Phoenix Trotting Park demolished
By Casey Pritchard
Buckeye police chief talks about incident with autistic
A West Valley landmark has been reduced to rubble.
The Phoenix Trotting Park harness racing track in Goodyear was torn down last week, and now sits as a pile of concrete and rebar at the interchange of I-10 and Loop 303.
The track, which was built in 1964 and used for a little more than two years, has sat vacant since, but is seen as an iconic building by many Phoenicians, especially residents of the West Valley. Driving back from California, it was an indicator that you were almost to Phoenix.
“I’ve seen it going on the I-10 for years, and now it’s going to be gone,” Randy Bowland, 43, of Surprise said. “That’s the biggest thing everybody says, you’re almost home. It’s just different.”
Trotting Park was demolished for safety reasons, said Chaz Smith, senior vice president of Colliers International, which represents the Roles family and Citrus Commerce Centre LLC, the owners of the property. Recent news reports about Trotting Park have brought a lot of focus to it, Smith said.
“There has been a lot of trespassing on the property, active trespassing, and the numbers are pretty staggering,” Smith said.
“It has become an issue. I guess you could sit back and wait for it to die down. A year from now maybe people won’t be going out there on the property, but it’s doubtful.”
Mary Beck, 26, of Goodyear knows people who have trespassed on the property. When she was a student at Desert Edge High School, there was a ghost
hunting club that explored Trotting Park. A friend of hers was injured during a visit. “One of my friends fell down the elevator shaft,” Beck said. “She broke her arm and lost her shoes … it’s always been something kids come and (do), of course
Park...continued on page 3
Meals of Joy stresses senior nutrition
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Larry Cervarich was on a meal delivery route in Oregon when he was asked to give the client her food. Cervarich agreed.
He walked to the porch, and the woman slowly opened the door. What Cervarich saw was horrifying.
“There’s a lady, who’s probably 80,” he said. “The house was really dark. The shades were pulled. She looked so lonesome. She reached through the door and said, ‘Thank you,’ and shut the door.
“I stood there and I started to have tears in my eyes. The guy said, ‘It got to you, didn’t it?’ I couldn’t believe this was going
on in our world today.”
So a year ago, the now-Goodyear resident founded Meals of Joy, a Litchfield Park-based food delivery service that stresses the importance of seniors and nutrition. It services the West Valley only.
“Seniors are out there struggling. It doesn’t matter where you live,” said Cervarich, 78. “We’re supposed to be a rich state. People come down here to retire. Things change when someone loses their spouse, or there’s a financial crisis.”
To help raise money for the organization, Meals of Joy is hosting the Party of Joy
Masquerade Gala on Saturday, October 14, at the Wigwam. It starts at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, with dinner following at 7 p.m. Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord and businessman Don Mellon will be honored for their “tremendous impact on the community.” The event is black-tie optional, with prizes awarded for the best mask.”
“The event is one of our biggest of the year that keeps us really moving forward,” said Cervarich, whose charity doesn’t
The grandstand of the abandoned Phoenix Trotting Park in Goodyear during demolition. (West Valley View photo by Casey Pritchard.)
Buckeye police enhance training after incident
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Police Chief Larry Hall said he wishes a July incident with an autistic teen would have had a “different outcome” and disputed claims that his department doesn’t care about people with disabilities.
In an interview with the West Valley View, Hall said the Buckeye Police Department enhanced training in August after the widely reported incident in Verrado.
“We want to avoid something like this from happening in the future,” Hall said. “We’ll be better for it. We’re going to continue to train our officers so we can be better at identifying those things.”
According to Hall, officer David Grossman, a state-certified trainer in drug-use recognition, observed 14-year-old Connor Leibel alone in a park, moving his hand to his face. It appeared that Leibel was inhaling. Grossman asked Leibel what he was doing and, after a short conversation, the teen walked away from the officer.
“Within 20 seconds of contact, Connor goes to run from the officer,” Hall said. “The officer holds onto him and they fall to the ground. There’s no escalation of force at that point.”
The teen brushed against a tree, and sustained cuts to his back and arm. As the two were lying on the ground, the teen’s caretaker arrived and described Leibel is autistic.
When a second Buckeye officer arrived, the teenager was released and
allowed to sit next to his caretaker. Hall said Grossman’s tone softened and he had a “good connection” with the caretaker.
“There’s a lot of misinformation going out through social media,” Hall said. “It’s even gone as far as him being shot. In that specific case, Connor wasn’t even handcuffed.”
Hall said the department has taken steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. He and his staff are the lead for the West Valley Crisis Intervention Coalition, which trains officers on how to handle individuals in crisis, thanks to a recent grant. Hall added that the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix has offered to aid in training.
“We can do a better job in dealing with people with disabilities in the community,” Hall added about police organizations as a whole. “It’s our responsibility, as holders of the grant, to make sure other agencies benefit from this and the training. We understand how important that is. There’s a narrative out there that we don’t care about people with disabilities. That’s simply not true. It’s not accurate.”
Hall explained that there are hundreds of behavioral and psychological disorders, some of which mirror drug usage.
“In this case, the officer’s knowledge and experience dictated to him that this individual could be using inhalants. As he makes contact, we have the right and the responsibility to investigate further and make a determination to either
release or take other enforcement action.”
The Buckeye Police Department is in the process of implementing a voluntary registry of persons who suffer crises so officers will be familiar with folks they come across. This is directed toward those suffering from PTSD, dementia, Alzheimer’s or mental health issues. It would only be used within the department, and the public would not have access to it.
“It’s a voluntary registry for anyone who wants to be involved in this,” Hall said. “It’s not required. People go missing. They walk off into the neighborhoods. It would help our officers save time, if they have photographs and information.
“Some people have different view on that registration program because there’s already a stigma attached to disorders that someone may have. We’re not looking to put a scarlet letter on anyone in the community. We want to better serve the community. We’re not big brother, trying to track down anybody.”
Hall explained that the department runs into similar incidents throughout the year with better results, but he isn’t looking for praise.
“The officers do their best with the information that they have and the experience that they have,” he said.
“We had one of those experiences a few nights before this. It was a DV (domestic violence) call. We made contacts with a guy with a handgun and had it aimed at his head.
“It was a tense situation, but ultimately, the individual did put the gun down and we took him into custody. Those stories don’t make the media because there’s no shock and awe in that.
“This is a national issue, not just a terrible illustration of what can happen. Use of force is never pretty to watch. We have to review uses of force as a department. If we could have avoided this from the beginning, we would have.”
Homeless Youth Connection hosts Empowering Youth Breakfast
By Rachel Hagerman
Avondale-based Homeless Youth Connection will host its annual breakfast on Thursday, October 26, to further meet the needs of homeless children.
The organization’s executive director, Dawn Bogart, said she hopes the free breakfast will attract those who are interested in making sure youth succeed, along with community partners, members from various churches and service organizations who believe in its mission, as well as businesses looking for volunteer opportunities for their employees.
The breakfast not only highlights HYC’s services, but explains how the community can use the AZ Charitable
Tax Credit to positively impact homeless.
Bogart is happy with the progress HYC has made recently and hopes the breakfast will help ensure the organization continues to strengthen.
“I was introduced to HYC five years ago,” she said. “In addition to the individual students we serve, the most rewarding experience has been the growth of our organization. Thanks to the hard work of the HYC board and staff, we have increased our awareness throughout Maricopa County. As a result, we are working with more high schools and serving more youth.”
HYC’s programs are not limited to a single school district, as it serves all of
Maricopa County. Bogart explained that the organization has surpassed her goals for helping students for the past two years.
However, still more than 7,000 homeless students attend Maricopa County high schools.
“The general public is unaware of this situation,” she said. “These students face numerous barriers to
education, keeping many of them from completing high school or achieving post-secondary education. HYC is a preventive measure to these barriers. When you take away the worry about basic needs, homeless youth can thrive, graduate and succeed. As we succeed, we can have an impact on breaking the cycles of chronic homelessness.”
The Empowering Youth Breakfast 7 to 8:30 a.m. Thursday, October 26 Tuscany Falls Golf Resort at Pebble Creek, 16222 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear. 623-374-3747 or search for Empowering Youth Breakfast on eventbrite.com
Buckeye Police Chief Larry Hall said the incident with an autistic teenager is part of a larger issue, not just a “terrible illustration of what can happen.” (Photo courtesy Buckeye Police Department)
The WestValleyView is a controlled-circulation weekly. It is published every Wednesday, and distributed free-of-charge to homes and in high-traffic locations throughout Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye and Tolleson.
PUBLISHER
Steve T. Strickbine
EDITORIAL
623-535-8439
Executive Editor
Niki D’Andrea, ndandrea@westvalleyview.com
Managing Editor
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 623-935-3248 christina@westvalleyview.com
Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura, cdziawura@westvalleyview.com
Designers
Shannon Mead, smead@westvalleyview.com
Tonya Mildenberg, tmildenberg@westvalleyview.com
Production Manager
Courtney Oldham, production@westvalleyview.com
ADVERTISING
623-535-8439
advertising@westvalleyview.com
National Advertising Director
Zac Reynolds, zac@timespublications.com
Advertising Director
Kent Johnson, kjohnson@timespublications.com
Advertising Representatives
DeAna Janco, 623-932-5106 deana.j@westvalleyview.com
Julius Tiritilli, 623-935-3330 Julius.t@westvalleyview.com
Classified and Obituaries
Elaine Cota, ecota@westvalleyview.com
Classifieds class@timespublications.com
Circulation Director
Aaron Kolodny, customercare@westvalleyview.com
Photographer Ray Thomas, rthomas@westvalleyview.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Home delivery of the West Valley View is free within Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson, as well as select portions of Glendale, Waddell and West Phoenix, generally west of State Route 101, east of Johnson Road, north of Pecos Road and south of Northern Avenue. Requested mail subscriptions within Maricopa County: $75 per year; $40 for six months. Out of county and
Goodyear raises domestic violence awareness
By West Valley View staff
In support of the statewide Lighting Arizona Purple initiative to raise domestic violence awareness, the city of Goodyear will light City Hall, the Goodyear Branch Library and the police operations building purple this month.
Mayor Georgia Lord proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the October 2 City Council meeting.
Each year, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The observance dates back to 1989 when the passage of Public Law 101-112 by the U.S. Congress officially designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It called upon U.S. residents to become more aware of the tragedy of domestic violence, support those who are working to end domestic violence, and participate in other meaningful ways.
To support people affected by domestic violence, the city makes available grant funding to various agencies providing support and emergency services to Goodyear residents in need.
Anybody fearing for his or her immediate safety or the safety of a loved one should call 9-1-1. To access help for domestic violence, contact:
• Goodyear Police Department Crisis Services Unit, 623-882-7677, goodyearaz.gov/police
• Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 602-279-2900 or 1-800-782-6400, acesdv.org
Park...continued from page 1
it’s trespassing, but they come and check it out. I never got the guts to go past the gate, though.”
It will take approximately three months to move the estimated 20,000 tons of rubble away from the site. Until that is finished, there are no plans to do anything with the property.
“We’ll meet with the family after everything has been taken down and cleaned up, then determine where we’re going to go with it from there,” Smith said. “There is nothing imminent other than the fact that it’s being taken down.”
Until that happens, there is only speculation as to what will happen with the property. Beck said she’d like the space to be used to build something for kids, like a waterpark, while Bowland is hopeful it will generate more business in Goodyear. That’s his secondary preference, though.
“I really wish somebody could have done something with it instead of just tearing it down,” he said. “It used to be a beautiful piece of architecture. For its time, it was state of the art. It’s kind of sad to see it go.”
Ezra Machuca of Buckeye was there
September 28 to take pictures. He was flying a drone into the demolition area after workers had left for the day.
“I’m going to get some good shots, good memories,” Machuca said.
Machuca said he plans to post his pictures online.
“I’m sure a lot of people will be interested in seeing it up close, from the air,” Machuca said. “I personally want to see it, so maybe other people will go, ‘Cool, somebody got pictures of it up close.’ With the fence right here, you can’t get that close, but with this, I should be able to get pretty close.”
Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord issued a statement about the property.
“The trotter track was certainly an iconic landmark for many years, but we are grateful for the investment by Citrus Commerce Centre LLC, and are eager to see how that land will be developed in the near future,” Lord said.
Only time will tell what happens to the land where Trotting Park stood, but one thing is for sure: t will be missed by many.
“It’s a landmark,” Machuca said. “I just noticed it being demolished, so it was like, let’s go look at the building. It’s kind of sad.”
• MAG Regional Domestic Violence Council, 602-263-8900, azmag.gov/Programs/DomesticViolence
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), ncadv.org
• New Life Center, 623-932-4404, newlifectr.org.
The Lighting Arizona Purple campaign was developed by the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women, and the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, to raise statewide awareness of domestic violence and provide important information to assist victims in locating help and resources.
Goodyear City Hall is bathed in purple light to raise domestic violence awareness. (Photo courtesy City of Goodyear)
receive federal funding. “We’re very excited about where we’re heading.
“Ninety-five percent of the funds go to the meal program,” he said. “We don’t have a whole lot of overhead. We want to give them a decent meal that they enjoy.”
Meals of Joy has support from Abrazo West and Sun Health at Home, said Cervarich, who also runs Homeless Youth Connection. Meals of Joy serves the 55 and older community and clients do not need to have medical or financial difficulties.
“We’re getting calls from seniors saying they’re tired and they don’t want to cook anymore,” he said. “They’re losing interest in their daily cooking habits.”
Meals of Joy also doesn’t pressure seniors to keep participating. There are no set-up or application fees. All staff asks for is the next of kin, in case a delivery driver sees something wrong.
Colored menus are sent out a month ahead so clients can choose what they want. Cervarich said the only complaint he’s received is that Meals of Joy provides too much food.
“We absolutely do not send any meal that’s frozen,” he added. “At 8 or 9:30 a.m., they arrive at a central office where our volunteers are waiting to deliver immediately.
“In most cases, the meals can’t get any fresher. Some are still warm from being prepared. The containers are microwaveable, though. If they want to freeze them and reheat them later, they can do that.”
Meals run from $11 to $12. The charity will adjust for those who are struggling.
“They can order the meals they would love to eat and not be force fed,” Cervarich said. “The purpose is to choose what they’d like to eat and eat something to get nutrition in their system. If they order one meal in a week that’s one meal they probably wouldn’t have had.”
Cervarich said he’s looking to move the commissary kitchen from Phoenix to the West Valley to better serve his needs. For now, though, he’s focusing on Homeless Youth Connection and Meals of Joy.
“What we really want to do is help seniors stay in their own home and not be off to a nursing home,” he said. “We want them to feel their home is their home.
“It’s so moving to the drivers to deliver a meal and say, ‘I’m from Meals of Joy. Here’s your meal.’ It puts a smile on their face and it makes you know you’re doing the right thing.”
Meals of Joy 501 E. Plaza Circle, Suite 2 Litchfield Park info@scosic.org 623-594-9588 mealsofjoy.org
Buckeye Union bus involved in collision in California
By Connor Dziawura
A school bus carrying 30 Buckeye Union High School volleyball players and three coaches was involved in a collision with two semi-trucks at approximately 12:50 p.m. Thursday, September 28, near Needles, California.
Following the crash, nine students reported moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Eight of the students were transported by ambulance, whereas the ninth student was airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital.
All injuries are nonlife-threatening, according to school officials.
The team was heading to a match at Mohave High School in Bullhead City.
At the time of the incident, the bus was stopped at a construction zone
on US-95S, south of Five Mile Road, near Needles. While at the construction zone, a semi-truck rear-ended the bus, pushing it into another semi-truck directly ahead, according to California Highway Patrol.
Colorado River Union High School District helped transport all remaining players and coaches to a local hospital as a precautionary measure, and students returned home later that night.
“The Buckeye Union High School District is very thankful and appreciative of the cooperation and support received from the Colorado River Union High School District, local law enforcement and emergency response personnel,” according to a statement by the district.
Meals of Joy board member Jack Kastel shows off meals provided by his Litchfield Parkbased organization. (West Valley View photo by Tim Sealy)
Local first responders honored by Raceway Elks
By Israel Gonzalez
Six local law enforcement officers and firefighters were honored at a first responders’ dinner at Raceway Elks Lodge in Avondale on September 23.
The award winners were Avondale Police Officer Manuel Rios; Goodyear Police Detective Bengt Erickson; Surprise Police Officer Tyler Johnson; Avondale Fire Department Capt. Chris Spire; Goodyear Fire Department Engineer Gilbert Aguirre; and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sean Horning.
The award winners received a plaque during the lodge’s annual event.
“It gives a thank you to them,” said Elks committee chairman George Maniscalco. “I was a policeman myself, and I was an officer of the year. It’s nice to be recognized. It gives them a little bit of an extra boost. They know they’re out there and people are thinking about them.”
Avondale winners
Rios transferred to the Avondale Police Department in 2015 and has
since been a leader.
“Officer Rios was awarded the 2016 Police Officer of the Year for our department,” Avondale Police Department officials said in a written statement about Rios. “He has been recognized by his supervisors and peers as being an outstanding officer. In barely six months, Officer Rios responded to over 675 calls for service with over 50 arrests.”
Rios trains new officers, posts the department’s social media videos and helps with community events like delivering turkeys during the holiday season.
Spire was also recognized and nominated by Avondale Fire and Medical for his work.
“Over the last year, Capt. Spire and his crew have been involved (in) multiple emergency incidents where their training and skills were put to the test resulting in positive patient outcomes,” said Fire Chief Aaron Glass in a written award statement about Spire.
“One particular patient was hit by a train and suffered multi-system traumatic injuries as a result. Thanks to Capt. Spire and his crew’s efforts, the patient’s life was saved and he is expected to make a full recovery.”
Spire has contributed to various trainings, has researched technical rescue equipment and created a field operations guide for Paratech shoring and stabilization equipment, Glass said.
Goodyear winners
Erickson was chosen as the Goodyear Police Department honoree for his work with sensitive cases.
“Detective Erickson has been in the Person Crimes Unit for one year,” Goodyear Police Department officials wrote in their award statement. “In that short amount of time, he has made a lasting impression on the department and the public due to his ability to successfully work highly complicated and sensitive cases.”
Erickson found and stopped an abusive sexual relationship between a juvenile foreign exchange student from Sweden and an adult. In 2016, a child was molested by her adult cousin and Erickson managed to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to confront the suspect and secure a confession, Goodyear
Police said.
On the firefighters’ side, Aguirre was honored for his work and resilience with the Goodyear Fire Department.
“Resilience and the ability to overcome adversity is a positive trait in a human being,” Maniscalco said, reading from the Goodyear Fire Department’s award statement. “In a firefighter, it’s an absolute necessity. No one embodies this trait in the Goodyear Fire Department the way Robert Aguirre does.”
Aguirre was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, and not only had to fight with cancer, but with insurance companies that were unwilling to pay.
“Taking his father’s lesson, ‘todo bien,’ and to never quit, he decided to take cancer head on,” Maniscalco said. “He sat down with his wife and three sons and told them his diagnosis. He also told them that the doctors there said there’s a chance he would die, but he assured them that dad was going to fight it and beat it.”
Today, Aguirre is healthy and back in full duty. He continues to advocate on behalf of firefighters and their cancer treatment.
Surprise and MCSO winner
Johnson has worked with the Surprise
Six local award winners are: Elks Exalted Ruler Thomas Forde; Goodyear Fire Department Engineer Gilbert Aguirre; Avondale Fire Department Capt. Chris Spire; Surprise Police Officer Tyler Johnson; Goodyear Police Detective Bengt Erickson; Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sean Horning; Avondale Police Officer Manuel Rios; Elks committee chairman George Maniscalco. The officers were recognized as part of the first responders’ dinner at Raceway Elks Lodge on Saturday, September 23. (West Valley View photo by Israel Gonazlez)
Drop off household hazardous waste on Oct. 28
By West Valley View
Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson residents are invited to drop off household hazardous waste for free from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, October 28, at the Goodyear Public Works facility, 4971 S. 157th Avenue.
The facility is located at the intersection of Estrella Parkway and Romley Road, just south of MC85.
Anyone dropping off waste will be required to provide proof of residency such as a recent city utility bill or driver’s license. This event is for residential hazardous waste only; commercial or medical waste will not be accepted. Materials should be placed in the trunk or truck bed of vehicles for safety considerations at the drop off site.
Acceptable items
• Automotive liquids: antifreeze, brake fluid, car batteries, gasoline, motor oil
• Electronics: cable boxes, cellphones, computers, stereos, DVD players, TVs, VCRs
• Household chemicals: adhesives, aerosols, kerosene, paint, poisons, pool chemicals, solvents, thinners
• Household items: batteries, fire extinguishers, fluorescent tubes, propane tanks, thermometers
• Lawn chemicals: herbicides,
First..continued from page 6
Police Department since 2013, and recently he has been recognized multiple times for his exemplary work.
“Officer Johnson is very customer focused and is dedicated to providing closure to our customers and seeing their problems through to resolution,” Surprise Police Chief Terry Young said in a written statement about Johnson. “He is not satisfied with his efforts until the customer is. Officer Johnson’s work product is the definition of high quality service and his commitment to the citizens of Surprise goes far beyond merely responding to their home to take a report.”
Horning was selected to win the award from MCSO.
“Deputy Horning is a leader among his peers and relied on heavily to provide guidance for newly released deputies from the Field Training
fertilizers, pesticides
• Tires: up to five passenger car tires—no wheels, rims or truck tires
Items not accepted
• 55-gallon drums of waste
• Air conditioners
• Ammunition
• Appliances
• Asbestos
• Explosives
• Glass
• Medical or biological waste
• Metal
• Plastic
• Truck tires
• Smoke detectors
• Water heaters
To dispose of household hazardous waste not accepted at this event, contact ACTenviro, 6212 S. 75th Avenue, Laveen, 602-842-9160. There are fees associated with the collection of these items.
For more information on this event, visit goodyearaz.gov/trash or call: Avondale Public Works at 623-3334400, Goodyear Public Works at 623932-3010, Tolleson Field Operations at 623-936-7141, or Litchfield Park City Hall at 623-935-5033.
Program,” MCSO officials said in a written award statement. “His supervisors recognize his ability to speak to others in a manner that tends to open up conversations and this is a benefit with not only newer deputies, but also with the public.”
In the second quarter of 2017, while working at a contract city, Horning secured 63 incident reports, conducted 156 traffic stops, responded to 288 calls as the primary responder, investigated 15 vehicle accidents and arrested 20 individuals, MCSO said.
“Deputy Horning arrives to work with a positive attitude which is contagious to his co-workers and the citizens which he has contact with,” MCSO said. “Deputy Horning goes above and beyond for each call for service, and in most cases, he handles the call with the mindset of a detective conducting his own follow up in order to find closure to the case.”
Goodyear City Council hosts traveling conversations
By West Valley View staff
Mayor Georgia Lord and members of the City Council invite Goodyear residents to join them from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, October 19, at Enroute Coffee and Tea House, 15605 W. Roosevelt St., Suite 107.
“Council Conversations,” the new traveling community meeting, are quarterly forums when residents can casually mingle with the City Council to dialogue.
“I’m thrilled about this new and exciting way for those of us on the council to get out there and talk to people about what’s on their mind,” Lord said. “We really enjoy these opportunities to share information and ideas and we hope to see a great turnout from our residents and business partners.”
Held quarterly at various locations throughout Goodyear, “Council
Conversations” are intended to provide an opportunity for everyone working, living or operating a business in the city to share information, build community relationships and strengthen connections to the leaders that make decisions on city programs, services and policies.
For more information, visit goodyearaz.gov or call 623-882-7776.
Goodyear City Council members will meet with the public as part of “Council Conversations.” (Photo courtesy City of Goodyear)
Avondale’s bond rating is AAA
By West Valley View staff
The city of Avondale received official notification that Fitch Ratings (Fitch) has assigned a AAA rating to the city’s $20.8 million general obligation refunding bond series 2017s, the highest rating possible. Fitch has also assigned the city a AA Issuer Default Rating (IDR).
“This is a very strong credit rating for the city, and will provide favorable interest rates during the upcoming general obligation bond sales (in October),” said Acting Finance & Budget Director Steven Montague.
In its rating letter, Fitch assigned the city a rating outlook of stable. Among the factors stated in the rating letter was the city’s “historically robust operating reserves.”
“The city displayed robust financial resilience through the 2008 housing sector collapse and Great Recession,” the letter stated. “Management responded to the downturn with spending adjustments and judicious use of healthy reserves that helped maintain a sound financial footing through this period.”
“I am extremely proud of this AAA rating from Fitch,” said Mayor Kenn Weise. “I was on the City Council during the recession. The shared sacrifices and hard work of the council, city management and staff ensured that Avondale would emerge stronger when the economy turned around. The city put in place policies and programs to ensure that we would be on solid footing to take advantage of opportunities for growth and development, and the results are evident in our community today.”
Faith and Community Roundtable creates forum for cooperation
By Megan Marples
The Goodyear Faith and Community Roundtable will host its monthly meeting 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 10, at City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Road.
The Goodyear Faith and Community Roundtable gives members the chance to volunteer and make an impact in the community. They help connect resources and nonprofit organizations to people in need. This includes providing support for children and their families and job stability.
“The mission of the Goodyear Faith and Community Roundtable is to create a forum for cooperation, trust and respect within the community to nurture goodwill and offer services to all,” said Christina Plante, Goodyear neighborhood services coordinator.
“The meetings include networking and an opportunity for announcements
where participants can celebrate successes or put out an invitation for a referral or call for resources.”
Members discuss their initiatives with the hopes that everyone can help. During the last meeting, participants talked about the Pebble Creek Men’s Christian Fellowship’s hurricane fundraisers.
The Goodyear Faith and Community Roundtable is open to the people of all faiths. Goodyear faith community leaders and folks with nonprofits are especially encouraged to attend.
“This group is not focused on a particular religion and is open to all faith communities, as well as nonprofit organizations, that seek to nurture goodwill and fulfill unmet needs of the residents of Goodyear,” Plante said. For more information, visit http://bit. ly/2x0dyjm.
Man dies in Avondale bar shooting
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
A man was killed and a woman injured after a 2 a.m. October 1 shooting in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Bar and Grill, according to Sgt. Thomas Alt of the Avondale Police Department.
The victims have yet to be identified, but the woman has nonlife-threatening injuries. A person of interest has been identified as a black male possibly driving a dark-colored newer Dodge
with aftermarket black rims, Alt said. The Avondale Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding this suspect or the homicide to contact the Avondale Police Department at 623-333-7001. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous may contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377).
Rock graduates from basic training
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
U.S. Air Force Airman Phillip E. Rock graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, 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.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Rock is the son of David E. Rock, former ward of Ernest J. Rock, and
Avondale City Hall. (Photo courtesy City of Avondale)
grandson of Maudine Rock of Buckeye. He is a 2017 graduate of Buckeye Union High School.
U.S. Air Force Airman Phillip E. Rock is a 2017 graduate of Buckeye Union High School. (Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force)
OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Try protesting this
Editor:
For all American ball players/professional sports players, from a veteran. Take a little trip to Valley Forge in January. Hold a musket ball in your fingers and imagine it piercing your flesh and bones. There won’t be a doctor or trainer to assist you. Then “take a knee.”
Take another trip to the beach at Normandy where man after American man stormed the beach, even as the one in front of him was shot to pieces. The very sea stained with American blood. The only blockers most had were the dead bodies in front of them. Look at the cemetery, then “take a knee.”
While traveling, think of Vietnam or Korea. This is where real American heroes went. There was no playbook that told them what was next, but they knew what flag they represented. When the Vietnam vets came home, they were protested and spit on for reasons only cowards know.
“Take a knee” in the blood-drenched sands of Fallujah in 110-degree heat. Wear a Kevlar helmet and battle dress. Your number won’t be on it, unless your number is up! Stay hydrated, but there won’t be anyone to squirt Gatorade into your mouth.
There are a lot of places to take a knee, Americans have died all over the world. When you use the banner under which they fought as a source for your displeasure, you dishonor the memories of those who bled for the very freedoms you have.
No cheerleaders, no announcers, no coaches, no fans, just American men and women delivering the real fight against those who chose to harm us blazing a path so you would have the right to “take a knee” in any house of worship you choose.
Your protest is duly noted. Not only is it disgraceful to a nation of real heroes, it serves the purpose of pointing to your ingratitude for those who chose to defend you, your rights, your freedom. If you really feel the need to “take a knee,” come with me to church on Sunday and we will both “take a knee.” There will be no protest, just an understanding between us and God. This is the land of the free and the home of
God bless America.
John Hammond Goodyear
Teachers work part-time
Editor:
A couple things to consider about the latest “school override” tax increase.
Teaching is a part-time job. Take a look at the Agua Fria Union High School District’s 2017/2018 calendar. A new teacher works 188 days; current teachers work 185 days. Having half the year off is a very tangible benefit, one that only teachers enjoy. Teachers also enjoy a new twist on the work week called “late start” twice a week now. What teachers don’t make in cash they clearly more than make up for in time off.
Also, our school district maintains a large fleet of buses that maybe half of the students use? How much extra money would the districts have if the school bus service was privatized? It’s already a traffic nightmare during school drop off and pick up times. Hundreds of students either don’t live within the bus service area or don’t want to use the bus even though it runs by their house.
The anti-public schools lobby, the tourism lobby, and the teachers’ unions have all helped to doom public education.
Teaching jobs are part-time jobs with full-time pay and benefits. Until that changes, I’ll be voting “no.”
Harry Callahan Goodyear
Graham-Cassidy could
be the worst health care bill yet
Editor:
Once again, the GOP is wasting time on another fake health care bill, which would force millions to lose their health care, including many seniors. It would increase medical costs as people would be forced to use emergency care. Medical providers as well are against it. However, the real issue is how
does this nation want to treat its people? Recently we have had natural disasters, which have caused havoc in people’s lives. Governors, politicians and the president himself are sounding warnings about saving lives and budgeting federal money to assist, which makes me wonder if people’s lives are important during a disaster? Why are their day-to-day lives not just as important? And why are the lives of brown-skinned colored people not as important as white-skinned people? Why are LGBTQ people’s lives not as important as “normal” people? Why are rich people more important than those less wealthy?
People are people. Period. People of all races, colors and creeds have contributed to the success of our nation. People are our most important asset. Here in Arizona, the governor and GOP legislature continue to reduce funding for education instead of looking in every nook and cranny to find other sources of money for education.
Our democracy requires healthy and well-educated people. Capitalism requires a well-educated and healthy population. It is not socialism to provide the basic foundations required to continue a strong country. It is the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
We, the people.
Francis Copple Sun City West
Not in our best interest
Editor:
Please help get the message out that the Graham-Cassidy bill is wrong for our country. We expect our legislature to protect us, not penalize people for having a disease or aging.
Colleen McClung Goodyear
Do farm animals merit our compassion and respect?
Editor:
We are a nation of special observances. There is even a World Day for Farm Animals, observed on October 2 (Gandhi’s birthday). Apparently, it’s intended to memorialize the tens of billions of animals abused and killed for food.
Like most others, I always thought of farm animals as “food on the hoof.” But when a friend sent me an amazing, endearing Facebook video (http://bit. ly/2fKiAem), it dawned on me that farm animals are much like our family dog, fully deserving of our compassion and respect.
My internet search showed that they get neither. Male baby chicks are routinely suffocated in plastic garbage
the brave.
bags or ground up alive. Laying hens are crowded into small wire cages that tear out their feathers.
Breeding sows are kept pregnant in tiny metal crates. Dairy cows have their babies snatched away immediately upon birth, so we can drink their milk. It was enough to drive someone to drink. Instead, it drove me to replace the animal products in my diet with a rich variety of plant-based meats and dairy items offered by my grocery store. I have since learned that a cruelty-free diet is also great for my health and for the health of our planet.
Wilfred Wallace Litchfield Park
Have a fire escape plan ready
Editor:
Many people think fire is something that happens to other people. Unfortunately, this common misperception continues to put Americans at risk to fire each year, particularly at home, where people think they’re safest from
fire but are actually at the greatest risk.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds in 2015, with about 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths annually occurring at home.
In fact, today’s home fires present increased risks to occupants. Newer homes are built with lightweight materials that burn faster than older home constructions. They also tend to be designed with open floor plans that enable fire to spread rapidly. Meanwhile, many of the products and furnishings in today’s homes are produced with materials that generate dark, toxic gases when burned, making it impossible to breathe or see within moments. In short, home fires present a real risk that Goodyear residents need to take seriously.
One of the most basic but vital elements of home fire safety is having a home escape plan that everyone in the household has practiced. In a fire situation, when the smoke alarm sounds, a practiced home escape plan ensures that everyone knows how to use the precious minutes wisely.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan
2 Ways Out!” works to better educate the public about the critical importance of developing a home escape plan and practicing it. The Goodyear Fire Department is working in coordination with NFPA, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to reinforce these potentially life-saving messages. Please visit, firepreventionweek.org.
As the risk reduction coordinator for the Goodyear Fire Department, I urge all residents to use this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign as a reminder to develop a home escape plan with everyone in the household and practice it twice a year. A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox) that’s a safe distance from the home.
Tanja Tanner, community risk reduction coordinator Goodyear Fire Department
Vote ‘yes’ on fire bond
Editor:
Well, here are some of my concerns with this so-called president:
1. Has told scores of easily disprovable lies
2. Has shifted back and forth and back again on his policies
3. Has contradicted cabinet officials in his own cabinet
4. Attacked the courts, the press, his predecessor, his former electoral opponent, members of his own party, a federal judge because of his race, the intelligence community and even his own attorney general
5. Has failed to release his tax returns
(Word is he will have no choice soon because of forthcoming subpoenas from Robert Mueller)
6. Has failed to fill senior political positions in many agencies
7. Has shown complete indifference to ethics and concerns
8. Has regularly interjected a self-regarding political element into apolitical events; i.e. the Boy Scout Jamboree
9. Has monetized the presidency by linking it to his personal business interests
10. Has engaged in cruel public behavior on many occasions including slamming Sen. McCain’s war record, a disabled reporter, the Kahn family and his own Miss Universe
I am writing today to encourage you to vote “yes” on the Buckeye Valley Fire Bond. I am a strong supporter of fiscal responsibility and making sure that our taxes are being spent wisely. I can tell you first hand that the district has been good stewards of our taxpayer dollars.
11. While he may have responded dutifully to the hurricane disasters in Texas and Florida, the recovery effort in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is showing gross incompetence on his part and negligent cruelty for that matter.
12. Has made the presidency an embarrassingly gross mutation to the rest of the world
13. Has engaged in a childish diatribe with North Korea that could actually lead to a nuclear war
The district has spearheaded a budget turnaround that has earned them awards for their financial stewardship. And they aren’t done—they are continuing to find ways to do more with less. They have explored their financial options to ensure that they are using the taxpayers’ money as effectively as possible.
There are other issues and I could continue but these are just a few.
David Compton, Litchfield Park
They have looked closely at this bond issue and put together a wise proposal that we all should support. I encourage you to look for yourself and I think you will see that it’s the smart choice to vote “yes.”
Robert R. Ramsey Buckeye
Concerned about Trump
Editor:
Some have challenged me to state why I have issues with Donald Trump.
Communicating on bent knee
Editor:
My father ingrained in our family a strong sense of patriotism for our flag and our country. He, along with his two brothers, fought in WWII. My father was a POW in the Battle of the Bulge. My Uncle Dan was killed in Luzon,
the Philippines, and the third brother suffered a broken leg as a paratrooper. My brother served in the Tonkin Gulf during Vietnam.
I saw the flag as a symbol of freedom, justice and hope for all people. Our military stood for our rights and our honor. In catastrophic times, we quickly assisted other countries. We were admired as a role model for democracy. The Statue of Liberty was gifted to us in recognition of our valor and great ideals: freedom and the right to strive for anything you wanted to be.
We are changing. An aura of fear grips our country. I am an Arizona native but I feel like a stranger in my homeland. If I am in danger, I will not call on law enforcement to protect me. I am not alone in these feelings and I don’t expect you to agree with me or to understand.
When “Black is Beautiful” was coined to counter the ugliness of racism and to heal the terrible scars our black Americans were enduring, it was taken offensively by many white Americans. When the words “Black Lives Matter” were spoken and asserted, it was again
distorted and maligned. Would you have understood their meaning more clearly as, “Black is Beautiful, too” or “Black Lives Matter, too?”
NFL football players are Americans, “too.” They are on bent knee with their right hands held across their hearts, a gesture of supplication. They are trying to communicate with you but you are not seeing the forest for the trees.
Sylvia Montoya Buckeye
Taking a knee?
Locking arms?
Editor:
Pat Tillman died defending this country and its flag. He must be turning over in his grave seeing how the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals organization and its players are disrespecting his sacrifice, this great country, its flag, our national anthem, the military and the NFL fanbase. Please, out of respect for Pat Tillman and his ultimate sacrifice, cover his name on the Ring of Honor with a black cloth. Pat Tillman would not take part in this protest and would
be ashamed to wear the Cardinals uniform. It’s a pity when a business allows its employees to taint their product, which is entertainment, not a political platform.
Ken Busboom Buckeye
What is and is not respect
Editor:
I personally couldn’t care less what the NFL or their players do. However, let’s be clear: Kneeling to the flag is not disrespectful.
Trump’s tweets and comments about it are disrespectful. He has called the players SOBs, called for them to be fired and called upon sports fans to boycott them.
The whole point of the First Amendment is that the government shouldn’t be punishing “We the People” for our beliefs.
And here we have President Trump using his bully pulpit to chastise, berate and call people names for expressing their First Amendment rights. That shouldn’t happen!
Like I said, I couldn’t care less what sports people do, but I do care about what our government does, and this is wrong. Trump is wrong. He was wrong from the start by calling an obeisant gesture “disrespectful” and he is wrong for using his position and power in government to attack them for it in the most disrespectful way!
Patrick Orr Avondale
How to get a letter published
250 N. Litchfield Road, Ste. 130, Goodyear, AZ 85340
E-mail: editor@westvalleyview.com
The West Valley View welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must be 300 words or fewer, include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The West Valley View will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are limited to one per author per every two issues. Letters are published in the order received. The West Valley View will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the View, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.
If politics and sports were a worthy pair in 2001, they’re worthy now
By David Leibowitz
The sight of National Football League players kneeling to protest racial injustice during “The Star-Spangled Banner” inevitably takes me back in time, back precisely 16 years to two baseball diamonds, to the green grass of what was then known as Bank One Ballpark in downtown Phoenix and to the old version of New York’s hallowed Bronx ballfield, Yankee Stadium.
I am talking about the most overt political spectacle of my 50-plus years watching sports: The 2001 World Series, when the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees, four amazing games to three.
Maybe you’ve forgotten that series, or maybe what you remember happened on the field of play, like when Luis Gonzalez hit a blooper over the shortstop to knock in Jay Bell and win Arizona our first and only major sports championship.
Me, I remember the political drama every bit as much as the baseball. There was game one on an October Saturday here in the desert, just 46 days after the toppling of the Twin Towers.
Jewel sang the national anthem that afternoon as a giant American flag was unfurled to span the outfield. Firefighters from Phoenix recreated the raising of the Stars and Stripes over Ground Zero in Manhattan. Vanessa Williams, clad in a flag T-shirt, sang “God Bless America.”
Game two, Ray Charles poured out “America, the Beautiful” from a piano positioned at home plate while soldiers made the giant flag dance in time and fighter jets flew over the stadium at supersonic speed. Game three, President Bush strode tall to the pitcher’s mound and threw a perfect strike with his ceremonial first pitch. Game four, country star Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.” Games five and six were also patriotic pageants, with pregames and seventh-inning stretches full of salutes and standing O’s, bald eagles and F-16s streaking across the
sky. Come game seven, the mournful notes of Jesse McGuire’s trumpet nearly brought 50,000 of us to tears. I loved those moments. I felt like that weaving of politics and sports was exactly right for the time. America in the days after September 11 felt compelled to make patriotic statements. We embraced the idea that each time two sports teams took the field, it was necessary to loudly proclaim our national spirit and our country’s unity.
of politics and “what it means to be American,” as various moments in time demand. While I vehemently disagree with many of today’s protesters – who seem certain police and people who look like me are the enemy – I disagree with equal vehemence that each protester is, in the crass words of President Trump, a “son of a bitch” who needs to be yanked off the field and “fired.”
Which is precisely why I think political statements of a different kind – protesting statements, statements of disunity and discord, like kneeling for the national anthem –should be allowed today. If it was acceptable to drench our sports in politics and patriotism in 2001, then it should be equally acceptable to drench our sports in different forms
America means different things to 350 million different people. We have arguments, we fight, we bitterly disagree. We have that freedom, and we use it daily. What makes it work, it seems to me, is exactly what the anthem we’re arguing about says with such eloquence. Afterward, when the bombs have burst and the rocket’s red glare dies away, when the fury and angry fighting has finished, there she is – that flag, the cloth metaphor for the American soil beneath our feet, still aflutter, still waving, over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@ leibowitzsolo.com.
David Leibowitz. (Photo courtesy Advisor Group)
FEARLESS IS DISCOVERING SOMETHING NEW
Learn about our Medicare plans at a FREE seminar.
BCBSAZ MEDICARE SERVICE CENTER – SUN CITY
14805 N. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City, AZ 85351
10:00 a.m. - 10/9, 10/12, 10/13, 10/16, 10/19, 10/21, 10/23, 10/26, 10/30
2:00 p.m. - 10/9, 10/10, 10/11, 10/17, 10/18, 10/24, 10/25
BCBSAZ MEDICARE SERVICE CENTER – SUN CITY WEST
13950 W. Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ 85375
9:30 a.m. - 10/11, 10/18, 10/25
1:30 p.m. - 10/9, 10/12, 10/13, 10/16, 10/19, 10/23, 10/26, 10/27, 10/30
GOLDEN
CORRAL BUFFET AND GRILL
17674 N. Litchfield Rd. Surprise, AZ 85374
9:00 a.m. - 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 1:00 p.m. - 10/16, 10/23
OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS
FREE BAG
for attending while supplies last.*
*Free gift without obligation. Limit one per attendee while supplies last. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage (BCBSAZ Advantage) Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) Medicare Supplement and BCBSAZ Medicare Part D plans will be discussed. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-888-275-7594, TTY: 711, daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. By registering for this seminar, a sales representative may contact you. A sales person will be present with information and applications. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage (HMO) is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage depends on contract renewal. Blue MedicareRxSM (PDP) is a Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue MedicareRx depends on contract renewal.
By Connor Dziawura
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Business Briefcase. What a relief this weather has been. It’s officially fall and it’s even starting to feel like it with nice, cool breezes starting to roll in. That’s right, it’s looking like we don’t have to wait until November again to don our fall attire this year. Sure, the weather is still reaching degrees upward of the
80s and 90s, but to us Arizonans that’s practically heaven when compared to this summer’s record of 118 degrees. But with the new season comes new activities and developments that are definitely worth your time.
Before I even get into the details, it’s looking like a popular grocer may introduce a new facility to service more
West Valley residents in the coming years, although some recent changes have delayed it. So even sooner, there is everything from new salons to car dealerships and plenty of chamber meetings to go ‘round.
But that’s just the quick rundown. For all of you who are interesting in attending one of these events or checking out one of these establishments, you’re going to need the details. Well then, let’s get straight into it, shall we?
First, some big developments are happening in Buckeye. Kroger was planning a new Fry’s Marketplace location at Indian School Road and Jackrabbit Trail. Due to changes in the grocery industry, however, Kroger decided to delay production on new stores until 2018. The new Fry’s is now expected to be completed in late 2019.
The new M Lopez Beauty Salon held a grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony Sunday, September 24. The Buckeye-based salon, located at 204 N. Fourth Street, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. M Lopez is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ LopezBeautySalon.
The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding another Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 12. Hosted by Foot Solutions Goodyear and Estrella Cabinetry & Design Center, this monthly after-hours business meeting will take place at these two businesses, located in suites C5 and C7 of 1981 N. Pebble Creek Parkway, Goodyear. As mentioned in past West Valley View issues, attendees may come and go to Business After Hours events as they please, as it is just a simple, great way for locals to meet each other and learn about their fellow business owners. Raffles with door prizes are even sometimes available.
Still on the subject of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, the chamber, in partnership with Dex Media, will hold a Digital Marketing Basics workshop from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday,
October 19. Following 30-second introductions from those attending, the bulk of the event will be dedicated to a 45-minute workshop, followed by 15 minutes of questions and concluding with networking opportunities. As detailed on the chamber website, the workshop will educate attendees on search engine optimization, marketing via social media, web design, managing online listings and collecting reviews, although the location is still yet to be announced. For more information, email christopher.amos@dexmedia. com or call 480-263-0382.
Rapid Recovery from Mainstreet Health is opening four locations in the Valley by the end of the year. These four locations are in Surprise, Chandler, Tucson and Southwest Phoenix, the last of which is only two blocks north of Tolleson. While the Surprise location will open first, the Phoenix location will follow with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to be held sometime in the coming months. This facility will see a $25 million investment in the Phoenix market and 150 to 200 new jobs created (approximately 800 jobs and a $100 million investment across all four new Arizona locations). The final two locations are set to open later in the year. The Rapid Recovery facility is designed to feel more like a hotel, and it maintains care of patients immediately following their hospital stay.
On a different end of the spectrum, Larry H. Miller Dealerships spent the summer spreading goodwill around the West Valley. In partnership with four West Valley fire departments, Larry H. Miller Dealerships aimed to raise 25,000 bottles
Carvana opened its first West Coast vehicle inspection and reconditioning center Thursday, September 28. The new 179,000-square-foot facility is located in Tolleson. (Photo courtesy Carvana)
Goodyear’s Puff & Fluff pampering West Valley pets
By Connor Dziawura
When entrepreneur Liz Illg purchased Phoenix’s Puff & Fluff Grooming and Pet Sitting in 2013, her goal was to spread her love of animals Valleywide.
The company had one location at 16th Street and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix. But with Illg at the reins of Puff & Fluff, the shop quickly grew. Less than two years after opening an Arcadia Puff & Fluff, she introduced its services to Goodyear on August 1.
“I love pets, first and foremost,” Illg said. “I wanted to find a pet business that I could enhance. A lot of grooming shops tend to just groom animals and make animals pretty.”
But Illg yearned to do something different.
“I wanted to create a community around it where we have pet events and we do pet fundraising and we’re really tapping into the community,” she explained.
Puff & Fluff offers many services, beginning with its full-service dog grooming option. This includes a bath, blow dry, nail trim, ear trim and cleaning, haircut, massage and other essential details. Packages range from $45 to $100, depending on the size and breed of the dog. The shop also offers a bath and brush package, as well as à la carte services. Not only does Puff & Fluff service dogs, but cats can also be bathed, brushed, groomed and trimmed.
Pet sitting is offered at its Central Phoenix and West Valley locations. Puff & Fluff’s unique options include anesthesia-free dental cleanings, thanks to a special veterinarian who comes in every other month. The next availability is in November.
“It’s a really safe way and a lot cheaper way to get your dog’s teeth cleaned,” she said. “They’re usually
Briefcase...continued from page 14
of water for the homeless population. Instead, the organization surpassed that –by nearly triple its goal! In total, 74,996 bottles were distributed.
And on a final note, I will leave you with one last piece of information. Online used auto retailer Carvana opened its first West Coast vehicle inspection and reconditioning center in Tolleson on Thursday, September 28. This 179,000-square-foot facility is
fully booked.”
Standard services grooming and pet sitting are popular, but even pets need pampering.
“Nail polish is a huge one right now, and then also we color dogs’ hair,” she said. “There’s a pet-friendly spray paint that we use, and so people will come in and want like the tail of the dog to be bright pink. So, we’ll spray paint the tail bright pink, and just fun little services like that that are just kind of pampering your pooch a little bit more than just a normal service.”
But as Illg explained, Puff & Fluff is not simply about basic pet grooming. She wants to be a resource for allthings pet-related.
“We really want to be an outlet for the pet industry; hence we are grooming dogs and pet sitting dogs,” she said. “We want to be a real big outlet.”
And what could be a better way to show the community she cares than hold Puff & Fluff Deal Day? Every month, the company posts details online about this event, which offers a 20-percent discount on all products and services.
“We want to be affordable,” she said. “So, if we’re not affordable every day during the week, we want to offer a special to get people to come in and meet anybody’s price point.”
But with the shop operating in three Valley locales, Illg and Puff & Fluff are proud to include Goodyear as a home.
“The wonderful thing about going out to the West Valley is there wasn’t a lot of local grooming shops,” she said.
“You have a lot of corporate grooming shops, and so we really want to market to the community of having a small local business, because I firmly believe that people get love and attention from
expected to create more than 100 new jobs and will help the Tempe-based company to grow and house its 7,000plus vehicle inventory. Prior to this new location, Carvana recently announced plans to begin free deliveries in the Phoenix and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
That’s all the briefs for this week. Thanks for reading!
Have an item for Business Briefcase? Email Connor Dziawura at cdziawura@timespublications.com.
us because we are local. We’re super transparent with our customers. There’s a local feel.”
Puff & Fluff Grooming and Pet Sitting
221 N. Litchfield Road Goodyear 623-932-4847
PuffandFluffSpa.com
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Liz Illg, owner of Puff & Fluff Spa in Goodyear. (West Valley View photos by Ray Thomas)
Christina Buck of Puff & Fluff Spa in Goodyear gives Yoda his finishing touches of his trim.
CIGNA YOU
Cigna + you is our promise to put you first. We want to take care of our customers and make their health insurance experience easy. Get all the coverage of Original Medicare plus:
• $0 monthly premiums
• $0 primary care doctor copays
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental services
• Vision services
NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN A CIGNA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN 1-855-333-5882 (TTY 711)
8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7. CignaMedicare.com
All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums, and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Calling the number above will connect you to a licensed sales agent. Other providers are available in our network. Cigna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age disability or sex. Cigna cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no dicrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Chinese: 注意: 如果 您使 用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務. 請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). You must reside in the plan service area. Available in certain counties of Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2017 Cigna Y0036_18_57008 Accepted
Verrado swim team looks stronger than ever
By Casey Pritchard
Verrado has always had a strong girls swim team, and it is again. This year, the boys are looking to be an equal force.
Both the boys and girls teams have started the season 4-0 in dual meets, and the boys have made lofty goals for the season.
“This is the strongest the boys team has been in the eight seasons I’ve coached them,” said assistant coach Denise Stewart.
Stewart stepped down as head coach following the 2016 season because she was accepted to a nuclear medicine program that started in August. She jumped at the chance to help new head coach Jason Bourland, though.
individual medley in 1:56.64. Stewart said Nabor has even bigger ambitions this year.
Grant Greenbaum, a junior, swam in state last year, taking seventh in the 500 free in 4:50.94. That event, the 200 individual medley, and 100 breaststroke will be his best events this season, Stewart said.
“He’s got the drive,” Stewart said. “He always wants to beat the person next to him, and do better to help the team. That really helps.”
SWIMMING
Zach Petrey, who does both the 50 free and 100 free, along with Sam Sondreal are the senior captains. Senior Eric Kodet, who swam on two relay teams at the state tournament last year, is another important senior.
“They were having a hard time finding an assistant coach, so he asked me if I could come back and help him transition for at least one year,” Stewart said. “Jason is a fantastic coach. He’s done a really good transition into this team. The team is really responding well to him, which I was hoping. I have no doubt this team is in good hands.”
Bourland, who coached eight seasons at Youngker, said he’s excited to be on board at Verrado. Having Stewart along has been a monstrous relief, he added.
“She already knows the team really well, the background of the team, the direction the team was already going,” Bourland said. “So, the structure for the team is already there, and it’s really easy to transition into something new having her at your side. She’s foundational, and to have her available like she is, is really a blessing.”
Stewart is still at practice three to four times per week and will attend just about every meet, she said.
The boys team has started the season on a good note, and Stewart said the strength of the team has been their camaraderie.
“They all get along so well together,” she said. “No matter what relay or order we pick, it’s going to be a solid relay.”
The boys team has 20 athletes, including returning sophomore Jadan Nabor, who, as a freshman, was a medalist in two events at last year’s state tournament. Nabor was second in the 100-yard backstroke in 53.93 seconds, and took fourth in the 200
Verrado also has two freshmen that are making an impact in Jacob Cress and Jacob Beyer.
“They’ll do pretty much anything we put them in, and they are a force,” Stewart said. “They’re really good, really laid back, they fit in perfectly, and they’re racing. They’re pushing the seniors.”
Verrado’s boys finished ninth as a team last year, which was its best in school history. The bar has been pushed even higher this season, as it has for the girls as well, Bourland said.
“We’re already a bit higher on our program on the way they’re swimming than they were last year,” Bourland said. “I think they’d like to be top five, for sure. There’s a lot of big schools, a lot of great swimming schools out there, and we want to make sure we’re part of that umbrella.”
Stewart said it’s totally different having the boys team just as strong as the girls.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s a really different shift, but I’m really glad it’s happening because those boys have put in a lot of time and they really deserve the recognition they’re starting to get,”
Stewart said.
The girls team has 34 swimmers, including several returners from last year’s sixth place finish at state. Nobody medaled, but there were plenty of athletes who scored points, including all three of its relay teams.
Victoria Warrum was the highest individual finisher who is returning, finishing eighth in the 100 butterfly
in 59.50 seconds. Taylor Mellon and Megan Lukda, who are sophomores now, swam at state last year, as did Kyra Taylor, Colleen O’Kane and Kayla Samsing. Taylor and O’Kane are juniors now, and Samsing is a senior and one of the team captains.
“There are a lot of girls on this team who are really strong and have a lot to offer,” Stewart said. “I have no doubt they’re going to have a great showing at state.”
Warrum is looking to qualify in the 100 free and 100 back for state this year, Stewart said. Samsing is eyeing the 50 free and 100 free for state.
In addition to a strong returning group, there are eight freshmen on the team. Kennedy Eichler is a standout, Stewart said.
“You’re probably going to be hearing that name a lot,” Stewart said. “She is going to be a force in that pool. She loves the 200 free and 500 free. When she is up and ready to race, it’s so much fun to watch her race. She is so self driven it’s insane.”
Verrado’s girls team is also strong in diving. Sydney Eccles is the dive captain, and her, Ludka, Amanda Angelovic and Jordan Argano have already all qualified for the state meet in diving.
Verrado had its first invitational meet Sept. 29-30, and competes in the West Valley Invitational Friday and Saturday at the Southwest Valley Regional
YMCA in Goodyear. Bourland said he’s excited about the rest of the season, and really enjoys being out on deck every day with this team.
“I love it,” Bourland said. “You have to look at what this team has done in the past, what they’ve built throughout the years, all the different swimmers that have come out of this school and what kind of things they’re doing now in college. You look at that legacy that’s being built, and you want to be part of that. They’ve already built something, and you want to get involved in that and be part of that, see if you can bring growth to that and nest yourself into it even more.”
Sam Sondreal practices with Verrado swim team at the Southwest Valley YMCA in Goodyear. (West Valley View photo by Ray Thomas)
Victoria Warrum practices with Verrado swim team at the Southwest Valley YMCA in Goodyear. (West Valley View photo by Ray Thomas)
New partnership brings name change to PIR
By Casey Pritchard
The name “Phoenix International Raceway” will soon be no more.
PIR announced a partnership with ISM Connect that gives it naming rights to the Avondale venue. Starting next year, the track will be known as ISM Raceway, to reflect the company that deals with smart venue technology.
“When we announced our construction project back in January, it really changed everything for us, and it opened the door for all sorts of different possibilities,” said PIR President Bryan Sperber. “One of those possibilities was potentially a naming rights partner. So, we started to talk to a number of brands that were interested in being our naming rights partner.”
He said this partnership goes beyond a name on the building.
“ISM really had interest in partnering with us to enhance the digital experience for the live attendees,” Sperber said. “So, it really became more about how do you create this unbelievable experiential opportunity
for live attendance at our venue. It was incredibly attractive to us and we were really glad the relationship was able to be consummated and be able to announce ISM Raceway.”
According to Sperber, ISM has incredible technological capabilities, is very creative and has many blue-chip technology partners that it will bring to the relationship. ISM offers a wide range of features with apps, as well as live interactive video boards and video screens.
Jeff Hutchins, ISM Connect’s vice president of operations, is excited about the partnership because he helped put the deal together, and has interesting surprises for fans, he said.
“For ISM, what we’ve done to date is cool,” Hutchins said. “It’s interesting. We’re a year or so ahead of people, and what we’re doing in Phoenix is going to keep us three years ahead of people. It’s a very important project to us.”
Creating a partnership with such a technologically advanced company
was vital to Sperber because society depends on electronics.
“The smartphone and our devices have really taken over all facets of our daily life from the mundane to entertainment, and we clearly are in the entertainment business,” Sperber said. “So, being able to have a venue now that not only embraces technology, but really takes it to another level. I think we’ll really blow away our fans with what we’re going to provide to them in terms of entertainment in a 360-degree environment.”
The new features will begin to unfold at March’s NASCAR race, and will be fully incorporated by next November’s event, when the renovated track will be finished. One thing officials would mention is ISM Connnect’s mission to improve the raceway’s Wi-Fi.
“We’re going to be the only motor sports venue in the United States, I believe, that will be fully Wi-Fi enabled,” Sperber said.
Hutchins added he cannot unveil other features he’s working on, but did say the pedestrian tunnel that goes from the outside of the track to the
PIR...continued on page 19
High school football schedule
Here is the high school football schedule for October 4 to October 13. All games take place at 7 p.m. Fridays, unless otherwise noted.
Agua Fria High School
October 6: Verrado – Away – 20050 W. Indian School Road, Buckeye
October 13: Barry Goldwater – Home – 530 E. Riley Drive, Avondale
Desert Edge High School
October 6: Goldwater – Away – 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix October 13: Lake Havasu – Away –2675 S. Palo Verde Boulevard, Lake Havasu City
La Joya Community High School
October 6: Westview– Home – 11650 W. Whyman Avenue, Avondale.
October 13: Copper Canyon – Away –9126 W. Camelback Road, Glendale
Millennium High School
October 6: Copper Canyon– Home – 14802 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Goodyear
October 13: Tolleson – Away - 9419 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson
Sierra Linda High School
October 6: Willow Canyon – Away17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise
October 13: Centennial – Home – 3434 S. 67th Avenue, Phoenix
Tolleson Union High School
October 6: Valley Vista – Away –15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise
October 13: Millennium – Home –9419 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson
Verrado High School
October 6: Agua Fria– Home – 20050 W. Indian School Road, Buckeye
October 13: Goldwater – Home – 20050 W. Indian School Road, Buckeye
Westview High School
October 6: La Joya– Away – 11650 W. Whyman Avenue, Avondale
October 13: Valley Vista – Home - 10850
W. Garden Lakes Parkway, Avondale
Youngker High School
October 6: Yuma – Home –3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye
October 13: Gila Ridge – Away – 7150 E. 24th Street, Yuma
Phoenix International Raceway will become ISM Raceway in 2018. (Logo courtesy Phoenix International Raceway)
infield will be upgraded.
“Most people have always looked at that as sort of this generic painted white archway where people walk through,” Hutchins said. “We want to make that an experience. It’s a huge space. It’s a transition area. It’s experiential.”
The transition from fan to insider will be upgraded, with the use of sound and technology, and mobile apps.
“It’s going to be a massively interesting focal point,” he said.
ISM Connect is using PIR as its flagship, with a focus on integrating into other sports venues. Hutchins said he believes it’s going to be an evolutionary experience, he said.
“We talked to a lot of different venues before we made this decision, and the Phoenix team is really what made the difference,” Hutchins said. “The market that Phoenix brings, the area, that whole geography – it’s a fantastic space. The country recognizes it as a leading (digital market), and the team here had such a tremendous vision that it fit. It was almost karmic the way it kind of clicked into place.”
Sperber went as far as to call the
partnership “a dream come true,” he said.
“Race fans will be experiencing racing like no other race fans in the
country, or the world,” Sperber said.
“It will be a wonderful blend of a highquality brick-and-mortar experience, with a robust and engaged digital
experience. To put those two together was an incredible opportunity, and our fans are going to be the beneficiary of this.”
ISM Connect CEO Kent Heyman, ISM Connect Vice President of Technology Marc Del Vecchio, ISM Connect Vice President of Operations
Jeff Hutchins, Gov. Doug Ducey, track President Bryan Sperber and two-time Daytona 500 Champion Michael Waltrip. (Photo courtesy Phoenix International Raceway)
at 11350 Civic Center Drive invites adults to bring a coffee mug and materials to join fellow crafters for needlework, knitting and crocheting at 10:30 a.m. For information, call 623-333-2602.
Movies @ Your Library
Join other families at the Buckeye Downtown Library at 310 N. Sixth Street at 3 p.m. as they cool off and watch Beauty and the Beast. Snacks will be available for purchase. For information, call 623-349-6300.
Thursday
5
hosts a weekly Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. Alateen allows teens affected by someone else’s drinking to share experiences, learn effective ways to cope with obstacles and support the friends and families of alcoholics. For information, call 623-882-0721.
CrossFit Fury at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that provides a park where children can play while parents exercise. Thursday will feature cardio, weight lifting and core training from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.
EON: Business Workshops
barbecue contest, food and more. Come down to Bayless Park at 300 E. Highway 85 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the fun. For information, call 602-386-6122.
Afternoon of Tea and Fellowship
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will host an afternoon of tea and a discussion by Beth Davis at St. Clare Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas, 13720 W Thomas Road, Avondale, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is $15. For information, call 623-536-2025.
Sangria & Shopping
can voice actors. The show begins at 12:55 p.m. For information, call 623-478-9411.
Contemplative Prayer & Meditation
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 400 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, invites people desiring to deepen their meditation practice or try meditation for the first time to join them from 5 to 6 p.m. Sundays. All faiths are welcome. For information, call 623-935-3279.
Monday
e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.
Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extends to Estrella on the south and Tonopah on the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.
9 Days a Week calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.
Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to news1@westvalleyview.com or faxed to 623-935-2103.
OCTOBER
4 Wednesday
mation, call 623-333-2602.
Come & Play with Me
Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library hosts a weekly open-play group at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, at 11 a.m. for children through age 5. For information, call 623-333-2601.
More
to Explore
Kids ages 6 to 12 can build structures, experiment, play games and make crafts at this interactive learning program, which runs from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 Civic Center Drive. For infor-
Lunch & Bunco
Come down to the Goodyear Library at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, Bunco and prizes. The cost is $15. Registration is required. For information, call 623-882-7525.
STEAM Spot
The Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, holds an interactive program for kids interested in science, technology, engineering, art and math from 2 to 3 p.m. For information, call 623-333-2601.
Digital Drop-In
Drop in between 1 and 2 p.m. to learn how to use tablets or e-readers and borrow library eBooks at Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 602-652-3000.
Needle & Thread
The Avondale Civic Center Library
No Game No Life Zero
The Harkins Gateway Pavilions 18 at 10250 W. McDowell Road, Avondale, will show No Game No Life Zero, a prequel to a popular anime series, followed by a special welcome from director Kyle Jones as well as a few American voice actors. The show will begin at 7 p.m. For information, call 623478-9411.
Book and a Craft
Litchfield Park Branch Library invites K through second graders and their caregivers to an afternoon of stories and crafts from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.
Preschool Time
Help prepare preschoolers for reading through music, books, games and crafts from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.
United Way Storytime (Ages 0-6)
Children can sing, listen to stories and craft at 1 p.m. at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale. The first 25 children will receive a free book to take home. For information, call 623-333-2601.
Al-Anon Stepping Stones
The Christ Presbyterian Church at 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, hosts a weekly Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. Al-Anon seeks to support the friends and families of alcoholics. For information, call 623-882-0721.
Alateen
The Christ Presbyterian Church at 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear,
Meet fellow businessmen and learn basic online protection for a business at 6:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Library Coyote Branch, 21699 W. Yuma Road. For information, call 623-349-6354.
Friday
6
More than 100 vendors will line the Sixth Street Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come down to 517 E. Monroe Avenue, Buckeye, for sangria and shopping with $10 per glass with four drink tickets. For information, call 623-386-2727.
9
Helzarockin’ Gem & Mineral Show
Visit the Helzapoppin’ Arena at 802 N. First Street, Buckeye, for a gem and mineral show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 and children 12 and younger are free. For information, call 602-405-2926.
Teen Movies
Join other teens at the Buckeye Downtown Library at 310 N. Sixth Street at 3:30 p.m. as they hang out and watch Wonder Woman. Snacks will be available for purchase. For information, call 623-349-6300.
Saturday
7
Buena Vista Bookmobile
The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, will be at 2000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye, from 1 to 2 p.m. Visitors can get library cards and check out and return books. For information, call 623-349-6300.
Paws for Reading
Preschoolers and school-age children can visit Goodyear Branch Library with a parent to practice reading with a registered therapy dog. The Paws for Reading program starts at 2 p.m. at 14455 W. Van Buren Street and has helped improve children’s reading skills as well as confidence. For information, call 602-652-3000.
Sunday
Neighborhood Movie Night
Las Ligas Park at 12421 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Avondale, will host a movie night featuring Monster House at 6:45 p.m. Come as early as 5:30 p.m. to enjoy the pre-movie activities and popcorn. For information, call 623-333-2400.
Oktoberfest Carnival and Festival
Main Street Coalition and the city of Buckeye are presenting this year’s Oktoberfest Carnival that features a car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., live bluegrass music, a
Sea Lions at Shipwreck Cove
Come see an educational show starring California Sea Lions and skilled trainers at 11:30 a.m. in a pirate-themed exhibit at Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park. This show is free with admission. For information, call 623-935-9453.
No Game No Life Zero
The Harkins Gateway Pavilions 18 at 10250 W. McDowell Road, Avondale, will show No Game
No Life Zero, a new prequel to a popular anime series, followed by a special welcome from director Kyle Jones as well as a few Ameri-
Hope
Stop by Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Classroom C at 918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, for the Hope support group from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The goal of the group is to provide help for those struggling with any mental disorder by sharing experiences and supporting others. For information, call 480-994-4407.
EON Business Meet-up
Meet fellow businessmen and entrepreneurs to share ideas, ask questions and receive advice at 6 p.m. at the Buckeye Library Coyote Branch, 21699 W. Yuma Road. For information, call 623-349-6354.
Ignite Yoga at Fitness in the Park
Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that provides a park where children can play while parents exercise. Monday will feature yogic postures, alignment and breathing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.
Divorce Support Group
DivorceCare will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear. The group hopes to empower divorced and separated people to discover hope and healing with videos, a workbook, a trained facilitator and group discussion. The workbook is $15, and scholarships are available. For information, call 909-241-2516.
Kids Support Group
DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear. The program allows
healing for children 5 through 12 who are struggling with the pain of divorce and separation. Cost is $15, and scholarships are available. For information, call 909-241-2516.
Babies & Books
The Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 Civic Center Drive invites parents to bring their babies ages 0-2 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. to promote early development. Babies will learn with books, music and playtime activities. For information, call 623-333-2602.
Teen Leadership Club
Teen Leadership Club is a group that creates and carries out new programs for the Goodyear Branch Library. The team meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street. Registration is required. For information, call 602-651-3507.
Taking Pounds Off
Sensibly (TOPS)
TOPS is a program designed to help people reach their weight-loss goals in a healthy manner with weekly meetings. TOPS meets at 6 p.m. at
Skyway Church, 14900 W. Van Buren Street, Goodyear. For more information, call 623-935-4858.
Tuesday
call 623-349-6300.
Thomas D. Rabjohn
Tabletop
Gaming for Tweens & Teens
Bingo
The American Legion Post No. 61 hosts bingo each Tuesday night starting at 6:45 p.m. These bingo nights have 17 games including Quickie, Early Bird, Double Action and a $1,000 progressive game. Come down to 35 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, to support the area’s youth and veterans. For information, call 623-932-4960.
Buckeye Business Connection
Buckeye Chamber hosts the Buckeye Business Connection every Tuesday from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. at the Chamber office at 508 E. Monroe Avenue. This group serves coffee and a light breakfast and networks with business members in the community. Each week, there will also be a different guest speaker. For information, call 623-386-2727.
PiYo at
Fitness in
the
Park
Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that provides a park where children can play while par-
Gema
Raymond
James
ents exercise. Tuesday will feature Pilates and yoga from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.
Chess Club for T(w)eens
Are you a chess whiz? The Litchfield Park Branch Library at 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard invites kids ages 11-16 to learn or practice their chess moves from 4 to 5 p.m. For information, call 602-652-3000.
Teen Volunteer
Tuesdays (Ages 13-18)
Teens looking to serve their community and volunteer for school credit can meet at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library’s Volunteer Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale. For information, call 623-333-2602.
Code Club
The Coyote Branch Library invites kids age 8-12 to come to 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, at 5 p.m. to learn how to create video games and websites. Registration is required. For information,
American Legion Post 143 Meeting
Thomas D. Rabjohn American Legion Post 143 will meet at 7 p.m. at the Palm Valley Community Center, 14145 W Palm Valley Boulevard, Goodyear. Hot dogs, chili dogs and chips will be served.
Wednesday
11
Bring a friend for fun games like Dutch Blitz, Set and Bananagrams at 3:30 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.
Preschoolers Storytime
low crafters and work on crochet, knitting or sewing projects. Come by the Goodyear Branch Library at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to join. For information, call 602-652-3000.
POUND at Fitness in the Park
Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that provides a park where children can play while parents exercise. Wednesday will feature a fast-paced workout with drumsticks from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.
RX 360 Adult Workshop
Join RX 360 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Goodyear Goodwill Career Center, 211 Litchfield Road, for a presentation on how to safely discard prescriptions, keep them away from children and prevent medicine abuse. For information, call 623-932-1304.
The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street invites preschool-age children to read books, sing songs and take part in activities at 11 a.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.
Community Center Bookmobile
The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, will be at 201 E. Centre Avenue, Buckeye, from 11 a.m. to noon. Visitors can get library cards and check out and return books. For information, call 623-349-6300.
Toddler Storytime
Bring children ages 2-3 at 11:15 a.m. to listen to stories and music at the Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 602-652-3000.
Thursday
12
Preschool Time
Help prepare preschoolers for reading through music, books, games and crafts from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.
EON: Business Workshops
In Stitches in Goodyear
Enjoy tea and coffee and meet fel-
Erica McLaughlin, M.D.
Briggs J. Geier, D.O.
Kim Roberts, W.H.N.P.
Meet fellow businessmen and learn how to improve businesses by using Google at 6:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Library Coyote Branch, 21699 W. Yuma Road. For information, call 623-349-6354.
Toddler Storytime
Bring children to the Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street, so they can hear picture books read aloud and play with other toddlers at 11 a.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.
Rocker 7 brings fall to the West Valley
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Brandon and Katie Leister enjoyed six years of farming in Buckeye when, in 2014, the couple decided to share their love of agriculture with the community.
Rocker 7 Farm Patch, the partner location to Rocker 7 Farms, will once again open its gates for a fall festival that kicks off Saturday, October 7. It runs through Sunday, October 29.
“I love fall,” said Katie, who grew up in Texas. “In this state, you have to create it. Also, we wanted to be good stewards of our industry and educate our neighbors on where food comes from and Arizona agriculture in general.”
The fall festival features a pumpkin patch, crop maze, hayride and other family-friendly attractions. Admission is $9 on Fridays and $10 on the weekends. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, including opening day; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. The Chick-fil-A cow will make a guest appearance on opening day. On October 14, Rocker 7 Farm Patch will crown the pumpkin princess and corn king.
“The admission includes all the activities on the farms, except for pumpkins that they want to purchase or concessions,” she said. “Hayride and the barrel train are included in admission. Once you enter, you can participate in everything.”
In the waning hours of the festival, from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Rocker 7 Farm Patch will host flashlight nights.
“It’s something that older kids will enjoy,” she said. “Maybe they aren’t
quite ready for the haunted thing yet, but they’re a little big for the daytime activities.
“We hope it’ll be a good fit. Middleaged boys are pretty excited about this.”
Bringing kids to the farm is nothing new for the Leisters, who offer school tours and host fieldtrips.
This summer, it transitioned to a nonprofit to seek grants to promote its educational activities and lessons.
The Leisters are proud that their two children—Leyton, 4, and Bowen, 1— are growing up on a farm. Katie said she believes there is a “bigger disconnect between the general population and the agricultural community about where food comes from.”
“As people move closer to the farm, we have a bigger responsibility as farmers to educate our neighbors,” she said. “We’re doing the best we can to be the good stewards of the land and provide an abundant food supply.”
Katie Leister grew up in Texas and yearned for the fall. So, she and her husband, Arizona native Brandon, started a festival at their Rocker 7 Farm Patch in Buckeye to celebrate the cooler weather. (Photos courtesy Rocker 7 Farm Patch)
Wanell Costello finds fair work udderly fantastic
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
As the Arizona State Fair’s executive director, Wanell Costello admits that she makes great cocktail conversation.
Raised in Thatcher and living in Buckeye, Costello has learned to read a cow’s nose print, the ins and outs of pop culture and how to handle amusement attractions.
She’s the fair’s go-to person. Costello began her tenure with the fair as an intern. She will kick off her 29th fair on October 6.
“I enjoy that it has so many different components,” said Costello, whose husband is Buckeye Fire Chief Bob Costello.
“I don’t do the same thing every day. I’ve dealt with animals, entertainment, the arts and crafts and the carnival component. There are so many different facets of the fair that it never gets dull.”
A second-generation Arizonan, Costello grew up admiring the fair. As a student at Brigham Young University in Utah, she applied for an internship at the Arizona State Fair and got it. It was the perfect fit, considering she was
studying recreation administration, a curriculum that included managing facility and entertainment venues.
She made her mark and worked her way up to executive director, a position she’s had since January 2015. Costello and her staff, including assistant executive director Jen Yee, begin planning for the Arizona State Fair as soon as the previous one ends.
“It’s such a large production that it takes a full year and you have to give it your full attention,” she said. “We talk to the grounds entertainers about coming in the next year. It takes all the energy to get the next year together.”
Year-round, however, they’re on the hunt for new contests, arts and crafts and trends.
“We continually try to and figure out how we can improve and change, whether it’s a different layout and new seating arrangements, or what new food we can offer. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes.”
Once again, this year will be different, featuring more music, like
Revitalize Studio
bands paying tribute to the likes of Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Journey and AC/ DC. Acrobats from mainland China, animatronic dragons and new monster trucks are also on the docket.
Veterans Memorial Coliseum will be the home to concerts by acts ranging from Gary Allan to Marilyn Manson.
down front, or you can come in for free,” Costello said. “I don’t think concertgoers know this. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the genre of the bands, they’re still entertainers. It’s worth popping in for a few minutes just to watch.”
Just like the bands change annually, Costello’s tasks evolve.
“We really are just packed with entertainment this year,” she said. “Jen does such a good job booking the acts. We really try to be eclectic in our mix. We hit as many genres as we can.
“We’re known for that throughout the fair circuit. We’re not afraid to get a little edgy. We did Green Day when Green Day was first coming out. They were a little edgy at the time. They weren’t a fair act. No one could believe we were going to do it.”
General admission seating is available for free with fair admission.
Reserved seating can be purchased for $40-$60 for most shows, and that includes admission.
“You can pay for a seat that is close
By West Valley View staff
Buckeye’s Community Services Department is accepting applications for vendors who have handmade, artsy items for the city’s 22nd annual Hometown Holiday Boutique from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 2, at Sundance Crossings, 21699 W. Yuma Road.
“This is my 29th fair. There’s always something new that comes on your plate,” she said. “I’ve been lucky in my career. I had supervisors and leaders who allowed me to try new things. Each year I was given a new challenge. It never got dull. It still hasn’t.”
Arizona State Fair
1826 W. McDowell Road
Phoenix
Friday, October 6, to Sunday, October 29
602-252-6771
azstatefair.com
For ticket information and times, visit https://azstatefair.com/hoursticket-info/
Applications are available on the city’s website and must be submitted by October 13. Space is limited. Vendors can also contact Jessica Thompson at 623-349-6613 or jthompson@ buckeyeaz.gov for an application. For more details, visit buckeyeaz. gov/events.
Wanell Costello, a 16-year Buckeye resident, said working as the Arizona State Fair’s executive director never gets dull. (Photo courtesy Arizona State Fair)
Rudy’s launches ‘Cup for a Cause’ to aid hurricane relief efforts
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q is postponing its annual pink “Cup for a Cause” until February to raise money for hurricane relief efforts this month.
Launched on October 1, the Texas “Cup for a Cause” is set to raise $100,000 for organizations like Rebuild Texas and The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group. Rudy’s will match up to $50,000.
During October, Rudy’s will transform its 32-ounce cups into the Texas Cup. Guests are encouraged to donate $1 and, in return, they will receive a free dink coupon to be used on their next visit. Through the past campaigns, the Rudy’s team and guests have raised more than $1 million for various charities, mainly focused on supporting military- and breast cancer-
related charities.
“After the storm rolled through, we began donating food and supplies to the hurricane victims, service personnel and volunteers in the affected regions throughout Texas,” said Pete Bassett, vice president of operations for Rudy’s.
“We knew that more than our barbecue and supplies were needed for these affected regions to rebuild, so we quickly began to work on the Texas Cup for a Cause.”
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q is located at 845 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For more information, call 480-663-6311. Since 1989, Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q has served real Texas barbecue to folks in the Southwest. For more information, visit rudysbbq.com.
Freeway artist talks transforming transportation through art
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Creating art on a colossal scale is just another day at the office for Joseph Salazar.
He will share his perspective on transforming Arizona’s highways and freeways into astonishing works of art at the October Hot Coffee Arts & Culture Lecture Series 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, at Total Wine and More, 1416 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Salazar, along with a team of engineers, archeologists and landscape architects, has transformed the Arizona transportation landscape from ordinary to extraordinary. Through his creative and innovative landscape and aesthetic freeway designs,
Goodyear hosting fall festival
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Celebrate the changing of the season at the annual fall festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 21, at Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way.
The family-friendly event includes trick-or-treating; a pumpkin patch; costume contest; arts and crafts; live music; and performances by dance and martial arts groups. Admission and parking at the event are free.
The costume contest will take place at 6 p.m. Prizes, sponsored by
Champs Automotive, will be awarded for the best costumes in the following categories: family/group, kids, adult and best in show.
Food and specialty activities are available for purchase including: trackless train rides, rock wall, inflatable activities, cornhole and arts and crafts vendors. For more information including a calendar of events, visit goodyearbp. com or call Goodyear Ballpark at 623-882-3120.
Abrazo West Campus hosts blood drive
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
To help replenish the nationwide blood supply that has become depleted as a result of the recent tragedies, Abrazo West Campus is hosting a blood drive on Friday, October 13, in the hospital’s second-floor conference room, 13677 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear.
Appointments can be made from
7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All donations are encouraged with a special emphasis on O-negative blood. O-negative blood type donors are universal donors.
United Blood Services is conducting the blood drive. To sign up to donate blood, call 1-877- 827-4376 or go to bloodhero. com (Sponsor Code: abrazowest).
he has put Arizona’s freeways and highways on the international map for cutting-edge designs.
Salazar will share with the audience how these imaginative designs evolve and proceed through the development process, ultimately reflecting Arizona’s unique history and wildlife.
The Hot Coffee Arts & Culture lecture series is held every month from January through October at 7 p.m. at Total Wine and More, 1416 N. Litchfield Road. Light refreshments are served. Parking and admission are free. For more information, visit goodyearaz.gov/arts.
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q in Goodyear is one of many participating in the Texas “Cup for a Cause” hurricane fundraiser. (Photo courtesy Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q)
around the neighborhood
Photos by Ray Thomas
The Roundup took over Goodyear Ballpark on September 30, bringing the best food trucks and bands, as well as a selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Admission to The Roundup was free, and every dollar spent on adult beverages, as well as a portion of the food proceeds, went directly to the West Valley charities. The event was hosted by the West Valley Mavericks. The VIP Wigwam Party Pavilion featured top-notch plates from Litchfield’s and Red’s Bar & Grill.
1. Aubrey Eastburn, 9, of Surprise hands out lemonade to guests; 2. ZPotes Food Truck and Salvadorian food brought in diners; 3. Festival goers chose The American Poutine Co., which features specialty fries and cheese curds topped with gourmet foods; 4. Landen Windom, 5, of Goodyear hangs on like a professional as he clings to the back of a mechanical bull as part of the family festivities; 5. Susan O’Brien of Brisbane, Australia, dances with her granddaughter Olivia Slotten, 2, of Goodyear; 6. Chris Williams of North Phoenix prepares to dig into a carne asada on frybread from Emerson Fry Bread; 7. Wigwam ticket holders dined on mini Jerry Colangelo dogs, a Chicago-style hotdog, along with gouda mac and cheese, fried pickles with chipotle dipping sauce, cheddar cheese grits with beef short ribs and apple coleslaw; 8. Cathie King of Hillbilly Deluxe works her magic on country-pop songs.
3 4 2 1 5 6 7 8
Community volunteers support Buckeye schools election
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Community volunteers gathered September 23 at the Buckeye Elementary School District’s Central Office to show support for the district’s Maintenance & Operations Budget Override election.
The local political action committee supporting BESD, Keeping Our Class Sizes Small, provided T-shirts, yard signs and information cards to the volunteers to distribute in district neighborhoods.
The BESD Governing Board approved a resolution on May 1 calling for a special budget override election On November 7.
The M&O is a continuation of the current funding measure in which the state allows school districts to acquire between 10 and 15 percent additional funding through local voter support above the current operations budget provided by the state.
The M&O Override is a component of the secondary tax rate, which, according to Maricopa County Education Service Agency (MCESA), is projected to be $1.32 per $100 of assessed valuation. It is not a new tax. The estimated cost to an owner of a home with a property value of
$85,380 (the average value of a home in the district) would be approximately $112.80 per year.
Funds raised by the M&O Override will continue funding for programs currently serving district students. The funds will be used for staff salaries and benefits to attract and retain 49 highly qualified teachers and allow BESD to keep class sizes small, maintain competitive salaries and offer all-day free kindergarten. In addition, the funds will support art, music, band, physical education, guidance counselors, and reading and math intervention specialists in every school.
This year, every registered voter within the Buckeye Elementary School District boundary will receive a mailin ballot, beginning October 11. Voters can complete the ballot and return it to the Maricopa County Elections Department or drop their ballot off at a Jurisdictional Elections Ballot Center. The Buckeye Elementary District Office is a Ballot Center and will be open Saturday, October 28, to Tuesday, November 7. The Ballot Center hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday; and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, November 7. The Buckeye Elementary District Office is located at 2555 W. Durango Street.
To register to vote, visit servicearizona.com/ VoterRegistration. The deadline to register is Monday, October 9. For more information about these new
procedures and voting options, contact the Maricopa County Elections Office at 602-506-3535 or https://recorder. maricopa.gov/elections.
The Keeping Our Class Sizes Small PAC has more information about future community walks in support of BESD on its Facebook page, SupportBESD.
Palm Valley Elementary named National Blue Ribbon School
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos named Palm Valley Elementary School a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School for being an exemplary highperforming school.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Award is presented to U.S. schools that have students—top 15 percent statewide— in English and Math or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups as measured by state assessments.
The Litchfield Elementary School District facility is one of five Arizona schools that DeVos will honor during November 6 and November 7 ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Palm Valley Elementary School, at 2801 N. 135th Avenue in Goodyear, will host a National Blue Ribbon Award Celebration in the school courtyard at 8 a.m. Monday, October 30.
“We attribute our success as a school
to the challenging and interactive environment that engages and motivates our students,” said Principal Jennifer Benjamin.
“We continually address the needs of all learners by systematically identifying students’ needs and making data-driven decisions. We offer an array of programs that challenge all our Thunderbirds to reach their full potential.”
The Traditional Academy is an accelerated program that offers students a global- and project-based approach to learning
Inclusion Revolution provides self-contained students interactive opportunities to deepen relationships with their peers in self-contained and general education.
“A positive school culture is of utmost importance,” Benjamin said. “Our school motto epitomizes our belief that
a successful school functions as an allinclusive family: Once a Thunderbird, Always a Thunderbird.”
Palm Valley Elementary School is one of 15 schools within Litchfield Elementary School District. The district is one of the highest-ranked
elementary school districts in the state and is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Benjamin has been an administrator with the district for eight years and the principal at Palm Valley Elementary School for four years.
Keep Our Class Sizes Small chairwoman Charlene Powers talks with visitors at the Buckeye Elementary School District Central Office on September 23. (Photo courtesy Buckeye Elementary School District).
Gangplank Avondale hosts robotics event for girls
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Gangplank Avondale is hosting the Girl Powered workshop in conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl.
The class is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, at the studio, 525 N. Central Avenue, Avondale. It will feature hands-on STEM activities for girls and their families.
The global initiative was created through a partnership between the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and VEX Robotics, who are working to redefine the face of STEM and make robotics reflective of the world we live in.
The Girl Powered workshops were created to encourage girls to be involved with STEM, showcasing examples of how women are changing the world, providing tools for success, and creating a comfortable environment where all students’ confidence and
abilities can flourish.
“We’re excited to support the REC Foundation and VEX Robotics by hosting a Girl Powered workshop,” said Ralph Gibson, Gangplank Avondale’s Hacknight facilitator.
“We fully back the intent of this initiative, which is designed to engage more young women in STEM at an early age to ensure that our robotics programs attract as many students interested in STEM as possible. The Girl Powered initiative will help reach many more young women who might not have thought they would be accepted in robotics.”
For more information about the initiative visit girlpowered.com.
Rep. Peten tours new Marionneaux Elementary
By West Valley View staff
To help raise awareness of the Buckeye Elementary School District, District 4 State Rep. Dr. Geraldine Peten visited Marionneaux Elementary School in Buckeye on September 26.
Peten met with district leaders, as well as teachers and students during her visit, which was part of the national Take Your Legislator to School (TYLS) program.
The TYLS is an opportunity to provide legislators an authentic, positive and realistic classroom and
school experience by meeting with teachers and students. In addition, it’s an opportunity for schools to develop relationships with state leadership so that when an education bill is being considered in the future, they might call that teacher or district leader for advice.
The TYLS program was designed in collaboration by Arizona Educational Foundation, Arizona Education Association and the Arizona K-12 Center.
Rep. Geraldine Peten, a retired school district superintendent, met with students and toured the campus of the new Marionneaux Elementary School on September 26. (Photo courtesy Buckeye Elementary School District)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVONDALE, ARIZONA (1) PROVIDING FOR THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF CITY OF AVONDALE, ARIZONA GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2017 AND SUPPLEMENTAL INTEREST CERTIFICATES WITH RESPECT THERETO AND FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY OF A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES; (2) PRESCRIBING CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES INCLUDING THE DELEGATION TO THE MAYOR, THE CITY MANAGER AND THE FINANCE AND BUDGET DIRECTOR OF THE CITY THE AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE THE FINAL PRINCIPAL AND PAYMENT AMOUNTS, MATURITIES AND PAYMENT DATES, INTEREST RATES AND YIELDS AND OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES AND WITH RESPECT TO SUCH BONDS TO BE REFUNDED WITH THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES; (3) MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS, CERTIFICATIONS AND COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES; (4) DELEGATING TO THE MAYOR, THE CITY MANAGER AND THE FINANCE AND BUDGET DIRECTOR OF THE CITY THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT A BOND REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES, APPROVING A FORM OF BOND REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT AGREEMENT WITH SUCH BOND REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT AND AN AGREEMENT WITH A SECURITIES DEPOSITORY AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SUCH AGREEMENTS; (5) DELEGATING TO THE MAYOR, THE CITY MANAGER AND THE FINANCE AND BUDGET DIRECTOR OF THE CITY THE AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES, APPROVING A FORM OF BOND AND CERTIFICATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO SUCH PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SUCH AGREEMENT; (6) DELEGATING TO THE MAYOR, THE CITY MANAGER AND THE FINANCE AND BUDGET DIRECTOR OF THE CITY THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT AN ESCROW TRUSTEE, APPROVING A FORM OF ESCROW TRUST AGREEMENT FOR THE SAFE KEEPING AND HANDLING OF SECURITIES AND MONEY TO BE USED TO PAY SUCH BONDS BEING REFUNDED AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SUCH AGREEMENT; (7) RATIFYING ALL ACTIONS TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO THE PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT INCLUDING THE DELEGATION TO THE MAYOR, THE CITY MANAGER AND THE FINANCE AND BUDGET DIRECTOR OF THE CITY THE AUTHORITY TO APPROVE THE FORM THEREOF AND TO DEEM THE SAME FINAL; (8) APPROVING A FORM OF AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SUCH OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND AUTHORIZING DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH OFFICIAL STATEMENT; (9) APPROVING A FORM OF A CONTINUING DISCLOSURE UNDERTAKING PERTAINING TO PROVIDING CERTAIN FUTURE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THE SERIES 2017 BONDS AND SUCH CERTIFICATES AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SUCH UNDERTAKING; (10) RATIFYING ALL ACTIONS TAKEN TO FURTHER THIS ORDINANCE AND (11) DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona (hereinafter referred to as the “City”), has determined that it is necessary, advisable and expedient to refund certain general obligation and/or general obligation refunding bonds of the City (hereinafter referred to as, collectively, the “Bonds Being Refunded”) and that the issuance of certain refunding bonds (hereinafter referred to as the “Refunding Bonds”) and certain supplemental interest
ORDINANCE NO. 1635-917
certificates with respect thereto (hereinafter referred to as the “Supplemental Interest Certificates”) by the City and the application of the net proceeds thereof to pay at maturity or earlier redemption the Bonds Being Refunded are necessary and advisable and in the best interests of the City and shall result in a present value debt service savings, net of all costs associated with the Refunding Bonds and the Supplemental Interest Certificates, as a percentage of the Bonds Being Refunded, of not less than three percent; and
WHEREAS, the total aggregate of taxes levied to pay principal of and interest on the Refunding Bonds and the Supplemental Interest Certificates in the aggregate shall not exceed the total aggregate principal and interest to become due on the Bonds Being Refunded from the date of issuance of the Refunding Bonds and the Supplemental Interest Certificates to the final date of maturity of the Bonds Being Refunded, and the weighted average maturity of the Refunding Bonds is at least seventy-five percent of the weighted average maturity of the Bonds Being Refunded; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City (hereinafter referred to as the “Council”) will receive a proposal from Stone & Youngberg LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Underwriter”) and has determined that the Refunding Bonds and the Supplemental Interest Certificates should be sold through negotiation to the Underwriter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVONDALE, ARIZONA as follows:
SECTION 1 Authorization and Terms
(a) (1) The Refunding Bonds are hereby authorized to be issued and sold as a series of bonds of the City to be designated “City of Avondale, Arizona General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2017” (hereinafter referred to as the “Bonds”) in accordance with this Ordinance and applicable law.
(2) The Supplemental Interest Certificates are hereby authorized to be issued and sold with respect to, and evidence certain supplemental interest to be borne by, the Bonds (hereinafter referred to as the “Certificates”), the interest evidenced by the Bonds as issued being designated as “A” interest and the interest evidenced by the Certificates as issued being designated as “B” interest, in accordance with this Ordinance and applicable law.
(3) Unless specified or unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to “interest on the Bonds” shall be deemed to include interest designated as both “A” and “B” interest on the Bonds, the interest designated as “B” interest being evidenced by the Certificates.
(b) The Mayor, the City Manager or the Finance and Budget Director of the City or the designees of any of them (collectively, the “Authorized Representatives”) are hereby authorized and directed to determine on behalf of the City: (1) the total principal amount of the Bonds and the total payment amount of the Certificates; (2) the final principal and maturity schedule of the Bonds; (3) the interest accrual periods and the payment amounts and dates of the Certificates; (4) the interest rates with respect to the Bonds and the dates for payment of such interest (hereinafter referred to as the “Interest Payment Dates”); (5) the series designation, maturity dates, principal amounts to be redeemed and redemption dates of the Bonds Being Refunded; (6) the provisions for redemption in advance of maturity of the Bonds; (7) the sales date, sales price and other sales terms of the Bonds and the Certificates (including provision for any discount) and (8) the provision for credit enhancement, if any, for the Bonds and the Certificates upon the advice of the Underwriter; provided, however, that the determinations must result in a present value debt service
saving, net of all costs associated with the Bonds and the Certificates, of not less than three percent.
(c) (1) The Bonds shall be dated the date of their initial authentication and delivery and issued in the denomination of $5,000 of principal amount each or integral multiples thereof and only in fully registered form.
(2) The principal of and premium, if any, on the Bonds shall be payable at maturity or prior redemption upon presentation and surrender thereof at the designated corporate trust of the “Bond Registrar and Paying Agent” (as such term is hereinafter defined).
(3) Interest on the Bonds designated as “A” interest shall be payable by check, dated as of the Interest Payment Date, mailed to the registered owners thereof and at the addresses appearing on the registration books maintained by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent at the close of business on the fifteenth (15th) day of the month next preceding that Interest Payment Date (hereinafter referred to as the “Regular Record Date”). Any such interest on a Bond which is not timely paid or duly provided for shall cease to be payable to the registered owner thereof (or of one or more predecessor Bonds) as of the Regular Record Date and shall be payable to the registered owner thereof (or of one or more predecessor Bonds) at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of that overdue interest. The special record date shall be fixed by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent whenever moneys become available for payment of the overdue interest, and notice of the special record date shall be given to the registered owners of Bonds not less than ten (10) days prior thereto.
(4) The principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America.
(d) (1) The interest designated as “B” interest with respect to the Bonds shall be evidenced by the Certificates which shall be owned, transferred and presented for payment separately from the Bonds and shall evidence that portion of interest designated as “B” interest on the Bonds coming due for the interest accrual periods which the registered owners thereof are entitled to receive.
(2) The Certificates shall be dated their date of initial authentication and delivery.
(3) The Certificates shall be issued in the denomination of $1,000 of interest designated as “B” interest due on a particular “B” Interest Payment Date or integral multiples thereof and only in fully registered form.
(4) The interest designated as “B” interest evidenced by the Certificates shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America to the registered owner of each Certificate, upon presentation and surrender thereof at the principal corporate trust office in Phoenix, Arizona, of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent.
(5) The Certificates shall not be subject to prepayment prior to their stated payment date.
SECTION 2 . Prior Redemption of the Bonds.
(a) Notice of redemption of any Bond shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, not more than forty-five (45) nor less than thirty (30) days prior to the date set for redemption to the registered owner of the Bond or Bonds being redeemed at the address shown on the registration books for the Bonds maintained by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. Failure to properly give such notice of redemption shall not affect the redemption of any Bond for which notice was properly given.
(b) On the date designated for redemption by notice given as herein provided, the Bonds or portions thereof to be redeemed shall become and be due
and payable at the redemption price for such Bonds or such portions thereof on such date, and, if moneys for payment of the redemption price are held in separate accounts by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, interest on such Bonds or such portions thereof shall cease to accrue, such Bonds or such portions thereof shall cease to be entitled to any benefit or security hereunder, the registered owners of such Bonds or such portions thereof shall have no rights in respect thereof except to receive payment of the redemption price thereof and accrued interest thereon and such Bonds or such portions thereof shall be deemed paid and no longer outstanding.
(c) The City may redeem any amount which is included in a Bond in the denomination in excess of, but divisible by, $5,000. In that event, the registered owner shall submit the Bond for partial redemption and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall make such partial payment and shall cause to be issued a new Bond in a principal amount which reflects the redemption so made, to be authenticated and delivered to the registered owner thereof.
SECTION 3 Security
(a) For the purpose of paying the principal of, interest on (including that evidenced by the Certificates) and costs of administration of the registration and payment of the Bonds and the Certificates, there shall be levied on all the taxable property in the City a continuing, direct, annual, ad valorem tax sufficient to pay all such principal, interest and administration costs of and on the Bonds and the Certificates as the same become due, such taxes to be levied, assessed and collected at the same time and in the same manner as other taxes are levied, assessed and collected; provided, however, that the total aggregate of taxes levied to pay principal and interest on the Bonds (including that evidenced by the Certificates) in the aggregate shall not exceed the total aggregate principal and interest to become due on the Bonds Being Refunded from the date of issuance of the Bonds to the final date of maturity of the Bonds Being Refunded. Subject to such limitation, taxes in an amount sufficient to pay the interest on all of the Bonds (including that evidenced by the Certificates) then outstanding, the installments of the principal thereof becoming due and payable in the ensuing year and the annual portion of such sinking fund as may be set up for retirement thereof shall be levied, assessed and collected as other taxes of the City. The tax shall be extended and collected for the City, and the officials of the City and Maricopa County, Arizona, charged with the annual extension and collection of taxes, without further instructions from the Council, shall extend and collect the tax upon issuance of the Bonds. All moneys collected through such tax shall be paid into the treasury of the City, to the credit of the “Refunding Series 2017 Bond Fund” of the City, from which fund the Bonds and the Certificates shall be payable, which tax moneys shall be held in subfunds to be known as the “Interest Fund” and the “Redemption Fund,” which funds shall be kept separate and apart from and not commingled with any other funds or moneys and which shall be used solely for, respectively, payment of interest (including that evidenced by the Certificates) on and principal of, and premium, if any, on the Bonds.
(b) As provided in Section 5(a) hereof, the net proceeds of the sale of the Bonds shall be held in cash and invested in obligations issued by or guaranteed by the United States government (hereinafter referred to as the “Government Obligations”), which mature with interest so as to provide funds to pay at maturity or upon earlier redemption the Bonds Being Refunded together with interest thereon and redemption premiums, if any, and such cash and proceeds of the Government Obligations shall, and other funds legally available for such purposes may, be deposited in respective principal and interest redemption funds and shall be held in trust (hereinafter referred to as the “Trust”) for the payment of the Bonds Being Refunded with interest and redemption premiums, if any, at
maturity or upon redemption. The owners of the Bonds and the Certificates shall rely upon the sufficiency of the cash or proceeds of the Government Obligations held in the Trust for the payment of the Bonds Being Refunded. The issuance of the Bonds and the Certificates shall in no way infringe upon the rights of the owners of the Bonds Being Refunded to rely upon a tax levy for the payment of principal of and interest on the Bonds Being Refunded if the investments in such redemption funds prove insufficient.
(c) Any bond of the series of the Bonds or portion thereof in authorized denominations shall be deemed paid and defeased and thereafter shall have no claim on ad valorem taxes levied on taxable property in the City (1) if there is deposited with a bank or comparable financial institution, in trust, moneys or obligations issued by or guaranteed by the United States government (“Defeasance Obligations”) or both which, with the maturing principal of and interest on such Defeasance Obligations, if any, will be sufficient, as evidenced by a certificate or report of an accountant, to pay the principal of and interest and any premium on such bond or portion thereof as the same matures, comes due or becomes payable upon prior redemption and (2) if such defeased bond or portion thereof is to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been given in accordance with provisions hereof or the City has submitted to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent instructions expressed to be irrevocable as to the date upon which such bond or portion thereof is to be redeemed and as to the giving of notice of such redemption. Bonds the payment of which has been provided for in accordance with this Ordinance shall no longer be deemed payable or outstanding hereunder and thereafter such bonds shall be entitled to payment only from the moneys or Defeasance Obligations deposited to provide for the payment of such bonds.
SECTION 4. Escrow Trust Agreement; Redemption of Refunded Bonds.
(a) If determined to be necessary by the Authorized Representatives, an irrevocable escrow trust agreement with a national banking association authorized to do trust business in the State of Arizona appointed by the Authorized Representative of the City (hereinafter referred to as the “Escrow Trust Agreement”) with respect to the safekeeping and handling of moneys and the Government Obligations to be held in the Trust for the payment of the Bonds Being Refunded in a standard form, with such additions, deletions and modifications as shall be approved by the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City, is hereby approved, and the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City is hereby authorized to execute, and the Clerk of the City is hereby authorized to attest and deliver, the Escrow Trust Agreement, the execution by the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City constituting conclusive evidence of the approval of such officer of any departures from the form submitted to the Council at the time of adoption of this Ordinance.
(b) The Council hereby orders that the Bonds Being Refunded be redeemed on their respective redemption dates as determined as described in Section 1(b). All actions to refund the Bonds Being Refunded whether taken before or after adoption of this Ordinance are ratified and confirmed and approved, respectively.
SECTION 5 Use of Proceeds
(a) Upon the delivery of and payment for the Bonds and the Certificates in accordance with the terms of their sale, the net proceeds of the sale of the Bonds, together with any premium paid by the purchaser for the Bonds after payment of the costs and expenses of their issuance including from proceeds of the sale of the Certificates, shall be applied, along with the moneys to be transferred from the interest and redemption funds for the Bonds Being Refunded over and above amounts needed to make payments on the Bonds Being
Refunded on or before the first day of the fiscal year next preceding, to create the Trust, specifically, if determined to be necessary, pursuant to the Escrow Trust Agreement. The Trust shall be an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the owners of the Bonds and the Certificates. As provided in Section 3(b) hereof, amounts credited to the Trust, other than any beginning cash balance, shall be held in cash and invested immediately in the Government Obligations, the maturing principal of and interest on which, together with any beginning cash balance, are to be sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds Being Refunded as the same become due.
(b) Any balance of the net proceeds of the Bonds remaining after creation of the Trust and paying the costs of issuance of the Bonds and the Certificates shall be transferred to the Refunding Series 2017 Bond Fund for payment of the Bonds and the Certificates.
SECTION 6 Form of Bonds and Certificates
(a) Pursuant to Section 35‑491, Arizona Revised Statutes, as amended, a fully registered bond form and certificate form are adopted as an alternative to the form of bond provided in Section 15‑1023, Arizona Revised Statutes, as amended. The Bonds (including the form of certificate of authentication and form of assignment therefor) shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto. The Certificates (including the form of certificate of authentication and form of assignment therefor) shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto. There may be such necessary and appropriate omissions, insertions and variations as are permitted or required hereby and are approved by those officers executing the Bonds and the Certificates in such form. Execution thereof by such officers shall constitute conclusive evidence of such approval.
(b) The Bonds and the Certificates may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, securities exchange rule or usage. Each Bond and each Certificate shall show both the date of the issue and the date of authentication and registration of each Bond and each Certificate.
(c) The Bonds and the Certificates are prohibited from being converted to coupon or bearer bonds or certificates, respectively, without the consent of the Council and approval of Bond Counsel to the City.
SECTION 7. Execution and Delivery of Bonds and the Certificates and Other Documents.
(a) (1) The Bonds and the Certificates shall be executed for and on behalf of the City by the Mayor of the City, countersigned by the Treasurer of the City and attested by the Clerk of the City. (The Finance and Budget Director of the City shall be such Treasurer for all purposes of this Ordinance.) Any or all of such signatures may be by mechanical reproduction. Such officers shall manually sign certificates adopting as and for such signatures on the Bonds and the Certificates the respective mechanically reproduced signatures affixed to the Bonds and the Certificates.
(2) If an officer whose signature is on a Bond or a Certificate no longer holds that office at the time such Bond or such Certificate is authenticated and registered, the Bond or the Certificate, as the case may be, shall nevertheless be valid so long as such Bond or such Certificate would otherwise be valid and binding
(3) A Bond or a Certificate shall not be valid or binding until authenticated by the manual signature of an authorized representative of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. The signature of the authorized representative of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall be conclusive evidence that the Bond or the Certificate, as the case may be, has been authenticated and issued under this Ordinance.
(b) The Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City is hereby authorized to approve
and execute, and the Clerk of the City is hereby authorized to attest and deliver, the documents and agreements referred to herein calling for such execution and delivery, including particularly the Escrow Trust Agreement and the hereinafter defined Bond Registrar and Paying Agent Agreement, Purchase Agreement and Undertaking.
(c) The Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City is also hereby authorized and directed to execute, and the Clerk of the City is also hereby authorized and directed to attest and deliver, a standard form of letter of representations with The Depository Trust Company with respect to the matters provided in Section 11(g) hereof.
SECTION 8 Mutilated, Lost or Destroyed Bonds or Certificates
In case any Bond or any Certificate becomes mutilated or destroyed or lost, the City shall cause to be executed and delivered a new Bond or a new Certificate, as the case may be, of like type, date, maturity or payment date and tenor in exchange and substitution for and upon the cancellation of such mutilated Bond or mutilated Certificate, as the case may be, or in lieu of and in substitution for such Bond or such Certificate, as the case may be, destroyed or lost, upon the registered owner paying the reasonable expenses and charges of the City in connection therewith and, in the case of a Bond or a Certificate, as the case may be, destroyed or lost, filing with the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent by the registered owner evidence satisfactory to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent that such Bond or such Certificate, as the case may be, was destroyed or lost, and furnishing the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent with a sufficient indemnity bond pursuant to Section 47‑8405, Arizona Revised Statutes, as amended.
SECTION
9 Acceptance of Proposal
(a) Subject to the discretion delegated by Section 1(b) hereof, the Authorized Representatives are hereby authorized to accept a proposal of the Underwriter for the purchase of the Bonds and the Certificates which satisfies the terms and conditions of this Ordinance on behalf of the Council, and the Bonds and the Certificates are hereby ordered to be sold to the Underwriter in accordance with the terms of the Bond and Certificate Purchase Agreement presented to the Council at the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted (hereinafter referred to as the “Purchase Agreement”) and which is hereby approved. The Mayor and the Manager of the City are hereby authorized to execute, and the Clerk of the City is hereby authorized to attest and deliver, the Purchase Agreement, for and on behalf of the Council, in substantially the form submitted to the Council at the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted and in a final form satisfactory to the Mayor or the Manager of the City, and such execution and delivery by the Mayor or the Manager of the City shall indicate the approval thereof on behalf of the Council by the Mayor or the Manager of the City.
(b) The Finance and Budget Director of the City is hereby requested to cause the Bonds and the Certificates to be delivered to the Underwriter upon receipt of payment therefor and satisfaction of the other conditions for delivery thereof in accordance with the terms of the sale provided in the Purchase Agreement.
SECTION 10 Official Statement and Continuing Disclosure
(a) (1) The preparation, distribution and use of the Preliminary Official Statement relating to the Bonds and the Certificates in substantially the form presented to the Council at the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted is in all respects hereby approved, and the Authorized Representatives are hereby authorized to certify or otherwise represent that the Preliminary Official Statement, in original or revised form, is a “deemed final” official statement (except for permitted omissions) of the City as of particular
date for purposes of Rule 15(c)2 12 of Securities and Exchange Commission.
(2) The Underwriter is authorized to prepare or cause to be prepared, and the Authorized Representatives are authorized and directed to approve, on behalf of the Council, and to execute and deliver, a final Official Statement in substantially the form of the Preliminary Official Statement, modified to reflect matters related to the sale of the Bonds and the Certificates, for distribution and use in connection with the offering and sale of the Bonds and the Certificates. The execution and delivery of such final Official Statement by the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City shall be conclusively deemed to evidence the approval of the status, form and contents thereof by the Council.
(b) Subject to annual appropriation to cover the costs of preparing and mailing as necessary therefor, the City shall comply with and carry out all the provisions of a Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, to be dated the date of issuance of the Bonds and the Certificates (hereinafter referred to as the “Undertaking”) with respect to the Bonds and the Certificates which the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of the Council, to execute, and the Clerk of the City is hereby authorized to attest and deliver, in substantially the form submitted to the Council at the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted, with such additions, deletions and modifications as shall be approved by the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City, and such execution and delivery shall constitute evidence of the approval of such officer of any departures from the form submitted to the Council at the time of adoption of this Ordinance. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Ordinance, failure of the City (if obligated pursuant to the Undertaking) to comply with the Undertaking shall not be considered an event of default; however, any Beneficial Owner (as such term is hereinafter defined) may take such actions as may be necessary and appropriate, including seeking specific performance by court order, to cause the City to comply with its obligations under this Section. For purposes of this Section, “Beneficial Owner” means any person who (1) has the power, directly or indirectly, to vote or consent with respect to, or to dispose of ownership of, any Bonds or Certificates (including persons holding Bonds or Certificates through nominees, depositories or other intermediaries), or (2) is treated as the owner of any Bonds or Certificates for federal income tax purposes.
SECTION 11 Bond Registrar and Paying Agent
(a) The Authorized Representatives are hereby authorized to appoint the initial authenticating agent, bond registrar, transfer agent and paying agent with respect to the Bonds and the Certificates (hereinafter referred to as the “Bond Registrar and Paying Agent”), and a standard form contract therewith covering such services, with such additions, deletions and modifications as shall be approved by the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City, is hereby approved, and the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City is hereby authorized to execute, and the Clerk of the City is hereby authorized to attest and deliver, such contract, the execution by the Mayor or, in the absence thereof, Vice Mayor of the City constituting conclusive evidence of the approval of such officer of any departures from the form submitted to the Council at the time of adoption of this Ordinance. The Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall maintain the books of the City for the registration of ownership of each Bond and each Certificate.
(b) A Bond or a Certificate may be transferred on the registration books upon delivery and surrender of the Bond or the Certificate, as the case may be, to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent at its designated corporate trust office, accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in
form and with guaranty of signature satisfactory to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, duly executed by the registered owner of the Bond or the Certificate, as the case may be, to be transferred or the attorney in fact or legal representative thereof, containing written instructions as to the details of the transfer of such Bond or such Certificate, as the case may be. No transfer of any Bond or any Certificate shall be effective until entered on the registration books.
(c) In all cases upon the transfer of a Bond, the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall enter the transfer of ownership in the registration books and shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new fully registered Bond or Bonds of the same type and of the authorized denominations (except that no Bond shall be issued which relates to more than a single principal maturity) for the aggregate principal amount which the registered owner is entitled to receive at the earliest practicable time in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(d) In all cases upon the transfer of a Certificate, the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall enter the transfer of ownership in the registration books and shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new fully registered Certificate or Certificates of the authorized denominations and of the same payment date for the aggregate amount of interest designated as “B” interest which the registered owner is entitled to receive at the earliest practicable time in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(e) All costs and expenses of initial registration and payment of the Bonds shall be borne by the City, but the City and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall charge the registered owner of such Bond or such Certificate, as the case may be, for every subsequent transfer of a Bond or a Certificate, as the case may be, including an amount sufficient to reimburse them for any transfer fee, tax or other governmental charge required to be paid with respect to such transfer and may require that such charge including for such transfer fee, tax or other governmental charge be paid before any such new Bond or such new Certificate, as the case may be, shall be delivered.
(f) The City and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall not be required to issue or transfer any Bonds during a period beginning with the opening of business on any Regular Record Date and ending with the close of business on the corresponding Interest Payment Date.
(g) The Bonds and the Certificates shall be subject to a Book Entry System (as that term is hereinafter defined) of ownership and transfer, except as provided in subsection (3) of this subsection. The general provisions for effecting the Book Entry System are as follows:
(1) The City hereby designates The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, as the initial Depository (as that term is hereinafter defined) hereunder.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section or of the Bonds or the Certificates to the contrary and so long as the Bonds and the Certificates are subject to a Book Entry System, the Bonds and the Certificates shall initially be evidenced by one typewritten certificate for each maturity or payment date, respectively, in an amount equal to the aggregate principal or payment amount thereof, respectively. The Bonds and the Certificates so initially delivered shall be registered in the name of “Cede & Co.” as nominee for The Depository Trust Company. The Bonds and the Certificates may not thereafter be transferred or exchanged on the registration books of the City maintained by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent except: (i) to any successor Depository designated pursuant to subsection (3) of this subsection; (ii) to any successor nominee designated by a Depository; or
(iii) if the City shall elect to discontinue the Book Entry System pursuant to subsection
(3) of this subsection, the City shall cause the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent to authenticate and deliver replacement Bonds or Certificates in fully registered form in authorized denominations in the names of the Beneficial Owners (as such term is hereinafter defined) or their nominees, as certified by the Depository, at the expense of the City; thereafter the other applicable provisions of this Ordinance regarding registration, transfer and exchange of the Bonds and the Certificates shall apply.
(3) The Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, pursuant to a request from the City for the removal or replacement of the Depository, and upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Depository, may remove or replace the Depository. The Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall remove or replace the Depository at any time pursuant to the request of the City. The Depository may determine not to continue to act as Depository for the Bonds and the Certificates upon thirty (30) days written notice to the City and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. If the use of the Book-Entry System is discontinued, then after the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent has made provision for notification of the Beneficial Owners of their book entry interests in the Bonds and the Certificates by appropriate notice to the then Depository, the City and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall permit withdrawal of the Bonds and the Certificates from the Depository and authenticate and deliver the Bond certificates and the Certificate certificates in fully registered form and in denominations authorized by this Section to the assignees of the Depository or its nominee. Such withdrawal, authentication and delivery shall be at the cost and expense (including costs of printing or otherwise preparing, and delivering, such replacement Bond certificates and Certificate certificates) of the City.
(4) So long as the Book-Entry System is used for the Bonds and the Certificates, the City and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall give any notice of redemption or any other notices required to be given to registered owners of Bonds or Certificates only to the Depository or its nominee registered as the owner thereof. Any failure of the Depository to advise any of its participants, or of any participant to notify the Beneficial Owner, of any such notice and its content or effect shall not affect the validity of the redemption of the Bonds or the Certificates to be redeemed or of any other action premised on such notice. Neither the City nor the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall be responsible or liable for the failure of the Depository or any participant thereof to make any payment or give any notice to a Beneficial Owner in respect of the Bonds or the Certificates or any error or delay relating thereto.
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section or Section 2(b) hereof or of the Bonds to the contrary, so long as the Bonds are subject to a BookEntry System, it shall not be necessary for the registered owner to present the applicable Bond for payment of mandatory redemption installments, if any. The mandatory redemption installments may be noted on books kept by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent and the Depository for such purpose, and the Bonds shall be tendered to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent at their maturity.
(6) For purposes of this Section, “Beneficial Owners” shall mean actual purchasers of the Bonds and the Certificates whose ownership interest is evidenced only in the Book-Entry System maintained by the Depository; “BookEntry System” shall mean a system for clearing and settlement of securities transactions among participants of a Depository (and other parties having custodial relationships with such participants) through electronic or manual book-entry changes in accounts of such participants maintained by the Depository hereunder for recording ownership of the Bonds and the Certificates by Beneficial Owners and transfers of ownership interests in the Bonds and the Certificates and “Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company, New York, New
York or any successor depository designated pursuant to this Section.
SECTION 12 . Ordinance a Contract.
This Ordinance shall constitute a contract between the City and the registered owners of the Bonds and the Certificates and shall not be repealed or amended in any manner which would impair, impede or lessen the rights of the registered owners of the Bonds or the Certificates then outstanding.
SECTION 13 General Federal Tax Law Covenants
(a) The City shall not make or direct the making of any investment or other use of the proceeds of any Bonds or Certificates which would cause such Bonds or Certificates to be “arbitrage bonds” as that term is defined in Section 148 (or any successor provision thereto) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or “private activity bonds” as that term is defined in Section 141 (or any successor provision thereto) of the Code, and shall comply with the requirements of the Code sections and related regulations throughout the term of the Bonds and the Certificates. (Particularly, the City shall be the owner of the facilities refinanced with the proceeds of the sale of the Bonds (the “Facilities”) for federal income tax purposes. Except as otherwise advised in a Bond Counsel’s Opinion (as such term is defined in the next Section), the City shall not enter into (1) any management or service contract with any entity other than a governmental entity for the operation of any portion of the Facilities unless the management or service contract complies with the requirements of Revenue Procedure 97-13 or such other authority as may control at the time, or (2) any lease or other arrangement with any entity other than a governmental entity that gives such entity special legal entitlements with respect to any portion of the Facilities. Also, the payment of principal and interest with respect to the Bonds (including that with respect to the Certificates) shall not be guaranteed (in whole or in part) by the United States or any agency or instrumentality of the United States. The proceeds of the Bonds, or amounts treated as proceeds of the Bonds, shall not be invested (directly or indirectly) in federally insured deposits or accounts, except to the extent such proceeds (1) may be so invested for an initial temporary period until needed for the purpose for which the Bonds are being issued, (2) may be so used in making investments of a bona fide debt service fund or (3) may be invested in obligations issued by the United States Treasury.) In consideration of the purchase and acceptance of the Bonds and the Certificates by such holders from time to time and of retaining such exclusion and as authorized by Title 35, Chapter 3, Article 7, Arizona Revised Statutes, as amended, the Council covenants, and the appropriate officials of the City are hereby directed, to take all action required or to refrain from taking any action prohibited by the Code which would adversely affect in any respect such exclusion.
(b) The procedures and covenants contained in any arbitrage rebate provision or separate agreement executed in connection with the issuance of the Bonds and the Certificates (initially Section 14 hereof) shall be complied with for so long as compliance is necessary in order to maintain the exclusion from gross income for federal income tax purposes of interest on the Bonds (including that evidenced by the Certificates).
(c) (1) The City shall take all necessary and desirable steps, as determined by the Council, to comply with the requirements hereunder in order to ensure that interest on the Bonds is excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes under the Code; provided, however, compliance with any such requirement shall not be required in the event the City receives a Bond Counsel’s Opinion that either (i) compliance with such requirement is not required to maintain the exclusion from gross income of interest on the Bonds, or (ii) compliance with some other requirement will meet the
requirements of the Code. In the event the City receives such a Bond Counsel’s Opinion, this Ordinance shall be amended to conform to the requirements set forth in such opinion.
(2) If for any reason any requirement hereunder is not complied with, the Council shall take all necessary and desirable steps, as determined by the City, to correct such noncompliance within a reasonable period of time after such noncompliance is discovered or should have been discovered with the exercise of reasonable diligence and the City shall pay any required interest or penalty under Regulations section 1.148-3(h).
(d) The written procedures of the City to ensure that all nonqualified obligations are remediated according to the requirements under the Code and related Treasury Regulations and to monitor the requirements of section 148 of the Code relating to arbitrage approved by Resolution No. 1611-816, adopted by the Mayor and Council of the City on August 8, 2016, are ratified and confirmed.
SECTION 14 Arbitrage Rebate Covenants
(a) Terms not otherwise defined in Subsection (b) hereof shall have the meanings given to them in the arbitrage certificate of the City delivered in connection with the issuance of the Bonds and the Certificates.
(b) The following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Bond Counsel’s Opinion” shall mean an opinion signed by an attorney or firm of attorneys of nationally recognized standing in the field of law relating to municipal bonds selected by the City.
“Bond Year” shall mean each one-year period beginning on the day after the expiration of the preceding Bond Year. The first Bond Year shall begin on the date of issue of the Bonds and shall end on the date selected by the City, provided that the first Bond Year shall not exceed one calendar year. The last Bond Year shall end on the date of retirement of the last Bond.
“Bond Yield” is as indicated in such arbitrage certificate. Bond Yield shall be recomputed if required by Regulations section 1.148-4(b)(4) or 4(h)(3). Bond Yield shall mean the discount rate that produces a present value equal to the Issue Price of all unconditionally payable payments of principal, interest and fees for qualified guarantees within the meaning of Regulations section 1.148-4(f) and amounts reasonably expected to be paid as fees for qualified guarantees in connection with the Bonds as determined under Regulations section 1.148-4(b). The present value of all such payments shall be computed as of the date of issue of the Bonds and using semiannual compounding on the basis of a 360-day year.
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor provisions thereto.
“Gross Proceeds” shall mean:
(i) any amounts actually or constructively received by the City from the sale of the Bonds but excluding amounts used to pay accrued interest on the Bonds within one year of the date of issuance of the Bonds; (ii) transferred proceeds of the Bonds under Regulations section 1.148-9; (iii) any amounts actually or constructively received from investing amounts described in (i), (ii) or this (iii); and (iv) replacement proceeds of the Bonds within the meaning of Regulations section 1.148-1(c). Replacement proceeds include amounts reasonably expected to be used directly or indirectly to pay debt service on the Bonds, pledged amounts where there is reasonable assurance that such amounts will be available to pay principal or interest on the Bonds in the event the City encounters financial difficulties and other replacement proceeds within the meaning of Regulations section 1.148-1(c)(4). Whether an amount is Gross Proceeds is
determined without regard to whether the amount is held in any fund or account.
“Investment Property” shall mean any security, obligation (other than a tax-exempt bond within the meaning of Code section 148(b)(3)(A)), annuity contract or investment-type property within the meaning of Regulations section 1.148-1(b).
“Issue Price” is as indicated in such arbitrage certificate, which is the initial offering price to the public (not including bond houses and brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters of wholesalers) at which price a substantial amount of the Bonds was sold, less any bond insurance premium and reserve surety bond premium. Issue price shall be determined as provided in Regulations section 1.148-1(b).
“Nonpurpose Investment” shall mean any Investment Property acquired with Gross Proceeds, and which is not acquired to carry out the governmental purposes of the Bonds.
“Payment” shall mean any payment within the meaning of Regulations section 1.148-3(d)(1) with respect to a Nonpurpose Investment.
“Rebate Requirement” shall mean at any time the excess of the future value of all Receipts over the future value of all Payments. For purposes of calculating the Rebate Requirement the Bond Yield shall be used to determine the future value of Receipts and Payments in accordance with Regulations section 1.148-3(c). The Rebate Requirement is zero for any Nonpurpose Investment meeting the requirements of a rebate exception under section 148(f)(4) of the Code or Regulations section 1.148-7.
“Receipt” shall mean any receipt within the meaning of Regulations section 1.148-3(d)(2) with respect to a Nonpurpose Investment.
“Regulations” shall mean the sections 1.148-1 through 1.148-11 and section 1.150-1 of the regulations of the United States Department of the Treasury promulgated under the Code, including and any amendments thereto or successor regulations.
(c) Within 60 days after the end of each Bond Year, the City shall cause the Rebate Requirement to be calculated and shall pay to the United States of America:
(1) not later than 60 days after the end of the fifth Bond Year and every fifth Bond Year thereafter, an amount which, when added to the future value of all previous rebate payments with respect to the Bonds (determined as of such Computation Date), is equal to at least 90% of the sum of the Rebate Requirement (determined as of the last day of such Bond Year) plus the future value of all previous rebate payments with respect to the Bonds (determined as of the last day of such Bond Year); and
(2) not later than 60 days after the retirement of the last Bond, an amount equal to 100% of the Rebate Requirement (determined as of the date of retirement of the last Bond).
Each payment required to be made under this Section shall be filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center, Ogden, Utah 84201, on or before the date such payment is due, and shall be accompanied by IRS Form 8038-T.
(d) No Nonpurpose Investment shall be acquired for an amount in excess of its fair market value. No Nonpurpose Investment shall be sold or otherwise disposed of for an amount less than its fair market value.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (d), whether a Nonpurpose Investment has been purchased or sold or disposed of for its fair market value shall be determined as follows:
(1) The fair market value of a Nonpurpose Investment generally shall be the price at which a willing buyer would purchase the Nonpurpose Investment from
a willing seller in a bona fide arm’s length transaction. Fair market value shall be determined on the date on which a contract to purchase or sell the Nonpurpose Investment becomes binding.
(2) Except as provided in Subsection (f) or (g), a Nonpurpose Investment that is not of a type traded on an established securities market, within the meaning of Code section 1273, is rebuttably presumed to be acquired or disposed of for a price that is not equal to its fair market value.
(3) If a United States Treasury obligation is acquired directly from or sold or disposed of directly to the United States Treasury, such acquisition or sale or disposition shall be treated as establishing the fair market value of the obligation.
(f) The purchase price of a certificate of deposit that has a fixed interest rate, a fixed payment schedule and a substantial penalty for early withdrawal is considered to be its fair market value if the yield on the certificate of deposit is not less than:
(1) the yield on reasonably comparable direct obligations of the United States; and (2) the highest yield that is published or posted by the provider to be currently available from the provider on reasonably comparable certificates of deposit offered to the public.
(g) A guaranteed investment contract shall be considered acquired and disposed of for an amount equal to its fair market value if:
(1) A bona fide solicitation in writing for a specified guaranteed investment contract, including all material terms, is timely forwarded to all potential providers. The solicitation must include a statement that the submission of a bid is a representation that the potential provider did not consult with any other potential provider about its bid, that the bid was determined without regard to any other formal or informal agreement that the potential provider has with the City or any other person (whether or not in connection with the Bonds), and that the bid is not being submitted solely as a courtesy to the City or any other person for purposes of satisfying the requirements in the Regulations that the City receive bids from at least one reasonably competitive provider and at least three providers that do not have a material financial interest in the Bonds.
(2) All potential providers have an equal opportunity to bid, with no potential provider having the opportunity to review other bids before providing a bid.
(3) At least three reasonably competitive providers (i.e. having an established industry reputation as a competitive provider of the type of investments being purchased) are solicited for bids. At least three bids must be received from providers that have no material financial interest in the Bonds (e.g., a lead underwriter within 15 days of the issue date of the Bonds or a financial advisor with respect to the investment) and at least one of such three bids must be from a reasonably competitive provider. If the City uses an agent to conduct the bidding, the agent may not bid.
(4) The highest-yielding guaranteed investment contract for which a qualifying bid is made (determined net of broker’s fees) is purchased.
(5) The determination of the terms of the guaranteed investment contract takes into account as a significant factor the reasonably expected deposit and drawdown schedule for the amounts to be invested.
(6) The terms for the guaranteed investment contract are commercially reasonable (i.e. have a legitimate business purpose other than to increase the purchase price or reduce the yield of the guaranteed investment contract).
(7) The provider of the investment contract certifies the administrative costs (as defined in Regulations section 1.148 - 5(e)) that it pays (or expects to pay) to third parties in connection with the guaranteed
investment contract.
(8) The City retains until three years after the last outstanding Bond is retired, (i) a copy of the guaranteed investment contract, (ii) a receipt or other record of the amount actually paid for the guaranteed investment contract, including any administrative costs paid by the City and a copy of the provider’s certification described in (7) above, (iii) the name of the person and entity submitting each bid, the time and date of the bid, and the bid results and (iv) the bid solicitation form and, if the terms of the guaranteed investment contract deviates from the bid solicitation form or a submitted bid is modified, a brief statement explaining the deviation and stating the purpose of the deviation.
(h) The employment of such experts and consultants to make, as necessary, any calculations in respect of rebates to be made to the United States of America in accordance with Section 148(f) of such Code is hereby authorized.
SECTION 15 Severability; Ratification of Actions;
Emergency
(a) If any section, paragraph, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be illegal or unenforceable, such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each and every other section, paragraph, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase hereof and authorized the issuance of the Bonds pursuant hereto irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, paragraphs, subdivisions, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance may be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable.
(b) All actions of the officers, employees and agents of the City including the Council which conform to the purposes and intent of this Ordinance and which further the issuance and sale of the Bonds and the Certificates as contemplated by this Ordinance, whether taken before or after adoption of this Ordinance, are hereby ratified, confirmed and approved. The proper officers and agents of the City are hereby authorized and directed to do all such acts and things and to execute and deliver all such documents on behalf of the City as may be necessary to carry out the terms and intent of this Ordinance.
(c) The immediate operation of this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of the public health and welfare, particularly to be able to finance the capital needs of the City on the most advantageous terms presently available, and an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval by the Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona, as required by law, and it is hereby exempt from the referendum provisions of the Charter of the City and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona, September 11, 2017.
Signed copies of the Ordinance and (exhibits) are available at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323.
Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on October 4, 2017.
CITY OF AVONDALE PUBLIC NOTICE
I N A C C O R D A N C E W I T H ORDINANCE # 316, SEC-
T I O N 3 , p e r t a i n i n g t o l i -
q u o r l i c e n s e a p p l i c a t i o n s
a n d P u b l i c a t i o n o f N o t i c e , notice is hereby given that the Avondale City Council
h a s r e c e i v e d f o r a p p r o v a l
a n a p p l i c a t i o n f o r a l i q u o r
l i c e n s e w i t h i n t h e c o r p o r -
ate limits of Avondale, Arizona from:
Michael Joseph Tueros
PIR Market
Location: 7602 S Avondale Blvd STE B Avondale, AZ 85323
S e r i e s 1 0 – B e e r & W i n e M a r k e t
Any person who is a resident of Avo ndale of the age
o f e i g h t e e n ( 1 8 ) y e a r s o r
m o r e , r e s i d i n g , o w n i n g o r
l e a s i n g p r o p e r t y w i t h i n
o n e - h a l f m i l e r a d i u s o f
7602 S Avondale Blvd STE B, Avondale and who is in favor of, or opposed to the
i s s u a n c e o f a S e r i e s 1 0
Beer & Wine license shall, f i l e w i t h t h e C i t y C l e r k o f
t h e C i t y o f A v o n d a l e , a
w r i t t e n a r g u m e n t i n f a v o r
t h e r e o f , o r o b j e c t i o n
t h e r e t o b y O c t o b e r 1 6 ,
2 0 1 7
A n y p e r s o n i n t e r e s t e d i n
s a i d a p p l i c a t i o n i s h e r e b y notified that the Mayor and
C i t y C o u n c i l w i l l r e v i e w
s a i d a p p l i c a t i o n a t t h e i r
C o u n c i l m e e t i n g o n O c t o -
b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 7 a t 7 : 0 0 p m
a t t h e C o u n c i l C h a m b e r s ,
1 1 4 6 5 W e s t C i v i c C e n t e r
D r i v e , A v o n d a l e
P u b l i s h e d : W e s t V a l l e y
V i e w a n d W e s t V a l l e y
B u s i n e s s , S e p t e m b
NOTICE CITY OF AVONDALE PUBLIC NOTICE
I N A C C O R D A N C E W I T H ORDINANCE # 316, SECT I O N 3 , p e r t a i n i n g t o l i -
q u o r l i c e n s e a p p l i c a t i o n s
a n d P u b l i c a t i o n o f N o t i c e ,
notice is hereby given that the Avondale City Council
h a s r e c e i v e d f o r a p p r o v a l
a n a p p l i c a t i o n f o r a l i q u o r
l i c e n s e w i t h i n t h e c o r p o r -
ate limits of Avondale, Arizona from:
Juanita Alicia Esparza Palermos Pizza
L o c a t i o n : 1 1 1 0 7 W B u c k -
e y e R o a d Avondale, AZ 85323
Series 12 – Restaurant License
Any person who is a resident of Avondale of the age
o f e i g h t e e n ( 1 8 ) y e a r s o r m o r e , r e s i d i n g , o w n i n g o r
l e a s i n g p r o p e r t y w i t h i n
o n e - h a l f m i l e r a d i u s o f
1 1 1 0 7 W B u c k e y e R o a d ,
Avondale and who is in fa-
v o r o f , o r o p p o s e d t o t h e
i s s u a n c e o f a S e r i e s 1 2
R e s t a u r a n t l i c e n s e s h a l l , f i l e w i t h t h e C i t y C l e r k o f
t h e C i t y o f A v o n d a l e , a
w r i t t e n a r g u m e n t i n f a v o r t h e r e o f , o r o b j e c t i o n
t h e r e t o b y O c t o b e r 1 6 ,
2 0 1 7
A n y p e r s o n i n t e r e s t e d i n s a i d a p p l i c a t i o n i s h e r e b y notified that the Mayor and
C i t y C o u n c i l w i l l r e v i e w
s a i d a p p l i c a t i o n a t t h e i r
C o u n c i l m e e t i n g o n O c t o -
b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 7 a t 7 : 0 0 p m
a t t h e C o u n c i l C h a m b e r s ,
1 1 4 6 5 W e s t C i v i c C e n t e r
D r i v e , A v o n d a l e .
P u b l i s h e d : W e s t V a l l e y V i e w a n d W e s t V a l l e y
B u s i n e s s , S e p t e m b e r 2 7
a n d O c t o b e r 4 , 2 0 1 7 / 8 2 4 6
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR
1 ENTITY TYPE: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
2 ENTITY NAME: SELLERS HANDYMAN & SECURITY LLC
3 FILE NUMBER: L22159147
4. STATUTORY AGENT
NAME AND ADDRESS:
DAVID SELLERS, 4814 N. LITCHFIELD KNOLL E, LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340.
5. ARIZONA KNOWN PLACE
OF BUSINESS ADDRESS: 4814 N LITCHFIELD KNOLL E, LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340
6 DURATION: Perpetual
7 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE: Member-Managed
The names and addresses of all Members are:
DAVID SELLERS, 4814 N LITCHFIELD KNOLL E, LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340
Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on September 27, October 6, 13, 2017 / 8178
Fact ‘n Fill: Monsterous History
Next month might bring us ghosts and goblins, but today marks the 53rd Anniversary when the country was introduced to the residents at 1313 Mockingbird Lane, in glorious black and white.
The Munsters were your average monster family. Herman (another work of art created by Dr. Frankenstein) worked at a funeral home, while wife Lily (nee: Dracula) tended to the family and pets. Son Eddie is your average little werewolf who sleeps in a drawer and carries around his doll Woof-Woof. Lily’s father, Grandpa Dracula, concocted potions in his lab. Then there was their poor niece, Marilyn who was normal to us, but freaky to her family. The Munster “pets”: Igor - Grandpa’s Transylvanian bat; Spot - Eddie’s pet dragon who lived under the stairs; Charlie the Raven who lives in the cuckoo clock; and Kitty - a black cat that roars like a lion.
The Munsters was on the air the same period as was it’s similar competitor, The Addam’s Family, however The Munsters had higher ratings.
The show ran for 70 episodes between Sept. 24, 1964 to May 12, 1966. The show was canceled after ratings dropped due to the premiere of a color series of a large bat.... Batman.
The Munsters starred Fred Gwynne as Herman, Yvonne De Carlo as Lily, Al Lewis as Grandpa Dracula, Beverly Owen and Pat Priest as Marilyn, and Butch Patrick as Eddie. Charlie the Raven was voiced by Mel Blanc and Bob Hastings.
CITY OF AVONDALE
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING October 24, 2017
cuss concurrent requests by Jeff Swan for two rezoning app l i c a t i o n
corner of Central Avenue and Hill Drive The requests are to r e z o n e t h e p
( C - O ) t o t h e Historic Avondale lnfill Overlay (HAIO) District and to Comm u n i t y C o m m e r c i a l ( C
ing for a child care center located directly north of the sub-
ment standards and the requested C-2 zoning will allow the property to have the same zoning as the existing child care center The City of Avondale application numbers for these proposals are PL-17 -0140, PL-17-0 142, and PL-17-0207
At the meeting, the applicant and/or her representative will b e
this request Please note, this is not a public hearing and no official action will be taken
The meeting is scheduled for:
Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Time: 6:00PM Place: Avondale City Hall, Sonoran Conference Room (1st Floor)
Address: 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, AZ 85323
The applicant contact for this project: Jeff Swan (602) 264-3083 City of Avondale contact for this project: Michelle Pelishek (623) 333-4022
Across:
1. 1313 _____
3. Marilyn is not one
6. Potion maker
Down:
2. Pet bat
3. Herman’s last name
4. Lives under the stairs
5. Eddie’s father
7. Lily’s maiden name
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF TOLLESON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Tolleson Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a PUBLIC HEARI
City of Tolleson City Hall Complex, 9555 West Van Buren Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353 for the purpose of:
Soliciting comments from interested parties in reference
12, Land Use, Article
which would allow medic-
Notice given by Tolleson City Clerk Crystal Zamora on Thursday, September 28, 2017. Published in the West Valley View and the West Valley Business on Wednesday, October 4, 2017/ 8451
proposes
Wagner Complex Drive Buck-
a n d P u b l i c
t i o n o f N o t i c e , notice is hereby given that the Avondale City Council
v
l a n a p p l i c a t i o n f
9/26, 9/29/17
BARBARA DODDS
6902 N 185th Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355
Representing Self (Without a Lawyer)
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
a l i q u o r l i c e n s e w i t h i n t h e c o r p o rate limits of Avondale, Arizona from:
Michael Joseph Tueros
P h o e n i x I n t e r n a t i o n a l
R a c e w a y
Location: 7602 S Avondale Blvd STE B Avondale, AZ 85323
Series 06 – Bar License
Any person who is a resident of Avondale of the age o f e i g h t e e n ( 1 8 ) y e a r s o r
m o r e , r e s i d i n g , o w n i n g o r
l e a s i n g p r o p e r t y w i t h i n
o n e - h a l f m i l e r a d i u s o f
Case No PB2017-071373
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the Matter of the Estate of P E T E R V A L E N T I N E P O R R E L -
L O , D e c e a s e d
N O T I C E I S H E R
s t t
s t a t e a
c
r e q u i r e d t o p r e s e n t t h e i r claims within four (4) months
a f t e r t h e d a t e o f t h e f i r s t p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h i s N o t i c e o r
t h e c l a i m s w i l l b e f o r e v e r
b a r r e d . C l a i m s m u s t b e p r e s e n t e d b y d e l i v e r i n g o r
m a i l i n g a w r i t t e n s t a t e m e n t
o f t h e c l a i m t o u n d e r s i g n e d
P
6 9 0 2 N 1 8 5 T H A V E N U E ,
W A D D E L L , A Z 8 5 3 5 5
D A T E D t h i s 1 1 t h d a y o f
S E P T E M B E R , 2 0 1 7 /s/ Barbara Jean Dodds Barbara Jean Dodds
West Valley View
7602 S Avondale Blvd STE B, Avondale and who is in favor of, or opposed to the i s s u a n c e o f a S e r i e s 1 0 Beer & Wine license shall , f i l e w i t h t h e C i t y C l e r k o f
t h e C i t y o f A v o n d a l e , a
w r i t t e n a r g u m e n t i n f a v o r
t h e r e o f , o r o b j e c t i o n
t h e r e t o b y O c t o b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 7
A n y p e r s o n i n t e r e s t e d i n
s a i d a p p l i c a t i o n i s h e r e b y notified that the Mayor and
C i t y C o u n c i l w i l l r e v i e w
s a i d a p p l i c a t i o n a t t h e i r
C o u n c i l m e e t i n g o n O c t o -
b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 7 a t 7 : 0 0 p m
a t t h e C o u n c i l C h a m b e r s , 1 1 4 6 5 W e s t C i v i c C e n t e r
D r i v e , A v o n d a l e
P u b l i s h e d : W e s t V a l l e y
V i e w a n d W e s t V a l l e y
B u s i n e s s , S e p t e m b e r 2 7
a n d O c t o b e r 4 , 2 0 1 7 / 8 2 4 6
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF AVONDALE
PUBLIC NOTICE
I N A C C O R D A N C E W I T H ORDINANCE # 316, SEC-
I
q u o r l i c e n s e a p p l i c a t i o n s
a n d P u b l i c a t i o n o f N o t i c e ,
notice is hereby given that the Avondale City Council
h a s r e c e i v e d f o r a p p r o v a l a n a p p l i c a t i o n f o
l
ate limits of Avondale, Arizona from:
Sargon Sawa Shlita
L i g h t h o u s e R
L
S
Avondale, AZ 85392
Series 06 – Bar License
Any person who is a res ident of Avondale of the age
PUBLIC NOTICE
Person Filing: ARTHUR JAHR A
Telephone: 949-933-1635
SUPERIOR COURT OF A
COUNTY In the Matter of Estate of: Arthur Jahr, adult Case Number PB 2017-001386
ATIVE AND ACCEPTANCE OF
SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN MARICOPA COUNTY
Case No : PB2017-002517
Arizona Newspaper Association network of advert-
is appointed as Personal Rep-
WITNESS: AUG 17, 2017
Michael Jeanes
Clerk of the Superior Court by /s/ A McLoone
A McLoone
Deputy Clerk
In the Matter of the Estate of: Sarah Ann Schwab, an Adult Decedent, NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the deceased are required to present their claims within (4) months after the date of the first publication or mailing of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred Claims must be presented to Mark A Schwab, 2311 Judy Avenue, Rapid City, SD 57702, as Personal Representative, or filed with the Court
Dated: September 13, 2017 /s/ Mark A Schwab Mark A. Schwab, Personal Representative 2311 Judy Avenue Rapid City, SD 57702
from all over the country
Please be aware in doing
vertisers "If it's too good to be true, it probably is "
Interested in advertising statewide? With just one call you can place your 25-word classified ad in 68 newspapers
the network, contact us at 480-898-7926
AzCANS
the issuance of a Series 06 liquor license shall, file with the City Clerk of the City of A v o n d a l e , a w r
objection thereto by October 16, 2017
A n y p e r s o n i n t e r e s t e d i n
notified that the Mayor and C i t y C o u n c i l w i l l r e v i e w
s a i d a p p l i c a t i
and do solemnly swear or af-
duties as Personal Representative according to law
DATED: JUL 20, 2017 STATE OF ARIZONA COUNTY OF MARICOPA
i z
PUBLISHED: West Valley View
a n d W e s t V a l l e y B u s i n e s s September 20, 27, October 4, 2017 / 8160
First publication on the 20th day of September, 2017
PUBLISHED: West Valley View and West Valley Business September 20, 27, October 4, 2017 / 8107
30 Acres in St David, AZ on the San Pedro River 500 ft artesian well, Utilities to property line, Heavily wooded Build to suit $220,000 Home 714-8267220/Cell 714-457-7220. leonarddale@hotmail.com (AzCAN)
Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award Call 877-510-6640 To Learn More No Risk No Money Out Of Pocket (AzCAN)
SENIOR Accounting Clerk La Paz County School Superintendent is hiring! Salary and applications available at www lapazschools org Submit applications to mbellamy@co la-paz az us or FAX 928-669-4406 Questions? 928-669-6183 (AzCAN)
OXYGEN Anytime Anywhere No tanks to refill No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-843-0520 (AzCAN)
HAVE you or a loved one taken and been injured by the SHINGLES VACCINE, ZOSTAVAX? If so, you may be entitled to a significant cash award. Call 866-6577116 to learn more. (AzCAN)
DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes Running or not! All conditions accepted Free pickup Call for details 866932-4184 (AzCAN)
WESTERN New Mexico 10 wooded acres Final developer closeout From $12,995 Owner financing, low down. Get 20 year ago prices today! Hurry limited selection. Hitching Post Land Co. 888-812-5830 www.hitchingpostland.com. (AzCAN)
Mary Lou O. Rodriguez
A memorial will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, Octo-
Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences for the family may be left at www thompsonfuneralchapel com Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, AZ.
Carol Ann Dias
67, of Burton, was called home to join God, family and friends who have gone before her on Sept 20, 2017
Carol was born August 7, 1950 in Elgin, Ill. She was married to Joe Dias who preceded her and was standing at the pearly gates to greet her She is survived by her children Lynn Clark (Robert), BJ Kane (Jessica), Karen Jaeger (Brian), Jessica Wilson (Ryan), and her stepchildren Nancy Alvarez (Steven), Christina Dias, Joel Dias (Jacqueline), Joann Alberto (Rolando), Joyce Dias and Jasmine Fontes (Ramon), as well as many grandchildren. She was preceded by the love of her life Jose Dias
She enjoyed being outdoors gardening, preparing fabulous dishes and spending time with her grandchildren.
Visitation with family will Thursday, Sept 28 from 68 p m at Memorial Oaks Chapel with her service following Friday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Burton, TX.
Flowers can be sent to Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, TX or in lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Carol's honor to the American Heart Association
Please sign the guest book at www memorialoakschapel com
loving family and friends in Avondale on September 14, 2017.
Mary Lou is survived by her nine chil-
AUTOS -FOR SALE
TRUCK FOR SALE
children. She is also survived by her brothers, Santos Ortega, Luis Ortega, Juan Ortega and sisters, Delores Ortega,
A word about obituaries
The West Valley View publishes free obituaries for peopl e who were residents or former residents of the West Valley We also encourage the use of photos with obituaries Pho-
and run as space is available. People who wish to have obituar-
2006 GMC Ext cab C71, cold ac, new brakes, new tires, mint condition! $7500 obo CALL TODAY! 602-367-8334
AUTOS - WANTED
$ $100-$500+ ABANDONED all autos! Any condition. Good condition more $$$$. Call 602-561-6291.
$ $100-$500+ ABANDONED all " as is" autos! Good condition more $$$$. Best Prices! Fast, free pickup. 623-329-2043.
CLEANING SERVICES
ROBIN s Cleaning Commercial and Residential Owner Operated, Large Homes $125 and Medium $100 FREE Estimates 623-853-5324
HOUSECLEANING
We provide excellent and professional service More than 12 years of experience We will keep your place up and presentable FREE estimates Ana 602-326-2780
EMPLOYMENT
Now Hiring
Seasonal Labor OCTOBER 2017 to JANUARY 2018 Paid Weekly 7-day schedule Hourly + Overtime $967 50 Gross General Laborers and Rolling Stock Candidates apply Mon-Thu 8AM-4PM at OLAM COTTON GIN 25500 W Southern Ave Buckeye, AZ (Drug Testing Required)
Certi-
House Cleaner Needed. 5+ Years Experienced Call for details 623-792-3176
EARN EXTRA INCOME!
The Arizona Republic wants to contract you to deliver the newspaper in the early morning hours Work just 2-3 hours a day and earn an extra $700-$1,200 per month Routes available now in your area! Call 1-855-704-2104 or visit deliveryopportunities gannett com
Wilbur-Ellis in Buckeye is seeking an experienced Class-A CDL Driver with Hazmat endorsement. Clean driving record & positive attitude required 2 years' commercial driving experience preferred with ability to bend/lift boxes & bags up to 80 lbs Apply online at www.wilburellis.com or apply in-person at 6415 S Rainbow Rd.
EMPLOYMENT
CAREGIVER NEEDED
Behavioral Health
Background. Must have HS diploma, fingerprint clearance, valid driver s license, CPR, first aid & must be at least 21 years of age Fax resume to 623-242-7158
JOIN our Insurance Team
Starting pay with license
$30K. Cash Incentives, Health benefits, 401K. Requirement Property & Casualty and/or Life & Health license. Email yolie aleman-rodriguez j8qu @statefarm com Fax Resume 623-742-9119
P/T Counter Clerk Needed for Dry Cleaners in Avondale Must have experience. Responsible, Reliable. Must have own transportation. Afternoon shift and e/o Saturday Please Call 623-4512902
ESTATE/GARAGE SALES
Dysart Ranch Community Semi-annual Garage/Yard Sale Saturday, Oct 7th 2017 7am-Noon Dysart & Indian School Litchfield Park 85340
TARTESSO COMMUNITY YARD SALE Saturday, October 7 8 a m - 4 p m Take I-10 west to Sun Valley Parkway (exit 109), north 3 miles to Tartesso Parkway
HANDYMAN
HANDYMAN -37 years experience Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more Stan, 602434-6057
VALLEY LIFE
is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities.
Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed! Must have reliable transportation
We are currently looking for caregivers to work in group homes throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check. Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org
LANDSCAPING SERVICES
O N B Specializes in landscaping and trimming Also Concrete: patios, driveways, sidewalks, additions and more Free estimates 623-249-0610 - Robert Residential/Commercial
LAND FOR SALE
WENDEN Family LiquidationLast 160 acres, $149,900 Offers accepted Owner will carry for 3 years at a low 8% interest 1-888-444-1220
MOUNTAIN View Lot
1 44 acres Power, water & paved road 20 minutes to Prescott Valley, 45 minutes from Phoenix $29,900 Owner 602-463-2352
WENDEN, AZ Beautiful 40 acres, near government land, special price $48,900 Close to Highway 60 off Alamo Road Owner 1-888-444-1220
multitask in a fast paced environment. Good phone and basic computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook and 10 key required. Previous customer service experience a plus.
We offer a competitive wage and excellent
package including profit sharing, medical, dental, vision and company paid life insurance. If interested, go to www.mclaneco.com/careers and click on “Join the McLane Team”. Locate the Customer Service Representative job opening for Sunwest (Goodyear, AZ) and click on “Apply”
HOMES FOR SALE
ENJOY quiet living at Buena Vista!
$25,000 under dealer's cost. New 2017 Schult mobile homes 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom Deck, carport awning, shed 28x52 $51,709 Models now open! 2000 S Apache Rd , Buckeye
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
OFFICE/Retail/Premium/ Affordable suites available 722' - 2000' Dysart/ Van Buren/ Litchfield 602-694-3158
APTS/CONDOS FOR RENT
CASITA guest house, I-10 & 339th, horse property, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, $795.00 per month. Lease, security,and references. 623-414-0742
HOMES FOR RENT
Goodyear: Citrus/McDowell Mbl home 2br 2ba, $825/mo w/ $825 security dep Trash paid No smoking Assisted living pets only (623)326-2187
For Lease 4 Bedroom, over 3000 Sq Ft Ranch, 2 5 Bath, in North Goodyear Close to schools, oversize 3 car, living room, dining, office, fireplace and surround sound system, salt water pool w/Gotto and waterfall, putting green, Bar B Q island, pool and yard professionally maintained, No pets, No smokers, 2 blks to Falcon golf, 1 blk So. of Camelback, $2900 per mo. 623-535-3383
BUCKEYE Sundance Immaculate 4 bedroom 3 full baths. $1250 Rent, $1250 deposit. 623-209-9892
ROOMS/ ROOMMATES
ROOMMATE - Garden LakesAvondale One bedroom Utilities included Pool Laundry 623-271-2030
AZCANS
NORTHERN AZ WILDERNESS RANCH $197 MONTH. Quiet secluded 37 acre off grid ranch set amid scenic mountains and valleys at clear 6,200’ Near historic pioneer town & large fishing lake No urban noise & dark sky nights amid pure air & AZ’s best year-round climate Evergreen trees /meadowland blend with sweeping views across uninhabited wilderness mountains and valleys Self-sufficiency quality garden loam soil, abundant groundwater & maintained road access. Camping & RV’s ok. No homeowner’s Assoc. or deed restrictions. $22,900, $2,290 dn. Free brochure with additional property descriptions, photos/ terrain map/weather chart/area info: 1st United Realty 800 966 6690 (AzCAN)
Security Disability? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paid-in amount ) FREE evaluation! Call Bill Gordon & Associates 1-800-960-3595 Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC Office: Broward Co FL , member TX/NM Bar (AzCAN)
