Glendale’s Community Newspaper
Vol. 77 No. 1
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December 31, 2020
The top 20 stories of turbulent 2020 BY TOM SCANLON
Glendale Star Managing Editor
An unforgettable, often regrettable year is coming to a close. The COVID-19 pandemic was a true global disaster, killing millions on every continent. Though the West Valley’s year was largely shaped by the devastating spread of the coronavirus—and the shutdowns and slowdowns called by state, county and school officials—there was quite a bit of
NEWS...............6
“non-COVID news” in 2020. Here are some of the top stories of the year in Glendale:
20. Street racing
A growing trend of “intersection shutdowns” became an unwanted addition to Glendale, though police said they made multiple arrests and used technology to shut down the shutdowns.
19. Hot, hot, hot
Even as Westgate Entertainment District expands, a new mini version of it called En Fuego opens across Glendale Avenue.
18. Coyotes shoot … and miss
Vaccine rollout continues with senior centers next
After a pandemic-shortened season, the Arizona Coyotes made the playoffs. The $400 million Desert Diamond West Valley Casino opened—then had to close due to the pandemic. Since reopening, the casino has extra cleaning and other precautions. (Glendale Star file photo)
A plan for a massive water park and entertainment center was gleefully approved by city council in 2020. (Glendale Star file photo)
The hockey team quickly lost in the first round—and then took their time paying rent, missing multiple payments. But, according to Gila River Arena officials, the team is “all caught up” and ready for a new season. SEE TOP
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Overdoses spike during COVID-19 pandemic BY TOM SCANLON
NEWS...............7 City increases fines for shooting illegal fireworks
OPINION..................... 10 BUSINESS.................. 12 SPORTS ...................... 14 FEATURES.................. 16 RELIGION ................... 18 YOUTH........................ 20 CLASSIFIEDS ............. 22
Glendale Star Managing Editor
More than 330,000 Americans have died from COVID-19—with nearly 5,000 of those deaths in Maricopa County. The pandemic is also being blamed for a frightening rise in drug overdoses. According to a Dec. 18 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release, new data suggests “an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic.” According to the CDC, over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020—the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. “The disruption to daily life due to the
COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield. “As we continue the fight to end this pandemic, it’s important to not lose sight of different groups being affected in other ways. We need to take care of people suffering from unintended consequences.” Jared Garcia died of a drug overdose Oct. 2 outside his mother’s Glendale apartment. Asked if she feels the pandemic contributed to her son’s death, Stephanie Garcia did not hesitate. “Absolutely,” she said. “It took away the ability for him to congregate—the isolation factor with drug abuse is huge. That’s where the drug wants you to be.”
Stephanie is not alone, as Glendale families are struggling with overdoses of their loved ones. Though the numbers are “unofficial” and have not been finalized, Glendale Fire Department responded to 792 overdose calls through early December, a 10% increase over the 709 overdose calls in 2019. Fortunately, most overdoses do not end in death. For example, paramedics used Narcan to save Jared a few months before his fatal overdose. “There’s a gamut of overdose calls,” said Ashley Losch, a Glendale Fire Department spokeswoman. “Overdoses can range from vomiting SEE OVERDOSES PAGE 3