Glendale’s Community Newspaper
www.glendalestar.com
Vol. 75 No. 26
State commission cracking down on MMA events
INSIDE
This Week
BY ZACH ALVIRA
Glendale Star Staff Writer
NEWS...............5 NHL approves Coyotes’ new majority owner
NEWS...............8 Quezada’s sex ed revisions scrapped amid criticism
OPINION..................... 12 BUSINESS.................. 14 SPORTS ...................... 20 CALENDAR ................ 22 FEATURES.................. 24 RELIGION ................... 28 YOUTH........................ 30 CLASSIFIEDS ............. 31
The Boxing & MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Commission has been cracking down on unsanctioned combat sporting events in the West Valley and throughout the state since it was established under the Arizona Department of Gaming in 2015. The commission has imposed rules and regulations for each event, setting guidelines that ensure the safety of all competitors and spectators. However, there are still instances where individuals attempt to hold events that do not follow the guidelines set forth by the commission. These unsanctioned events often lead to charges with the possibility of jail time and hefty fines.
“There are strict requirements in place that are designed to protect the health and safety of participants and the public,” said Francisco Meneses, executive director of the Boxing & MMA Commission. “They are highly regulated because a careful oversight is necessary to ensure the fair competition, impartial result and the overall safety of the combatants and the public. “Occasionally, you have individuals that do not follow those rules and don’t follow the health and safety standards. That is the case with the three events in Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa.” From September 2018 to May 2019, three unsanctioned events allegedly hosted by the same two individuals took place. Roland Sierra and Todd Whitmoyer,
Homeowners upset by lakefront construction
both of whom were previously licensed with the Boxing & MMA Commission, have been charged with six class-2 misdemeanors for hosting the illegal fights. According to the ADG, class-2 misdemeanors in Arizona can carry a maximum fine of $750 and four months in jail, per charge. The first fight allegedly took place on September 15 at Cortez High School in Phoenix. The second allegedly took place on September 26 at the Elks Lodge in Glendale. The most recent fight allegedly took place on May 22 at Maya New York Pizza Bar & Grill in Mesa. According to the incident report provided by the ADG, fights in various formats SEE MMA PAGE 2
Living Room • Bedroom Children’s Furniture • Dining Room • Electronics Outdoor Furniture • Office/Entertainment
Glendale Star Staff Writer
Some Arrowhead Ranch Phase II homeowners are upset with their HOA for recent renovations made to the neighborhood lake and for not listening to their pleas. The board’s attorney said, however, the HOA is within its legal limits to renovate the property. The northwest Glendale community has about 1,200 homes between Loop 101, Union Hills Drive and 75th Avenue, according to the property’s website. One of many lakes in the neighborhood, Lake 10, had dealt with water-level issues for years, prompting a “shoreline restoration SEE CONSTRUCTION PAGE 3
at Lake Pleasant
Wednesday, July 3rd
e t e t a a r r b b e l e Ce el
pm Festivities at 5:00 Lake Pleasant, AZ Begin
9:00 pm Fireworks Show tickets at pleasantharbor.com
Feature ne ho Tablet/P Ports g Chargin
Sofa with Accent Pillows and USB Charging Ports $598 (D-4498S)
Loveseat with USB Charging Ports $578 • Oversized Chair with USB Charging Ports $488 • Ottoman $218 • Cocktail Table $159 (GN323C) • End Table $119 (GN323E) 8’ x 10’ Area Rug $289 (164-AL7065-81) • 29” Table Lamp^ $68 Each (109-90404B) Seagrass Basket^ $38 (173-49044) ^Available In-Store Only | While Supplies Last
GLENDALE, AZ (602) 422-8800 101 & Cardinals Way across from State Farm Stadium 5801 N. 99th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305
at Lake Pleasant, AZ
Live Music Food Trucks Free Kids Activities
Sofa
598
$
BY ERIC NEWMAN
Celebrate America!
at Lake Pleasant, AZ
June 27, 2019
GILBERT, AZ (480) 500-4121
202 Santan Freeway & S. Power Rd. 4700 S. Power Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296
AFW.com
WE DELIVER ALMOST ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.
Your LIFESTYLE FURNITURE Store