Buckeye and Tolleson will see new mayors come fall, the result of the Aug. 4 elections.
The lone Buckeye mayoral candidate,
Eric Orsborn, who’s been on the council since 2010, was elected with 12,204 votes, as of Aug. 8. He replaces longtime Mayor Jackie Meck, who chose not to run again.
“Buckeye is the first or second-fastest growing city in the United States, so that comes with a lot of needs,” Orsborn said.
“One of the biggest (goals) is economic development, and that has been a high priority for the city and will continue to be for well into the future and to have jobs in the area. The second is infrastructure, and then third is our long-term solution on water. Right now, (a priority) is getting through
the pandemic and making sure we’re healthy physically and financially as a city and then hit the ground running once we kind of get clear of that.”
Orsborn is looking forward to his new role.
“I’m just thrilled with the campaign being complete and being mayor-elect, and I cannot wait to get into work for the city of Buckeye,” Orsborn said.
Tolleson
Former Tolleson vice mayor Juan Rodriguez was the only candidate for mayor.
He collected 852 votes. Mayor Anna Tovar left to ran for the Arizona Corporation Commission. She was elected.
Tolleson Mayor-elect Rodriguez plans to make COVID-19 testing more available to city residents, and he’d like to modernize and
Cities...continued on page 2
Buckeye, Tolleson elect new mayors Muscato, Lesko moving on to November election
BY ERIN BRASSEY West Valley View Staff Writer
Voters chose the final Congressional candidates Aug. 4 for the November elections.
In the 8th Congressional District, the winners of the primary were Democrat Michael Muscato and Republican Debbie Lesko, the incumbent.
Muscato became the Democratic candidate after winning with 32,892 votes, which was 53% of the vote. His opponent Robert “Bob” Olsen was the runner-up with 19,218 votes taking up 31% of the vote, and Bob Musselwhite came in third
with 15% of the vote totaling 8,990 votes.
Moscato said he is “honored” to receive the nomination from the district in which he was born and raised.
“The nomination—knowing they support who I am and what I’ve stood for and what they’ve raised—it means a lot.”
Moscato has never been elected for office, but he was the 2016 Democratic nominee for State Senate District 22.
Lesko received 100% of the vote with 95,726 votes, as she ran unopposed, but she still feels grateful to be moving on to the general election.
“I thank God and the voters for the overwhelming support I received from the vot-
District 8...continued on page 2
RESERVE YOUR ORDER NOW with JONES FORD BUCKEYE
MICHAEL MUSCATO DEBBIE LESKO
JUAN RODRIGUEZ KENNETH WEISE ERIC ORSBORN
Cities...continued from page 1
increase the quality of existing housing and increase economic development.
“We have probably like 30% of our land undeveloped still, and so we have to be really careful on which types of development we go after and which key corners or areas we want to put in our backyards,” he said.
“We need to find what’s going to be a good fit for our community and ultimately be able to provide us with longterm sales tax revenue that can help us sustain ourselves long into the future.”
Rodriguez said he celebrated the win with close family.
At the end of the day, the biggest celebration is having the opportunity to serve my community,” Rodriguez said. Avondale
Kenneth Weise will once again lead Avondale, as he went unopposed for the position of mayor. He collected 8,915 votes.
Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Avondale and Tolleson residents selected city council members.
In Tolleson, incumbents Lupe Leyva Bandin, John Carnero and Albert Mendoza faced challengers Donnie Ger-
hart, Jimmy Davis and Adolfo Gámez. Bandin (490 votes), Gámez (463 votes) and Mendoza (470 votes) will be seated on the council.
Three incumbent Buckeye City Council members—Jeanine Guy, Michelle Hess and Tony Youngker—were reelected for another four-year term.
For District 1—the only Buckeye City Council race that had competition— Youngker, with 765 votes, defeated challenger Tedy Burton by a margin of 227 votes. For District 2, Guy had 332 votes and District 3’s Hess received 1,391 votes. Both were reelected.
Ann Donahue, John Romack and Ron Clair were hoping to renew their seats on the Litchfield City Council. They were challenged by Kerry Murphy Giangobbe. The three incumbents will continue to serve. Donahue received 1,604 votes, Romack received 1,325 votes and Clair received 1,351 votes.
Like the mayoral race, Avondale City Council members went unopposed. Pat Dennis received 6,187 votes, Veronica Malone received 7,120 votes and Mike Pineda received 6,931 votes.
All results are preliminary, and the winners won’t formally be announced until the county finalizes the election.
ers,” she said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the West and North valleys in Congress, and I hope to be given that privilege again.”
Lesko has served in public office for the past 11 years. She started in Arizona’s state House of Representatives for six years, then served in the state Senate for three years and has spent the last two years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lesko originally joined the U.S. House of Representatives after filling a vacant seat in May 2018 before being voted into a full term in November 2018.
Moving forward, Lesko said she plans to continue her support for freedom, the military and law enforcement, whereas Muscato said he will focus on immigration reform, health care and education.
Both candidates are feeling good about their chances for November.
Lesko said, “I’m feeling confident going into the general election and will continue to work hard to earn my constituents’ vote. Serving, helping and meeting with my constituents is my No. 1 priority. People in our district know that I have been involved in our community for years. … People know that I care.”
Muscato explained he has seen a lot of support from all sides, including Democrats, independents and Republicans, but he knows there are still people to reach.
“We’re going to focus on outreach to the independent voters who are tired of both political parties, and we’re going to reach out to the Republican voters who are disenfranchised from the lack of representation or the misrepresentation from the current administration
and my opponent,” he said.
Muscato said he thinks Lesko has not been doing the job of serving the people.
“She’s been in office now for more than a decade as an Arizona representative,” he said. “Things have not gotten better and gotten worse in a lot of aspects, so it’s time to replace the person in office with someone who’s going to do the work.”
Moreover, he said, “The job of Congress is to actually do the job. It is not to be a campaign member for the president’s reelection campaign; it is not to talk about everything and anything but what’s happening here in the district.”
Muscato continued that people should not count him out of this race, because he is here for the people.
“I am here to represent everyone— Republicans, independents and Democrats—whereas my opponent has made it very clear that she dismisses the Democrats and the Democratic Party, and she dismisses anyone who doesn’t agree with the White House administration,” he said.
Lesko said she focuses on the Republican Party’s goals because that’s what Arizonans want.
“Republicans, like myself, believe in protecting our personal freedoms,” she said. “At the end of the day, Arizonans want smaller government, lower taxes, increased economic opportunity and communities that are safe. That’s what the Republican Party stands for and what I will continue to support.”
Voters can decide who they would like to see represent them in Congress for the next two years on Nov. 3.
All results are preliminary, and the winners won’t formally be announced until the county finalizes the election.
Voters check in at the polls in Goodyear.
(West Valley View photo by Pablo Robles)
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Chas Roberts to give away A/C systems
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Chas Roberts—a local family-owned A/C, heating and plumbing provider—is donating two new A/C systems, including installation, to two lucky winners as part of its 11th annual Cool Play Giveaway. Nominations are now being accepted online through Aug. 15.
Entrants must be Arizona residents.
The Cool Play Giveaway was started by Chas Roberts President and CEO Sissie Roberts Shank as a way to help local families or organizations that may be undergoing hardship and are in
need of a new A/C system.
“The Cool Play Giveaway is a tradition for us at Chas Roberts, and now more than ever it’s important that we keep up that tradition to help two local families in need,” Shank said. “The summer heat in Arizona is brutal, and we hate to see families suffer, so we try to do our part each year.”
I am very thankful to Chas Roberts.”
Chas Roberts’ vendors, Carrier and Goodman, donate the A/C systems each year. Smiley Crane provides the crane service, and Chas Roberts coordinates the program and provides the installation.
To nominate: chasroberts.com/coolplay
“It’s a year later and I still can’t believe that I was given a new A/C unit,” said Tyler Owings, one of last year’s Cool Play Giveaway winners. “It couldn’t have come at a better time with the record heat we’ve been having. My bill is practically half of what it was, and my daughter no longer complains about how hot it is in our house.
Goodyear police arrest 5 for drug trafficking
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Goodyear police arrested five men on charges of drug trafficking Aug. 4 after a tip.
Goodyear narcotics detectives conducted surveillance on a residence in Palm Valley Phase I. Police conducted two traffic stops on two separate vehicles leaving the residence.
In one vehicle, officers discovered two large boxes of marijuana vape cartridges and marijuana oils, along with $1,000 in cash.
The second vehicle was operated by a 16-year-old who had two handguns (one reported stolen), a ballistics vest, $3,000 in cash, marijuana and 20 grams of cocaine.
Officers attempted to stop a third vehicle that left the residence, but it fled from officers into Avondale. Officers later located the vehicle stuck in a dirt field, and it had 10 pounds of marijuana, cash, two firearms and marijuana cartridges in it. The two juvenile occupants attempted to flee the vehicle on foot but were apprehended without incident. Goodyear’s SWAT team served a search warrant at the residence and arrested an adult male without incident. The residence was being used to process and stash large amounts of illegal drugs.
Those arrested were:
• Eduardo Torres, 27, of Phoenix on charges of narcotic drugs for sale,
money laundering, illegally conducting an enterprise, and conspiracy.
• Giovanni Jimenez-Reyes, 25, hometown unknown, on charges of narcotic drug manufacturing, marijuana for sale, money laundering, prohibited
possessor (weapons violation) and conducting an illegal enterprise.
• All three juveniles (all of Phoenix), ages 16, 16 and 17, were arrested and booked into Maricopa County Juvenile Detention.
Tolleson offering free COVID-19 testing
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
The city of Tolleson is hosting a COVID-19 community testing event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Arizona Desert Elementary School’s gymnasium, 8803 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson.
“Testing and contact tracing are critical components to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Tovar said. “As the mayor of Tolleson, it is incumbent upon me to pursue every avenue to identify resources to contribute to the eradication of this horrible disease.
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Recently, Maricopa County Health Department staff informed city officials of concerns about the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Tolleson.
The county’s Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine presented the data to the Tolleson City Council and the community during a recent work session.
“It was critical for me to allow everyone the opportunity to voice their concerns and to get any clarification needed directly from the health experts at the Maricopa County Health Department,” Mayor Anna Tovar said.
Sunenshine said there were 24 COVID-19 cases in May in Tolleson. Cases jumped to 213 in June. In Maricopa County, there were 6,921 COVID-19 cases in May and 54,757 in June. Cases in Tolleson increased 2.4 times faster in the month of June than Maricopa County, making Tolleson a hotspot.
Because Tolleson has been identified as a hotspot, the county is working directly with city official to slow the disease’s spread.
“We are grateful to Maricopa County, Supervisor Steve Gallardo, Southwellness and the Tolleson Elementary School District for their partnership in this crucial endeavor.”
On Aug. 22, 500 tests will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, preregistration is encouraged by visiting southwellnesscovidtest.com or calling 602-429-0398. The city of Tolleson will hand out free cloth face masks.
This initiative is supported through funds made available by Maricopa County. Testing results will be made available within two to three days to ensure people are receiving timely results.
For those affected by COVID-19, the county works with the Tolleson Community Action Program office to provide rental assistance. The office refers clients to Maricopa County for COVID emergency assistance for its heating/ cooling repair/replace program, too. For information, call 623-936-2760 from 8 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday.
For detailed guidance about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.
Nurse Victoria Johnston puts a swab inside a patient’s nose during the COVID-19 testing in Tolleson on Aug. 8. (West Valley View photo by Pablo Robles)
Kiana Valdez enters a patient’s information during the COVID-19 testing in Tolleson on Aug. 8. (West Valley View photo by Pablo Robles)
Brnovich warns of COVID-19 testing scams
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Attorney General Mark Brnovich is warning Arizonans to look out for COVID-19 test result scams after health providers and patients reported fraud.
Fraudsters may be calling consumers claiming they have COVID-19 test results, but they are really trying to acquire patients’ personal information or trick patients into incorrectly paying money.
“Right now, while countless Arizonans anxiously await their COVID-19 test results, con artists are preying upon their anxiety,” Brnovich said.
“Consumers must keep their guard up. If someone calls asking for personal information like your Social Security number or your Medicare account information, these are red flags for possible fraud.”
Brnovich offers the following tips for spotting COVID-19 test result scams: Requests for personal information: Scammers may request personal information, like Social Security numbers or banking information. A testing fa-
cility will not request this information. Requests for payment: Billing for COVID-19 lab tests is typically handled through the patient’s insurance or the Arizona Department of Health Services, at no cost to the patient at this time. Confirm any request for payment with your doctor and insurance provider before paying. Report questionable COVID-19 testing billing requests to the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Test results over the phone: Although some testing providers may offer to provide results over the phone or via text if requested, patients may prefer to get these results directly from their doctor or through online patient accounts hosted by the lab itself. If you have not requested that your results be provided over the phone, exercise extreme caution and do not provide any information via phone if prompted. Call to confirm identity: If you are unsure whether the caller is a scammer, hang up and contact the testing provid-
er directly.
No test requested: If you did not order a COVID-19 test or you have already received your results, do not provide any additional information to the caller. Hang up immediately.
The Arizona attorney general’s office maintains an up-to-date COVID-19
TOLLESON UNION
webpage dedicated to providing consumers with the latest information on coronavirus scams and frauds.
Victims are encouraged to file a consumer complaint by visiting the attorney general’s website. For a complaint form, contact the attorney general’s office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763.
Officials outline test for reopening schools
BY HOWARD FISCHER
Capitol Media Services
State health officials laid out a threepart test Aug. 6 for when they say it is safe for schools to reopen, in full or in part.
In essence, the guidelines say it will be safe to again have kids in the classroom when:
• Fewer than 7% of area residents tested for COVID-19 test positive for the virus.
• The number of people showing up at local hospitals with COVID-like symptoms is less than 10% of all visits.
• A rate of infection drops below 100 cases for every 100,000 residents.
Exceeding even one of those, according to state Health Director Cara Christ, indicates that schools should remain shuttered.
But even that last category comes with an escape clause of sorts. Schools could still meet that specific benchmark if there has been a decline in the weekly average in the number of cases for two consecutive weeks, even if the infection rate tops 100 per 100,000.
Arizona is not there yet.
“We think it’s going to be several weeks before any county meets those benchmarks,” Christ said.
“But we do see it trending down within the next month.”
She had no predictions. And Christ emphasized these decisions generally are going to be made on a county-by-county level, meaning kids could be back in school in one county while those in the adjacent one have only online learning.
The question now is whether any of the more than 200 traditional school districts and charter schools actually will follow the guidelines.
Nothing in the standards is mandatory. And local school officials are free to reopen even while infections rates are high—or remain closed even past the point when the risk is minimal.
That already is happening, with several districts already having announced they don’t intend to have in-person classes until the middle of October.
Christ said she understands that.
“These are recommendations,’’ she said.
“There are local circumstances that schools may choose to either open earlier or stay closed longer,’’ Christ continued. “It really is left up to that local education agency in consultation with their local public health.’’
But state schools chief Kathy Hoffman is discouraging too much individual choice.
“Schools should adhere to these benchmarks,’’ she said. “And school boards should be held accountable by their community members to follow the public health recommendations.’’
And Hoffman, whose agency was involved in coming up with the guidelines, gave them her endorsement.
“I fully support these metrics,’’ she said. “It gives us a goalpost of where we need to see the numbers.’’
The standards actually are divided into three categories.
tive, and fewer than 5% of hospital visits are for COVID-like symptoms that it is considered safe to go back to traditional instruction.
But even then, the health department protocols call for enhanced cleaning, working with students on hand hygiene and “proper respiratory etiquette,’’ monitoring absenteeism, and proper ventilation of classrooms and school buses.
First—and most severe—are conditions that the health department say creates conditions for “substantial community spread.’’
Those are the numbers outlined in the basic three-part standard. In those cases, any area unable to meet all three criteria should keep its schools closed and all instruction should be online.
There also is a second category of moderate community spread. These involve lower rates of infection and positive test results.
In those cases, the standards say schools can reopen in limited fashion for “hybrid’’ education. That could involve students in school part of the day and online learning the rest of the day, or even having students attend on alternate days.
But there still are restrictions, including not just the physical distancing that the health department wants—6 feet between desks—but also allowing for screening individual students for symptoms, closing communal spaces like cafeterias, and mandatory face coverings.
It is only when the infection rate drops below 10 cases per 100,000 residents, fewer than 5% of tests come back posi-
That last category, Christ acknowledged, presents some unique challenges in newer buildings where windows do not open. But she said there are ways of tweaking the ventilation system to get more fresh air into the system. And even leaving the doors of the room open can help.
One big issue is that the executive order issued by Gov. Doug Ducey requires schools to open their doors by Aug. 17 for students who need somewhere to go. Hoffman said that’s mainly designed as a “safety net’’ for students with special needs, things like special education students and counseling services with kids with mental health needs. She also said some districts intend to offer space for children of “essential workers.’’
But she conceded that, under federal laws, schools which are not yet offering full-time or hybrid classes will not be able to turn away any child who shows up at their door, even if they do not fall into one of the eligible categories.
Hoffman said, though, that schools need not provide that space in traditional classrooms. She said some districts are working with local Y’s and Boys and Girls Clubs to provide somewhere safe, complete with computers so that these
Schools...continued on page 10
APS explosion a powerful, painful lesson
BY TOM SCANLON West Valley View Managing Editor
The near deaths of four Peoria firefighters may lead to dramatic changes in the way fires involving solar power systems are handled.
Three days after APS released a technical report on the probable cause of a lithium-ion battery storage explosion that seriously injured four Peoria firefighters, the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) released a report detailing the firefighters’ response.
In chilling detail, it describes the moments before and after the explosion—which “ballistically propelled” one firefighter 70 feet into a chain-link fence and hurled another firefighter 30 feet.
“It’s a miracle all of them are alive,” said Bryan Jeffries, president of the 7,000-member Professional Firefighters of Arizona and a captain with the Mesa Fire Department.
On April 19, 2019, four members of the Peoria Fire-Medical Hazardous
Materials Response (“hazmat”) team were called to the McMicken Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Surprise.
They saw smoke and smelled acrid fumes coming from the shipping container-sized lithium-ion battery cell facility, where batteries were being charged with solar power. The APS report released July 28 said a “cascading thermal runaway” started a battery chain reaction that filled the facility with flammable gas.
The firefighters who responded to the BESS facility were not prepared for what faced them, according to both reports.
After analyzing the situation as best they could for nearly two hours, the Peoria team decided to enter the facility.
At 8:02 p.m., the Peoria firefighters opened a door and began diagnosing the interior.
Two minutes later, an explosion injured Capt. Hunter Clare, Engineer
Justin Lopez and firefighters Matt Cottini and Jake Ciulla. All four were hospitalized.
According to the FSRI report, Lopez “suffered a traumatic brain injury, a collapsed lung, broken ribs, a broken leg, a separated shoulder, laceration of the liver, thermal and chemical burns,
a missing tooth and facial lacerations.”
Clare also suffered a traumatic brain injury, according to the report, as well as an eye injury, spine damage, broken ribs, a broken scapula, thermal and chemical burns, internal bleeding, two broken ankles and a broken foot.
Cottini’s injuries included a fractured patella, broken leg, spine damage, thermal burns and facial lacerations. The least injured was Ciulla, who had minor burns and lacerations.
“I was there in the hospital with them right after it happened,” Jeffries said. In addition to the physical injuries, “the psychological trauma is pretty significant,” Jeffries said.
“What they experienced in nanoseconds before the explosion, they will never forget. One of the guys told me it was like the loudest freight train you can ever imagine driving right over you.”
The union president acknowledged the response from the firefighters’ employers.
“Fire Chief Bobby Ruiz and the city of Peoria have been intensely helpful and supportive … and are working together to take care of these firefighters and their families. This is a life-changing event,” Jeffries said.
The city and Peoria Fire Department declined to comment on the conditions of the injured firefighters.
“They’re doing better,” Jeffries said. “Obviously these were some devastating injuries. They’re all working
Photos in an APS report show exterior damage and partially melted batteries after an explosion at an energy storage system facility in Surprise. The explosion injured four Peoria firefighters. (Photos courtesy APS)
Dr. Pamela Boyd, DVM
through their rehabilitation.
“Thank God they’re still alive and rehabilitating.”
Jeffries said in situations where responders encounter significant explosions, “In more cases than not, the firefighters don’t survive.”
Lesson learned
The Surprise APS facility event was a powerful, painful lesson.
“The bottom line for us is sustainable energy is growing and it’s here to stay. The reality is we are going to be dealing with (fires at) these energy storage places that use high-capacity batteries. This is all new and emerging technology. …
“The greatest lesson is these high-capacity batteries have such amazing thermal capacity—our traditional firefighting measures will not work. We’ll have to take a different approach—a far more careful and prudent approach.
“It’s not like rushing into a fire—an offensive approach. This is going to have to be a far more defensive approach,” Jeffries said.
“It’s a whole new animal. We’re
(from) small versions in people’s garages storing solar power to massive ones.”
According to the APS report, a battery cell “experienced a sudden drop in voltage” at 4:54 p.m., quickly followed by a “thermal runaway” that generated gas and smoke.
The melting battery cells “created a flammable atmosphere within the BESS,” according to the report.
When the BESS fire suppression system was activated, APS was automatically notified and in turn contacted a contractor, which sent an engineer to investigate.
The engineer saw smoke and called 911 at 5:40 p.m.—nearly an hour after the fire suppression system was automatically activated.
According to the FSRI report, which refers to the powerful explosion as a “deflagration event,” a Surprise Fire Department team arrived at the scene around 6 p.m. After assessing the situation, they called for a hazardous waste and materials unit to assist, but the Surprise hazmat team was on another call. Operating on a mutual assistance
You drean, big.
arrived at the Surprise APS battery facility around 6:28 p.m. The firefighters “observed a diffuse cloud of a white/ gray gas/vapor. … (Clare) described the smell in the vicinity of the ESS as nasty and acrid.”
The Peoria hazmat team circled the facility, measuring gas levels and making visual observations of smoke for more than an hour.
After carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels were measured “at a safe level,” Clare, after consulting with an APS employee and a contractor, made the decision to open the door.
As he measured the interior temperature with a thermal imaging camera,
mediately poured out of the open door while the hazmat team measured gas concentrations and continued to monitor the BESS.
“At the moment of the deflagration event, the firefighters outside the hot zone described hearing a loud noise and seeing a jet of flame that extended at least 75 feet outward and an estimated 20 feet vertically from the southeast-facing door.
“In the event, (Clare) and (Lopez) were ballistically propelled against and under the chain-link fence that surrounded the BESS. (Clare) came to rest approximately 73 feet from the opened door beneath a bush that had ignited in
An explosion at an APS solar battery facility caused by a “cascading thermal runaway” chain reaction injured Peoria firefighters Matt Cottini, Justin Lopez, Jake Ciulla and Capt. Hunter Clare. (Photos courtesy Peoria Fire-Medical)
students still can participate in online learning.
“It will not be babysitting,’’ she said. Even as school districts make decisions to reopen, Christ said that still leaves wiggle room for parents, allowing them to keep their children home.
“We know that some parents are not going to be comfortable sending their kids back until there’s a vaccine or until there’s minimal spread,’’ she said. But the health director said that’s not her preference.
“We do feel it’s important to get kids back into the classroom,’’ Christ said. And she said it’s about more than just the educational opportunities.
“It provides the social and emotional opportunities,’’ she said.
“Sometimes it’s the place where the kids get nutrition, they get physical activity, they get mental health services,’’ Christ continued. “So we do want to get them back.’’
There is a potential complicating factor.
“Despite schools’ best efforts to retain their teachers and find ways for them to feel comfortable for them to teach in this incredibly challenging environment and challenging times, there are increased
rates of teachers resigning,’’ Hoffman said. She said reasons range from being fearful for their own personal health to family needs.
And all this, Hoffman said, comes on top of what’s already a “very severe shortage’’ of qualified teachers in the classroom. In January, she said, one-fifth of teaching positions were either unfilled by a full-time teacher or filled by someone with a substitute teaching or emergency certificate.
Christ, in explaining the three-part test to determine when it’s safe to reopen schools, said there’s a reason for providing an alternative to the one which sets the baseline at having an infection rate of fewer than 100 for every 100,000 residents. She said that’s specifically designed for counties with a small population where a few new cases could tip the overall rate above the cutoff.
“I’m thinking Greenlee (County) had an issue where they 12 cases reported one week and it shot them from a very, very low case rate up to 119’’ per 100,000 residents, Christ said. The alternate method—a decline in the average number of cases for two consecutive weeks—helps deal with those kinds of situations.
the event. (Lopez) came to rest approximately 30 ft from the opened door. … The entire hazmat team lost consciousness in the deflagration event. The event also dislodged or removed the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) face pieces and helmets from all of the HAZMAT team members.”
Surprise firefighters almost immediately began assisting the injured firefighters. Clare and Lopez were helicoptered to trauma centers. Ambulances took Cottini and Ciulla to Abrazo Campus West in Goodyear.
Recommendations
The FSRI report concludes the hazmat team did not have the resources needed for an energy storage system (ESS) event.
The report analyzes the response and gives “recommendations on how to improve codes, standards, and emergency response training to better protect first responders, maintenance personnel and nearby communities.”
According to the FSRI report, Clare “had been trained as a hazmat technician, had attended all available training pertaining to ESS and had experience with a fire involving lithium-ion batteries at an EV repair facility.
“This training and these experiences likely made (Clare) one of the most prepared individuals in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area to manage this lithium-ion battery ESS incident. … The (hazmat) team conducted research and maintained communication with employees of the companies that owned, designed and maintained the ESS throughout the time they were at the scene to get the best understanding of the potential hazards.”
But the hazmat team’s experience and knowledge was insufficient for what they faced, according to the
FSRI report.
“At that point in the incident, the HAZMAT team reached the extent of knowledge and advice available from training courses and were required to formulate a plan to return the BESS to a safe condition. It was concluded that to quickly and effectively change the conditions inside the ESS, the door to the ESS should be opened. All fire department personnel agreed this was a reasonable plan.”
According to the report, the Peoria hazmat team was current with education and training, but “core hazmat training curricula for these competencies do not yet cover basic ESS hazards. Extracurricular ESS-specific training opportunities do not yet comprehensively address ESS hazards.”
The facility’s system was also flawed, according to the report: “The fire and smoke detection systems did not include, and were not required to include, sensors that provided information about the presence of flammable gases.”
And the emergency response plan provided to the firefighters, “although compliant with the applicable codes and standards at the time of the incident, did not provide adequate guidance for mitigating thermal runaway, fire, and explosion hazards generated by the ESS.”
The report concludes that lithium-ion battery energy storage facilities “have proliferated in recent years, presenting new challenges for the fire protection community.
“Recommendations include fire service training with an emphasis on ESS safety, remotely accessible gas monitoring systems, explosion prevention protection and full-scale testing research to understand the most effective and safest tactics for fire service response to lithium-ion battery ESS incidents.”
OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR KIRK’S
Debate won’t end soon
Editor:
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson flew to Independence, Missouri, and signed Public Law 8997, the Social Security amendments that brought into being Medicare and Medicaid. The setting was the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, and President and Mrs. Truman were the honored guests. This signing culminated over 50 years of effort to legislate a national health care system. In 1912, Teddy Roosevelt proposed a plan, and his cousin FDR did the same in 1935. Harry Truman tried and failed twice, and Jack Kennedy proposed Medicare prior to his assassination. In the ’50s and ’60s, Ethel Percy Andrus led AARP in the fight for Medicare. The 1964 election was a Democratic landslide, and LBJ had the political capital to pass the “Great Society” laws of 1965.
During his speech, following the signing, LBJ said, “And through this new law every citizen will be able, in his productive years when he is earning, to insure himself against the ravages of illness in his old age.” Of note was that there was no mention of Medicaid. The two laws were nicknamed “The Compromises and the Afterthought.” Part A was a compromise with the American Hospital Association. Part B was a compromise with the American Medical Association. Medicaid was added to the law at the last minute. It was felt to be a small and inexpensive addition to the legislation. Were they wrong. Medicaid was a state option and began on Jan. 1, 1966. Six states chose the option on that date, and their budgets exceeded the estimates for the entire nation. Alaska was the 49th state in 1972, and then there was Arizona. That is a whole other story. Medicare went operational on July 1, 1966, and Harry Truman had Medicare card No. 1 and Bess had No. 2. Their Part B premiums were $3 per month.
Things have changed.
Where were you on July 30, 1965? I was an Air Force captain and had just arrived at Yokota AB, Tokyo, Japan. I was supporting the 6091st Recon Squadron flying top-secret operations gathering intelligence about Russia, North Korea, China and Japan and preparing for my first assignment to Vietnam. I was not interested in health care policy in the United States. Fifty-five years later, we still have Medicare and Medicaid and are still debating the future of health care in this country. The pandemic has made that debate even more critical and will be a part in determining the outcome of the Nov. 3 election. Don’t hold your breath that this 100-year-old debate will end any time soon. It will not.
Dr. Leonard Kirschner, MPH
Litchfield Park Colonel USAF (Retired) Commander USAF Hospital Luke (1983-85)
AHCCCS Director (1987-93) Past president, AARP Arizona Board of Directors, Wickenburg Community Hospital
Quiet down
Editor:
After reading David Compton’s nonsensical, hate-filled opinion, one of my favorite quotes, from one of our greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln, comes to mind. “’Tis best to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
Jon Ferrall Goodyear
Deeper problem here
Editor:
In response to Mr. Otis Perkins: Trump’s election in ’16 is a symptom of much deeper problems in our “capitalist democracy” or “republic.”
The ruling elites no longer have legitimacy. They have destroyed our capitalist democracy and replaced it with a mafia state. The commonwealth has been transformed into an instrument of naked pillage and repression on behalf of a corporate global oligarchy. Rich omnipotent masters who loot the U.S. treasury have perverted the judiciary, the media and the legislative branches of government to strip us of our civil liberties and give them freedom to commit financial fraud and theft. The media, including Fox, Democrats and Republicans, are complicit and are still blind to these reasons that brought us Trump.
It’s a class issue. If we stand up as the working class, for the working class, it will solve the majority of our issues. The media and the elite are scared of exactly that. They also don’t believe in democracy; never have, never will.
Damion Armstrong Avondale
Land of the free
Editor:
What’s all the fuss over a few people kneeling during the singing of our
national anthem at sports events? Are we forgetting that “The Star-Spangled Banner” is all about our national flag as the unique symbol of individual freedom, as in this situation?
Pro-Americans can’t coerce other citizens to behave patriotically. It’s un-American. In our great land of the free, you may kneel, sit, stand or stand on your head. It changes nothing. Old Glory yet waves.
You gotta love this country—or not.
Ken Williams Goodyear
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More actions, not apologies needed in today’s world
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist
I’ve never been much for apologies. Let me give you an example.
A few years back, while negotiating the fee for my services with a potential client, we had several spirited discussions about the value of public relations. He had a number in mind, which we can call “x.”
I, too, had a number in mind, which we can call “1.3x.” Our exchanges continued over emails and phone calls, with the two of us never getting remotely close to striking a deal.
In our last call, this titan of business told me, “It’s a shame we’re both so focused on Jewing each other that we won’t end up working together.”
My response to that point, and his accompanying slur, is unfit for this fine family publication. We have never spoken again.
I thought about Mr. Company President this week while reading multiple news items concerning public apologies made by everyone from Hollywood celebrities to religious leaders to politicians to businesses.
Lately, apologies seem to have become as trendy as Porsches, Lululemon workout clothes and those hideous Louis Vuitton handbags—everybody simply has to have one. Some examples from the past few days:
“Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds issued a public apology for his 2012 marriage ceremony to actress Blake Lively, which occurred at a former South Carolina slave plantation. As Reynolds explained to Fast Company magazine, “What we saw at the time was a wedding venue on Pinterest. What we saw after was a place built upon devastating tragedy.”
I’m not sure about the statute of limitations on offensive wedding venues, but eight years might be pushing it. Also, if Reynolds is busy apologizing, how about one for making that truly crappy “Green Lantern” flick?
Meanwhile, Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of ultra-evangelical Liberty University, apologized for posting a quickly
deleted Instagram picture of himself with his pants unzipped, belly protruding and his arm around an unidentified young woman sporting unzipped microshorts.
The image, apparently taken during a yacht party, drew criticism for appearing to fly in the face of Liberty’s commitment to abstinence and prim Christian behavior.
Said Falwell: “I’ve apologized to everybody. And I’ve promised my kids I’m going to try to be a good boy from here on out.”
Such oozing sincerity kind of makes you feel warm inside, no?
Speaking of feeling warm all over, there’s German carmaker Audi.
It apologized this week for an advertisement featuring a young girl in a summer dress and sunglasses leaning on an Audi RS4 while eating a banana. The tagline? “Let your heart beat faster—in every aspect.”
To critics of the ad, the image seemed too sexual or too suggestive or too … something. Audi tweeted out an apology, saying the ad was meant to show “that even for the weakest traffic participants, it is possible to relaxingly lean on the RS technology. That was a mistake! Audi never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings. We sincerely apologize for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future.”
Let the internal investigation into who chose the fruit for that ad commence.
Each of these apologies fails for me— as too late, too dumb or too over the top for something that wasn’t clearly offensive in the first place.
That’s the big problem with apologies: They’re easy to do wrong because they consist of words. As most of our mothers taught us, it’s actions that matter most in this life—what we do as opposed to what we say. Walk the walk, as the cliche goes. Few things are cheaper than talk— with the possible exception of that jacka-- I’m glad I never took as a client.
DAVID LEIBOWITZ
Estrella Commons sales increase as families opt to buy
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
The Fulton Homes Estrella Commons community is seeing an increase in buyers looking to make the Goodyear area their home. Many are firsttime owners, while others are facing “growing pains” and are in need of expanded space.
Robert and Erica Villalpando are among homebuyers choosing to bring their perfect family home to life. Recently wed, they found they needed more room when the time came to combine their families. Fulton Homes had the ideal floor plans and options.
“Everybody needed to have their own space,” Erica said. “We’re from this area and really like it, so we didn’t want to move out of it.”
From concept to development, the Villalpandos share that they have been pleased with choosing Fulton Homes. Erica admitted she was concerned the process would become overwhelming, especially visiting the Fulton Homes Design Center to customize their spaces. This is Erica’s first new construction home. Robert, who has experience with buying a new build, appreciated how Fulton Homes managed the process.
“From the first visit to now, they’re on top of everything in the building process,” Robert said. “Even at the
design center it was pretty simple and there wasn’t any pressure for upgrades. Whatever you want, you can put in your house.”
The Villalpandos choose a spacious floorplan with ample loft space for the children and the master bedroom conveniently located at the opposite side, maximizing privacy. The outdoor spaces featured in the community provided another big draw for the Villalpando family, with plenty of space where their children could safely play without being too far away.
“We really thought the neighborhood paths were great,” Erica said. “If the kids want to go out bike riding, they don’t even have to leave the community. It’s like living in a park.”
Located at I-10 and Estrella Parkway, Estrella Commons features 23 floor plans starting in the $290,000s that can be customized to fit families at any stage. Close to schools, shopping and dining in the Goodyear area, the community also features playgrounds, outdoor amenities, and plenty of space to play and grow.
“Sales and traffic have been strong across all of our communities this summer as homebuyers look to lock in on the great mortgage rates,” said Doug Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes.
Info: fultonhomes.com
Newlyweds Robert and Erica Villalpando recently bought into Fulton Homes’ Estrella Commons. (Photo courtesy Fulton Homes)
White Tank Water Treatment Plant named 2020 Water Project of the Year
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
The AZ Water Association has recognized EPCOR USA with its 2020 Water Project of the Year Award for EPCOR’s $29 million expansion of the White Tanks Regional Water Treatment Plant in Surprise.
EPCOR’s White Tanks plant provides water service to parts of Surprise, Glendale (Luke 303 area), Buckeye (Verrado) and Goodyear.
EPCOR is celebrating its 10th anniversary serving the West Valley. This is EPCOR’s second Water Project of the Year award.
EPCOR also received 31 safety and operational excellence awards for facilities and systems across the company’s Arizona service territories. Altogether, these 32 new honors bring EPCOR’s total number of awards from the AZ Water Association to 163. Awards will appear in the summer edition of the AZ Water Association’s Kachina publication.
EPCOR’s expansion and upgrade of the White Tank Regional Water Treatment Plant was completed in May 2019, increasing the facility’s output of
high-quality water from 20 million gallons per day (MGD) to 33 MGD to serve the Phoenix metropolitan area’s growing West Valley region. The plant’s innovative design incorporates a cutting-edge CoMag ballasted water clarification system—the first of its kind in Arizona.
“EPCOR stepped up to meet the needs of the region with the White Tanks plant expansion, and we’ve very proud of the technical achievements this project represents,” said Joe Gysel, president of EPCOR USA. “We couldn’t be happier to receive this distinguished Water Project of the Year Award plus the 31 safety and operational excellence awards from the AZ Water Association. It’s our privilege to bring our values of safety and excellence to customers across Arizona.”
The AZ Water Association is an educational, nonprofit organization with a membership of over 2,200 Arizona water and wastewater industry professionals. The organization was founded in 1928 with the mission of preserving and enhancing Arizona’s water environment.
EPCOR scored the 2020 Water Project of the Year Award for its $29 million expansion of the White Tanks Regional Water Treatment Plant. (Photos courtesy EPCOR)
Buckeye businessman hopes to bring basketball to city
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Buckeye financial adviser D’Metrid James is in the latter stages of negotiations to bring an international basketball team to the West Valley.
The team would be part of the National Basketball League-United States, a league that was revived in 2020 under new direction and leadership. Its goal is to bridge the gap between U.S., Asia, Caribbean, African and European basketball to provide opportunities for professional players to showcase their talent on a global platform.
James said Buckeye was a logical choice for the team, which may be finalized in the fall. A location within Buckeye hasn’t been determined.
“Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing cities in America,” James said. “It has more square footage than Phoenix. We’re excited to be here on the upswing of it.
“It’s a viable market to have a new team and, when it comes to professional sports, we don’t want to compete with those markets. We want to add value to those markets.”
A third-generation native, James played basketball and baseball at South Mountain High School and attended Mesa Community College and South Mountain Community College.
The teams would be a mixture of professional, high school and international players, especially those who are looking to go to the next level. The league is perfect, he said, for players who want to continue their basketball career after they’ve expended their collegiate eligibility.
The incentives for teams competing
in NBL will include the opportunity to play in Europe, Caribbean, Africa and Asia. The league is established in other countries.
The National Basketball League was a professional men’s basketball league that was established in the United States in 1937. After the 1948-49 season, it merged with the Basketball Association of America to create the NBA.
The new model for the NBL came to fruition in 2019, through discussions and meetings with like-minded basketball entrepreneurs, Kevin Williams and Mac Claire, event managers and visionaries from around the world, who identified opportunities to bring the USA basketball teams overseas to compete in top European and Asian tournaments.
The opportunity goes beyond the players, though. It will generate jobs and internships in the area.
“We’ll have opportunities for student-athletes and people who are in the business or have aspirations to be in the business of sports,” James said.
“Internships will allow them to get to the next level, whether it be collegiate, professional or international, media relations, social media, staffing or events coordination. We’ll have spots for those who want to be a general manager, a trainer, a statistician or a translator. It’s deemed an ‘exposure league.’ It’s an opportunity for us to provide a platform for young professional basketball players or those interested in sports in general.”
The 2020 season featured nine teams—two in Atlanta, two in Louisiana and five in Texas. The 2021 season
will have 20 teams in four states.
James was vague about how he became involved with the prospective team.
“An opportunity came along, came across my desk,” he said. “It was something I was excited to be afforded. That’s the business of business. Sometimes it’s all part of networking and you just come across different opportunities.”
If the team comes to fruition, he hopes to host free financial education
seminars and training for players.
“The lifespan of an athlete is not very long,” he said. “One of the things I personally hope to do is explore what it looks like—their lives, careers and sources of income—after their involvement in sports is done. Obviously, the education has to be there.”
National Basketball League-United States thenblus.com
D’Metrid James says bringing a National Basketball League-United States team to Buckeye would benefit the community. (Photo courtesy D’Metrid James)
Nearly three years after it won endangered species status, the Sonoyta mud turtle was granted 12.3 acres of protected habitat this week—but supporters worry that that habitat may no longer provide all the protection the turtles need.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently designated an area in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in the turtle’s historic territory in the Rio Sonoyta watershed, as protected.
But that habitat bumps right against the U.S.-Mexico border, where one expert said construction crews “are pulling huge amounts of water out of the aquifer” to work on the border wall.
Critics worry that the pumping will eventually affect the Quitobaquito springs and pond, which the turtles have depended on for what experts think could be thousands of years. The pond sits around 100 yards from the site of the planned border wall.
“They are pulling huge amounts of water out of the aquifer to mix concrete and to spray on the roads to keep dust down, and it’s only a matter of time before the flow that reaches the surface of the spring there fails,” said Randy Serraglio, southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity.
“When that happens, then that’s it. The aquatic habitat dries up and the turtle will die,” Serraglio said.
The border wall is just one issue the turtle faces in the middle of the desert, where Serraglio said over-pumping, water diversion and 20 years of drought conditions also pose threats.
There are only about 150 Sonoyta mud turtles believed to remain in Pima County, the only place in the U.S. where the endangered animal currently exists. The only other place where they have been found is in Sonora, Mexico, where four populations are known to exist. The designation of critical habitat
means that anyone planning work in the area will have to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service to find a “balance between what human uses and needs are versus what is needed to maintain those systems in perpetuity,” said Scott Richardson, supervisory biologist for the agency.
“It’s important to try to protect all the pieces of things that allow these systems to stay intact and function,” Richardson said.
But Serraglio notes that the Trump administration has invoked “section 102” waivers, part of a 2005 law that allows the Department of Homeland Security to waive environmental and other regulations to speed construction on the border.
That waiver was noted in Fish and Wildlife’s final rule on the critical habitat designation, which said DHS has the authority to waive all legal requirements “to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads.” The final rule also noted that DHS and the Pentagon—which is also building portions of the wall—were consulted on the critical habitat designation and that neither one asked to be excluded from the designation’s requirements.
Requests for comment from DHS and the Pentagon this week were not immediately returned. But DHS officials have said in the past that the agency “includes analysis of potential environmental impacts from each border infrastructure project” and works to minimize those impacts “to the greatest extent possible,” even when it has waived the regulations.
But Serraglio worries that what is required of DHS and the Pentagon will not be enough to protect the turtle from extinction, which he said is “like playing Jenga with the web of life.”
“You can keep pulling pieces out, and the structure is still standing for now, but you never know when you’re going to pull one of the pieces and the whole thing is going to collapse,” he said.
Both Richardson and Serraglio said that, without help, the Sonoyta mud turtle still faces a real threat of extinction.
“The turtle is hanging on by a thread,” Serraglio said. “The turtle will persist as long as the habitat is intact, but in a lot of places, permanent damage has been done. Many springs have already dried up and they’re not going to come back.”
An adult Sonoya mud turtle, of which only about 150 are believed to be left in the U.S. The endangered turtle is found only in Arizona’s Quitobaquito Springs, near the border in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and in scattered pockets in northern Sonora, Mexico. (Photo courtesy U.S.)
New Life Center starts mobile hotline
BY KATHERINE CAMBERG West Valley View Staff Writer
Domestic violence shelters are critically important services, and victims often require support at all hours of the day. New Life Center, Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelter, recently began a 24-hour mobile hotline.
Headquartered in Goodyear, New Life Center has been serving the West Valley since 1991, providing services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse.
New Life Center serves more than 1,000 children and adults annually. (The shelter’s exact location is not provided to protect victims of domestic violence.)
Three years ago, New Life Center began developing community outreach.
“We realized not all victims need shelter; many need support from the community and advocacy,” New Life Center CEO Myriah Mhoon said.
The new 24-hour mobile hotline con-
nects victims of abuse with advocates who can come to safe locations such as hospitals and police stations to support them. New Life also has a crisis hotline.
The 24-hour hotline has long been a dream for Mhoon.
“We want to have a multidisciplinary response, and we identified this gap. This program has been a goal of mine for a long time,” she said.
This program is rolling out in a time of heightened need. Isolating at home can have dangerous consequences for those in unstable households.
New Life Center is determined to continue providing a safe space to those in need through the pandemic. In order to achieve this, New Life has designated a specific building for clients in need of shelter who test positive for COVID-19.
“We are projecting and seeing an escalation in domestic violence because of isolation due to COVID 19,” Mhoon said.
New Life also coordinates a sexual assault investigation training program.
This program provides continuing education to train detectives, law enforcement and first responders in how to better investigate sexual assault cases.
According to Mhoon, “The goal of this program is to see better outcomes for victims and have their interactions with law enforcement be trauma informed.”
New Life Center gets support from
the community. According to Mhoon, “Around a third of our revenue is from community donors, and we always need community champions.”
New Life Center’s mobile hotline number is 623-215-8072. The crisis hotline number is 623-932-4404.
West Valley View Dining
New Life Center serves more than 1,000 children and adults annually. (Submitted photo)
King Crossword
GO FIGURE!
by Linda Thistle
The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the gures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.
EVEN EXCHANGE
by Donna Pettman
Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers di er from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
SCRAMBLERS
Maxwell Simkins jumped on Netflix’s ‘The Sleepover’
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
Actor Maxwell Simkins felt there was something special the first time he read the script for Netflix’s “The Sleepover,” which debuts on August 21.
“It was really out there,” said the 13-year-old Philadelphia native.
His father, John, adds, “The script and the story was something we really enjoyed, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity.”
In the family adventure-comedy, Maxwell plays Kevin, the brother to Clancy (Sadie Stanley). The two discover their stay-at-home mom, Margo (Malin Akerman), is a former high-end thief in a witness protection program.
When her mom and dad (Ken Marino) are kidnapped, the siblings must team up to rescue their parents in one night. Directed by Trish Sie (“Pitch Perfect”), the fast-paced “The Sleepover” also stars Joe Manganiello as Margo’s former flame.
John said Kevin is a lot like his son.
“They’re both really outgoing and adventurous and kind,” he said. “He was able to use his own experiences and personality with Kevin.”
Maxwell, who steals the show in “The Sleepover,” isn’t so sure.
“My character is a little more over the
top,” he said. “He’s like me after a Capri Sun or two.”
Maxwell has been acting since he was 6 years old, when he starred as Caleb in the Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas film “And So It Goes.” He’s inspired by the late Cameron Boyce, who died at age 20 in July 2019 due to complications from epilepsy.
“I’ve been an actor ever since I saw Cameron Boyce for the first time,” he said. “I was really bullied at times. I want to make people laugh, just as he did. That’s the goal.
“I actually met him once. I almost peed myself. It was an out-of-body experience. He was so nice. It’s so tragic.”
Maxwell not only wants to make people laugh, but he wants to entertain them. He’s been rapping for a bit.
“My mom shared the movie ‘8 Mile,’ and there’s just something about how they use poetry to express their thoughts,” he said about rapping.
“I just fell in love with it immediately. Ever since then I’ve been inspired by Dr. Dre and Rakim and Nas—all the original rappers. The OGs really influenced me.”
Up next for Maxwell is the Disney+ series “The Mighty Ducks,” a reboot of the 1992 movie.
“I’m from Philly, so I skated a bit back East,” he said. “They did put me in
a boot camp for skating in Vancouver, and we’re going to do it again.”
In the meantime, Maxwell hopes fans enjoy “The Sleepover.”
“I hope everyone learns from the movie that, through thick or thin, friends will be friends and family come first,” he said.
Avondale Public Library gives students access to tutoring
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
The Avondale Public Library has partnered with online tutoring service Brainfuse to offer all library card holders access to free after-school homework help, including virtual one-on-one tutoring in a wide range of subjects for K-12 students. This new program, Avi Learning Lab, launched in mid-July.
The new Avi Learning Lab, powered by Brainfuse, offers a bank of videos, activities, writing labs and other enrichment activities 24/7, as well as tutoring via chat from 2 to 11 p.m., seven days a week, in both English and Span-
ish. The service is available beginning July 13 at avondalelibrary.org and is free with an Avondale Public Library card. Cards can be obtained virtually from the library website or at either branch location.
In addition to the Avi Learning Lab, the library continues to offer a wide range of public service assistance, including Digital Library Cards, e-books, online story times and book clubs.
The Avi Learning Lab is funded by donations of the West Valley Mavericks and the Friends of Avondale Libraries and Recreation.
“The Sleepover” stars, from left, Sadie Stanley (Clancy), Maxwell Simkins (Kevin), Lucas Jaye (Lewis) and Cree Cicchino (Mim). (Photo by Claire Folger/Netflix)
Desert Edge helps spread ‘Nothing but Love’
BY EVA MO
Valley View Contributing Writer
Desert Edge High School students found a small step of writing a note can spread “Nothing but Love” gratitude and bring joy to the community.
Natalie Reilly, founder of Nothing but Love Notes, started the campaign four years ago on Valentine’s Day with her mother, who was fighting cancer.
“We wrote some thank-you notes for veterans and first responders,” she said. “We were driving around and looking for these people to leave the notes on their cars.”
She said the movement changed her mother’s perspective, which inspired her to get involved with the community.
“I was her caregiver and I felt so separated from everything, but the movement connected me with my community and I realized I’m not alone,” she said.
Reilly continued to deliver love notes to the first responders every day, even
Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers
The Arizona Corporation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month and business services are $35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.
CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or broadband service per household, which can be on either wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 20 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.
after her mother passed away two years ago. She began to cooperate with schools and businesses to share the idea of perpetuating gratitude in the community.
“I am just trying to get people to be a little bit more grateful and thoughtful and hold on to that old-fashioned tradition of handwritten notes,” she said.
Reilly’s friend Colleen Koblinski, the Parent Involvement and Community Relations specialist at Desert Edge High School, liked the idea.
“We made it an advisory activity on campus in November and collected almost 2,000 students’ hand-written letters and sent it to New York,” Koblinski said.
Desert Edge letters were delivered, prompting at least one heartfelt response.
“With the stress we all deal with every day, it’s a blessing from God that there are people especially these wonderful students who take the time to thank us,” wrote New York City Police Officer Michael McInnis.
A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.
If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-800-244-1111 or visit centurylink.com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.
West
After sending letters to New York City first responders, Desert Edge students received a heartfelt response. (Photo courtesy Desert Edge)
Mr. Everardo R. Escobar, age 60, of Goodyear, AZ passed away on August 4, 2020 in Goodyear, AZ. He was born on July 2, 1960 to Natividad and Prudence Escobar in Guerrero, Mexico. Services are private at this time.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel. com/obituary/everardo-escobar/
DavidAMoreno
Mr. Anthony Joseph Szumierz, age 89, of Goodyear, AZ passed away on July 26, 2020 in Goodyear, AZ due to complications with Alzheimer's and dementia. He was born on June 4, 1931 to Joseph Szumierz and Genevieve Szumierz in Kanczuga, Poland. A rosary was held at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. in Goodyear, AZ. Mass was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Rd. in Avondale, AZ. Burial services were held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Rd. in Avondale, AZ.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/anthony-szumierz/
Owen Edward Lapp of Buckeye, AZ was born on November 15, 2002 and passed away on July 26, 2020. He is survived by his parents Stacey and Michael Lapp, his siblings Dana Lapp and Robert Lapp. He loved being with family and friends, connecting with people, football, music, and sports cars. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Condolences for the family can be left at htt p://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/owen-e-lapp/
Roger Alvarez
Roger Alvarez, age 59, of Buckeye, AZ passed away on August 3, 2020 in Goodyear, AZ. He was born on September 16, 1960 in El Salvador, El Salvador. Services are scheduled for 9am on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ 85338 followed by a precession to the burial services at Louis B. Hazleton Memorial Cemetery, 23100 W Broadway Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/rogeralvarez/
Mary Arletta Rodriguez, of Avondale, AZ passed away on July 26, 2020 in Avondale, AZ. She was born on February 2, 1932 to James Robinson and Pearl Dinnelle Robinson in Carrothersville, MO. Funeral services were held on August 9 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ. Burial Services, held on August 11, at Avondale Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery in Avondale, AZ. Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/maryrodriguez/
Isabel Mandin Santos
Isabel Mandin Santos, age 80, of Avondale, AZ passed away on July 31, 2020 in Goodyear, AZ. She was born on November 5, 1939 to Felipe Mandin Sr. and Corazon Centeno in Manila, Philippines. Rosary services were held August 11, at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ. Mass is scheduled for August 12, at 10am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/isabelsantos/
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Gregorio B Misquez
Gregorio B Misquez, age 68 of Avondale, Arizona. Passed away on July 24, 2020 in Avondale, Arizona. H e was born on August 18,1953 to Raymundo Misquez and Dolores B Misquez in Phoenix, Arizona. Greg's family hopes to celebrate his life soon when the crisis is over and it is safe for all to gather and honor his memory. May he rest in peace, he will be forever in our hearts.
Carroll Logsdon
Carroll Logsdon 83, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 28, 2020, at Legacy House of Avondale, Arizona.
Carroll and her husband Bill had been enjoying Arizona and being closer to their daughter Cathy. Carroll and Bill were married for 60 years.
Carroll was born on February 27, 1937 to James J., Sr. and Marie Carroll Colbert in Boston, Massachusetts. She obtained a B.A. with Honors from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Carroll taught middle and high school students in Kansas City, Kansas; Cleveland, Ohio; and at Quaker Valley High School. She and Bill lived in Edgeworth for more than 40 years before moving to Linden Place.
Carroll is survived by her husband Bill (William H.), son Kent (Michelle) of Falls Church, Virginia, and daughters Catherine (Ernesto Moreno) of Goodyear, Arizona, and Karen (John Landwehr) of Vienna, Virginia. She was the fun mini-golfing, ice cream treating, candy store visiting, and creek playing “Nana” to six grandchildren: Honora (Nora) and William (Will) Logsdon; Anita and Severano (Seve) Moreno; and John Thomas III (JT) and Todd Landwehr. Carroll is also survived by her brother Jim Colbert (Marcia) of Palm Desert, California and sister Joan Muehlberger (John) of Shawnee, Kansas as well as siblings in-law, Father L. Peter Logsdon C.S.C. (Notre Dame, Indiana), J. Michael Logsdon (Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio) and Leann Logsdon (New Orleans, Louisiana). As “Aunt Carroll,” she treasured her five nieces and seven nephews and their families across the country.
Cesar F. Sanchez
Cesar F. Sanchez, age 41, of Tolleson, Arizona passed away on July 13, 2020. He was born on September 27, 1978 to Cipriano Sanchez and Josefina Perez in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Services are private at this time.
Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/cesar-sanchez/
If you spent time with Carroll, you know that she was big hearted and generous. She loved to travel (ready at a moment’s notice to be “On the Road Again”), played a lot of golf and bridge, stopped at nearly every historical sign, was an avid reader, enjoyed hosting family and neighborhood gatherings, and that she rarely turned down an opportunity to volunteer. She chaired a benefit golf tournament for 13 years at Pittsburgh area courses that raised more than 0,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. She was Chairman of the Board of Sewickley Public Library during its expansion. She actively served in the Child Health Association, as a Girl Scout Leader, in the Union Aid Society, with Girls’ Hope, and as a P.E.O. Carroll was honored as the 2002 “Woman of the Year” by The Sewickley Herald. For 22 years, Carroll and artist Susan Gaca, formerly of Sewickley, collaborated to produce and distribute “The Sewickley Calendar,” which became a keepsake for families, businesses, and past residents whose properties were illustrated. A more than 55-year parishioner of St. James Parish (now part of Divine Redeemer), Carroll served more than once as President of the Women’s Guild and regularly lent a hand at events such as the Elegant Junk Sale. She was a member of the Junior League of Pittsburgh. An early morning 18-holer and more recently regular diners on the terrace, Carroll and Bill are long-time members of Allegheny Country Club.
Burial services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by R. G. Copeland. Our family plans to celebrate Carroll’s life at a future time. If you wish to make a donation, please consider the Sewickley Public Library or St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, Indiana, or a charity of your choice.
Bellia G. Cabrera, age 61, of Avondale, AZ passed away on July 27, 2020 in Sun City, AZ. She was born on March 21, 1959 to Manuel Guerrero and Benita Guerrero in Phoenix, AZ. Services were held on August 8, 2020 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd. in Goodyear, Arizona. Burial services were held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 9925 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/belliacabrera/
Lawrence J. Wherry, age 71, of Peoria, AZ passed away on August 1, 2020 in Avondale, AZ. He was born on March 4, 1949 in Davenport, Iowa to his mother Dorthy Habberty. Services are private at this time.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/lawrence-j-wherry/
Mary Josephine Iglehart
Mary Josephine Iglehart, age 97, of Litchfield Park, AZ passed away on July 27, 2020 in Litchfield Park, AZ. She was born on January 12, 1923 in Castleton, VT to John F. Lynch and Grace Mary Bassett. Services were held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ, on Thursday, August 6, 2020. Burial services were held at Our Lady of the Desert Cemeter y, located at 2757 S. Avenida Los Reyes, Tucson, AZ 85748.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/maryiglehart/
Christine Marie Weaver
Mrs. Christine Marie Weaver, age 61, of Goodyear, AZ passed away on July 25, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona of cancer. She was born on October 10, 1958 to Kenneth Sloat and Joan Sloat in Sterling, Illinois. A memorial service and Mass are scheduled to be held on Monday, August 10, 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ at 10am.
Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/christin e-weaver/
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