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Aug 17 - Sep 6, 2019 | www.santansun.com
Chandler gears up for crucial 2020 census BY GARY NELSON Contributor
It’s going to be easy to overlook a little postcard that will arrive in your mail next March. Between the kids, the rent, the job and the busted washing machine, it won’t seem like a big deal. Plus, it’ll probably be hard to find among all the pizza coupons and dental implant ads. All that notwithstanding, Chandler is hoping you’ll treat that card like a piece of gold. Because, in a way, it is. The card is going to come from the U.S. Census Bureau, and it’s going to ask you some questions about how many people live in your home, your ethnicity and similar stuff. Whether you respond could help
determine how many federal dollars will be used to improve your hometown, and your answers will have a bearing on who ultimately represents you in Congress, the Legislature or even your City Council. The financial stakes are huge. According to the Maricopa Association of Governments, the federal government distributes $675 billion a year to cities and states, depending on their populations. Arizona gets $13.5 billion of that, and the more people your city counts, the more money it gets. Based on how many people live where, Arizona’s congressional and legislative district maps will be redrawn after census results are in. The official date for the 2020 census is April 1. That seems like a long way off, but some East Valley cities already have been preparing for months.
Leah Powell, Chandler’s neighborhood resources director, said the city launched its “Complete Count” committee a year ago. Between that group, seven subcommittees and city staff, she estimated 30-35 people are deeply involved in the Chandler census effort. “We’re focusing on getting to parts of the community that were underrepresented in past censuses,” she said. “Across the country in the last census, Latino populations with young children were under-represented. So that’s something we have tried to focus on.” Powell said Chandler is trying to identify “trusted voices” in various subpopulations to build confidence in the census and overcome fears resulting from the debate over the citizenship question. Powell said the city has been trying to define exactly how much federal money
the city receives in census-allocated programs, but one commonly cited example is Community Development Block Grants. “Those dollars are used to support public services, they’re used to support keeping people in their homes through housing rehab projects,” Powell said. “We use them for infrastructure projects, we have been doing park improvements with it. So, it’s something that residents throughout the city can benefit” from, she added. Chandler City Council created the committee in June 2018 with an ordinance directing it to “guide staff and community efforts in the promotion and outreach of the 2020 Census.” The ordinance notes that city See
CENSUS on page 6
Hamilton High football sex assault trial delayed
BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer
The criminal trial of a former Hamilton High School football player accused of assaulting younger players in the locker room has been delayed until at least January — two months shy of two years since charges were filed. A Superior Court last week delayed the trial as lawyers seek access to sworn depositions by victims and others in an ongoing federal civil suit filed against the Chandler Unified School District. Nathaniel William Thomas, now 19, was the only juvenile charged as an adult in the case. Two boys who were charged in juvenile court have already been adjudicated after admitting to the crimes. The civil case was filed by the parents
of five teens who accused Thomas and the two others of sexual assault. Chandler police also had recommended criminal charges against three school officials — the coach, athletic director and the then principal — but the County Attorney’s office declined their request. The civil suit seeks millions in damages from CUSD on grounds that the district was negligent in allowing the assaults to happen and failing to report them to police. That accusation was the basis for Chandler police detectives’ spurned recommendations for charges against the three officials. Thomas and the two other teens were arrested in March 2017. Thomas was indicted the next month on charges of sexual See
HAMILTON on page 13
How Chandler is trying to become a 'smart city' Lifesaver BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
It’s Friday night in downtown Chandler and residents are flocking to visit the area’s bars and restaurants. Parking starts to get scarce as cars file into lots around Chandler Park. A driver on their way to ImprovMania worries they won’t be able to find a spot. A camera scans the area, counting the number of available parking spaces left. The number is transferred up into the digital cloud. The stressed driver accesses an online dashboard that has up-to-date analytics on where to park. They find a spot. Park the car. And enjoy their night. This is a scenario city officials hope will
play out through a new partnership with Verizon Wireless. The telecommunications company entered into an agreement with the city last year that obligates Verizon to provide its parking optimization technology. Verizon will install video nodes around downtown Chandler and provide the data it collects to the city. In exchange for this free service, Chandler will waive right-of-way fees for Verizon to use the city’s underground fiber communications system. The deal’ is meant to be beneficial to both parties: Verizon gets to improve connectivity to its customers with access to fiber networks and Chandler gets data See
SMART CITY on page 10
Damien Enghauser of Chandler passed away last month at age 12, the victim of a disease that is rarely fatal, But his dying wish to be an organ donor wound up giving four people a renewed hope of living. You can read about this generous boy on page 41.
F E AT U R E STO R I E S Chandler business is a place to vent anger . . . . . . .BUSINESS . . . . . . . . Page 25 Chandler high school football preview. . . . . . . . . . .SPORTS . . . . . . . . . Page 35 Chandler Girl Scout, 6, a badge earner. . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . Page 42 New music director for symphony orchestra . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50 Ocotillo Grille revises menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EAT . . . . . . . . . . . Page 61
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More Community . . . .1-24 Business . . . . . 25-30 Sports . . . . . . . 35-38 Opinion . . . . . 39-40 Neighbors . . . 41-49 Arts . . . . . . . . . 50-54 Faith. . . . . . . . . 55-56 Directory . . . . 57-58 Classifieds . . . . . . 59 Where to eat. .61-62
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Hockey gear goes on wild ride out of Chandler SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
A trailer containing a youth league’s hockey gear was stolen in Chandler, replaced and found — all within 48 hours. It started Aug. 11 outside the Ice Den in Chandler, where a white trailer was stolen by an unknown person at about 5:30 a.m. Security footage captured the subject driving a Toyota Sequoia into the parking lot and hauling away the trailer a short time later. The trailer contained custom-made gear belonging to the Arizona Bobcats, an organization that oversees several youth hockey teams for players between the ages of six and 18. The stolen gear included items like bags, gloves, jackets, shirts and a few helmets. Kristy Aguirre, executive director of the Bobcats, said the theft would have impacted up to 100 players. It would have been a significant loss, she added, because the players were just assembling to kickoff their season. Because the gear is custom-made, it takes manufacturers a couple months to manufacture and deliver the items. So, Aguirre worried how soon they could supplement everything, but she vowed not to have players pay for replacing the gear. The Ice Den posted about the theft on social media Monday morning, generating a large response from the community. It eventually caught the attention of the Arizona Coyotes.
Although thieves stole a trailer containing the gear belonging to several youth hockey teams, it was miraculously recovered within two days. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
One of the team’s players, Lawson Crouse, felt compelled to help the younger hockey players and consulted his teammates.
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“I saw the reports on social media over the weekend and immediately wanted to figure out a way to help out,” Crouse said in a statement. “I reached out to the
team and they were on board, hockey equipment isn’t easy to replace, and we want to make this as easy for the kids and families as possible.” By Monday afternoon, the Coyotes announced it would donate $20,000 to replace the stolen gear. Aguirre immediately expressed her gratitude and got to work with figuring out how to begin ordering new gear. “The Arizona Coyotes are always so generous and supportive of the youth hockey programs in the valley,” Aguirre said Monday afternoon, Aug. 12. That night, a resident noticed a white trailer that looked familiar to one he had seen on the news. The trailer was found abandoned on Van Buren Street in Phoenix. The bystander contacted the Chandler Police Department and authorities confirmed on Aug. 13 that it was the Bobcats’ trailer. Police have not said whether they’ve located those who stole the trailer. The Bobcats discovered their gear inside the trailer and thanked the community for finding it so quickly. “It looks like the gear went on a wild ride, but luckily, like our players, it’s built for speed, strength and safety,” the organization wrote in a statement. “We still need to inventory the items but are thankful and relieved to have the equipment and apparel back in our possession.” A spokesman for the Coyotes said they were “not aware” that recovery of the trailer would change the team’s decision to donate $20,000 to the youth league.
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Chandler lawmaker steps into Bullhead City battle BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
Chandler state Rep. Jeff Weninger’s district is hundreds of miles away from Bullhead City, but the Republican lawmaker has parachuted into a controversy involving that municipality’s effort to take over a private water utility. Weninger is accusing Bullhead City officials of using public resources to advocate in favor of a proposition that would permit them to spend $130 million to buy EPCOR Water, which services the area. Weninger filed a complaint with the state Attorney General, alleging city officials acted unlawfully by publicly endorsing Proposition 415. The Bullhead City Council recently approved a November ballot initiative that asks local voters to authorize the purchase. While he doesn’t represent the residents of Bullhead City, Weninger said he’s concerned the city’s actions were so “egregious” that it could snowball into more municipalities taking positions in future elections. “I worry about how that’s gonna affect other campaigns all over the state,” Weninger said. “Just because it’s up there doesn’t mean it doesn’t set a precedent for what can happen statewide, including my district.” Arizona law prohibits cities, school districts and other public entities from using their telecommunications, computer hardware, software, web pages, or personnel for the purpose of influencing an election. While government entities can provide facts about a proposition, the law requires them to be neutral when it comes to telling citizens how to vote.
Chandler state Rep. Jeff Weninger is concerned that what Bullhead City officials are doing in a proposition campaign will set a pattern across the state. (File photo)
In his complaint, Weninger notes a video of Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady calling EPCOR “greedy” was posted on the city’s official website. “I hope that the voters will see through all of EPCOR’s propaganda and greed and allow us to move forward with this acquisition,” the mayor was recorded saying in a speech the day the City Council voted to put the proposition on the ballot. EPCOR is fighting the proposition by forming a political action committee called Taxpayers Against City Takeover to campaign against it. Bullhead argues that water is becoming
unaffordable because of rate hikes, but TACT calls the city’s effort’s an extreme example of government overreach. It’s all leading to a public-versus-private showdown with each side dispersing their own facts about the issue. The video was posted on a city webpage that included links to a page of “Water Facts” that explains why the city wants to buy EPCOR. “City residents and businesses have been complaining for years about EPCOR’s water rate increases and consolidation efforts,” the city’s website states. “The City has tried repeatedly to work with EPCOR and to make things better, but nothing has changed.” Weninger thinks the city’s language is too biased and advocates for passage of the proposition. He further accused Bullhead of using a land contract to obtain digital billboard advertisements that supported the ballot initiative. “It’s pretty clear cut they can’t use official resources to try to attain a ‘Yes’ vote from a citizen,” Weninger said. Brady said officials still have the right to “speak the truth,” but admitted there are grey areas in the law and thinks the city’s decision to post his speech online was “questionable.” “I think that might be a little over the top,” the mayor said about the video. “I don’t think the city should post that, but the city’s position is that this is a factual thing that happened.” This is a matter for the courts and attorney general to decide, the mayor added, and the city will comply with whatever orders are given.
He’s not exactly sure why a lawmaker from another district would file complaint against Bullhead City. “We have no idea why Mr. Weninger got involved,” Brady said. Weninger said multiple people, whom he did not identify, informed him of the dispute in Bullhead City — possibly because he’s known for not favoring eminent domain, the legal process of the government taking private property. Before Weninger was elected to represent District 17, he served on the Chandler City Council for two terms. In 2009, he was the only member of the council to vote against buying property through eminent domain for Chandler’s new City Hall. Taxpayers Against City Takeover, the political committee formed by EPCOR last year, filed its own complaint Bullhead City with the attorney general, alleging many of the same accusations as Weninger. Both complaints are marked with the same date of July 24. Weninger insists he had no connection to the utility company. “I don’t know anybody who works for EPCOR that I know of,” said Weninger, who is not the first lawmaker to file complaints about matters outside their district. State Rep. Vince Leach, a Republican who represents parts of Pinal and Pima counties, recently filed a complaint against the city of Tempe for passing an ordinance that might conflict with Arizona law. A spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office says the complaints against Bullhead City are being reviewed and it could take up to two months for the matter to be resolved.
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from cover
officials want “to promote and develop community outreach for the Chandler 2020 Census in a manner that is inclusive and representative of the needs and desires of Chandler’s citizens” and that the committee “is deemed necessary.” That desire for inclusiveness is reflected in the number of subcommittees that the panel has formed. There are subcommittees for Asians, businesses, education and one for the elderly, disabled and veterans. There also is a faith subcommittee, Latino panel and one that will be devoted to marketing and social media, Chaired by Chandler Councilman Mark Stewart, the committee’s main charge is to “make recommendations to help the count reach every community.” “Hard-to-count areas are a particular focus of the City,” the managing director said on the city website. “In these areas, people may not have access to the internet. They might also be unaccustomed to interacting and even trusting the government.” It also notes the committee “will work to increase understanding about the importance of the census and educate Chandler residents on how to participate.” Both Chandler and Mesa, the region’s largest and most diverse municipality, sees potential threats when it comes to getting an accurate count. Councilman Francisco Heredia leads the city’s 20-plus person task force that has been meeting since last year to plan census strategies. Heredia said public apathy and fear of government intrusion can make it hard to count everyone even in a normal year. But this time around the count could be even more difficult, especially in areas with high immigrant populations. The reason is an effort by the Trump administration to add to this year’s form a question asking whether the respondents are U.S. citizens. The administration said the question would be asked in an effort to enforce voting-rights laws. But the American Civil Liberties Union produced evidence in May that the question was part of a Republican strategy to intimidate Hispanics and create electoral advantages for Republicans and
Chandler City Councilman Mark Stewart is chairing the committee charged with making sure the Census next year is a success. (File photo)
non-Hispanic whites. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June that the citizenship question could not be added to the census for now, but the ruling rested on the technical issue of whether the administration had adequately explained its reasons for wanting to include it. President Trump on July 11 abandoned his effort to have the question included in the 2020 census. But Heredia fears the controversy already has had a chilling effect in Mesa, which is 30 percent Hispanic. “We feel the citizenship question … has had its effect as far as creating some fear with some residents,” Heredia said. “We’re just going to have to do our part to help them understand that it’s a process that every 10 years we take part in. It’s as safe as possible. But it’s definitely going to be a challenge.” And in some ways, Trump may have triggered an unexpected effect: some people have posted on social media that they will not participate in the Census because Trump was not allowed to pose the citizenship question. Gilbert is counting on technology to boost its 2020 census numbers. “We’re excited that the 2020 census will be online for the first time,” said Jennifer Alvarez, who leads Gilbert’s communications department. “Our average age is 33, so we’ve really built our communications efforts around digital tools.”
For example, Alvarez said, about 50,000 of Gilbert’s 80,000 households are tied in to an app called Nextdoor. Using that and other apps such as Twitter and Instagram, the town will communicate how and why to respond to the census. “Our whole mentality is to meet our
Leah Powell, Chandler's neighborhood services director, is working hard to ensure a complete count in the city next year. (City of Chandler)
residents where they are, and they are online. So the fact that the census is moving online is the perfect thing for us,” Alvarez said. See
CENSUS on page 8
2020 census and you The U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) requires that Americans count themselves every 10 years. The chief purpose of this census is to determine how many members each state may have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The more people a state has, the more clout it has in Washington – and there’s a good chance Arizona will pick up another seat in Congress after its growth from 2010 to 2020 is tabulated. That would give Arizona 10 U.S. representatives. In addition to determining congressional representation, census data also is used to: Distribute more than $700 billion a year to states and communities. Arizona’s share currently is $13.5 billion. Allocate money for job creation, housing, public infrastructure and other resources. Besides the basic data on how many residents America has, the
census also builds a statistical portrait with questions about age, ethnicity and other characteristics. While these questions may seem intrusive, the answers by law are confidential and cannot be used against a person by a government agency or court. Preparations for the census will climax in March when virtually every household will receive a postcard. Using a code on the card, you can reply online. The census also will accept answers by phone or by means of a form that can be mailed in. Census officials say it will take about 10 minutes to answer the questions. People who don’t respond will be subject to follow-up efforts that may include having census workers visit their homes. April 1 is the official count date, and replies are due by then. Source: City of Chandler
Region is a growing powerhouse even before census BY GARY NELSON Contributor
Even before the U.S. Census Bureau takes its official count of East Valley residents on April 1, new statistics speak to the region’s growing clout. Recent population estimates suggest, for example, that Mesa is on track to become Arizona’s second-largest city. That title has been held for decades by Tucson. But Tucson posted only a 3.7 percent increase in population between the 2010 census and July 1, 2018, when the latest population estimates came out. That estimate put Tucson’s population at 545,975. Mesa began the decade with almost 100,000 fewer residents than Tucson. The
city counted just over 439,000 people in 2010 after several years of economic agony – indeed, there were signs that the Great Recession actually reduced the city’s population in the latter half of the century’s first decade. Since then, powered by high-density housing on the west end and large-scale development to the east, Mesa’s population has zoomed past the half-million mark with a nearly 16 percent growth rate in eight years. Mesa’s population was estimated at 508,958 last July, making it the 35th largest city in the country. If those rates of growth hold steady, Mesa will sail past Tucson in the population rankings by the mid-2020s. In terms of percentage growth, Queen
Creek has been this decade’s regional champion. From an official census count of 26,361 in 2010, Queen Creek grew to an estimated 42,503 in July of last year – a growth rate of 61.2 percent. Even that, however, pales in comparison with the more than 500 percent growth Queen Creek saw between 2000 and 2010. At the turn of the century, the town had only 3,713 residents. Estimates of the town’s buildout population keep growing, and now stand at about 110,000. The growth rates of other East Valley cities also are tapering off – but even at that, the number of new residents since 2010 would make sizable towns in their own right. According to the 2018 census estimates:
Chandler’s population of 257,165 represented a net gain of 21,042, a growth rate of 8.9 percent in eight years. Gilbert added 39,825 residents for a population of 248,279, a 19 percent growth rate. Tempe’s growth rate was almost identical with Gilbert’s. The city, albeit landlocked, has been adding high-density housing in and near its downtown. It grew by 30,645 people between 2010 and 2018, when the population was estimated at 192,364. Apache Junction grew 16.8 percent from 35,723 to 41,739 over the same period. If the populations of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe were combined, the population of 1.2 million would stand as the 10th-largest city in the country, beating out San Jose, California.
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Alvarez said Gilbert will enlist community leaders and homeowners associations in the effort. “We went through the special census a few years ago,” she said. “So we really understand how to reach our community.” Queen Creek also will use social media to engage a community that already is
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
enthusiastic about the coming census. Marnie Schubert, who is Queen Creek’s director of marketing, communication and recreation, said the town’s “Complete Count” census committee was announced on June 5 and its members will be appearing at community events over the next nine months to spread the word. “We had a very robust outreach plan for the 2015 mid-decade census,” she said. “In 2010 social media wasn’t even a thing yet. But in 2015 it really was. We’re
very fortunate to have a very engaged community, so that very robust plan is going to complement what the Complete Count committee is doing.” Schubert said Queen Creek doesn’t face the same challenges as some other cities when it comes to hard-to-reach populations. In 2015, she said, residents embraced the census and “understood census is important and why a true count matters.” Tempe also has been working on the census for months under auspices of
its council-appointed Complete Count committee. “There is so much riding on getting an accurate count of Tempe residents,” Mayor Mark Mitchell said in a statement. “Funding for housing assistance, transportation projects and so much more depends on census results.” The census efforts by local governments are part of a wider effort called #ICount2020 under auspices of the Maricopa Association of Governments.
Chandler native cast in PBS show ‘Odd Squad’ BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
A Chandler girl is expected to appear in the upcoming season of “The Odd Squad,” an educational adventure series that airs on PBS Kids. Valentina Herrera, 11, will play the role of Opal, one of four kid agents who use math and science to solve problems. “She’s basically the leader of the group,” Valentina said about her character. “She loves her team.” Adopting the look and feel of a generic spy show, “The Odd Squad” has its young agents trying to solve a series of strange mysteries, and simultaneously avoid a group of scheming villains that want to thwart their plans. The show has won several Daytime Emmy Awards for writing and directing. A new group of actors, including Valentina, was brought in for the show’s third season. Valentina said she likes how the show manages to be both entertaining and educational. “You’re learning throughout the show and you don’t even notice,” the young
Valentina Herrera, third from left seated, is part of PBS’ new cast on “The Odd Squad.” (Courtesy of Fred Rogers Company)
actress said. “I can’t think of another show like Odd Squad.” Valentina said she has much in
common with Opal; they’re both upbeat, competitive and make sure everyone stays in line.
“I like sticking to the rules,” she said. Valentina was born in Chandler and lived there until she was about 8. She started acting professionally about two years ago and “The Odd Squad” is her first big job. She recently had a small role in “All the World is Sleeping,” a feature film that was shot last year in New Mexico. Valentina said she’s always enjoyed making little videos and acting out skits. One of her first acting experiences was playing a poodle in a school play. She convinced her parents to take her to an acting class at the Young Actor’s House in Texas, where she was discovered by an agent. Her main ambition at the moment is to get cast on a Disney Channel show. Shooting episodes of “The Odd Squad” has allowed the young actress to do much traveling with her other cast members, making stops in Canada and Australia. “The production experience has been amazing,” she said. “It’s all like a huge family.” The new season of “Odd Squad” is expected to air in early 2020.
Chandler teen finds life in dead languages BY ALLY RICHMOND Guest Writer
BASIS Chandler junior Adrian Palumbo scored some major points competing with more than 1,100 middle and high school students from over 30 states in a convention that celebrates classic Latin and Greek language, literature and culture. The 66th annual National Junior Classical League Convention in Fargo, North Dakota, offered Adrian and other students a chance to test their knowledge of the two languages — and the culture and history surrounding them. They participated in trivia contests, written tests, model building, graphic arts, costume contest and even sporting events as they demonstrated their knowledge of Latin and Greek mythology, architecture and history. For Adrian, this was his fourth national convention. He was a part of an entourage led by his mother, Sarah Palumbo, who heads the Classical League’s Arizona chapter, and that included about a dozen other students, mostly from Gilbert. “It’s five days, and you’re on a college campus with a bunch of other students who are just as enthusiastic about learning as you are. There are a variety of competitions, and I entered as many as I could, from academic tests to graphic arts contents and even sports competitions,”
BASIS Chandler junior Adrian Palumbo thinks students should learn Latin because it helps people understand aspects of modern culture. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
said Adrian. The Junior Classical League is one of the largest academic youth organizations in the world and contains 50,000 members in 1,200 chapters across the globe. The league was established in 1936 to promote the study of Greek and Latin. To help promote the league itself, one
contest focused on promotional slogans — and Aaron won first place with his. “The slogan I created was: ‘Latin: Then, Now, Always.’ It’s short, but it’s to the point,” he said. The slogan contest was not the only competition in which he won first place. He came out on top in the Modern Myth Essay and Small Model Building contests. In the essay competition, students could choose to retell an old myth in a modern setting, write their own myth to explain the existence of something new or add to an existing myth. Adrian created a myth about a Grecian statue, called “kouros,” that is typically associated with the time between 400 B.C. to 500 B.C. “What makes that so interesting is the mix of elements from both Greek and Roman sculptures. I wrote a love story, I tried not to make it too cheesy, and I focused on the cultural aspects of it and talked about how the two cultures came together and created this new form of art” he said. In the Small Model Building contest, Adrian built a replica of a Roman siege tower out of a plank of wood. “I had to learn a lot of skills like woodworking and how to plan things right,” he said. Adrian also participated in many other events as well, including sporting events
such as volleyball. “With the sports, you’re competing with a bunch of people you don’t even know, and you can just feel the spirit between you guys,” he said. Adrian has been studying Latin for years. “I started learning Latin when I was younger, and I had no clue what I wanted to do as an adult, but Latin is present in most fields like medicine, science, government and it will help with SAT scores too,” he explained. While many believe that Latin is a dead language, he and other league members continue to advocate for its importance in today’s world. “Learning Latin can help you better understand parts of modern culture, like most of our architecture is based on Roman and Greek themes. A lot of the world around us is based on Latin roots, so knowing that language can help you better understand the world,” Adrian said, who thinks teens should study it and join the league. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with students around the nation,” he said, adding: “It connected me to a much larger community, and it’s not just about Latin, but just students who are excited about learning. It leads you to a much larger community where you can share your passions and just put yourself out there and enjoy yourself.”
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COMMUNITY NEWS
SMART CITY
from cover
that may make parking a bit easier for residents. Ryan Peters, the city’s government relations manager, said the Verizon parking technology should be deployed in the next couple months. Upon completion, he said, the public will ideally be able to access parking data through an online portal or application. The Verizon partnership could be considered as one example of Chandler’s recent efforts to brand itself as an innovative city. Aside from being a haven for autonomous vehicles, Chandler is trying to position itself as a “smart” city by utilizing the latest technology to solve a variety of problems. Whether it’s applying for building permits online or reporting park graffiti through a mobile app, Chandler is adapting to the latest whims and trends of the 21st century. “We’ve always looked to technology to solve our service-delivery programs,” said Micah Miranda, the city’s economic development director. Chandler frequently presents itself as a hip, futuristic, tech-friendly city. During the state of the city ceremony in February, the city parodied its own brand with a video of Mayor Kevin Hartke donning special goggles and exploring a virtual-reality version of Chandler.
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
“In reality, we really do have much more to offer,” the mayor joked during the ceremony. Miranda said it has been part of Chandler’s culture for the last few years to seek out smart-city opportunities. He said a strategic plan is currently in the works that will scope out how Chandler’s status as smart city will take shape in the near future. Each of the city’s departments is exploring smart-city initiatives in one way or another, Miranda added, but the city is only looking at technology that will make its operations more efficient. “We’re not doing it for the sake of just having a new, cool, shiny toy,” Miranda said. “We’re looking at it to solve a problem our residents, our businesses, our visitors experience.” Pinning down an exact definition for what makes a city “smart” can be difficult. In fact, researchers with the United Kingdom’s Department of Business Innovation and Skills argue there is no absolute definition of a “smart city.” They think it should rather be thought of as a series of steps that lead to a place becoming more livable for its inhabitants. “A Smart City should enable every citizen to engage with all the services on offer, public as well as private, in a way best suited to his or her needs,” British researchers wrote. There generally has to be an investment in social capital and digital technology to produce a more attractive environment. Cheerleaders of the smart city
movement warn urban populations will dramatically rise over the next decade, so elected officials need to find ways to keep cities running smoothly. Critics will argue this reliance on technology to collect data on citizens raises privacy concerns about unwanted surveillance. Miranda said privacy and security are of the utmost importance to the city. The state already has laws in place to regulate information that can be released on residents, he added, and the city’s legal department ensures any new technology is compliant. Public safety is one department in Chandler that’s extensively adopted new technology in recent years. In addition to adorning police officers with body-worn cameras and publishing arrest reports online, the Chandler Police Department regularly collects and analyzes data on where it receives calls for services. This last year, the agency was able to add an extra patrol beat to the city’s southern district and CPD says its already seen response times decrease in that region. Because the police department collects so much information on a daily basis, the agency additionally looked for a way to synthesize all this data. In 2012, the police department adopted Splunk software to initially provide audit functions. The software’s searchable format made it easier for officers to request and access data on arrest reports or crime trends.
For example, Splunk could quickly scavenge through communications recorded on the agency’s dispatch system and pick out inappropriate language spoken by officers. According to Splunk, this type of auditing process would have otherwise taken several hours to complete without its software. And the innovations are happening elsewhere across the city. New smart cameras are expected to be installed later this year that could detect cyclists traveling near traffic intersections. If approved by the City Council, these cameras would adjust traffic signals to accommodate for cyclists or vehicles. The city says it has several more potential smart partnerships under consideration that could offer new services to residents. One partnership involves a pilot program with Lyft, the ride-sharing company, which could transport residents to Valley Metro bus stops on the city’s south side. Due to a lack of transit service south of Pecos Road, the city put out a request from private entities to offer a solution that may be cheaper than expanding bus routes. Lyft responded with an offer to provide discounted rides, if the city paid a portion of a rider’s fare. The city of Phoenix partnered with Lyft to implement a similar program in 2017. Chandler will spend the next month hammering out the details to its deal with Lyft before it begins deployment.
Chandler police cleared in fatal shooting SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Maricopa County prosecutors have decided not to pursue criminal charges against the Chandler police officers who shot and killed an 84-year-old man last October. Kay Kenniker was fatally shot in the head on Oct. 12 after he pointed a firearm at Chandler police officers outside his residence on Calle Del Norte. One of Kenniker’s friends contacted authorities after they saw Kenniker pull out a handgun and threaten to shoot himself in the head, police reports show. The friend told investigators they convinced Kenniker to put the gun down and managed to hide it from him. Kenniker appeared intoxicated, the friend reported, and mumbled about being “mad at the world.” The friend further disclosed Kenniker had been upset at the Chandler Police Department for arresting his son in March 2018 for possessing child pornography. Court records show the son pleaded guilty about a month after Kenniker’s death and was sentenced to 10 years in the state Department of Corrections. On Oct. 12, officers responded to Kenniker’s residence at around 5 p.m. and planned to ask the subject if he needed assistance. Officers reported seeing Kenniker appear in the doorway and he began shouting profanities at them, police reports show. Officers saw Kenniker waving around a handgun and reported hearing one round being fired. Kenniker then went inside his residence and came back out with a rifle.
The officers took cover behind their patrol cars and claimed they saw Kenniker point his gun in their direction. Two officers fired at Kenniker after he didn’t respond to their commands to drop the weapon. A crime scene technician later noted the rifle found near Kenniker’s body didn’t have any rounds loaded in it. Four days before Kenniker’s death, Chandler officers responded to a similar call of suicidal threats at his residence. Police reports show he declined to speak
with officers. Public records show the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office informed the Chandler Police Department in July it found no criminal acts had been committed in Kenniker’s death. The County Attorney’s Office reviewed 81 officer-involved shooting cases from 2018, only two of which involved the Chandler Police Department. Aside from the Kenniker case, Chandler officers shot at Allen Pedro in January 2018
after he attempted to flee from a traffic stop. Pedro was eventually caught and sentenced to seven years in prison for aggravated assault. One of the last Chandler officers to be charged for an on-duty incident was Daniel Lovelace, who shot and killed a woman outside a pharmacy near Dobson and Warner roads in 2002. Lovelace, who resigned from the agency, took the case to trial and was acquitted of second-degree murder.
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
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12
COMMUNITY NEWS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
4 moms take new steps on teen suicide prevention BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor
As Tempe Union and other area school districts take more action to address teen suicides and the deeper problems that lead to them, a quartet of mothers isn’t relying on teachers and administrators to do all the work. They’re planning to distribute door hangers throughout the East Valley next month that provide important suicide-prevention information — and they’re hoping other people will help circulate them. “We want to continue to spread the awareness for the signs of suicide and how easy it is to get help if you know of somebody that’s in trouble,” said Karianna Ritenour-Blanchard. “We decided that we would do a door hanger campaign, kind of like what the fire departments do it for drownings.” Ritenour-Blanchard, of Chandler, — together with Suzanne Whitaker of Ahwatukee, Eduarda Shroder of Tempe and Mountain Pointe High teacher Lorie Warnock — form the nucleus of Parents for Suicide Prevention and are starting their door-hanger campaign next month, which is Suicide Prevention Month. For Warnock, the problem of teen suicide is painfully personal: Her son Mitchell took his life at age 18 during his senior year at Corona del Sol High School. Ahwatukee state Sen. Sean Bowie, who pushed through mandatory suicide pre-
Te quartet of moms who are somewhat of the nucleus of Parents for Suicide Prevention include, from left, Lorie Warnock, Suzanne Whitaker, Eduarda Schroder and Karianna Ritenour-Blanchard. They’re looking for people who can help them distribute suicide-prevention-related door hangers. (Jude Schroder/bluemakesvideo.com)
vention training for all school personnel, named his bill after Mitchell. The door hangers include warning signs of suicidal tendencies, phone numbers to call for help and a basic reminder for kids who feel there’s no way out: “Please reach out…You are not alone.” People who want to help circulate the door hangers can email at kjoyBlanchard@ gmail.com. “Even if you have only 10 houses, even five houses,” Ritenour-Blanchard said, adding “we don’t want anyone to feel
overwhelmed.” “Or even if you want just one and you want to hang it on your door, that’s fine,” she added. The campaign is forming as Tempe Union High School District took more steps in addressing teen suicide by unveiling its first “Mindfulness Room” this week. The room is in Corona del Sol, from which three students have taken their lives in the last four years. The rest of Tempe Union’s campuses will have one before the end of the semester.
Mindfulness rooms, which have been opened in other districts — notably Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified — in recent months, give stressed students an oasis to retreat during the day and participate in specially designed exercises led by trained staff. Tempe Union spokeswoman Jen Liewer said that through a partnership with the Governor’s Office on Youth, Faith and Families and a High School Health and Wellness Grant, select staff at Corona and all other Tempe Union high schools have been trained to oversee the use of the rooms and lead the mindfulness practices. The grant also funs drug and alcohol prevention at all seven Tempe Union high schools. Liewer cited the connection between substance abuse and social-emotional wellness and said “offering mindfulness practices on a high school campus supports the efforts of the grant to prevent drug and alcohol use by students.” Corona’s mindfulness room also received funding from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tempe Union over the past year has been at the forefront in the region in trying to stem the epidemic of teen suicides, which have taken 35 lives of young people between 10 and 19 in Queen Creek, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert since July 2017; six others died in adjacent communities. The district trained all its employees in See
SUICIDE on page 14
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HAMILTON
from cover
assault and child molestation involving five underclassmen who told police they were assaulted in the Hamilton locker room after their promotion to the varsity team. The assaults are alleged to have occurred between 2015-2017 during the course of two school years. The controversy around the case eventually cost acclaimed head coach Steve Belles his job. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery concluded in February 2018 that he did not have adequate evidence to criminally charge Belles, former principal Ken James and former Athletic Director Shawn Rusted with failure to report the alleged sex crimes. Montgomery said at the time that the Chandler police report “leaves me fully convinced that these incidents happened,’’ but that the police report was based on second and third-hand information and that he needed an actual witness to come forward before he could file the charges against the three officials. James and Rustad were subsequently transferred to other jobs within the district while Belles resigned. Attorneys in the criminal case are seeking the federal depositions after two of the teens recanted their allegations, according to documents filed by the school district’s defense attorney. “Although the district defendants do not bear the burden of proof, there is ample evidence that the victims were not
13
assaulted,’’ said attorney Matthew Wright, Raynak wrote in the July 12 document. assault victims from harassment. who represents the district. But Raynak’s strategy backfired when “It is important to notate that the “John Doe G went on camera to deny U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton rejected barrier between the victim and the defenthat the alleged assaults ever took place,’’ his motion, citing a lack of undisputed dant creates an extra layer of protection Wright wrote. “And in a separate interview evidence that the sexual assaults occurred for the victim from unsolicited contact with police, John Doe G. told the police and that the district employees failed to from the defendant and the defendant’s that he was not assaulted, and he did not protect the victims. representative,’’ Irwin wrote. know anyone who was.’’ “Plaintiffs have failed to carry their “This type of unsolicited contact can Wright had filed the document after burden of showing that there are undisfurther traumatize victims, especially sex Dan Raynak, the victim’s attorney asked puted facts that entitle them to judgment crimes victims,’’ he said. the federal judge to rule that the five as a matter of law,’’ Bolton wrote in a July Maricopa County Superior Court Judge plaintiffs were sexually assaulted and that 17 order. Stephen Hopkins said he did not have addistrict employees failed to protect them. In the criminal case against Thomas, equate knowledge of the federal civil case “The five named plaintiffs have alleged defense attorney Robert McWhirter and to determine if the depositions should be that they were all sexually assaulted while prosecutor David Irwin joined in asking for given to the criminal attorneys. in the school locker room either getting access to the federal court depositions. McWhirter and Irwin wrote that ready for football practice, orprovide after comprehensive pracIrwincare had previously opposed Hopkins should at least review them in Our goal is to home services to your clients. Partnering with Assisting Handshome provides peace of mind all aspects Our goal is to provide comprehensive care services tothat your clients. tice concluded,’’ Raynak argued. McWhirter’s attempts to depose the advance to determine they are relevant to of your clients needs are met. We understand importance ongoing with Assisting Hands provides peace ofthe mind that allof aspects “The Partnering principal, the athletic director, victims, arguing that state law protects sex the criminal case. and needs consistent communication among the care team and we pride your clients met. We understand the importance oftake ongoing the headoffootball coach andare the assistant in helping your client be happy, healthy and home! consistent among the care team and we take pride football and coach were allcommunication named as defenin deposed. helping your client happy, Non-Medical Home Care: and home! dants and None ofbe them canhealthy Our goal is to provide comprehensive home We care like • Immediate Start of Care dispute that the sexual assaults occurred care services to your clients. Partnering with Non-Medical Home Care: Companionship/Housekeeping of Daily Assisting Hands provides peace of mind that as there Our wasgoal a concession that theLiving/ locker home care services to your clients. is to• Activities provide comprehensive • not Immediate Start of Care all aspects of your client needs are met. We • Transitional Care/Care Partnering with Assisting Hands provides peace of mind that all aspects room was properly supervised, andCoordination understand the importance of ongoing and Activities of Daily Living/ Companionship/Housekeeping • Dementia/Alzheimer Care of•not your clients needs are met. 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COMMUNITY NEWS
SUICIDE
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
from page 12
recognizing suicidal tendencies and how to respond last year, not waiting for the Legislature to pass the mandatory training bill, which doesn’t go into effect until 2020-21. Indeed, the four women at the heart of the door-hanger campaign praised Tempe Union Superintendent Kevin Mendivil for his leadership in addressing the worsening mental-emotional health crisis that confronts young people across the country today. But they believe suicide prevention is not just the schools’ responsibility. Hence, they’re also organizing workshops for parents, one involving an expert on nonsuicidal self-injury and teenage brain and one that Ritenour-Blanchard hopes will involve teenagers telling moms, dads and other concerned adults what teens face today. “In September and in March,” she explained, “we’re going to have a panel of teens and the goal is to get teens represented from each of our seven campuses and get them and a couple of alumni as well to really tell us parents what helps, what doesn’t help.” Teens and Tempe Union alumni who are interested in participating should email Ritenour-Blanchard. That session is slated for Sept. 16 at Marcos de Niza High School. Ritenour-Blanchard is seeking students from each of Tempe Union’s campuses to volunteer for the panel or have community members recommend a teen who is prepared to speak candidly. “I want to know what it’s like for students to be in high school right now in Tempe Union High School District and what that feels like and what that looks like and give them a voice for the evening. And also for parents to hear, ‘this is real or this isn’t real or this is perceived’ — those kinds of conversations. “I’m dreaming really big. I want them to tell parents what the issues are and how we can help.” The four women organized Parents for Suicide Prevention when Bowie in the 2018 legislative session first introduced the suicide-prevention training bill. It failed that session but overwhelmingly passed this year, partly as a result of the help Bowie got from Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard and Republican Rep. Jeff Weninger, both of Chandler. But after the bill was passed, they saw
Checking out the new Mindfulness Room at Corona del Sol High School on are, from left, Kathryn Becaur, Harley Cameron and Emma Connelly, all 16. Tempe Union High School District opened the room this week and will have a similar one on each of its six other campuses before the end of the semester. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
their work as only just beginning. “You know, we got the legislation passed last year and we wanted to continue to spread the awareness of the signs of suicide and how easy it is to get help if you know of somebody that’s in trouble,” said Ritenour-Blanchard. Partly their zeal is born out of the haphazard way schools and districts had approached the problem of teen suicide and the escalating cases of depression, anxiety and stress among today’s teens. Even within Tempe Union just a few years ago, they said, every high school had a different protocol for dealing with troubled teens — and in some cases teachers and staff felt they couldn’t do anything because they had no directives from central administration, the four moms said. Warnock has spoken about her own son’s experiences in public gatherings and
before legislators, as have other mothers and fathers of teens who have taken their lives. “The school district is coming a long way and I will give them props for that, Ritenour-Blanchard said. “But we still got forward movement. I think what was really eye opening for all of us is we’re all moms in the district. “I’m a Mountain Pointe parent, Suzanne is Desert Vista, Eduarda is Corona and Mitch went to Corona and Lorie teaches at Mountain Pointe,” she continued. “So you have this assumption as parents in the district that every school is operating basically the same….So, when we started to realize that what the district office’s impression of what was happening at the campuses was not what the campuses were experiencing, we decided to use our parental volunteer voices and say, ‘You
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know, you got a lot of disconnects here that need to be addressed and you guys have the ability to rework some things.’” One big target involves the gross disparity in the number of mental health counselors and students — a statewide problem that puts Arizona at the bottom of the list nationwide in the counselor-student ratio at about 900-1. Though Tempe Union and most other districts say their counselor-student ratio is half that, they also are attempting to further increase the ranks of counselors who address students’ emotional and mental well-being rather than their post-graduation plans. “The majority of our counselors are academic counselors,” Ritenour-Blanchard said, “which means for the kids in crisis, it may not have been the first line of defense.”
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AFMA Fire Corps seeks volunteers in Sun Lakes BY BRIAN CURRY Guest Writer
The Community Assistance Program of the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority/Sun Lakes Fire Corps is looking for more volunteers. There are multiple programs that are part of the nationally recognized Fire Corps which fall under AFMA. The Community Assistance Program (CAP) includes a two-member team that are dispatched to medical calls, fires, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. While firefighters and medical personnel tend to the ill or injured, the CAP teams work with other family members, friends or neighbors who need assistance. This may involve anything from providing transportation to the hospital, telephoning family members, dealing with pets in the home, locking up the house or providing information about various agencies or resources that may help in a time of crisis or sometimes just offering some calm conversation and emotional support. In addition, the umbrella of Fire Corps has expanded in recent years to add various programs that benefit the greater Sun Lakes community. Fire Corps gives classes in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cardio cerebral resuscitation (CCR) and the usage of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Fire Corps also participates in community outreach with examples such as identifying hazards in the home and how to combat them and the proper use of fire extinguishers. In addition, three Fire Corps volunteers are trained and Arizona State certified as fire
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority/Sun Lakes Fire Corps provides vital help during a broad range of emergencies and could use some additional volunteers. (pecial to SanTan Sun News)
inspectors to help and assist AFMA fire marshalls. The Fire Corps volunteers also help in other non-emergency tasks and events. Prospective Community Assistance Program members do not have to live in Sun Lakes, but they must be in general good health, have a good driving record, pass a background check and be able to work three six-hour shifts (if part of the response team) and attend one monthly
meeting within a calendar month. Training will be provided in CPR and first aid, driver training, radio usage and the use of the mobile computer terminal that is used in the CAP response vehicle. Prospective recruits will be required to complete two preliminary ride-alongs with a working, on-duty Community Assistance team to learn how the team operates and to experience what a “typi-
cal” shift is like. Fire Corps is a nationally recognized and award-winning program for civilian volunteers to assist their fire district. Look for our Fire Corps recruiting table at the Sun Lakes open houses and the Neighbors Who Care “Welcome Back” event. Information: email CR231R@gmail.com with your name and number, and a Fire Corps member will get right back to you.
Trump echoes Ducey’s gun-control measure BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
Calling it the best way to prevent mass shootings, Gov. Doug Ducey is renewing his bid to allow judges to take away guns of people believed to be a danger to themselves or others and have them held for mental examination. “I’m disappointed we haven’t gotten more done on school safety,’’ the governor told Capitol Media Services, citing additional funding for counselors and school resource officers. “I definitely think more needs to be done.’’ That “more’’ is Ducey’s proposal to allow judges to issue a Severe Threat Order of Protection, requiring people to submit to mental evaluations. It even would permit, under certain circumstances, for courts to order police to immediately pick up that person and, with a court order, have them held for up to 14 days. “We think the STOP order is a good idea,’’ the governor said. Ducey made his remarks several days before two mass killings in less than 24 hours took 31 lives on Aug. 3 and before President Trump suggested on Aug. 5 that a review of mental health laws include something resemblying the STOP process. Charles Heller, spokesman for the Arizona Citizens Defense League, called the proposal both unnecessary and dangerous. Heller said existing provisions in the
mental health code allow a court to order an evaluation of someone determined to be a danger to self or others. The difference, he said, is that there is clear notice to the person. And Heller said if a court finds the person to be a danger, that ruling, by itself, means they cannot have any weapons. More concerning, he said, is the ex parte nature of STOP orders — meaning the person isn’t even notified about the initial hearing — and what could happen when police, armed with a STOP order, show up at someone’s door. The opposition of the Arizona Civil Defense League is a significant hurdle for Ducey. Last year the governor got a version of the plan through the Senate after removing certain provisions. That was enough to get the National Rifle Association to back off. But enough lawmakers in the House sided with the ACDL to kill the bill. “Politics intervened,’’ the governor conceded. And he didn’t even try this year. But Ducey, hoping to breathe life back into the plan this coming session, brushed aside that organization’s opposition. “I think you’re giving special interest groups a bigger profile,’’ he said. Only thing is, it’s not just ACDL that finds the proposal offensive. “We’re not talking about just taking people’s guns,’’ said then-Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Mesa.
“We’re taking about incarcerating them for the purpose of a psychological evaluation against their will, potentially infringing on their First Amendment rights, and infringing heavily upon their Second Amendment rights,’’ said Farnsworth, who now chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the heart of the debate is whether it’s possible to identify people who are likely to become mass shooters and disarm them before they can do any harm. Ducey contends it can be done — if police and courts have the right tools. His Exhibit 1 is Nikolas Cruz who killed 17 and wounded 17 others last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. “Of course we want it to be constitutional and respect people’s rights,’’ the governor said. “But when I hear someone in Florida say there was nothing that we could do for someone who had been visited by law enforcement or social services 39 times, who had posted on YouTube that they wanted to be known as a school shooter, I reject that as bad policy,’’ he said. “There should be something that we can do in extreme situations when someone is broadcasting that they are going to cause harm to others.’’ One part of Ducey’s plan would allow police with “probable cause’’ to believe someone is a danger to ask a judge to order that person evaluated for mental
illness, behavioral health issues and drug use. Based on that evaluation, the judge would decide whether to order someone to undergo treatment, with the order valid for up to 14 days. A parallel procedure would allow any guardian, immediate family member, school administrator, teacher, resident adviser, social worker or behavioral health professional to seek a similar court order. If a judge determines at a hearing — also ex parte — that there is “clear and convincing evidence’’ that the person is a threat, the person is taken into custody where, for the first time, he or she gets to dispute those findings. But if the order is upheld, the person can be barred from possessing weapons for up to 21 days. And there are options to extend that no-weapons order for up to six months. Gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak said the STOP program closes loopholes in existing law to keep weapons out of the hands of those who are a danger. Ptak, however, did not spell out what are those loopholes. But he did say that what Ducey wants ensures that those determined to be a threat are referred for services. And Ducey said those with whom he spoke in crafting the plan believe it is a reasonable and necessary approach. “The balance is that individual citizen’s rights are respected and that law enforcement can also take action when they deem it necessary,’’ the governor said.
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Tempe man among 3 charged in deadly drug hit BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer
A former basketball player at Seton Catholic High School faces first-degree murder and other charges stemming from a drug-related hit in Scottsdale. Mathhew Eric Bjornholt, 20, of Tempe, and two other suspects were indicted in June on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempt to commit armed robbery in the slaying of Richard Chavez III, 26, on May 25 at a north Scottsdale apartment complex. After someone banged on the front door of his apartment early that morning, Chavez peered through a nearby window and said, “who are you looking for,’’ according to court records. The answer was swift and fatal. Chavez was shot through the window with an assault rifle. He was found dead later that day when his sister went to the apartment, saw bullet holes in the window and called police. That account is based upon the statements of a friend of the victim who is not named in the report. The witness told police that Chavez asked him to come over because “he had a price on his head’’ and feared for his life, the documents said. The court records said that a $10,000 contract was placed on Chavez’s life as retaliation after his partners in a drug deal accused him of stealing money and THC cartridges—a hot seller used to vape powerful concentrations of THC dis-
flower marijuana. THC is the chemical largely responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. Bjornholt is identified in court documents as an events coordinator for a medical marijuana dispensary in Tempe, but police suggest the slaying had to do with the black-market street trade. Bjornholt has no record of prior convictions and was released on a $250,000 bond while he awaits trial. He grew up in an affluent south Tempe neighborhood but had been living in an apartment at the time of his arrest. He graduated from Seton in 2017. Police say Bjornholt admitted he provided 2,000 THC cartridges for a deal brokered by another man with Chavez. Chavez bought 1,000 cartridges, even though he had received $20,000 from a third man to buy all 2,000. The group accused Richard Chavez III, 26, shown here with his fiancee and her 5-year-old son, Chavez of stealing the was fatally shot in his north Scottsdale apartment May 25. (Fox10 News) money and cartridges. Police got a major break creetly rather than smoking conventional on the murder case when the victim’s rel-
atives told them that he was a drug dealer and that he had recently had a falling out with another defendant in the slaying, Joshua Levi Bird, the court document said. The document said Chavez had accused the other men of cutting him out of another lucrative deal. None of the three suspects indicted on murder charges, which include Bird and Sergio A. Valdez, admit to pulling the trigger in Chavez’s death. However, they admit different levels of involvement in the drug deal. The convoluted court documents are difficult to follow because the names of some confidential informants have been purposely omitted. Bjornholt told police he was robbed by “unknown Hispanic males’’ after meeting with Chavez. He said they took 800 THC cartridges and his Glock pistol, but that the thieves did not find the $8,500 in proceeds from the drug buy, the document said. “He denied ever telling anyone there was a price on Chavez’s head. He denied ever telling anyone to rob Chavez and recover the items stolen from him,’’ the document said. But when police searched Bornholm’s apartment and car, they found more evidence of his participation in the drug trade, including a substance believed to be THC oil, cartridges, a tool used to inject the THC oil into cartridges, $1,000 and a Glock pistol. See on page 19
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Police said they also found $36,000 in cash hidden in Bjornholt’s car. Sgt. Ben Hoster, a Scottsdale police spokesman, said the case is still under investigation and that detectives are looking at other potential defendants. “I think we have seen cases (involving THC cartridges) because these things are very popular,’’ Hoster said. “They are very easy to use and to move around.’’ Ray Schmacher, Bjornholt’s defense attorney, declined to return telephone calls seeking comment. The court documents described how Valdez was linked to a drive-by shooting in Phoenix later that day involving three men and a similar car seen during the Scottsdale shooting—a white Dodge Charger. After Phoenix police arrested Valdez in the unrelated shooting, a search warrant was served and guns were seized, including an assault rifle, according to court documents. Because of some similarities between the crimes, Scottsdale police submitted shell casings found at Chavez’s shooting to the Phoenix police crime lab. An analysis linked the same gun to the Scottsdale and Phoenix shootings. The court documents said the three suspects drove from west Phoenix to Chavez’s apartment in Scottsdale with intent to recover the money and drugs that they alleged Chavez had stolen. Valdez told police he drove to Chavez’s apartment with two other men, but never left the car. Bird told police he drove to Chavez
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Mathhew Eric Bjornholt apartment and acted as a lookout until Valdez arrived, but that he left before the shooting. The document said the unidentified shooter pulled the trigger after noticing that Chavez was armed with a pistol. The potent THC cartridges can be purchased legally by residents who have obtained an Arizona Medical Marijuana card with the approval of a doctor. A critical Arizona Supreme Court ruling in June upheld the right of patients to buy marijuana in any form they like, including the THC cartridges, said Eric Fraser, an attorney representing the Arizona Dispensary Association. “I think it really applies to things like vape,’’ Fraser said. “The cartridges, in order to be legal, have to be at a licensed dispensary,’’ and the buyer must have a valid state medical marijuana card.
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Cartridges a growing part of legal and illegal pot sales BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer
Powerful THC cartridges, used to vape marijuana instead of smoking it, are part of a growing trend in the medical and recreational marijuana markets. The cartridges — at the center of a Scottsdale homicide that has resulted so far in the arrest of three men — are mak-
ing up an increasingly larger part of both the legal and illegal pot market. In Arizona, they can be purchased legally at medical marijuana dispensaries by patients with a state-issued card. BDS Analytics, a Boulder, Colorado company that tracks legal cannabis trends worldwide, estimated Arizonans’ medSee
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ical marijuana spending of $581 million during 2018 with residents holding 186,000 state-issued cards. It projects that medical marijuana sales will grow to $761 million by 2024 and that figure would double by 2024 if recreational marijuana becomes a reality. Potent THC cartridges would likely play a significant role in both types of sales, with BDS saying that 30 percent of Arizona sales come from concentrates, which include extracts such as THC cartridges. “At the end of the day, it’s convenience and accessibility,’’ said Robert Ferguson, director of operations for Jetty Extracts, a California manufacturer of legally sold THC cartridges. He said the popularity of THC vaping is growing because the cartridges pack a wallop, containing 60-90 percent THC compared with about 30 percent of flower marijuana. Eventually, he anticipates that THC cartridge sales will grow from 30 percent of the legal market in California to 50 percent. Vaping allows users to take a hit discreetly, leaving far less of a smell. The vaping may appeal to people who experimented with marijuana during their youth and haven’t used it in years, he said. “We call them fence sitters, people not sure if they want to dive back in,’’ Ferguson said. “There’s a lot of stigma around cannabis use.’’ Ferguson said he is certain that Arizona has a strong black market for THC car-
tridges, just like California, with the black market representing a cheaper, but far more dangerous way to obtain marijuana. The advantage of buying from a dispensary is it guards against harmful chemicals such as pesticides being blended into the THC oil by black-market operators who often make their own cartridges, he said. Stephanie Siete, a spokeswoman for Community Bridges, a behavioral health agency based in Mesa, said the trend toward THC cartridges poses a threat to
Marijuana has always been “ prevalent and now you have this trendy delivery system. ’’ – Stephanie Siete teenagers and is yet another reason why it’s important for parents and schools to crack down on vaping. “Marijuana has always been prevalent and now you have this trendy delivery system,’’ Siete said. She said people have been vaping THC oil for a long time, but it is clearly gaining in popularity, with an estimated three million teens vaping nationally. “It’s a youth epidemic that parents need to know about,’’ Siete said, and parents and schools should consfiscate vapes from their teens when possible. “I think the question is vaping what,’’ Siete said. “They could be vaping nicotine; they could be vaping THC. You would never know the difference.’’
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Around Chandler San Tan Park getting big improvements The Chandler City Council has approved spending about $879,000 on improvements to San Tan Park. The renovations will include construction of a new shaded playground and basketball court, installing new LED lights, and replacing old benches and water fountains. The 14-acre park currently consists of two large grass areas surrounded by desert landscaping. San Tan, which was built in 1987 between Frye Road and Folley Street, is one of 67 parks maintained by the city. Mickey Ohland, the city’s park operations manager, said residents expressed support for the San Tan improvements during public meetings on the project earlier this year. San Tan is latest park to undergo some improvements after the council recently approved an expansion of Tumbleweed Park. The city will spend the next year examining all of its park sites and developing a strategic plan on which facilities need improvements. Ohland said the renovations will take about four months to build and should be done by January.
Chandler host family sought for Spanish student ASSE International Student Exchange is seeking a Chandler host family for a
student from Spain who has met all of required academic and character qualifications and is a recipient of the prestigious, highly competitive Foundation Amancio Ortega scholarship. “He says people describe him as funny and outgoing so it will be easy for him to make new friends and adapt to a new family,” a program spokeswoman said. “Some of his hobbies include reading mysteries, fantasy and non-fiction books, and watching TV series.” “ Information: 800-733-2773, ASSEhosts. com or asseusawest@asse.com.
Quilters sought in Chandler to benefit kids Join fellow quilters and donate your time to sew for charity every Friday and Saturday in August and September at Cutting Edge Quilts, 64 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. Cutting Edge is providing most the fabrics and patterns with donations from their customers. In September, volunteers will be sewing for Streetlights USA, an organization providing programs and services to young girls who are victims or at risk of child sexual exploitation. Strip quilts will be made for their comfort. Information: streetlightusa.org. “We could also use donations of juvenile and teenage fabrics,” said Cutting Edge Quilts owner Dee Peck. Volunteers are asked to bring a sewing machine, thread, scissors and other basic sewing kit items. Irons, rulers and rotary
cutters provided. For those sewing on both days, Cutting Edge will let sewers bring machines on Friday and leave them until Saturday. For those who prefer to sew at home, stop by the store, pick up a kit and return it completed. Seating is limited, and volunteers are asked to call the store to sign up. Information: cequilts.com or 480-857-3443.
Devorah Hadassah seeks women in Chandler Devorah Hadassah is inviting interested Chandler women to join the organization for fun and friendship. Devorah Hadassah serves the Southeast Valley. Activities include lunch, dinner fundraisers, flick chicks, literary ladies, game days and mahjong. Information: Ann Baum at ann. hadassahmembership@gmail.com.
Western State Bank hires new loan officer in Chandler Susan Brinegar recently joined Western State Bank as a mortgage loan office in Chandler. Brinegar has spent the last 17 years helping people achieve homeownership. She is a member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and the Elks. Brinegar also volunteers for the Exchange Club, the Ostrich Festival and other local organizations. She is originally from Springfield, MA, and currently resides in Sun Lakes. Western State Bank is a 117-year-old,
employee-owned, community bank with assets totaling over $1 billion.
Teachers can get a free oil change today in Chandler For the eighth consecutive year, Desert Car Care of Chandler is marking the new school year by giving teachers with an ID a free oil change and 15-point safety inspection. Though it will be first-come, first-serve, vouchers will be given for rescheduling. It will run 8-noon today, Aug. 17, at Desert Car Care Center of Chandler, 95 N. Dobson Road. Information: 480-726-6400 or desertcarcare.com.
Seton Catholic Prep gets a new assistant principal
Seton Catholic Prep has hired Gene Sweeney as its new assistant principal. An experienced school administrator who has served in a variety of educational leadership roles, he had been the assistant principal of Winamac High School in Indiana, as well as an assistant superintendent and superintendent in large and diverse school systems in the Midwest and was principal at two high schools that were selected as National Blue Ribbon schools by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, Sweeney has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame and an educational consultant in See
AROUND on page 22
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both private and public schools. Sweeney has a bachelor’s degree in literature and communications from Benedictine University, a master’s degree and doctorate from Loyola University. Sweeney and his wife, Maggie, live in Chandler and have four children. Seton Catholic’s previous assistant principal, David Sorkin, left in June to become principal of St. Hubert Catholic School in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Free charcuterie board at St. Amand in Ocotillo St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails, 3990 S. Alma School Road, Ocotillo, is celebrating its grand opening Aug. 16 through Aug. 23 with drink specials and a free charcuterie board. “The Ocotillo neighbors have already been amazing during our soft opening,” said executive chef Ramon Rice. “The drink program at St. Amand is designed to be a big draw, considering the namesake inspiration — the patron saint of winemaking, beer brewing and bartending. “
Drug abuse the topic of Sun Lakes GOP meeting The Sun Lakes Republican Club will feature “the abuse of marijuana, opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Arizona: What is our Arizona
solution?” with special guest speakers Dr. Ed Gogek and Andrea Kadar at its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes. The public is invited. Gogek has been an addiction psychiatrist for 30 years and has treated more than 10,000 addicts and alcoholics in jails, prisons, homeless clinics, mental health centers and substance abuse treatments programs. Gogek’s articles on addiction and mental health have appeared in The New York Times and more than a dozen major U.S. newspapers. Kadar was a co-founder of Citizens for America in Verde Valley and speaks and volunteers statewide as an Ambassador of Hope for Shared Hope International, an international anti-trafficking advocacy group. Information: Chairman Mike Tennant, 480-802-0178.
Chandler company wins awards for video production Chandler-based J2 Media has won a gold and platinum award in the 2018 MarCom Awards, along with three other honorable mentions. With over 6,000 print and digital entries submitted each year, the MarCom award is given by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, which represents top marketing and communication firms, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops and freelancers. Winning J2 Media platinum recognition was a pro bono Chandler High School
Football video, featuring sharp animation, aerial footage and dynamic shots.
Ocotillo Health Club hosts kettlebells and cocktails The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa will be hosting Kettlebells & Cocktails, offering three sessions throughout the day, with classes being held at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Aug. 24. The classes are free and open to the public. Participants will also be invited to check out the spacious health club’s cardio and weight rooms filled with the top equipment, lap and leisure pools, resort-style Day Spa, full Cafes, Kid’s Club, full-amenity locker rooms and basketball, squash and racquetball courts. Self Magazine recently spotlighted kettlebell workouts, discussing how they check off both cardio and strength and are great tools for getting a total-body workout. Kettlebells are known to improve overall strength, core power, balance, flexibility, and coordination while also burning fat and developing lean muscles. During the event at the Village Health Clubs, participants will learn how to do the top-10 kettlebell exercises. Cocktails will follow each session. The morning class will have mimosas, the noon class will enjoy sangria and the last class wine. People who can’t make the kettlebell class can still come for cocktails. Register at villageclubs.com or 480-656-0045.
Living with wildlife will be a topic next week here
The Environmental Education Center ay Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, will host a discussion titled "Living with Wildlife" 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21. Urban wildlife specialist Darren Julian of Arizona Fish and Game will discuss how to view wildlife safely, how to tell if a wild animal needs help and what to do if you encounter a coyote. Chandler Recreation Division and Fish and Game are partnering on the discussion in the hope of what Julian says will be a new attitude toward wildlife that roams into residential neighborhoods, "resulting in minimizing wildlife conflicts." Information: 480-782-2890 or eec@ chandleraz.gov.
Historical figures will be brought to life Sept. 6
You can visit Frank Lloyd Wright, popstar Charlotte Boyd Chandler and a couple other historical figures renacted by live actors 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 6 at several downtown Chandler businesses as the Chandler Museum and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership present a unique recreation of Chandler's early history. There will be food trucks and live music at the free event.
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Eggstasy brings breakfast magic to S. Chandler BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
Peter Verros says he’s a simple, bacon-andeggs-type of guy. But the menu at his new brunch spot in Chandler begs to differ. It has jelly-donut-flavored pancakes, bacon covered in chocolate and crepes served with bananas and chili peppers. Verros said his staff at Eggstasy, 2430 S. Gilbert Road, is always experimenting and testing the limits of the standard breakfast menu. “We’re always looking to keep going forward, keep being innovative,” Verros said. They serve waffles, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers and eggs — lots of eggs. Verros estimated they crack about two million eggs from Hickman Farms each year. They serve eggs with apple cider-flavored bacon, eggs with ciabatta bread, and nine different styles of Eggs Benedict. And there are specialty items not on the regular menu, like crepes covered in a cookie butter sauce. Eggstasy has three existing locations around Scottsdale. Verros said he originally planned to open the first location in Chandler, but fate had him venturing further north. The Chicago native moved to Arizona a few years ago after a trip exposed him to the state’s alluring sunshine and business-friendly atmosphere.
Peter Verros said his latest Eggstasy restaurant in Chandler will continue testing the lmits of the standard breakfast menu as he does with his locations in Scottsdale. Some of his dishes include berry blintzes, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and Cookie Butter Crepes.. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photograher)
“I came out here and fell in love with it,” Verros said. He has more than 25 years of restau-
rant experience, opening and running his first breakfast spot when he was still a teenager. People made fun of his menus at first, he said, but then they started catching on and getting trendy. Eclectic, hip brunch spots that serve avocado toast can now be found every-
where throughout the Valley. But Verros said this has been his style for years. He wants Eggstasy to feel like a momand-pop store that’s welcoming and inviting. It should almost feel like a party, he said, which is why the restaurant has Maroon 5 and Ricky Martin playing regularly in the background. “We don’t want that corporate feel,” Verros said. Crepes remain one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. From Nutella crepes to spinach crepes, Eggstasy offers a wide spectrum of both savory and sweet options. And there are plenty of healthier options for customers looking to watch their calories. The menu offers items like protein-filled pancakes and whole wheat French toast. Among the restaurant’s numerous menu items, Verros said his personal favorite is the gluten-free lemon ricotta pancakes. The restaurant will be testing out Japanese-style soufflé pancakes in the near future. In honor of the Chandler location opening, customers at all four Eggstasy locations will have the chance to win a special prize on Aug. 24. If a customer receives a gold-coated pancake on that day, they’ll win a lifetime supply of free pancakes. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New downtown business enables patrons to vent BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
A majestic, purple unicorn adorns one of the walls of Kristin Garcia’s new shop. But this is no doe-eyed, cartoonish, cute unicorn. He has the face and presence of a strong warrior. This creature is beautiful, but not to be messed with. “He’s just showing the power of what a little balance… can do for your whole world,” Garcia explained. “Balance” is a reoccurring theme in Garcia’s new business – Purge, Love and Peace Rage Rooms, 106 S. Oregon St. in downtown Chandler. Across the room from the unicorn are the words “hate,” “taxes,” and “hell” spray-painted on the wall. The ugly words purposefully contrast with the mystical unicorn. It’s all meant to symbolize the yin-yang duality that encompasses daily life, Garcia said. If one wants to see the light, they may have to walk through the dark. If one wants to be with the unicorns, one might have to unleash some rage. Garcia’s business lets someone do that in a safe and controlled environment. Her shop is known as a rage room, a concept that’s been recently popping up throughout the country. It’s believed to have started in Japan about 10 years ago before hundreds of rage rooms started opening in Europe and the United States. One opened in Tempe a couple years ago
Owner Kristin Garcia said her new downtown Chandler business, Purge, Love, and Peace, offers a rage room experience as long as customers heed some basic rules. On the other hand, she can also tailor the objects of their rage to particular requests. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
and another opened in Tucson earlier this year. Garcia believes she’s the first to come to Chandler. The essential idea of these rooms is to let paying guests break, smash and destroy things with no consequences. They’re given a set amount of time to break as many liquor bottles and dinner plates as they can. Garcia’s business follows this same formula, except she really wants her clients to
find some harmony through their experience. This is why her rage room is called Purge, Love, and Peace. “Those are the stages that you need to do to find some sort of balance in your life,” Garcia said. There are contradictions found throughout the store on Oregon Street. Garcia’s bathroom is covered in flashy, attention-grabbing stickers: one advocates for socialism, while another supports
capitalism. One sticker displays a stoic Barack Obama. Another is a flattering portrait of President Donald Trump. The aesthetic is not trying to take a political stand on any issue. Rather, it attempts to resemble the chaos that goes with living in a tribalistic society, where lines are constantly being drawn and citizens feel pressured to pick a side. When guests enter the shop, they walk down a long, shadowy hallway that Garcia wants to feel almost like the corridor of an insane asylum. Clients are dressed in jumpsuits, gloves and face-shields before they’re escorted into one of three rooms. A video plays on a television, advising guests of the rules for playing in the rage room. Then they’re given 20 minutes to break whatever they want. “They can just go to town, do what they need to do.” Garcia. For $30, the guest receives a basket of breakable goods that they can smash with baseball bats, golf clubs or hammers. They can upgrade to premium breakables like toilets or flat-screen TV sets for a little more money. The shop will also customize to special requests from clients. For example, if a guest hates their job and wants to release some steam, they can replicate an office setting inside the See
RAGE ROOM on page 28
26
BUSINESS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
Chandler to get its first Dogtopia this month BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
Michael and Susan Perlman are passionate about turning dogs into responsible, canine citizens. The Gilbert couple believes the doggy daycare they’re opening in Chandler can help Rover become less skittish and anxious. Similar to daycares for children, their facility lets dogs interact and engage with other dogs in a safe environment. “We think it’s a really important part of a dog’s socialization,” said Michael Perlman. The Perlmans will be operating their Dogtopia location on the northeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road. It’s part of a national chain of doggy daycares throughout the country. The Perlmans’ facility will be the sixth Dogtopia in Arizona and the first in Chandler. The couple had been working in the corporate world and were eager to try running a business of their own. They vetted various business opportunities, but kept being drawn back to the Dogtopia franchise. Michael and Susan say they’ve always loved dogs and felt the Dogtopia model could serve the community. Dogs may spend all day waiting for their owners to come home from a long workday, Susan said, but the owners may not always have the energy to play. “Then the dog might end up misbehaving because they’re not getting the attention, exercise or mental stimulation they need,” Susan said. The Perlmans noticed their own dog, Lola, started acting up after the couple’s other dog passed away. They took her to daycare and after being around other dogs for a while, they said Lola started to return to normal. “That pack mentality really took hold,” Michael said. Dogtopia originated in 2002 and expects to have over 400 locations open by 2021. It offers up to 12 hours of playtime throughout the day. The dogs get a couple of hours of naptime in the afternoon before returning to play. The dogs are separated into three different indoor playrooms based on their size and temperament. Each dog is evaluated before they can come to daycare to see how well they interact with other canines. The Chandler location will accept all breeds and can service up to 119 animals.
The new Dogtopia in Chandler is a canine heaven for the animals and their owners alike. On top, general manager Angela Wlch mans the front desk. Lower left, owners Michael and Susan Perlman with their dog Lola are lookin forward to new guests. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
Dogs must be at least three months old and be current on their vaccination shots. The facility has eight suites for dogs that might need to stay overnight. But the Perlmans encourage owners to have dogs experience daycare a few times before leaving them overnight. Boarding can be stressful for the dogs, they said, because they’re being left in an
unfamiliar place with strangers for a long period of time. The facilities are equipped with webcams so pet parents can monitor playrooms from their phone or computer. Owners can pay for a full or half-day of daycare. Monthly memberships are also available that offer various amount of daycare.
The Perlmans say they’re excited to be in the Chandler community and hope to partner with local businesses to offer petfriendly events. “Chandler seems to be a real dogfriendly community,” Susan said. They’ll be hosting an open house for dog owners on Aug. 24 before their official opening on Aug. 29.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
27
New business will store big toys for hobbyists SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Chandler residents needing extra space to store their cars, boats or motorcycles will soon have the option of buying units at the new Toy Barn location. Projecting to open next year, the 80,000-square-foot facility will consist of 66 units than can house the expensive toys of any hobby enthusiast. And this is not a simple storage shed, according to Toy Barn co-founder Jason Phillips. He described the units as luxurious, high-end pieces of real estate. “There’s a lot more to it than just a warehouse box,” he said. Chandler is the latest spot in the Valley where Phillips and his father, Paul, have built one of their “barns” over the last decade. They started in north Scottsdale in the midst of the Great Recession, so it predictably took a while for units to sell. By 2012, Phillips said the Scottsdale units had sold out and the company began scouting for new locations. They established two more barns around Cave Creek and are now expanding to the southeast with its newest property near the Chandler Municipal Airport. Units will start to sell for $185,000 and will range in size between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet. “We can accommodate more (space) if somebody actually needed it,” Phillips said. About 25 percent of Chandler’s units have already been sold and Phillips expects them to be all gone by the time the facility opens.
Toy Barn co-founder Jason Phillips plans a groundbreaking for his new Chandler location in October and said it will take about a year to build it. Once it is finishing, the barn will offer a spacious place for storing boats, cars and other big toys. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
Toy Barn’s main clientele consists mostly of retired snowbirds looking to spend time in Arizona during the winter months. There are downsizing trends in the real estate market, Phillips noted, where residents are choosing to sell their socalled “McMansions.” See on page 28
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BUSINESS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
The rage room gives customers plenty of inspiration with its murals but also offers some comforting words of love and peace. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
Jeanette Bobacik, left, and Sara Cotton are prepared to vent their anger on useless objects in the Chandler rage room. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
RAGE ROOM
They also printed his ex-wife’s face on some plates. “He just went in there and crushed everything,” Garcia said. The experience may be therapeutic for some of Garcia’s guests, but the shop itself has turned into a place for her to deal with her own feelings. The Tempe native said she encountered a troubling conflict while putting the business together. She had hired a contractor named Jack to help her build the rage room. But the guy turned out to be a crook and took her money. Garcia couldn’t get over the betrayal she felt, so she found a way to discretely
get back at him. Written on the walls of the shop’s bathroom, amid the clutter of various political stickers, are the phrases “Jack Sucks” and “Jack is a Thief.” It’s a bit of an inside joke the guests won’t pick up on. But shaming Jack in this way brought Garcia some peace. “It’s kind of a way for me to move forward,” she said. Garcia plans to launch an “I Hate Jack” giveaway campaign next month that lets guests receive free breakables. Mental health experts have had varying opinions on whether rage rooms are a good way to deal with stress.
Many have said they can be a fun activity for healthy individuals, but wouldn’t classify rage rooms as a clinical form of therapy. In a 2018 column, Dr. Kevin Bennett of Pennsylvania State University wrote rage rooms should not be considered a longterm strategy for dealing with anxiety and frustration. Garcia thinks there’s a self-gratifying thrill to letting loose and releasing some aggression. The laughter and joy she’s seen her guests express is contagious, Garcia said. It’s all about living in the moment and learning not to take things so seriously, she added. Information: 480-857-0022.
Baby boomers had been buying these lavish, spacious homes before the housing market crashed ten years ago. But according to the Wall Street Journal, McMansions around Scottsdale were currently selling at an all-time high. This trend seems to have benefited Toy Barn as residents look to find space for their assets.
The Chandler market was a dynamic addition to the company’s portfolio, Phillips said, because of its booming population and prime location for serving various demographics. And there’s a communal aspect to the Toy Barn properties. Parties and events are can be scheduled at a members-only clubhouse, where owners can congregate
and mingle with one another. “The communities are really starting to function more like a country club for likeminded individuals,” Phillips said. Toy Barn will be breaking ground at the Chandler site in October and it will take developers about a year to build the facility. The company’s considering opening additional locations in California.
from page 25
rage room and let the guest play out a destructive fantasy. “We can kind of customize to whatever it is that is irritating, frustrating or weighing you down that you need to get off your chest,” Garcia said. She recalled a recent guest who had been battling cancer and just gotten a divorce. He had feared his illness would take away his mobility, so Garcia let him bring in a wheelchair and walker: two objects that had come to symbolize his pain and anxiety.
TOY BARN
from page 27
“I think they’re just tired of the expense and the maintenance that goes with them but they don’t necessarily want to abandon all of their (possessions),” Phillips added.
t? o G ws Ne
Contact Contact Paul Paul Maryniak Maryniak at at 480-898-5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications.com
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
Local couple make furniture shopping easier, cheaper SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
A Chandler couple’s new business venture is aimed at taking some of the drudgery — and a lot of the markup — out of furniture shopping. Furniture Freak is an online furniture company that offers low prices on a wide selection of quality furniture from manufacturers like Ashley Furniture, Leather Italia, Bed Tech, Furniture of America and Lane Furniture. The business that Shannon Stevens and Penny Briney just launched was inspired by a casual conversation at a Christmas party with a friend who had been in the furniture delivery industry for 35 years. “We talked at a Christmas party and he was telling me about the huge markups in the furniture business,” said Stevens, a licensed painting contractor. “We knew we had an opportunity with more and more people getting comfortable buying online.” And thus, myfurniturefreak.com was
born.
Stevens and Briney, a principal the last nine years at Iring Elementary School in Mesa, offer free delivery within 20 miles of Chandler, a seven-day return policy, personalized service — and the ability to peruse thousands of individual pieces of furniture from
any questions answered by the owner right then.” “It was tricky finding a small warehouse space that could accommodate a semitruck getting in and out,” he added. “We did it.
“other than for our products.” Items under 15 pounds are sent to customers directly by the manufacturer, while Stevens personally delivers larger items — free within a 20-mile radius and for a small fee to customers beyond that. Stevens also is bullish on his business’ pricing. “If someone sees a product they like from one of the manufacturers, there’s an overwhelming chance our price is the lowest,” he said. “And if it’s not, we will make it the lowest.” Stevens, who has a bachelor’s degree in business, and Briney, who has a master’s degree in education, are longtime Chandler residents. He’s a Buffalo native who has lived in the city 23 years and she is a Phoenix native. As for the name of their business, Stevens said, “We wanted something catchy, easy to remember.” “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he added. “There are so many boring names out there they all get lost.”
Penny Briney and Shannon Stevens say their online furniture site takes the drudgery out of shopping.
one site. Stevens said the biggest challenge starting the business was technical — “getting over 15k items to load onto our site correctly from the manufacturers feeds.” But there’s also the challenge of “explaining to people that we don’t have a showroom but rather we are like the huge online sites but with very personal service and lower prices — a hybrid, if you will, of having the convenience of shopping at home but the ability to have
This Coltrane chaise, is one of 15,000 items on the website. (myfurniturefreak.com)
We can also store people’s new furniture if they are waiting to move into a new place.” With the site serving as a digital showroom, Furniture Freak has no ads
Estate planning for children requires thought BY JAMES PHELPS Guest Writer
There are folks who have tried to eliminate the expense of implementing an estate plan by adding their children as signers on their bank and investment accounts, and even on the deeds to their homes. They make this mistake because they want their children to have immediate access to the account in the event something happens to them. There are multiple problems with this solution: their creditors become yours; if they default on loans or taxes, your bank account can be seized; if they are sued, your account can be taken. Although you may trust your child to share the remaining cash in these accounts
equally with your other children after you die, your child has no legal obligation to do so. If the child you added to your accounts does not carry out your wishes, it could result in bad feelings in the family or, worse, a lawsuit. While a client may not care what their children do with their money, they do care what their children become as a result of how they use the parent’s money. With proper value-transfer planning, this cycle can be avoided. Giving meaning to your money beyond its purchasing power can have a tremendous positive impact on the type of people your children and heirs become. Giving meaning to wealth can prevent your wealth from being squandered. If you do have preferences about children receiving certain amounts at
certain ages, or if you want to reward certain behavior (like graduating from college or starting a business), it is better to do so in what is called a “Statement of Wishes.” This is a non-binding instruction from you to the trustee that will give the trustee guidance, but it is suggestive only and not binding on the trustee. We have found it very helpful to hold a family meeting where you share a visual diagram depicting the estate plan prepared as a handout in order to make the plan more understandable. Questions and concerns are addressed openly and honestly during the meeting. It allows parents to explain the reasons for their estate-planning decisions and to put to rest any objections or concerns raised by the family. Except in the most unusual
circumstances, we encourage our clients to talk to their children about money. Studies show the best approach is to turn all the cards face up and let your children see how finances are successfully handled in the home. Meaning and values are best transferred throughout childhood, and the best way to teach is by example. Lessons learned early are lessons learned for a lifetime. When your kids are older, giving your children some of their inheritance while you are alive to see how they manage it may also be a good idea. Make no mistake: your estate plan is an essential security for your entire family. — James Phelps is managing partner of Phelps Law. He can be reached at phelpslaw.com or 480-372-9535.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS 33
IN THE EAST VALLEY’S ONLY CLIMATE CONTROLLED LEARNING CENTER Summer is in full swing at the Golf Academy at Power Ranch. The East Valley’s only climate controlled, indoor to outdoor golf instruction facility. Featuring air conditioning, Flightscope launch monitor, dual camera live feed video analysis and PING club fitting, the Academy has it all! Book today at www.mikeschlundgolf.com!
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Wahlheim returning to roots at Seton as season begins BY ZACH ALVIRA STSN Sports Editor
Pete Wahlheim is the first to admit that his best coaching years came during his first tenure at Seton Catholic Preparatory from 2001-06. It was there that Wahlheim led the Sentinels to two 11-win seasons, including a state title appearance in 2003. Seton ultimately fell in the championship game to an undefeated Show Low High team led by Jeremy Hathcock, who is now the head coach of Desert Ridge High in Mesa. At the end of the 2006 season, Wahlheim took the head coaching position at Highland High in Gilbert. His decision was based on the opportunity to coach at a high division. Overall, Wahlheim wanted to challenge himself. “I wanted to be a coach at the 6A level and I’m blessed that I was able to do that,” Wahlheim said. “But I’ve said this a lot, I thought about Seton every day after I left.” Wahlheim remained at Highland for 10 years, coaching the Hawks to a 46-60 overall record during his tenure. He led Highland to three playoff appearances in 2008, 2012 and 2013. He spent the last two seasons as the head coach at Dobson High in Mesa. After former Seton coach Michael Chiurco stepped down to take an assistant coach position with former Arizona
Pete Wahlheim returned to Seton Catholic as the head coach this season after spending the last 12 years at Highland and Dobson High. (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff)
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay, Wahlheim knew it was an opportunity to return to a school he loved. “When I saw it open up, it was a no-
brainer,” Wahlheim said. “I learned a lot at Dobson and I loved being at Highland, but sometimes you have to leave to figure out just how special a place truly is.
“Seton is special, and the kids play a huge part in that.” Seton’s senior class is moving on to its third coach in three years. It hasn’t been easy, but they’ve taken the challenge of learning yet another new playbook head on. Senior quarterback Joey Lalicata has been a driving force in the new adjustment. Wahlheim describes Lalicata as the type of player that leads by example, and someone the rest of the kids gravitate toward. “That’s what you want from a quarterback,” Wahlheim said. “The kids respect him and you can always count on him to be there for the team. He has a lot of leadership skills.” Lalicata spent a large portion of the 2018 season learning from former Seton quarterback Vincent Wallace, who led the team in total yards and scored 33 touchdowns. Wallace is among the many seniors before him that Lalicata credits with him becoming a leader of the team. “They were good role models for me,” Lalicata said. “Now the guys around me constantly pick me up. I think it’s helped us become closer as a team.” Lalicata is confident heading into his first season leading the Sentinels’ offense. Most of that comes with the type of talent he has around him. See
SETON on page 36
Behind the play heard ‘round the state BY ZACH ALVIRA STSN Sports Editor
It was the play that helped Chandler advance to the state title game and win it for the third year in a row. It was the play that sent Highland home after its first semifinals appearance since 2004. It was also the play that capped off one of the most exhilarating prep football playoff games in Arizona history. “Manapua,” Chandler football coach Rick Garretson said with a smile. “It’s a great play, isn’t it?” In Hawaiian culture, “Manapua” is a term used to describe a barbeque porkfilled bun. But at Chandler, it’s been one of the most successful plays in the Wolves’ playbook since it was created in 2011. “It’s a conversion play,” Garretson said. “It’s a play we teach the kids back in camp. We keep it in our back pocket just in case.” The play was used in late November against Highland in the 6A semifinals. The Hawks, led by then second-year coach Brock Farrel, forced Chandler to overtime. Highland struck first, as then-senior athlete Kohner Cullimore, Highlands doit-all player in 2019, found the end zone to give the Hawks a 6-point lead. Austin McNamara, now a freshman kicker at Texas Tech, made it 7. It didn’t take long for Chandler to answer, however, as now-freshman running
The 6A semifinal game between Chandler and Highland was one of the most exhilarating in prep football history in Arizona. The Wolves ran a play called Manapua to defeat the Hawks in overtime. (Photo courtesy Corey Cross Photography)
back at Cal-Berkeley DeCarlos Brooks scored. The Wolves lined up to kick the extra point to send it to another overtime. But then Farrel called a timeout. “I thought we could block it, honestly,” Farrel said. “But we had a formation set up just in case they came back out to go for two. We were ready, they just executed.” Sean Aguano, the mastermind behind Manapua who is now the running backs coach at Arizona State University, admits that he has always been a risk-taker. And his players knew that too. He called over his quarterback, BYU-bound Jacob Con-
over, and Texas-bound tight end Brayden Liebrock. They trusted him and he trusted them. So they made the call. “The kids know I’m a gambler,” Aguano said, “so after Coach Farrel called that timeout we all kind of looked at each other and agreed to go for it. Manapua isn’t a complex play, but it does involve proper timing. Conover faked a pitch to Brooks, then rolled to his right. Meanwhile, Liebrock faked an inside route off the line before running a shallow out-route toward the
front pylon. The play is designed for Conover to get rid of the ball almost instantly after he turns to face Liebrock. Had he waited even a half-second to throw, Highland linebacker Robert Kingsford would have had the game-winning sack. Instead, Liebrock caught the two-point attempt in the end zone. Celebration ensued. “I knew where I had to be and what I had to do when I saw him roll out,” Kingsford said. “He’s a really good quarterback and he just made a great play.” When Garretson, Chandler’s offensive coordinator at the time, met Farrel at midfield following the game, they embraced. “He asked me what play it was,” said Garretson, who was hired to take over the Chandler program as head coach in January. “I told him it was Manapua. He kind of just looked at me and started laughing. He knew he recognized it.” Aguano created Manapua in 2011, his first season as head coach of the Wolves. Garretson was one of his assistants at the time. So was Farrel. The entire staff was in the coach’s office when Aguano walked in with the new play concept. Farrel described it as being similar to a scene from the movie “The Waterboy,” when Bobby Boucher meets Coach Klein for the first time. A new play enters Klein’s mind and he immediately draws it up on the chalkboard. “This is the play, this is it,” See
SEMIFINALS on page 36
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SPORTS & RECREATION
SEMIFINALS
from page 35
Klein says. “That was basically Shaun,” Farrel said. “He just kept telling us he got it and we kind of looked at him like, ‘what in the world are you talking about?’ “He drew it up and it worked.” Manapua was first used during that 2011 season. Chandler was in the midst of another postseason thriller against Westview. Farrel and Garretson both remember rain coming down sideways. Garretson’s son, Darell, was the quarterback of Chandler at the time. The slick conditions made it difficult to get the passing game going. Garretson and Farrel watched Manapua unfold for the first
SETON
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
time from the top of a lift in the back of the end zone. Chandler won 35-34 in double-overtime. It was Aguano’s first playoff win. “The weather really evened the playing field,” Farrel said. “It was great football. Great playoff football.” The first time Chandler ran the play was almost its last, as the Wolves were told after the Westview game that it was an illegal formation due to the pre-snap shifts. Chandler didn’t look into the rule, they had no interest in doing so. They changed the way Manapua was ran. “We were told it had to do with the receivers starting on the line covered, then shifting to be uncovered,” Garretson said. “All we had to change was where they started in the formation.” A few years went by before they decid-
ed to look into the guidelines of the play. They realized that the original variation of Manapua was, in fact, legal. Thus bringing it back to its original form. Manapua was only used one more time before last year’s game against Highland. The Wolves aimed to make a statement on their opening drive against rival Hamilton in 2017. After a score by Brooks, Chandler ran Manapua to go up 8-0 in a game they eventually won 50-14. It’s a play Chandler always includes in its Thursday walkthrough practices. The Wolves may not always need it, but it’s there if they do. Last year’s play call was gutsy in a situation that could have ended Chandler’s chance at winning the state title for the third consecutive year. But it was a gamble Aguano and the rest of the team were willing to take.
as he was the team’s leading rusher, threw for 688 yards and had 461 receiving yards. Now a senior, he will likely be called upon by second-year coach Kirk Sundberg once again, as the Trojans said goodbye to quarterback Peyton Hanzal and wideout Matt McCreight when they graduated. While LaGatta holds down the offense, defensive back Justin Stinson will do the same for the Trojans on defense. Stinson is one of the top players at his position, and has been offered by Abilene Christian University and New Mexico State. The Trojans have long been one of the top teams in the 3A Conference, and will look to carry on that tradition in 2019. Valley Christian opens the season on Friday, Aug. 23 against Scottsdale Christian Academy.
from page 35
Keyshon Upchurch, who rushed for 710 yards last season and 8 touchdowns, returns for his senior season to lead the backfield. Along with Upchurch, Mikey Castro will see time at running back as a sophomore. “Our coaches push us to be better,” Upchurch said. “We’ve all gotten more physical and aggressive, especially our offensive line. Expect a surprise this year.” Anchoring that offensive line will be 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior Matteo Ortiz at tackle. Next to him at tight end will be Josh Hansell, who will prove to be a key weapon on offense with his 6-foot-6, 185-pound frame. Lalicatta expects junior wideouts Nolan Woolsey and Marek Sycamore to break out this season, as they will both see their first varsity action. Seton’s defense will be led up front by Ortiz, who will try to dominate an opposing offensive line. Wahlheim expects middle linebacker Sam Zadel to have a strong senior season. Wahlheim compares Zadel to former Highland middle linebacker Tre Tyler, who graduated in 2014 and walked on at The University of Arizona. “Sam is a downhill, nasty type of kid,” Wahlheim said. “We are definitely going to be solid as long as we can stay healthy.” Wahlheim expects to only field 30-35 players at the varsity level this season, meaning depth will be thin across the board when they take the field for the first time on Friday, Aug. 23 against St. Mary’s. But even with player numbers working against him, he feels Seton has the talent in the football program to become a top team. “The hardest part for these kids is that I’m the third face in three years for them, so they’re still trying to adjust,” Wahlheim said. “We’ve got a ways to go. But if they continue to come together as a team and work hard, we have a chance to be pretty good.”
Highland’s players still think about the play from time-to-time, especially Kingsford. He knows just how close he was to helping his team knock off one of the state’s powerhouse programs. As he begins his senior season for the Hawks, that play will stick with him. Not as a deterrent, but as motivation. The Hawks pushed Chandler to the brink last season, something most teams haven’t been able to do in the last three years. They now know what it’s like to play on one of the biggest stages, and they will do what it takes to get back there and go even further in 2019. “We know what we have to do to get to where we were and farther than that,” Kingsford said. “We just need to come out and do what we are supposed to do. We’re pumped.
Arizona College Prep
Above: Seton Catholic senior quarterback Joey Lalicata is ready to take over under center for the first time this season. Wahlheim described him as the type of leader that the other kids gravitate toward and respect. Left: Seton Catholic senior running back Keyshon Upchurch was the team’s second leading rusher last season. He’s ready to make a statement in his final year for the Sentinels. (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff)
Chandler-area 5A-2A preview 5A Casteel
Casteel High’s football program has been one of the top in the state since its 3A state title season in 2017. The Colts went 9-3 in their first season in 5A in 2018, and will reload on both sides of the ball with its first senior class now graduated. Junior Dane Christiansen takes over at quarterback for Washington State-bound Gunner Cruz. Fellow junior Jayce Knutsen
will man the backfield with Christiansen, as he is coming off a sophomore season where he was the leading rusher for the Colts. Casteel will benefit from junior tackle Brock Dieu up front, who has become one of the top prospects for the 2021 class after impressive outings at offseason big man competitions. Linebackers Dalton Card and Jack Littleton, two of the top tacklers last season, return to man the defense. The Colts open the season on Friday, Aug. 23 against 5A power Centennial.
3A Valley Christian
Vinnie LaGatta did a little bit of everything last season for Valley Christian,
Arizona College Prep might make the biggest improvement in 2019, as they went 1-9 last season. The Knights return most of their starters from a year ago, giving them experience at nearly every position. Mark Chavez, who threw for 1,715 yards last season, will benefit from 1,000-yard receiver Bryan Dyson on the outside. Deven Kukreja, Keaton Masserole and Octavio Diaz all return for the Knights up front. On defense, a large majority of starters will also return. Defensive ends Eric Decoster, a team captain, and Alex Gilchrest will man the defensive line, while linebackers Kolby Forshee and Kellen Gibson will do the same for the linebacking corps. Safety Saar Zutshi, one of the captains, has started to gain interest from college programs. The Knights open the season on Friday, Aug. 23 against Chandler Prep.
2A Chandler Prep
A strong season for Chandler Prep in 2018 has set up the Titans for what could be an even stronger 2019 campaign. Led by coach Chris Goodman, Chandler Prep returns several starters from last year’s team, including Samuel Martin, the team’s leading rusher. Reese Vilaboy will likely step into the full-time starting quarterback role for the Titans. On defense, Chandler Prep returns leading tacklers Martin, Aidan Daly and Isaiah Usher. The Titans are the favorite to repeat as 2A Gila Region champions and contend for the conference title. Chandler Prep opens the season on Aug. 23 against Arizona College Prep.
SPORTS & RECREATION SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
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Hamilton’s Rice creating own legacy as senior BY ZACH ALVIRA STSN Sports Editor
Since he first stepped foot on Hamilton High School’s campus, Brenden Rice has been determined to create a strong legacy. He’s aimed to be a good person, a good friend and a good role model for all the players in the Huskies’ football program that are younger than him. That includes those who will come after he has already graduated. Most importantly, he wanted people to recognize him as Brenden Rice, not just Jerry Rice’s son. “I came in my freshman year and that’s how people looked at me,” Rice said. “I wanted to be my own person so I started taking everything seriously. From the weight room to the field. I want to be known as a guy that gives his all 24/7.” Above: Hamilton senior Creating a name for yourself isn’t easy quarterback Nick Arvay is determined to reestablish when you’re the son of a Hall of Famer. Even the dynasty that the Huskies’ to this day, Rice is still referred to in headlines football program once was. as “Jerry Rice’s son,” despite “They’ve been great,” multiple scholarship offers Arvay said. “They give from Power 5 schools. me all the time I need Rice was raised by his to make the right reads. mother and stepfather, This whole team has Rick Cunningham, who been working.” played eight seasons in the Hamilton is lead up NFL, including three for Above: Brenden Rice caught 49 passes for 729 front by captains Dylan the Arizona Cardinals. His yards and 11 touchdowns last year as a junior. Mayginnes, a Washington He currently has multiple Division I offers. son, Qualen Cunningham, (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff) State commit, and Finley graduated from Hamilton Lecky, who has offers in 2013 and went on to play from the University of San Diego and Lake for Texas A&M. “I’m happy he’s Qualen recently in my life and that Forest College, among others. While size, talent and experience graduated from Texas we solved our headlines Hamilton’s offense, it also A&M and now works as a differences,” Rice carries over to its defense. personal trainer in Mesa. said. Senior defensive end Sam Winegarden “That’s been my family As a junior, Rice and linebacker Jeremiah Trojan lead a since day one,” Rice said. caught 49 passes Husky defense that is poised to have a “They’ve taught me how for 729 yards and breakout season. to stay level-headed and to 11 touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Trojan is a always be humble. Especially Since he stepped foot on Hamilton High Hamilton struggled force both off the edge and in coverage when carrying the name ‘Rice,’ School’s campus, Brenden Rice has been early on in the to create a strong legacy for himself. for Hamilton. Before he committed to there are people that will look determined year, but every (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff) UCLA in May, he was gaining interest from for any way they can to tear returning player nearly 20 schools across the country. you down.” vows this season Trojan, Winegarden and senior Rice said the Cunninghams have helped will be different. defensive end Alex Wielert can be him mature and prepare for the next level. Along with Rice, fellow senior Pierre Most of that has come in the form of Taylor and junior wideouts Zach Lewis and a nightmare for opposing linemen. Meanwhile, in the secondary, Lewis leads a learning how to train, as well as eating healthy Brady Shough will be playmakers for the talented group of defensive backs. to maintain peak body performance. Huskies on offense. Senior running backs Hamilton missed the playoffs last But his relationship with his father’s Sebastian Dorman and Gabriel Armenta season after finishing 3-8 in Mike Zdebski’s side of the family has improved. His will lead the backfield along with senior first year as coach for the Huskies. But brother, Jerry Rice Jr., offered to fly him quarterback Nick Arvay. he and all the returning players put last out to California to work out together. Arvay admits the talent around him season behind them the day after they fell He’s also received pointers from his father. makes his job easier, but was quick to to Chandler in the season finale. On Jan. 21, Rice posted a picture of the point out the offseason work of the Their focus has been on Chaparral ever two of them together. Huskies’ offensive line.
Chandler-area 6A Previews
Chandler
Chandler High School’s football program is reloaded after losing a flurry of senior talent from last year’s state-title team. Junior quarterback Mikey Keene will take over the Wolves’ offense, following in the footsteps of BYU-bound Jacob Conover, who led the Wolves to three consecutive championships. Keene will benefit from star-power around him, with running back Jaheim BrownTaylor and wideouts Quaron Adams, Gunner Maldonado and Kyion Graves among the many weapons on offense. Maldonado will also help anchor a potent Wolves’ defense, along with Wisconsin-commit Malik
Reed and Tate Romney, one of the best linebacking duos in the state. Chandler enters the 2019 season ranked No. 49 in the country, according to MaxPreps. With Rick Garretson taking over as head coach, Chandler will remain a favorite to win the Open Division title this season. The Wolves open the season on Friday, Aug. 23 against Liberty (Henderson, Nev.)
Basha
Basha High’s football program had a strong start to the Chirs McDonald era, winning its first five games and challenging fellow Premier Region teams. Gabe Friend returns as a senior
to lead the Bears’ offense, along with athletes such as Andrell Barney, Camden Mateen and Micah Harper. Barney, Mateen and Harper will also see time on defense. Harper, who has several Division I offers, is one of the top-rated cornerbacks in Arizona for the 2020 class. Seniors Matt Depodesta, James Knos and Mikey Sliskovic will anchor both the offense and defensive lines for the Bears this season as two-way starters. Basha opens the season on Friday, Aug. 23 against North.
Perry
Is this the year the Pumas dethrone district-rival Chandler? The Pumas
Of the many talented returning players for Hamilton this season, Zach Lewis will be a difference-maker on both offense and defense for the Huskies. Lewis received his first Division I offer from Northern Arizona University in May. (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff)
since, and the Huskies open the season against them on Friday, Aug. 23. From the field to the track and weight room, they’ve continuously worked since that November day. And the seniors took what they learned from the previous class and have molded into leaders for the program with one goal in mind. “Last year, most of us were all juniors trying to build up and learn from the seniors what it takes to lead a team,” Arvay said. “We know what the history with this program and what it is capable of. “We are trying to bring the dynasty back.”
lost talent to graduation, but have also reloaded on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Chubba Purdy, who committed to Louisville in the summer, will make plays all year long for the Pumas along with wideout Jorden Young and running back Peyton Hill. Perry lost four of its top tacklers from last year’s 6A runner-up team, and will now turn to defensive back Andrei Mayberry and linebackers Cole Sabetta and Jackson Ford to lead the charge. The Pumas remain in contention to make the first-ever Open Division playoff. Perry opens the season on Friday, Aug. 23 with a showdown against Pinnacle.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
Micah Harper aims to leave lasting impression BY ZACH ALVIRA STSN Sports Editor
Basha High School senior Micah Harper has big aspirations for how he wants to be remembered as he heads into his final season with the Bears’ football program. But it doesn’t completely revolve around football. “I want to be seen as a great role model to the campus, the students and all the teachers,” Harper said. “I just want to leave behind a strong legacy for this school.” Harper has excelled in the classroom at Basha, maintaining a cumulative 3.55 GPA leading up to his senior year. He scored a 26 on the ACT, well-above the national average of 20.8. His determination in the classroom has transitioned to the gridiron, where Harper has become one of the top defensive backs in the state. Together, his academics and football skills have peaked the interest of some of the top academic institutions in the country, most of which have offered full scholarships. “It’s a blessing,” Harper said. “Not every kid gets an opportunity like this so I’m enjoying every moment I have.” Rated by 247Sports as a three-star defensive back, Harper had 56 total tackles, including 3 for loss, 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions last season as a junior. A strong showing in offseason passing tournaments also helped boost his recruitment. He currently has received
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offers from Ivy League schools Princeton, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania and Yale. He’s also received offers from all three military academies — Army, Navy and Air Force — as well as Brigham Young University, Syracuse and Nevada, the latter of which he recently visited. “I liked it a lot,” Harper said of Nevada. “You really feel the love the coaching staff has for you.” Harper has been recruited to Nevada by class of 2019 Chandler High safety Avery Carrington and Centennial High cornerback Kieran Clarke, both of whom signed with Nevada last year. Harper aims to announce his commitment sometime between the middle and end of the 2019 season. He said he wants to sign during the early signing period in December. For now, he plans to turn his attention to the upcoming season and start fresh for the Bears. “It’s a new year, it’s a new team,” Harper said. “Just the whole process of starting over for a new year is really fun. I’m looking forward to it.” Harper hopes to be named the TwoWay Player of the Year this season, as he will see time at slot receiver and running back on offense, as well as cornerback and safety on defense. Fellow senior Camden Mateen will join him in two-way
duties. Mateen will lineup at wideout and cornerback. On offense, the two will be targeted by quarterback Gabe Friend, who took over as the full-time starter near the midway point of the season last year. A plethora of other talent across the board will create opportunities for Basha on both sides of the ball, an aspect Harper looks forward to as the start of the season approaches. “I feel like our athletes can compete with some of the best in the state,” Harper said. “We have a good group of guys coming back as a core. We are going to be straight.” As one of the returning seniors, Harper said he has been challenged by Basha coach Chris McDonald and the rest of the staff to lead by example both on and off the field. So far, he’s been able to do just that. “I talk to coach a lot about my goals and the legacy I plan to leave here at Basha,” Harper said. “Aside from academics, my goal is to be a great team leader.”
Basha High School senior Micah Harper has excelled both in the classroom and on the football field.
(Zach Alvira/STSN Staff)
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Automated vehicles raise many legal questions BY MICHAEL MEDINA Guest Writer
Automated driving systems and crash avoidance technology are in the fast lane to becoming our daily driving reality. While the aim of these technologies is to make travel from point A to point B simpler and safer, the legal and liability issues are anything but simple. In addition to self-driving systems and crash avoidance, there are even vehicle-to-vehicle systems that allow equipped vehicles to exchange information as they travel. Although each of these systems is aimed at safety the question remains: Who is liable when something goes wrong? Crash avoidance technology includes systems with features that may provide forward collision warning, forward collision brake assist, lane departure prevention, adaptive headlights and more. These technologies are in broad use in newer
cars today. Companies like Waymo have dozens of autonomous vehicles throughout the East Valley helping to make Chandler the “self-driving capital of the world,” as WIRED Magazine recently dubbed the city. Autonomous vehicles offer a wide range of controls, with a computer taking a limited role all the way to full control of a car. With so many different levels of control available, it becomes more difficult to ascertain who is truly in control of the vehicle. Drivers who purchase vehicles equipped with these systems have consumer expectations about increased safety while driving. But in the event that something goes wrong, it will have to be determined if there is product liability, driver liability or driver negligence. The manufacturer may make claims about increased safety and avoidance of collisions. There may be warranties available. A company may be held responsible if something goes wrong either by mal-
practice — promising a standard of care that was not met — or misrepresentation — promising increased safety. But the driver may also be held strictly liable. As in the case with dog bites, the owner assumes responsibility for the product and its use. We will certainly see cases played out in court in the future. More than a year ago in Tempe, an Uber test vehicle with a self-driving system in control struck and killed a pedestrian. The National Traffic Safety Board investigated the incident. The NTSB discovered that Uber had turned off the vehicle’s advance warning system and was using its own self-driving system. Cameras showed the Uber driver was on a cellphone immediately prior to the collision. Investigators determined the Uber driver had failed to heed warnings that began at six seconds prior to impact with the pedestrian. The self-driving system determined at 1.3 seconds prior to impact that emergen-
cy braking was needed. However, Uber had not enabled the emergency braking maneuvers. The pedestrian’s surviving family members reached a confidential settlement with Uber. The NTSB has also investigated several cases involving Tesla’s AutoPilot program. The NTSB found that the manner in which Tesla’s Autopilot monitored and responded to the driver’s interaction with the steering wheel was not an effective method of ensuring driver engagement. It remains to be seen which direction the courts and juries will lean, but in the meantime, don’t assume that your automated driving system is going to offer full and complete protection physically — and legally.
— Michael Medina is a partner in the East Valley law firm Davis Miles and focuses his practice on product liability and catastrophic injury. Information: davismiles.com and 480-733-6800
Kids may be device wizards, but need to be safe BY SUSAN ANABLE Guest Writer
Do you ever feel like your kids know more than you do about how to navigate around on smart devices? We can’t monitor our children’s every move online, but internet parental controls are an easy way for parents to make sure their kids stay safe while they’re streaming, gaming, scrolling or chatting. As our use of the internet and the modes we use to access it have evolved, so have parental controls. Here are six tips for making the most of parental controls available for every internet-connected device in your home: • Setting up parental controls is not hard. Whether your kids are playing with IOS, Android or Windows devices, the paren-
tal controls for each environment are a simple, step-by-step process. • Create a “white list” for kids younger than 5. Children age 5 or younger can and are navigating the Internet and tech devices very quickly and with ease nowadays. Choose a handful of sites you’re comfortable with and make those the only ones accessible on the device your kid uses. • Use family sharing to limit how much time your children spend online. On iPhones, especially, you have the power to set your child up on family sharing, and then set rules on your kids’ iPhone usage. Your internet service provider also may have parental controls included in your subscription, which can help you restrict and monitor the time kids spend online while they are home.
• Remember how many ways kids can access the internet. Use resources such as Internet Matters to figure out which devices and online accounts you can set parental controls on, and go from there. • Make controls on YouTube a priority. Use YouTube’s parental controls to set your account to “restricted mode,” even if you use You Tube Kids, so your kids won’t run the risk of viewing disturbing content when searching for clips of their favorite shows. • Don’t forget their email or social media accounts. Make sure you have access to your minor child’s accounts (usernames and passwords), and regularly monitor their interactions if possible. Otherwise, consider blocking a social media site or deleting an email account if you’re truly worried.
Most importantly, know what parental controls can and can’t do. Parental controls can control how much time your kid spends online using devices you and your family own, which online games your child can access, filter browsers so your children can only access pre-approved websites, prevent children from using certain devices, limit what children can search for online and manage the types of videos that are searchable online. Parental controls cannot control who reaches out to your children on their own social media channels or what photos children view on their own social media channels if those websites are not blocked, or you do not have access to their accounts. — Susan Anable is Cox Communications vice president of public affairs, Southwest Region and a mother of two.
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CASA helps foster kids in neediest time BY REBECCA PUSCH Guest Writer
Nearly eight years ago, I felt called to help children in foster care. I knew there was a need for foster parents, but at the time my husband and I didn’t think we could make that commitment with two young children already in our home. I had heard about the CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, program and decided it was time to take another look. Many CASAs are incredible mentors to the children they serve, but the primary reason CASAs exist is to be a voice for the child. They are at least the one constant, caring adult involved in their court case to help the process stay on-track and ensure the child leaves the system as quickly as possible. CASAs are the eyes and ears of the judge, providing information about every facet of the child’s life to help the judge make the best decision for the child. CASAs also have an incredible ability to directly help the children and their caregivers in getting the services they need. I had one CASA child who was living in kinship care, or with a caretaker that they already share a close relationship with. This family already had several children and agreed to care for three siblings, doubling the size of their family overnight. One of these siblings was only 8 and extremely hard of hearing. He wore hearing aids, but his were old and broken.
The kinship family was doing their best, but were overwhelmed with many new demands and navigating the system. They were running into roadblocks in getting him new hearing aids. Armed with my court appointment, I was able to get him the help he needed and not long afterward he had his new hearing aids. My husband and I were inspired to become foster parents from this child’s experiences. Even though the siblings were eventually reunited in the same kinship home, they spent their first month in foster care — including Christmas — in separate placements. The 8-year-old spent that month in a group home because there was no licensed foster home able to take him. Shortly after the case ended, my family became a foster family. Although I no longer serve as a CASA to a specific child, I use the skills I learned to advocate for the foster children in my home. CASAs are 100 percent volunteers, and
also cover their own expenses, including travel, to visit the child and attend appointments and hearings. Within reason, CASAs also provide small gifts and pay the cost of any activities they do with their CASA child. One of the nonprofit organizations that helps CASAs provide both necessities and fun for their CASA children is Voices for CASA Children. VOICES provides gas cards to some CA-
SAs who have extremely high travel costs, helps CASAs with continuing training materials and also helps provide Christmas gifts and school supplies. VOICES has been a great help to both myself and other CASAs throughout Maricopa County. It takes a community to help, and with caring individuals helping the program grow, we can continue to help children in need. Information: voicesforcasachildren.org
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Alternative Chandler school finds a new home BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
El Dorado High School staff members say its new campus looks and feels much different than their former facility. It has wide corridors of freshly-painted walls, classrooms with rows of desks, and enough space to offer a break room for teachers. Art Madden, one of the school’s instructors, said the old campus only gave teachers a closet with a copy machine. There wasn’t even enough room at the old location for an indoor cafeteria, he added, so the students often had to eat their breakfast in the classroom. “We just didn’t have any choice,” Madden said. The new school, at 3000 North Alma School Road, Chandler, is considered a major upgrade from its predecessor and school officials hope it will enhance the school’s mission of serving at-risk students who may not thrive in traditional schools. The Leona Group, which operates several charter schools across the country, opened El Dorado in the 1990s as an alternative school for students needing special attention. Bill Coates, Leona’s founder, said he noticed a need in Maricopa County to help students on the verge of dropping out. His solution was a smaller school with smaller classrooms, where students could connect with teachers. Relationships are the key to education, Coates said, because students become
As Bahji Ali prepares to cut the ceremonial ribbon for El Dorado School, she is flanked by, from left, Councilman Jeremy McClymonds, Mayor Kevin Hartkem Leona Group founder Bill Coates and Chandler Chamber representatives, (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
more engaged in the material if they’ve bonded with their instructor. “We think it’s important for our school leader and staff to know every single student by name,” he said. Serving a couple hundred students, El Dorado has many of the same amenities as a traditional high school. It has sports and clubs, like a group of young entrepreneurs who come up with products they try to sell to their classmates. Students only take three classes each day for two hours at a time, instead of six
one-hour classes like most high schools. Madden said this type of schedule doesn’t overwhelm students with too much work and keeps them focused. He oversees El Dorado’s computer-based curriculum, which allows students to either catch up on their credits or accelerate faster through their graduation requirements. Compared to a purely online school, Madden said he can physically supervise students while they work on computers, monitoring their progress and productivity.
There are subtle signs located throughout the new campus that are meant to encourage students to plan for their futures. Teachers post the insignias of their alma maters outside classrooms and brochures advertising state universities are posted on bulletin boards. School officials say preparing students for post-secondary education is one of El Dorado’s core values. A partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology helps to achieve this mission by allowing the school’s pupils to explore various career pathways. The total cost of buying and renovating El Doarado’s school added up to about $3 million. Located at an intersection of mostly retail shops, the new campus may stand out from its surrounding landscape. It doesn’t have a drive-through window like the Burger King across the street, nor can it offer a pedicure like the salon next door. The services El Dorado provides may not be as tangible as its neighbors, but the school’s educators say they’re making a valuable contribution to the community. “We know we’re making a greater difference,” Madden said. At a recent ceremony honoring the school’s opening, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke remarked on El Dorado’s location and how it aligns with the city’s goal of re-imagining conventional retail spaces. “I believe that this is a perfect use for this building and this facility to inspire and to offer (a) new opportunity to many young men and women,” the mayor said.
Chandler boy’s dying wish of life saves 4 BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
For a 12-year-old, Damien Enghauser was a particularly thoughtful boy. His mother Kaydi Barkley describes the Chandler youngster as a humanitarian who exhibited above-average compassion — always putting others ahead of himself, wanting to give back to others, showing no tolerance for hate. Damien’s compassion extended beyond the grave. After his untimely death last month, his organs gave life to four people. “He gets his dying wish,” Damien’s mother said. “He gets to help people.” Damien was preparing to start a new chapter in his life as a seventh-grader at Willis Junior High School when his health began to rapidly deteriorate. He got his diagnosis on a Monday and by the following week, he was gone. But Barkley and her two other children are comforted by the fact that his organs have potentially saved the lives of four strangers. Barkley said her son was often plagued with illness when he was younger. He suffered from asthma and survived multiple ear infections. But he wouldn’t let these maladies hold him back.
Kaydi Barkley of Chandler said her 12-year-old son Damien Enghauser, who passed away last month abruptly from a rare ailment, wanted his organs donated to save others. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)
Damien dreamed of winning a Nobel Peace Prize, rescuing endangered reptiles
and studying renewable energy. “He just wanted to make the world a
better place for everybody,” Barkley said. His ambitions came to a halt when his mother noticed some red blotches on his legs. The family thought Damien had suffered an allergic reaction and didn’t think much of it. But the red spots wouldn’t go away, so the family made an appointment with a pediatrician. Damien was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (or ITP), a rare blood disorder that causes excessive bruising and bleeding. The family is not sure how or when Damien contracted the disease, which is more common among young women, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is not contagious and is often linked to viral or bacterial infections. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute categorizes ITP as not being a life-threatening condition for children. In fact, a 2001 study published in the Blood Journal found most adults living with ITP have “good outcomes” and low mortality rates. Tests showed Damien’s blood platelets were extremely low, meaning his blood couldn’t clot properly and could cause internal bleeding. He was given a prescription for prednisone and sent home. See
DAMIEN on page 46
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Chandler Girl Scout, 6, hikes her way to badges BY ANNELISE KRAFFT Guest Writer
For Srija Potharaju, a Chandler Girl Scout from Troop 3786, life is about the climb — the 14-mile climb. Along with her family, Srija takes on an annual five-day hiking and camping adventure in Bryce and Zion National Parks — this year hiking 14 miles across the scenic landscape. “It’s impressive for anyone to hike that far, but it’s even more amazing because Srija is only 6 years old,” said mom Padmaja Potharaju. “She’s so determined and has always loved the outdoors. We took her on her first camping trip when she was only 2!” From a young age, Srija was impossible to keep inside, always wanting to explore and adventure in nature. Finding inspiration from her older brother, 12-year-old Boy Scout Srikar, Srija joined Girl Scouts in 2017 and just finished up the Daisy program, bridging to her next Girl Scout level, Brownies, before the summer. “Srikar has always showed Srija the way, but now she shows him right back,” said Padmaja. “Girl Scouts has taken her from a shy little girl to a courageous and confident firecracker.” Thanks to Girl Scouts–Arizona CactusPine Council, Srija was also motivated to take on a new challenge during this year’s hike: earning her Junior Ranger Badge from Zion National Park. “Girl Scouts has pushed Srija to take initiative and develop a stronger sense of
Above: Srija is always exploring nature, as she was in Zion National Park. (Annelise Krafft/Special to SanTan Sun News) Right: Srija Potharaju graduates from the Daisy program, bridging her way to Brownies. (Annelise Krafft/Special to SanTan Sun News)
self,” said Padmaja, adding: “During our trip this year, she was eager to attempt Zion’s Junior Ranger
program and spent three entire days dedicated to earning her badge.”
In order to become a junior ranger, Srija needed to meet a variety of goals and objectives set forth by the national park, including completing a self-guided activity booklet to be reviewed by an in-park ranger. Activities included attending park events, asking and answering questions, learning how to keep the parks clean and making an oath to nature to “leave no trace.” “It was a big undertaking in such a short amount of time, and something Srija never would have done before joining Girl Scouts,” said Padmaja. “Now, she’s even taking initiative within her own troop and sharing her love of hiking by encouraging her troop to go on hikes together.” Thanks to Srija, Troop 3786 has gone on four hikes locally on South Mountain, exploring the world around them and See
SCOUT on page 46
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
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100+ Women salute group that inspires hope BY LEANN LANDBERG AND SUSAN BARLOW Staff Writers
One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Mental health, described by Crisis Response Network, is an “equal opportunity destroyer” impacting 18.5 percent of the population in a given year with suicide rates increasing by nearly 25 percent in the last two decades. The East Valley is fortunate to have two organizations committed to supporting individuals and families in crisis. Winged Hope is a local nonprofit whose primary programs focus on preventing and healing family violence. Crisis Response Network, Inc. is a charity dedicated to helping individuals by Inspiring Hope and empowering transformation from hope to health through a continuum of crisis services. Both organizations not only help the victims, they also provide assistance and therapy to impacted family members. Combined, these nonprofits were the recipients of donations totaling $11,300 from 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. Donations from 100+ Women Who Care will help Winged Hope expand their advocacy centers which provide a comforting space to help minimize distractions as victims disclose their tragedies. Crisis Response Network plans to utilize its donation to retrofit an emergency response vehicle to provide private
our community. To learn more about these organizations, volunteer opportunities and how they can help you or a loved one, visit wingedhope.org and crisisnetwork.org. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun is a group of like-minded, passionate women who want to connect to one another and to their communities. The ladies are leveraging their resources so their quarterly gifts of $100 per member add up to a significant donation to a local charity. Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun has donated over $400,000 to local nonprofits. The chapter comprises three sister groups located At the check presentation to Winged hope were, from left: Sam Friedberg and Telma Ganuza-Friedberg of 100+ Women Who in the East Valley, AhwatuCare; Jessica Nicely, CEO/Founder of Winged Hope; and Women Who Care members, Susan Barlow, Leann Landberg and Trenna kee and Scottsdale. Farrell. (Kim Tarnopolski/Special to SanTan Sun News) The next giving circle in the East Valley is on For those in crisis, there is hope! areas for one-on-one counseling services, Aug. 29 at JC’s Steakhouse, 25 E. Ray Road, There are people to turn to and places a phone area to contact family members Gilbert. To learn more or register as a to go to begin the healing process. These and a hub for other community services guest for an upcoming giving circle, visit resources are available for those in need in to utilize during crisis events. 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org
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EV Boys & Girls Clubs get kids ready for school BY CECILIA CHAN Staff Writer
Ezinne Okaru held a burgundy-color T-shirt up to her chest. “Do you think this shirt will look good on me?” the 11-year-old Gilbert girl asked her volunteer shopper. “Yes, I do,” said Ahwatukee resident Carmen Solis, who added because it was Kohl’s store brand she would get an additional 20 percent off. Ezinne flitted among the racks of clothing excited with the prospect of new clothes for her return from summer break to Ashland Ranch Elementary. “I sort of feel nervous,” Ezinne said. “I don’t know what to buy yet. I’m glad Mr. Joe (Leon, the branch manager) picked me to do this. Obviously, it’s a struggle for my parents.” Ezinne was one of 115 youths, aged 6-12 from Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler, shopping for school clothes earlier this month at the Gilbert Kohl’s on Williams Field Road and Val Vista Drive. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley has been holding an annual Back 2 School shopping for its club kids since 1995. The event actually started in 1989 with one club but six years later all 11 club branches participated in the event, explained Lisa Ellis, spokeswoman for the East Valley organization. Approximately 400 club youths shopped for new clothes and shoes last week at four Kohl locations in the Valley.
More than 100 kids ages 6 to 12 piled off buses and into Kohls on Williams Field Road, Gilbert, last weekend as beneficiaries of the East Valley Boys & Girls Clubs’ annual back-to-school shopping trip. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
The club’s 120 teen members were scheduled to do their shopping this weekend. The youths also have received a backpack filled with school supplies from the club. The purpose of the event is to send children back to school on equal footing and not have clothing be an issue for
them, Ellis said. To be able to go to school in nice, clean clothes helps with self-confidence, she added. “Sometimes just that ability to have confidence in yourself allows kids to excel,” Ellis said. “We see kids and youths come to the clubs and have shoes that
don’t fit. On a daily basis we see something on the ground level that gives us a bit more insight and see the needs of some of these families.” For over 50 years Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley has served more than 35,000 youth and teens, 5-18, with programs and opportunities at 11 branches in Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Mesa, Guadalupe, Gilbert, Laveen, Sacaton and the Mesa Arts Academy. At the shopping spree, each youth received a $125 gift card, funded by community donations. They were paired with volunteer shopping helpers. Mesa Mayor John Giles thanked the Boys and Girls Club for the
event. “Every day, every weekend, they do the heavy lifting with young people,” he told volunteers, including a few uniformed Mesa Police officers. Giles was joined by Gilbert Vice Mayor Eddie Cook and Chandler Mayor Kevin
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Hartke. All three helped youths shop for new attire. Ellis told the volunteers each child has a shopping list and their task included keeping track of the spending. “Stay as close as you can to the budget you have,” she told them. “Make the $125 go as far as you can.” She added volunteers can’t be in a dressing room with a child and never to leave a child unattended in the store. Ellis noted the group was the largest she has seen to date at the annual event. “Everything you do today helps get kids back to school with confidence,” she told the volunteers. Chandler resident Hunter Pace has gone shopping with a child from the Boys and Girls Club for several years. He’s a member of Chandler Compadres, a fundraising organization with beneficiaries, including the Boys & Girls Clubs
of the East Valley, he said. That aside, “obviously, it’s giving back to the community,” Pace said. “It’s pretty cool, you can see its effect on kids’ lives.” For the event, Pace was paired with
Sometimes just that ability to “have confidence in yourself allows kids to excel. ” – Lisa Ellis Yondir Orozco, a 6-year-old from Chandler. It was the first time for the San Marcos Elementary student. “We got his uniform, a couple of red polo shirts, couple of blue jeans and now we got to get his shoes and socks,” Pace said as the two headed over to the shoe section.
“What kind of shoes do you want?” Hunter asked Yondir. “You want an athletic shoe or a Converse?” “Red,” the boy responded. By the time the two finished, the tally was $120 for two pairs of jeans, two polo tops, a pair of shoes and a bundle of socks. Ezinne and Solis were having a cashier price check the items they’ve collected in a shopping bag. “How much are the Vans?” Solis asked the cashier about her choice of shoes. At $59.99 even with the 20 percent discount, that was almost half the budget, Solis told Ezinne. “You really want these?” she asked the girl. Ezinne responded “yes.” But after the cashier tallied the remaining items such as jean shorts, a dress, hair Scrunchies, socks and T-shirts, they were at
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$95 and Ezinne still had items she needed to buy, including undergarments. “I really don’t want the shoes,” Ezinne said, leaving them behind with some clothing as they continued their shopping. Solis said she didn’t mind driving the 30 minutes from her home to get to Kohl’s by 6:30 a.m. “It’s my first time,” said Solis, adding that her daughter Jessica received a scholarship from the club. “I’m going to do this every year now. The kids are our world, our future. We have to be there for them.”
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from page 41
The family was instructed to watch for nose bleeds and to keep Damien away from any strenuous activity. Despite suffering from a headache, Damien told his mom he was well enough to go to school. She gave him some Tylenol, but her son did not last long that day. He quickly came back home after his headache got worst. Barkley got a call at work from her other son, urgently telling her to come home. He informed her that Damien was vomiting and not acting like himself. Barkley said she came home to find Damien angrily yelling and screaming — behavior that did not fit with his happy disposition. “You could see the rage in his face,” Barkley recalled. She later learned that Damien’s brain had started to hemorrhage, causing damage to his frontal lobe and possibly altering his personality.
SCOUT
from page 42
getting their hands dirty. In addition to the hikes, Girl Scout Cookie season is another one of Srija’s favorite memories with her troop. “She really looked forward to going out and selling cookies every week,
Damien Enghauser was a compassionate and generous boy who almost always put others ahead of himself. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
The boy was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to relieve the swelling in his brain. But the swelling didn’t subside, so Barkley knew she needed to act fast and make a decision. She got in contact with the Donor Network of Arizona and made arrangements
always bugging me to take her around the neighborhood to try and sell them to neighbors,” her mom said Padmaja, explaining: “It helped her in more ways than I expected, letting her build skills in math and communication and inspiring her to put herself out there.” But for Padmaja, Girl Scouts has done more than inspire her daughter: it has also
for Damien to be an organ donor. They had always discussed this regularly as a family. Barkley is a cancer survivor and told her children why she wanted to donate her organs when her time came. And she remembered Damien telling her he wanted to do the same. “And he’s like ‘Well, that’s what I want to do,’” she recalled. According to the Donor Network, there are about 2,000 people in Arizona on a waiting list to receive an organ. The Network estimates it processes about 22 juvenile donors each year. Parents of anyone under the age of 18 can decide whether or not to have their child’s organs donated. Damien died on July 27 and doctors quickly got to work saving the organs that could be used for donation. By July 29, the family was informed that four people had been matched with Damien’s organs. A 67-year-old man got one of his lungs, a 66-year-old man received Damien’s liver, a 15-year-old girl was given his kidney
and an 11-year-old girl received the other kidney. “They weren’t able to donate his heart because it was too big for one recipient and too small for the other,” Barkley said. Barkley’s friends and colleagues have come together to raise about $15,000 in donations to help with paying the family’s medical bills. The family plans to hold a memorial celebration next month on what would have been Damien’s 13th birthday. Barkley said they want to plant a lemon tree — her son’s favorite fruit — to create a lasting memorial for Damien. But more importantly, the family hopes to spread the word on the value of organ donation. Damien was able to give others the gift of life, she said, and the thought of that has made the grief process a little bit easier. “Not only are you helping people who need their lives saved,” she said, “but it’s brought us comfort and has helped us with our healing process.” Information on organ donation: register.donatelifeaz.org/register
inspired her. “I grew up in India, where I didn’t have a close relationship with nature,” she said. “I knew nothing about camping and was never encouraged to explore the outdoors as a child. “Seeing the amazing impact Girl Scouts has had on my daughter makes me wish I had a similar program available to me while I was growing up and it makes me
so proud to be on this journey with her. It has made all the difference.” And when asked what she would say about Girl Scouts, Srija’s answer was clear: “Girl Scouts makes the world a better place.” To learn more about joining Girl Scouts visit girlscoutsaz.org/join. Annelise Krafft is a spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.
Mesa man’s ‘turquoise fever’ heads to TV Ottesons’ Royston Mine is the oldest patented mine in Nevada. The show, an INSP original series, comprises six episodes detailing how the family battles blistering days and freezing nights, detonates explosives on treacherous slopes and struggles to pull enough turquoise from the Nevada desert to keep their business going for a fourth generation. “What I’m looking forward to the most is educating everybody about where turquoise comes from and how it’s brought from the ground all the way to the person owning the piece of jewelry,” said Otteson, noting:
BY JORDAN HOUSTON Staff Writer
If you own anything with turquoise in it, Tony Otteson will tell you, there’s a story behind it. And now the Mesa resident is bringing those stories and the story of his passion for turquoise mining to your living room. Otteson will be starring in a new reality-television show, “Turquoise Fever,” which chronicles the life of the Nevada native and his turquoise-mining family as they continue to make a living searching for the sky-blue stone. For 60 years, the Otteson family has been staking claims around Tonopah, Nevada, unearthing some of the most valuable turquoise in the world. The
Digging for turquoise at the Otteson family’s Royston Mine in Nevada is hard work. (INSP Network)
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NEIGHBORS
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Retirees sought to help teachers in area schools SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
With a renewed focus on student academic growth, particularly in literacy and math skills, Your Experience Counts (YEC) is actively recruiting classroom volunteers to support students and teachers in the Mesa Public Schools for the 2019-2020 school year. Teaching experience is not a requirement to be an effective volunteer supporting student learning. “We value life and work experiences, a passion for helping children learn and an interest in specific subject areas,” said Mike Beardslee, educational programs manager. “We provide the training to boost volunteers’ confidence and capabilities to support the classroom learning environment; and techniques and strategies for reading, math and other interventions.” YEC is a program of HandsOn Greater Phoenix. Peggy Brehm is an example of a YEC volunteer “utilizing life and career experiences to become a highly valued and successful classroom assistant,” Beardslee said. A retired Honeywell computer programmer doing engineering applications, Brehm served two classrooms last year at Mesa’s Crismon Elementary. In both classes, teacher Carrie Cicotte’s third grade and Bethany DeWitt’s sixth grade, Brehm worked with students in science, technology, engineering, arts
TURQUOISE
Peggy Brehm, left, a retired senior engineer with Honeywell, and works with Crismon Elementary teacher Bethany DeWitt. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
and math, leading projects and providing small group support in coding and math. Cicotte said Brehm “enriches my students’ learning experiences. She works with struggling students specifically in math. And she has implemented all science units. “Her skills as an engineer and travel experiences encourage academic rich conversations that allow students to gain knowledge about cultures and technology,” Cicotte added.
DeWitt said, “Peggy has been a great asset. She helps with math and coding working with both advanced kids and those who are stuck. My students look forward to seeing her each week.” Brehm’s third grade students also appreciated her time and commitment to student growth. Among the notes she received came from a third grade girl at the end of the year who wrote: “Thanks, I learned from my mistakes because of you.”
from page 46
“This stuff isn’t just pumped out of the tube and mass produced out of some machine.” “Every single stone in jewelry has a story behind it — and it might be great or sad. I want people to understand the stories,” he continued. The television show comes at a time where authentic turquoise mining is on the decline, the miner explained. There are currently some 20 mines throughout the American Southwest that supply gem-quality turquoise — a majority of which are in Nevada. Tony said the supply of turquoise isn’t infinite either. “Turquoise is just a surface-forming mineral. It’s different than gold, silver and diamonds — once those things are found in a mine you can just dig deeper,” he said. “But with turquoise, at some point, it stops. There will be a point in, if not my lifetime, my kids’, that turquoise will not be mined anymore — it’ll be mined out.” Turquoise, according to geology.com, is an opaque mineral typically found in arid climates and is chemically a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. Most commonly used as statement pieces in jewelry, its natural color ranges from sky blue to yellow-green. “I think one of the most important things people don’t realize is that if you turn on your TV, you can’t watch a single show or commercial without seeing somebody wearing turquoise,” said Otteson. While the pieces typically range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars,
Turquoise mining for the Ottesons can be lonely since their mine is located in a desolate mountain range in Nevada. (INSP Network)
the stones are difficult to authenticate for the average buyer — making them the subject of a counterfeit market. Because of the stone’s rarity, manufacturers overseas are mixing plastics and chemicals to make cheaper knockoffs, Tony explained. And Native American jewelry makers are suffering for it. “The majority of our buyers are Navajo — this is where they make all their money to feed their families and kids,” said Tony. “Shop owners nowadays will take a piece a famous artist has built and send it to China or Indonesia and have it mass produced with the same hallmark and stamp.” “It kills these guys trying to sell their jewelry because suddenly the shop owners aren’t buying it because they already have a big supply,” he added. Tony said his biggest advice for the average shopper is to ask store owners where they get their turquoise supplies
from. If they can’t give a specific answer, chances are, it could be fake. “Sometimes you can’t tell if it’s real — even for those of us who mine it,” said Tony. “If the shopkeeper tells you it’s ‘American,’ but doesn’t know anything past that — you’re flipping a coin.” Tony was born in Tonopah in the ’70s and grew up with his family in the mining business. “I’ve been doing this since I was old enough to walk,” he shared. He later moved to Mesa with his wife, Emily, and branched out from his family’s mining business to start a new one with his brother, Trenton. Tony now travels to Nevada frequently to continue growing his mining business, Silver State Turquoise. “We broke away from our dad and uncles and tried to take a different approach to mining and turn it into more of a business,” said Tony. “Instead of just a
Another girl wrote, “I was so happy because you were there when we did the paintings…I was really proud of my work because of you.” A third grade boy said, “It is fun doing stuff with you because you help us if we don’t get something.” Preparing for her seventh year with YEC, Brehm said she signed up as a volunteer “because I had the time and wanted to do something totally unlike computer programming, something with a lot of human interaction.” “I love interacting with the students, watching them grow, feeling their enthusiasm especially when they ‘get’ something they had been unclear about.” YEC recruits and trains volunteers to serve high-needs schools in five districts – Mesa, Balsz, Osborn, Washington and Dysart. Many volunteers are retired from business, military or education; and some are stay-at-home moms, college students or work part-time. YEC volunteers typically spend one or two days, two to 10 hours a week in classrooms. Volunteers interested in literacy will be matched with a teacher in grades 1-3; those interested in math or STEAM will work with a teacher in grades 4-8. Training dates for the 2019-20 school year have been setin Phoenix area Aug. 27-28 and in Mesa Sept. 18-19. Information: Mike Beardslee, mike@ handsonphoenix.org; 623-223-9248; or handsonphoenix.org/YEC-apply. way to make money.” “Our goal was to get a second source of income to allow us to have the ability to say no to buyers and sit on it,” he continued. “At some point, the buyers will always break because the turquoise supply is diminishing around the world.” The Otteson clan now owns a majority of the mines in central Nevada — making them the perfect candidates for a television show. But just because their work is exciting enough for TV, doesn’t mean it’s glamorous, Tony joked. Turquoise mining is no picnic, he explained, and requires an immense amount of physical and mental strength. “We still do it like they did in the 1800s — we still have to walk out on our hands and knees over thousands of square miles of high desert with no water,” he said. “Once we find something, we have to stake it. We do hand-digging and use hammers, chisels and shovels until we find stuff the world market can use.” Finding the sky-blue stones with gold and gray spider webs makes all the hard work worth it though, Tony said. He told East Valley Tribune that it’s the thrill of the chase that keeps him going. “If you took all the money I made on this business away from me, I would still find myself out there digging rocks,” he said. “You become addicted to finding things and the feeling of the dirt in your hands and running it through your fingers — the smell of it — it shaped me into who I am today.” “Turquoise Fever,” which is a Glassman Media production, can be seen on general entertainment network INSP. It is carried on Channel 12 by Cox and HD Channel 364 by DirectTV.
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NEIGHBORS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
Chandler author’s new book teaches healthy breathing BY ALISON STANTON Contributor
For many people, the way that they breathe is not probably something they think about on a regular basis. They inhale oxygen, exhale carbon dioxide and that’s about it. But for Chandler author and yoga teacher Sudesh Abrol, breathing is a process that, when done correctly using a method called Pranayam, can help to improve physical, mental and spiritual health. “Breath is not simply air, it’s the life force which we bring in and works as energy. Proper and regular Pranayam practice calms our mind, boosts energy, and increases longevity,” Abrol said. In order to teach others how to breathe correctly using the Pranayam method, Abrol published a book last fall titled “Breathe To Live.” The book, as well as Abrol’s previous books including “Scrumptious Meals from India,” Volumes 1 and 2, are currently available on Amazon. As Abrol noted, “Breathe To Live” offers easy to follow instructions on a dozen breathing manipulations which she said are very beneficial to the body and spirit. Abrol has observed that many people breathe in a shallow way by inhaling and exhaling sharply, which she said can cause them to feel tired. “In my new book, simple breathing practice will introduce you to the essential breathing and Pranayam techniques such as observing and absorbing the breathing
Chandler author and yoga teacher Sudesh Abrol has written a book on how to breathe in a way that improves your physical and mental health. (File photo)
pattern, regulating your breath and yourself,” Abrol said, adding that she has seen first-hand on numerous occasions how learning to breathe correctly has helped people in many ways. For instance, some of Abrol’s students in her yoga classes have breathing problems that stem from asthma. “A few students took breathing classes from me and regularly practice at home. Their health has improved and the breathing pattern as well,” she said. Abrol also has personal experience in how correct breathing can help to heal
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the body. In the past, when she was battling the stomach flu and could not eat anything, Abrol’s body began to feel very weak. “With the regular practice of Pranayam, I was back to normal soon. It helps the body to generate energy, enliven dying body cells and to feel energetic,” she said. “I am a senior citizen and I am still very active and live a disease-free life.” Once people learn Pranayam and get in some regular practice, Abrol said they can also control the speed at which they think. “It helps control the mind and molds it towards positive and productive thoughts,” she said.
Abrol, who has three daughters, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, has also taught two of her grandchildren who have asthma how to breathe properly through these techniques. Abrol said it is very fulfilling for her to know that her book will help people to live healthier lives, all through the power of correct breathing. “All my life I have been writing and now with the help, encouragement, and strength of my darling daughters I’m having my books published,” she said. “My dream comes true when I take my newly published book in my hands.” Information: amazon.com.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
For more community news visit SanTanSun.com
Chandler Orchestra’s new director debuts Aug. 6 SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
The Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s newest music director is excited to bring his worldly experience to the organization. Vanja Nikolovski has been conducting and composing music all over the world for several years. He’ll have a chance to showcase his musical skills when the community orchestra kicks off its season with a concert on Sept. 6. Nikolovski, who also teaches at Chandler’s East Valley Yamaha Music School, said he hopes to challenge the orchestra of about 80 musicians with a rigorous program that will produce highquality concerts. “I want to bring a higher level of performance, a lot of enthusiasm,” he said. The 51-year-old has been studying music since he was a child growing up in North Macedonia, located in southeastern Europe. He recalled being raised in a house full of vinyl records and remembered taking his first music lessons at the age of five. His father and brother were also musicians. “It was in my heart from the very beginning,” he said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Macedonia and attempted to get a master’s degree before the region’s political turmoil interrupted his plans.
Vanja Nikolovski, who has conducted and composed music around the world, is the new music director for Chandler Symphony Orchestra. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
People did not have time for music and culture during this time, he said, so he looked for new opportunities abroad. He conducted orchestras in Croatia,
Russia, Serbia and Portugal before deciding to set his sights farther west. Nikolovski moved to the United States in 2001 and later enrolled in a doctoral
music program at Arizona State University. Around the time he got his degree last See
VANJA on page 52
Gallery exhibit looks at Mexico-U.S. relationship BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Contributor
A free art exhibition at Vision Gallery is making its debut Aug. 30, with its artists hoping to change the way spectators view the U.S.-Mexico relationship. The photos presented in the Through Each Other’s Eyes exhibit showcase the views of two Valley photographers, Gina Santi and Brandon Sullivan, and two Hermosillo, Mexico, photographers, Juan Casanova and Dionisio Corral, during an exchange to each country. Through Each Other’s Eyes, a nonprofit, started in 1988 after hosting five exchanges between photographers in the U.S. and Japan. In 1995 the organization began hosting events between the U.S. and Mexico. Santi, Sullivan, Casanova and Dionisio participated in the ninth exchange to Mexico hosted by Through Each Other’s Eyes. As a result of the exchange, 20 pictures from each photographer have comprised an 80-piece collection, which has toured on display to the public of both countries with the hope of unifying people and celebrating their cultural differences. “In a time of such division, our hope is that this exhibition provides a sense of unity through the powerful work of these photographers working across borders,” said Peter Bugg, the visual arts coordinator at Vision Gallery. “I think there’s a lot of topics that can be very black and white and my way or the highway. Things that are being
An exhibit debuting at the end of the month at Chandler City Hall’s Vision Gallery uses the photos of four photographers to explore the relationship between the United States and Mexico. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
condensed to tweets and memes as opposed to bigger and broader ideas and full representations of people,” Bugg added. The idea to showcase the images collected on the exchange in Chandler developed about a year ago when Bugg met Santi at an event. Santi, a photographer on the project and social anthropologist, said the exhibit serves as a refreshing view on an age-old story. “It’s just important to understand
other cultures and not assume things because you read it in the news or you think something might be happening or because someone told you,” said Santi. As an Hispanic herself, Santi said perhaps she was biased about her experience in Mexico because she entered the exchange with an open mind. She added she also speaks Spanish, which could have eased the tension between herself and those she interviewed during the exchange, but she generally had a positive experience during
her time in Mexico. “I’m sure as a society Mexico has its own problems because all societies do but that fear, that reluctance, it’s not as bad as people have been forced to believe,” Santi said. “What I hope my images will show people is that Mexican people are not monsters. They don’t want to take over the United States or hate people from the U.S. or they are going to be killed or kidnapped,” she added. See
EYES on page 51
ARTS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
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Some of the images capture places in Mexico. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
EYES
from page 50 The exchange on either end lasted for about 10 days as the photographers toured each area as a group. During her time in Mexico, Santi said she visited Mexico’s busiest markets, night clubs and beaches. Santi said the country still had flashes of “that shock-factor” as she was exposed to women who relied heavily on basket weaving and fishing from the ocean to survive. Their skin had been leathered by the sun, and without access to health care in their immediate area many had no options if exposed to the various skin cancers
Everyday life in Mexico has been brilliantly captured in some of the photos that will be part of the Vision Gallery exhibit opening Aug. 30. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
caused by extreme sun exposure. Though the women looked 70 to 80 years old, Santi said her jaw dropped when she found out a majority of the women were 50. “I’m from there and that still shocked me a bit. So, imagine how much people don’t know about these countries they’re making assumptions about and how wrong they might be,” said Santi. During the exchanged photographers’ time in Arizona, they went to Scottsdale,
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Jerome, Tempe Camera, the Phoenix Public Library and various museums. “There were things right here that I didn’t appreciate before until the other photographers started shooting it. I learned a lot even while they were here, the learning didn’t stop just because I was in my country,” said Santi. Santi said though she cannot speak for what the other photographers hope audiences take from the exhibit, she is optimistic spectators will see Mexico as
more than “just a place to party on Spring Break or a bunch of drug dealers, because it’s not like that at all.” On Sept. 7, a reception will be hosted at the Chandler City Hall complex from 6-8 p.m. where spectators can converse with the artists and ask questions about each piece. The exhibition will run at Vision Gallery at City Hall until Oct. 5. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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VANJA
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
from page 50
year, Nikolovski was encouraged to audition for a conductor opening in Chandler. After several months of waiting, Nikolovski was notified in May he’d be the orchestra’s newest director. A good conductor requires great preparation, he said, and an ability to form positive relationships with the musicians. “You need to treat them with respect, you need to treat them with dignity,” Nikolovski said. Conducting in America is notably different than in Macedonia or Russia, he explained. Conductors cannot be too friendly in the latter countries because musicians there demand a certain amount of authority. “You have to be more strict, otherwise they might use a little bit of that friendliness against you,” he said. Chandler’s all-volunteer orchestra began with a group performing at Mesa Community College under Maestro Jack Herriman. When their rehearsal space was taken away in 1991, members of the group relocated and formed what would become known as the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. The organization has been putting on free concerts each year for the Chandler community for the last 27 years. As attendance to arts events has changed and dwindled nationally over the last decade, Nikolovski said he thinks live performance is still relevant and valuable to the average citizen. Live music can be incredibly healing and can make someone feel more
Vanja Nikolovski, the Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s new music director, grew up in Eastern Europe but eventually came to the United States to enroll in a doctorate of music program at Arizona State University. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
connected to their community, he said, awakening a person’s spirit. “We are becoming robots, very loyal to our work and then we don’t have time for
ourselves,” he said. The orchestra’s first concert will be a tribute to popular film scores from movies like “Titanic,” “Fiddler on the
Roof” and “Mission: Impossible.” The following concerts will include the works of composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Sebastian Bach.
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During a recent Limelight Theatre rehearsal for the upcoming production of “Seussical Jr.,” a number of the Mesa and Mesa thespians embraced their roles as 1) director Emma England observed. They included 2) Keith Varty, 12, of Mesa and Emily Colmenero, 11, of Chandler; 3) Samantha Springer, 9, of Mesa; 4) Janelle Frazer, 8, of Chandler; and 5) William Lowell, 12, of Mesa and Audra South, 7, of Gilbert, (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
EV kids abound in Limelight’s ‘Seussical’ cast SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
With only a week to go before Gilbert’s Limelight Performing Arts Theatre presents “Seussical Jr.,” Emma England admits, “The pressure’s on.” It’s not the usual pre-production jitters for the seasoned director. It’s a matter of whether she and her talented cast of children and teens can take the AriZoni Awards by storm again. In 2014, the last time the Limelight presented “Seussical Jr.,” its production picked up AriZonis for
overall production, choreography, music direction, makeup, lighting and actress in a leading role. England has made few changes to the presentation, although some costumes had to be redone because costumes worn by the 2014 production’s actors and actresses didn’t fit the new ones. “Obviously, once we’ve done the show, when we do it again, we kind of upgrade it, if you will,” England said. “So, we pulled out all the costumes. I mean, obviously some of the actors didn’t fit into the original costumes. That wasn’t a stipulation when we cast it. We didn’t say, you know, ‘you have to fit the costume.’ So, we did have to start from scratch on a couple of costumes that were either too big or too small. Then there were other costumes that we just wanted to do a little something extra with, kind of spice them up.” “Our set is almost identical to last time, but we have added more of a playground element to it,” she added. “So, we actually have a swing set, a full size slide and a full sized trampoline that’s part of the set. So those were added new this time. Other than that, it’s pretty much the exact same set from last time.” Awards aren’t behind her selection of the beloved musical, which will play at Mesa Arts Center Aug. 15-25 with two special showings featuring the understudies at 2
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FINANCIAL AID FOR THOSE Must present ad at time of service. Services provided WHO QUALIFY. VA APPROVED by students and supervised by licensed educators.
p.m. Aug. 18 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22, at the Limelight, 511 W. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert. The musical features Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and the other beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s tale of the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community. England said she picked it “because it has such a wonderful story about accepting and being who you are.” “It really resonates with what’s going on in society today,” she added. “I feel like it’s a story that everyone can relate to and the music is amazing.” She said she likes the story about characters who “each kind of are told that they’re not good enough, but they go and they try to blend in and they tried to be good. “But then eventually they realize that being themselves is what is what they should be excited about. I think that that’s a great topic for today.” Her selection mirrors the Limelight’s mission “to provide meaningful and artistic experiences that build character and confidence, and give students the building blocks to pursue a career in the performing arts.” The cast of about 25 includes England’s two children — 3-year-old Dominic, making his stage debut, and 5-year-old Gabriella. “She loves performing,” England said of her daughter, who played the elephant bird in 2014 when she was just 9 months old. That role this time around goes to her younger brother.
England calls “Seussical Jr.” a “really unique” production in that the set stays in one place for the entire show. “There aren’t big scene changes that we would have with another musical, where you’ve got that piece just moving on and off. So, really this show is just all done by the cast. We have parents backstage helping with costume changes because there are several costume changes within the show. “So instead of having a backstage full of set pieces, we actually have individual stations for kids to do their costume changes,” England said. As for the two shows at the Limelight featuring understudies, England said “we like to give as many kids the opportunity to fill a big part as possible.” “We think that they invest more into the part of being an understudy when they know that they’re going to have the opportunity to perform it on stage,” she said, calling it a reward as well for the hard work they put into the production. The shows at Mesa Arts Center’s Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse” are at various times and they and tickets are available at mesaartscenter.com. Tickets for the two shows featuring understudies can be purchase at limelightyouththeater.com. Chandler actors and actresses include: Cole Blubaum, 11; Emily Colmenero, 11; Kaylee Delgado, 10; Kaylee Forth, 9; Janelle Frazier, 8; Ivy Moore, 13; and Libby Carr, 16.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
‘Blinded by the Light’ encourages change BY OCTAVIO SERRANO Staff Writer
Journalist Sarfraz Manzoor’s articles have been published internationally in The Guardian, The Times, Sunday Times Magazine and The New York Times. But his column about his love of Bruce Springsteen helped him find his way. “I wrote this article for The Guardian in 2002,” Manzoor says. “A literary agent contacted me, who really liked the article, and said, ‘Do you fancy writing a book?’” “Greetings from Bury Park” tells the story of Manzoor, who moved from Pakistan to Britain as a child and grew up in Bury Park, Luton. He covers the challenges of growing up as a Pakistani Muslim in England. The book has been made into a movie, “Blinded by the Light,” which blends dark themes like racism and prejudice with light humor. It is slated for release on Friday, August 16. The movie follows Javed, a British teen of Pakistani descent played by Viveik Kalra, who is trying to make sense of the world while succumbing to the pressure of economic turmoil, social identity, political activism and his relationship with his family. To deal with it, he drowns himself in Springsteen’s music. The film was directed by Gurinder Chadha, who was behind “Bend It Like Beckham.” She jumped at the chance to work on Manzoor’s story. “This is an era that I was very familiar with, and this was an opportunity to tell a story about people like me,” Chadha says. “I thought it was a very charming story
The film does take creative liberties, but “Blinded by the Light” still captures Manzoor’s essence. “With the script, I wanted some of it to be real,” Manzoor says. “So, I really did write poetry. I really did want something different in my life. I did work in a sandwich factory. I really did go to Manchester. My friend (Roops) really was like that.” Viveik Kalra stars as Javed in New Line Cinema’s drama “Blinded by the Light,” Played by Aaron which opens Friday, August 16. (Photo by Nick Wall) Phagura, Roops is the sole reason Javed found as well of somebody who was suffering Springsteen and gave him the confidence real alienation and feeling trapped and to speak up. Phagura calls the film a rollhad a dream and actually the dream came ercoaster of emotions that speaks about true.” social issues that are multigenerational. Chadha was captivated by the multidi“Although it has a comedic undertone, mensional characters, who show the best it tackles serious issues that my grandand worst of society and people. parents had to go through coming into “We live very full three-dimensional the country and my parents had to deal lives and juggle all kinds of things, so, with with being one of the first generations of my movies, I want to make sure that we Asians in England,” Phagura says. “All of show some of the hardships, but at the this is still going on. We are in a bit of a same time we share the joy and we celepolitical crisis and racism is still a thing.” brate our lives,” Chadha says. On a lighter note, Phagura wants youngFor Manzoor, however, the book and er generations to learn about Springsteen movie allow him to share his story with and the power of his music. a large audience. He says he wrote it to Manzoor says watching “Blinded by the show how someone like him, who he con- Light” was difficult. Throughout the film, sidered unexceptional, could accomplish the audience sees Javed struggling to rehis goals. Many of his peers were sent to spect the wishes of his conservative father prison instead of college, too. who wants his son to study business.
“My actual dad died when I was 23 years old, so my wife and children have never met him,” Manzoor says. “This film is the closest they have to seeing my dad. This is my way of bringing him back to life for two hours.” Their relationship shows parents can compromise with their children, even if they disagree. It also reminds Manzoor of how his parents helped him become successful. “The bit where the dad says, ‘Go write your stories, but don’t forget ours,’ that’s very hard for me to watch and I get very emotional about those things.” Manzoor wants to tell younger audiences that things will get better if they act for themselves and their community. “If you just listen to music and then don’t do anything in life, you’re not really fulfilling anything,” Manzoor says. “So, it’s really about being hopeful and actually pushing toward things that make it better. “If you think the community is not working together, get involved. If you feel the stories you want to hear are not being told, write some new ones. So, it’s about actions rather than sitting around complaining about it.” The film’s message is universal and Manzoor hopes audiences see that. “Its appeal is bigger than the world in which it is set,” Manzoor says. “It’s actually about themes, whether it is hopes and dreams, or father and son relationships, or the power of music, which are bigger than the world it comes from and which can reach and affect you no matter where you are watching it.”
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
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Illness can put us on a long road to healing BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER Guest Writer
We are constantly struggling to come to terms with illness; we hear our own voices as we attempt to understand our suffering. Overwhelmed by the rush of fear, and guilt and grief, we wonder where we will find the strength and courage to face our situation. We feel alone and many of us know that pain. When we first hear about the diagnosis, we are confused and bewildered. Through it all we ask the inevitable question, “Why me?” We were always healthy and cared for others and now we are not. One of the first thoughts is perhaps we have done something in our lives that must have deserved this. It is some kind of punishment, otherwise why else would we be suffering?
We begin to review our lives and all the paths we took, the people we met, the flaws in our character. Did we visit our parents enough, or tend to our children without causing them anguish? On and on we continue, attempting to rationalize, and guilt takes hold and just lingers. Sometimes we feel better by blaming others, which seems to give us some imaginary control over our situation. The one thing that really matters is that this illness now gives us an opportunity to think clearly about our lives and the direction that meets our needs and wants. Faith plays a very vital part in the process of adjusting, accepting, and coping. Seeing God as an avenger, not as a healer, tends to intensify our suffering. Perhaps we even pray that God will end this misery. We look around and see others who are whole while we are bent over with pain. Again, we turn to the God who apparently struck us and begin to bargain: If you heal us, we will do something for others. It is reminiscent of Abraham
bargaining with God to save Sodom and Gomorrah. The worst nightmare is when we feel abandoned. Nobody understands us. We are alone and weak. Where are they when we need them? To begin to heal we need to reach out to others, and let others reach for us. We start with one or two friends, and family, and begin to let people participate in helping us heal. We need to absorb the kindness that can be offered. It is through connection with family and friends; we can begin to emerge from our depression. We can begin to reaffirm our own worthiness. There are people who care and we shut them out. Sometimes when we are ill, we begrudge others their health and lose them as allies in regaining our health. We are too proud to ask for help. Our prayers are not of comfort and requests for help but rather express despair and frustration. However, our prayers can lead to wisdom, which in turn will assist in
the healing process. All this takes time. We did not get sick overnight and the gradually we will see improvement. Our healing does not lie in self-pity or fantasies of revenge. It is in touching the deepest part of us in seeking comfort from God and in reaching out to friends and family; then our prayers will change from these calls of despair to cries to the One-Who-Heals-theShattered Heart, to help our heart to heal. In addition, as we learn to find comfort from a healing God, we will truly mean it when we say: “You will support me because of my integrity, You will let me abide in your presence forever. Blessed is God, From now to eternity -amen, amen.” - Rabbi Dr. Irwin Weiner is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
Knowing God is the key to trusting him BY REV. BILLY HOLLAND Guest Writer
The Biblical account of David and Goliath is one of most popular stories from the Bible. Israel and the Philistines were enemies as this true account finds them preparing for battle, but also in somewhat of a strange standoff. The two armies were gathered on opposite sides of a large valley. The Philistines had been sending out one of their most intimidating warriors to mock and make fun of the Israel’s army and even God himself. His name was Goliath and he was truly a giant as some scholars have estimated that he stood between 9 and 10 feet tall. Fully dressed in battle armor, Goliath dared any man from Israel to challenge him. Everyone was terrified and not even the respected king Saul dared to step forward. It’s recorded in First Samuel chapter 17 where Goliath said, “Choose your best sol-
dier to come out and fight me! If he can kill me, our people will be your slaves. But if I kill him, your people will be our slaves.” Our hero David heard the giant teasing and taunting the soldiers of Israel and started asking the men about what the giant was saying. David stood boldly and challenged the men and was asking, “how can you allow this to happen, don’t you have any pride?” His oldest brother overheard David talking and became angry thinking that the young boy was just being negative and stirring up strife. King Saul was told about the young lad and he sent for him as he wanted to speak with him. When he approached the king David said, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” Saul tried to explain that David did not really understand the situation. David told how he had killed a lion and a bear while watching over his father’s sheep and was
very good with a sling. As the Lord had helped him be victorious in times of great danger, he was positive that God would also help him kill this giant. Amazingly Saul agreed. David was offered all types of armor and weapons, but he only wanted his sling. Goliath was evidently offended that Israel would send a child out to fight against one of the fiercest warriors in the world. The giant was laughing, but David was focused as he loaded his sling with one of the stones he is quoted as announcing, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” As David declared that he was representing the name of the Lord Almighty, he placed a stone in his sling and when he let it go, the rock sank deep into the giant’s forehead and he fell on his face like a huge
tree crashing to the ground. David then picked up Goliath’s sword and cut off his head just like he had promised. Yes, this is an exciting and inspirational story, but how can we demonstrate courage when we are surrounded by fear and our circumstances seem overwhelming? The bottom line is that David trusted God because he knew him personally. You see, faith is a learned behavior and a positive response that is developed from our everyday experiences with the Lord. The Lord had never failed David and he was filled with confidence that with God nothing was impossible. The Philistine army ran away in terror because this young boy decided to stop telling God how big his problems were and started telling his problems how big God is. Today, the good news is that we can do the same. To read more visit billyhollandministries.com
Spiritual Connections
SUNDAYS
1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Traditional and Contemporary Services 7:30 a.m. daybreak contemplative worship, 9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music, 11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band. There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org
Kids’ Sunday School 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays, Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480-792-1800
MONDAYS
Celebration Service 10:30 a.m. Sundays All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa, 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org
Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler
The Art of Parenting 7:30 p.m. Mondays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley,
See
CONNECTIONS on page 57
FAITH
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
CONNECTIONS
from page 56
designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler 480-855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com
TUESDAYS
Silva Class and Meditation 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Learn the Silva method with Lois Britland. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480-792-1800 Christian Business Networking Tri-City Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com Monthly Women’s Fellowship 6:15 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona, 250 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-232-3773 Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon), Chandler Chapter 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church 1125 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, nar-anon.org
WEDNESDAYS
Panic Healing 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tuneup. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 The Art of Parenting 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 480-855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com Grief Care 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Road, Room 325, Chandler, griefcareaz@gmail.com Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested.
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Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 THURSDAYS Women’s Empowerment & Awakening 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Thursday Release negative beliefs. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 A Course in Miracles 7 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursday Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Real Love Support Group 6:30 p.m. Thursdays For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800
SATURDAYS
Spirit Night – Psychic Fair 4 to 8 p.m. third Saturday of each month The “Lightworkers” offer a wide range of services, including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Cash only. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa interfaith-community.org heatherposey70@gmail.com Unity Drumming and Healing Circle 6:30 to 8 p.m. fourth Saturday of each month Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love donation accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org
OTHER
Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581 Monthly luncheon. Social Box Eateries, 1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812 Moms in Prayer International A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, momsinprayer.org Bible Study Meets twice a month Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, Chandler. Jan Olson: 480-802-7457, Joy King 480-588-1882 East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range. Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net Regular monthly activities: Lois (Women) Circle: Every 3rd Tuesday 10 a.m. Spirits Willing Lunches Out (over 55) 11:30 a.m., 4th Fridays All events are at Chandler Presbyterian Church at 1900 S. Arrowhead Drive except for Spirits Willing and lunches. chandlerpres.org Let us help you publicize your church or temple’s events in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@santansun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.
Chandler United Methodist Church Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
SUNDAY WORSHIP At 8:30 am & 10:00 am
At Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, we want you to feel confident and comfortable planning a funeral for yourself or your loved one. We offer our funeral planning checklist and other resources as a starting point. We’re here for you when you need us. Proudly serving our community since 1963. Valley of the Sun Cemetery 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd Chandler, AZ 85248
480.895.9232
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Come, Worship the Lord
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BIG JOHN'S CARPET CLEANING Our truck-mounted steam cleaning system will deep clean your carpets, ridding them of unwanted dirt, bacteria, fungus and chemical residues. Upholstery cleaning also available. Tile and grout cleaning. For a clean and healthy carpet, call 480-786-6610 or 602-989-8311 John Downs, Owner/Operator, Ocotillo Resident. Call for monthly specials. MUSTANG CARPET & TILE CLEANING Carpet, Tile & Grout, and Upholstery Cleaning. Family owned, truck-mounted steam cleaning. We off 1/2-hour appointment time frames, so no waiting around. We include pre-spraying, mild deodorizer and degreasers for high traffic areas at no charge. Member BBB with A+ Rating! "We clean like it's our own!" 480-688-3003
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EMPLOYMENT ARIZONA NUTS & CANDY PART TIME HELP WANTED Fri-Sun / Oct-April Fun & Upbeat Cashier & Sampler Positions Available at the Mesa Market Place. For More Info Call Heidi 307-262-0176
Business Development Specialist FT -Tempe Times Media Group has an immediate full-time opening for a inside Business Development Specialist. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new business for targeted specialty publications. Primary responsibilities include strategic prospecting, sales acquisition via the phone, account retention and must be able to work collaboratively with clients and internal staff. Qualifications/Requirements • Min of 3 yrs sales exp; advertising preferred; knowledge of print media a plus • Excellent customer service skills internal and external • Strong computer skills, Word, Excel, Gmail, Google doc and spreadsheet • Excellent written and verbal communication skills •Valid Driver’s License and Proof of Vehicle Insurance Benefits - Health, 401k, Vacation If you are interested in applying for this position please send your resume to Elaine Cota ecota@times publications.com
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GLASS SERVICES GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR
Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY
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CLASSIFIEDS HANDYMAN UNIVERSAL HOME REPAIR Small projects, house maintenance and renovations, house/apartment preparation for new tenants. Air conditioning repairs. Call Jack @ 480-213-4005 jacekwrona@cox.net
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Honey-Do List Electrical, Plumbing, Drywall, Painting & Home Renovations. Not a licensed contractor.
Call Greg 480-510-2664 AFriendInMeHandyman @gmail.com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS Dave's Tile Installation 25+years experience Floors, countertops, back splashes, showers, exterior patio BBQ's & repairs. Any tile of your choice. Quality Work at a reasonable price. Free Estimates. Please call 480-748-9826 480-748-1545
LANDSCAPING Aqua Masters Sprinkler & Drip Repairs Specializing In: *System Check-Ups *Valves, Heads, Timers *Leak Detection *Wire Locating and Troubleshooting *Brown Spots & Low Pressure Problems 30+Years Experience Quality Service 480-478-0073 www.AquamastersAz.com BERNIE'S LANDSCAPING Mowing, Clean-Ups, Gravel, Winter Grass, Irrigation Repair, Tree Removal & Pruning. Landscape Maintenance FREE Estimates (not a licensed contractor)
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MOVING IN OR OUT MOVERS Professional, hardworking, excellent service. No hidden fees. Whether you are moving in or moving out LEAVE THE LIFTING TO US! Serving the East Valley. www.inoroutmoversphoenixmetro.com
Call Terry at 602-653-5367
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DIRTY WINDOWS? Call Fish Window Cleaning @ 480-962-4688 and you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block. Below is the list of services we offer: Windows – Interior & Exterior Screens – Sunscreens and Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing - Your driveway, sidewalks and patios. Follow us on InstaGram @FISH_WCEASTVALLEYAZ
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PLUMBING ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER CHANDLER/GILBERT *$79.00 OFF with this ad* 110% Guarantee*/OWNER OPERATED Small & Large REPAIRS 24/7 Slab leak, water main, hot water heaters, & sewer repair specialist. Water softening specialist, water filters, and reverse osmosis. 100-year warranty on parts & labor. * BBB A+ Rating. BBB Ethics Award Winner. Chandler Chamber of Commerce Employer of Choice Award. ROC#153202/213288 *Call for details 480-726-1600
REAL ESTATE MANUFACTURED HOMES (SALE) BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED IN 2 BED / 2 BATH HOMES $48,900 Financing Available. Also Available Affordable Homes Between $5K - $15K 55+ Mobile Home Park in Great Chandler Location. Call Kim 480-233-2035
SEWER & DRAIN ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER 480-705-7772 SERVICE NOW!! 110% Guaranteed/100 Year Warranty. OWNER Operated (Licensed, Bonded, Insured). 20% OFF Seniors/Military. A+ Rating with BBB, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, AZ award winning. If it's plumbing, we do it! 24-hour flood restoration services. Financing approval in minutes with NO MONEY DOWN & ZERO INTEREST. ROC#153202/213278
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Ocotillo Grille expanding its menu next month BY COLLEEN SPARKS
Contributor
People can unwind after playing golf and relax over food and drinks while looking at the lush, green course in the casual but elegant Ocotillo Grille. The restaurant at 3751 S. Clubhouse Drive, part of Ocotillo Golf Club, offers a variety of well-liked fare including breakfast sandwiches, Southwest breakfast burritos, club sandwiches, burger sliders and strawberry salads. Starting Labor Day, Ocotillo Grille will expand its menu to include even more flavorful, but health-conscious meals. “The new menu will have a lot of vegetarian options,” said Eddie Hauser, executive chef of Wedgewood at Ocotillo Golf Resort, noting “We do have options for everyone. We specialize in bar food” with an upscale touch. Wedgewood at Ocotillo manages the food and beverage services, along with the ballroom — where weddings are often held. A chef for five years who has spent 15 years altogether in the culinary industry, Hauser is excited about the diverse new menu items he and his team will unveil and also brings much passion to the current menu. Diners have lots of breakfast and brunch foods at Ocotillo Grille, such as Eggs Benedict served with breakfast potatoes. Brunch is served from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. At brunch starting in September, diners will be able to customize omelets and more choices in egg dishes are expected to be served. The Southwest breakfast burrito will remain on the Ocotillo Grille menu, as will house-make pancakes with blueberries or chocolate chips.
Above: Rosemary Phillips, general manager of Wedgewood at Ocotillo Golf Resort and Eddie Hauser, executive chef are planning to expand its menu starting Labor Day. Right: Some new meals including artichoke and chicken are expected to be on the revamped menu at Ocotillo Grille starting Labor Day. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
A crowd pleaser is the Ocotillo burger, a half-pound Angus beef patty with lettuce, tomato and onion and a choice of cheddar, American, Swiss, jack or pepper jack cheese. That too will remain on the new menu. Among the fresh, sweet, savory and colorful dishes that will be added starting Labor Day is a rich and flavorful bruschetta; artichoke and chicken; and more options for vegetarians. Ocotillo Grille will keep its popular strawberry salad, a sweet combination of mixed greens, strawberries, avocado, candied pecans, goat cheese and balsamic glaze. The crowd-pleasing chicken Caesar
salad with grilled chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and croutons, will also stay on the menu. Those who like to munch on the housemade potato chips at Ocotillo Grille will be able to keep doing so. The Yukon gold potatoes are sliced, deep-fried and served with ranch dressing. Guests can also keep noshing on the club sandwich, a well-liked combination of ham, turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, avocado, tomato and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough bread. Burger sliders with grilled onions
and American cheese on brioche buns comprise another hearty item that diners eat up at Ocotillo Grille. The restaurant also has a full-service bar with more than a dozen different types of wines, as well as beers including brews from SanTan Brewing Company. The bar is typically packed with people during golf season Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, said Rosemary Phillips, general manager of Wedgewood at Ocotillo Golf Resort said. “A lot of them play golf,” and dine and drink in the restaurant, Phillips said. “There will be families. It’s a nice environment to be in. We do holiday brunches.” Ocotillo Grille seats about 75 people inside and about 50 people on its patio, which overlooks the sprawling golf course with its 27 holes and tranquil water features. Many big-screen televisions offer customers a chance to watch golf and other sports inside the restaurant. Besides the restaurant, people can rent space in a banquet room for weddings and other events and order from more than 100 items on a menu that includes some of the Ocotillo Grille restaurant meals. Phillips believes customers will like the new menu. “I think it will be good,” she said. “We’ll bring in some different items. It needed a facelift.” Many existing customers said on Ocotillo Grille’s Facebook page that they love the peaceful setting and delicious food at the restaurant. See
OCOTILLO GRILLE on page 62
Nearby restaurants changing up their menus SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Two Gilbert restaurants are sprucing up their menus with new items. Nico Heirloom Kitchen has already unveiled its new additions while Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row will unveil theirs Aug. 15. Gilbert rolled out a new menu this week. From appetizers and salads to entrees and sides, the Arizona inspired menu features a variety of new dishes that will be offered through the fall. Below is a quick rundown of the items. Yes, even their signature Octopus got a makeover, with poblano, chorizo garbanzo, arugula and pickled onion. Other additions include filet tips with poblano crema, pickled onion, gorgonzola, roasted tomato; hummus with white tepary bean, picked vegetables and herb flatbread; mussels with Schreiner chorizo, blistered tomato, white wine and noble bread; and melon and prosciutto. The restaurant, at 366 N. Gilbert Road, also has introduced a grilled Caesar salad,
Above: Making their debut in downtown Gilbert are the ribeye steak at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Right: The filet tips at Nico Heriloom Kitchen. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)
heirloom tomato caprese, rainbow trout, Porchetta and two new sides — Chevre bacon-grilled asparagus and tomato barley. Nico Heirloom Kitchen calls itself downtown’s first upscale casual, chef-driven restaurant and offers West Coast-inspired seasonal Italian cuisine. Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, 323
N. Gilbert Road, says it “is elevating its award-winning menu” with some lighter, healthier items as well as some vegetarian and seafood dishes. New items include buffalo cauliflower,
artisan hummus and spinach and berry salad, as well as roasted chicken primavera, grilled ribeye steak and grilled salmon jambalaya. In addition, they’ve added warm apple pie and ice cream to their list of desserts. Whiskey Row Gilbert also is extending its specials to 9 p.m. on Fridays and is still carrying their popular Southern Fries, Tennessee Hot Sliders and Fried Pickles. Whiskey Row boasts of its ability to combine “interactive entertainment, signature dishes and memorable beverages to create a fun, country-inspired environment.” Information: dierkswhiskeyrow.com/ gilbert-az, nicoaz.com.
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WHERE TO EAT
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | AUG 17- SEP 6, 2019
With JAN D’ATRI Contributor
This end-of-season cobbler is peachy keen
Bruschetta will be on the new menu at Ocotillo Grille. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
OCOTILLO GRILLE
from page 61
Kathleen Smith posted, “Eat on the patio and enjoy an amazing view. Seating inside available too and has a great bar with an even better bartender. Yummy food and awesome service! It’s a little hidden gem. Highly recommend Ocotillo Grille.” Keld Christensen is also a fan of the Ocotillo eatery. “Ocotillo Grille is the local oasis,”
Christensen wrote. “Love the service and wonderful staff.” Ocotillo Grille opened in 2017at the Ocotillo Golf Club after the previous restaurant, Bernard’s, closed. The new restaurant has a smaller menu and a more laidback feel. Golfer Phil Mickelson and his associates bought Ocotillo Golf Club in 2017. Ocotillo Grille is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Breakfast is served from 6 to 11 a.m. daily. Information: ocotillogolf.com/dining
We’re nearing the end of peach season, but it’s not too late to give this Caramel Peach Cobbler a try. It goes together in three layers, but in the oven, the bottom layer rises to the top and bubbles over the peaches to create a delicious cobbler. The most time-consuming part of the
entire recipe is peeling the skin off the peaches, so I have a fabulous tip that will make the process so much easier in the directions. Believe me, if you make it for family or friends, they’ll think it’s just peachy keen.
Caramel Peach Cobbler Ingredients:
1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons) For the Peach Filling: 1 cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons butter Pinch of salt 1/4 cup 7-Up or water 2 lbs fresh peaches (6-8), peeled, pitted and sliced, to 4 cups. 1 tablespoon corn starch
For the Batter:
1 ½ cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup sugar 1 ½ cups milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
In a saucepan, melt brown sugar, butter, salt and water. Bring to boil and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Add peaches and cornstarch, stirring well. Simmer until peaches begin to thicken. Melt 1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons) and pour into the bottom of an 8”x 8” or 9” x 13” baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk and vanilla. Mix until fully combine. Gently pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Carefully spoon peaches on top of batter. Do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until the batter that rises over the top is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Tip for skinning peaches:
FOLLOW US
Score the bottom of a peach in a 2-inch crisscross. Place the peach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the peach from the water and place in a bowl with ice water. The skin will peel right off. This tip works best if peaches are fairly ripe. Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe
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