Ahwatukee Foothills News - 8.11.2021

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Club West legal stalemate heating up

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

P

@AhwatukeeFN |

W

hen Superior Court Commissioner Andrew Russell made his initial decision March 24 in the Club West Conservancy’s lawsuit against the former Foothills Club West Association board, it seemed like only a matter of time before the two parties

would iron out the �inal ruling’s wording that would put the case to bed.

But since that time, the Conservancy has obtained four extensions on the deadline for �iling its proposed wording for the �inal ruling.

And next week before Superior Court Judge Joan M. Sinclair, it may become clearer whether the case will be settled at all.

Amid some community anxiety over the

shriveled site’s future, the HOA board members who replaced the original defendants in the suit face a knotty legal problem that may be aired before Sinclair in a 30-minute hearing.

Watching what transpires will be two interested entities that are not part of the lawsuit but that could ultimately determine the 160-

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St. John Bosco marks 20 years in Ahwatukee

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

I

t’s hard to imagine a less auspicious day for opening a new school than what Pat Sdao faced as principal of St. John Bosco Catholic School in Ahwatukee.

After a year of doing everything from helping to guide the construction committee to recruiting students and teachers, Sdao was ready to welcome scores of students to the spacious campus next door to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church on 48th Street between Pecos Park and Chandler Boulevard.

But that day was Sept. 11, 2001.

And while the Phoenix Diocese decided to keep schools opened, Sdao wasn’t about to let that happen on her watch.

“As soon as I found out was happening,” Sdao recalled, “the �irst thing I thought of was, ‘We’re in Arizona, there’s a lot of air�ields here. There’s all kinds of things that an enemy would maybe would want to attack, right?’ And I thought to myself, ‘It’s the �irst day of school. These kids don’t even know their teachers. They don’t really know the other kids. I thought ‘if it was my kid, I would want to be with my kid.’ So, when

St. John Bosco Catholic School Librarian Theresa Harvey, left, and new Principal Jamie Bescak say the school's mission has never changed over two decades of service in Ahwatukee. (Pablo Robles/

AFN Staff Photographer)

parents would come to drop their kids off, I told them to keep going, told them what happened and just don’t drop their child off.

“I just start calling them and telling them

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com

Advertising Sales Representatives: Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com

Classified:

Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com

Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com

GetOut Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com

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Tom Scanlon, 480-278-6903 tscanlon@timespublications.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilia Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.

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Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

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Mark and Jody Pectol rely on communication and nimble dealings with suppliers to lessen the impact of supply shortages in nearly every phase of their business. (Pablo

Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

From toppings to boxes, Zzeeks Pizza owners weather supply chaos

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

T

he pandemic has been nothing for Mark and Jody Pectol if not a roller coaster.

The long-time Ahwatukee residents’ business, Zzeeks Pizza & Wings, has become almost a microcosm for the shortages that have slammed many industries, particularly restaurants.

But through some shrewd business maneuvers, the Pectols are weathering one shortage crisis after another – the likes of which they haven’t seen in their eight years of operation.

Indeed, when asked about how business has been, Mark readily replied, “We’ve done better than most.”

This from a pizzeria owner who has seen shortages in just about every staple of his business.

Like chicken wings.

And pepperoni.

And bacon.

And ham.

And now, even pizza boxes.

The wing shortage has a number of causes, according to numerous industry reports.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported back-toback reductions of 29 percent in November and a 24 percent the next month in year-over-year inventories of chicken wings kept in cold storage.

As people stayed indoors and orders increased for comfort foods, restaurants and retailers were selling so many wings their backup supplies were exhausted.

Wholesale prices nearly tripled in the past year from

see PIZZA page 6

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

State Fair relocation faced daunting challenges

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

A

hwatukee won’t have the Arizona State Fair as a neighbor this fall after all.

The Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board last week announced that the fair will be held in October at the fairgrounds at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.

The announcement came less than five months after the board voted unanimously to move the fair to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park on Gila River Indian Community land just south of the interchange between I-10 and the Loop 202 South Mountain /Santan freeways.

But documents obtained by the Ahwatukee Foothills News show that less than a month after the March 25 decision to move the fair, significant doubts arose as to whether the relocation could be pulled off.

Those documents, obtained through a public records request by AFN, show that fair officials projected a $2.6 million loss if the fair had been held at the reservation. That included a loss of $1.6 million in income and just under $975,000 in additional expenses.

For the years 2018 and 2019, records show, the fair averaged $12.2 million in annual income and $8.3 million in expenses for an average net income of $3.8 million.

The same day as the board’s unanimous March 25 vote to move fair, Gov. Doug Ducey’s office released an announcement hailing the action.

It said the GRIC site “is larger than the size of the State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, allowing for appropriate social distancing and other public health mitigation measures.”

It also noted that the fairgrounds had become “a vital location for mass testing and vaccine distribution.”

By moving the event, it added, the fairgrounds could “continue to be available for public health needs in an underserved area of our community” while preventing the second consecutive cancellation of the annual four-week fair because of the pandemic.

The board last week blamed its change of heart on “an inability to secure the necessary infrastructure to hold the fair at the Gila River Indian Community’s Reservation in time for October.”

The Arizona State Fair will be held Oct. 2-30, but at its usual fairgrounds instead of at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park as originally planned five months ago. (Special to AFN) It also said, “related supply chain probWhile noting the fair will run Oct. 2-30, lems across the country are causing delays the board’s statement did not mention in materials and supplies needed to hold there will be no concerts this year because the fair at the” GRIC site and that “manu- of scheduling difficulties created by the facturers are unable to guarantee on-time pandemic. delivery.”

Wild Horse Pass Development Authority “The Gila River Indian Community and Board Chairman Donald Antoine Sr. startArizona State Fair continue to study the ed the chain of events leading to the March possibility of moving the Fair to the Res- 25 decision with a letter last Oct. 28 to the ervation in 2022, in a State Fair Board. manner that will be The authority is mutually beneficial We are committed to the development to both parties,” the creating the best experience arm of the Gila board said.

River Indian Comfor the State Fair guests, It also included a munity. statement by board “WHPDA has the partners and sponsors, Chairman Jonathan space and know due to the limited timeframe Lines, an influenhow to host and tial Yuma County and supply concerns, keeping the deliver a meaningRepublican and safe and apFair at its existing home makes ful, former chairman of propriately scaled the most sense for 2021. the Arizona Repuboutdoor event,” Anlican Party. tone wrote, offer“We are commiting to hold the fair ted to creating the best experience for the in March and stating: State Fair guests, partners and sponsors,” “In a time where diverse cultures need Lines said. “Due to the limited timeframe to unite more than ever, WHPDA is hopeful and supply concerns, keeping the Fair at they can be helpful in partnering with the its existing home makes the most sense Arizona State Fair to allow our community for 2021. to safely come together.”

“We remain committed to working with In a run-up to a subsequent meeting the Gila River Indian Community to see if Nov. 12 between state and tribe officials, we can move the Fair to the Gila River In- state fair staff drew up a lengthy memo dian Reservation in 2022 in a manner that outlining the wide array of issues that is mutually beneficial to both sides.” need to be addressed if the fair were to

be moved to an 1,800-acre site in an area around the Motorsports Park and Rawhide Western Town.

Even then, concerns were raised about a walking distance of a quarter-mile to three quarters of a mile between the fairgrounds and parking area, a limited water supply, the existence of only one “convention type building,” the fact that all electrical power would have to be supplied by generators.

Other concerns cited in the memo included the fact that workers comp and insurance requirements for contractors and businesses operation on reservation land “are typically more expensive and a little different than standard Workmen’s Comp.”

Still, on Feb. 25, Meg Anema, executive management assistance for the fair, emailed the exposition board, writing “the future is certainly filled with exciting opportunities.”

Nevertheless, the concerns raised that had already been raised over preparing a site from scratch for an event that has drawn as many as a million people in past years prompted fair officials to decide that a March date was too ambitious.

Taking note of that in its March 25 announcement, Ducey’s office said that by holding the fair later this year, the state could “move forward with fair planning and not risk the event being canceled again due to uncertainty.

“As always, the fair will include agricultural, cultural and performing arts components. Additionally, given the location on native lands, a special focus will be placed on Indian Country and the state’s rich Native American heritage,” his office declared.

Less than a month later, however, the scope of challenges widened.

“While we continue to explore and find alternative and creative solutions to our infrastructure needs, costs continue to increase,” an unsigned memo dated April 20 stated. “We are finding that nothing is impossible, but expenses may prevent it from being viable or obtainable.”

“As costs continue to rise,” it continued, “there is a more prevalent feel of parties questioning the viability of making the fair work at WHPMSP.” The acronym refers to the Motorsports Park.

Both the state and authority “entered

see FAIR page 13

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PIZZA from page 3

around $1 a pound to as much as $3.

Zzeeks felt that shortage particularly keenly when it came to boneless wings, which nationally are less popular than those with bones.

“Let’s go back 18 months,” he explained.

“I get my wings from Tyson and they buy from the chicken farmers. But the chickens they get are rotting in a plant.

“Normally you have guys working elbow to elbow in a plant deboning wings,” he explained. “So, in comes COVID and so you have social distancing – you saw what happened in meatpacking plants: People were getting sick."

“Now the problem is where you had four guys working next to each other, you have two separated by distance. People think it’s a shortage of birds when it’s really a shortage of people. They just can’t keep up with the demand.”

And even after they figured out the social distancing part, he added, chicken plants can’t find enough production workers to meet that demand.

In some ways, it probably wouldn’t matter if they could find the help: a nationwide shortage of qualified semitrailer

Zzeeks Pizza & Wings is a family affair for Mark and Jody Pectol and sons Boston, a senior at Arizona State University, and Jaxson, a senior at Mountain Pointe High. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

drivers has crippled a number of industries, he noted.

Mark said only two weeks ago they caved in when it came to what Zzeeks charges for an order of wings.

“I’m telling you that you will never again in your lifetime see bone-in wings for a dozen below $13,” said Mark, a selfdescribed wing fan. “We’re trying not to gouge people on our wings, but we finally ~ Lux

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raised our prices last week. Until then we were still $9.99, but we couldn’t do it anymore. We just had to pass it along because you can’t lose money on an item.”

The pepperoni shortage has been a byproduct of the disruptions in meat production.

“The meats I get come from Chicago,” he said, explaining that he buys a higher grade but more expensive brand of pepperoni than what many of his competitors

offer.

While pepperoni generally is made from a combination of pork and beef, many producers’ combinations vary regularly because they use more of whatever meat is cheaper and more readily available at any given time.

“So every batch will be different,” Mark said. “My pepperoni is made from a specific formula – this much of this, that much of that. It never varies.”

But when the shortage struck last summer, he got nervous.

Bloomberg reported that creating pepperoni is labor-intensive and has low profit margins. So, many producers were opting for larger cuts of meat and not bothering with pepperoni at all.

Mark said he stocked up on as much as he could find and yet, he said, “I’m having to check weekly on how much pepperoni they have in order to stay ahead of it.”

“I’ve got a month’s supply I’m sitting on in every one of my stores because I don’t know when I’m going to be short,” Mark said. “In days gone by, I’d have seven or 14 days worth…So it creates a cash flow issue.”

The latest shortage – of boxes, no less

see PIZZA page 9

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PIZZA from page 6

– was so stunning that Jodi lamented two weeks ago on social media: “Every day FOR MONTHS our trucks come and we have no idea what we are going to be shorted. Yet every single week the prices go up and up. We are exhausted and it’s extremely difficult running a restaurant right now.

“It’s not a distributor problem it’s a manufacturing problem.

“But when will this end ????”

International Paper Chairman/CEO Mark Sutton warned in May about the impact of supply chain disruptions on his corner of the world, saying the demand for cardboard had stretched his company’s ability to meet the demand to the max.

That demand – up 25 percent for International Paper year-over-year, Sutton told CNBC three months ago – has been driven by the huge increase in e-commerce.

With all those goods requiring cardboard boxes for delivery, Sutton said his company has grappled with shortages of certain chemicals used to make cardboard as well as a shortage of workers.

Thomas Ryan, the director of corporate communications at International

480-706-7234 !

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Paper, told Business Insider, "As COVID restrictions began to loosen, the economy started to pick up steam. Then, the winter storms hit, and inputs began to get tight – for us, fiber, recovered fiber, petroleum derivatives such as chemicals for adhesives.

Then, add a tight labor market to the mix."

Pulp Paper News, a trade publication, reported that in 2021, "global prices for pulp for three months of the current year increased by 30 percent."

As a result of all this pressure, the Pectols are treating each box like a precious gem.

“We ended Sunday night with less than 50 boxes combined,” Mark said, referring to all four Zzeeks pizzerias.

That meant he was running to each store, juggling the supply of boxes. “I’m like ‘I'm going to take 25 from you and go drop 20 of those here so we could get through it.' We went to Chef’s Store, we went to Restaurant Depot. Nothing.”

Dealing gingerly with suppliers, he shuns brown boxes because white boxes are sturdier. But white boxes require bleach – a product that has been impacted by the chlorine shortage.

“So, opposed to having nothing to deliver it in, I’ll go to brown,” Mark said. “We won’t put our pizzas in them; we’ll put our second-

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sons, Boston, an Arizona State University senior majoring in business, and Jaxson, a senior at Mountain Pointe High.

But Jody gets a little anxious when asked about hired help.

“We have not experienced a labor shortage as of yet,” she said, “but we certainly can feel it becoming more difficult.”■

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ary items in them – cheese bread and stuff.”

While the Pectols haven’t run into their own labor shortages, Mark wonders when all these supply disruptions will end.

He sees a “people shortage” along every step of virtually every manufacturing process for every ingredient Zzeeks relies on.

“I think it's a labor issue,” he said. “I have had so many of my friends in the restaurant business say that. …You get 27 applications coming in. You make at least 15 interviews. And then they don’t show up.”

Jody noted, “We are always hiring friendly local people and we never stop hiring.”

The couple get a big help from their two

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

BOSCO from page 1

of operation. “I told them, ‘I’ll be there.

There will be some teachers there so they wouldn’t be there by themselves.’ But I thought parents would want to be with their kids. And you know, every last parent appreciated that.”

Just as America survived that horrific day, St. John Bosco has thrived.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Pre-K-8 private school prides itself on academic excellence, boasting that 99 percent of its graduates get into the first choice of a high school.

Building on a foundation initially laid down by Sdao and others who worked with four East Valley parishes to establish the school, St. John Bosco’s technology infrastructure is such that when the pandemic shut down schools in March 2020, students missed only one day of instruction, according to Principal Jamie Bescak.

“We were able to get online right away that March and they had full instruction for their core classes – math, language arts. They got a little bit of social studies and science in there and they got their religion too,” Bescak said.

“Our teachers were able to still execute what was supposed to be taught to those kids at the end of the year. So, they didn’t really miss too much academically. They missed a lot of fun. They missed the inperson stuff…We were able to direct and instruct and those kids were so wonderful and very tech savvy.”

In many ways, St. John Bosco is far removed from the kind of Catholic grade school that Sdao recalled growing up in when she was a youngster in Detroit.

Most notable is the absence of sternfaced nuns in intimidating garb freely wielding rulers to keep kids in line.

“The old nuns in my day were such disciplinarians,” Sdao said. “But the only thing is, they really prepared you for college. If you were going to go to college, man, you knew how to write.”

And Bescak added that even though St. John Bosco is light years’ ahead in technology from what she was exposed to as a Catholic elementary student, “the mission is the same: We are an extension of the church.”

That means weekly mass for the entire student body at adjacent St. Benedict’s, catechism instruction, a chapel used often by teachers and students alike.

During this landmark year for the

On one side of St. John Bosco Catholic School's chapel, the emblems of the four parishes that helped start it have been set in stone. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) school, Bescak is settling into her first year as principal.

A Gilbert resident and the product of Catholic schools throughout her years as a student in her native Ohio, Bescak is in her seventh year at St. John Bosco.

To say she’s worn many hats - often at the same time – is an understatement.

After 20 years as a teacher in Mesa Public Schools district, Bescak started as a third-grade teacher at St. John Bosco.

She quickly added reading specialist to her duties.

Then she taught kindergarten, simultaneously taking on the role of preschool director and after-school supervisor.

“And then a year later, they just kept adding on more things,” she said with a laugh, “where I became a facility supervisor, developing and marketing. And then basi-

cally, it was really whatever the principal wanted or needed…And then, she retired and in the spring of last year, I interviewed and applied for the position of principal.”

Bescak also is a school mom: Because Gilbert has no Catholic grade school, Bescak enrolled her daughter in St. John Bosco’s preschool program when she got her first job there. Today, she is a sixth grader.

With a faculty of about 25 teachers and an enrollment of 366 students, St. John Bosco also has at least one staffer who was on hand when it all began.

Librarian Theresa Harvey started as a fourth grade teacher at St. John Bosco when Sdao opened its doors.

Both women recalled how a group of parents, educators and priests had planned for years to open a school in Ahwatukee because there was no Catholic

The school's namesake was an Italian priest who dedicated his life to helping children and juveniles at a time when industrialization in the early 19th century battered Italy society.

(Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

grade school.

At the time it started with 251 students, St. John Bosco was an “interparish school” because it drew financial and spiritual support from four Catholic parishes – St. Benedict and Corpus Christi in Ahwatukee, St. John the Apostle in Chandler and Holy Spirit in Tempe.

Now, it is a ministry solely of St. Benedict Church and draws students from Chandler, Tempe and even Gilbert, though most are from Ahwatukee.

“These parishes started years before the school was built,” Harvey recalled. “They really worked hard. They called people.

They started this campaign to raise money and then it came to fruition. The parishioners of all four parishes really came together and really worked as a community to build it and stock it with books and things like that.”

Sdao looks fondly on those early days.

With both public and Catholic teaching in her background, she also had been a principal in the Washington Elementary School District when she was asked to help plan St. John Bosco.

“I spent the whole year with construction people and it was really a fascinating year,” the former Ahwatukee resident said.

“I also got a chance to go to all the parishes, talk to parents, answer questions.”

Sdao also had to recruit teachers. “That was a huge thing,” she said. “We wanted to be sure we had the right kind of teachers that were comfortable teaching Catholicism. We wound up with some very good teachers.”

She also helped lay the foundation for the school’s technology infrastructure, recalling “learning through computers was really starting to take off then.”

Her work and that of the rest of the construction committee serve St. John Bosco well.

Dotted by trees that have matured over the last two decades, the campus was laid out with plenty of outdoor space and classrooms run off outdoor corridors.

That layout made it far easier than most private or public schools for St. John Bosco to offer in-person learning when the 2020-21 school year began since various grades could learn outdoors.

Sdao “was a very nurturing principal,” Harvey said. “It was great for the children, the parents and the teachers. It was great for the community.”

see BOSCO page 17

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

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The fair would have required significant infrastructure development on the Gila River Indian Community reservation if it had been held there this year. (Special to AFN)

FAIR from page 4

into the negotiations agreeing that infrastructure cost would be absorbed by the Gila River Indian Community,” the memos stated, putting infrastructure costs at between $3 million and $3.5 million with other costs such as lighting, rodeo amenities and concert arenas at another “$1 million plus.”

There were other concerns as well.

While the memo made no mention of weekend traffic disruptions created by the Broadway Curve project, it referred to upcoming meetings involving the Arizona Department of Transportation, state police and various local police and public works departments to discuss solutions to “freeway traffic and street traffic concerns due to large crowd size on normal busy freeways.”

Staff also was uncertain whether a solution could even be found for the fact that neither state Department of Public Safety nor local police have jurisdiction

on tribal land.

Noting that DPS and GRIC police were working on a solution, the memo also the tribal police department did not have enough staffing to handle all the traffic and other law enforcement concerns anyway.

The memo also referred to the need for additional septic tanks and the fact that the main water pipe across the fair site was only two inches in circumference and “maybe insufficient.”

Fair staff also struggled to find a donation of dirt for the rodeo to avert a cost of at least $100,000. The rode would cost money anyway because bleachers would have to be purchased.

And the memo noted that it probably would be a good idea to “start calendar with other events” since no one had apparently had a firm idea of what else would be going on in the way of rawhide concerts, golf tournaments, home games at the new Phoenix Rising arena or at Wild Horse Pass Casino. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

I-10 closures continue this weekend AFN NEWS STAFF

A

hwatukee motorists using I-10 this weekend can expect more of the same as another segment is closed for the initial stages of the I-10 Broadway Curve Project.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is implementing closures every weekend this month in either the eastbound or westbound lanes between US 60 and either State Route 143 or I-17 from 10 p.m.

Friday to 4 a.m. Monday.

The closures will enable crews to scrape asphalt from the closed lanes as the I-10 Broadway Curve project picks up steam.

Beginning Friday night, Aug. 13,

Eastbound I-10 will be closed between state routes 143 and 51. Ramps that will be closed include: I-17 to eastbound I-10, Seventh Street to eastbound I-17, and the eastbound I-10 ramps at Jefferson, 24th and 32nd streets and Buckeye Road.

Eastbound I-10 motorists will have to take eastbound Red Mountain Freeway and get on southbound SR143 to return to I-10.

Here’s a peak at the upcoming closures this month:

Aug. 20-23

Westbound I-10 between SR 143 and 24th Street will be closed, as well the southbound SR 143 ramp to westbound I-10 and I-10 westbound ramps at Broadway Road and 40th and 32nd streets.

Westbound I-10 drivers will have to exit onto northbound SR 143 and access westbound Red Mountain Freeway to pick up with the open westbound I-10 lanes again.

Aug. 27-30

Eastbound I-10 will be closed between US 60 and SR 51. A slew of on ramps will be closed at Seventh, Jefferson, 24th, 32nd and 40th streets and Broadway and Buckeye roads.

Eastbound I-10 drivers will have to head east on the Red Mountain Freeway, take southbound Loop 101 and get on westbound 60 to get back to I-10.

ADOT has mobile apps that people can download on the App Store at rb.gy/gnpzao or on Google Play at rb.gy/smi4u9 for updates on closures. They also can find information at i10broadwaycurve.com.

At least 50 closures of one kind or another during the course of the project for the next three to four years. At some point the Broadway Road bridge over I-10 will also be razed, causing prolonged disruptions for traffic in that area.

The project includes widening I-10 to six general purpose lanes and two high-occupancy-vehicle, or HOV, lanes in each direction between US 60 and I-17 and adding a fourth general purpose lane in each direction between Ray Road and US 60.

ADOT will be adding collector-distributor roads that parallel I-10 between Baseline Road and 40th Street to separate

NEWS

through-traffic on I-10 from local traffic entering or exiting the highway. Unlike frontage roads along portions of the existing freeway system, these CD roads will not intersect with perpendicular roads.

Crews also will be rebuilding the I-10 interchange with SR 143 to improve traffic flow and create direct connections to and from SR 143 for drivers in the I-10 HOV lanes. This part of the project will reduce lane changes and often hair-raising weaving between Interstate 10 in the Broadway Curve and on State Route 143 at University Drive.

When work is completed, drivers on westbound I-10 will exit I-10 near Baseline Road and use the CD roads to access northbound SR 143 and reach the airport.

The entire SR 143 and I-10 interchange will be replaced by ramps that make a direct connection for drivers from the general and HOV lanes and eliminates the existing cloverleaf ramp that connects southbound SR 143 with eastbound I-10. ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

WEST from page 1

acre golf course’s future.

The Edge, comprising four men who bought the course from Wilson Gee, and Shea Homes, which has tentatively agreed to buy the site from them – flexed their muscles with the HOA board in June.

They warned the board that they – not the board – have rights over the site and are prepared to fight to protect them.

The warnings came in response to the board’s initial vote to “extinguish” the course’s declarant rights that Russell preliminarily ruled it didn’t have, according to documents obtained by the Ahwatukee Foothills News.

While those declarant rights require the course’s owner to maintain a world-class championship golf course, they also appear to contain an escape clause.

Russell’s preliminary ruling noted that those rights indicate that the owner “shall be entitled to release or cancel all or any portion of the declaration with respect to all or any portion of the golf course property at any time without the consent or approval of any other party.”

Shea Homes already has signaled an interest in the site for houses – the very thing that gave birth to the Conservancy in early 2020 after The Edge presented a proposal for restoring the course paid for through the sale of three pieces of the site to a different homebuilder.

That company quickly bowed out amid early opposition, especially from many of the approximate 320 homeowners who paid premium lot prices to be on the course’s perimeter.

Fiercely opposed to any houses on the site, the Conservancy also sued the board after learning it acquired the course’s declarant rights from Shea Homes for free through a series of actions dating back to 2011.

Russell invalidated that transfer.

And in June both The Edge and Shea Homes reminded the board of that.

“Candidly, we are perplexed how the HOA can consider taking such action,” Shea Homes Vice President David Garcia wrote the board on June 24 about its move

BOSCO from page 12

As Bescak continues to build like her predecessors on the foundation Sdao helped develop, the school draws its support from both tuition and an active body of parents.

“We do have tremendous technology

The future of the Club West Golf Course remains very much in the air as a lawsuit involving its use regulations continues in Superior Court. (Tom Sanfilippo/Inside Out Aerial) to “extinguish” the declarant rights.

Noting that “as recently as June 11, CWC attempted to counsel Shea as to how CWC would like to see Shea exercise its declarant rights,” Garcia told HOA board President Julie Tyler in his letter: “Therefore, we are unsure of what authority the HOA believes it possesses to unilaterally terminate declarant rights it never appears to have possessed, especially in light of the court’s ruling. Shea reserves all relevant rights – in place now or in the future – under the Golf CC&Rs and any other relevant documents or legal theories.”

While Garcia cited his company’s rights under the covenants, conditions and restrictions governing the course’s use, The Edge was far more blunt.

Edge spokesman Matt Shearer reminded the board that it now is dominated by people who belonged to or supported the Conservancy.

They defeated the original defendants in the lawsuit in an election several weeks after Russell’s ruling, but as board members are now defendants in the Conservancy suit. ”You caused the HOA to spend tens of thousands of homeowner dollars to defend that lawsuit which was still going on when you became board members,” Shearer said in prepared remarks, a copy

here because our parents are so generous with our fundraising,” Bescak said. “For our annual gala that happens in the spring every year, we were able to raise virtually just last year about $70,000…We just purchased all the new Chromebooks for our teachers. This year, every year we’re doing

of which he provided AFN. “You are now spending tens of thousands of homeowner dollars to try and undo what you requested,” he continued.

“Per the actions of the Club West Conservancy, Shea Homes now owns the Declarant Rights and The Edge has an option to purchase those Declarant Rights. Your actions are exposing yourselves and the Association to potential lawsuits for tortious interference, breach of fiduciary duty and, (if any documents are recorded), slander of title.”

“Simply put, The Edge believes your actions to be illegal,” Shearer told board members, charging their preferred outcome for the site was to “stand down” and “let the land slip into further blight, crime and vandalism.”

“It may appear you are attempting to assure the land will always be a championship golf course,” Shearer also said, alleging the board had hastily called a meeting on June 24 to rescind the extinguishing of the declarant rights.

Stating “the walkable park is out of the question” and that the board could never afford to restore and maintain a golf course, Shearer cited the water issues that led to the course’s demise and that remain a daunting obstacle to its restoration.

“You are either setting a course for the homeowners to finance very costly litiga-

something to upgrade our technology and our curriculum.”

Bescak and others also hear from many alumni – some of whom will be among more than 300 supporters who will gather Saturday in St. John Bosco’s spacious courtyard for an anniversary barbecue,

17

tion as at the Lakes (which was privately financed and did not burden homeowners unwilling to participate),” he said, “or you are assuring the property will remain a dead, barren burden on property values.”

Tyler and Tom Bell, the chairman of the HOA board’s litigation committee, have declined comment on the legal stalemate, as did their attorney, Tim Barnes.

In an interview, Conservancy President Derik Herpfer said the group filed the suit because it felt “the previous board was doing things not consistent” with the promises made when homeowners along the course paid premium lot prices.

He said those actions were “making it easier…for people who are more interested in speculating on real estate than necessarily maintaining the amenities that make Club West so special.”

Asked about the inability of the Conservancy and the new board to settle the lawsuit, Herpfer said his group has been trying to determine if there is a “mutual settlement that would satisfy not only the CWC but other viewpoints within the community and so that is really what’s been going back and forth and it appears that we will not be able to reach a consensus that meets everyone’s needs.”

He said the Conservancy “actually reached out to Shea” because “we thought it was important that CWC shares our findings, and listening to the community.”

One particular survey involved the unique responses from about 800 of Club West’s approximate 2,600 homeowners.

In that survey, the overwhelming portion of respondents favored either the restoration of the golf course or turning it into a park.

Few favored any homes on the site, though Shearer said the survey failed to capture the feelings of 1,800 other homeowners.

Stating the survey showed “the majority of people do not want houses and they’d rather prefer to leave the land as is,” Herpfer said any homes on the course “would take what is currently a great master plan

see WEST page 18

the first of many celebrations of its two decades as an Ahwatukee landmark.

And Bescak said she plans to be there for those and other celebrations in years ahead.

“So my plan is,” she said, “I’m their seventh principal and it's the 20th year. I hope to be here for 20 years before I retire.” ■

18

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

Mask mandates may yet return to Ahwatukee schools AFN NEWS STAFF

K

yrene and Tempe Union students, parents and staff may see the return of a facemask mandate on campuses as early as this week.

As more districts defy the state mandate ban that Republican legislators snuck into the state budget in the waning days of this year’s session, both districts’ governing boards were set to meet early this week past the print deadline for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. (Updated details will be published on Ahwatukee.com).

Kyrene Governing Board held an executive session last Friday to discuss “legal advice with its attorneys regarding its position regarding the district’s school safety plan and related issues; and to ARS 38431.03.A.8 for discussion or consideration of matters relating to school safety operations or school safety plans or programs.”

Kyrene’s regular meeting was scheduled for last night, Aug. 10.

The reference to the law is the Legislature’s ban on vaccine and mask mandates.

Though it is retroactive to July 1, it technically does not take effect until Sept. 29 and carries no penalties for violations.

At the same time Kyrene met behind closed doors, Tempe Elementary Governing Board held a special meeting to give its superintendent the authority to impose a mask requirement for all students, staff and visitors on its campuses.

Tempe Union Governing Board scheduled a special meeting for Monday night, Aug. 9, to “discuss and possibly take action on a resolution subject to House Bill 2898.”

What’s significant is that all three districts share the same lawyer, Jordan Ellel, who earlier had advised the districts to follow the law.

But Tempe Elementary’s resolution

WEST from page 17

community and rip it apart.”

“Shea Homes is not planning on developing a golf course,” he said.

Asked whether members feel frustrated about the lack of a resolution in the legal fight, Herpfer said: “No, I wouldn’t say we’re frustrated. I mean, we won every one of our objections to the previous HOA board. We won on the merits. And in terms of our preferences, we would like the golf course re-

urges the Legislature to rescind the ban and said it “supports in-person learning, local control and … universal masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools while COVID-19 transmission remains high or substantial in our district community.”

It also “authorizes the superintendent to temporarily suspend compliance with” any regular practices, procedures and protocols that “may not be reasonable, feasible or advisable to implement during the covid-19 outbreak.”

A similar, possibly identical, resolution was expected to be adopted by both the Kyrene and Tempe Union boards.

A spokeswoman for Tempe Elementary said that as of Monday, no mandate had been imposed. Spokespersons for Tempe Union and Kyrene declined comment on their respective board's plans.

COVID-19 transmission levels are listed as “high” in all three school districts, according to data released last Thursday by the county health department.

Cases per 100,000 people are range between 199 and 206 in the districts. While the percentage of new positive test results dipped slightly, the figure for all three districts is still hovering around 15 percent.

Both sets of the numbers are the highest since early spring after several months of a downward trend.

At the same time, while the county does not provide vaccination data by school districts, ZIP codes within all three districts show a wide range in the percentage of

stored and the current owners to live up to their obligations.”

In a June interview, Tyler said, “Legally, we want to protect the community in any way we can. So that’s why, depending on how the court rules and how it writes up the final judgment, we just want to do what’s best for everybody in the community and everybody in the community wants the HOA to step in and protect the land and protect everybody in the community.”

“We can’t stop The Edge from selling the land,” she also said. “All we can do is en-

eligible residents who are fully vaccinated.

Among those with the lowest percentage of fully vaccinated eligible residents is 85283, covering part of Tempe and all of Guadalupe, with a vaccination rate of 51.3 percent. By contrast, Ahwatukee ZIP code 85045 has a 68.5 percent fully vaccinated rate.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall Warner declined last week to issue a temporary restraining order against Phoenix Union, one of the first diostricts to defy the ban on mask mandates.

Warner wants to hear more evidence at a hearing set for Friday on a suit brought by a biology teacher in that district. And even if he agrees that no one is violating the law as of right now, he still could bar future enforcement.

Gov. Doug Ducey has so far only taken verbal slaps at schools that he contends are violating a law banning any requirement that students and staff wear masks.

Press aide C.J. Karamargin said his boss believes districts that have chosen to defy what the governor claims is the law by saying they are protecting public health actually are grandstanding or engaged in feigned righteousness.

“They are imposing a mask mandate that is in violation of the law,’’ Karamargin responded.

Despite all that, Ducey has yet to actually seek a court order to enforce the antimask legislation. Instead, his press aide simply denies there is a problem.

“We expect school districts to follow the

force our legal rights. And we’re trying to figure out what those are.”

Asked if he thought the Club West litigation would become a years-long fight like the Ahwatukee Lakes case, Herpfer replied, “until a more definitive view of what can be done with the golf course or what should be done with the golf course property, you’ll see a lot of these alternative ideas that may not be aligned with what was previously promised – a lot of speculation and ingenious business plans that basically are trying to take the club out of

law,’’ said Karamargin.

He brushed aside questions about the fact that the statute does not take effect until Sept. 29.

“All options are on the table,’’ he said.

But actually putting his own name on a challenge runs the risk of a judge concluding that the governor’s reading of the statute has no basis in law.

So that leaves Ducey with only the attacks on the non-compliant school districts at a time when his outgoing health director, Dr. Cara Christ is urging people to wear masks.

Others have their own reaction.

For example, Sen. Kelly Townsend, RMesa, noted on Twitter that lawmakers will be constructing a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2022.

“I will not be voting to fund any agency that defies law in the name of Covid panic,’’ she said.

Townsend later acknowledged there are constitutional obligations for the state to fund public schools. But she told Capitol Media Services that does not tie the hands of lawmakers.

“I am sure there are constitutional ways to do it,’’ Townsend said.

“I dont mean to completely defund,’’ she continued. “But financial sanctions must happen at this point.’’

Lake Havasu Republican Rep. Sonny Borrelli wants a special session of the Legislature to deal with the rebellion. “You don’t get to just ignore the law everytime you don’t like it,’’ he wrote.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona criticized Republican governors for banning mask mandates in their states.

“Our kids have suffered enough,’’ he said.

“Let’s do what we know works,’’ Cardona continued. “fPolitics doesn’t have a role in this. Educators know what to do.’’ ■ Club West.”

“We should all be striving to find solutions that bring everyone to the promised land not throwing people out of the boat so that only a few can make it there,” he said.

Stressing “basically CWC is committed to no houses” and that “we believe that would only be to the detriment of the broader community,” Herpfer also said: “We believe that once houses are allowed on the course, then why wouldn’t any profit-maximizing company put as many houses as possible on there.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

Ahwatukee-based Pacemakers impress at USATF Nationals

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

C

lint “Flash” Santoro’s legacy in the Ahwatukee community has already been etched in stone for his work with amateur runners of all ages.

He, himself, has won numerous gold medals and state titles competing in a variety of cross country and track & field events. But as of late, it’s those he trains who have also found themselves atop various podiums across the state and country.

This year is no different.

Along with Flash, one other member of the Ahwatukee-based Arizona Pacemakers won gold at the USATF Masters Track and Field Outdoor National Championship, held in Ames, Iowa from July 22-25.

Two other members of the team won silver in their respective events, and three won gold with others claiming spots in the top 10 nationally.

“The thing for which I’m most proud of them is hearing from their competitors about their sportsmanship and kindness,” Flash said. “These people are a class act.

You can’t ask for more as a coach. That beats any performance, any day. It doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty badass competitors that medaled, either.”

The 2021 national championship was the first since the COVID-19 pandemic took its hold on the country in March

Gold medalists

Clint Santoro M45-49 3000m Steeplechase Paula Murray, Bridget Augustine, Jonanda Duvenhage, Tracy Lee, 4x800m relay, Arizona state record

achieve quite often.

This year, it was to win his third straight national title. He did that in the men’s 300-meter steeplechase in the 4549 age group. The shared happiness between him and his Pacemaker athletes was something he cherishes the most from this year’s trip to nationals.

Tracy Lee, Jonanda Duvenhage, Bridget Augustine and Paula Murray, “The overall reacall part of the Arizona Pacemakers, won gold in the women’s 4x800- tion from the team meter relay, setting a new state record while doing so. (Courtesy Clint was a shared hap“Flash” Santoro) piness, both for me 2020. In Arizona, where restrictions were and with me, as they knew my personal lessened last summer, Flash and his team goal was to win my third straight national had the opportunity to practice and com- championship,” said Flash, who usually competes at nationals alone. “Within the pete in various in-state events.

In June, the Pacemakers dominated the group, I endorse that athletes do not worry field in the Arizona state championships, about winning or medaling. It should hapwinning nine gold medals, six silver and a pen organically and is subject to whombronze. Like he did in nationals, Flash also ever shows up on any given day, that is the competed alongside his team at state and best mentally and physically prepared, and won a title himself. wants it the most.

The ability to coach and compete at the “This year, that ‘whomever’ was me and same time is something Flash has become I wanted it more than anyone.” used to. He’s done it since he was young The team of Paula Murray, Bridget Augrowing up in Connecticut. He has consis- gustine, Jonanda Duvenhage and Tracy Lee tently set goals for himself that he tends to were the others to take home gold for the

Arizona Pacemakers at nationals

Silver medalists

#4 in the USA

Bronze medalists

#5 in the USA

Bridget Augustine, W45-49, 1500m Carol Douglass, W50-54, Shot Put Carol Douglass, W50-54, Discus Lyndee Tisinger, W45-49, 2000m Steeplechase Tracy Lee, W50-54, 1500m

Bridget Augustine, W45-49, 5000m Clint Santoro, M45-49, 400m hurdles Jonanda Duvenhage, W50-54, 1500m Tracy Lee, W50-54, 800m

Pacemakers in the 4x800-meter relay. In doing so, they set a new Arizona state record.

Augustine also won silver in the 1500-meter run in the women’s 45-49 age group. Carol Doglass, who competed in the 50-54 age group, won silver in shot put and bronze in discus. Lyndee Tisinger took home bronze in the women’s 45-49 2000-meter steeplechase, while Lee, who won gold in the relay, added a bronze medal in the women’s 50-54 1500-meter run.

The Pacemakers now set their sights on the indoor nationals, scheduled to take place next March at the Armory Track in New York. They will also compete in various 5Ks and marathons this fall.

Flash isn’t one to ever have specific expectations for his athletes. He only ever wants them to have fun competing in a sport they truly love. Even after the performance they had at nationals, that won’t change.

“The only expectations I ever put on my athletes are non-performance-based,” Flash said. “After all, I only coach athletes who enjoy running and I tell them to run and compete for themselves.

“With this philosophy, runners never feel added pressure to perform for an outside influence like a coach or the team, and then they can do what I’m coaching them to do – have fun, compete to feel accomplished using their current fitness, continue to learn and enjoy the sport for a lifetime.” ■

#6 in the USA

Mike Williamson, M50-54, 800m

#7 in the USA

Paula Murray, W50-54, 1500m

#8 in the USA

Mike Williamson, M50-54, 1500m

Cond Park B Str Ba Shoulder, kn And We are a

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

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Community

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23

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Nonpro�it helps parents, kids escape drug use

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

T

een drug abuse and addiction can invade any home anywhere, no matter how ‘good’ that home life is. ‘I thought it would never happen to my family’ is the common refrain among parents in crisis.

Gary Mirich, a long-time Ahwatukee resident, penned those words to explain how and why he and four other families founded the Fingerprints Foundation three years ago.

Mirich and his wife Kerry experienced the sucker punch that many parents have had to deal with – or could someday – as the epidemic of drug abuse engulfs the young, some still in elementary school.

The couple share their story because their daughter, now 22, has been drugfree since 2015.

Enthusiastic Sobriety sponsors events to teach teens they can have fun without using drugs. (Special to AFN) The painful years that precede that year are engraved on their hearts and minds, leaving them with a passion to help other

parents find a way out and heal as a family.

“As a family, we had the kids in sports, theater, and church from the get-go. Our

home never had alcohol or drugs, and our kids knew we stood against drug use,” recalled Mirich.

“Our daughter began secretly drinking and experimenting with drugs around age 13. By 16, when our suspicions were confirmed, she had used pills, pot and LSD.” When they found out, the world as they knew it, collapsed.

“As parents who recognized our own personal powerlessness to change our child’s behavior, we eventually realized we were way out of our league. We didn’t have the tools to best help our daughter, or the damage being done to our family,” he said.

“No matter what, though, there is hope and lots of it, through recovery.

His family found recovery through an Enthusiastic Sobriety program that special-

�ee FINGERPRINT page 25

Mentoring group spreads its wings in local schools AFN NEWS STAFF

A

nonprofit that offers volunteer dads to mentor troubled kids is spreading its wings across both school districts serving Ahwatukee, Tempe and northern Chandler.

Dads from Ahwatukee and the East Valley whom are trained volunteers of Boys to Men of Greater Phoenix will show up every week to create an ongoing support community for boys aged 12-18.

Starting with 7th graders, “this preventative group mentoring program helps boys find the confidence, tools and positive change they need on their journey to healthy manhood,” said Boys to Men Executive Director and Ahwatukee resident Steve Murphy.

“This fall we plan to run seven schoolbased mentoring circles in four Kyrene and Tempe Union schools,” he said. “While

Boys to Men of Greater Phoenix uses this cheery group photo to recruit interested men to train as mentors and to encourage boys to consider joining as mentees. (Special to AFN) our virtual groups will continue, we are week during an hour class period.” excited to get back to our core evidence All boys are welcome, special to those based in person programs that allows attending Kyrene Centennial, Akimel or men and boys to get real about life, every Kyrene middle schools or Mountain Pointe

High School.

“Your son may still be able to be part of non-school-based programs such as a single moms and sons group, virtual online boys and men groups, rite of passage weekends and monthly adventure groups,” said Murphy, adding that the four-year partnership with Kyrene “has shown improvements as high as 60 percent improvement in behavior and 25 percent increase in grades when caring adult show up for kids.

“Boys can also find confidence and better emotional awareness, even though Boys to Men mentors are not tutors, counselors, nor do they tell the boys what to do,” he explained.

“Seventy five percent of boys in our program are growing up in fatherless homes, which increases their life risks. With Arizo-

�ee BOYS page 25

24

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

Local comedian bringing laughs to Ahwatukee

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Staff Writer

A

nthony Solimini saw a comedic void in Ahwatukee, so he took matters into his own hands.

He is hosting HaHa ‘Tukee Comedy with six other comedians – on Thursdays Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 14 – at Cactus Jack’s in the Safeway strip mall at 48th Street and Elliot Road.

“It’s going to be more than an open mike,” Solimini says. “I’m calling it a featured show, rather than an open mike. I’m actually paying comedians and, potentially, a piece of the door. It’ll be better quality comedians and I’m giving them a little money.”

Prospective comedians send their tapes to Solimini for consideration. The goal is to have “really good comedians.”

Born in Boston, Solimini says he’s been “making people laugh since 1962.” Being the youngest of four, with three older sisters and an Italian grandmother Solimini adds he had no choice but to enter comedy.

This, along with his travels overseas, have provided plenty of material.

A new Ahwatukee resident, the banker by trade lived overseas for 30 years in London, Singapore, Thailand and Hong

Ahwatukee Nutcracker auditions are this Saturday at Studio 111

The auditions are scheduled according to age, beginning at 9 a.m. for ages 3-5, followed by an hour each for ages 6-9 and ages 10 through 13.

At noon, boys of all ages are slotted for a half-hour audition, with boys and girls ages 14 to 20 set for 90 minutes beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Further information and required audition attire for the upcoming auditions for the 2021 Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker: AFNutcracker.com.

The three 2021 holiday performances this year are slated to be held once again at the Madison Center for the Arts, a 3-year-old Phoenix venue located at 5601 N. 16th St. The state-of-the-art, 160,000 square foot Madison Center for the Arts features a 908-seat auditorium.

Dance Studio 111 is located in suite 111 at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information is also available at DanceStudio111.com and by phone at 480-706-6040.

Ahwatukee women’s group to look at adoption reform

Ahwatukee Friends, Family and Neighbors is holding a Zoom presentation called “Advocacy for Adoption Reform” at 1 p.m.

Kong. His resume includes stints at Groupon, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan and Societe General.

On the comic side, he’s been featured on Comedy Central, Asia, and in the movie “I Need You to Kill” with Tom Segura, Chad Daniels and Pete Lee. “Right before I left the States in Ahwatukee resident and comedian Anthony Solimini is performing at 1989, there was Cactus Jack’s. (Tim Sealy/AFN Contributing Photographer) a resurgence of comedy in the 1980s in Boston — and dian. It’s the first full-time comedy club in even more in New York,” he says.

Asia and it fosters local English- and Can“I used to go to shows every night during tonese-speaking talent. the days of Steve Martin. I’m a huge com“I performed at the Comedy Store in edy buff. I used to do community theater.” London,” he says. “I’ve also performed When he moved to Asia, he performed in China, Singapore, Philippines, Austraat venues like TakeOut Comedy Club Hong lia, Hong Kong and here at the House of Kong, which was founded in 2007 by Jami Comedy in Minnesota, and Off the Hook in Gong, a Chinese American standup come- Naples, Florida.”

Back here in Ahwatukee, part of HaHa ‘Tukee is the “Same Topic Challenge.”

A week before a show, comedians are given a topic to push them out of their comfort zone.

“They have to do their set based on that topic,” he says. “It’s a fun way to see who’s really creative and gets their juices flowing. There’s a first prize of $100 every other month. The audience meter fixes the winner.”

Solimini is also behind Stand Up and Deliver, a creative course for wannabe jokesters.

“I’m extremely positive about this, not only about the venue, but the monthly show as well,” he says. “This has been a drug for me. It gives me energy to get on stage. This is a good market for HaHa ‘Tukee.” ■

If You Go...

What: HaHa Tukee with Anthony Solimini Where: Cactus Jack’s, 4747 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 14 Cost: $6 in advance; $8 at the door Info: standupbanker.com

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Aug. 16. Sandy Rogers will share her journey, including how she was reunited with her son on his 20th birthday.

She helped create new laws that allowed adult adoptees to petition the courts for their original birth certificates and testified to the legislature for similar law changes.

Rogers is known locally as the “The Referral Queen” who provides consulting and promotes businesses, events, and products. To register: AFFANWomensgroup@gmail.com.

Registration closes Aug. 15.

AFFAN also will be holding a luncheon on Aug. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special guest speaker Jay Eller will discuss air craft accident investigations.

Eller has been in the Honeywell aircraft accident investigation department for the past 11 years. For details/reservations: affanwomensgroup@gmail.com. Cost for lunch is $17 prepaid.

Registration closes Aug. 15.

Ahwatukee Kiwanis baby shower needs donations of all kinds

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee is hoping the community will open its hearts to support the group’s annual baby shower benefitting Teen Moms in foster care and parenting teens from Tempe Union’s Compadre Teen Parenting Program.

Each of these young moms will receive a basket of new

items based on information received ahead of time with each baby’s gender, age and clothing size. They will be able to “shop” for free for gently used clothing and necessities for their babies.

For moms who are not able to attend the event, clothing and necessities will be chosen for them by volunteers. All the gifts of new and used items will be delivered to them at the group homes or school.

“These young women are alone in their pregnancy and parenting experience without family and friends to support them,” Kiwanis member Andi Pettyjohn said. “They can use our help to make it easier for them to ‘beat the odds’ in this hard life.”

Donations will also be given to moms in crisis at The Phoenix Dream Center, UMOM, Tumbleweed and other shelters.

Foster parents who are fostering babies will also benefit from donations.

Monetary donations can be made by mailing a check to PO Box 50596, Phoenix, AZ 85076 or on the Kiwanis website ahwatukeekiwanis.org People can shop from a gift list as well at amazon.com/ baby-reg/3K5BWAZABFIII. By default, they will be delivered to a volunteer’s house so donors don’t need to worry about delivering them or dropping them off anywhere.

The following new or gently used items are needed: baby clothing sizes newborn to 5T, strollers, socks, diapers, car seats,

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

shoes, toys, sippy cups, baby blankets.

Items can be dropped off at : Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road; Bartoli’s Cleaners, next to Target on Ray Road; Learn N Play, 15626 S. 42nd St.; Triple R Childcare, 4510 Ray Road; Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy.; US West Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd.; God’s Garden at Horizon Presbyterian, 1401 Liberty Lane; Primrose Preschool, 3922 ER. Chandler Blvd.; Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd.; and Tutor Time, 15365 S. 48th St. Information: Andi Pettyjohn, 602-402-6267 or andi@wttaz. com

Petition signing for protection of rights slated in Ahwatukee A petition signing effort to protect voting rights and public education funding is being held in Ahwatukee.

Locations include: 7-10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Nosh Cafe, 4855 E. Warner Road; 9-11 a.m. Saturdays at Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd; 8-11 a.m. Sundays at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, 4700 Warner Road; and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Pomegranate Cafe, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd. ■

COMMUNITY

AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

FINGERPRINT from page 23

izes in the unique needs of teen addiction and recovery over a longer time period rather than the typical 30 days of counseling often offered by recovery programs.

“My daughter is now six years sober and continues to provide experience, strength and hope to others in their recovery journeys,” said Mirich.

The other parent founders of the Fingerprints Foundation had also floundered with helping their addicted children. So, they banded together to direct other suffering families to Enthusiastic Sobriety programs like The Pathway Program in Tempe.

“As parents, our gratitude for the gift of our children’s sobriety as a direct result of Enthusiastic Sobriety compelled the five of us to start the Fingerprints Foundation.

Our purpose is to help more families find their miracle through Enthusiastic Sobriety,” stated Mirich.

Enthusiastic Sobriety programs show teens and young adults involved with drugs that their lives can be fun while sober.

Describing Enthusiastic Sobriety as “specializing in the unique needs of teen addiction and recovery over a longer period of time,” he said the programs “work with the rebellion of youth that’s present even before they become young drug abusers.”

“We found the Enthusiastic Sobriety approach was what our family needed.

It’s amazing how creative they are in showing the kids there’s a better option in being sober.”

Mirich pointed to numerous studies

BOYS from page 23

na’s fatherless rate at 35 percent, that means there are an estimated 200,000 fatherless boys growing up in Maricopa County.”

As a community-based organization, Boys to Men relies on support from the local community in the form of volunteers and funding.

“We need the community’s help in order to serve more boys and families,” Murphy said.

The nonprofit has been offering mentoring for struggling boys in Maricopa County since 2015.

Giving boys a helping hand along the rocky road to manhood is the goal of an organization that provides trained male mentors in a school setting.

They don’t preach, they don’t judge, they don’t rescue. They Model, Accept,

showing the adult brain is not fully formed until about age 25, and prior to that, behaviors can be impulsive, rebellious, pleasure seeking and self-centered.

In other words, along with peer pressure, it creates the perfect storm for experimenting with or falling into the abyss of drug abuse.

Enthusiastic Sobriety, an approach developed in 1972 and founded upon the 12-Steps of Recovery made popular by Alcoholics Anonymous, focuses on teens ages 13-17 and young adults 18-26.

“Our experience has shown that while traditional methods of treatment and recovery may prove extremely beneficial to adults, young people tend to struggle in these settings. This leads to the modern issue of young people who are chronically in and out of treatment,” explained Mirich.

The Fingerprints Foundation website points out that the Enthusiastic Sobriety approach meets the young person “where they are, and tapping into things that do motivate them: fun, peer acceptance, and the possibility of enjoying their lives and their accomplishments.”

“They offer kids something better than drugs: acceptance, community, and an opportunity to serve others,” said Mirich.

“We’ve witnessed these young people get into recovery and stop harming themselves and their families, and it’s just phenomenal. And when they start helping others to get and stay sober, it’s nothing short of a miracle.”

And to help young people and parents pay for programs like Pathway, the FinListen and Encourage, which form the acronym “male.”

Though Boys to Men, founded in San Diego in 1996, is a national and international endeavor, Boys to Men of Greater Phoenix is the fulfilled dream of Murphy, who gave up his long-held corporate position to dedicate his full focus to the nonprofit.

The father of four grown children and grandfather of six, Murphy spent 10 years working with the organization informally before incorporating Boys to Men of Greater Phoenix.

The program is effective because of the sustained mentoring over months and years because the boys develop greater self-confidence and a trusting bond with the boys and mentors.

There are no rows of desks or conference tables occupied in the meeting room.

gerprints Foundation was born as an allvolunteer nonprofit in 2018.

The goal of the foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit formed in 2018, is to increase awareness of programs such as Pathways.

Mirich estimates costs for any recovery program can range anywhere from $7,000 for outpatient to $18,000 for residential.

Helping them with full or partial scholarships is the reason behind the nonprofit launching their upcoming inaugural Golf for Recovery fundraiser.

“To miss out on your child being a part of Enthusiastic Sobriety because of lack of finances is sad to contemplate. In fact, a lot of people have used their 401K by the time they get here. We provide our scholarships to families based on need.”

The need for Enthusiastic Sobriety has never been greater said Mirich.

“Overdose rates in Arizona have risen dramatically. In 2018 studies show deaths involving mainly fentanyl increased nearly twofold with 522 deaths in 2018. What’s scary is the stats only go through 2018.”

Experts believe drug abuse deaths have increased dramatically with the mental and emotional impact of the isolation brought on by the pandemic.

Mirich decried the “modern normalization of drug use.”

“You can see the overall acceptance of drug use with the proliferation of laws relaxing it,” he said. “In high school and college, even younger, you’re looked upon as a freak if you don’t try drugs.”

And that increase is why fundraising is

The boys and men always sit in a circle.

“As men, we go in as very curious teenagers, we don’t go in as authority,” Murphy told AFN in an earlier interview.

The participating boys are chosen by the individual schools, and an invitation is forwarded to their parents or guardian, who can accept or decline. Upon accepting, they give permission for the school to share the student’s grades, attendance and behavior issues, if any, with BtM. “We’re not trying to replace any dad,” explained Murphy. “That said, 80 percent of the boys we work with don’t have fathers at home. And believe me, I give single moms a lot of credit. They’re fighting the good fight.”

The mentoring, Murphy said, is a throwback to the tradition of men and elders teaching the young men – especially at the age of these middle schoolers – what it

25

more important than ever.

On Sept. 26, the Fingerprints Foundation is hosting its inaugural Golf for Recovery fundraiser at the Superstition Springs Golf Course in Mesa, the scramble format tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. and includes a barbeque lunch buffet.

Besides wooing golfers, the Fingerprints Foundation is seeking sponsors at several levels and donations for gift bags and the event auction.

“COVID was hard on a lot of nonprofits, and we felt the hit, too, so we’re hoping to get a good response on this fundraiser,” said Mirich. “We’d love to be able to raise $20,000 so we can offer more scholarships.”

All Golf for Recovery proceeds go to support the mission of the Fingerprints Foundation: “Providing awareness of and access to enthusiastic sobriety treatment and support groups for all those who need them.”

The very name of the foundation is encouragement for a life lived at its best, explains Mirich.

“We call ourselves the Fingerprints Foundation because of an important affirmation that the kids and parents learn in recovery: ‘Everyone has a fingerprint that is unique to themselves. In our lives we touch many things and many people. And our fingerprints can leave a mark that we reached out to those who needed help.

What will your fingerprint show?’

Mirich added, “We hope to leave a fingerprint of hope and life change.”

Information: thefingerprintsfoundation.org. ■ means to be a man.

The Boys to Men website explains: “Men will be there and show up for many forgotten boys in the village.”

“It’s a sustained presence of men who care about the future of these boys,” said Murphy. “And a trust develops, not only between the mentors and the boys, but among themselves. There’s a peer-mentoring that goes on among the boys.”

“We tell the boys, ‘We’re here to make sure your path to manhood is OK,’” he said.

“Our impact is long-term. They learn to become accountable for their choices, and change them if they see that’s not working for them. We do what we’re able to assure they become good men.”

Mentors are male only.

Information: boystomenphoenix.org or email at info@boystomenphoenix. org. ■

26

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

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AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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BUSINESS

Business 30

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

@AhwatukeeFN |

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El Taco Santo owners keep things in the family

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

T

his has been one busy summer for the founders and owners of El Taco Santo.

Not only did they open a new brick and mortar restaurant in Gilbert last month, but they continued to juggle the booming business at their original Ahwatukee location and rolling the byways with their food truck.

Home of the “original Sonoran” style of cooking, the El Taco Food Truck is where this growing dynasty originated.

And it will remain a family-owned and run business, said Cesar Martinez, one of the two founders.

No matter in what new areas they launch new El Taco Santo restaurants – and there are two more currently in the works – they have chosen not to franchise, but to keep all in the family.

“Our goal is to keep Taco Santo as a family-owned business. We’re not looking to become a franchise but we are looking to open in different strategic locations,” said Martinez, ticking off possibilities of new El Taco Santo brick and mortar restaurants in Chandler and Avondale.

“The food truck is still running and will continue as we travel with it throughout the valley at various places and events.

This is where we started, and we will never forget about that and about all the support from our family, and customers who become family.”

The shiny midnight blue food truck, now under the supervision of Gilbert resident Fabrizio Rivera, is a popular draw at festivals and events.

Its popularity and reputation grew after it regularly served Ahwatukee residents before becoming more widely-known throughout the East Valley.

The start of this Sonoran-style grilled taco empire began at a backyard barbeque when Martinez and his longtime friend and partner Adrian Felix were grilling steak and reminiscing about their childhood.

El Taco Santo’s gleaming new restaurant in Gilbert compliments the original one in Ahwatukee. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) “We were in my backyard grilling and talking about meat. Adrian was in meat distribution and I was in catering for 15 years. And we wondered why nobody grilled good meat for tacos,” he said.

“Sure there were tacos, but grilling the steak and pork our way was different so we said, ‘hey, why don’t we?’” recalled Martinez, who holds a degree in business administration.

El Taco Santo founders and partners Adrian Felix and Cesar Martinez just opened a second brick-and-mortar restaurant in Gilbert and plan to open ones in Chandler and Avondale, increasing the footprint of their “original Sonoran” style of cooking that began in Ahwatukee with a restaurant and an ubiquitous food truck. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

“We thought about opening a restaurant, but it was just so expensive. And that’s when we went with a food truck.”

They launched their El Taco Santo Food Truck, specializing in prime grilled Sonoran-style tacos and homemade salsas on Nov. 13, 2016.

Three years later on Nov. 13, their El Taco Santo Restaurant opened at 4025 E. Chandler in Ahwatukee.

On July 17, their second brick and mortar El Taco Santo opened in Gilbert at 835 S. Gilbert Road, on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Warner.

This location, in what has become a town of gastronomes and the restaurants they love, has been slower getting off the ground, but they’re seeing uplifting signs that it’s catching on.

“Our Gilbert location is going well, little by little we are making customers and fans, and we can see that in the three weeks we’ve been open, people are coming back for more, which is always a good sign,” said Martinez.

His partner, Adrian Felix, has been with him since the beginning and remained through the grueling pandemic year when even opening for business was an onagain, off-again proposition.

A longtime Ahwatukee resident, Felix remembers how difficult the early days of the pandemic transformed even simple matters like obtaining supplies into huge hurdles.

“It was a big challenge and scary to keep doing business with COVID,” said Felix, who holds a degree in accounting.

“We were thinking how are we going to survive. We decided to do deliveries and incorporate family packages, whatever it took to stay in business.”

Felix, who shares partnership with Martinez and Hurtado Clark, said all their endeavors are still feeling the effects of the pandemic but they are pressing on.

“We now have Johnny Byrd on the team in Ahwatukee; he’s a veteran, local resi-

�ee EL TACO page 31

BUSINESS

AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Be sure to keep your IRA and 401(k) updated

BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

I

f you’ve had an IRA and a 401(k) for many years, you may occasionally ask yourself some questions: “Am I contributing enough?” “Am I still funding these accounts with the right mix of investments for my goals and risk tolerance?” But here’s one inquiry you might be overlooking: “Have I used the correct beneficiary designations?”

And the answer you get is important.

It wouldn’t be surprising if you haven’t thought much about the beneficiary designation – after all, it was just something you once signed, possibly a long time ago.

Is it really that big a deal?

It could be. For one thing, what if your family circumstances have changed since you named a beneficiary?

If you’ve remarried, you may not want your former spouse to receive your IRA and 401(k) assets or the proceeds of your life insurance policy, for which you also named a beneficiary.

However, upon remarrying, many people do review their estate plans, including their wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney and health care directives.

EL TACO from page 30

dent who has been a big fan of Taco Santo since day one,” said Martinez. “He’s just like a member of the family.”

Byrd, who has been at the helm in Ahwatukee for six months, admits that summer temps notwithstanding, this has been a busy season. A Navy veteran, he served as a Spanish linguist for nine years.

Even the Avondale location, which is set to open shortly, and the Chandler El Taco Santo slated for 2022, will be in charge of close friends of Martinez and Felix.

“We’re opening in Avondale with a friend that lives there, and we’re trying to ensure we have somebody that cares, that

If you’ve revised these documents, do you have to worry about the old beneficiary designations? You might be surprised to learn that these previous designations can supersede what’s in your updated will and other documents.

The end result could be an “accidental” inheritance in which your retirement accounts and insurance proceeds c o u l d end up going to someone who is no longer in your life.

Furthermore, your retirement plans and insurance policy may not just require a single beneficiary.

You may also be asked to name a contingent beneficiary, to whom assets will pass if the primary beneficiary has already died. As you can imagine, the situation could become quite muddled if stepchildren are involved in a remarriage.

we know, and that is from the areas where we’re opening,” explained Martinez. “El Taco Santo is not a franchise, we want to offer the same quality in each place. And these people are actively participating in the stores they manage.”

The new restaurants, now offering beer and tequila, are proving to be more sitdown, stay-awhile eateries. Though Ahwatukee has only beer and margaritas, the newer Gilbert El Taco Santo augments their beer selection with 20 different brands of tequila.

There’s a fine selection of nonalcoholic beverages including fresh agua de jamaica (hibiscus tea), horchata (a rice drink flavored with cinnamon and sugar),

To avoid these potential problems, make sure to review the beneficiary designations on all of your accounts at some point – and especially after a significant change in your family situation.

If you see something that is outdated or incorrect, contact your retirement account administrator – or your insurance representative, in the case of life insurance – to request a change-of-beneficiary form.

And if you really want to be on the safe side, you may want to enlist a legal professional to help you with this review to make sure the beneficiary designations reflect your current family situation and are consistent with what’s in your estate plans.

In fact, if you’re already working with an experienced estate planning attorney – and you should – you might also pick up some other suggestions for dealing with

fresh lemonade and the all-time favorite, Mexican Coke. Other soft drinks are also available.

The partners, all of whom hold B.A. degrees in business or accounting, are visionaries with some big plans.

“Our goal is to have a total of six taco shops and two food trucks,” said Martinez. “We’re adding one more food truck this year.”

Each partner offers words of thanks to the communities in which they operate.

“We’re very fortunate to have a lot of support from our constant clients, who in turn, have brought us new clients”, said Martinez. “Thanks to God and all the community support, we keep moving forward.”

31

beneficiaries.

Just to name one, it’s generally not a good idea to name minor children as beneficiaries. Because children can’t control the assets until they become adults, a court would likely have to name a guardian – one that you might not have wanted.

Instead, you could either name your own custodian to manage the assets designated to the minor or establish a trust for the benefit of the minor, which can distribute the money in several disbursements over a period of years – which is often a good move, since young adults aren’t always the best at managing large lump sums.

If you’re like many people, you have a strong desire to leave something behind.

But you’ll want to do it in the right way.

So, pay close attention to your beneficiary designations – when you first create them and throughout your life.

Joseph Ortiz is a financial planner for Edward Jones. Reach him at 480-7537664 or joseph.ortiz@edwardjones.com.

Joe will resume his coffee clubs on the last Thursday of every month. His next is 1011 a.m. Aug. 26 at the Four Points Sheraton Inn 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee.

At this month’s he will discuss current market conditions. ■ “Thanks to so many wonderful people, our team, our families, people who organize and invite us to their communities with the food truck, people who call us to see how we are doing, to all of our customers who support us week after week, we were able to survive during these times of pandemic,” added Felix.

The El Taco Santo Food Truck, serving their loaded carne asada tacos and carnitas, el pastor burritos and more, will be at the Gilbert Feastival Aug. 20 5:30-9 p.m. and the Queen Creek Feastival Aug. 27 the same hours. Tacos, made with carne asada, pork carnitas or barbacoa start at $3 each.

Information: ElTacoSanto.com. ■

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Ahwatukee!

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32

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

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OPINION

Opinion 34

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

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Proposed center would help abused women

BY SHANTE SAULSBERRY AFN Guest Writer

J

anice’s Women’s Center, a conceptual center for women in the throes of homelessness and domestic violence, is set to become a reality as I and Sheri Saulsberry are on the verge of creating an ingenious and affordable housing scheme for these victimized women.

Domestic violence and homelessness is a cancerous vice in our present-day society. Every year, millions of women all over the world are victims of domestic violence.

The concern is even greater since the lockdown started in March of 2020, creating no way out for survivors who are being forced to share a space with their abuser.

The concerning factor is that 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States – more than 12

Nation has a long history of civil disobedience

The United States has a long history of nonviolent civil disobedience. Martin Luther King Jr., the Nashville Christian Leadership Council and many others organized illegal sit-ins at white-only lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee. Former U.S. Congressmen John Lewis got arrested at these counters for being black in the wrong place.

Angry white mobs would come by, beat, harass and put cigarettes out on black Americans for trying to get served lunch while black. Eventually 150 black (mostly students) were arrested for illegally sitting at a white only lunch counter. They were steadfastly nonviolent. None of the white attackers were arrested.

This is not ancient history, this happened in many of our lifetimes.

Five years later, John Lewis was beaten unconscious marching peacefully across the Edmund-Pettus bridge. He, along with a large group of nonviolent protesters, including MLK, were marching to Montgomery

million women over the course of a year.

We will stop at nothing to help other women who are stuck in the quagmire of abuse and homelessness. We have been working closely with the City of Phoenix, the council members in Phoenix and other leaders within the city who are very inspired by our ambition and vision to see something great occur within the city of Phoenix.

We opened Janice Vaincre Boutique at the corner of Ranch Circle Drive and Ray Road in June. The upscale women’s clothing store is helping us raise the $8 million to get a center built to help women suffering from domestic violence.

I saw a woman who appeared to be homeless sitting at a bus stop last year near the corner of Ray Road and 50th Street in Ahwatukee.

And I decided, ‘Well, I’m going to get that lady breakfast.’ That began a routine

where I would pick up a meal for the woman named Janice at a nearby Chick-Fil-A. I tried getting Janice into a shelter but couldn’t �ind her a bed. I got her clothes and a medical kit because she had a few medical concerns. I got her some food, of course, and I just said, ‘You know, if you need me, I’m going to keep checking on you.’

So as it got cold, Janice walked away and has yet to be found. Although I lost touch with the woman, my interactions with Janice inspired me to do more.

So I decided to open up Janice’s Women’s Center and name it after the woman that I had tried to help.

Sheri and I are currently raising money for the project, which will include 52 tiny homes for women and their children made out of repurposed shipping containers.

This project is something that’s going to take a lot of community support

and �inancial involvement. We have been doing everything it takes to obtain funding in many areas, but it’s been tough as a new nonpro�it with not having met the $1 million annual budget benchmark, not being an established nonpro�it for three years and not being able to show any form of previous �inancials to qualify for grant funding.

I’m going to do whatever it takes to ful�ill my mission.

We are seeking for more of the local athletes to reach out and get involved with Janice’s Women’s Center and for more Celebrities to connect with us so we can obtain the support of those with the means to help us with our cause �inancially.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

If you are able to help: ss@janicewomencenter.com or janiceswomenscenter.com Shante Saulsberry is an Ahwatukee resident. ■

Alabama to protest voting restrictions.

Fast forward 60 years and Republican-led state legislatures are passing laws designed to keep people of color and the poor from voting.

Why would we take this step back? Because the Republican Party has nothing to offer the poor and disenfranchised. Because if nothing else they support the status quo and the inherent privilege of being white.

I have been asked, “shouldn’t you have to show ID to vote?” That is not what this is about. There has been no signi�icant voter fraud on either side.

Yet in Texas they want to make mail-in voting easier to invalidate. They want to get rid of drive-through voting which was happening in Harris County, Texas.

Why get rid of it? Because Harris County has a huge minority population. They would vote out the Republicans because they stand with white supremacy.

The Republicans consistently want to shorten voting hours and make it more dif�icult to vote. Why? Because af�luent people �ind these restrictions easier to get around.

Republicans will say it is to stop fraud, but no fraud has happened.

A mother making minimum wage and raising children may not be able to make those shorter voting hours, because she cannot get away from work and family.

If an American makes it to the polls in a black neighborhood, they have a 74 percent more chance to wait more than a half hour, than in a white neighborhood. Therefore, the state of Georgia made it illegal to pass out water to citizens waiting to vote. Why? To decrease the black vote.

The rich want this system to continue, but I think everyone should have a right to vote.

If you are kept from voting, you have taxation without representation.

I became aware that civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson was coming to town to pressure our Senator Sinema to get rid of the �ilibuster so we can pass the “For the People Act.” He and many like-minded Arizonans were going to march to her of�ice and demand a meeting with Sinema or a representative.

I went on the march because I believe we should not rig the system so that the minority

can run the country. That is not democracy.

When we made it to her of�ice we were met by police. We sat down outside her of�ice to make our point. We were told we were trespassing and that we would be arrested.

In the spirit of making our country a better place, for all, we were willing to get arrested.

As I sat there outside Sinema’s of�ice, I began to cry.

I was crying because I still had to go to jail in 2021 to keep our country from going backwards 60 years. I was crying because I taught students for 25 years that the U.S. has made some mistakes, but we continue to improve. That was clearly wrong.

I was crying because bigotry is alive and well in our country. I was crying because this country is not living up to the ideals that all are created equal.

I was one of many arrested that day. Which puts me proudly in a group going back many generations that has sacri�iced to encourage America to become fully democratic -- and not a system rigged against people of color and the poor.

- Barry Smith

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

Coming soon: a better Valley.

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An eleven-mile stretch of Interstate 10 between Loop 202 and I-17.

Southern Ave

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48th St

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60 ements)

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Existing Freeway

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Sports & Recreation AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Noah Ervin creating own legacy on soccer �ield

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

N

oah Ervin is the �irst to admit being the younger sibling to two athletes comes with challenges.

Even competing in different sports there are those who tend to compare him to his sister and brother. If it isn’t coaches reminiscing about his older siblings, it’s the teachers at Desert Vista High School that recognize his last name and looks.

Granted, he has been able to uphold his own standard of excellence, just like his siblings. But now as he enters his junior year at Desert Vista, he aims to create his own legacy and cast his own shadow on the school.

He’s already well on his way to doing both.

“I wanted to play a sport my brother didn’t play,” Noah said. “I always loved playing it, but it wasn’t until I was in the junior high when I realized I could make something of it.”

Noah grew up watching his older sister, Hannah, run track. A 2019 graduate from Desert Vista, she capped off her high school career by helping the girls place fourth overall at the state meet.

Elijah, the middle child in the Ervin family, made a name for himself on the gridiron.

He and former Desert Vista and current UCF quarterback Parker Navarro became one of the best tandems in the state during their senior season. The two connected 63 times for 1,459 yards and 18 touchdowns during the Thunder’s run to the 6A semi�inals in 2019.

Noah grew up watching and playing �lag football with Elijah. But his calling was in soccer. That was made clear when he was an infant.

“When Noah was probably 2 years old, my wife and I were walking in the kitchen and we saw him kicking this kick ball against a wall probably 50 times,” Noah’s father, Jerry said. “We were both like, ‘oh my goodness.’ He had this natural instinct.”

Noah Ervin, a junior at Desert Vista who spent the last two years of high school competing only at the club soccer level with Real Salt Lake, plans to try out and play for the Thunder this upcoming season with the sole purpose of winning a state title.

(Courtesy Jerry Ervin)

The family moved from New Jersey to Arizona in 2008. In 2014, they moved to Switzerland for a year before returning to the Valley in 2015.

It was there Noah was able to truly shine

at an international level. He began playing in a youth league in Switzerland, where soccer is all they know. At �irst, the coaches brushed him off and placed him with one of the lowest divisions. But it didn’t take long for him to impress those around him and move up.

Upon returning to Arizona, he enrolled at Altadena Middle School in Ahwatukee.

It was there current Desert Vista coach Trent Elliott got his �irst look at Noah and the skill he had at a young age.

“Noah de�initely played bigger than his size,” Elliott said. “His speed, his knowledge and skill level, it was enough for me to bring him up to the varsity level and playing a lot of minutes. Any time you can have a player of that caliber, who wants to join for the sole purpose of winning a state championship, you can’t go wrong.”

Noah’s natural ability helped him earn a spot on the varsity team in the sixth grade.

At the time, he was the youngest player brought up to that level in the last �ive years.

As he continued to improve, more opportunities arose. He joined Barcelona’s youth program before making the move to Real Salt Lake, an organization focused on preparing its players for the next level.

The schedule was taxing. Year-round practices and games forced Noah to stay away

from Desert Vista’s program. Year after year Elliott would approach his former player and ask if he was ready to wear the navy blue and gold like his siblings. Noah often laughed.

He’s always wanted the opportunity to help lead Desert Vista to a championship, his schedule just didn’t allow it to happen.

That is, until now.

Noah plans to take a step back from the club soccer scene in the winter and try out for the Thunder. Should he make the team — he’s con�ident he will — he’ll �inally wear the classic “DV” logo on his uniform.

“I’m really excited,” Noah said about playing for Desert Vista. “I’ve always wanted to represent my school.”

When tryouts for the team commence later in the �irst semester, Noah plans to be primed and ready to go.

Last month, he and his club team went undefeated in the Surf Cup, one of the premier club soccer tournaments of the summer. Playing forward, he scored two goals in the �ive games. His team didn’t concede a single goal.

He said he is excited for what is to come playing at the high school level for the �irst time. Not only can play with friends that have tried to get him on the team the last two years, but he can further engrave the Ervin name in Desert Vista’s athletic record books.

That, and he can create a name for himself. A goal he set out to do from a young age when he chose soccer over football.

“I’ve always wanted to help Desert Vista win a state championship,” Noah said.

“Hopefully I can be prepared and be dominant on the �ield.” ■

Have an interesting sports story?

Ervin and his club team, Real Salt Lake, recently competed in and went undefeated in the Surf Cup, one of the premier club tournaments where elite level players compete in on a yearly basis. (Courtesy Jerry Ervin)

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

38

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

and Internet Discounts Phone and Phone Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers Available to CenturyLink Customers The Arizona Corporation Commission designated

The Arizona Corporation designated CenturyLink asCommission an Eligible Telecommunications CenturyLink asCarrier an within Eligible Telecommunications its service area for universal service Carrier within its service area for basic universal service purposes.

CenturyLink’s local service rates purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month for residential and voice linesservices are $18.47 perpermonth business are $35.00 month. and business Specific services perrequest. month. rates are will be$35.00 provided upon Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to government make residential benefit telephone CenturyLink participates in a or broadband service more affordable to eligible program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone low-incomemore individuals and families.

Eligible or broadband service affordable to eligible customers are those meet eligibilityEligible standards low-income individuals andthatfamilies. as defined bymeet the FCC and statestandards commissions. customers are those that eligibility Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal as defined by the FCC and state commissions.

Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal if they participate in certain additional federal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is if they participate inforcertain federal available only oneadditional telephone or broadband eligibility programs.

Lifeline discount is service perThe household, which can be on either available for only one telephone broadband wireline or wireless service.or Broadband speeds service per household, which can be on either must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload wireline or wireless service. or faster to qualify. Broadband speeds

must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload A household is defined for the purposes of the or faster to qualify.

Lifeline program as any individual or group of whofor livethe together at the sameofaddress A household isindividuals defined purposes the and share income and expenses. service Lifeline program as any individual orLifeline group of not transferable, andthe onlysame eligibleaddress consumers individuals whois live together at may enroll in the program.

Consumers who and share income and expenses. Lifeline service willfully and make false order to obtain is not transferable, onlystatements eligibleinconsumers or broadband service can be may enroll inLifeline the telephone program.

Consumers who punished by fine or imprisonment andobtain can be willfully make false statements in order to barred from the program.

Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine andarea, canplease be If youor live imprisonment in a CenturyLink service barred from the callprogram.

1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink.com/ lifeline with questions or to request an application

If you live in aforCenturyLink service area, please the Lifeline program. call 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink.com/ lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

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Mesa arcade caters to pinball wizards of all ages

BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE GetOut Contributor

A

Mesa business offers patrons the chance to step back in time to play all the games they played in the ’80s, from “Pac-Man” and “Space Invaders” to “Galaga” and “Dragon’s Lair.”

StarFighters Arcade offers approximately 100 vintage video arcade games and 50 classic and modern pinball machines.

“We wanted to create a ‘megacade,’” said Mike Lovato, co-owner of StarFighters.

Customers as kids probably spent way more in quarters than the $11 entry fee that StarFighters charges for unlimited free play. Now they can swap those pockets of jingling coins for daily or monthly memberships that can be purchased at the door.

Monthly memberships are $35.

Located at 4840 East Jasmine St. in Mesa, StarFighters Arcade is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m..

Lovato opened StarFighters Arcade in 2014 after collecting and restoring gaming machines for years.

“There really weren’t many arcades left here, so I thought that it would be a good idea to provide that for the Valley,” he said.

“I wanted to open a truly vintage arcade that had old school games and even rare ones that you would normally only �ind in private collections and make them available for public play.”

StarFighters started with only �ive pinball machines, Lovato said. Now, the arcade is up to 50 – the largest selection in the state.

“It was a community effort to get everything in one place,” he said.

StarFighters’ current games were gathered from community members, online sellers and other collectors, Lovato said.

“This is the real deal,” he said. “We have all of the original dedicated equipment with all of the original boards and power supplies. Other arcades often have emulation systems where it looks the same but not really.

Kevin Curtis, left, and Michael Lovato are owners of Starfighters Arcade in Mesa.

(Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff Photographer)

“There’s subtle differences in sound and even gameplay that most people won’t catch but still, we have all of the original equipment here designed and run the way that it was in the ’70s and ’80s.”

All the original vintage signs, albums and toys – including intact “Star Wars” guns –

on display are a walk down memory lane that leaves people thinking, “I had that! I remember those.”

“We hear stories all the time,” said Kevin Curtis, co-owner and pin master of StarFighters. “People come in and always have a good memory behind a game.”

Starfighters Arcade offers 100 vintage video games and 50 classic and modern pinball machines. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff Photographer)

StarFighters sees gamers of all ages walk down its rows of �lashing pinball machines and retro games, Lovato said. On average, 300 to 400 people come into the arcade over the three-day weekend.

Alcohol is not permitted on site, but gamers can enjoy StarFighters’ selection of soft drinks and candies, including some favorites from the ’80s.

The glowing yet dark sanctuary hosts monthly pinball tournaments that start promptly at 1 p.m. while doors open at 12:30 p.m. for sign-in and warmup. There is an $11 entry fee and food and soda are included.

StarFighters’ next pinball tournament is Aug. 14. Their free kids pinball tournament for ages16 and under is held on the same Saturday but doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the tournament starts at 11 a.m.

“The groups of people are so diverse,” said Curtis, who started StarFighters’ �irst pinball tournament in January 2017.

“You’ve got every age and everyone gets along. It’s a good atmosphere and we have great prizes.”

Before StarFighters hosted pinball tournaments, players had to join private leagues or be invited to play, Curtis said.

He started hosting pinball tournaments at StarFighters to make them more inclusive and accessible for current gamers and future generations.

StarFighters’ monthly pinball tournaments have grown over the years. They started with about 25 people attending and their highest number was 79 people at a tournament, Curtis said.

The arcade also hosts monthly free car shows where all makes and models are welcome. The shows are held the last Sunday of every month, but has had a hiatus with the heat, Lovato said. He hopes to start it up again in the next month or so.

Lovato and Curtis have big plans for StarFighters’ future.

“We are maxed out for space and are

��� ARCADE ���� 40

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looking for a larger location,” Lovato said.

“We want to host bigger events in the future and have more games on the �loor.”

As the arcade grows, other elements that �it the nostalgic theme would be tied in, such as showing vintage movies, Lovato said.

“We have punk concerts off and on,” he added. “A future location may have a concert stage set up to facilitate that better.”

The most exciting thing to expect from StarFighters is an annual pinball festival – a big one, Lovato and Curtis said.

“We are scouting locations large enough that it should attract national and international players,” Lovato said. “We want to put Mesa on the map as one of the meccas of pinball.”

The owners are looking for sponsors and hope to announce more information about the festival in the next few months.

“It would be a big deal for Mesa and the pinball community,” Lovato said.

The largest annual event pinball enthusiasts could attend was “Pinburgh” in Pittsburgh, Curtis said. Tickets are expensive yet Pinburgh would sell out a thousand in less than three minutes.

Pinburgh went under during the COVID-19 pandemic and no longer exists as of this year, so Curtis said there is a void in the pinball market that StarFighters hopes to �ill.

What would set their festival apart is that it would be a charity event.

“Ours would be done to bene�it three charities in the Valley,” Lovato said.

“We’ve already gotten approval from Project Pinball, SARRC, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital to be the bene�iciaries of the event.”

StarFighters is no stranger to giving back to the community.

Since StarFighters started hosting pinball tournaments, every December the arcade has held a charity event, Curtis said.

Last year was their most successful one where they sold 500 raf�le tickets for a donated “Disco Fever” pinball machine.

This allowed them to donate $3000 to the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.

“This next step will help us do more for the Valley,” Lovato said. ■ For more information about StarFighters and updates on upcoming events go to star�ightersarcade.com or follow them on Facebook. ■

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Apricot pie recipe will put you in bake mode

hat Scottsdale resident Susan Jaramillo remembers most about her grandma Denise Nerone was her magnificent homemade bread. In fact, Susan vividly remembers her grandma’s words: “You’re the only little girl I know who begs for bread for dessert!”

Susan said the only time she would choose dessert over bread was when her French born grandmother made apricot pie.

Once Susan shared her mouthwatering memories about the sweet-but-tart apricots arranged in a flakey homemade crust with a juicy apricot sauce poured on top and covered in lattice strips, I had no choice but to go into bake mode.

What a fabulous, unique fruit pie! It’s delicious warm or cold, and of course, the better quality of dried apricots you use, the better the filling will turn out so look for plump, moist apricots. The original recipe called for whole apricots, but Susan and I agreed that cutting

them in half is a bit easier to eat.

You can cover your pie with an entire crust instead of cutting lattice strips if you choose. Either way, it’s Vive le Apricot Pie!

Pastry for two 9-inch Pie Crusts

4 tablespoons water, very cold

(Or purchase 2 ready-made unbaked deep dish pie shells) Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) butter, cut into small cubes and refrigerated 1/3 cup vegetable shortening 1 tablespoon white vinegar

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Apricot Pie Filling

Ingredients: 4 cups dried apricots, cut in half 5 cups water 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 2-3 tablespoons butter, cubed 1 egg plus 1 tablespoon of milk (egg wash) well beaten 2 tablespoons sugar Directions: In a medium saucepan, bring apricots and water to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 10-15 minutes until apricots are softened. Add sugar, stir and cook for

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 9

Directions Place the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and shortening and pulse until the butter is pea size.

Keep machine running and add vinegar and cold water. Mix only until ball forms. Place in bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use (at least 30 minutes). Make filling.

5 minutes. Pour apricots into a sieve or colander set over a bowl. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of juice. Return juice to pot. Whisk in cornstarch and salt. Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens, stirring often. Set aside.

Divide dough into two balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a 9” circle. Place one dough circle in a 9” pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until lightly golden brown. Slice the second dough circle into thin strips.

Arrange apricots in baked pie shell. Pour thickened juice over apricots. Dot with butter. Arrange strips lattice- style over top of apricots. Brush top with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 -30 minutes or until deep golden brown on top. ■

For more great recipe ideas and videos, visit jandatri.com.

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*See your independent participating Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Rebates up to $500 valid on Qualifying Equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited.

Offer expires 5/31/2020.

LIC NO. 123456

(480) 898-7909

BIG SAVINGS GREAT FINANCING

CHOOSE OR BETWEEN TWO OFFERS A SYSTEM MUST INCLUDE A QUALIFYING OUTDOOR UNIT, INDOOR UNIT AND TRANE CONTROL

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years.

Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

480.460.5030

Sell Your Stuff!

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS

AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Carpet Cleaning

Concrete & Masonry

Garage/Doors

Block Fence * Gates

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

small prices BIG

RESULTS

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

always included ✔ free estimates ✔ furniture moving

$

49

✔ pre-treatment ✔ deodorizer

99

$

two rooms

free hall

five rooms

free hall

Contractors

99

$

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

free chair

GLASS, MIRRORS,Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical SHOWER DOORS Job Too ✔“No Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Small Man!” Family Owned with 50 Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! years' EXPERIENCE. 1999 e Quality Work Sinc Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 Shower and tub enclosBroken Springs 2012, 2013, 2014 ✔ Drywall Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Framed, Frameures, Replaced Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry less or Custom Doors, Nights/Weekends Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too We also install insuALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Bonded/Insured Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” lated glass, mirrored 480-251-8610 ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! closet doors, window Not a licensed contractor ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce patio glass, mirrors, abl Sin rk Wo y alit Qu Afford e, ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce doors, glass table proSin rk Place YOUR Wo y 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Qualit And More!

2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 If it’s glass, we tectors.

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Business 2012, 2013, 2014 help you.

QUALcan Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work ty Quali , Affordable HERE! 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, at ComITY SERVICE Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor petitive Prices.

FREE Estimates Call for our

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

3 Month Trial Special!

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

couch & loveseat

Glass/Mirror

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Call 480-306-5113

Electrical Services

callusnow

43

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

Visit our website!

Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

AND so much more!

480.773.4700

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180

MySteamX.com

Not a licensed contractor.

LLC

Drywall

Residential Electrician

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today!

Call us for details.

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC Ahwatukee Resident

 Electric Car Chargers for ALL your  Fans electrical needs  Lighting 41 years  Troubleshooting  And much more experience 2008 through 2019

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043 ROC# 262737

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ Room Additions ★ Water Damage ★ Popcorn Removal ★ Residential/Commercial ★ Interior/Exterior Painting

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Ask me about FREE water testing!

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

44

CLASSIFIEDS

Home Improvement

Landscape/ Maintenance

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

Juan Hernandez

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town!

R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

480-215-3373

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

Landscape/Maintenance

Landscape/Maintenance

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

TREE

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

Classifieds 480-898-6465

480.721.4146

Home Remodeling

Specials

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

480-745-5230

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Get Your Lawn Ready For Fall!

Irrigation

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!

Classifieds 480-898-6465 • Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

Landscape Design/Installation

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

25 years Experience & Insured

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

High Quality Results

Starting @ $60/Month!

NTY

480.654.5600 Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

azirrigation.com

Not a licensed contractor.

• One Month Free Service

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZA ATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AE ERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • LAWN SOIL TESTING

5-YEAR WARRA

Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767

MD’S LANDSCAPING Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Let’s get your Watering System working again!

System Checks • Drip Checks FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

Arizona Specialty Landscape

Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse.

D - Dedicated for long term S - Service No Yard .

LANDSCAPING

Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752 NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

No Job Too Small!

Senior Discounts!

Repairs - Installs - Modifications

CALL US TODAY!

Home Improvement

• BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

Landscape/Maintenance

Maintenance

• 6am - 7pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith Phone, Text or Email

480-580-4419

david@swo-of-artworks.com www.swo-of-artworks.com

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

New & Re-Do Design and Installation Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation.

Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

class@times publications.com

Painting

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765 Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 License #ROC 298736

CLASSIFIEDS

AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting.

Stucco Patching.

Gate/Front Door Refinishing.

Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

Painting

Plumbing

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

SPEND A LITTLE…

MAKE A LOT!

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Painting

CONKLIN PAINTING

PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available Call Jason

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Refinishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

ROC#309706

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

Plumbing

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years!

Family Owned & Operated

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

ConklinPainting.com

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home?

WE CAN HELP!

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

480-888-5895

(602) 502-1655

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Free Estimate & Color Consultation

Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

We offer personalized service for our customers.

We use the best materials that we can find.

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

Owned and Operated

by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

(480)

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Plumbing

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

www.ACP www.A CPpaintingllc.com paintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

PLUMBING

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Not a licensed contractor

Painting

Painting

45

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Now Accepting all major credit cards

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured (480)

704.5422

CLASSIFIEDS Plumbing

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Off 40work done *Any

Filter Cleaning!

Roofing Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online

Roofing

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Flat and Foam Roof Experts! desertsandscontracting.com FLAT ROOFS | SHINGLES | TEAR OFFS | NEW ROOFS | REPAIRS TILE UNDERLAYMENT | TILE REPAIR | LEADERS | COPPER ALUMINUM COATINGS | GUTTERS | SKYLIGHTS

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

$1000 OFF when you show this ad *on qualifying complete roof replacements

Pool Service / Repair

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month with chemicals

Serving All Types of Roofing: • • • •

FREE ESTIMATES

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark

Honey Do List Too Long?

602-799-0147

Check out the Handyman Section!

CPO#85-185793

Roofing

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

Let Us Show Yo

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ffe r e n c e

!

46

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

ofin

g.c o m

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602

Not a licensed contractor.

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

10% OFF

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Call for our 3 Month Special!

Starting at $145.20/month Classifieds: 480-898-6465

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

See MORE Ads Online!

www.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AUGUST 11, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Roofing

Roofing

Window Cleaning

47

Public Notices Public Notice

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

Your leaks stop here!

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

West-MEC is a career technical education public school district that provides innovative career and technical education (CTE) programs to secondary and postsecondary learners. It prepares students to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education.

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

Glendale, Ariz.(27 July, 2021) -- Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) Adult Education would like to announce its application for the reaffirmation of accreditation with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The Council on Occupational Education will be visiting the site to review the application.

Anyone who would like to comment about the same can either write to the Executive Director of the Commission, Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, Georgia 30350, or submit their comments through the Council’s website (www.council.org). Those submitting comments must include their names and addresses.

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Published West Valley View 08/04/2021 40372 Published Glendale Star Peoria Times 08/05/2021 40372 Published Ahwatukee Foothills News 08/04/2021 40374

Public Notice FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded NOTICE:

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) <http://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01165.htm> , is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

Reference: (http://www.azroc.gov/invest/licensed_by_law.html) As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC status at: http://www.azroc.gov/

It Only Takes Seconds to Drown.

Always watch your child around water.

48

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 11, 2021

3602 E. Ray Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85044 (480) 706-1850 www.ganemjewelers.com

UP TO 80% OFF ESTATE JEWELRY

We're Opening Our Vault For Our Annual Estate Sale Walk ins Welcome.

August 9 to August 14th, 2021