SanTan Sun October 19, 2019 by Times Media Group

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Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler and our neighboring communities

Chandler students score high on AzMerit test BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The Chandler Unified School District performed well above the state’s average in math and English assessments, yet individual schools showed little improvement from the previous year. Fifty-nine percent of all CUSD students passed the state’s AzMERIT English exam and 58 percent passed the math portion. In 2018, CUSD had a passing rate of 56 percent for English and 58 percent for math. The statewide average in both subjects was 42 percent – meaning less than half of Arizona students in public

and charter schools are proficient in English and math for their grade level according to state standards. AzMerit results are part of the formula the state uses to grade schools to give parents an idea of how well a school is preparing students for college and the workforce. Chandler Unified, one of the state’s largest districts, had 26 schools receive “A” grades last year. And schools that perform well earn state bonuses. Last year Chandler Unified schools reaped a total $2.1 million in extra money because of their scores. All public and charter students in

grades 3 through 12 take the tests, although data released last week shows hundreds of students – particularly in high school – manage to avoid taking them. One education expert said that because students know they don’t need the test to graduate, many simply avoid it or take a different assessment test. Education Department spokesman Stefan Swiak said the English Language Arts test is a combination of essays and pull-down choices. That test also assesses students’ knowledge of literature they are expected to have read at their grade level. Results from the 2018-19 AzMerit

tests put Chandler Unified near the head of the class among East Valley school districts. District-wide passing rates for English in the other districts in the region were: Higley Unified, 63 percent; Kyrene, 60; Queen Creek Unified, 56; and Gilbert Public Schools, 53. District-wide passing rates in math for those districts were: Higley, 63 percent; Queen Creek, 62; Kyrene, 57; and Gilbert, 52. Three other East Valley districts recorded district-wide passing rates in both areas below 50 percent. See

MERIT on page 6

This Chandler family’s life is a circus – literally BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Eating fire is no problem for Martin Taylor, even if his long beard might get in the way. “You’ve never seen fire-eating until you’ve seen somebody do it with a beard,” he said. It’s not just a daring trick the Chandler dad does to impress spectators; fire-eating is essentially part of the family business. The Taylors will soon be pitching a big-top tent in the East Valley and staging their family-friendly circus act that elicits the old-world charm of the Ringling Brothers. “It’s a very vintage experience,” said Elia Taylor, Martin’s daughter and one of the performers. She’s a classically-trained dancer,

juggler, and contortionist who has performed with her family for years. Big-budget traveling acts like Cirque du Soleil dazzle audiences with elaborate sets and special effects. But the Taylors prefer smaller, intimate shows that showcase the individual performer. “We’re trying to bring back the real side of circus,” Elia added. Each member of the Taylor clan has a special talent they bring to the production. One balances swords on their face, another does trampoline stunts and one dress as a mermaid. “We’ve been introduced to so much over our lives and eventually you’re allowed to pick whatever you want,” Elia said. Martin and Barbara Taylor let their See

CIRCUS on page 8

Martin Taylor, father and master of ceremonies, and Barbara Taylor, mother and clown, ﬂank their family: Elia Taylor, contortionist and juggler; Bruno Loyal, 16, the dancer; Liam Taylor, 13, rolling globe artist; Naomi Taylor, 12, trampolinist; Ozzy Taylor, 11, balancer; and Damian Taylor, 9, poi artist and trampolinist. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Chandler teacher ﬁred for religious, anti-gay actions BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler Unified School District fired an art teacher for allegedly discriminating against a transgender student and

bringing a box of Bibles to her classroom. Annella Krom’s conduct at Arizona College Preparatory-Erie was described as “objectionable, disrespectful, and unprofessional” in a report by district

staff to the governing board. Students accused Krom of freely discussing her Christian beliefs in class and expressing anti-gay viewpoints, including she thought homosexuals were “just confused.”

The allegations led to her termination earlier this month. The East Valley Tribune reached out to Krom, who had been teaching

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Chandler ponders public housing future BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The city of Chandler is approaching a crossroads with what to do with its aging public housing. It can continue putting band-aids on 303 units the city constructed back in the 1970s and hope the federal government will cover the tab. Or the city could consider partnering with private developers and remove its responsibility for maintaining properties. Leah Powell, Chandler’s neighborhood resources director, said something will need to be done soon because capital funding from U.S. Housing and Urban Development is diminishing. The city’s upkeep expenses are rising and not keeping pace with federal expenditures. According to the city, HUD gave Chandler an extra $3,573 this year for capital expenses, which breaks down to about $11 per unit. This past summer, Powell said, a water line broke at one of the city’s housing sites that almost ended with a full evacuation and thousands of dollars in repairs. “If we have a major issue somewhere down the future, where is that money going to come from to replace or repair something if we’re not getting it from the federal government,” Powell said during a recent city council meeting.

Chandler’s public housing stock consists of four complexes of multifamily units, one complex for senior citizens, and 100 single-family homes scattered throughout the city. As housing costs across the Valley continue rising, Chandler’s anticipating a greater need for affordable units in the near future. An assessment done by the city this year estimated Chandler will soon fall short of 9,400 units for residents earning less than $35,000. Cities determine a unit’s affordability by determining whether its cost is more than 30 percent of a resident’s income. A recent survey of Chandler residents found that about 39 percent of respondents spent more than 30 percent of their earnings on housing. In order to accommodate more units and curb maintenance costs, the city’s evaluating whether or not to change its traditional model of public housing. Amy Jacobson, the city’s housing and redevelopment manager, said Chandler presently has a list of 2,500 families waiting for affordable housing. “We definitely have the demand,” she added. The city also administers 486 vouchers to help residents pay their rent in a privately-owned unit. But Jacobson said only about 150 voucher-holders have been able to find landlords willing to accept the subsidy.

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One model the city’s exploring is contracting with private developers to help revamp its housing stock. Chandler would leverage its equity in exchange for the developer renovating units and still offering affordable rentals. The Housing Authority of Maricopa County executed this type of plan a couple years ago when it partnered with developers to renovate some of its rundown units near Avondale. The $30-million upgrade resulted in more affordable units being built with nicer amenities. HUD permits these projects through its Rental Assistance Demonstration program. Passed by Congress in 2012, RAD allows cities to convert their housing dollars into contracts with private entities. These projects operate similarly to the rental vouchers handed out by HUD. But instead of a city being responsible for an apartment complex, RAD allows the private sector to take over the property with the promise of accepting a certain number of vouchers from lowincome tenants. At least 11 RAD projects have been executed across Arizona over the last few years, adding about 1,200 housing units to the market. John Benton, a consultant with The Concourse Group, said construction costs have been accelerating so quickly

that these public-private partnerships can fill the gap HUD funds can’t fill. “You have to bring other income streams into these projects in order to make them work financially,” he told the council. City Council directed staff to further explore what options Chandler can make with its public housing, with some members expressing an interest in eventually phase out the city’s singlefamily home units. Councilman Matt Orlando said he was worried about hastily selling off the homes scattered across Chandler and risking families being left without shelter. “(This) scattered-site housing was a great idea for our society in the 1970s, it integrated people to the area,” Orlando said. “So, I’m a little concerned about just saying ‘Let’s sell everything right now.’” Powell said HUD prohibits cities from kicking tenants to the curb. The goal right now, she said, is deciding whether converting Chandler’s public housing will add more affordable housing to the city. Several neighboring communities have begun the process of converting their public housing, she added, which may at some point become mandated by the federal government. “We’d like to really get out in front of this,” she said, “and be able to move forward with creating that five-year plan.”

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City seeks input on wider streets, other issues for transit services, bicycle pathways, and a greater use of transportation technology. A draft of the plan suggests adding an express bus route that travels along Price Road and new transit services on Queen Creek Road. City planners are also in the midst of evaluating its paratransit services for residents with disabilities. The city’s explored some options that would potentially scale back Chandler’s paratransit service region in the southern part of the city. It could possibly save the city $200,000 annually, but more than 100 residents could lose access to the service services. These residents would have to use RideChoice, a paratransit service operated by Valley Metro, which might cost them much more than the city’s service provider. Other cities in the Valley have already shrunk their paratransit service maps and transitioned residents to rely on RideChoice. No changes have officially been made with paratransit by the Chandler City Council.

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The city of Chandler is recommending some of its roads on the city’s northern side be widened to six lanes. As part of an update to the city’s transportation master plan, planners have recently identified a few roads that could use some additional lanes. Sections of Elliot, Warner, McQueen, Germann and Ray roads should expand from four lanes to six, according to a draft of the city’s plan. Parts of Pecos Road and 56th Street are recommended to widen from two lanes to four. The city made these recommendations after spending this last year holding public meetings and conducting surveys. The city will ask for feedback on its recommendations at a meeting on Oct. 24. The city is further suggesting capacity improvements be made to the intersections of Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road, Alma School and Ocotillo roads, and Dobson and Germann roads. Widening improvements on Alma School, Chandler Heights and Cooper roads are already programmed into the city’s construction schedule. Chandler hasn’t updated its transportation master plan since 2010, which found that segments of Elliot, Warner, and Dobson roads were not appropriate to expand at that time. “These roadways are less favorable

Tis map shows streets that are being considered for major overhaul. (City of Chandler)

for additional widening due to restricted right-of-way and existing residential neighborhoods along the corridors,” city planners wrote in the 2010 plan. An increasing population prompted city officials to go back and review its transportation plan and see what improve-

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ments could be made in the near future. Traffic volumes have been rising significantly across the city. The area of Ocotillo and McQueen roads has experienced an increase of about 10,000 daily motorists since 2013. The plan includes recommendations

If you go

What: Public meeting on transportation plan Where: Chandler Community Center, 125 East Commonwealth Ave. When: Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m.

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MERIT

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

from cover

Mesa Public Schools’ passing rate was 41 percent for English and 43 percent for math; Tempe Union came in at 37 and 35 percent, respectively; and Tempe Elementary registered 38 and 43 percent, respectively. Test results also were broken down into four levels of proficiency. On a district-wide basis, that data showed more than half of all Chandler Unified students are proficient or more than proficient in both English and math. The results showed that in English, 38 percent of Chandler students were proficient and another 20 percent highly proficient. Of the remainder, 23 percent were minimally proficient and 18 percent were partially proficient. In math, 31 percent of Chandler students demonstrated proficiency and another 27 percent showed they were highly proficient. The remainder were split almost evenly between partially and minimally proficient. Among individual Chandler schools, Knox Gifted Academy had some of the highest scores for CUSD -- registering a 95-percent passing rate in both English and math. Among CUSD high schools, the leader of the pack was Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus, where students recorded an 87 percent passing rate in English and 89 percent passing rate in math – well above any other high school in the district. Frye Elementary School had some of the district’s lowest scores with 26 percent of students passing English and 17 percent passing math. Those passing rates fell from than the previous year. Andersen Elementary, Bogle Junior

TEACHER

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in Chandler for the last three years and she referred any questions to her attorney but he did not reply. The district report said a transgender student told administrators Krom wouldn’t allow an art project about the personal journey through transgenderism because the subject was inappropriate for a classroom environment. “Teacher subsequently acknowledged that she rejected the topic because it conflicted with teacher’s religious beliefs,” the report states. The student went to a counselor, who informed the school’s principal. The principal advised Krom there was nothing objectionable with the student’s project topic. In an email, Krom told the principal she does not condone the LGBTQ lifestyle and won’t assist in creating artwork that glorifies it, the report said. “Either this topic is the priority or the word of God is,” the teacher allegedly wrote. Krom gave the student zero out of a possible 50 points for the project, telling the principal that a higher grade

These two charts copare Chandler Unified's district-wide scores by grades 3 to 8 on AzMerit tests for 2018 and 2019. The chart on the left shows English and the right shows math. The red bars show this year's scores and the blue show last year's. (SanTan Sun News)

High, Conley Elementary, San Marcos Elementary and Ann Marie Jacobson Elementary all had slightly smaller passing rates in English and math compared to 2018. Some schools, like Humphrey Elementary and Sanborn Elementary, had a greater percentage of students passing English, but a small percentage passing math. By contrast, Willis Junior High had a higher rate of students passing math and a lower rate passing English. Since the assessments were implemented, CUSD has managed to successfully improve passing rates on a district-wide level and at individual schools. Haley Elementary recently demonstrated some of the greatest year-over-year improvement, increasing its passage rate in English from 60 to 70 percent. But other CUSD schools have had their scores fluctuate. Payne Junior High’s passing rates increased in 2018, then dropped back down the following year. On a district-wide level, passing

rates and grade levels went in opposite directions of each other for the state’s English exam. For example, 65 percent of fourthgraders; 57 percent of sixth-graders passed, 54 percent of seventh-graders passed, and 50 percent of eighthgraders passed. A smaller percentage of middle school students passed the English this year compared to last. But a greater percentage of elementary students passed the test than in 2018. Chandler’s individual grade levels still performed well above state averages in math and English. Forty-six percent of all third graders in Arizona passed English – 15 percentage points below Chandler’s third-graders. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, who took office this year, expressed optimism for the progress school districts have made with AzMERIT. “I am also pleased to announce that our students have improved in 13 of the 22 grade-level and test categories,” Hoffman said in a statement. “While

assessment scores can always be increased, I would like to extend my congratulations to all of our educators and students for their improvement.” AzMERIT scores also are broken down by various demographics based on race, gender, socio-economic status and disabilities. A greater percentage of female students in CUSD passed English than male students, but a smaller percentage of females passed math. The performance of racial and ethnic groups in CUSD either remained relatively the same or improved slightly compared to the 2018 scores. Two percent more of CUSD students identifying as Hispanic passed the English exam. Three percent more of Asian students passed the math test. Four percent of African American students passed English, but two percent fewer passed math. The passage rate for Native American students dropped in both English and math. Parents have to contact their children’s school to get their kids’ results but results for individual schools can be found at azed.gov/assessment.

would violate her conscience. “I understand that you are probably unwilling to change your topic at this point,” the teacher reportedly wrote to the student, “but I cannot be forced to compromise convictions.” The transgender student asked to be taken out of Krom’s class, according to the report. CUSD charged Krom with violating a provision of her contract that prohibits a teacher from discriminating against any coworker, student or parent based on gender or sexual orientation. On Sept. 11, the Chandler Unified Governing Board determined there was good cause to dismiss Krom and placed her on administrative leave. She was given until Sept. 26 to request a hearing to contest the district’s allegations before termination was considered, but she never sought one. It appears to be relatively rare for CUSD to fire a teacher in the middle of a school year. District records appear to show the Governing Board has not tried to terminate a teacher since 2014 and that case ended with the employee resigning. The district’s report outlined other allegations of students feeling

uncomfortable in Krom’s class. One student told administrators Krom questioned their pro-choice beliefs regarding abortion, gave the student a Bible, and encouraged the student to rethink their morals. The same student alleged that shortly after telling Krom they were agnostic or an atheist, the teacher lowered their grade on an assignment without explanation. “Student reasonably believes the change in her grading was the result of discrimination by teacher,” the district’s report states. The classroom environment Krom described on the Arizona College Prep’s website sounds starkly different from the one depicted in the district’s report. She presented herself as an instructor who welcomed students to be creative and expressive. “If you have artistic ideas that you would like to create other than the project that we are doing, we can discuss it,” Krom wrote on the school’s website. “I encourage conversation and respectful discussion.” The constitutional rights guaranteed under the First Amendment can often come into conflict in a public school setting. It instructs the government not to establish one religion, yet the First

Amendment still entitles citizens to freely express themselves. CUSD argues Krom’s free-speech rights were not violated because case law has established that a public school’s aim to not favor one religion should override a teacher’s religious beliefs. In 1992, the federal courts ruled a California teacher’s rights were not hindered when their school compelled them to teach evolution, which conflicted with their religious beliefs. Arizona law offers an exception for including the Bible in school curriculum if it is part of a voluntary elective course that maintains religious neutrality. But CUSD argues Krom’s conduct did not meet this exception, particularly when she brought a box of Bibles into her classroom. Students claimed Krom told them the Bibles had been donated to the school and they were free to take one. A parent later notified the district after their child came home with one. A teacher’s certification is subject to revocation if the instructor “teaches any sectarian doctrine or conducts any religious exercises in school,” according to Arizona law. See

TEACHER on page 8

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from cover

seven children explore whatever talent suits them and find a way to incorporate it into the show. And the Taylor kids are getting so good that the parents let them steal the spotlight. “The kids are so talented I don’t need to do much,” Martin joked. Martin’s prone to pyrotechnics, though he now serves as the host of their circus act. Barbara’s a professional clown and helps constructs all the family’s flashy costumes. This is what the Taylors love about circuses – it forces all of them to make something out of nothing. “Circus is about ingenuity and creativity,” Martin said. In between the stunts and tricks, the Taylors like to tell an enthralling narrative that’s relatable to the audience. They have a Halloween act where a vampire emerges out of a coffin and

Circus Americana also makes appearances at area festivals, such as this year's Parada del Sol in Scottsdale. (Facebook)

comes to terms with their peculiar mortality. It can be a bit campy at times, Martin said, but there’s a poignant story still

being told. Circus combines so many different art forms in one place, he added. There’s acting, dancing, magic and aerobics. There’s little language to their act, making it accessible to everyone. The Taylors like to combine American and European influences so that their show feels like a big melting pot of culture. Liam Taylor, the couple’s 13-year-old son, does a Spanish folk dance called flamenco. The family’s teenage nephew, Bruno Loyale, does a native dance representative of the Samoan islands. “Circus throughout history has been the ambassador for internationalism,” Barbara said. “The concept that we all speak the same language.” Barbara ran away with the circus when she was 17 – opting not to attend Arizona State University on a scholarship. She decided instead to attend clown college and travel the world with various circuses. After she and Martin married, they decided to let their children

participate in their work. It was an easy decision because the Taylors believe being in the circus teaches their children life skills that they can take with them to any profession. “It teaches motivation and the satisfaction of accomplishing something,” Barbara said. But more importantly, the Taylors get to spend time together while having fun. “Circus feels kind of like our living room,” Barbara added, “and everybody’s welcomed.” The Taylors will host a free Halloween-themed event on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. to preview the family’s upcoming big-top show.

If you go

What: Circus Americana Big Top Show Where: 1500 North McClintock Drive, Tempe. When: Nov. 7-24 Tickets/info: Circusamericana.com

After-school program serves teens with disabilities BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Teenagers with developmental disabilities have a new place to go to after school in Chandler and take part in constructive activities. The Cougar Den opened this month at the Chandler Community Center as an after-school program reserved for local adolescents. Offering a mix of academic and leisurely activities, the Cougar Den is intended to be a place where students can connect with others similar to them and build relationships. One room’s reserved for help with homework and science experiments, while another room in the den is designed for lounging activities like video games. “We just really want to have a place where they can improve their social and life skills within the community,” said Logann Weimers, a therapeutic recreation coordinator for the city of Chandler. The program’s intended to fill a need in the community for a safe space that welcomes teenagers with special needs.

TEACHER

from page 6

Another allegation involving Krom included transgender students not being addressed by their preferred name or pronoun. According to the district’s report, a transgender student felt disrespected when Krom refused to call them by their preferred names. Not acknowledging a student’s preferred pronoun can impact their emotional well-being, according to Madelaine Adelman, an Arizona State University professor and board member for the Phoenix chapter of GLSEN, an organization that aims to make schools more accepting of LGBTQ students.

instructor-to-student ratio of 1:6, this might restrict the city from being able to serve students with more pressing needs. Aside from providing a fun place to play games, the Cougar Den additionally aims to help teenager transition better into adulthood. Weimers said the city’s considering giving students responsibilities around the community center – like Logann Weimers is the city's recreation director and proud of what collecting recycling – so that Chandler has done to create the Cougar Den. the teens learn what it feels (Pablo Robles/taff Photographer) like to have a job. The Cougar Den will follow There’s after-school programming for the same calendar as the Chandler elementary students, Weimers added, but the older kids may not have as many Unified School District, meaning the city will adjust hours for half-days and options around Chandler. holidays. Students not enrolled in CUSD “Sometimes what we’ve heard from can still attend the Cougar Den. parents is they don’t really have a place The program’s cost depends on how for their children to go,” she said. many days a student attends and in what Twenty teenagers will initially be month. One full week, Monday through accepted into the program and the city will try to accommodate individuals with Friday, in October costs $52 for Chandler residents and $71 for non-residents. a variety of developmental disabilities. The city’s already got other programs Because the program has an

that service children with disabilities, including a summer day-camp that provides activities for children between the ages of five and 21. This is the first time Chandler’s offering a program specific to afterschool activities for these students, Weimers added, and the staff’s excited to see how they respond. Weimer’s been involved with Chandler’s community services since she was a teenager. One of her family members has a disability, which prompted her After working part-time for the last decade, Weimers was hired as a full-time coordinator in May and gets to organize events like the Special Olympics and trips to Disneyland. “This is where my heart is,” she said, “I’m very excited to be here.”

educational opportunities for all students. “We have embarked on a multi-year effort to identify students who may be experiencing barriers to their academic success and then removing the barriers,” Locke wrote in a statement. “This effort involves establishing a comprehensive and ongoing program to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding,” he said. Chandler Unified has been grappling with issues of equity and inclusion for minority groups after a couple scandals projected CUSD in a negative light. CUSD has responded by hiring a new administrator to oversee equity initiatives, which have had mixed responses from the community.

Some individuals have told the Governing Board these equity initiatives don’t do enough to protect LGBTQ students. On the other hand, some parents have expressed outright opposition to equity, calling it a type of political indoctrination. A school’s receptiveness to adopting inclusive policies for LGBTQ students vary across the Phoenix area, according to Madelaine, who said some are eager to better accommodate them while others adamantly won’t do anything until the courts tell them otherwise. It’s important schools make these students feel like they belong, Adelman added, or else it can have detrimental effects on their academic and emotional development.

“If someone is not calling you by your name, it means they don’t see you, they don’t acknowledge you, they don’t accept you. That you don’t belong,” Adelman said. Other teachers across the country have been dismissed under similar circumstances as Krom’s. A French teacher in Virginia was fired last year because his Christian faith prevented him from referring to a transgender student by their preferred pronoun. In 2015, a Texas woman claimed she was terminated for not referring to a 6-yearold student by their preferred gender. Asked whether Krom’s case has spurred CUSD to review how it trains staff, district spokesman Terry Locke said Chandler focuses on ensuring

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Rising rents straining on domestic violence shelters BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Advocates working with domestic violence victims say an increasing lack of affordable housing in the East Valley is creating a barrier for clients to get back on their feet. My Sister’s Place, a 30-bed shelter located near Chandler, is often at full capacity and rooms tend not to stay vacant for long, according to Dawn Curtis, the facility’s senior program manager. “If we have a room for open, it’s usually just for maybe 24 hours,” she said. The shelter offers a wide range of services for clients fleeing from abusive relationships. Caseworkers are on standby to help them obtain welfare benefits, file restraining orders and apply for jobs. But finding a place for clients to go after leaving the shelter is a challenge, Curtis said. The average two-bedroom in the Valley can cost more than $1,000 per month to rent. To afford the deposit and first month’s rent, clients are

increasingly depending on shelters like My Sister’s Place as a safety net. “They have to stay here longer to save money to get into those places,” Curtis added. The Phoenix area currently has the fastest-growing rents in the country, according to HotPads, with the median rent increasing by nearly 7 percent since 2018. The National Low Income Housing

victims of domestic violence all across the state, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Tasha Menaker, the coalition’s cochief executive, said this statewide trend is jeopardizing the safety of survivors. “As housing becomes less and less affordable, we are putting survivors in

housing becomes less and less affordable, we are putting survivors “inAsprecarious situations and increasing the likelihood that survivors will return to abusive partners in order to avoid homelessness, ” – Tasha Menaker Coalition estimates that East Valley residents have to earn at least $20.63 per hour in order to afford a twobedroom rental. Clients at My Sister’s Place typically can’t find anywhere to live in Chandler or Gilbert, Curtis said, and must go to central Phoenix for rentals they can afford. Unaffordable housing is burdening

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precarious situations and increasing the likelihood that survivors will return to abusive partners in order to avoid homelessness,” Menaker said. Maricopa County utilizes a central hotline victims that can call looking for a shelter. The caller is screened and then referred to an open shelter that’s far away from their prior residence. Facilities like Autumn House in the Mesa area reports their daily occupancy to the county hotline, but the 20-bed shelter often doesn’t have any room. “We are full all the time,” said Sonya Underwood, Autumn House’s program manager. Finding affordable housing for clients has become the shelter’s biggest barrier,

Underwood added. There are other organizations that can help with rental assistance, but getting these benefits can be competitive. “We are all fighting for the same spaces,” Underwood said. Clients can stay at Autumn House for up to 120 days, which is not always long enough for them to get all the services they need. Some clients are unemployed or struggling with mental health issues – making it harder for them to save enough money to find a place of their own. The demand for shelter space has become a bit of double-edged sword, Underwood added. “It’s great that we are getting people out of their situation,” she said, “but it’s unfortunate that we are unable to service as many people that are in need of that shelter.” Organizations have begun shifting to a mobile model of service for domestic violence victims. Caseworkers are going out into the community and helping clients before they need to seek refuge in a shelter. This type of engagement is successful in some situations, Curtis added, yet she worries that the present economic landscape will force clients to stay in unsafe places. “Because there’s a lack of affordable housing, they probably end up living with people that really aren’t very good for them,” Curtis said.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Chandler, other schools’ money requests up to voters BY JORDAN HOUSTON AND KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writers

Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Higley registered voters have until the end of the month to mail in their ballots on their school districts' request for more money. Those who want to vote in person can go to a ballot replacement center on Election Day. For locations of boxes and centers, go to recorder.maricopa. gov/pollingplace The Chandler Unified School District is asking voters this year to approve a $290-million bond – the largest in the district’s history. Meanwhile, Mesa Public Schools is hoping voters will approve increasing its override to 15 percent after they turned down an identical request last November. Because this is an all-mail election, all registered voters will receive a ballot regardless of whether they are on the early-voter registry. Only those voters living within each district’s boundaries can cast a ballot. Chandler, Arizona’s second-largest school district, says it needs the bond money to accommodate the 3,000 extra students projected to come to the district within the next decade. The district’s already in the process of building another high school near Gilbert and Ocotillo roads, which may be funded in part through the proposed bond money. Mesa’s money request poses dire consequences for the state‘s largest school district if voters reject it. Mesa officials project having to cut $37 million over the next three years if the override isn’t approved. Both Chandler and Mesa are among 26 Maricopa County districts seeking voter approval of either bond issues or budget overrides – a sign of the continuing financial struggles of Arizona public schools in the face of underfunding by the state. In Chandler, more than 40 different uses have been identified by that district for how it might spend $290 million; these include renovating playground equipment, repairing roofs, buying security cameras, and building another elementary school. A significant portion of the bond has

been reserved for general upkeep and maintenance to the district’s 43 schools. CUSD Chief Financial Officer Lana Berry has said the bond is necessary to supplement the $127 million in state funding that’s been lost for the last 11 years. As the district continues growing in size, CUSD says it will need more funding for capital projects and improvements. “We know we need new schools and one of the reasons we know that is because our secondary arena is growing, and our promise has always been to keep class sizes low and to pay our staff well,” Berry said at a recent meeting. Furthermore, the $196-million bond that voters passed in 2015 only has about $17 million left to spend. CUSD claims passage of the $290-million bond won’t impact the district’s most recent tax rate of $1.28 per $100,000 assessed valuation. “With the passage of the bond program, this rate is expected to stay constant based on current projections,” CUSD wrote in an information pamphlet. According to the Arizona Auditor General’s Office, CUSD spends about $9,075 per pupil – an amount that’s about $900 less than the state average. Auditors further assessed the district’s financial stress as “low” and found CUSD to not be overspending its budget. The mayors of Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek have all endorsed CUSD’s bond request. “Without the school bond, the schools will fall behind in their ability to give us first-rate education,” Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said in a video produced by Yes for Chandler Students, a pro-bond political committee. CUSD Governing Board President Barbara Mozdzen said, “Failure to pass this bond will seriously jeopardize or limit several essential projects needed for our district’s continued growth and impact class size.” No arguments against the Chandler bond election were submitted to the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office Although MPS has been operating under a 10 percent override since 1995, district officials argue that a 15 percent

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override is needed in order to stay afloat. The additional 5 percent would provide $54 million per year for five years. If approved, homeowners with a property valued at $100,000 can expect to pay $15.50 per month in taxes. “At the end of the day it’s a continuation and extinction of local control we’ve had in place since ‘95,” said Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson. “The reason for the increase is that the costs of things are going up.” The override request comes at a time when the district is struggling to meet the requirements of the 2016 voterapproved minimum wage referendum. The current override covers only 8.7 percent of the district’s employees, which serve more than 63,000 students. “The primary thing for us is that the minimum wage increase is making it hard for us to maintain a minimum wage for our classified employees, such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers,” Thompson added. The school district hopes to funnel more money toward increased school security staffing, attracting and retaining quality teachers with better pay and keeping class sizes low. Additional counselors and programs for staff and student social and emotional support are also on the forefront. “We have amazing programs,” Thompson said. “We just keep trying to make people aware of our programs – from the fine arts to athletic programs – and that all of those things are creating well-rounded, young individuals who are ready to come into our community.” In the voter informational pamphlet, 10 people, including Mayor John Giles, submitted arguments in support for the override increase while the former Mesa Public Schools Governing Board president wrote the sole argument against it. The mayor, whose five children all attended Mesa schools, said quality education was important for the city’s overall economic health. “Successful neighborhood schools are the backbone of a strong community, and Mesa’s school system is one of our city’s crown jewels,” he wrote. “Mesa has been successful in attracting thousands of jobs and millions in economic investment. It is no secret that one of the key components

to our economic success has been the quality of our schools,” Giles added. “We must keep up this positive momentum.” Former board president Ben Smith cited the refusal of MPS to look for ways to improve efficiency and the over-reliance of the district on a series of five budget overrides dating back for 24 years. Smith also is a strong supporter for former East Valley Institute of Technology Superintendent Sally Downey, who was forced out of her position of 19 years earlier this year by a new school board. Smith blames Mesa school officials for having a hand in that ouster because of their efforts to increase the district’s vocational education at EVIT’s expense. Thompson disputed Smith’s arguments against the override, stressing the district’s financial transparency. “By any measure you can find, you’ll find we are efficiently run,” he stated. “In an organization that is as large as ours, is it possible we could be more efficient in certain areas? Of course.” “But to argue we’re not efficiently run is a disservice to the work that Mesa has done to run its budget as conservatively and appropriately as possible in terms of what we have available,” he continued. This year’s November election is the district’s second attempt in a row to try and pass the budget increase. Mesa’s lost its override request by 2,600 votes last year even as it won a bond vote by fewer than 1,000 votes. Thompson attributed last year’s failure to confusing ballot language. “While we call it a budget override, on the ballot it’s referred to as budget increase. I think that was at the heart of confusion,” he said. “We’re looking to change the conversation with the community to say we’re talking about a budget increase so that our language tracks with what they find in the mail,” Thompson added. Both Higley and Gilbert are seeking votes on override and bond issue requests. While Higley's is simply a request to spend unspent money from an earlier bond on other things, Gilbert Public Schools wants a $40 million bond for an array of infrastructure improvements.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

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Hilario Morales, shown here on his daughter's wedding day, was fataly shot by his son during an argument in their Chandler home earlier this month. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Son charged in Chandler father’s shooting death SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Chandler family feared one of their own might harm them shortly before some of them ended up dead or in the hospital. Victor Morales, 26, was arrested by Chandler Police on Oct. 5 after he allegedly opened fire on his family. His father, Hilario Morales, was found dead the day before at the family’s home on Sunland Drive. He had been shot in the head. The suspect’s sister, Elisabeth Morales, had been shot several times and was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. Morales’s mother, Maria, sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Morales has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and three counts of aggravated assault. Court records indicate there had been previous calls for service at the Morales home and the problems with Victor had been escalating. “Family indicated fear he would kill

them prior to incident,” investigators wrote in court papers. At about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, family members called authorities after seeing Victor brandish a weapon. The call was disconnected when shots started firing. Victor Morales had allegedly fled the scene by the time first-responders arrived. He was apprehended the following day and was allegedly in possession of a loaded firearm. In an interview with Chandler Police, Morales claimed he had been subjected to “bullying” by his family. The suspect admitted to being at the residence but claimed to have no memory of the shootings. Surviving members of the Morales family is collecting donations through GoFundMe.com to cover funeral and medical expenses. As of Oct. 11, more than $5,200 had been raised. “Anything will help and is so greatly appreciated,” the family wrote online. “We all hope to overcome this eventually and only let it help us get stronger.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Lawmakers spending thousands on voucher check BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers are going to spend at least $125,000 to determine why parents seeking to use state funds for private and parochial schools say they can’t get approved. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee directed Auditor General Lindsey Perry to take a closer look at the processes used by the Department of Education to approve vouchers. That follows complaints by parents

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of not just delays in getting the goahead but even problems getting telephone calls answered. The idea of spending that much money – and putting off other scheduled audits – drew criticism from Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale. He argued that lawmakers could get some answers themselves just by asking the right questions. More to the point, Allen said whatever problems there are could be ascertained a lot quicker and at a lower cost. But Sen. Rick Gray, R-Sun City, said he believes a formal audit would be far less political, what with state schools chief Kathy Hoffman being a Democrat and the Legislature controlled by Republicans. Hoffman, who took over the Department of Education in January, has never denied there is a backlog. She has pointed out, however, that the law creating the vouchers – formally known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts – is supposed to give her agency 4 percent of the total being spent to administer the program. That includes not just processing applications but also auditing parents to ensure that they are spending the money as legally allowed. Rather than providing the $3.6 million, she wants, however, lawmakers put just $1.3 million into the budget. Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, in a complaint to the committee, did not dispute that Hoffman got far less than she sought. And Townsend said the evidence is that there are “clearly not enough employees to go through all of the various applications.’’ Hoffman has requested additional dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. Townsend, however, said it would be improper to provide Hoffman’s agency with more cash without first auditing how the existing funds are being spent. And Townsend said she sees something else at play. She said Department of Education employees assigned to the program seem to be spending more time performing “forensic audits’’ of parents to see how they are spending their cash rather than processing new applications “which

about $200.’’ “But to spend $125,000 and wait four months makes no sense to me,’’ he said. “If this is that urgent let’s get on it, let’s just do it.’’ Kern, however, said there are just too many issues to resolve with hearings. “It’s not to cast blame on anybody,’’ he said of having the auditor general take a closer look. “It’s just to improve the processes,’’ Kern continued. “And I think the money Mesa state Rep. Kelly Townsend, a supporter of school vouchers, wants to know is well spent in why it is taking so long for the Education Department to issue them. getting the factual (Capitol Media Services) information (from) somebody I trust to made the problem worse.’’ go in there and dig it.’’ The audit is the latest in what has Anyway, Kern suggested that an audit been an ongoing dispute between is more likely to get all the facts than a Hoffman and some GOP lawmakers hearing. about how she administers the “I wouldn’t necessarily trust the people department. standing behind the podium to give There have been charges by the me the actual information that I want,’’ pro-voucher American Federation for he said, information that could lead to Children that Hoffman is purposely legislative changes in the program. trying to sabotage the program because Allen countered that if someone she is not a supporter. Rep. Anthony from the Department of Education Kern, R-Glendale, said that leads to was providing misleading information other problems. it could be rebutted “in real time’’ by “There has been an issue of others who testify. withholding ESA funds from parents going Gray, however, said an audit is past a due date,’’ he said. “Once that due appropriate. date was passed, the parents could not “If it clearly shows that this is obvious, use the ESA money for their schools.’’ that we need to have more money there, Allen did not dispute that might then it behooves us as legislators to be the case, but he questioned the make that happen,’’ he said. need for an expensive audit that won’t While Hoffman is a Democrat, the provide results until April 10. issue of adequate funding is not entirely “There might be something worth partisan. gleaning from that that we could get in Even Diane Douglas, her Republic an hour,’’ he said, by asking Department predecessor, complained that the GOPof Education officials to testify in front controlled Legislature was not providing of a legislative panel. More to the sufficient dollars to administer the point, Allen said he could probably get program. virtually all the questions answered “for

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS

Former Chandler councilman will run again BY KEVIN REAGAN staff writer

Former Chandler City Councilman Rick Heumann intends to run for his old spot in 2020. Heumann, who served two terms from 2008 to 2016, recently announced his decision to seek election to the council again next year. “I want to come back on to finish the work I’ve been doing,” Heumann said. Term limits barred him from seeking a third consecutive term in 2016. So, he’s been waiting these last couple years for the opportunity to get back into elected office. The long-time Chandler resident said the city will have some tough decisions in the near future as it nears complete build-out. As the city runs out of physical space to build, he said the city will need to figure out how to encourage the redevelopment of existing properties, while also maintaining the look and feel of neighborhoods. Affordable housing will become one of the city’s greatest issues in the future, Heumann added, and Chandler will need to find some creative solutions to keep rents down for low-income residents. “If you’re pricing everybody out of

Rick Heumann the city,” he said, “then all you’re doing is having to bring people in from other places.” Chandler is one of the most diverse cities in Arizona, Heumann added, and he wants to make sure this diversity will be maintained. “It’s really a melting pot,” he said. Heumann said he comes from a family of neighborhood activists who

fought for change in the schools of New York City. When he moved to Chandler in the 1980s, he got involved with small projects that led to an appointment on city commissions. He successfully helped get a $450-million bond passed by voters in 2006, which funded many of Chandler’s public projects. The city was already booming at this time – attracting a flood of new residents and homebuilders. Then the economy crashed and everything came to a halt. Heumann was elected to the council at this time and recalled how the council managed to maintain public services without cutting staff. Heumann described himself as not being a “yes-man” during this time; someone who was willing to question the status quo and find more efficient ways of doing business. Heumann thinks his experience navigating the city through the recession will be valuable when the economy inevitably sinks again. “There’s a downturn coming,” he said. “Hopefully it won’t be very bad at all, but experience is gonna really matter in dealing with budgets and infrastructure and all those kinds of things.”

During his tenure, Heumann was involved in creating the city’s Chandler Science Spectacular festival, initiatives promoting childhood literacy, and policies ensuring water supplies for Chandler. Heumann presently serves as chairman of the Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission, which reviews construction projects across the city. He’s previously served on boards over the years for the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, the Chandler Jewish Community Center, and the Desert Cancer Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and has worked as a sales manager for a group representing companies in the home furnishings industry. He’s also kept his hand in local politics as chair of the Chandler Chamber’s public policy committee. Three council seats held by Sam Haung, Mark Stewart, and Jeremy McClymonds will need to be filled in next year’s election. McClymonds, who was appointed last year to fill a vacant seat, has already filed campaign paperwork signifying intent to run again in 2020. Huang has previously said he plans to run for Congress and not seek re-election to the council.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

These three renderings show the different lay-outs being discussed for the campus of the new high school Chandler Unified is building in Gilbert and expects to open in two years. (CUSD)

CUSD releases designs of new high school SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The Chandler Unified School District has released its first design plans for a new high school it intends to build near Gilbert and Brooks Farm roads in Gilbert. The three designs display different configurations of a campus intended to be about 272,000 square-feet. All the schematics include a football stadium, performing arts center, gymnasium and athletic fields. The main difference between the three designs involves the location of 1,600 parking spaces. One design has parking lots built on the outer edges of campus, while the other two scatter spaces across the school.

Each design has its respective pros and cons, based on feedback collected by the district. One has most of its parking spaces far away from the athletic fields. Another would require barriers to the staff parking lot. Two designs don’t allow southbound access to the football stadium off of Gilbert Road. Community input helped guide the district in drafting the designs; taking into consideration elements like traffic flow, visitor access and water retention. The designs have been presented to the school board to review, though the district must also submit its plans to the city for approval. The district aims to start construction in February and have the

school open by July 2021. The total cost of construction is estimated to be about $70 million. Several community members expressed concerns about traffic and congestion back in July, when the governing board approved spending $25 million to buy property for the new school. The construction site is surrounded by subdivisions, so some residents worried about having an influx of teenage drivers cutting through their neighborhoods. District officials have said CUSD has limited options for where it could build another school in Chandler and the site selected was one of the few where its owners were willing to sell.

Lana Berry, the district’s chief financial officers, told the school board in July that CUSD was projected to add 3,000 students over the next decade. Therefore, a new high school will be necessary to prevent class sizes from growing. “That has not been our goal,” Berry said back in July. “Our goal has been to keep our teacher ratios low.” While other school districts have considered closing schools, Chandler’s growing populations has prompted CUSD to build several new schools in recent years. The district’s newest high school, Casteel High School, only opened a few years ago and had its first graduating class this year.

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Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Law, ARS § 43-1088, donate to Chandler/Gilbert Arc. Contributions earn dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona Tax return. The maximum credit for contributions is $400 for single or head of household, or $800 for married taxpayers. Credit eligible contributions that are made on or before April 15th following the close of the taxable year may be applied to either the current or the preceding taxable year and are considered to have been made on the last day of that taxable year. Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the East Valley since 1975, providing community living, employment and day treatment & training opportunities daily. Check to see if your employer will match your donation: http://doublethedonation.com/cgarc

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Proposed 280-mile highway fuels debate BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A proposed new highway from Nogales to Wickenburg that would eventually go to Kingman has united a Republican legislator and environmental interests in opposition – for different reasons. Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, questions the wisdom of the state constructing hundreds of miles of new freeway when he says it can’t even take care of the roads it already has. He said there are far better alternatives for moving freight from Mexico to Canada and back, especially rail. The Center for Biological Diversity finds little justification for constructing 280 miles of new road – some of it through environmentally sensitive areas – when the real demand to reduce traffic congestion is in the urban areas. Randy Serraglio, southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, says the money would be better spent improving mass transportation. Both views are contrary to those of Gov. Doug Ducey, who has emerged as a leading proponent of the south half of the project – which could cost anywhere from $3.1 billion to $7.3 billion. Ducey sees this stretch of new road

as part of what would eventually run through Kingman by upgrading U.S. 93 to interstate standards, ultimately connecting with an existing stretch of I-11 that already has been built in Nevada. The governor envisions this as the next great international highway facilitating trade among Mexico, the United State and Canada, moving some of the traffic that now goes through California. Ducey told Capital Media Services the highway is “something that will really benefit our state and allow us to be the player that we’re going to be in terms of economic growth and development and trade.’’ That’s also what’s behind the backing of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We believe that Arizona’s future as a logistics hub is a bright one with the growth of cargo trade,’’ said chamber spokesman Garrick Taylor. “We need to be sure we have the infrastructure in place to accommodate that trade.’’ On a local level, the proposal has other boosters, like officials from the city of Maricopa who believe that a new interstate highway on the edge of the community will translate to economic development. Dale Wiebusch figures that once

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there is a highway that distribution centers will spring up around it, similar to the warehouses that have sprouted along the western edge of Interstate 10 in Phoenix. He said Maricopa could become the gateway for moving items from I-11 to Casa Grande and the East Valley, suggesting it would become “an inland port.’’ The plan also has the backing of the town of Marana. But at least part of the issue there is the suggested alternative by Finchem and others of simply widening I-10. “In the ‘60s, Marana’s downtown was displaced by the creation of I-10,’’ explained Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta. “Any further widening further widening of the existing alignment could be detrimental to our community.’’ Mehta said a new highway, properly planned, could avoid the historic, archaeological and environmentally sensitive areas throughout Southern Arizona. That’s not the view of the Tucson city council which voted earlier this year to oppose the project. Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said a new freeway running through undisturbed areas could have significant environmental, cultural and

historical impacts. But the alternative of widening I-10 has its own human impacts in terms of more noise and pollution, to say nothing of the disturbance that having to rebuild interchanges would have. At this point, Huckelberry said, there hasn’t been sufficient study about the impacts of either alternative. Sierra Club lobbyist Sandy Bahr suggests the highway is designed to benefit those who own vacant land along the route. “You don’t think I-11 has anything to do with development in the West Valley or anything like that?’’ she asked. “There’s a lot of people who have looked at what is the course this road will take and they have somehow positioned themselves to become very wealthy when the road is built – if it’s built – for rights of way, for land use,’’ Finchem agreed. The highway is being planned on the premise it would largely carry truck traffic, both alleviating some of the congestion along the parallel stretch of I-10 as well as attracting new commerce. Finchem, whose legislative district includes a stretch of the proposed highway, said there’s a much more efficient way to move goods: rail. And See

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he said that happens with a lower carbon footprint than the equivalent number of trucks. But the more immediate issue, he said, is financial. He said even if the project is constructed with federal dollars, that still leaves the state on the hook for maintenance. “There are some potholes out here that if I hit those with my truck they’d cause an accident,’’ Finchem said.”They’re that deep and they’re that big.’’ Finchem said the problems with financing are so bad that lawmakers found themselves debating this past year whether or not to fix a bridge in Globe, “a bridge that’s critical to that community.’’ “So, until we have the resources to maintain the roads that we already have, I don’t think it makes a lot of sense for us to add additional roadway stock to the state and county responsibility.’’ Ducey took issue with the funding question. He said the state put an extra $50 million into road funding this year alone, with three out of every four dollars spent going to road maintenance. “That will be over $2 billion over the next five years,’’ the governor said. Still, Ducey conceded, “I think there’s more that needs to be done.’’ But Ducey boasted of the fact that

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

owners, imposing a new $32-a-vehicle registration fee to fund the Highway Patrol. Finchem isn’t alone with his funding concerns. Rep. Noel Campbell, R-Prescott, said the only way the I-11 plan would make sense is if it were built as a publicprivate partnership. And that, he said, means a toll road to both finance the project and provide ongoing money for maintenance. “The state can’t take that on right now on its own,’’ Campbell said. But Campbell, whose district also would be affected by I-11, wants the road closer to Wickenburg than one route being considered, which would put it about 12 miles to the west. “Nobody would get off the interstate to drive 12 miles into town,’’ he said. “The town This is the propsoed route of I-11 that would hook up with the high- will dry up,’’ he said, losing the way’s segment in Nevada. (Special to the San Tan Sun News) traffic that now goes through there to Las Vegas. the state no longer diverts gasoline Bahr said putting a road through the taxes and vehicle registration fees to Avra Valley would have “devastating help fund the Highway Patrol, leaving impacts.’’ more for road construction and She said if there really is a need to maintenance, a shift that has occurred build more vehicle capacity there is a every year since 2002. better alternative. The change occurred only because “Using the existing corridors makes the budget that Ducey signed put the a whole heck of a lot more sense for burden on the backs of car and truck

truck traffic,’’ Bahr said. She also said that much of the congestion that is tying up traffic has to do with trucks actually coming into Phoenix, something that I-11 would not help. And for those going beyond, Bahr pointed out that the state is building various bypasses, including the South Mountain Freeway that will divert through traffic around the crowded urban core. “How many more bypasses do you need?’’ she asked. Serraglio expressed parallel concerns. “The only places in the interstate highway corridor that are problematic for freight are in local urbanized centers where single passenger vehicle trips dominate the spectrum of vehicle miles traveled,’’ he said. “Building a 280-mile long interstate, brand new construction through pristine areas in many cases, is not the way to deal with that handful of bottlenecks in the existing system,’’ Serraglio said. “It’s an absolute waste of money and materials.’’ And both said there’s something else that deals with the very nature of road construction itself: If you build it, they will come. “Too many times transportation planners have made decisions that induce traffic demand,’’ said Serraglio. “It’s a very self-fulfilling prophecy when these guys come up with these projections.’’

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

State forecasts huge budget surplus for this ﬁscal year BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State government is likely to have lots of extra money to spend in future years if the national economy doesn’t collapse. New reports last week from the staff of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee show that revenues in the fiscal year that ended June 30 were 10 percent above predictions. All that should mean the state will have $694 million unspent when this budget year ends next June 30 on top of the current $11.8 billion budget – money that could be allocated for the next fiscal year. But Richard Stavneak, the agency’s director, warned lawmakers against spending it all, particularly in creating new and expanded programs. He figures perhaps just $170 million of that is likely to be what legislators should be able to count on it year after year. Stavneak said it would be prudent to hold back $50 million in reserve. The remaining $475 million? Stavneak said he and his team of economists are unwilling to predict that is any more than a one-time bubble. And that, he said, means the most prudent way to spend those dollars would be on onetime expenses. Budget staffers told lawmakers the numbers have some uncertainty built in. Stavneak also said some of the predicted revenues are based on assumptions of how much Arizona will be able to collect from out-of-state retailers. A law requiring some larger retailers to collect the state tax kicked two weeks ago. Stavneak also pointed out that a survey of economists by the Wall Street Journal found 77 percent were predicting a recession by 2021. And all that could make the predictions go out the window. Economist Elliott Pollack, a member

of the state’s Finance Advisory Committee, said Arizona population growth is running above the national average. But he said that, unlike the prerecession increases of 3.5 percent a year, the state should instead look to year-over-year changes of less than 2 percent. One factor? Changing demographics, including a sharp decline in birth rates. “While baby boomers are doing the job of dying, millennials aren’t doing their job of creating new population,’’ Pollack said. There are other issues complicating the economy. One of those, he said, is student loans. “Many young people have been lured into large amounts of student loan debt that their qualifications have not equipped them to repay,’’ Pollack said.a “In other words, they didn’t receive the commensurate increase in skills to justify the debt,’’ he continued. “It was a bad investment.’’ And if people are still paying off student debt, they’re less likely to be able to buy a home. Pollack also worried openly about the effect of politics and the election next year. “If that gets too crazy, that could destroy confidence,’’ he said. Still, Pollack said, he thinks that even if there is a financial slowdown, Arizona is in a relatively good position to weather it. “I’d rather be here than almost any place else,’’ he said. Stavneak said there are plenty of ways the state can allocate that $475 million in one-time dollars, those that he does not believe are likely to keep coming in future years. One big priority, he said, could be giving cash to public schools to pay for needed repairs. The state at one time had a formula that provided regular amounts to schools. That, however, was scrapped during the recession.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Around Chandler City seeks nominations for volunteer recognition

The City of Chandler and the faith-based and nonprofit group For Our CityChandler are accepting applications for the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards. Applications are available at chandleraz.gov/volunteer100 and are due by Nov. 15. Faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, businesses or any organization with volunteers are encouraged to nominate individuals for one of eight recognition awards for outstanding community service in 2019. The award categories are: • Makes It Happen Award – This nominee works for many organizations, with the goal of contributing anywhere and everywhere, in any way they can. • Sunbeam Award – This nominee is the most cheerful person in the place. They have the best personality, attitude, always smiling and their mere appearance brightens the area around them. • Longevity Award – This nominee has worked for an organization for many years and they provide a commitment and dedication to their service that is awe inspiring. • Innovation Award – This nominee brings creative and unique solutions to the job. • Youth Award – This nominee is strictly for youth, 17 years of age or younger. This nominee can be dedicated, positive, and hardworking or somehow stand out among others. • Multitasking Maestro Award – This nominee is someone who takes on a diverse array of multiple assignments, jobs or objectives at the same time and can juggle them effectively, while accomplishing all of them successfully. • Strong Arms Award – This nominee is not afraid to take on any job no matter how “down-and-dirty” it may be. This nominee also may be called the “jack-of-all-trades” in an organization. • Working Together Award – This award category is for a group (in any organization) who completed a volunteer project in Chandler. The selected recipients will be honored during a recognition breakfast event in February. During the awards

breakfast, all Chandler volunteers with more than 1,000 hours of service in 2019 will receive a lapel pin and certificate from Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. Volunteers with more than 100 hours also will receive a certificate from the Mayor. Information: rori.minor@chandleraz. gov or call 480-782-4329.

Veterans to be distributing poppies next month

On Nov. 10 and 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day, Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 will distribute poppies and poppy stickers to people who make a donation for veterans in need at local Fry’s Supermarkets. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and hope for a positive future and a peaceful world. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the armed services community including those currently serving, veterans and their families. The Jewish War Veterans Post 619 based in Sun Lakes will sell the poppies from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at the following Fry’s locations: Dobson and Ray roads, Alma School and Germann roads, Gilbert and Ocotillo roads and Higley and Chandler Heights Poppies will also be sold Nov. 10 at Mesa Marketplace. 10550 E. Baseline Road, Mesa. The poppy sale is the largest fundraiser for the Post. Each year the post donates approximately $34,000 to organizations that support Arizona veterans. JWV invites everyone interested in supporting veterans to join the post. Their next meeting is Nov. 19 at 9:30 am at the Sun Lakes Country Club. Meetings are free and refreshments are served. The November meeting will feature speakers from the Maternity Outreach for Moms program at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Gifts will be collected for veteran moms and their newborns. Membership is open to everyone in the community. Members and nonveterans represent a wide range of religious affiliations. Information: Commander Robert Brooks at (480) 688-1827 or linbob72@wbhsi.net.

Chamber celebrates Chandler 100 businesses

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2019 Chandler 100 celebration at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6, at a specially prepared downtown Chandler parking garage. This event celebrates Chandler’s top 100 companies with entertainment, food and surprises. The Chamber is known for transforming unusual venues for the celebration and this year the venue is the New Square Oregon Street parking garage at 160 S Oregon Street. This innovative city space built by McCarthy Building Companies, will offer attendees a creative, highenergy experience right in line with the forward-thinking Chandler Chamber. Other highlights include a virtual reality encounter and autonomous vehicles from WAYMO. Also featured at this year’s event will be the Chandler Chamber’s, Taste of Chandler, highlighting some of the city’s restaurant fare. Each Chandler 100 company will be honored with an award and featured in the 2019 Chandler 100 Publication available at the event and Chamber office. Tickets and corporate tables are available at http://bit.ly/CCOC100. Information: 480-963-4571 or info@ chandlerchamber.com.

Corvette Club slates annual show in downtown park

The Corvette Club of Arizona wil host its 20th annual “Chevys in the Park” Charity Car Show 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 3, at A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. All owners of Chevy cars and trucks, or those vehicles that are powered by a Chevy engine, can enter. The Corvette Club of Arizona will donate $10 from every registered car in the show to Packages From Home, a Phoenix based organization providing personal care and support items to active U.S. Military personnel stationed abroad and veterans. In the past 10 years the Corvette Club of Arizona has raised over $25,000. Chevys in the Park” has over 25 classes of cars to be judged by the participants and awards are presented for each class. There will also be special

awards for Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Interior and overall l Best of Show for both Corvettes and all other vehicles. Last year’s show displayed over 100 models from the early 1950s to the current 2019 Corvette. Pre-registration is $30 and the form must be received by Oct. 25. Day of the show registration will be accepted from 8-9:30 a.m for $35, based on space availability only. This year’s show will be limited to the first 150 cars to register. Registration forms and additional information are available by contacting Brad Ryan at 630-284-1161 or at CorvetteClubofArizona.com. The “Chevys in the Park” Show is free for spectators.

Skateland Chandler offers free skating this month

October is National Roller Skating Month and Skateland Chandler is celebrating by giving all children 2 to 14 the opportunity to skate for free on Sundays throughout the month. “This is a great opportunity for ALL children to be able to come out and try out roller skating! It’s a sport that is fun for all ages”, said sales manager Alyssa McConnel. “We have all the tools the beginner skater needs to skate including wrist guards, skate mates (a walker on wheels) and fisher price skates for the toddlers.” Skate rental is extra or bring your own skates. Live DJ, games prizes and giveaways will be offered each week. Information: skatelandchandler.com. to see all special events and promotions for National Roller Skating month!

Airman Linzie Avalos completes basic training

Air Force Airman 1st Class Linzie N. Avalos graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. She is a 2013 graduate of Basha High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree See

AROUND on page 21

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

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Free concert series begins in A.J. Chandler Park

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is offering free Friday Night Live concerts the third Friday of every month at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West from 6-9 p.m. Dates and bands are: Nov. 15, Chandler Children’s Choir and Desert Dixie; Dec. 20, Uptown Angels and Phoenix Boys Choir; Jan. 17, Basha High School Jazz band and The Rave; Feb. 21, Jam Pak Neighborhood Band and Mogollon; March 20, Chandler High School Jazz Band and Pearl Ridge; April 17, Willis Junior High School Jazz Band and Sugahbeat; May 15, Corona del Sol Steel Drum and Shallow Water.

Revint holds ribbon cutting at downtown office

Revint, which handles revenue integrity solutions for healthcare providers, has officially opened in 18,000 square feet of downtown Chandler office space. The company will employ 135 people at its regional headquarters there. “It is wonderful to be part of Chandler’s thriving high-tech area and vibrant downtown,” said Roger Davis, CEO of Revint. Revint partners with over 1,600 healthcare organizations in the United States and recovers over $500 million of

Arizona Harvest Festival coming to Chandler

The fourth annual Arizona Harvest Fest and Open Air Market will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 10, at A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler. The free event will feature more than 150 merchants with holiday gifts, home décor and furnishings, jewelry, clothing, art, home improvements, health and wellness services and products and much more. Live entertainment includes performances by local bands D. on Darox & the Melody Joy Bakers, Pick & Holler, Jim Bachman & the Day Drinkers & Blain Long among others. Activities will include a pumpkin toss, pumpkin decorating, pie eating contest, corn shucking, cake walk and kids zone. A beer garden featuring local pumpkin ales and seasonal brews will be open. A portion of proceeds from the event will go to ICAN, an East Valley based nonprofit that provides free, family-centered services and programs. Information: arizonaharvestfest.com.

Residents can weigh in on annual budget survey

The City of Chandler is starting its budget process and encourages residents to provide their thoughts about the community and its future. They can complete the survey at chandleraz.gov/budget through Nov. 17.

City staff asks that residents answer the first six general questions of the survey. The remaining questions allow you to provide feedback on any or all of following topics. This year, these topics are based on the six City Council strategic goals. Completed paper surveys should be returned to City facilities, scanned and emailed to libby.stressman@chandleraz. gov or mailed to: City of Chandler, Budget Division–Citizen Surveys, Mail Stop 609, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler AZ 85244-4008. Information: 480-782-2254.

Race 4 Unity Walk/Run to hit Tumbleweed Park Sunday Chandler’s third annual Race 4 Unity Family Fun Walk/Run at Tumbleweed Park will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 20 to “celebrate friendship and a acceptance to all people regardless of their ethnicity, religion, race, nationality or other difference,” organizers say. Sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Chandler and supported by the Chandler Human Relations Commission, the Race 4 Unity will include refreshments and music along with a Native American blessing and a brief presentation on the virtue of unity. Free Registration is at Eventbrite. com and search for “Race 4 Unity.”

Sun Lakes United Methodist Krafters holding bazaar The Krafters of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road,

will hold their annual holiday bazaar and bake sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 2 in Lindsay Hall. The bazaard will include a variety of holiday decor, including placemats, napkins, tble runners, wal hangings, wreaths, centerpieces and clothes and shoes made to fit an 18-inch doll. The club will also be selling its popular jalapeno jelly and homemade cookies. The "Simple Treasures Boutique" sells gently used household items as well as a brilliant assortment of vintage jewelry and other baubles. Credit cards are accepted for purchases of at least $25. Information: sunlakesumc.org or 480-895-8766.

Vehicles sought for 7th annual car show here

The seventh annual Kustom Karz show benefitting Lost Our Home Pet Rescue is Dec. 7, in downtown Ocotillo and organizers say people who want to enter their vehicles should act fast because only 135 vehicles will be allowed, The show, running 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 7, will be held at 2577 W. Queen Creek Road. The $25 per car or vendor entry fee includes a t-shirt and goodie bag. For visitors, there will be music, raffle prizes, food and 50/50 raffle, a full honor guard and a live performance of the National Anthem and trophy presentations by local celebrities, including Jack Holder, a Pearl Harbor survivor. Information: Ralph Guariglio, kokonuto@cox.net or 480-241-7622.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Chandler ﬁreﬁghters seek smoke alarm assistance SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler firefighters are looking for volunteers on Oct. 26, to walk neighborhoods and help install free smoke alarms while promoting fire safety and prevention. This year’s Smoke Alarm Walk will benefit residents in the Chandler Manor neighborhood near Alma School and Knox roads. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon, and no experience is necessary since all training, tools and materials are provided that day. Both installers and record keepers are needed. The Community Smoke Alarm Installation program is a collaborative effort among the Chandler Fire Department, For Our City Chandler, Arizona Burn Foundation, American Red Cross and several other East Valley fire departments. Register at azburn.org/smokealarms. Select the Chandler event on Oct. 26, and sign-up. Once you have registered, the event details will be sent to you, including the location to meet that morning and what you can expect. Information: 602-230-2041, ext. 104. Or chandleraz.gov/ﬁre.

Meanwhile, the Fire Department is offering a free training course for Chandler residents who want to learn how to take care of themselves, their family, neighborhood and community during an emergency or disaster. This Basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course provides residents with hands-on

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and classroom instruction over two consecutive Saturdays. Courses include fire safety, utility control, light search and rescue, basic medical care and more. This two-day self-preparedness training will be held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 2 and Nov. 9, at the Chandler Public Safety Training

Center, 3550 S. Dobson Road. The training is free, but space is limited. Register through Eventbrite (cfdfall-cert-19.eventbrite.com) or find a link at chandleraz.gov/fire and search for “CERT.” Training participants will learn about the types of hazards that might affect Chandler and examines the roles and responsibilities of various organizations within the community, such as police and fire departments, other government agencies, public utilities and non-profits. Constructing family emergency kits for home and vehicles is also a critical part of community preparedness. “Some of the potential hazards we Arizonans can face are strong winds, flooding, heat waves, power outages and fires, along with the possibility of manmade threats,” said Chandler Battalion Chief Suzy Vargo. “Our goal is to give residents the tools, information and coping skills they need to care for themselves and their families for up to 72 hours following a natural or man-made disaster.” Information: 480-782 2120, ChandlerFire@chandleraz.gov or visit chandleraz.gov/fire.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler cleaning services help cancer patients BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor

The national nonprofit organization, Cleaning For A Reason, believes families facing cancer should have access to house cleaning services through trying seasons. It’s found many partners in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa to achieve this mission. Founded in 2005, the organization has more than 1,000 cleaning companies – some independently owned, others part of a franchise – providing two house cleanings, free of charge, to cancer patients and families throughout the U.S. and Canada. In the East Valley, at least five cleaning services currently partner with Cleaning For A Reason. For Gilbert’s Two Maids & A Mop franchise owners Ryan Myers and Lorena Munoz de Myers, giving back to cancer patients is close to their hearts: Lorena was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, one month before her 45th birthday. By January 2019 – after repeated chemotherapy, radiation, three surgeries and antibodies sessions, the tenacious cancer warrior received the all clear. “I tell our Cleaning For A Reason clients, ‘Look at me! If I can do it, you can do it,” said Lorena, 47. “They see me now and say, ‘you don’t look like you had cancer’, and I tell them I used natural foods and I stayed busy. I tell them, ‘Don’t stay in bed!’ They need to stay active.” Her husband said Two Maids & A Mop franchise supports with Cleaning For A Reason’s cause and involvement was one

My wife and I had a cleaning “ business for more than five years and then we converted to this franchise,” said Myers. “From corporate on down, the more than 80 franchises believe in giving back where we can. – Ryan Myers

”

Ryan Myers, co-owner with his wife of Two Maids & A Mop in Gilbert, briefs his employees before they start their day on the job. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

of the reasons the couple chose to go with them. “My wife and I had a cleaning business for more than five years and then we converted to this franchise,” said Myers. “From corporate on down, the more than 80 franchisees believe in giving back where we can.” Myers said his wife’s cancer experience was but one in a long line of family cancer issues, including several relatives who succumbed to a variation of the disease. “And many of customers, too, are affected. It seems one out of five

households has someone in their home who’s had cancer, even pets with cancer,” he said. The family-owned and operated Master’s Touch Cleaning Service of Mesa got involved with Cleaning For A Reason in 2015. The company placed among the nonprofit’s Top 25 Cleaning Partners for 2018. Mesa’s Carnation Home Cleaning Company, founded in 1991, ranked among the Top 100. “Our company provides around 10 hours each month to patients undergoing

treatment for cancer to fill in any voids in our schedule. It keeps our employees busy and patients are satisfied with the end result during a difficult time in their lives,” said Master’s Touch owner Kelly Kuter. “At one time the organization asked us to provide four free cleanings over four months, but there were so many patients and so few cleaning companies willing to provide this donated service, the organization cut back to two free cleanings over two months,” she explained. “We generally have three to four patients in our queue at any time.” Family-owned East Valley Cleaning Authority, based in Chandler since 2001, partnered with Cleaning For A Reason seven years ago. Owned by Patrick Orr, Ken Orr and Megan Orr, and their 6-year-old Glendale company, The Northwest Valley Cleaning Authority, remain active with Cleaning For See

CLEANING on page 28

Candy remains dandy for this businessman BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Contributor

A mega candy warehouse comfortably nestled in Chandler has a history as sweet as the candy itself. Sweeties Candy of Arizona, on the southwest corner of Alma School Road and Warner Road, is Arizona’s largest candy store and specializes in nostalgic treats, toys and soda. From the store’s youngest customers to its eldest candy veterans, Sweeties gives each customer a chance to act like a kid in a candy shop regardless of the generation of sweet treats they seek. “Believe it or not, the kids are usually more reserved than mom and dad and grandma and grandpa. Mom and dad go crazy because now they have the budget – they didn’t have when they were kids so it’s fun to watch them get excited,” said owner Mike Manzo. “That’s what sets us apart. We always say we sell happiness one piece at a time,” he added. Manzo has been wrapped up in candy his entire life. Since 1975, he watched his father, Chuck, handle sweets every day as a broker in the confectionary business in Ohio. Chuck represented about 75

lending a hand in a neighbor’s confectionery on Saturdays. After a long day’s work restocking shelves of sweets, mocked by their deliciousness and crinkling cellophane wrapping, the neighbor paid Manzo for his work and self-control with a white two-pound paper bag. “I could put whatever candy I wanted in there and take it home with me. I was the richest sixth-grader in the world and I’ve been hooked on candy ever since,” said Manzo. While his time spent around candy taught him the ins and outs of the business, it also taught him about a crazy little thing called love. “My dad would represent Sweeties Candy of Arizona owner Mike Manzo, right, has a wide the lines in Tom’s store, and assortment of treats ready for Halloween. (Kimberly Carrillo/Contributor) when they would go to candy conventions, Tom’s percent of the classic brands sold in daughter, Dawn, and I would have to Sweeties today. hangout and wait for them. But when Manzo was 11, he unraveled “We grew up together, our homes were his true love for sugary treats - after actually back to back and we’d see each

other every day,” Manzo said. After years spent as playmates collecting bruised knees and building forts together, the two started dating and realized their love was much sweeter than most. The couple took their love on the road from Ohio to Arizona to spread the reach of Sweeties treats. After opening up shop in Chandler, now at 1986 N. Alma School Road, Dawn and Mike knew they were here to stay. Today, Manzo and Dawn, are married, and just as the brand grows, so does their family. The couple’s two children Giovanni, 7, and Gianna, 3, are now living every kid’s dream of growing up in a candy shop, just as their father did before them. “Of course, it would be great if they took over the store one day, but they can go down whatever career path they want. It would be really cool though,” said Manzo. But taking over the superstore comes will come with a lot of responsibility, as Manzo has even Willy Wonka beat. The 13,000 square foot facility houses over 4,000 different kinds of treats, 360 kinds of glass bottled cane sugar sodas and See

SWEETIES on page 30

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Ocotillo spa caters to families as well as individuals SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is not only a major health club in the East Valley, but it is also the place keeping the entire family busy. With a wide-range of activities suitable for any age, the Ocotillo Village ensures parents and their children are able to stay active and healthy together. Group fitness classes, small-group training, swimming, racquetball, squash, basketball and tennis are just some of the options for family members, age permitting. For younger children, the Kid’s Club allows parents to enjoy a worry-free workout while their children play, learn and laugh in a world of fun fitness. There are two separate age groups: a nursery for infants two months old to pottytrained age, and a kid’s club environment for children three to 12 years old. There are also summer, fall and winter camps available to keep the children busy when school is not in session. Eduardo and Dani Campoy of Chandler are so passionate about the Village Spa that they consider the Ocotillo location as their second home. Both are part of the Village Triathlon team, where they train and race together every other Wednesday with a triathlon coach. They also take advantage of the Master Swim Classes, where they have the opportunity to improve their strokes. “The Village has an amazing selection of classes,” Dani said. “Some of our

of our favorite parts about “theOneVillage is the social life. They have happy hours, breakfasts, events, and parties. It is an amazing all-around experience that has allowed us to become very close friends with other members of the Village. – Dani Campoy

”

Eduardo and Dani Campoy of Chandler not only build their bodies but build family ties with their two teenage sons by planning activities at Ocotillo Villa Health Club and Spa. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

favorites are power yoga, kinesis, and cycle.”

Eduardo and Dani also have two teenagers taking full advantage of what

the Ocotillo Village has to offer. Christian, 19, enjoys swimming. He was a standout swimmer at Hamilton High School and can still train now that he has graduated. Victor, 17, enjoys weight training and boxing and is able to do both at the Village. He also utilizes a personal trainer at the Village to help him practice the best exercises to excel in those areas. “One of our favorite parts about the Village is the social life,” added Dani. “They have happy hours, breakfasts, events, and parties. It is an amazing allaround experience that has allowed us to become very close friends with other members of the Village.” The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is located at 4200 S. Alma School Road in Chandler. Information: villageclubs.com.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Kid-friendly taxi service available in East Valley BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

As parents look for reliable drivers to transport their children across the Valley, national ride-sharing companies are flooding the Phoenix market with their services. Branding themselves as the “Uber for kids,” companies like Zum and HopSkipDrive have come to the Valley this last year with drivers ready to pick-up and drop-off young riders. Gigi Buentipo of Ahwatukee has entered the market too with her own company, Gigi’s World Kids Taxi. “In my world, kids are valued, they have a right to be heard and be respected,” Buentipo said. Her love for children motivated Buentipo to start the business in April by opening an office on Chandler Boulevard. Six months later, Buentipo estimates her drivers are providing about 20 rides each day. They mainly serve the Chandler and Scottsdale areas, she said, but the business keeps branching out as more parents find out about Gigi’s World. “We don’t just give rides, we build relationships,” the owner added, emphasizing the fact she’s not worried about the handful of competitors who have come to the Valley since she opened. Companies like Zum, Kango, and GoKart have been popping up across the country in recent years, filling a gap left by the age restrictions set by Uber and Lyft.

Gigi Buentipo of Ahwatukee was motivated by a love of children and some good business acument to open her kid-friendly taxi service to serve Chandler and Scottsdale areas mainly, though she’ll go wherever her service is needed. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Some have managed to expand rapidly through million-dollar investments and partnerships with school districts. These startups market themselves as safe and convenient options for busy families unable to rely on a neighborhood carpool. Buentipo said she wants her clients to feel like family and not just a piece of cargo being shuttled around. Her riders are greeted with water and snacks once they enter a vehicle and drivers are encouraged to ask them questions about

their day at school. All drivers undergo background checks, Buentipo said, and receive CPR training. Parents are able to track their child through a mobile app and they get notified once the child makes it to their destination. The driver further ensures children safely enter their destination by waiting for the child to wave back at them before departing. “Safety is first to me,” Buentipo said. And Buentipo doesn’t refer to her

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employees as drivers – she calls them transportation specialists. With a parent’s permission, these specialists may conduct random acts of kindness by treating kids to some ice cream or a slushee before dropping them off. The company’s rates vary depending on how far kids need to be driven and how many will be riding along. There’s a flat fee for entering the vehicle and then a charge of $1.50 for each mile. An extra $5 fee is applied for any additional stops that are requested. Buentipo had been working at call centers before realizing she needed to find a more fulfilling career. “I just felt like I was empty inside,” she recalled. She had a spiritual vision of families needing help manage their demanding schedules and understood she could offer a service that would benefit the community. She said she never wants a parent to feel like they need to choose between their child and their career. Even though the business sometimes keeps her working until midnight, Buentipo said its worth it because she feels like she’s making a difference. “It’s a passion, it’s not a job,” she said. Gigi’s World is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Hours on Saturday and Sunday are extended to 9:30 p.m. Information: 480-565-4370.

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CLEANING

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

from page 25

A Reason. “To date, we’ve provided 150 to 200 cleanings for 40 patients in our local community,” said Patrick Orr. “I have no idea how much money we’ve donated to the organization; I’d say our total donation value is in the tens of thousands at this point.” The Orrs’ company, like other cleaning services involved with Cleaning for a Reason, forfeit financial benefits from serving cancer patients but the owners don’t mind. “At some point, you realize that the bottom line isn’t the only metric that matters,” Patrick explained. “Is it expensive to provide free cleaning? Sure, and even more so when you consider how busy our operation is,” he continued. “Any time you take those resources and commit them to free services, you’re also forgoing the revenues and patronage that would be realized through our normal channels of operation. “Yet a powerful truth to confront is that there’s a much larger picture to consider. For our team, it becomes increasingly rewarding to realize that these efforts help their actual neighbors; they get to both see and feel the impact. It’s incredibly powerful,” he continued, adding: “Certainly, we don’t operate under the illusion that our efforts take aim at any cure for cancer, but our team loves that we participate in the recovery process for our neighbors within the community.”

Two Maids & A Mop employees, from left, Jasmine Madsen, Cheyenne Murphy and Carina Lugo head off for their assignments. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

He said he brings up his involvement with Cleaning for a Reason when he interviews prospective employees “because we want like-minded members on our team.” The Orr family also prefers to keep their work with the charity low-key. “We don’t use the program for advertising purposes; we prefer to help the community without an agenda which from a business standpoint would likely be viewed as an error,” he said. “One unique add-on from our team is we pay a local printing company to produce large cards for everyone in our office to sign,

then leave for each patient we serve. “Helps make it a great team-building activity, and we hope puts a smile on the faces of the patients and their families as they navigate through their new, tough reality.” Olga Maya, owner of Chandler-based Alert Cleaning Services was contacted directly by Cleaning For A Reason once she’d started her company in 1995. Since then, Alert Cleaning Services served countless women and now families, undergoing cancer treatments. She, too, had experienced the trauma of a relative with cancer and knew firsthand of the strain it placed on every area

of one’s life. “My mom passed away with cancer so I related, and because of her I got involved,” she explained. “I think it’s a great way to help, to give women and families a little break. It helps put a smile on their face, and it’s a little less for them to worry about.” Maya said whenever she can, she tells people about the Cleaning For A Reason organization. “I always share how I’m involved with Cleaning For A Reason because so many people haven’t heard about it,” she said. “You don’t know when you’re going to need it or one of your clients or friends can use it. It’s a wonderful organization.” The nonprofit was founded by Debbie Sardone, at the time, owner of Texas-based Buckets & Bows Maid Service after a client told her she had cancer and could no longer afford the housecleaning service. It touched her heart, and at an industry gathering, she shared her belief that no woman undergoing cancer should have the additional burden of cleaning her home. Other cleaning services joined with her when she set up her nonprofit. Today 1,200 maid services have partnered with Cleaning For A Reason offering two free monthly house cleanings to those battling any type of cancer. Cancer patients wishing to receive the service must apply on the nonprofit’s website CleaningForAReason.org. If there’s an opening in their area, they’ll be asked to fax a doctor’s note stating they are undergoing cancer treatments. Tax-deductible ‘In Honor’ or ‘In Memory’ donations to Cleaning For A Reason can be done online.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

BUSINESS

Chandler radiologists can now ‘zero-in’ on cancer SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Radiologists at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in Chandler are utilizing new technology allowing them to precisely target cancerous tumors. Starting this month, patients at the Chandler office near Dobson and Pecos roads may undergo radiation treatment through a machine designed to more accurately administer radiation dosages. The Versa HD markets itself as using high-precision radiation beams, speeding up treatment times by 60 percent. “We’re literally zeroing in on the cancer itself, and we can eliminate anything else around there,” said Marco Lara, manager of Ironwood’s East Valley radiation offices. Patients currently receive radiation dosages over several days and weeks, Lara said, the Versa can shrink the treatment schedule down to one day. Another benefit of using Versa is its ability to reduce the risk of harming organs and tissue surrounding a tumor. Ironwood would sometimes have to send patients to other facilities to receive precise radiotherapy. Lara said the Chandler office is the only treatment center in the East Valley to use this new technology. The Versa is a major investment for Ironwood, he added, considering these machines can cost up to $8 million. “We’re trying to update a lot of our equipment so that we’re on the newest technology out there,” he added. Radiotherapy eliminates tumors in the

consists of several offices across the Valley with a network of up to 100 oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons. Dr. Charles Woo, one of Ironwood’s radiation oncologists, said Ironwood has a history of investing in cuttingedge technology and the Versa HD is the latest example of this commitment to innovation. “In order for our cancer center to continue to provide the latest available technology, we are investing in a new linear accelerator that will allow us to provide the most accurate and effective treatments Ironwood radiation oncologist Dr. Charles Woo says their new linear accelerator is their most advanced technolgical weapon to fight possible,” Woo stated. cancer. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer) The Chandler office is one of Ironwood’s brain, lungs, and liver by damaging the located in critical areas or brain lesions busiest locations, DNA of its cells and hindering the tumor’s needing higher radiation dosages. sometimes treating up to 40 patients in a ability to reproduce. “Versa HD is perfect for these complex single day for a variety of cancers. This type of treatment is considered cases by virtue of its advanced beamIronwood staff has begun training with less invasive and safer than surgically shaping, imaging and high dose rate the Versa and its first patient is scheduled removing a tumor. technologies,” said Kevin Brown, Elekta’s to start treatment this month. Elekta, an international health care vice president of global research, back in company, developed the Versa HD a 2014. Information: 480-821-2838 few years ago as a tool to target cancers Ironwood, founded in 1993, presently

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Candy is dandy at Sweeties and much of hit may hit a nostalgic chord with adults who remember their favorite treat but have trouble finding it on most story shelves. Besides American favorites past and present, the company also offers some international sweets. (Kimberly Carrillo/Contributor)

SWEETIES

from page 25

about 185 old-fashioned toys and trinkets. Brands like Bazooka, Cadbury, Clark, Pez, Pop Rocks, Push Pops, Smarties, Taffy Town and Tootsie Roll line the shelves as a nod to the candy that’s been helping create America’s sweetest memories for

generations. Looking ahead to the future of candy, the store also has extravagant displays of things like Harry Potter chocolate wands, emoji lollipops, and full-sized gummy pizzas. But the crown jewel of the establishment, Manzo said, is what he calls the “Jelly Belly Oasis.” With a massive red jelly bean hanging

overhead, the center of the store has a jelly bean bar comprised of over 80 different flavors. The display has the most jelly bean flavors in the entire western region of the United States. “People come from all over the country to see it in person. It’s really great to see the enthusiasm people have about our candy,” Manzo said.

But Manzo said at the end of the day, his eyes are not set on being the biggest, sweetest candy store in the west. His true mission is to spread the joy that candy has given him. “Everybody works hard, at their jobs, at home, in life. Life can be tough. And I think everybody deserves a sweet treat, especially the treats that bring you back to simpler times,” said Manzo.

New Chandler ice cream parlor debuts SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Tucson couple picked Chandler for the second Valley location of their popular ice cream shop, The Screamery. The Screamery, at 140 N. Arizona Ave., was founded by Linda and Kenny Sarnoski in 2014. They boast their ice cream parlor approaches their treats with “oldfashioned simplicity, using premium milk and cream, all-natural ingredients and for pasteurizing its own sweet cream ice cream base. “No chemicals, corn syrup, synthetic hormones, pesticides or anything unnatural will be found in these ice cream tubs,” the company stated through a spokeswoman. To celebrate their new location in Chandler, The Screamery will offer $1 ice cream cones noon-11 p.m. Oct. 26. The couple also will offer the “Farmhouse Challenge” at this special event. The Farmhouse is their massive, eightscoop, meant-to-be-shared ice cream sundae with lots of different toppings and loaded with warm cookies, brownies and butter cake on the bottom. For the Farmhouse Challenge, couples will be invited to purchase the Farmhouse for the regular price of $24.50 and IF they’re able to finish off the entire sundae in under five minutes, each person will receive a complimentary Screamery t-shirt and have their photo displayed on the Farmhouse Wall of Fame. The Sarnoskis are the first in the state to become certified in pasteurizing their own ice cream base. They also feature two, non-dairy options on the menu – a fruit sorbet and their Fudgesicle flavor that’s made with almond milk, agave nectar and two types of chocolate.

It all started when Kenny and “I decided to begin a new diet and we were both determined to eat only natural, wholesome ingredients, but we discovered that there was absolutely no ice cream on the market that met our new lifestyle criteria. – Linda Sarnoski

”

“It all started when Kenny and I decided to begin a new diet and we were both determined to eat only natural, wholesome ingredients, but we discovered that there was absolutely no ice cream on the market that met our new lifestyle criteria,” said Linda. “Kenny knew that ice cream was my favorite dessert and that I wasn’t willing to give it up so he started hand mixing and creating his own flavors in our kitchen,” she added. “Eventually, the unique and original ice cream flavors he created ended up tasting incredible.” There are 24 different flavors on the menu. The three classics – vanilla, chocolate and strawberry – feature a blend of two premium chocolates, all-natural vanilla beans and fresh strawberries. Linda said their most popular flavor is the “Sweet Cream Honeycomb” made with their sweet cream base and mixed with honeycomb pieces made from local raw honey out of Marana. The Screamery is open Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. Information: thescreamery.com

Linda and Kenny Sarnoski chose Chandler for the second Valley outlet of their Tucson-based ice cream parlor. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

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Mikey Keene taking strides as Chandler’s next great quarterback BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

There’s been a long line of successful quarterbacks coming out of the Chandler High School’s football program in recent years. From Brett Hundley in 2010, to Darrell Garretson and Bryce Perkins in 2012 and 2014. Mason Moran took over in 2015 and received a full scholarship to Oregon State, returning to his natural position as a defensive back. Most recently, Jacob Conover manned the offense for three seasons, leading the Wolves to three straight 6A championships. Conover’s graduation last year meant it was time for someone new to step in and lead the top-ranked team in the state. Enter Mikey Keene. “You come to Chandler because you accept pressure,” Chandler coach Rick Garretson said. “I don’t care if you’re a player or a coach, that’s the way it is here. You always look to challenge yourself. “He’s done everything I thought he would do.” Keene, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior has excelled under center for Chandler in his first season as the varsity starter. He’s led the Wolves to a 7-0 record so far this season and has helped his team remain at the top of the new Open Division rankings, which takes the top eight teams from the 6A, 5A and 4A conferences and puts them into one tournament at the end of the regular

Chandler junior quarterback Mikey Keene is next up in the list of successful players at his position to come out of the Wolves’ football program. (Pablo Robles/Staff)

season. Heading into the Wolves’ Week 9 matchup against Basha, Keene has thrown for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns. “He’s dynamic as a thrower both in the drop-back game and on the move,” Garretson said. “He’s a dynamic leader.

Everything we do isn’t just a check down. So that’s incredible.” Garretson often compares Keene’s playstyle to Johnny Manziel during his time at Texas A&M, where he won the Heisman in 2012. Manziel was wellknown for his ability to extend plays despite facing pressure in the pocket.

He was one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the 2012-13 college football seasons. “I would agree with that,” Keene said about Garretson comparing him to Manziel. “Johnny Manziel back in college was a playmaker. You never knew if a play would be dead with him. “His ability to escape pressure from inside the pocket and get outside, I would really compare myself to.” Keene admits that while he sees talent in himself, he can’t do it without those around him. Senior running back Daveon Hunter, who transferred to Chandler from Colorado, as well as junior running back Eli Sanders, a transfer from Mountain Pointe, are one of the most talented duos in the state. Add juniors Nicolas Nesbitt and Rodney Clemente, as well as senior Jaheim Brown-Taylor, who has battled injuries, into the mix giving Chandler the ability to torch opposing defenses on any given play. Keene has also benefitted from a talented group of wideouts, led by junior Jalen Richmond, sophomore Kyion Grayes and senior Jay McEuen. But ultimately, Keene admits he wouldn’t have the success he has if it weren’t for his offensive line, led by senior tackle Nehemiah Magalei. “They make my job a lot easier and I appreciate that from them,” Keene said. “We have a trust for one another and that See

KEENE on page 36

These skaters perform on concrete instead of ice BY AMY-XIAOSHI DEPAOLA

CRONKITE NEWS

The whirl of wheels, interspersed with sharp commands and bursts of laughter, punctuate Sunday practice. Before they step out to perform, the 12 members of the Phoenix Roller Sports Club sit down to lace their skates under a disco ball suspended from the ceiling and the glow of hot-pink lights that speckle the rink’s gray floors. Most of them had come into the Skateland rink in Mesa dragging bulky sports bags through double doors illuminated by fluorescent bars overhead. The skaters are not into roller derby, the competitive and well-known contact sport. These are figure skaters, similar to those we see gliding on ice – except they do it on concrete and on wheels. Roller figure skating is a sport many have never heard of, at least not in the United States, even though it’s where Tara Lipinski, the famous Winter Olympics gold medalist, got her start. Before she began her figure skating career on ice, Lipinski was a national competitive roller skater, winning a primary United States Roller Skating Championship freestyle event at age 9.

Brock Turner and Rika Martinez, both 16 are new to skating but are quickly learning their routines as a pair. (Amy Xiaosht DePaola/Cronkite News)

Unlike ice skating, there are no big crowds watching the roller skaters practice their routines. This is mostly a close friends-and-family affair. Club member Brock Turner, 16, said only a handful of his friends know of his skating – but they often confuse it with ice-skating until he sets them straight. “They just say, ‘Oh, so cool! Never heard of it,’” Turner said with a self-

deprecating laugh. Still, Turner and his fellow skaters persevere. They begin warming up by weaving through faded orange plastic cones that have been neatly aligned by a parent volunteer, one of several who shows up at practice. They’re usually the only spectators in the stands. Members of the Phoenix Roller Sports Club practice speed-skating,

figures, dance and freestyle under the watchful eye of their coach, Polly Parks. Roller figure skating is serious business to Parks and her team, but it’s clear that the Phoenix Roller Sports Club plays second fiddle at this rink in Mesa. Their practices, especially their extensive Sunday ones, are sometimes cut two hours short because other events at the rink take precedence. That’s different from some European countries, Parks said, while her skaters crowded around a tablet watching the live-stream of a national championship event in France. “They have government rec centers with skating,” she said. “They sell out stadiums in France, Spain, and Italy for competitions.” In the United States, Parks said, “rinks are now amusement centers rather than sports facilities,” adding that there are now half as many rinks in the country than there were in the 1970s. Karen Shumway, 68, a member of the Phoenix Roller Sports Club, remembers the sport being much more popular in her youth. Over time, as participation in roller figure skating dropped, the number and See

SKATERS on page 37

SPORTS & RECREATION

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SALON OROZCO

from page 35

started building in the weight room right after the state championship last year. “Everyone trusts each other, and everyone knows each other’s skills to go out there and make plays.” It’s not common at any level for the first-team offense to go against the starting defense in practice, let alone during the regular season. But it’s expected at Chandler. During situational periods, Keene lines up against a defense filled with future Division I athletes. It may not always be easy, but it prepares Keene and the rest of the offense for anything on Friday nights. “They’re animals,” Keene said of the defense. “There is speed at every position and it’s unlike anyone else in the state. It slows the game down for us on the offensive side of things and it gets us better prepared for what we will see.” Keene’s love for the game began when he was younger playing shortstop and pitcher in baseball. As he began to watch more sports, football intrigued him. He immediately fell in love when he began playing, and now wants it to be a part of his life for the long run. Already with a scholarship offer from Northern Arizona University, he aims to continue playing football at the next level. He aspires to coach one day, but if that doesn’t work out, he can see himself having a career in broadcasting. Ultimately, he wants to stay involved in the game one way or another.

Mikey Keene aspires to play football at the next level and from there, he hopes to remain in the game in some capacity. (Pablo Robles/Staff)

“I love talking to people about football,” Keene said. “It’s been a huge part of my life since I was 6 or 7 years old. I just want to stay within the game, however I do it.” He hopes to continue leading Chandler to success on a weekly basis. Each player aspires to capture a fourth straight title this season, especially with it having more of an impact with the Open Division. They recognize the importance of competing at a high level every time they step out onto the field. “Every week I’m looking forward to getting myself better and my teammates better to perform on Friday night,” Keene said. “We just aim to do our jobs and get a win every week. “That’s our goal. To just take it one game at a time and win each one.”

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

SKATERS

from page 35

types of events began to change. She believes that the male skaters drifted away in pursuit of more “macho” sports, such as football. “We girls were left without partners,” she said, chuckling. Even boys that compete now, Shumway said, like their ice counterparts, often focus more on the technical aspects, such as jumps, than the artistic components. Roller figure skating is a costly sport and requires serious commitment. The team’s skaters use hand-medowns given to them by skaters who have left the club or outgrown their skates, or they bought their skates at half price online. Unlike ice figure skating, roller skating requires different pairs of skates for each discipline. There are serious competitors who get custom-made boots molded to their feet. But even those among the Phoenix Roller Sports Club members who have been training and competing for years aren’t there yet. “For a lot of people here, there are financial difficulties with roller skating,” said skater Samantha Rinker, 27, one of the skaters. “If you want quality equipment, you’re looking between – for the wheels, the bearings, the plates in the foot – $800 to $1,000,” Rinker said. On top of that, Parks said, skaters pay $55 a month in club dues, $30 or more

SPORTS & RECREATION

sister even landed a national placement in team dance. Eventually, she gained a partner – her husband – and they both qualified for the national team-dance event together. Despite being in three other sports – football, high-diving and speed-skating – David Chestnut, 11, still makes time for roller figure skating, which he has practiced since he’s “learned how to crawl,” he said. Joe Kirchhevel has never competed, only roller skated casually on dates with his now-wife but wants roller David Chestnut has been skating since he was 2 and is an accomplished speed-skater. (Amy Xiaosht DePaola/Cronkite News) figure skating to make it to the attending classes at Mesa Community for an hour of private lessons, and $80 Olympics. College. for an annual membership to the Roller Parks shares that dream of adding the He’s competed in more than seven Skating Association. U.S. to the world stage of figure roller regional and national competitions, and Still, she says, it’s less expensive than skating, noting that it’s mostly speedin dance, figures, freestyle and pairs ice skating. skaters who transition from rink to ice. events. Competitions begin at 6 a.m. and Still, Parks said, people go into roller To many members, the costs and can last until the late afternoons or skating not for the Olympic glory, but inconveniences don’t matter. evenings. for fun. Parks recalls being introduced to the Turner has been skating for a little “It’s cheaper than ice,” she said. “Not so over a year. He practices six days a week, sport at a young age by her parents. Her cold. Not so ‘cutthroat’ atmosphere.” father and sister roller-skated, and the often for four hours and in between

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Votes for schools are votes for our future BY ERIN ECCLESTON AND MIKE HUTCHINSON Guest Writers

If you earned a master’s degree and had decades of experience in your chosen field, what would you expect to earn? Certainly, you’d expect more than the $50,000 salary of the teacher we spoke with recently. It should come as no surprise to learn that educators in our state are woefully underpaid, earning about $45,000 per year, which is far below the national median. But teachers aren’t all that is lacking in our school systems. That’s why six school districts in our community have bonds or overrides on the ballot this fall. Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Mesa and Queen Creek Unified, along with Tempe Elementary School Districts

are all depending on the outcome of November’s vote. There are great things happening in our schools already. The East Valley Institute of Technology is using hands-on learning to prepare students for in-demand careers. A partnership between the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and local manufacturers is giving area students an inside look at the career possibilities available in the industry. Specialty early learning programs are helping young students in Higley build a strong pathway from preschool to high school. Unfortunately, many of these programs will not continue or expand to reach more youth without the dollars that come from bonds and overrides. For instance, Higley Unified has slated override funds to maintain small class sizes and continue offering art programs, along with continuing competitive teacher and staff pay, among other things.

Because its override was originally approved in 2015, a yes vote will mean a continuation of the override and no new taxes for homeowners and businesses. In Chandler Unified, proposed bond dollars would help offset $127 million in lost state funding. If passed, the bond would fund the building of two new schools, as well as security improvements at existing locations and other classroom and technology improvements. The Gilbert Public Schools override will be used in part to improve social and emotional student support, in addition to attracting and retaining high-quality educators. Tempe Elementary School District is asking voters to continue both of their existing overrides. In part, the funds raised will continue the district’s strong Pre-K through eighth-grade music program, provide counselors for every school, and help maintain smaller class sizes in the early grades.

A yes vote is a vote for our community. After all, it’s to everyone’s benefit to establish a strong educational continuum. Intel, Boeing and other firms will need a stream of qualified employees. If we want to continue attracting goodpaying jobs, we will need the people to staff them. Voters today were students once upon a time and the voters of the past funded our education. Now it’s our turn to ensure funding for the youth in our community.

- Mike Hutchinson is executive vice president of the PHX East Valley Partnership. He is also the co-chair of Yes for Mesa Schools and the spouse of a Mesa school board member. Erin Eccleston She is the vice president of community engagement with Expect More Arizona, a statewide nonproﬁt, nonpartisan education advocacy organization. Information: ExpectMoreArizona.org/vote.

Too much disinformation surrounds airport expansion BY MARTY LANDA Guest Writer

There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the proposed expansion of a runway at the Chandler Municipal Airport. Much of the information surrounding this issue has been inaccurate and misleading. The residents of Chandler deserve to get a more balanced view of the facts surrounding this issue. Like most airports that start out in rural areas, Chandler Airport now finds itself surrounded by homes and businesses. The airport runway has been extended several times in the past. In the 1970s, the main runway was extended 1,200 feet. In 1983, the main runway was extended by an additional

600 feet. In 1994 a new runway was built to a length of 4,850 feet. Airport renovations are paid for with 91 percent of the cost is paid by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Arizona Department of Transportation pays 4.53 percent and the residents of Chandler pick up the remaining 4.47 percent. Some opponents have suggested the airport should be shut down, but they may not be aware that doing so would be disastrous for Chandler. If the airport was closed the taxpayers of Chandler would be on the hook for millions of dollars. All the grant money the city has received from the FAA to this point would have to be returned. Every few years an Airport Master Plan is created and must be approved by the FAA. These plans provide guidance

in prioritizing improvements to be made to the airport. Voters must approve these suggested improvements and in 2000 and 2007 the voters voted down the runway extension proposals. While the bond initiatives did fail, they lost by only a slim margin both times. The reason they were defeated may come down to a misunderstanding of what the runway extension will do. Arguments against the proposed runway extension fell into the following three categories: safety, air pollution and noise pollution. The first safety concern expressed a fear that because jets will be able to take off with a full load of fuel all yearround. If the runway was extended, they might crash into the shopping center at Germann and Gilbert roads

which is almost in the flight path from the airport. There has never been such an incident before and is unlikely to happen in the future. Jets have been taking off and landing at the airport for several decades. Chandler Municipal Airport is an ARC (Airport Reference Code) C classified facility. You’ll never see a Boeing 737 landing there. The largest jets it can handle are business class jets, the same type that currently lands there. The difference that the runway extension will make will be to allow those aircraft to takeoff with a heavier load of fuel and or passengers and cargo all year around. During the hotter months, some of these planes will take on less fuel or See

AIRPORT on page 39

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AIRPORT

from page 38

fewer passengers so they can safely takeoff on the current runway. In some cases, aircraft insurance policies prohibit their customers from using a runway less than 5,700 feet in length at any time. Pilots must follow a strict set of guidelines in order to safely operate their aircraft. They calculate the weight of the aircraft and balance it against conditions such as temperature and airport elevation. They’re responsible professionals. That’s the main reason air transportation is considered the safest mode of transportation. It’s this balance of risk that allows us to get into our cars each day knowing that we could get into a serious accident. Sky Harbor is also surrounded by homes and shopping centers and much heavier aircraft come and go from that airport without incident. Air pollution is something we should always be concerned about. Newer cars and aircraft are almost always cleaner than the machines they replace. It’s a misconception to think that if an airplane can’t land at Chandler Airport it won’t fly so, therefore it won’t pollute. On any given day many airplanes transverse the skies over our city. The majority, much larger than can land at our airport. We’re affected by their exhaust as well as their nose. We basically breathe the same air as our brothers and sisters in Mesa and Phoenix. Every airport in the world must deal with noise complaints. The Convention on International Civil Aviation has defined a method of rating the external sound level of each make and model of aircraft. T

Chandler Municipal Airport (Special to the San Tan Sun News)

his rating system was adopted as part 36 of the US Federal Aviation Regulations. It defines noise levels in three categories, takeoff, overflight and landing events expressed as an effective perceived noise in decibels value. In almost every case, the landing rating for aircraft is higher than for takeoff. Some proponents of the runway addition suggest that pilots won’t be forced to rev their engines as much because of the longer runway. While this may be the case, in practical terms, it will only make a difference to those that happen to be on the airport grounds at the time. Because aircraft spend more time at lower altitudes when on approach, more people in the surrounding areas are affected. The best source of information on noise that affects the area surrounding

the airport is noise complaints. After all, it’s coming from those most affected. In 2008, when the last official noise study was conducted, there were a total of 202 noise complaints and 52 percent involved helicopter noise. Since helicopters don’t use runways, the expansion of the runway won’t have any effect on them in any way. In that same year complaints about jet noise were 4 percent of the total. Jet noise is the category of most concern when it comes to the runway expansion. In 2018 there were a total of 198 noise complaints with complaints about helicopters down to 40 percent of the total and jets at less than 2 percent. By far, the majority of noise complaints center around propellerdriven airplanes and helicopters. The runway expansion will have no impact on these two categories as far as noise

OPINION

complaints. Chandler Arizona lies at the heart of the “silicone desert.” We’re host to facilities owned by prominent firms such as Intel, Northrop Grumman, Microchip and Avnet to name just a few. These companies provide thousands of jobs and tax revenue which enriches our community in many ways. The people working at and visiting these companies stay at our hotels, frequent our restaurants and shop at our stores. Many of these companies have their own corporate jets that help them conduct business more conveniently. In some cases, these companies are forced to use other airports such as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway or Sky Harbor. They’d much rather land closer to their facilities. If they land and takeoff from Chandler Municipal Airport, there’s a much greater chance that they’ll stay at our hotels, eat at our restaurants and shop at our stores. The lack of an additional 830 feet of runway prevents them from doing that. A new airport master plan assessment will be worked on soon. It is likely to once again recommend that the runway be extended to 5,700 feet. We should rely on scientific analysis rather than emotional supposition to come to a discussion on whether to allow it or not. The airport produces revenue which extends well beyond the airport property. It should be looked at as an investment, an investment in which we pay a very small portion of the cost but reap all the benefits. The residents of Chandler may get another opportunity to vote on this in the future. Let’s get it right!

Online reviews are integral to a business’ success BY KEN CHAN Guest Writer

When it comes to sales, we often make purchasing decisions based on what others are saying. On social media, people are saying a lot. In my refurbished computer business, The Mighty PC, we work with B2B clients and consumers and have built sixfigure sales through online reviews and testimonials. With the popularity of Facebook, LinkedIn and other platforms, creating “Social Influence” through recommendations has never been more powerful for attracting new customers. If you see an establishment with 100 or more positive reviews you may decide to go there – no questions asked. Why? As a whole, says Cialdini, people tend to match the group’s behavior and make choices based on what our peers say or believe in. Just like the restaurant example, more people are looking at social sites to guide their purchasing decisions. If your business doesn’t have a presence on these online platforms you are most

likely missing out on new business. For our company, we initially created sales posts on Craigslist then transitioned to Facebook to establish a business page and solicit recommendations. We also actively seek testimonials on LinkedIn to appeal to potential corporate clients. Review sites like Yelp are very effective for brick and mortar businesses, but we found that for our

direct sales model it’s not necessary – although it might be useful for yours. Hire a social media expert, if needed. The beauty of social media is that there is no charge (at least for now) to establish an account. If you’re one of the few businesses not on social media, it’s important to note that some platforms are more suited for certain types of companies. Make sure to investigate the ones most

effective for your type of product or service. How to get reviews? Ask! Contact happy clients, even former ones, and ask them to recommend your business. You need to always actively seek reviews. This is a numbers game. You can even contact strategic business partners and offer to provide a review of their company in exchange for a review of yours. Note: Always be authentic and only endorse companies that you have successfully worked with. Readers can often tell if a review is not genuine. If your business is on social media but you have no or few reviews, this can be a flag to potential customers. They may decide to pass your business by for a company that has a more established presence. Make it a goal to obtain 20-50 reviews to start with and build it from there. If you currently have well-written recommendations from reliable sources in the community, you may be able to get by with a lesser amount of reviews. Keep focused on building your reviews which, in turn, will help you build relationships, trust and sales. - Ken Chan is coowner of The Mighty PC and Future Kiddie in Chandler

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Hamilton thespians working hard on ‘Frozen Jr.’ SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The 22 year theater and director veteran at Hamilton High, Christina Vail, said there’s a simple reason she chose the Disney musical “Frozen Jr.” for the students’ next big show. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to connect with the community,” she said, as she, the cast and the crew spend the final weeks before the show, Nov. 1-2 and Nov. 7-8, at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 2. And Vail brings years of experience, in both community and professional theater companies, to bear on the production, which is in rehearsal, since Aug. 19 and commands a great deal of work not only by the student thespians but the crew as well. The latter is busy getting down the technical requirements, making costumes and creating a magical set – all on a tight budget. “The technical requirements are intense,” said Vail, who holds masters degrees in curriculum and development as well as in theater production and design. “We are trying to make it look like magic is happening on the stage on a high school budget.”

Rehearsing a dramatic scene from Hamilton High School’s upcoming production of “Frozen Jr.” are, from left, Garrett Lindsey, Quincy Cowans, Matthew Hermann, Melanie Harvill, Jana Dragovic, Jamie Baumgartner, Raven Harris, Jacob Blair, Ty Humphrey, Colby Raskin and Donovan Bowling. (Kimberly Carrillo/Contributor)

Vail, who was drawn to theater because she saw it as “an opportunity for camaraderie and self-expression,”

said the Hamilton stagecraft class is providing the muscle for the costumes and set design.

As for the actors and actresses, Vail promises they will bring to the audience See

FROZEN on page 44

Area roller derby team empowers women BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

First rule of Jacqui Ellzey’s roller derby club – no one talks about the club. Anyone wishing to watch her club practice must have prior authorization from Ellzey. No one’s allowed to reveal to outsiders when and where they meet up. “It’s kind of a secret,” Ellzey joked. The secretiveness is not for security reasons, she said. The skaters are actually paying homage to “Fight Club,” the 1999 film about an underground group of brawlers who turn into anarchists. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton keep their club’s violent duels hidden by instructing members to never mention them to the outside world. Ellzey’s league of players has shirts copying the “Fight Club” insignia and one of their teams was called Project Mayhem, the codename for societal destruction used in the movie. But there’s a notable difference with the fight club of David Fincher’s film: it didn’t have any women. Ellzey’s league of all-female skaters is all about sisterhood and giving women a chance to grow as talented athletes. “That was the goal I had set when I started the league – to find something that is empowering to women – women to accept who they are,” she said. The Arizona Skate Club formed a

Jacqui Ellzey, above, tries a high five as she skates during practice while in the photo on the right, Jocelyn Lee jumps over Bobie Souvannarinh, who tumbled during a spin around the rink. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

couple years ago and consists of 16 skaters who range in age from 17 to 54. Some have been skating for several years; others are more of a novice to the skating rink. They come from Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Queen Creek. Ellzey said her goal is to have the league represent every community in the East Valley; all she needs is someone from Ahwatukee.

It’s a goal-oriented league, meaning Ellzey expects players to put in the work to make themselves better competitors. “This is not just a hobby,” Ellzey said. “This is something that can build strong athletes to achieve anything that they put their heart to.” Roller derby dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, when it evolved from a skating race to a physical competition. The sport consists of two teams

skating around an oval-shaped rink and blocking one member of the opposing team from passing them. Derby quickly became a spectacle as audiences flocked to see skaters crash, fall and collide into each other. The game earned more legitimacy over the decades as leagues started setting more rules and regulations. See

DERBY on page 45

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Dunk for pumpkins

Oct. 26, is National Pumpkin Day and to celebrate Chandler Aquatics is turning Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center into a floating pumpkin patch. The pool will be heated and filled with nearly 1,000 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Carve out some family time from noon to 2 p.m., to pick your perfect pumpkin.“Arizona may be the only place in the country where it’s hot enough to wear flip flops and tank tops to the pumpkin patch, especially if it’s floating,” said Tiffanie Hawkins, spokeswoman for Chandler Aquatics. “We’ll also have ghoulish games like Pumpkin Putting, Wicked Witch Ring Toss and Ghostly Bean Bag Toss for everyone to enjoy.” Daily admission rates apply and include the opportunity to participate in the floating pumpkin patch, crafts and on-deck activities. Arizona Aquatics Club and Autumn Harvest are helping the city put on the event. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center is located at 5901 S. Hillcrest Drive, Chandler. Information: 480-782-2750 or chandleraz.gov/events/pumpkin-dunk.

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Eastmark resident Kylie Digges has prepared a book that could stump all but the most rabid fans of the TV series “Friends.” It’s loaded with questions aimed at sparking convivial trivia competitions among friends with over 600 questions about everything from the the characters to plot lines. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

Mesa woman pens trivia homage to ‘Friends’ BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

If you don’t know who Joey, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe, Ross and Monica are, you probably have never met Kylie Digges. The Eastmark resident and Gilbert native knows more about the central sextet of characters from the longrunning TV series ‘Friends’ than you could ever imagine. Digges, who is the editor of ASU Now, part of the Arizona State University media relations team, has written a trivia book about the series

loaded with 600 questions that will test the mettle of even the most bingeworthy fan of the show. Which is something when you consider that Digges, 38, was only 13 when “Friends” debuted. For the uninitiated, “Friends” followed the antics of the six residents of the same Manhattan complex in halfhour weekly segments for a decade as they went through their 20s and a good chunk of their 30s. Romance, heartbreak and just the challenges of life in the Big Apple were See

TRIVIA on page 42

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TRIVIA

from page 41

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

underlying themes, though Digges likely would argue there are far more. The Gilbert High grad, who arrived in Arizona from Minnesota with her family the year before “Friends” started its impressive run, finished the trivia book in about five months and considers it both a cultural achievement and a bit of a bragging right. “’Friends’” is my all-time favorite TV show,” she explained. “Then my younger brother, Trent, and I often play ‘Friends’themed trivia nights and we usually win by a fair margin, so I felt like I had an expert-level knowledge base on this show and it was a good place to start to write a trivia book of my own.” Her 600-plus questions cover all 10 seasons, ranging from easy to difficult

as the reader moves through the book. In between season-based sections are themed chapters with sets of questions about the show’s twosomes, sections covering its many romances, and quizzes about recurring themes. “Each chapter ends with a ‘quotable’ where you have to finish a set of dialogue with the punchline,” Digges added. “And at the end, there are three expert-level quizzes for true die-hards.” Digges said the show “was definitely appointment viewing for me.” “Before TV shows on DVD were a thing, I taped the whole show, at the time six seasons, from syndication on VHS and then created dubbed versions with every episode in order to give to my family as Christmas gifts,” she said, adding: “Alas, the DVD sets were released about a year after I completed that project. I have since purchased all 10 sets.” She’s not shy about how much of her

life has been consumed by watching the show, either, noting, “They say it take 1,000 hours to become an expert on something. With ‘Friends,’ I’m pretty sure I’m there.” But she has her reasons, explaining “these characters and the dynamic of that cast were just lightning in a bottle, and the story of figuring yourself out in your 20s and 30s with the help of your chosen family – your friends – is so universal.” “The main thing for me though is that the funny just holds up: the oneliners, the running gags, and especially the physical comedy, which I think doesn’t get enough credit. I’ve seen Ross try to get his leather pants back on a dozen or more times, and it’s never not funny,” Digges said. The character she identifies the most with is the somewhat fussy Monica, explaining “I’m a perfectionist, a bit of a

neat freak and I’m pretty competitive.” The book, available on amazon.com or on Digges’ website, brainwavetrivia. com. She believes her book will “help spark lively game nights for people.” “One of my favorite things to do is play trivia with my friends and family, so if this book is a tool for people to do that, I’m happy,” she said. “I laughed a lot while writing this book, because the show is filled with so many hilarious moments and lines, and every question reminds you of those jokes. I hope it does that for other people as well.” And you haven’t heard the last of Digges either. She is hard at work on another trivia book about another popular dramedy, the HBO show “Sex and the City,” which is coming out in November. After that, she’s taking on “Scrubs.”

Retiring Chandler assistant chief left long legacy his personnel, work with his personnel to reach their goals and harbor a sense of personal pride and spirit within the Chandler Police Department,” the spokesman said. He developed mobile field

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A well-respected top official in the Chandler Police Department retired after 25 years of serving the city. Assistant Chief Jason Zdilla left a legacy that will last for years, not just within the department but in the community as well. A 1994 police academy graduate, Zdilla’s accomplishments are legnthy and legendary. “Because of Jason’s vision, the Chandler Police Department Computer Forensic Unit is an elite unit, recognized statewide and one that other agencies routinely reach out to in order to assist them with their investigations,” a department spokesman said. As an officer. he worked in patrol, field training unit and as a general instructor. In 1998, Jason Zdilla was assigned to the criminal investigations bureau as a detective in the financial crimes unit, where he started blazing a notable career in law enforcement. He was the first detective in the department’s history to be certified as a computer forensic examiner by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. He then developed the department’s computer forensic capabilities, training officers and earning recognition for his

During this time, he also expanded his training ideas on active shooter responses with school districts, city employees and various businesses. With his promotion in 2014 to commander, Zdilla led the professional

Because of Jason’s vision, the Chandler Police Department “ Computer Forensic Unit is an elite unit, recognized statewide, and one that other agencies routinely reach out to in order to assist them with their investigations. – Chandler Police spokesman

”

Assistant Chandler Police Chief Jason Zdilla recently retired after a 25-year career. (Chandler Police)

work in computer forensics by many local and national organizations. In 2001, Zdilla was promoted to sergeant and supervised units in the field operations division, criminal intelligence and training unit. “Jason puts a personal touch on supervision and was known to motivate

force training for the department and instructed courses in firearms, leadership, active shooter response, investigations and mentoring. Promoted to lieutenant in 2007, he was a shift commander and supervised the field training officer team, bike team and special operations. It was also during his service in this position where countless citizens were impacted by his work since he developed, planned and commanded the department’s coverage of special events. Chandler’s Ostrich Festival, 4th of July Celebration and the Christmas Parade/ Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Celebration all bore the stamp of his leadership.

services division, which includes communications, records and property/evidence, police information technology and the crime laboratory. He also served as the department’s Executive Officer, managing projects from the chief. Promoted in 2015 to assistant chief, Zdilla left “a distinguished legacy with the men and women of the Chandler Police Department,” the spokesman said, noting: “Throughout Jason’s career, his focus and was consistent in developing personnel, mentoring, and serving the citizens of Chandler to the best of his ability.”

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Protecting our children within our community BY SUSAN BARLOW Guest Writer

Despite being a part of an outstanding East Valley community, human sex trafficking and other abusive environments is a danger children and young adults in our community must confront. Fortunately, Starbright Foundation is making an impact through education and awareness to prevent these horrific crimes, while also supporting those who have already been victimized. Starbright Foundation is a local nonprofit with a mission to rescue survivors of sexual, cultic, ritual, clergy, sex trafficking, incest, physical and mental abuse. Their goal is to build safe houses providing safety to endangered children in a family environment. They provide crisis counseling, trauma recovery programs and education for survivors. Starbright Foundation promotes awareness of the crimes against children from human sex trafficking, pornography, exploitation and child abuse, causing human suffering within our communities and nation through our education and training programs. These programs are offered for free to the community and service groups. Starbright Foundation was the recipient of a $6400 donation from the 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun East Valley group.

To schedule a training please email: mystarbright77@yahoo. com If you or a loved one needs help being rescued or healed from one of these crimes, visit starbrightfoundation.org. There are volunteer opportunities and other ways you can be a part of the solution. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun is a group of like-minded, passionate women who want to connect to one another and to their communities. The ladies are leveraging their resources so their small quarterly gifts of $100 per member add up to a significant donation to a local charity. Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun has donated over $443,000 to local nonprofits. At the Starbright check presentation were, from left, Colleen Kernaghan, a Starbright staffer whose name is withheld, The chapter is composed Leann Landberg and Trenna Farrell. (Special to SanTan Sun News) of three sister groups in the East Valley, Ahwatukee and our children, parents, schools, teachers, With the help of 100+ Women Scottsdale. churches and law enforcement to Who Care, Starbright will be using The next giving circle on Nov. 7 at JC’s be educated and trained on issues the donation to fund the training and Steakhouse, 25 E. Ray Road, Gilbert. Social surrounding sex trafficking prevention, education programs they offer. hour is 5:30-6:30 p.m. and the meeting dangers of social media, cell phones, Together, we have the power to begins at 6:30 p.m. video games and chat rooms for protect our children. children and young adults. Starbright urges everyone including Information: 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

On left, Garrett Lindsey and Raven Harris rehearse while the center photo shows Garrett taking center stage as he belts out a tune from “Frozen Jr.” On the right, Isabel Aksamit consoles Kristiana Corona during a scene. (Kimberly Carrillo/Contributor)

FROZEN

from page 40

“an entertaining performance that reminds them of the movie but gives them some new aspects to the story.” The show is all the more challenging for Vail as a director because, while many students have returned this year from being in the performing arts program last year, “four of the five largest parts went to students that are brand new to our musical cast.” Vail also is the theater and technical sponsor of the Urban Lemmings

Improvisation Team Club and the schools’ speech and debate club. “Frozen Jr.” tells a story of true love and acceptance between sisters. It expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Admission is $7 for presale at the Hamilton Bookstore and $10 at the door. Choreography is directed by Daniel Milbauer and vocal director is Vance Acker. The large cast includes Jessica Wastchak, Raven Harris, Jaide

Montefour, Karisma Kim, Carolina Peralta, John Ormsby, Austin Lee, Colby Raskin, Ty Humphrey, Quincy Cowans, Isabel Alsamit, Samantha Crandall, Nicholas Moriarity, Jacob Blair, Nick Jefferson, Matthew Hermann and Lauren Craig. Also performing are cast members Aryan Eksambe, Kristiana Corona, Xavier Valdez, Garrett Lindsey, Griffen McClendon, Jamie Baumegarther, Donovan Bowling, Alyse Negroni, Ellie Barker, Melanie Harvill, Shreya Tripathi, Sanjana Ramakrishnan, Neela Bullock, Nyjah Saddler, Justin Yi, Lindsay Dussault, Nathan Cowan, Alyssa Fabio, Tabitha Graf, Jana Dragovic and Emma Brown.

Stage management is under Reiley Nymeyer and Sophie AprotosaoieKardos. The crew includes Abby Flanigan, Noah Halcomb, Nick Hemersbach, Cameron Longtin, Rylan Cox, Andrea Flores-Pena, Jay Domadia, Taylor Wickham, Annabell Gambino, Arthur Huynh, Conner Onishi, Aiden Fry, Cole Kimball, Tabby Graf, Cole Tacey, Haley Kavanagh, Lincoln Johnson, Alex Price, Tyson Schmidt and Dylan Crespo. The crew also includes Griffen McClendon, Makenzie Williams, Izzy Viker, Robert Rangel, Maxine Kruse, Jesse Kidd and Lindsey Pham.

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DERBY

from page 40

Hundreds of roller derby leagues currently compete all over the world. Ellzey said she hadn’t been very athletic growing due to asthma and hadn’t thought of taking up a sport. But around 2006, a friend encouraged her to consider roller derby. At this time in her life, Ellzey said she was suffering from low self-esteem after escaping an abusive marriage. “I didn’t like myself,” she recalled, “I just had no self-respect.” But the regimen of roller derby slowly started to build up her confidence over the years – to the point where she’s taking control with her own league and running the show. And Ellzey’s seen other skaters go through the same transformation. “These women really, really grow into becoming strong, confident women,” Ellzey said. “It’s extremely therapeutic.” Bethany Wray was suffering from stress-related seizures before she put on a pair of skates and joined Ellzey’s league about a year ago. The 23-year-old Gilbert woman said her husband nearly died in a severe accident and the trauma of it had started to impact Wray’s own health. She was encouraged to find an outlet for her stress and that’s when derby came into her life. The sport was unlike any of the others Wray played growing up – it’s a constant momentum of physical

Todd Ellzey practices at roller derby with plenty of protection since spills while skating can result in some serious injuries. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

contact with other people. If a skater busts a competitor’s nose, Wray noticed there were no hurt feelings between the players. It wasn’t long before derby made Wray let go of the dread she’d been carrying since her husband’s accident. “I never quite came back from that until I was able to do derby,” Wray said.

The East Valley league encourages members to focus on form before speed. During a practice at basketball courts in Mesa, the skaters could be seen sliding and skidding across the concrete. Ellzey said the players must learn how to fall down skillfully, so if they stumble during a match, their body knows how

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to react. Skaters protect themselves with lots of padding, helmets and mouth guards. But injuries are still known to happen. Amber Staab once tore a ligament in her knee during a match, which benched her from competing in the rink for several months. The 32-year-old flight attendant from Chandler said as soon as the pain was gone, she was itching to get back to derby. “It’s like going to church for me,” Staab said. As someone who works in customer service, Staab enjoys having a place where she can release some aggression and not be

punished for it. “It’s the best way you can hit someone and not go to jail,” she joked. The Arizona Skate Club will be holding a match on Oct. 26 at the Barney Family Sports Complex in Queen Creek. Pre-sale tickets cost $10 and the game starts at 6 p.m.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Mesa’s JesterZ Improv class not just for laughs BY GLENN SWAIN Contributor

Ten people sit in a semicircle at JesterZ Improv Theater in Mesa, listening intently to owner and improv professional Jef Rawls caution them about the critical voice within. “Don’t let your inner saboteur write rules that are not there,” Rawls says. The group has signed up for JesterZ’s eight-week Level 1 improv class. The course is designed to teach basic improvisational skills through different exercises and games. At the end of the eight weeks, students perform a showcase in front of a JesterZ audience. JesterZ has four levels of ascending classes. The Level 1 class is a diverse mixture of young and older students consisting of teachers, a restaurant worker, an IT specialist, a heating and air professional, an empty nester, a 17-year-old who celebrated her birthday at JesterZ, and a high school junior. Each has a specific reason for taking the class. For some, it is a desire to step out of their comfort zone. Others say that while they feel relaxed communicating with family and friends, they are nervous and introverted around strangers. Two admit interest in improv after attending a JesterZ show. While a handful of improv

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JesterZ Improv Theater owner Jef Rawls, left, watches his students perform. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)

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professional actor for 23 years. “Some are held back in social situations by fear of being judged by others, or they feel they don’t know what to say. “The skills learned in improv training help people conquer those fears and make them better conversationalists,” he added. “We can bolster someone’s voice to stand up and share in front of an audience. My goal is to provide tools to assist students in being awesome.” “I watched an improv show and saw where you really had to step out there and be vulnerable,” explained dietician and culinary chef Michele Redmond, who took her first improv class a year ago. “I started taking the classes to get over this self-talk I had about being See

JESTERZ on page 47

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

NEIGHBORS

Gilbert couple fighting cystic fibrosis with fun event BY HAYLEY LORENZEN Staff Writer

When he was just a week old, Knox Bowyer of Gilbert was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis; three days later, he began treatment at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Now almost 3 years old, Knox is continuing to fight cystic fibrosis, while his mom is fighting for more awareness of the disease. Last year, Kylie Bowyer, Knox’s mom and a longtime Gilbert resident, founded The Bowyer Battle and now the nonprofit organized a Party for the Cause to spread awareness and raise money for – cystic fibrosis research. The Party for the Cause will be 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, in the Big Surf parking lot 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe. Admission is free and there plenty of fun for young and old alike. But the cause is a serious one. Bowyer was born and raised in Gilbert and attended Highland High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, now husband Jake. The couple also has a 5-year-old daughter. “As a parent, you dream of this life you want to have with your family and all the things you want your child to be able to accomplish,” Bowyer said. “I don’t think you expect for that to be shattered at such a quick rate,” she explained. “But for us, with Knox only being 7 days old, it felt as though all of those dreams just came tumbling down. And we didn’t really know what the next day, or the day after that, was going to look like.” The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation defines the disease as, “a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to

JESTERZ

from page 46

judged. I was holding myself back because I was judging myself. I feel more connected with people than I ever did before,” she added. Improv differs from standup comedy. Standup comedians perform a rehearsed set of jokes and stories. Improv is live performances where characters and plots are created on the spot with no script or preplanning. At JesterZ, audience members suggest different storylines and character names to the performers, who then act out the situation in the moment. JesterZ instructors only teach and promote clean comedy. Rawls believes improv is learning the art of reacting to others and listening with the eyes and responding to another’s body language. “Improv exaggerates reality,” he said. “There is comedy within truth, and truth comes from reality. To be funny, there has to be some foundation in truth so an audience can understand and relate to it. The trick of improv is to explore reality, then play with it.”

Kylie and Jake Bowyer have two children, Remington, 5, and Knox, 3. Knox is struggling to live with cystic fibrosis and Kylie has founded a support foundation, The Bowyer Battle. Information: thebowyerbattle.org. (Contributor)

breathe over time.” It also affects the pancreas through a “buildup of mucus that prevents the release of digestive enzymes to help the body absorb food and key nutrients. As a result, malnutrition and poor growth” can develop. Knox has to take almost 40 pills just to be able to eat and has at least two hours of treatments every day. Yet, his mother said, “You’d never know he was sick. He’s like the happiest, most active child.” The family spends an average of $1,000 every month on Knox’s medical care, which Bowyer said will continue to rise as he requires more medications and changes to his daily routine. “Cystic fibrosis is known to be one of the most expensive diseases to care for because there’s never a reprieve, there’s Pairing the students in dyads, Rawls led them in a game where one pretends to hold a large basket while their partner reaches in to pull out imaginary items and then names them as quickly as possible. The exercise is designed to activate idea flow. “The more you can get ideas out without hesitation and self-criticizing, the better,” Rawls says. “When you’re able to pull many ideas at once, you have more choices to make better decisions. “And, what works in improv works in everyday life,” he continued. “You can take that same process and use it in business and in solving problems.” Rawls said improv teaches students how to be a “yes, and…” person, which opens them up to exploring options. “The fundamentals of ‘Yes, and’ are noticing another person’s idea has merit no matter how much we may disagree with it in the moment,” he explained. “That works on stage and in life. Being a ‘yes, and’ person opens up communication and collaboration.” - Information: 480-423-0120, jesterzimprov.com.

never a cure,” she said. After her son’s diagnosis, Bowyer and her family got involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and helped raise money to support research. Eventually, Bowyer explained, as they began to meet and connect with more families in the cystic fibrosis community in Arizona, they realized there is a gap in much needed resources. “We just felt like as a family the best way to fight this disease and stay positive was to found The Bowyer Battle foundation. Our main mission is to offer education scholarships to children living with CF to go to college,” she said. The Bowyer Battle was officially founded in 2018. Since its founding, Bowyer has organized several events to raise money and awareness for the disease.

Another goal of The Bowyer Battle is to “adopt” a family in the Arizona cystic fibrosis community who is in need during the holiday season Last year, Bowyer said they were able to take care of around $6,000 worth of medical expenses for a family and helped them celebrate the holidays. “We took Santa to see their daughter, it was amazing,” Bowyer said. “So that is something that we plan to be a part of in the community, is every Christmas adopt a family that is in need due to medical hardship; whether that be children being admitted into the hospital, parents being out of work because their taking care of their children, whatever that may be,” she added. Last year’s big fundraising event was a little bit smaller than this year’s event, described as “just a cornhole tournament.” That cornhole tournament ended up raising $17,000 for cystic fibrosis research in just one day. This year’s Party for the Cause will again have a cornhole tournament, but Bowyer said there will be lots of other kinds of fun for the family. Admission is free, as well as several of the children’s activities. Most of the funds raised come from the silent auction. The cornhole tournament costs $85 a person and the top three teams will win cash. Guests can also enjoy two food trucks, a soda truck and a tap beer truck. “As of right now, with us being so new, that’s really the only way for us to get our name out, and try and get people to know who we are, and come out and support us, and fall in love with our cause,” Bowyer said.

Halloween Spooktacular

Chandler’s annual Halloween Spooktacular brought out this family two years ago and plenty more likely will turn out for the 2019 version Oct. 25 5:30-8:30 p.m. in A.J. Chandler Park downtown. The free event will offer music, food and rink for purchase and lots of holiday fun. Highlights include: a costume contest broken into age categories at 6:15 p.m.; Trunk-or-Treat Corridor with more than 300 pounds of candy; carnival games with prizes and a dance party. AJ Chandler Park – Stage Plaza is at 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. Information: chandleraz.gov/spooktacular.

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Rotary program sends teens to faraway adventures APRIL MORGANROTH Staff Writer

A recent Mountain Pointe High School grad is among a number of Arizona teens learning to put service above others while experiencing the world. Tanner McDonald is part of Rotary International District 5495’s Youth Exchange program, which gives teens an opportunity to build peace and foster lifelong relationships with people around the globe. Tanner and the other students are overseas immersing themselves in a new culture, overcoming language barriers and learning to become independent leaders for their communities upon their return home. When asked to describe their experience in one word, exchange graduates use words such as “unbelievable,” “amazing,” “astounding” and “exciting.” District 5495 – which covers the northern half of Arizona – partners with other international Rotary Clubs and is sending Valley youth to places like throughout Europe, South America and Asia. Tanner, 18, said he is adjusting well in Belgium, though he misses his 3-year-old brother, driving his car and heading to In-N-Out Burger with his friends. He makes it a point to regularly

scoot around from cities like Bruges to Brussels, taking in all of what Belgium has to offer. Since he turned 18 before his departure, there were some restrictions as to where he could go on his Youth Exchange. His advice to other teens interested in the program is “apply early if you would prefer your first selection of countries.” But on the other hand, he liked the fact he experienced high school graduation first. “Graduate with your friends and classmates for the experience and then find a country that suits you, even if it’s not your first choice,” he said. The Rotary Youth Exchange program sends Tanner McDonald enjoys his time with his host family in Belgium as high school candidates 15-to part of his overseas experience through a Rotary Youth Exchange 18 on an ambassador-like program. (Special to SanTan Sun News) exchange experience to one of 27 possible countries. FaceTime with his kid brother to chase Donna Goetzenberger, a former away any feelings of homesickness. exchange student herself who is He said Belgium is a “very fascinating outbound chair for the Rotary program, and dense country filled with a rich said the selection process may be history, amazing food and hospitable rigorous, but ultimately it’s an enriching people.” experience for teens because they He loves using the train system to

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mature into independent, globallyminded men and women of the future. Students are selected based on interviews, courage, adaptability, grades and/or achievements, school and recommendations as well as interests in world affairs, cultures and languages. She encourages teens to not allow grades to be the deciding factor though students should be prepared to speak about their grades and classes they have taken. “We want to remind today’s youth about just how vitally important and powerful it is to have our future industry leaders – whether lawyers, bankers, journalists, or some other professional career - respect our international communities, for the benefit of our future as a community, state and nation,” Goetzenberger said. “Universities look favorably on the exchange experience, as evident by unusual maturity and drive in a college applicant,” Goetzenberger said, adding teens should “go, experience the world, take a gap year and come back with a new perspective. “Who knows? It might end up changing which career you come back to study at a university, but you just won’t know until you go.” Tanner said he and the other See

ROTARY on page 49

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ROTARY

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participants in the program are “unlocking their full and true potential” by developing lifelong leadership skills, learning new languages and cultures, building lasting relationships and becoming members of the global community. “Ultimately our Youth Exchange graduates return with a sense of self-confidence making them better equipped to handle college and life in our local, state, national and global communities,” Goetzenberger said. “These are the youth we want leading the charge of our tomorrow,” she added. The Rotary International exchange program began 90 years ago in Copenhagen when just a handful of students traveled abroad. During the 70s, it was formalized into its current form. Tanner went through the Tempe Rotary Club, since the Ahwatukee chapter dissolved years ago for lack of membership. District 5495 Inbound Chairwoman Machel Considine said she likes the program because it gives students a chance “to appreciate and understand another culture, become fluent in another language, develop lifelong international friendships and (learn to) make independent decisions.” The various Rotary clubs provide a stipend to cover all school fees, a monthly stipend as well as a students’ room and board.

Families are responsible for roundtrip airfare, medical insurance, travel documents like passports and any additional spending money to cover extra traveling a student wishes to experience above what the program already provides. District 5495 invests nine-months in preparing each student for his or her academic year abroad. Students who are selected attend Rotary meetings, receive counsel and support from Rotary Club members and participate in club activities. “The Youth Exchange program is affordable to students of all backgrounds and economic means,” Goetzenberger said. “We want to make sure every student interested in studying abroad has the opportunity to do so.” Applicants must be in their freshman, sophomore or junior year at time of application and willing to immerse themselves in a new culture for an entire academic year. They must have demonstrated leadership skills I school and their community, prepare to reside with two or three families when they’re abroad, be comfortable with limited contact with their family and friends back home and be prepared to learn the language and make new friends. The program is open to both Rotary members and non-members. The deadline to apply for the next full-year program is June 30 and Feb. 28 is the deadline to apply for a shorter summer program. Apply at rye5495.org/about.html.

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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Basha Gallery hosts a dazzling array of art BY SRIANTHI PERERA Contributor

More than a century ago, there weren’t any retailers for Pima Indian tribal members to obtain containers for daily use or for ceremonial purposes. So, using plant materials, they wove their own elaborate baskets, as did the Apache, Yavapai, Navajo and other tribes. To view some of the finest examples of basketry dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, as well as some contemporary pieces, head to the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery in south Chandler. The Eddie Basha Collection of Western American and American Indian Art encompasses more than 3,000 masterwork art pieces, of which approximately 500 are baskets. The gallery displays approximately 300 baskets at any given time while other baskets and collection artworks are loaned and exhibited at various museums and cultural institutions across the country. While the Eddie Basha collection is perhaps the largest privately-owned basket collection in Arizona, locally both the Huhugam Heritage Center and the Heard Museum have major basket collections. Substantial collections also can be found at the Amerind Museum in Dragoon, the Arizona State Museum in Tucson, the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff and the White

Basha, who passed away in 2013, had a discerning eye for art. He built the collection with purchases from artists directly, exhibitions, other collectors, dealers and galleries. The baskets, however, were most often purchased from dealers and other collectors and not directly from tribal members. Basha created a suitable environment to house, display and share the collection with the general public. The gallery, located within the Bashas’ Corporate Office, was renovated and extended a few times to yield its best use. There are three defined areas within the gallery. The first, adjacent to the lobby, houses the basket collection. The Yazzie gallery wall at the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery in South Chandler is home to a breathtaking array of sculptures. The second area is (Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery ) devoted to the Western American genre and it several grocery stores in Arizona, began Mountain Apache Cultural Center in houses a vast composite collecting art as a hobby during the 1970s of oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, Fort Apache. under the guidance of his Aunt Zelma. The late Chandler entrepreneur The hobby became a lifetime’s passion. Eddie Basha, Jr., whose family owns See on page 51

BASHA

Local surgeon chronicles his family’s immigration BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A few weeks after coming across the Arizona-Mexico border, 9-year-old Edgar Hernandez went to a Phoenix diner with his older brother Miguel. It was 1959 and the younger Hernandez was still acclimating to life in the United States after Miguel brought him over from their small Mexican town of La Mira. The brothers ordered some cheeseburgers and surveyed the restaurant. Hernandez watched Miguel confidently approach strangers in the diner, shaking their hands and making small talk. Some patrons were receptive to the friendly Hernandez; others tried to dissuade him from approaching their table. The older brother was not turned off by their rejection – he still smiled and made an introduction. It was always important for Miguel to make a positive impression on others, Hernandez recalled. He was sincere, generous and seemingly unafraid. Sixty years later, Hernandez is now a prominent surgeon in the East Valley and credits Miguel with shaping his

Chandler surgeon Dr. Edgar Hernandez holds one of the earlier books he has written that chronicle his family’s journey from Mexico to Arizona. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

worldview. “I recognize him as very legendary,” Hernandez said about his brother, who passed away in 1984. In between his commitments at Chandler Regional Medical Hospital, Hernandez has found time to chronicle his brother’s life in a new book titled “Miguel Hernandez Mystic: In Search of a Green Card Sponsor.”

There was almost something mystical about Miguel, the doctor said while explaining his book’s title; he could look deeply into someone’s eyes and peer into their soul. It’s Hernandez’s third book in the last few years about his family’s journey from Mexico to Arizona. His latest one is a tribute to his brother’s lifelong effort to help

migrants find jobs in America. “I really wanted to unveil the goodness that we immigrants have brought to our country and how the country has, in a sense, embraced us,” the doctor said. Hernandez said his brother assisted undocumented residents’ escape squalid living conditions by getting them green cards. “They were living in dumpsters, living in shacks,” Hernandez said. His brother approached businesses in Arizona and convinced them to sponsor immigrants for employment. Hernandez hopes readers will be inspired by Miguel’s life to do something similar to help others. “The message is to do something for those people in dire need,” the doctor said. Hernandez said he knew he wanted to be a surgeon the moment he watched his father perform a procedure on a dying man’s neck. He was a little boy living in a rural part of southern Mexico with his many siblings. As his father drained a stream of puss from the man’s large abscess, See

SURGEON on page 53

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

BASHA

from page 50

pastel and charcoal drawings, pen and inks, bronze, wood and natural stone sculptures. The majority of those pieces were completed by members of the Cowboy Artists of America. The last area is devoted to American Indian masterworks including paintings, mixed media, pastels, pottery, fetishes, jewelry, sculptures and katsina. A selection of instrumental music plays throughout the entire gallery space, creating a fitting atmosphere to view the collection. “This is a beautiful collection of baskets and a truly remarkable one,” said Tammy Fontaine, director of the gallery. “Eddie and his wife, Nadine, had learned during the 1980s that many of the baskets were being sold on the international market. “Jointly and from a preservation perspective, they embarked on acquiring baskets that were in great condition, had intricate patterns and design, and were primarily from tribal nations of the southwest, in particular, those from Arizona. Additionally, they were drawn to the organic nature of the materials used.” There are a few examples of the “Man in the Maze,” which

The late Eddie Basha had a keen eye for western art and the gallery is a stunning legacy to his passion for it. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

symbolicallydepictthe journey and the choices that confront us through “the maze” of life. Apache and Yavapai baskets depict human figures as well as wildlife seen in the deserts and mountains – such as deer, mountain sheep, elk, coyote tracks and snakes. Many of the Pima baskets have geometric designs. Some basket

The Clymer gallery alcove displays paintings depicting Native American life. (Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery )

forms are like trays, while others are in the shape of ollas, or pots. Ethnographic science studies art for insight into civilizations and cultures. Fontaine shared another perspective of one of the baskets depicting camels, not a common sight in the Southwest. This is a result of the United States cavalry’s nineteenth-century experiment of bringing camels to the desert, which, it thought, would be a better option than horses. “When that didn’t prove fruitful for them, they let the camels go. The (tribal) women would see the camels, and thusly wove them into their baskets and are now a permanent record of that part of Arizona’s history,” she said. Basket construction consists of narrowly coiled materials such as cattail, bear grass, and yucca and stitched with willow splints. Most were initially woven for utilitarian purposes: grain was stored inside them, ceremonial wine was served from them, games were played on them and stories were woven in them. Though baskets were primarily woven by women, men often participated in the difficult work. “Prior to accessibility to better tools and equipment and because the materials were so brittle, weavers would moisten them in their mouths in an effort to make them more pliable. Perilously, they would use their teeth to

split the raw materials often having the effect of having one’s teeth grounded down and enduring split tongues, lips and fingers,” Fontaine said. A photo of one of the weavers is displayed - portraying her with a few of the baskets contained in the collection. The director, who is one of two Bashas’ members that care for the collection, optimally displayed the baskets in rooms without direct sunlight, a preservation effort. They are displayed artistically as well. On two walls, they are dramatically displayed in diagonal lines, symbolic of thunderbolts. On others, exhibited straight across, reminiscent of mesas. Another area shows a circle-of-life arrangement. The value of the basket collection lies in its historical and cultural significance. At one time, basket weaving of this variety, intricacy and quality, almost became non-existent. Younger generations weren’t attracted to the painstaking efforts of gathering and weaving the rough materials. However, through recent Huhugam Heritage Center programming efforts on the Gila River Indian Reservation, a resurgence of interest in continuing the traditions of basket weaving that is promising though not without its challenges. Center staff and weavers alike must cultivate and propagate the materials that once grew naturally. Education and curatorial staff continue their work in identifying and attributing baskets to specific early weavers as well as studying their patterns, techniques and cultural relevance. While being stewards of the baskets and making them available for others to appreciate for as long as possible, the Basha family has another plan in the future. “When the time is right, the family will contribute some of the baskets back to their own tribes,” Fontaine said. - The Eddie Basha Collection of Western American and American Indian Art is at the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery, Bashas’ Corporate Office, 22402 S. Basha Road, Chandler. Entrance is free. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Details: 480-8955230 or eddiebashacollection.com

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Chandler Museum examines Pearl Harbor SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A traveling exhibit at the Chandler Museum captures the memories of those who witnessed the Pearl Harbor attack 78 years ago in Hawaii. “Infamy: December 7, 1941” has been brought to Chandler by the National WWII Museum and includes pictures and oral histories of the attack that killed 2,300 Americans. Named after the memorable words uttered by President Franklin Roosevelt, the exhibit is intended to educate visitors on the historical significance of that “day which will live in infamy.” “Pearl Harbor was a pivotal point in both American and world history,” said Larry Decuers, curator at the National WWII Museum. As European nations went to war to stop Adolf Hitler and the Axis powers, the United States tried to remain out of the conflict. But a surprise attack by Japanese aircraft bombers on a U.S. Naval fleet in Hawaii forced the country to reevaluate its position. “The unprovoked attack brought our previously isolationist nation into World War II and galvanized American citizens against a common enemy,” Decuers added. “The country would See

PEARL HARBOR on page 53

The images that are part of the Chandler Museum’s exhibit of photos and oral histories about the 1941 attack on Pearl harbor are a testament to the horror experienced by those were were involved as well as Americans back home. (Chandler Museum)

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

SURGEON

from page 50

Hernandez astutely observed from the corner of the room, taking mental notes of the process. Hernandez found his calling and dreamed of someday becoming a doctor in America. When his father died a short time later, Miguel came back to Mexico and offered to bring Edgar back with him to Arizona. Miguel wouldn’t be able to get all the necessary paperwork in time, so he’d have to find a way to bring Edgar back illegally. “It was one of the things he

PEARL HARBOR

from page 50

now need to confront tyrannical aggressors in order to secure freedom at home and around the globe.” Four Navy battleships were sunk during the attack, including the USS Arizona. The exhibit not only documents the attack on Hawaii, but it recounts the lesser-known, simultaneous attacks on Guam and the Philippines. The images displayed in the Pearl Harbor exhibit are intended to convey

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regretted most,” Hernandez remembered. The younger Hernandez learned enough English to persuade a guard at the border to let him pass so he could buy some grapes from a fruit stand. The plan worked and Miguel picked his little brother up, taking him back to Phoenix. Life was not initially glamorous, as the younger Hernandez spent his first year in America fearfully dodging immigration raids and avoiding deportation. “I know the feelings of being illegal because I lived that same life,” Hernandez said. He eventually obtained a green card, became a legal citizen and enrolled in

medical school. Even after becoming a licensed physician, Hernandez said he still sought the guidance and mentorship of his older brother. When a patient told Hernandez they wanted to be treated by an “American doctor” without a foreign accent, he went to Miguel for advice. The older Hernandez reminded Edgar he had a duty to put the health of his patient first, regardless of whatever social issues tried to get in the way. It was not long after this incident Miguel Hernandez died from an aneurysm. Edgar has gone to win humanitarian awards, work in big hospitals, and earn

the title of “Man of the Year” by the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation of Arizona. But he still feels his brother’s influence on him all these years later, as the doctor strives to follow Miguel’s teachings. Miguel encouraged everyone to challenge themselves, Hernandez said, and the doctor feels like he’s able to do that each day in the operating room. - Dr. Hernandez is in the process of writing a fourth book about his father. More information about his works can be found at dredgarhernandez.com.

the traumatized reactions of civilians as they quickly realized their country was at war. The National WWII Museum, based out of Louisiana, has more than 250,000 artifacts and 9,000 personal accounts related to a war that killed at least 70 million people. The Pearl Harbor exhibit will complement a current exhibit on display at the Chandler Museum that presents another dark chapter of WWII. “Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River,” has been on display in Chandler for several months and tells the stories of

Japanese-Americans forced to live in an internment camp near Chandler during the war. President Roosevelt signed an executive order in 1942, authorizing the relocation of thousands of JapaneseAmericans from the California coast to camps in the Arizona desert. The controversial decision was done amidst a hysteria sweeping the country that deemed people of Japanese ancestry as untrustworthy and treasonous. Jody Cargo, a Chandler Museum administrator, said the visiting Pearl Harbor exhibit nicely gives some

background on why JapaneseAmericans were targeted and interned. “This is a key part of the story covered in our current exhibit on Japanese internment, so it will be great to have the two exhibits on display side-by-side,” Cargo stated. The Chandler Museum opened in its present location about a year ago after several years of planning and development. - “Infamy” will be on display at the museum, located at 300 South Village Drive, until Nov. 24. Admission is free.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

Linda Cho dressing royalty in ‘Anastasia’ in museums Cho visited. It was educational for Cho. “What I found so delightful was the intimacy of this family who in their day would have been like gods,” Cho said. “But in their everyday life, he was a very shy man as was his wife. They preferred

BRIDGETTE REDMAN Contributor

Sometimes, when history is too terrible to be true, we create a fairy tale that allows us to dream and to hope. The musical coming through ASU Gammage later this month starts in the story of a revolution – and the family that was massacred so it could get its start. But it then creates the fairy tale from the rumors and dreams and con artists that followed. “Anastasia” is the Broadway musical of the Russian Revolution and the execution of the Romanovs. The show was a dream come true for Linda Cho, the Tony-winning costumer of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” who created create the more than 125 stunning gowns, uniforms, and period costumes from Moscow and Paris for “Anastasia.” “I like the scale and scope,” Cho said. “What we aspire to do as costume designers is to tell these magnificent stories. What’s great about ‘Anastasia’ or an epic opera is not only the scale of the show and the costumes, but the sweeping arc of the story. That’s what is exciting about these big projects.” Cho made her Broadway debut in 2013, designing the Edwardian costumes for “Gentleman’s Guide” that were

very Russian or very Parisian or very wealthy or very rustic.” Cho likes to work in layers and her creations are always textured to create a beautiful stage picture. One of her dresses weighs nearly 50 pounds. In the Broadway production, it had to be

have to choose and commit at the end of the day when there is “suchYoua great volume,” Cho said. “I got to pick my favorites—the greatest hits of the research. I chose whatever jumps out and helps me tell the story, what would read to the audience as either feeling very Russian or very Parisian or very wealthy or very rustic. – Linda Cho

”

Linda Cho loves making costumes for Broadway and other productions such as the upcoming “Anastasia” at ASU Gammage. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

impressive. Before that, Cho had a long career creating costumes for theater, dance and opera. Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia, was somewhat of an amateur photographer and many of photos he took of his family are preserved

the company of their immediate family. They functioned like a small, tight-knit family” Cho said there was an embarrassment of riches when it came to researching this show’s costumes because there is so much information about the late 1910s and the 1920s. “You have to choose and commit at the end of the day when there is such a great volume,” Cho said. “I got to pick my favorites—the greatest hits of the research. I chose whatever jumps out and helps me tell the story, what would read to the audience as either feeling

lifted by crane to the actor’s dressing room. More than 45 different types of jewels are sewn into it. She said the tsarina’s actual dress would have been covered in diamonds and pearls and cost close to $10 million. Her favorite costume was the black gown the dowager empress wears to the ballet in Paris. “It was a cross between a royal, imperial gown—the long train and the dust ruffle was reminiscent of the See

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tsarina—and the style of an older woman,” Cho said. After the research, Cho starts her design process with a black and white sketch on pencil and paper that she shares with the director. After getting notes, she goes back to color it. The dress is finished within a few days to a few years, depending on the project. She said she typically has a few years lead time with an opera and only a month for regional theater.å When the show was in previews, the director came to her and said that he thought they needed something else other than what was currently on stage. “So, I basically had 20 minutes to design it on paper,” Cho said. “We built it in three days. We had six people working on it, building it and we got it up in three days.” When designing the original costumes, changes were made to make the outfits more utilitarian and to assist in telling the story. For example, in the 1920s, the ideal figure was that of a teenage boy—slim hips and no breasts. But not all women are built that way. “Costume designers employ tricks when we look at period research,” Cho said. “I take the liberty of having the general feeling of that period, still retaining the drop waist, but having a more curvaceous silhouette and a fuller skirt.”

Elaborate costumes made by Tony-winning designer Linda Cho will be part of the thrill of watching “Anastasia” at ASU Gammage Oct. 29-Nov. 3. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Whenever an outfit is built, the costumer works with the actor to make sure it fits correctly. “The quality of the work—I have

to give credit to the dressmakers and stitchers and tailors,” Cho said. “That speaks to their skill and care and love for the art.”

- “Anastasia,” ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, asugammage.com, various times Oct. 29-Nov. 3, see website for ticket pricing.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | OCT 19 - NOV 1, 2019

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Prayer needed to replace “me” with “we” in society BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D.

Guest Writer

When did WE become ME? Think about it. I did as I was sitting at coffee listening to people discuss times gone by. It is a daily ritual when a group of us get together drinking a $3 cup of coffee, which at one time sold for 5cents. Looking back to the 1940s, in particular, 1941, it was one of the darkest times in the history of our country. World War II was a defining moment in our history and of the world. Those who lived through this nightmare can remember the sacrifices and the solidarity demonstrated by our fellow citizens. I remember the dimes collected each week in school until enough was accumulated to purchase a War Bond. The cost was $18.75 with redemption at $25.00 in seven years. We did not think about the value but rather the purpose – to aid in the eventual victory over evil. I remember the rallies to encourage our men and emphasize how proud we

were that the finest among us would ensure the finest lives for all of us. The Hollywood stars of the day opened their hearts and purses to symbolize the unity of purpose. The Hollywood Canteen and the USO allowed our soldiers, sailors, and airmen the opportunity to take a bit of home with them wherever they were sent. Who can forget the B29 bombers decorated with the likes of Betty Grable, or Lt. Jimmy Stewart waving

goodbye as he entered the nightmare of the unknown? All the famous people of the time lent their time, effort and fortunes as an indication of what America represented, not only to us but the whole world. The newsreels gave us an inside look into the horror of war. The newspapers listed the dead. Windows in our homes were draped with banners decorated with stars, one for those serving, and another for those who lost their lives. Patriotism is a word relegated to history, as is our fervor for justice and mercy. The WE demonstrated by a generation who understood the value of collective responsibility and pride has now become ME. From the walkways of Wall Street to the fortresses of opulence, we see extremes to which we have become accustomed. The obscene paychecks of athletes, to the corporate greed of accumulation, there is no longer the need of helping

those less fortunate. “I have mine, go get yours” is the new slogan of today’s generation. Sports are not played for the sport. Investments are not made for security. Education is not encouraged to enhance character. Law enforcement is now synonymous with distrust. Politics is not to govern, nor leadership to emulate. Can we again learn the value of pride? Is it possible to witness a return to civility? The inheritance given us by the past generations will be the model upon which we should make this country great again. Not rhetoric, but for example. Strength should be tempered with understanding. Justice should be administered with mercy. Try thinking of WE as we do when we pray. Because it is through prayer and the understanding of gratitude, that ME will be turned back into WE. Perhaps then we will see an even greater America. This will not be because we proclaim it, but rather because we act it. - Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish congregation.

Everyone has the opportunity to walk by faith in Jesus BY BILLY HOLLAND

Guest Writer

As just another messenger for God’s kingdom, I’m eternally grateful for the privilege to serve Him. We are living in an hour where the window of His grace is open and there is much to do before Christ returns. Basically, the intent of my writings is intended to inspire the reader to fill their lamps with oil and prepare their wedding gowns. This is another way of saying that I want people to know the Lord. How many individuals consider Christ as their first love and are filled with anticipation and excitement to meet Him in person? I’m not trying to imply that I understand any more than anyone else, in fact, the more I learn, the more I realize I do not know. I’m just simply convinced that everyone has the opportunity to walk by faith in Jesus if they so choose. One of the greatest revelations I’m still trying to comprehend is that anyone can live as close to the Almighty as they want. The question is, “How close do we want to be?” Actually, this is answered every moment by our own free-will. There have been times in my life when being a messenger was discouraging as it seemed that very few were interested. However, in these difficult times, the Lord has always graciously rekindled the joy and excitement in my heart and strengthened

my spirit to continue pressing forward. On many occasions, He has spoken to me in the middle of the night and I have awakened to write down the insight He wanted me to know. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “We do not write because we want to say something, we write because we have something to say.” There is a huge difference between our thoughts and what God wants us to relay. His Majesty’s order of communication is designed through carefully arranged divine appointments because God always has a plan and knows what it will take to accomplish it. We love God and accept the calling of a sower to spread His seeds of holy

truth. Without a burden for lost souls, we will not have an urgency to pray or care about evangelism. I’ve been reminded lately that we are accountable for what we believe. Some will say, “Of course we care what God thinks and what He wants,” which leads us to another question: “How much do we care?” In Luke chapter 12, Jesus tells a story about a landowner who is planning a long journey and leaves one of his most trusted servants in charge of his affairs while he is away. The owner returns unexpectedly and is very displeased to find the servant has neglected his work, was intoxicated and had even abused some of the other

servants. The punishment was decided according to what the servant knew along with his actions, as verse 48 relays so eloquently: “For to whomsoever much is given, of him much will be required.” Likewise, as we discover what God wants us to be, we are faced with deciding how far we will go and how much we will do. True, it’s not a popular subject, but every person will be held responsible for what they comprehended, accepted or refused. As we search for God’s desires and seek the meaning and purpose of our lives, we will find the Lord waiting and willing to teach and lead us into His infinite wisdom and understanding. We have heard the old saying, “We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.” This indicates that our personal views have much to do with our perception, interpretation, and decisions. These opinions, even when very sincere, mean very little because, in reality, we can be sincerely wrong. God is perfect wisdom and when it comes to serving Him, it will take a relentless commitment and perseverance as we can only embrace His absolute truth according to the level we are willing to obey Him. Today let us be encouraged as we consider that, “Anybody can, everybody won’t, but somebody will.” - Billy Holland is an ordained minister, Christian author, singer/songwriter, and a certified community chaplain. Reach him at billyhollandministries.com

FAITH

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