 minutes a day.

The theme of this year’s program, which begins June 1, is “Tails & Tales,” encouraging readers to explore the many stories of the animal kingdom by reading, completing challenges and attending virtual events and participating

in community experiences.

“Most people don’t realize that our Summer Reading Program is open to adults as well as children. We want to make summer reading a family affair and encourage parents to join in on reading with their kids,” Mesa Library Director Heather Wolf said.

“After the year we have had and the interruption to learning that our children have experienced, reading over the summer is even more important to keep up their reading fluency and comprehension skills.”

The program plays a vital role in helping to reduce the “Summer Slide” or the learning loss experienced while transitioning between school years.

Studies have shown that students who participate in a summer reading program have better reading skills at the end of the third grade and score higher on standardized tests than students who do not participate.

Summer reading loss is also cumulative - by the end of 6th grade, children who consistently lose reading skills over the summer will be two years behind their classmates. Reading just five books over the summer can pre-

vent summer reading loss.

Participants in the Summer Reading Program earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books or listening to audiobooks. Additional points are earned by attending virtual events hosted by librarians and completing online library challenges.

Prizes are based on the number of points readers achieve. Pre-readers and kids up to age 12 who achieve 500 points receive restaurant coupons while all ages who accumulate 750 points earn an Arizona State Parks Pass.

Anyone reaching 1000 points can choose a free book or donate it to a local Head Start classroom. Prizes and coupons are based on availability and subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grand prize drawings will also be held for a chance to win a Phoenix Zoo Prize Bundle, Harkins Theatres Family Prize Pack, a Sea Life Aquarium Family 4-Pack and a Legoland Discovery Center Family 4-Pack.

Mesa’s Summer Reading Program continues through Aug. 1. To register: mesalibrary.org/events/summer-reading.  Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Mesa!

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EV nonpro�it helping disabled kids’caregivers TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

A

newly formed East Valley nonpro�it aims to support caregivers of children with disabilities.

Illyssa Tussing of Gilbert chairs the board of D.A.M.E.S. Charities, which aims to reduce caregiver burnout and build the resiliency of caregivers of children with disabilities by providing them with easy to access tools that focus on mindfulness, education, and community,” said founder Michele Thorne.

Thorne has assembled a board comprising professionals who work with disabled children – and in several cases are parents of special needs kids.

Tussing is the mother of two specialneeds boys and owner of a tech support company called Creative Tech AZ which provides tech support and web design to small businesses around the Valley.

Her oldest son has autism and her second son has a rare disease, RYR-1. These differences allow her to see both sides of special

Michele Thorne, whose son Jackson and daughter Maria, were diagnosed autistic, thinks mothers of special needs children should get social, mental and emotional support that they can’t find from groups that help the kids, so she started an organization to provide that support. (Tribune file photo) needs children with mental disorders as well as children with physical disorders.

EV grad volunteers at African girls rescue center

BY BEVERLY MEDLYN Tribune Contributor

M

akayla Henwood will trade the arid Sonoran desert for the verdant African plains of Tanzania this summer when she volunteers to help care for impoverished young girls at the Maasai Girls Rescue Center.

“I’m excited to see the girls again,” said Henwood, a member of Apache Junction High School’s Class of 2021.

Two years ago, Henwood volunteered at the center, founded and run by her grandfather, Rick Morro, a retired businessman from Scottsdale who moved to Tanzania nine years ago to help the poorest of the poor.

Henwood, 18, recalled playing games and singing songs with the girls, helping them with their schoolwork and conversing with them to practice English. In high school, Henwood was a student athlete who enjoyed writing, reading and math.

Graduation is set for May 20.

This summer Henwood will bring along two close friends to volunteer–- Madonna Packer and Britney Davis.

��� AFRICA ���� 16

Newly minted high school graduate Makayla Henwood will be working with rescued girls in Africa this summer. (Beverly Medlyn/ Tribune Contributor)

This unique dynamic gives itself to many opportunities in the community and expe-

riences which can help others, Thorne said.

It was out of her personal understanding of the challenges moms of special needs children face that Thorne – the mother of two autistic children – founded DAMES, an acronym for Differently-Abled Mothers Empowerment Society.

With a bachelor’s degree in genetics and a master’s in science, she had worked at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, or TGen, for �ive years until she felt driven to quit her career to be with her son and daughter.

The acronym plays off the name of an honori�ic title given women in Britain and some other countries.

“I was searching for a word that kind of encapsulates moms like me who are out there battling for their kids relentlessly day-in and day-out,” she explained. “These mothers are relentless in their search for care and protection of their children.”

Thorne is active in a number of region-

��� THORNE ���� 16

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COMMUNITY

THORNE ���� ���� 15

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

wide organizations such as the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, but she did not �ind a group �illing the kind of needs she’s trying to meet with D.A.M.E.S “There’s nothing out there that really takes care of the deeper self-care mothers really need,” she said.

For example, she said, “It’s really hard for parents who have special needs children to get out and �ind somebody to watch their kids so they can go to a support group meeting.”

So, she developed an elaborate website, damesusa.com, where they can �ind the support online.

Stating that “time is valuable to caregivers of children with disabilities,” Thorne said D.A.M.E.S Charities tries to ease caretakers’ burdens.

“On the D.A.M.E.S Charities Inc. website, parents will �ind �ive roadmaps that will help them navigate Arizona’s systems of care, over 25 educational webinars, 20 tools to help them organize their child’s medical care and eight- to 21-day �itness programs they can do at home, on their time,” she said.

“By reducing caregiver stress and burn- Factors Trainer, and as a Triple P Stepping out, parents can cultivate a positive re- Stones Practitioner. Michele also sits on lationship with their children and help the ALTCS advisory council, the ICC �inanthem get the care they need,” Thorne said, cial committee and the CPSD Leadership committee as a stating D.A.M.E.S parent represenCharities “offers a tative. holistic approach It’s really hard for parents Dr. Gabrielle Ficthat allows carewho have special needs chi is chief operagivers to connect tions of�icer for socially, participate children to get out and find D.A.M.E.S. Chariin self-care, and acsomebody to watch their kids ties. The Tucson cess educational reso they can go to a support associate counselsources whenever or is a certi�ied reit is most convegroup meeting. habilitation counnient.”

- Michele Thorne selor and is the As the CEO of clinical director at D.A.M.E.S Charities Helping Everyday Inc., she plans to continue creating programs, apps, events, Youth, working with children to help proand support groups to help parents who vide community and school-based treatare raising children with different health ment programs that address the external behaviors of youth with the goal to help care needs.

A certi�ied autism specialist, Thorne at-risk youth to succeed in everyday life.

Courtney Deeren of Tucson is board secfounded the Care for the Giver Conference and created After the Diagnosis. She retary and is a licensed associate counselgraduated from the Pilot Parents of South- or with a background in child and family ern Arizona Partners in the Leadership therapy and childhood trauma. In 2014, program. She has been trained as a Flour- her son was born with a rare genetic disishing Families Practitioner, a Protective order called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

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AFRICA ���� ���� 15

They will join two other young women from Colorado at the Maasai Girls Rescue Center (MGRC) in Karatu, located near famous wild game preserves and spectacular natural resources that draw tourists on safari.

About 50 rescued girls ranging in age from preschool to 17 live at the center.

They were brought by local social welfare of�icials and family members.

Some girls are orphaned, some abused, some are runaways from forced marriages to much older men. Nearly all arrive starving and needing health care.

“They come from bad situations,” Henwood said. “My grandfather helps get them out of it. He makes them go to school and have a better future.”

Morro was introduced to the area through a church-sponsored trip. What he saw inspired him to pack up his Scottsdale life and move halfway around the world.

Initially the center operated for years at an abandoned hostel in Longido.

In early 2021, Morro, the staff and the girls moved to Karatu, where a permanent ecoVillage is under construction on 15 acres owned by the center, a nonpro�it.

and she became his full-time caregiver.

Despite her professional and educational background, she found herself lost in navigating complicated systems while also trying to manage her own health.

“It was hard to �ind anyone who truly understood what her family was going through and what they needed,” Thorne said. “Through this experience, she really began to appreciate the necessity of mental healthcare and community resources speci�ically for families of individuals with disabilities.”

Also on the board is Staci Neustadt of Scottsdale, a speech-language pathologist for 20 years who focuses on supporting the autistic community. As a certi�ied autism specialist, she has led social groups, provided individual speech and language therapy for kids with a variety of disabilities.

In 2007, she used her experience and research to assist in developing Alexicom Tech’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps to assist those with complex communication needs.

Information: damesusa.com damescharities.org. 

and

“I have seen such great things happen to this organization since I was there and need to see it for myself,” Henwood said.

“My grandfather is amazing. I don’t know how he does it every day.”

Morro is looking forward to the volunteers’ arrival. They open the world to the Maasai girls simply by sharing stories about their lives and future plans, he said.

Like her grandfather, Henwood is an adventuresome soul with no trepidation about international travel during a global pandemic. “I’m not worried,” she said.

She looks forward to visiting the beach and seeing the sites as well as acting like a big sister to the Maasai girls.

“Volunteering in Tanzania inspires me to be a better person every day,” she said.

Henwood has organized a fundraiser on behalf of MGRC at Go Fund Me (searchable by her name). Each volunteer is asked to raise $500 to support the center.

“My grandfather is such a kind-hearted person and I wouldn’t think of anyone else �it for doing what he does. I admire everything he has done for these girls and I would like the help any way I can!” she said.

To learn more about the center, visit: maasairescue.org. 

Mesa High School Westwood High School

Dobson High School

2

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations Class of 2021!

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

3

Ottawa gave him a passion for learning

BY SCOTT ALBRIGHT Ottawa University

F

loyd Daniels lost his job unexpectedly in 2013, when his employer closed its Phoenix office. He was 39, had worked his way up to management level with only a high-school education and was now at a crossroads.

He realized that education needed to be his priority, so he decided to pursue an associate’s degree in business administration and enrolled in Everest College.

Nearly two years later, with only two courses left to complete his degree, Everest filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and closed all its campuses nationwide.

“Needless to say, I was devastated and discouraged – I just felt hopeless,” Daniels said “This is when I was introduced to Ottawa University’s Arizona campuses. I remember meeting with an Ottawa admissions representative, who encouraged me by saying: ‘It’s not over. Let me help you complete your degree.’

“I was defeated at the time, thinking maybe I wasn’t meant for school, so that’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

Daniels took the information shared with him about Ottawa’s flexible, online adult education offerings, which included an opportunity to finish his two outstanding associate’s degree courses and a transfer opportunity to get his bachelor’s degree from Ottawa.

Though he thought of taking a break, he received a call from the admissions department at Ottawa University-Arizona asking if he was ready to finish his education.

“Even though I wasn’t yet convinced about my plan of action, something made me say, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’ By the summer of 2015, I was enrolled and taking my first class at OUAZ’s Phoenix campus.”

Now 41, Daniels was on his way to earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was also working

degree and working around many that did make me feel inadequate.

This frame of mind really motivated me to push forward.”

In 2017, Daniels experienced what he says was “one of the proudest moments of my life:” He walked the commencement stage after completing his bachelor’s degree.

“I can remember saying, ‘God, please let me get through this,’ and with his Ottawa University has instilled Floyd Albright with a passion for grace I did,” Daniels education. (Couresy Ottawa University) said.

There was something inspiring about again full-time, putting in a minimum 55 the accomplishment and his experience at hours per week.

“There were many times I wanted to Ottawa: he wanted more.

“I never would have thought I’d consider quit,” Daniels said. “I figured I made good money, so why did I need to continue? pursuing another degree after what it took I came to the realization that this was to get my bachelor’s,” Daniels said. “But not about the money. It was something that’s exactly what I did. In 2018, at the I needed to do for myself. Not having a age of 44, I decided to take the leap once

Ottawa University’s Surprise campus has grown to more than 800 students since it opened in August 2017. (Special to AFN)

more and get my master’s in leadership from Ottawa.”

Daniels completed his masters in 2019.

He could have just move on to the next chapter in his life.

But he wasn’t quite finished yet.

“The strangest thing happened, I enrolled yet again!” Daniels said. “This time, I am pursuing a second master’s in human resources. I’m currently in my last two classes which I will complete at the end of April 2021 at the age of 46.

“I won’t say this time that I’m done because, obviously, I have developed a passion for continuing my education. Ottawa instilled that passion in me, and really changed my life.”

Daniels is the first and only member of his immediate family of eight to have completed any type of degree. He said he will be forever grateful that “Ottawa took a chance on me and allowed me to live up to my potential.”

“It has truly been an honor, and I sing Ottawa’s praises every opportunity I get,” Daniels said.

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University has grown from a single building in Ottawa, Kansas, into a comprehensive educational institution serving more than 5,000 students through its residential campuses in Kansas and Arizona, its adult campuses in those two states and Wisconsin, and online.

Ottawa-University-Arizona (OUAZ) in Surprise opened in August 2017 and since then has grown to more than 800 students.

With its adult campus in Phoenix, Ottawa University has had a footprint in Metro Phoenix since 1977 with more than 8,000 alumni. Nationwide, the university has more than 22,000 graduates.

To learn more about Ottawa University’s Arizona campuses in Phoenix and Surprise, visit ottawa.edu/ouaz or contact an enrollment advisor at 855-546-1342 or ouazadmiss@ottawa.edu to set-up an advisory session. 

4

GRADUATION SPECIAL

d o o w t s e W HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 654 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $11.3 MILLION

Mesa Student Citizens of the Year: Andrea Luna, Evelyn Nonthe Sanchez, Jessica Slate.

Wood Foundation Scholarship: Jessica Slate and Wendy Wyatt Air Force ROTC Type 7 Scholarship: Timothy O’Hara-Haworth ASU Next Generation Service Corps: Lillian Jones ASU Leadership Scholarship Program: Kyndle Driffill Arizona International Baccalaureate Students of the Year: Marcella Alexander and Bryce Wilson University of Arizona Baird Scholarship: Bryce Wilson National Commended Scholar: Bryce Wilson

VALEDICTORIAN:

Marcella Alexander

Parent: Lisa Fuller University: ASU Barrett, The Honors College Major: Animation Extracurriculars: Murals and Mosaics Club, Link Crew, IB Mentors Club.

William Andrews

Parents: Scott and Kristin Andrews University: South Dakota School of Mines Major: Chemical engineering Extracurriculars: Swim and Dive

Jason Momeyer

Parents: Michael and Kelli Momeyer College: Undecided Major: Chemical engineering Extracurriculars: Olympiad Club, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volunteering at Franklin at Brimhall Summer Adventure Program and Mesa Public Library

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

OTHER TOP STUDENTS:

Emma Hirose

Parents: Randall and Christina Hirose University: ASU Major: Architectural design Extracurriculars: Murals and Mosaics, Robotics, Link Crew, orchestra, tennis

Cherry Ann Macarang

Parents: Robert and Mary Ann Dantine University: University of Arizona Major: Pharmaceutical sciences Extracurriculars: Bring Change to Mind, IB Mentors, Earth Club, Teen Advisory Board for Mesa Public Library, Feed My Starving Children volunteer.

Kassandra Mendoza

Parents: Humberto and Veronica Mendoza University: ASU Major: Psychology Extracurriculars: Robotics, National Honor Society, Little Warriors, Murals and Mosaics, Boys and Girls Club, tennis, badminton.

Jessica Slate

Parents: David and Jennifer Slate University: University of Arizona Major: Undecided Extracurriculars: Model United Nations, National Honor Society, IB Mentors, Little Warrior, Link Crew, French Club.

Bryce Wilson

Parents: Dennis and Gena Wilson University: University of Arizona Major: Molecular and cellular biology Extracurriculars: Academic Decathlon president, Olympiad Club, Math Club, National Honor Society, orchestra double bass, mock trial, Baird Scholar, swimming and photography.

Mesa

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 602 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $12.6 MILLION Grads with 4.0 GPA or higher: 66 Community service hours: 39,036 National Merit Scholars: Pedro Alonso Hernandez Wood Scholars: Abraham Lozano, Isabella Valli-Doherty

USA Today Courage Award national recipient: Laura Smith East Valley Cadet of the Year: Dylan Caldwell (also American Legion Auxiliary Citizen of the Year, Ethical Cadet BBB/SRP Scholarship two-time winner)

VALEDICTORIANS :

Pedro Alonso Hernandez

Isabella Valli-Doherty

Parents: Esther Whitehead and Raul Hernandez University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Major: Mathematics Extracurriculars: National Honor Society vice president, peer tutor, Feed My Starving Children volunteer.

Parents: Elisa Valli and Sean Doherty University: ASU Major: Biomedical engineering Extracurriculars: Cloud Scholars Program, National Honor Society secretary, Future Business Leaders of America vice president, After Thoughts Book Club secretary, Arizona state delegate for Mesa High, 366 service hours.

Emegdy Avila

Mathis Schnebly

Parents: Beatriz Rodriguez and Rodolfo Avila University: Santa Clara University Major: chemistry Extracurriculars: Shout Club, AVID Be A Leader, ACE, Link Crew, 365.5 service hours.

Parents: Joseph and Zoe Schnebly University: Brigham Young University Major: Construction management Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, theatre, choir, Boy Scouts, 219 service hours.

Dylan Caldwell Parents: Mark and Susan Caldwell University: ASU Major: Pre-law Extracurriculars: Speech and Debate, ROTC, Feed My Starving Children, Kitty Hawk Air Society, ROTC Honors Society, Operations Commander Mesa High ROTC.

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THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

M

esa Public Schools is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating seniors. You have shown strength and resilience in facing the unique challenges of this year. Be proud of your journey, and remember that no matter where life takes you, you will always be a part of our Mesa Public Schools family.

Dobson High School

East Valley Academy

Mesa High School

Red Mountain High School

Mountain View High School

mpsaz.org

Westwood High School

Skyline High School

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Celebrating service Congratulations, 2020-21 retirees!

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students.

Douglas Akey Debbie Allen Inagean Anderson Jose Alberto Arroyo Jose Asturias Cathy Ball Vivien Barcia Carol Bates Sonia Bazan Rodriguez Carole Bean Mary Becker Patricia Benard Jeffrey Bessolo Marla Birney Sarah Bodeman M. Rebecca Bond Lori Borr Michele Bowman Kristi L. Brown Leslie Brown Mata Tiffany Bunstein Timothy Bursell Kristine Burton Barbara Butzen Teresa Carlson Peter Caruso Angel Castillo Felix Castrichini Frank Castro Terri Ann Caves Jennifer Chilton Robert Chilton Dan Christian Kara Clay Nola Clayton Jim Clemens Denise Cook Kimberly Cooper Richard Copps Jr Nona Covert Darlene Darger Laurie Davis Cruz De Siqueiros

Petra Delgado Cynthia Demeulenaere Sallee Dennis Margaret Devane Kenneth Dixon Dana Dobson Ruth Dutton Andrew Edwards Colleen Elliott Richard Ence Rafael Esqueda Angela Fatica Mark Feliz Karen Fjerkenstad Lori Flake Francisco Flores Michelle Fowler Neil Francis Catherine Frosina David Gailey Deanna Gaiser Mike Garcia Rebecca Gibson Jeanette Gordon Cindy Gregory Susan Harding Angela Hartwell Karen Harwood Edward Hazlett LeAnn Heaton Lisa Hebting Nancy Hermand Cheryl Hickey Tom Higdon Herschel Wayne “Coach” Hill Deborah Hodo Steve Hogen Colleen Howard Mari-Lynn Hunter Shelly Imburgia Margaret Indrelunas Penny L. Jacques M. Randy Jarvis

Lujean Jenkins Christina Judd William G. Jump Robert Kaczmarek Roxanne Karges Linda Karlson Mary Kary Ralph J. King William King Jeffery Kinsman Karen Kleinholz Laura Kneisel Lois Kohlmeyer Elma Kulenty Stephen Kulik Bonny Landrey Sharilyn Larsen Nancy Lawrence Terry Leach Jan Lemon-Saquella Anne Leroy Sue Lewicki Laurie Lidman Ruth Liles Clara Lindquist Yvonne Long Susan Lopez Jillian Lowe Claire Luketich Deb Lynch Lois Lynette H. Madsen Cathy Marcham-Pettit Jonathan Martin Gracie Martinez Jane Martinez Rosemary Mascarenas Annick Mason Karen McCasland Bradley McGee Lynn Merrill-Akin Cynthia Meschede Leslie Meyer Lillian Meyer

Debora Meza Darlene Mowers Wendy Mueller Melinda Mullins Alicia Munoz Andrea Murphy Leticia Navarro Paul Nedbalek Eileen Nichols Kathleen Niichel Steven Nikodym Anahi Nosek Lori Nottingham Mike Nowotarski Debra Odle Sonja Olson Nancy Ortega GeorgeAnn Park Kathy Parker Donna V. Parker Justin Peck John Pennington Kristy Perkins Camille Peters Karen Petersen Veronica Phillips Deborah Pierce Diana Porcelli Kimberlee Pratt David Price Charmon Puhlmann Joanne Quinn Drenth Lois Rainwater Kathleen Rath Stephanie Rehm Silvia Reyes Jerry Richardson Peggy Rodemeyer Barbara Rogers Kristi Kay Roland Theresa Romero Dawn Roos Patty Roth

List includes announced retirees through May 20, 2021.

mpsaz.org

Joyce Ruane Martha Ruiz Kay Ryan Don Sailer Norina Sambrano Cynthia Sandberg Manuel Saucedo Galen J. Sawyer Dawn Schofield Pamela Sesate Suzanne Sill Susan Sitton Colleen Smith William Snyder Dawn Stanfel Charles Starkey Kathleen Stratman Kathryn Suhaka Serena Tancer Leslie Taylor Steven Taylor Terrilyn Trejo Jill Tucker Maria Turdo Betty Ulibarri Gaye Vaterlaus Robin Verdugo Johnnine Vert Christian VonWald David Walker James Wallace Constance Walters Rob Waterman Anthony Wells Cynthia Wightman Ruth A. Wilkins Wanda Arleen Wilson Yolanda Wulff Sue Zuber

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Dobson

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

GRADUATION SPECIAL

HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 414 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $12.1 MILLION Grads with GPS 4.0 and above: 56 Total service hours: 3,586 Dorrance Scholars: Luis Angel Castro Centeno and Austin Davis.

Wood Scholars: Erica Soekardono and Andres Rios Munoz

VALEDICTORIAN :

Felicia Victoria Fraizer-Bisner

Parents: Elizabeth Strano and Andre Bisner University: Yale University Major: Environmental Studies Extracurriculars: AP Capstone, We the People, Orchestra (1st chair), President of Dobson Orchestra Council, National Honors Society, Mayor’s Youth Committee, Key Club, Cheer, Scouts, Environmental Club, Mesa Public Schools Honor Harp Ensemble, Diversify our Narrative, When We All Vote.

Skyline

NUMBER OF GRADS: 450

SALUTATORIANS : Jacob Cole Allen Parent: Lindsay Allen University: ASU Major: Computer science software engineering Extracurriculars: AP Capstone Andres Luis Rios Munoz Parents: Eva Munoz and Ignacio Rios University: ASU Major: Biochemistry (medicinal chemistry) Extracurriculars: AVID, Track & Field, National Honors Society, Anti-Defamation League, We the People.

Marcus Kendall Seiter Parents: Jennifer and Marcus Seiter University: ASU Major: Aeronautical engineering Extracurriculars: Wrestling Hannah Morgan Kimball Parents: Kory and Julie Kimball University: Clemson University Major: Psychology and criminal justice

Extracurriculars: Dobson Dance Company vice-president, Gymnastics, We the People, Drama Club, FAFSA Peer Coach.

Chukwunonso E Okonkwo Parents: Josephine & Paul Okonkwo University: ASU Major: Computer science Extracurriculars: We the People, dance, National Honors Society.

Pualani Harper Parents: Yosko Harper and Ikuichi Mazawa University: ASU Major: Medical studies Extracurriculars: DECA, We the People, Key Club, National Honors Society.

Erica Soekardono Parents: Ignatius and Yuslanawati Soekardono University: ASU Major: Business (supply chain management) Extracurriculars: Dobson Orchestra Council, We the People, AP Capstone, National Honors Society.

HIGH SCHOOL TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $20.9 MILLION

Mesa Citizen of the Year Finalist: Julian Gastelum Mesa Association of School Administrators Recognition Award: Sidney Shepherd Wood Foundation Scholars: Bailey Akin, Whitney Brown, Jonathan Chavez Rocha, Jaxon Mills, Kaden Mills, Deborah Nunez, Elizabeth Richey.

VALEDICTORIAN :

Alejandro Noriega

Parents: Itzel and Melvin Noriega University: University of Arizona Major: Pre-med

Jasmine Byone

Kaden Mills

Luke Doucet

Michael Doolan

Parents: Amelia and Timothy Byone University: University of Arizona Major: Economics

Parents: Tiffany & Miles Doucet University: Arizona State University Major: Aerospace and aeronautical engineerings

Parents: Kari and Brian Mills University: ASU Major: Mathematics)

Parents: Raelynn Simonin and Sonia Sharma University: Embry Riddle Major: Cyber security

MAY 30, 2021 | THE MESA TRIBUNE

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Congratulations Class of 2021

It was an unprecedented and challenging year, but you persevered.

We celebrate you and your amazing accomplishment!

Now it’s time to look to the possibilities ahead. Whether your goal is to transfer to a university or train for a technical career, consider Mesa Community College. Wherever you’re headed, we’ll help you get there.

Choose your path, set your pace, and MCC will help pave the way.

 195 affordable program degrees and certificates

 Free tutoring and advising

 Transfer agreements with 40+ universities

 Guided pathways so you get on the right track from the start

 Honors program  Short-term industry career certifications  Assistance with paying for college  Mesa College Promise (free tuition for qualified applicants)

 Small class sizes  Faculty who care about your success  Options for in-person, online and live online classes  Virtual tours available

Talk with an advisor today.

Summer semester begins June 1. Fall semester begins August 21.

mesaCC

mesacc.edu

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin in their programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information visit: http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

9

10 GRADUATION SPECIAL

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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17

BUSINESS

TheMesaTribune.com

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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Il Vinaio passes the test of time downtown with its inventive fare

BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor

A

s businesses on Main Street in downtown Mesa have come and gone in the last decade, Il Vinaio restaurant has been among the few that have withstood the test of time.

Owners Cameron and Cindy Selogie opened il Vinaio (ill-vih-nye-oh) near Main and Country Club Drive 12 years ago.

The restaurant is located in a historical landmark of sorts that was built in 1973. It originally housed the Humpty Dumpty’s restaurant and the Selogies bought the building when it housed the Valley Eatery Diner.

“We gutted and remodeled the front and reopened in June 2009 as il Vinaio,” recalled Cameron, noting the name means “the wine merchant.” “We have wine clubs and a lot of wine dinners.”

“When we started as il Vinaio, we started with the linen tablecloths and that really turned a lot of people off,” he said.

So, the couple regrouped and remodeled in an old-world Tuscan decor with oak tables.

“We call it casual elegant,” explained Cameron. “There’s no dress code. You can come in with shorts and a T-shirt.”

The food is a bit Mediterranean along with American fusion.

“We do have quite a few Italian dishes, pasta dishes but we have burgers, seafood, steaks and chops, just a variety of things,” said Cameron. “We don’t like to pigeonhole ourselves.”

Even though the restaurant is more highend, it even survived the pandemic because it has few employees.

“I’m the back of the house,” Cameron said.

“I have a gal who has her own pastry business who comes in a couple of days a week and helps me with prep. We have a couple of servers and they alternate.

“Our guests have been very generous with our servers. So, our servers are making good money. Cindy’s the bartender and hostess. I’m the chef and dishwasher.”

Cameron and Cindy come from a manufacturing background but they love to en-

ty salads, scampi and ahi tuna.

It’s not a buffet but it’s everything from breakfast, lunch to dinner.”

Right now, the restaurant has about 100 wines on the list, pouring over 50 by the glass.

They also have reserve wines.

“We’re going to start our Wine Down Wednesday again,” said Cameron. “Before COVID, every Wednesday we had live music and we would bring out a little tasting plate and we would bring a representative Cameron and Cindy Selogie, owners of Il Vinaio Restaurant in Mesa, like to offer some specials such as in from one of the wineries. this bacon-wrapped shrimp Mexican dish they served last year.

“And they would pour four (Special to the Tribune) to six different wines. So, you could do a little tasting, have your tasting tertain and so their career change made ing back for.

“We have a pork loin dish. It’s a prime plate and then if you wanted to buy a bottle sense.

“We consider ourselves in semi-retire- pork loin that we pound out �lat – kind of you could buy the bottles to go.”

The couple also offer full-blown winement right now,” Cameron said. “I guess it like a Midwest pork loin – and we do just sounds like a lot when we have a restaurant a little Panko breading on it and we deep pairing dinners and a beer and donut pairthat seats 160 to only have one cook. I think fry it. It’s really soft and juicy on the inside, ing every few months, an event that was started in 2009. Cameron pairs homemade of it as a manufacturing process. I’m very ef- crisp on the outside.

“Then there’s an orange caper berry donuts with craft beers. �icient back there by myself.”

“I’ve done a banana bread cheesecake In addition to lunch and dinner served sauce and we serve it over a fontina cheese Tuesday through Friday, il Vinaio also risotto. That’s the one dish that’s been on donut, a BBQ chicken fritter which is like serves a champagne brunch on Saturday our menu since we opened. Many people a chicken and waf�les �lavor, and a cashew and Sundays. The restaurant is closed on come in just for that. One time we took it butter rose hip jelly fritter. We don’t do your Mondays and sometimes for a few days in off the menu for a short period of time and traditional raised or cake donuts. We do people rebelled. That’s probably our most something really special and geeky.” the summer or during a holiday weekend.

“My mother is 93 and she’s getting pretty popular dish.”

His favorite thing about running a resThe other popular items are linguine bo- taurant is “creating” and getting to know severe dementia,” Cameron said. “Two years ago, we moved her in with us at our Chan- lognese and burgers. customers and what they like so he can pair “Everybody tells us we have the best wine and food. dler home. Monday is our day off and we spend a lot of time with her, getting her nails burgers in Arizona…We have on our marMarried almost 20 years, the couple has quee, ‘Best Burger in Arizona.’ People see lived and worked together for 25 years. done, her hair done, and running errands.”

It’s a lot of hard work but Cameron says that and they come in. They agree.”

“We enjoy each others’ company. ComEverything is made from scratch. Bread munication is the biggest thing. Customthey love what they’re doing.

“Every day I associate it with having a comes from a local bakery. ers sometimes call it dinner and a show.

For the bottomless champagne weekend There’s occasionally an issue we have in party. You work really hard to get your house cleaned, get the food prepped and brunch, Cameron said, “We have the stan- the front and back of the house….Any time then you have guests over and you feed dard fare of pancakes, French toast, om- we have any issues is because something them dinner, you have drinks, and have a elets, eggs. We do a regular eggs Benedict wasn’t effectively communicated.” fun time partying. At the end of it, you clean and a lobster eggs Benedict. We have lobInformation about events is available everything up and then the next day you ster meat and avocado on it. Kind of like a through a monthly email for wine club start all over again. We have a party at our California Benedict. members as well as on Facebook, Twitter “But with the brunch, we just don’t have and Instagram. house every day.”

In addition to daily specials, there are a the breakfast items. We also serve burgers Information: ilvinaio.net/index.php; few signature items customers keep com- during brunch and we’ve got some special- 270 W Main St, Mesa, 480-649-6476. 

18

BUSINESS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

BUSINESS ROUNDUP: Mesa apartment complex sells for $73 million

If you think rental prices are going up around Mesa, consider the sales history of Villetta Apartments, at 1840 W. Emelita Ave. in midtown Mesa.

Smack between Mesa Community College and East Valley Institute of Technology, the 352-unit apartment complex built in 1983 on 13 acres has three pools and a clubhouse.

The sprawling Villetta complex has been sold three times in the last eight years.

In 2013, a buyer paid a whopping $17.5 million. When LivCor bought Villetta three years later, the price tag increased more than 50 percent, to $26.5 million.

On May 12, according to commercial real estate tracker Vizzda, KKR paid LivCor a staggering $73 million.

About the new owners: “KKR is a leading global investment �irm that manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, credit and real assets, with strategic partners that manage hedge funds.”

Mesa couple take over Housemaster franchise

HouseMaster is transforming into a multi-generational family business. Bill and Jane Hafdal of Mesa are the new owners of HouseMaster Serving Greater Phoenix. The couple acquired the territory from Hal Kunnen and Wendy Rogers, who had owned it for more than 20 years, HouseMaster serves Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. Hafdal, who has served as an executive and owner in the healthcare IT sector, and his wife Jane will keep John O’Coin on their team, who has spent years on the HouseMaster home inspection team in the area.

“We’re excited to build on the legacy of HouseMaster, both here in the Phoenix area and beyond,” Hafdal said. “HouseMaster is an exceptional family business model, one that helps create a legacy. My sons Jordan and Brady are both inspectors and will help my wife and I grow the franchise. This will allow us to serve our community to the fullest extent possible.”

HouseMaster provides homebuyers and sellers an independent, third-party, professional evaluation of the visible and accessible condition of the major elements of a

home. HouseMaster’s guaranteed inspections enable potential homebuyers and sellers the opportunity to make educated real estate decisions.

From interior systems such as plumbing and electrical to exterior components like the roof and siding, the HouseMaster Home Inspection includes the evaluation of the visible and accessible major elements of the home.

Whiz Kidz Preschool doubled down on safety

Whiz Kidz Preschool in Mesa went above and beyond to ensure their schools were safe during the pandemic.

“At Whiz Kidz above and beyond our rigorous daily cleaning and sanitizing and hand washing throughout the day, we purchased state-of-the-art disinfecting and sanitizing equipment,” said founder/CEO Martha Picciao.

For high touch points and hard-to-clean toys and equipment, the school uses an electrostatic sprayer daily “and for all classroom supplies and toys we sanitize in the stateof-the-art Zono machine, a viral disinfecting and bacterial sanitizing cabinet,” she added.

Whiz Kidz provides a fun summer program for their students and those looking for summer fun for toddlers up to 11 years old. “It provides a fun and engaging curriculum, with all meals and snacks provided and �ield trips as permitted,” Picciao said.

The Whiz Kidz Preschool in Mesa opened months before the pandemic hit and is looking to hire experienced teachers, support staff and administrative positions.

Information: whizkidzpreschool.com 

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

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 22

OPINION

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

19

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The best �lags speak about what we love

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

O

ne of the things I miss most about America was how people used to believe certain topics shouldn’t be discussed in public.

Religion was one. So was politics. You didn’t ask people what they weighed or how much money they earned. We kept those things to ourselves, and it was deemed impolite to quiz people about it.

Those days are over. Now everyone is an amateur newspaper columnist, spouting off 24-7 on social media, with bumper stickers, Yelp reviews, you name it.

Then there’s the lady who lives in north Phoenix up around 56th Street along Bell Road. Not content to stop at Facebook trolling or boring the hell out of people at a barbecue, this anonymous soul has hoisted a

massive black �lag up her backyard �lagpole for thousands of drivers-by and neighborhood school kids to glimpse daily.

“F**k Biden,” her �lag proclaims. “And F**k You If You Voted For Him.” “Yes, it might be a little vulgar to some and offensive to some, but everybody’s entitled to their opinion,” Ms. Profane Flag Lady told reporter Jason Barry with Arizona’s Family.

“If those kids can �igure out what that sign said, then those kids have already heard that kind of language and vulgarity either from their homes, on TV, in movies or in school.”

And furthermore: “It’s a sign,” said the woman, who refused to be identi�ied out of fear for her safety. “Get over it. If it hurts your feelings, sorry.”

My standard policy when it comes to people who are striving to be offensive is to refuse to be offended. Instead, like with this lady, I just feel sorry for them.

How miserable does your life have to be

that you would go to the trouble of ordering such a �lag, much less taking the time to raise it to offend strangers? Can you imagine sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises over the neighborhood, sitting in your backyard and enjoying the occasional honked horn or screamed profanity from a Prius driver tooling up Bell? Boy, talk about living.

Get a life.

That same sentiment occurs to me when I play golf on a course that winds through homes amid backyards. Trust me, from Mesa to Glendale, Avondale to chi chi Scottsdale, many of us still feel compelled to lash out at Donald Trump with the same class this Bell Road idiot has displayed.

Trust me, for every gentle soul mortally wounded by your cheap piece of polyester, there’s a hundred of us who simply shake our heads at the statement you’ve chosen for all the world to see.

Put another way, there are more than

60,000 �lags for sale today on Amazon.

There’s innumerable Stars and Stripes.

There’s Arizona �lags galore. ASU, NAU, U of A, they all have �lags. Your alma mater has a few dozen. There’s the Jolly Roger, if you’re into pirates. For 10 bucks, you can get a �lag adorned with Marlon Brando in full Don Corleone mode from The Godfather. There’s POW/MIA �lags, yellow smiley face �lags, “Beware of Pugs” �lags and an “I Hot Moms” �lag.

The best �lags seem to speak about what we love, not who we hate. If you can’t manage that, there’s always no �lag at all. Back in the day, we used to keep quiet about a lot of controversial things, which added some mystery to life.

The guy next door or the lady beside you in line at the bank might be an absolute jerk. Fortunately, those people rarely opened their mouths to prove it to everyone. 

sought to blame his busy promotional schedule for his unintentional deviation from Chicom dogma, with its insistence that Taiwan is really part of China and the ominous rumblings that a “reuni�ication” through military action could become reality.

“I’m doing a lot of interviews. I made a mistake in one of my interviews…I love and respect China and Chinese people. I’m very, very sorry about my mistake. I apologize, I’m very sorry. You must understand that I really love, really respect China and the Chinese people. My apologies.”

To reinforce his “love and respect,” Cena offered his apology in Mandarin, a language he initially learned for WWE wrestling tours in China. He is now considered �luent in Mandarin, since he moved to China for �ive months in 2018, shooting a movie there with Jackie Chan.

The Cena-Chan casting combination isn’t much of a surprise in the movie biz but the bipartisan tag teams that emerged to take apart Cena’s Mandarin mea culpa in the

twitter sphere was eye-opening.

Leftist commentator and sportscaster Keith Olbermann called it “shameful”; Conservative Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) described it as “pathetic.”

Two other broadcasters from opposite ends of the political spectrum offered another rare left-right combination.

CNN’s Jim Sciutto put forth this rhetorical question-and-answer �lurry: “Why not call a decades-long healthy and functioning democracy a country? Because much of Hollywood operates in fear of Beijing, many of its blockbuster movies dependent on the mainline Chinese market.” Talk Radio Host Ben Shapiro taunted Cena with a cross between “Monday Nitro” and “Firing Line.”

“Taiwan is a country. Hong Kong should be free. If you are unwilling to say these things because it might hurt your bottom line, you are a pathetic coward.”

Cowardice, calculation, or both, John Cena is scarcely alone when it comes to kowtowing to the Communist Chinese.

NBA players and coaches, so “woke” when

it comes to America’s alleged social ills, stay silent on the subject of slave labor in China.

The World Health Organization (WHO), tasked by the United Nations to deal with major health problems such as global pandemics, lavished praise on the Chinese Government for its initial response to COVID-19 despite reports that security forces locked infected Wuhan residents in their apartments, denying them food and medical treatment while nature took its course.

What course will the world follow in the years ahead?

Puff Daddy rapped of gritty economic reality in his 1997 hit, “It’s All About the Benjamins,” but given the inclinations of the entertainment industry, the indulgent attitude of the Biden Administration and the Chinese aspirations for military and economic ascendancy, he would do well to concoct a new composition.

Perhaps “It’s All a Yin for the Yuan” will re�lect the rhythms of a new reality, but don’t expect anyone in China to say “Sorry!” 

Money drives all-to-quick apology to China

BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

Love means you never have to say you’re sorry,” or so Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal told us in the 1970 motion picture, “Love Story.” But over a half century later, the love of money has Hollywood falling all over itself to apologize to Communist China.

“Fast and Furious” is not only an exhaustive action �ilm franchise but it also describes how quickly bodybuilder/wrestler/movie star John Cena scrambled to get back into the good graces of the Millionaire Marxists in Beijing.

After encouraging the good moviegoers of Taiwan, saying that the island nation of Chinese Nationalists would be the �irst country to see the new feature, the Communist mainland started breathing �ire in dragon-like fashion.

Cena promptly surrendered to the worldview of the jarringly misnamed “People’s Republic.”

Putting the “dip” in diplomacy, Cena

20

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

TheMesaTribune.com @EVTNow /EVTNow

Mesa man celebrates milestone in bowling career

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

T

ony Maresca was just 8 years old when he �irst picked up a bowling ball during a trip to the lanes with his family in New York.

At the time, he thought of bowling as a fun sport to pick up and play during his youth years. Little did he know, it would help shape his life for the better.

Now 71 years old living in Mesa, Maresca has used the sport to put himself through college and support his family. With that, came a milestone only few have achieved in the history of the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships – 50 years of participation.

“I started bowling nationals when I was 17,” Maresca said. “Back then, they would move it all over the country. From 1971 to about 1998 I never missed any events.”

Maresca fell in love with bowling dur-

A Westwood grad, the 71-year-old began bowling when he was 8 years old in New York and continued with the sport throughout his youth and now adult life while living in Mesa. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff)

ing that �irst trip to the lanes in 1958. He

continued to bowl throughout his high

school years at Westwood after the family made the move to Mesa. His �irst job was at Country Club Bowl, which no longer exists. When he wasn’t bowling, he would often earn a small amount of money selling the Mesa Tribune.

He went on to attend Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. To pay for his tuition, Maresca competed in local tournaments and eventually went on tour with the Professional Bowlers Association, the premier bowling league in the United States.

“I was a member for well over 20 years but bowled actively on the Tour for about two years consistently,” Maresca said. “I had some success. I made a TV show, and I did ok. But I didn’t like the traveling that much.”

Maresca �irst competed in the USBC Open Championships in 1968 in Cincinnati. His 49 appearances since then weren’t

��� BOWLING ���� 21

Mesa senior athletes excel in �inal high school year

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

T

he 2020-21 school year presented an opportunity to achieve redemption for many Mesa senior athletes after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the spring season in 2020.

Leading into the fall season, when COVID-19 case metrics reached a high last summer, the focus of many athletes shifted from what they would do once they get on the �ield or court to whether they would be able to play at all. The Arizona Interscholastic Association ultimately gave the green light for all sports to go on in condensed seasons, and athletes took advantage.

“To be able to play again made all of our kids happy but especially our seniors,” Red Mountain softball coach Rich Hamilton said. “It was one of those things where we never knew if it would be taken from us again.”

Red Mountain’s softball program was in

Joseph Hamilton, center, a senior cross country and track & field distance runner at Red Mountain, won the 4x800-meter relay championship this spring while his father, Rich, led the Mountain Lions’ softball program to the state title game. (Courtesy Rich Hamilton) more of a unique situation than most other sports at the school. Their season was

canceled after just a few games last year.

Throughout the summer, fall and winter, the heartbreak from the 2020 spring season was used as motivation by seniors Lina Ellis, Brooklyn Ulrich and Alexis Cooper to succeed once they were able to begin practices in January. They helped lead by example on the �ield and it paid off for Red Mountain, which made a run to the softball title game as the No. 7 seed in the playoffs.

For Hamilton, this year’s groups of Red Mountain seniors hit closer to home. He watched his son, Joseph, win the 4x800meter relay this spring and place third in the 4x400-meter relay. Hamilton and his wife, Tammy, were also able to sit alongside Joseph when he signed to continue his running career at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

“I was so happy. I was a proud dad,” Hamilton said. “To see him win that championship in that race, it was unbelievable.

It was a lot of fun.”

Winter sports athletes went through a

Dobson senior Rachel Early played a key role in the Mustangs’ run to the 6A girls’ basketball semifinals this past season. (Pablo Robles/

Tribune Staff)

rollercoaster of emotions as their season was pushed back twice, canceled then

��� SPORTS ���� 21

SPORTS

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

BOWLING ���� ���� 20

all back-to-back, but they have led to opportunities to support his family and prolong his career.

He was hired to take over the Arizona State men and women’s bowling programs. He coached the Sun Devils for eight years and won a national championship with both programs in 1981. He also served as the assistant manager and manager of the rec center where the bowling alley was on campus.

During that time, Maresca opened his own pro shop at an alley in north Phoenix. At the time, it was the only pro shop in the area, and he saw it succeed right away.

He eventually went on to open a new pro shop at Via Linda Lanes in Scottsdale.

His �irst shop was sold 15 years ago. His second shop in Scottsdale sold just over two years ago. The memorabilia from both shops currently hang in his garage.

“The fella who bought the shop, we’ve been friends for over 30 years,” Maresca said. “He was actually a bowler of mine at Arizona State. He made me promise him if I ever sold my pro shop, I would let him get the �irst opportunity to buy it. So, he did.”

Maresca’s bowling career has come

SPORTS ���� ���� 20

Maresca owned two pro shops at local bowling alleys but has since sold them. Memorabilia created by his daughter that once hung in the shops are now on the wall of his garage. (Courtesy Tony Maresca)

with plenty of success. So much to the point he can’t recall the exact number of local championships he has won over the course of his time competing.

He won a national championship with USBC in 1971 and does keep track of the

Rahni Turner, a senior from reinstated before they Westwood, managed to begin play. fell just But when they did reshort of a sume, they made the state remost of it. cord in the Led by seniors Rachel 100-meter Early and Jaden Leslie, hurdles at the Dobson girls’ basthe state ketball program had one track & of its best seasons ever �ield meet. as the Mustangs made a Khamis run to the 6A semi�inals.

Hassan, The two seniors were senior the leading scorers of Steven Cervantes, a senior at Mesa, helped the lead a Mesa, the team and the over- the Jackrabbits to one of their best seasons in his- at all heart and soul of the tory as they finished the No. 2 ranked team in 6A p l a c e d during the regular season. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff) third program. in the boys’ “This year, for us, it was all about seeing how far we could 100-meter dash and helped set a new push each other and how far we could go,” standard for future Jackrabbits. Evan SvoEarly said in March. “Our sophomore year boda, a senior at Red Mountain, was the we had the play-in game and then last year starting quarterback for the football team, we lost in the �irst round. So to get to this starting forward for the basketball team and was part of the track & �ield team that point as seniors, it means everything.”

Other seniors from schools all over placed third at state.

Steven Cervantes, a senior and threeMesa left their mark on their respective year starter for Mesa’s basketball proprograms.

number of pins he’s knocked down in his 50 years with the brand. He’s currently knocked down over 89,000. His ultimate goal is to surpass the 100,000 mark.

Maresca estimates it will take at least seven more years of competition to reach

21

that mark. At that point, he believes he may be content with hanging up his bowling shoes in a competitive setting and transition into more of a recreational mindset.

“That’s my main goal,” Maresca said. “It keeps me going, it keeps me active. It gives me that drive to continue.”

Along with the triumph, bowling has also helped Maresca through dif�icult times throughout his life.

He lost his wife a couple of years ago and nearly lost his daughter after she suffered from a rare syndrome during her second pregnancy. Only two hospitals in the country treat the condition. One of them is Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.

Through both hardships he stepped away from the game for a period of time.

But he always found his way back.

Bowling is more than just a sport to Maresca. It’s helped change his life for the better and gave him the ability to travel all over the world. Even as he grows older, it will always remain close to his heart.

“Bowling is my life,” Maresca said.

“Truthfully, it’s all I know. If somebody would have told me I would be doing this for as long as I have, I would’ve told them they were crazy.” 

gram, saw his career come to an end after leading the Jackrabbits to one of the best seasons in program history.

Mesa �inished as the No. 2 seed in the 6A rankings.

Tanner Johnson and Mason Zeke Branham, a senior at Skyline, signed his National Letter of Intent to Parker, two continue his football career at Fresno State. Branham played several positions seniors on for the Coyotes and helped set a strong foundation moving forward. (Pablo the Mountain Robles/Tribune Staff) View football team, lead the way with the most receiv- while also accounting for 749 total yards ing yards and tackles, respectively. The of offense.

While the year didn’t go as well as he Toros �inished 6-2 on the year, the best had planned in terms of wins, Branham, season in years.

Zeke Branham, one of the best players to just like all seniors in Mesa, left his mark ever come out of Skyline High School, left on the program.

“Everything I’ve done, I’m starting to �ihis mark on the program his senior year.

Recruited to Fresno State as a defensive nally see it all pay off,” Branham said. “It’s back, Branham recorded 71 total tackles just an amazing feeling.” 

THE MESA TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

22

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Public Notices TO: Xavier Martinez, M.D. 2323 E. Flower #124-B Phoenix, AZ 85016 The State Medical Board of Ohio 30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6127 In the Matter of: Xavier Martinez, M.D. Case No. 21-CRF-0045 On March 11, 2021, the State Medical Board of Ohio mailed a Notice of Opportunity for Hearing to Xavier Martinez, M.D. via certified mail, return receipt requested, at his last known address of record, 2323 E. Flower #124-B, Phoenix, AZ 85016. The Notice was returned to the Board from the postal service marked “return to sender, not deliverable as addressed, unable to forward.”

The notice states that the State Medical Board of Ohio intends to consider disciplinary action against Dr. Martinez’s license to practice medicine and surgery in Ohio based on the Arizona Medical Board’s order which revoked his license in that state. The Arizona order was based upon his plea agreement to an amended charge of Attempted Sexual Abuse. In addition, the State Medical Board of Ohio found that Dr. Martinez was impaired and diverted medicines for patient use.

Dr. Martinez is entitled to a hearing in this matter if such hearing is requested within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication of this notice. Dr. Martinez may appear at such hearing in person, by his attorney, or by such other representative permitted to practice before this agency, or he may present his position, arguments or contentions in writing. At the hearing, Dr. Martinez may present evidence and examine witnesses appearing for or against him.

Please contact the undersigned to ascertain the last date of publication.

Any questions or correspondence should be addressed to: Jackie Moore Case Control Office 30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6127 Jackie.Moore@med.ohio.gov Published: East Valley Tribune, May 16, 23, 30, 2021 / 38484

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Public Notices Notice of Public Scoping for an Environmental Assessment for Hunt Highway Improvement Project – Phase 5 The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Pima Agency and the Gila River Indian Community (Community) are releasing this notice in support of an environmental assessment for the proposed Hunt Highway Improvement Project – Phase 5 (project) in District One of the Community. The project would include roadway improvements along portions of Hunt Highway and Arizona Farms Road.

The project proponent, Pinal County Public Works Department, has submitted a right-of-way (ROW) application to the BIA for roadway improvements on Hunt Highway and Arizona Farms Road, which would constitute the final phase of the Hunt Highway Improvement Project.

Primary project components would include acquiring approximately 19 acres of new permanent roadway ROW, realigning the western terminus of the existing Arizona Farms Road, widening approximately 4,200 feet of existing Hunt Highway to match the newly reconstructed roadway dimensions both north and south of the project area, and installing a new light-controlled intersection at Hunt Highway and the realigned Arizona Farms Road.

Project construction is anticipated to begin in January 2022 to January 2023 and will be completed in approximately 8 months. No traffic detours would be required.

Traffic delays would be short-term and temporary. The grant of easement for ROW, if approved by BIA, would formalize the alignments for both Hunt Highway and Arizona Farms Road within the Community.

The purpose of the project is for Pinal County to complete the final phase of their planned improvements along the Hunt Highway corridor, through the widening of the existing Hunt Highway alignment and the realignment of Arizona Farms Road.

Hunt Highway both north and south of the project area have been improved and widened to four lanes; however, the older roadway within the project area is only two lanes. The lane reduction in the project area presents a potential safety concern for existing vehicle traffic on Hunt Highway. The project would widen Hunt Highway through the project area to match the new roadway and lane configurations to both the north and south. Additionally, the Hunt Highway and Arizona Farms Road intersection currently presents line-of-sight safety concerns for drivers on Arizona Farms Road. The project would realign this traffic intersection and replace the stop-controlled intersection with a traffic light to improve traffic flow and safety.

As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal agencies are required to consider the potential social and environmental impacts of proposed actions. This letter serves as the BIA’s invitation for comments, concerns, or suggestions regarding the proposed action. All comments received become part of the public record associated with this proposed action. Accordingly, your comments (including your name and address) will be available for review by any person that wishes to view the record. At your request, we will withhold your contact information to the extent allowed by the Freedom of Information Act. Please submit comments to: Cecilia Baker, Superintendent Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pima Agency P.O. Box 8 Sacaton, Arizona 85147 Telephone: (520) 562-3326 Email: Cecilia.Baker@bia.gov Published: East Valley Tribune May 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 / 37928

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

27

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

Public Notices

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant for the following: EMSC SOLID WASTE FACILITIES STUDY/ SE SOLID WASTE FACILITIES STUDY PROJECT NO. CP1064EMSC CP1064SESW The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant to provide an analysis and conceptual design services design services for the EMSC Solid Waste Facilities Study/ SE Solid Waste Facilities Study Project. All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

The following is a summary of the project. The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected Design Consultant and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping.

This project will include study, analysis, and programming of the City of Mesa’s Environmental Management and Sustainability Department’s facilities and operations to evaluate opportunities for improved efficiency and future expansion. To account for staffing growth and operational efficiencies, the Environmental Management & Sustainability Department would like to evaluate operations expansion, and/or moving operations partially or entirely from their three current locations to City-owned properties.

The scope does not include final design or construction documents. The purpose of this project is to evaluate current and anticipated Environmental Management and Sustainability facilities and operations and to determine the most effective long-term improvements.

Currently the Environmental Management and Sustainability Department (EMSD) is responsible for residential & commercial solid waste (245k tons), recycling (32k tons), vegetative (18k tons) collections annually.

In addition, EMSD provides sustainability outreach and education. Finally, the EMSD ensures environmental compliance for City operations. The department workforce consists of 160 staff that includes 94 collection waste vehicle operators.

The goals of this feasibility study are to provide recommendations as follows:

1. Move partially or entirely from three collections sites, to one site at 6935 E Decatur.

2. Adding a transfer station at the Decatur site.

3. Adding a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and transfer at a 30 acre site at Pecos and Sossaman. The analysis of this site includes evaluating advantages with partnering with adjacent municipalities including Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, etc.

The recommendations for the above areas needs to include: 1. Initial and lifecycle cost.

2. Operational Sizing (for current and future needs.

3. Impacts to residents, business, and traffic.

4. Design limitations.

5. Amenity placement and utility mapping.

To account for staffing growth and operational efficiencies, the Environmental Management & Sustainability Department would like to evaluate the potential for a transfer station, in addition to moving operations partially or entirely from their three current locations to City-owned property at the East Mesa Service Center located at 6935 E Decatur St, Mesa, AZ 85207. Further, this site will be evaluated to include the potential for a City-owned transfer station for solid waste and recycling materials, and any required upgrades to the current CNG fueling system at this location. The City has also identified another property located in Southeast Mesa near Pecos & Sossaman that may be available for solid waste infrastructure.

The property itself is over 30 acres. Options to be evaluated for this location include a fullsize Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) with potential partners, and a transfer station for solid waste and/or recycling. Additionally, as part of the department’s long-term strategy, the City has conducted a feasibility study and started phase one of the Food to Energy Project: Flare to Fuel, which will upgrade the renewable natural gas collection system at the Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant. The department is interested in evaluating the potential to colocate food processing with the MRF. The operational move may include all or part of the following and should consider future Department growth: • Tenant improvements on a shared building with multiple City departments and/or a new building structure for Department staff to include facility amenities and storage. Amenities to include lockers, showers, break room, call center, equipment, etc.

• Parking for the solid waste collection fleet (currently 85 vehicles), lightduty vehicles, any heavy equipment (typically used by Support Services), personal vehicles, storage for bins,

•

•

barrels, and roll-offs, etc. Future growth will need to be considered, as well.

Significant CNG fueling system upgrades to the current fast-fill station and adding time-fill fueling infrastructure Significant upgrades and requirements for existing Fleet Services Department infrastructure

Additionally, the City is anticipating the need to own and operate a transfer station facility for both solid waste and recycling and Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at City-owned properties.

This scope includes: • A review of the Department’s preliminary documentation/ information.

• Review and recommendation of partnerships as well as consideration of project impacts. Potential partners include Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, etc.

• A detailed analysis and evaluation including lifecycle costs, operational sizing, design limitations.

• An understanding of impacts to residents, businesses and traffic.

published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.

Any parties interested in attending the PreSubmittal Conference should request a meeting invitation from Stephanie Gishey (Stephanie.

Gishey@mesaaz.gov).

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below.

RFQ Lists. This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/ engineering/architectural-engineering-designopportunities.

1.

Analysis of the existing facilities and City-owned properties for operational expansion, transfer station, and MRF improvements including sizing, costs, schedule and permitting needs 2.

Conceptual designs accounting for infrastructure design parameters, utilities, regulatory requirements, traffic, utilities, and site improvements

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt.

Please provide one (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov

by Thursday, June 17, 2021 by 2 pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Mesa encourages and desires the participation of local firms, including Mesaaffiliated firms. The respondents shall reach out to local firms to give them an opportunity to participate on the design team and shall discuss their outreach efforts in their SOQ.

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/ purchasing/vendor-self-service).

The scope for both the operational expansion, transfer station, and MRF facility properties should include the following type of work:

The total project budget is $400,000 for professional analysis and conceptual design services.

A electronic Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 8:00am through Microsoft Teams. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information

Questions.

Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Stephanie Gishey of the Engineering Department at stephnanie.gishey@ mesaaz.gov. All questions to be received by 6:00 pm on Monday, June 14, 2021.

ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

BETH HUNING City Engineer

Published: East Valley Tribune, May 30, Jun 6, 2021 / 38826

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

NOTICE TO READERS: Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

Reference: http://www.azroc.g ov/invest/licensed_ by_law.html As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC s t a t u s a t :

http://www.azroc .gov/

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

28

Public Notices CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising” - Mark Twain

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant for the following: SOUTHEAST MESA LIBARY 5036 S. EASTMARK PARKWAY PROJECT NO. CP0428 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant to provide design services for the Southeast Mesa Library Project. All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

This project will consist of the design and construction of a new library, located in Southeast Mesa, including programming documents, schematic drawings (including presentation boards and renderings), construction documents and potentially construction administration services. This new library will have amenities similar to the Red Mountain and Dobson Ranch libraries and is anticipated to be approximately 30,000 to 35,000 square foot in size. The facility will provide library services to residents of all ages. With an emphasis on a modern library feel, technology will be utilized to streamline services and offer the best possible user experience for those who enter. City may include other miscellaneous improvements at the Site, as needed.

The consultant may also assist with public meetings, City Council meetings, Citizen Advisory/Committee meetings, Design Review Board meetings, and other coordination efforts.

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

It is anticipated that this project will be delivered utilizing the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method.

This project is funded through the voter approved 2018 General Obligation Bond. The total project budget for design and construction is approximately $16.8 million dollars. The City anticipates commencing construction in the summer of 2023.

An electronic Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on June 10, 2021, at 9:00 am through Microsoft Teams. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. Any party interested in attending the Pre-Submittal Conference should request an invitation from Donna Horn at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov.

All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below.

RFQ Lists. This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/ architectural-engineering-design-opportunities.

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 12 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt. Please provide one (1) electronic copy in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by June 24, 2021, by 2:00 pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.

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Call us for details.

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service).

Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Donna Horn of the Engineering Department at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov.

BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

Published: East Valley Tribune, May 23, 30, 2021 / 38584

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

THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

29

Public Notices

CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA GAS SCADA SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 3 PROJECT NO. C01886PH3 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. All sealed bids will be received electronically at EngineeringBids@mesaaz.gov . Bids must be submitted as an unencrypted PDF attachment with a maximum size limit of 20MB. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration.

This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work: Furnish and install solar powered Scada equipment at three City of Mesa gas district regulator stations located within the City of Mesa gas system. The Scada installation shall include intrusion switches and associated conduit, seal-offs and fittings to regulator vaults, pressure transducers, Scada cabinet, radio, pole, foundation, antenna, grounding system, solar panels, solar charger, programmable logic controller, switches, relays and associated fittings to make a working system. Also, furnish and install Floboss flow computers, new transducers, shade structures and new signal isolaters at two City of Mesa gas gate stations located within the City of Mesa gas system.

The Engineer’s Estimate range is $350,000 to $400,000.

For all technical, contract, bid-related, or other questions, please contact Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov.

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above.

Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order.earc.com/arcEOC/PWELL_Main.asp?mem=29. Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans. NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed. The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $15.00, which is non-refundable. Partial bid packages are not sold. You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above. Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up. For a list of locations nearest you, go to www.e-arc.com.

One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ. Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing.

In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34.104c.

If a pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre-Bid Review of Site.”

Work shall be completed within 180 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed.

Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check. PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after fo rmal award of contract. In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service).

The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements.

The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa.

BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune, May 23, 30, 2021 / 38587

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THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | MAY 30, 2021

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