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NUTCRACKER LEAD

rights to The Edge. The quitclaim filed by Shea makes no reference to whether The Edge paid anything to obtain those rights. Attorneys for The Edge disclosed the transfer last week as they renewed their request to Superior Court Judge Joan Sinclair to let them intervene in the Club West Conservancy’s stillunresolved lawsuit against the homeowners association. And that disclosure may further complicate the future of the 165-acre site, which has been closed since early 2018.

The declarant rights have been central to the lawsuit. The Conservancy in March 2020 sued the previous Club West HOA board, contending it illegally acquired the declarant rights from Shea Homes, which got them in 1993 from a previous developer. Superior Court Commissioner Andrew Russell last April sided with the Conservancy, ruling that the board had violated the state open

see WEST page 12

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

. 33 MARKET STILL FOR SELLERS

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. 39

@AhwatukeeFN

Pride, Thunder put aside rivalry for food drive

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he four men who bought the Club West Golf Course two years ago have obtained the declarant rights to the beleaguered site. Although the Foothills Club West Association board has suggested to residents at meetings that it owns the land use rights to the site, papers filed with the County Recorder Sept. 22 show Shea Homes transferred the declarant

A CUT ABOVE

@AhwatukeeFN |

The Edge obtains land use rights to Club West Course

. 27

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

ompetitors and rivals off the field, Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe students are taking the annual Ahwatukee Bowl tradition to the next level to benefit struggling families in the community. With the help of student councils from both schools and Bea Williams, Mountain Pointe’s academic interventionist, the two football programs have come together to form the Superfood Bowl, a food drive for canned and nonperishable Thanksgiving-themed goods. The food drive, which will support the Pride Pantry at Mountain Pointe High School and help to families in the community, started Nov. 1 and will end Friday, Nov. 12 – the same day as the annual rivalry game between the two football programs. At halftime during the Tukee Bowl, the school with the most donations will be announced and receive a traveling trophy, much like the Ahwatukee Foothills News Ahwatukee Bowl Trophy given to the winning team each year. The food drive is the second effort to aid fam-

Mountain Pointe High School student body treasurer senior Essence Lewis, student body president junior Breyonah Owens, and sophomore student body president Owen Klanken pose with one of the collection boxes for the food drive they are doing in collaboration with students at Desert Vista High School. (David Minton/AFN Staff) ilies in the Tempe Union High School District. The Arizona Cardinals and State Farm have

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 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

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

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Tempe Union Governing Board members held an emergency closed-door meeting last week on the resolution they passed in a 3-2 vote Oct. 13 that would eliminate school resource officers at all campuses by August. (AFN file photo)

Kyrene District keeping its school resource officers BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

empe Union High School Governing Board may not like school resource officers, but Kyrene School District thinks theirs are doing a great job. “We see it as part of our whole support system – counselors, our interventionists, our SROs,” Superintendent Laura Tonejes told the Ahwatukee Foothills News in a recent interview. Describing SROs as part of a “wraparound service " for children, Toenjes said administrators have spent time with Tempe Police "talked about some of the really great things around education with SROs and how they can support our schools. "That way, it’s not always a punitive thing. And so we can start to value the other side of this and see how we can become partners. I think there’s a lot of value.” Toenjes said it's unlikely that Kyrene would follow Tempe Union in eliminating the SROs that are at most of the district’s middle schools. “At this point there is no discussion of that,” Toenjes said. “I don’t anticipate there being a discussion.” Meanwhile, some unknown problems apparently have emerged in connection with the resolution that aims to get uniformed officers off the six Tempe Union campuses by next August. The board in a 3-2 vote on Oct. 13 approved the resolution, but it became the subject of an emergency closed-door meeting of the board on Oct. 25. The agenda for the executive session only indicated that the resolution was the topic. All school district officials are forbidden by law from disclosing the nature or details of executive sessions. But an informational item on the agenda for the board’s meeting at 7 p.m. today. Nov. 3, states, “At the Nov. 17 meeting or at an earlier date and time, Governing Board members will discuss and provide possible

see SRO page 6

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

SUPERFOOD from page 1

told the district they want to provide meals for a week to 500 families, according to an agenda item for the Governing Board’s Nov. 3 meeting. Details are still being worked out, the agenda states. Meanwhile, Mountain Pointe nurse Sarah Portle said, “We are really lucky we have Bea Williams. “It’s basically a food drive that is spearheaded by football competition. She got in touch with Student Community Outreach and this is what they came up with. She came up with the idea and brought me along with the student council.” Portle has been one of the lead organizers of the event alongside Williams and the Tempe Union High School District. Together, they came up with the idea for boxes, the fliers and the design of the trophy. The district also recently shot a commercial for the event with members of both student councils and football teams. They all gathered around a table with some examples of food they would like to be donated – including pre-made dressing, canned yams, soup and corn. Josh Cole, a junior student council representative at Desert Vista, took the lead on the project and coordinated with the Student Community Outreach, an organization comprising five students who try to provide the best possible learning experiences for their peers by donating resources. Cole has been a part of SCO since his freshman year. “I’m just super glad that the football team is receptive,” Cole said. “They want to see this happen. Which is great because I want to see it happen, too. No matter who wins, we all win. We are taking a rivalry and making it bigger than just winning.” Each school will have five collection

From left: Josh Cole, Tavian Dennis, Hayden Engle, Jay’len Rushing (33), Amire Williams, Jack Plote, Owen Klanke and Shantell Trotte are all involved in the Superfood Bowl, a friendly rivalry between schools leading up the Tukee Bowl where donated foods go toward Ahwatukee families. (Courtesy Tempe Union High School District) boxes placed around the campus and at Ahwatukee businesses. The Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce joined the drive to encourage businesses to have boxes in front of their establishments. It didn’t take long for many to be accepting of the idea. Zzeeks Pizza and WhereUBean Coffee have boxes set up outside of their establishments for donations. Other businesses were to be announced ahead of the start of the competition. Shantell Trotter, one of the lead organizers from Mountain Pointe with Owen Klanke said it was encouraging to see not only businesses support their efforts, but all players in the football programs, too. “It feels amazing knowing that we are able to work together,” Trotter said. “Even though the rivalry is still there we can come together to help and build the community. For me, it’s special. My family used

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to work at Mountain Pointe, so I’ve been a part of the Tukee Bowl for a while. So, to just be able to be in it and do something like this is impactful for me.” The donation boxes are being counted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday leading up to the game, giving players the opportunity to become more involved. Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer had all his senior players volunteer to count donations on the first day. Going forward, other players will be asked to step in at various times from both teams. Mountain Pointe junior running back Jay’len Rushing said the Superfood Bowl is a great opportunity for the team to give back to a community that supports them on the field Friday nights. “I never thought I would play in the Tukee Bowl and have so many fans in the community supporting me and the team,” Rushing said. “We are helping the people

who come to our games and support us and call our names. It feels really good.” Rushing appeared with his teammates, senior running back Amire Williams and senior offensive lineman Jack Plote, in the commercial. Dressed in their maroon home jerseys, they stood shoulder to shoulder with Desert Vista senior defensive back Tavian Dennis and tight end and linebacker Hayden Engle. While aggressive rivals on the field, they all knew this was an opportunity to come together for the good of the community. Dennis, in his navy-blue home uniform, is in his first and only year with the Thunder since his transfer from Cesar Chavez High. But even in the short amount of time with the program, he recognized how much the team means to the community and vice versa. “The Tukee Bowl is always one of the biggest games of the year and to do something that is bigger than football, it’s something I’m happy to be a part of,” Dennis said. “We are all be thankful for what we have and help everybody else. To give back to the community is something to be thankful for.” The spirit of competition has been a driving force for the level of commitment from both teams and students at both schools. Portle said that along with their ability to be with one another after last year’s struggles with the pandemic, the food drive is a special activity they can look forward to as an annual event. “Some of these kids really haven’t had a high school experience yet,” Portle said. “This is a great way to get them involved and get into it. This is a good way for them to learn and not only plan something but plan something for the community. Either way they all win because they are helping the community.” ■

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revisions to the Resolution that was approved at the Oct. 13 meeting.” Led by board President Brian Garcia, the board until Oct. 13 seemed to be moving in unison to eliminate SROs, contending they constitute an intimidating and “militaristic” presence on campus and that they tend to be harsher in their treatment of students of color than white students. The move has been applauded by a number of students and parents – mostly at Desert Vista High – but opposed by numerous community leaders as well as all six Tempe Union school principals. But a rare split occurred on the board over that resolution and a related move that blocked a contract with Phoenix Police to provide SROs at Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools for the rest of the current school year. Board members Andres Barraza and Berdetta Hodge voted against the resolution on grounds that their colleagues had failed to adequately research how stu-

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dents, school staff, parents and the rest of the Tempe Union feel about SROs Barraza and Hodge also favored the SRO contract for Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe but that failed after Garcia abstained and board members Sarah James and Armando Montero – who vehemently criticized Phoenix Police – voted against the proposed agreement. The board’s failure to approve the $270,000 contract with Phoenix leaves Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista with what Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil called “a revolving door” of officers that provides no chance for the development of a relationship between police and the school communities. Tempe Union spokeswoman Megan Sterling stressed, “There has been a daily presence on campus since the start of this school year” at both Ahwatukee campuses. “They are off-duty officers, and it is not a consistent person,” she said. “You could have five different people there during the course of the week – hence a ‘revolving door.’” ■

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Ducey continues mask mandate retribution BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ov. Doug Ducey is preparing to fight threats by the Biden administration to strip Arizona of $163 million in federal COVID-relief dollars for public education. And if he wins, that could cost Kyrene School District $5.2 million and Tempe Union High School District $2.8 million for keeping mask mandates in place – at least until the Arizona Supreme Court weighs in, possibly later this month. The governor said Friday that Anni Foster, his legal counsel, is crafting a letter to the U.S. Treasury responding to its claims earlier this month that Ducey is using the money in illegal ways by giving it only to schools that do not require students and staff to wear masks. Ducey is using $163 million of $350 million in federal pandemic relief funds for grants to ensure that school districts that did not receive other supplemental funds get up to $1,800 per pupil to make up for a loss of revenue caused by disruptions that

Gov. Doug Ducey says he will fight the federal government’s threat to take away millions in pandemic relief funds for fighting mask mandates in schools. (AFN file photo) impacted other revenue. But he vowed to withhold allocations to districts that kept their mask mandates af-

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Lawyer lays out case for Lakes course sanctions BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he lawyer for two Ahwatukee Lakes homeowners last week urged a judge to impose financial sanctions on golf course owner ALCR to pay for a special master to ensure that another judge’s order to restore the 101-acre site was properly followed. Attorney Tim Barnes told Superior Court Judge Sara Agne in a brief that ALCR and principal Wilson Gee’s strategy has been to “tiptoe, dodge, ignore and obscure” an order to restore the 18-hole executive course and “undercut the rulings of this court and the rights of the benefitted persons” – namely homeowners. “The evidence shows the plan in operation remains Wilson Gee’s plan to ul-

WEST from page 1

meeting law and Club West’s own master bylaws by acquiring those rights. However, the new HOA board members at several of their monthly meetings have insisted that Russell never took those declarant rights away from the homeowners association. The declarant rights give the owner a great say over how the golf course land can be used. While they spell out in detail how the Club West site must be run as a worldclass golf course, the declarant rights also seem to provide an escape clause from that requirement. “The declarant has the power under the declaration to release portions of the property to be developed for nongolf course uses including housing,” that clause reads. That’s exactly what The Edge tried to do in January 2020, when it proposed selling three parcels to Taylor Morrison to build 162 homes so it could finance the course’s reconstruction. That proposal stirred opposition from some homeowners, who formed the Conservancy and then challenged the HOA board’s acquisition of the declarant rights. After Taylor Morrison pulled out, The Edge suggested the site could be turned into a park – but it noted there still needed to be a way to pay for its construction and maintenance.

timately find a path to development, first outlined in 2008, and to tiptoe around court; and when stopped, preserve the possibility for later development. The will and rights of benefitted persons be damned,” Barnes wrote in his closing argument to Agne. Barnes wants Agne to find ALCR in violation of the at least the first of three deadlines set last November by Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo after he found Gee in contempt of court for failing to follow another judge’s 2018 order to restore the course. Gee closed the course in 2013, saying it never made a profit in any year since he bought it in 2006. In 2014, residents Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin sued Gee, setting off the seven-year legal battle. Campagnolo imposed three deadlines

in his contempt ruling along with penalties for failing to meet them: Gee had to complete a design for restoration by May 2021 or pay $500,000 and then another $1 million if work did not begin by September 2021 and another $2 million if the course was not open for play by next September. Gee and his top aide, Terry Duggan have testified that nine holes will be open by the end of this month. Barnes’ brief will be followed by a written closing from ALCR attorney Daniel Maynard by Nov. 12. Barnes will then have the final say by submitting a rebuttal. Barnes ripped ALCR on numerous points of its restoration, starting with its failure to submit a detailed plan for the course’s revival and a budget showing it would be spending $794,787 – far less

The Edge initially proposed selling these three pieces of the Club West Golf Course to homebuilder Taylor Morrison to fund the reconstruction of the site. The plan fizzled after the homebuilder pulled out of the deal. (AFN file photo) The Conservancy – and most, if not all, HOA board members – adamantly oppose any homes on the site, contending in part that it is unfair to about 300 homeowners who paid premium prices for lots adjoining a golf course. Homeowners have appeared at the last three or four HOA board’s meetings demanding to know what is being done to resolve the impasse. While board members previously told residents they’ve been advised to say nothing lest they be sued by The Edge,

they flatly told residents at their October meeting there were no new developments. Meanwhile, the Conservancy’s lawsuit has languished for lack of a final order Sinclair can sign. The board has told residents it is up to Conservancy to file a satisfactory proposed settlement order for the judge to approve and that instead the group has sought three continuances. Lawyers for the board and the Conservancy last met with the judge on Aug. 17 to discuss the proposed order the Conser-

than the $5 million to $6 million or $12 million that two golf course experts have testified a full restoration would cost. “A glance at the ALCR budget reflects ALCR’s assertion it was following a written restoration plan is nothing more than a poor attempt to mislead the Court,” Barnes stated. In a related filing to counter Maynard’s request that Agne not consider those two estimates because he had not had the chance to cross-examine the experts and because “conditions had changed,” Barnes wrote: “As to the conditions changing, the only change is that the golf course has continued to dissipate over four more years. If anything, the cost of restoration might

see LAKES page 14

vancy had filed. They discussed two points in the proposed settlement, but the judge also told them The Edge wanted to have a say in the case. The judge said, “Just to be fair…I will wait until the briefing is done on the motion to intervene before I do anything in terms of a final order here to make sure I’m not foreclosing someone’s rights that should be heard as part of this matter.” Since that meeting, the Conservancy has filed no new settlement proposal reflecting the two points it seemed to agree on during the Aug. 17 hearing. Edge attorney Daniel Dowd in several filings has stated his clients’ rights are so critical to the case that they should be allowed to intervene. He also has filed said that the Edge will drop its request to intervene if the Conservancy files a settlement order to the lawsuit that it and the HOA to agree on in the Aug. 17 hearing before Sinclair. Last week, Dowd’s latest filing argued, “Although The Edge already had a significant interest in this litigation as the fee owner of the property, it now has additional interest as the property’s declarant.” He also renewed his allegation that “the CWC and the association are colluding” to negate Russell’s April ruling, thereby giving the HOA the declarant rights. Down also said if he can’t intervene in the case, “The Edge’s property rights would be severely harmed.” ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

LAKES from page 12

have gone up, certainly not down.” In his closing brief, Barnes briefly recounted Gee’s handling of the course and how he had wanted to sell it to a home builder at a significant profit. “Mr. Gee’s plan literally devastated the golf course, drained the lakes, destroyed hundreds of trees, wildlife, birds, flora and fish; and reduced the value of neighboring homes in which older persons had invested to ensure a secure retirement,” Barnes wrote. “Plaintiffs and benefitted persons are now entitled to the imposition of sanctions which can be used for…the appointment of a special master to force the golf course restoration to the required standard,” he added. He characterized ALCR’s budget as “a fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants plan” with “no directions to be followed or specifications (precise or otherwise) to be met” and said it would not restore “the utterly desecrated property that was once the

Long before it was closed in 2013, the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course was touted as a destination site for duffers. Two homeowners want ALCR principal Wilson Gee to return the site to its former state. (YouTube) jewel golf course on which the Arizona Golf Association held its annual Short Course Championships.” “ALCR’s plan is to simply grow grass on

the golf course and call it restored without any preparatory work to address the deteriorated condition of the golf course surface,” Barnes also wrote.

He ripped key aspects of the restoration work that both Gee and Duggan had discussed on the witness stand in three days of testimony before Agne. Those aspects included Gee’s plan to use the other nine holes that won’t open till next year for part-time use as a golf academy for young people and others new to the game. Barnes noted ALCR had no experience in running a golf academy. Barnes also ripped ALCR’s failure to fill all the lakes on the site, its plan to use basically a construction trailer as a clubhouse, its failure to restore bunkers and its intention to not rent golf karts. All these matters, Barnes said, reflect Gee’s intention to keep use of the course low so that he can sell it to a home builder down the road. “In fact, there is simply no reasonable comparison between what ALCR is intending to spend on restoring the golf course and what, at trial, the golf course restoration experts testified would be necessary to restore the golf course,” Barnes wrote. ■

GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Hobbs tells panel how election workers are harrassed BY ULYSSE BEX Cronkite News

ASHINGTON –Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs told a Senate panel last week her staffers have been subject to “near constant harassment” from election deniers. Hobbs was one of several election officials who shared stories of harassment, death threats and attacks on election integrity over the past year, and who urged the Senate Rules Committee to pass federal legislation that they said would go a long way toward protecting future elections. “The idea was to bring attention to the prevision of the Freedom to Vote act, and why it’s important to have those previsions in federal law,” Hobbs said after the Oct. 26 hearing. “Hopefully, even if the whole bill doesn’t pass into law that there is an increased interest in passing federal protection to address these threats to election workers.” The hearing came less than a week after Senate Republicans blocked a vote on that act, which would broaden voter registration by requiring same-day and automatic registration, make it harder to purge voter rolls and make Election Day a national holiday. It would also make it a crime to interfere with someone trying to register and require states to perform post-election audits, among other changes. Republican lawmakers have objected to the imposition of federal rules on elections, what they say should be a state or local decision. That was echoed by Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, who told the

MASKS from page 9

law,’’ he said. That refers to a state law, approved by the Republican-controlled legislature earlier this year, which forbids schools from imposing mask mandates. The governor conceded that as for the mandate ban, “it’s going through the courts.’’ But even assuming the justices allow the state law to be enforced, none of that affects the strings the federal government put on the money – and what Adeyemo says is the requirement of Arizona to comply or forfeit the cash.

Hobbs noted the anniversary of the election is next week, but that, “Unfortunately, in Arizona and in other states, some choose to believe that the 2020 election has still not ended.” “To be clear: President Joseph R. Biden won Arizona’s Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs told a Senate committee Wedneselectoral votes day that, nearly a year after the 2020 election, her staff has been subject to “near constant harassment” over the election. (Ulysse Bex/Cronkite News) in a free and fair election, hearing that one version of election policy an election that was conducted according “foisted at a national level upon all the to the letter of the law, Hobb said. states, I don’t think it will be well received.” Former President Donald Trump con“I think people have confidence in me tinues to insist that fraud cost him the and their county clerks and their poll election. workers and their governor for that matThose claims have persisted despite ter … and they see us as directly account- dozens of unsuccessful legal challenges by able and they can trust us more on these Trump backers and, in Arizona, a monthsissues,” he said. long review of Maricopa County votes by Adams agreed with the other witness- Trump supporters that found Biden actues that threats against election officials ally won more votes in the county than have tainted the system. But he cautioned first thought. against blaming only the right, saying elecHobbs, a Democrat, said the claims pertion workers in his state were harassed sist even though the presidential election from the left, after critics claimed the state results in Arizona were certified by her was suppressing votes. and three Republicans: Gov. Doug DuBut many on the committee pointed to cey, Attorney General Mark Brnovich and what Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., called a Chief Justice Robert Brutinel. “right-wing ecosystem of misinformation None of that calmed election deniers, and disinformation continues to perpetu- Hobbs said. ate the big lie, that the election was stolen.” “Two weeks after the election, armed

At issue is Arizona’s share of a $350 billion program in state and local relief dollars to deal with COVID. Adeyemo said the dollars are designed to “mitigate the fiscal effects stemming from the COVID-19 public health emergency.’’ And that, he said, includes supporting efforts to actually stop the spread of the virus. What the governor has done, Adeyemo said, is actually discourage schools from following health protocols that are designed to contain the virus. He said that is “not a permissible use’’ of the federal cash. Ducey took a swat at the Biden adminis-

tration for making this an issue. “The federal administration seems to continue to want to focus on masks,’’ he said. “We’re going to continue to focus on catching our kids up.’’ But the governor sidestepped a question of how providing financial incentives to schools so they do not require masks actually meets the goal of helping to stop the spread of COVID. “What we’re doing is we’re incenting parents to get their children in a classroom where they can learn,’’ Ducey said. “And we’re giving them a choice.’’ And how does that help contain the

protesters gathered outside my home and chanted, ‘Katie come out and play, we are watching you,’” Hobbs said during her testimony. The threats were not only directed at her, but at her family, too. “I expected that sometimes I would have constituents who were unhappy with me,” she said. “But I never expected that holding this office would result in far-right trolls threatening my children, threatening my husband’s employment at a children’s hospital, or calling my office saying I deserve to die.” Al Schmidt, a commissioner on the Philadelphia Board of Elections, pointed to a recent report that found one in five election officials listed threats to their lives as a “job-related concern,” threats that he said continue to this day. “They rise in intensity and frequency each time elected officials and bad-faith political actors spread disinformation about the 2020 election,” Schmidt said. All the witnesses said the attacks have weakened faith in the system while the threats of violence are driving away seasoned election workers – which they fear will further weaken the system. The solution, Hobbs said, is for Congress to act, telling the senators, “Now it’s your turn.” Schmidt urged lawmakers to act. “I know working across party lines to find common ground on any topic is challenging, let alone on election reform,” said Schmidt. “But for the sake of our Republic I hope you can work together to protect election administrators and our democratic institutions.” “Because, as Benjamin Franklin said, it’s a republic, ‘If you can keep it,’” he said. ■

virus? “That’s what we’re focused on,’’ he snapped. “We’re catching our kids up.’’ In his letter to Ducey, however, Adeyemo said that’s not the way the federal law reads. He said the state cannot impose conditions on receipt of these dollars to get schools to act in ways “that would undermine efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 or discourage compliance with evidence-based solutions for stopping the spread.’’ But Ducey on Friday refused to say how

see MASKS page 18

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Terros program helps expectant moms break addiction BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE AFN Contributor

ore people in the United States died of drug overdoses in 2020 than in any one-year period. Overdose deaths hit a record 93,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s a nearly 30 percent increase over 2019. Arizona wasn’t spared from the problem: the CDC predicted the number of overdose deaths in the state ending March 2021 to be 2,735, compared with 2,110 in March 2020 — another spike of nearly 30 percent. Terros Health is working to reverse this trend. Through a comprehensive medicationassisted treatment (MAT) program, Terros Health helps patients on the road to recovery with an emphasis on a special population: expectant mothers. “I can honestly say this saved my life because I overdosed twice on heroin…,” said Denisse Pesqueira, new mother and Terros Health patient. “God gave me two chances back and I’m grateful that I took this medication and met Dr. (Saul) Perea.” About nine years ago, Pesqueira, 36, broke her leg in an automobile accident. It was then that she began taking painkillers, which eventually led to an addiction to heroin. Last December, Pesqueira learned that she was pregnant and worried how her substance use disorder would affect her unborn baby. Pesqueira was introduced to Terros Health and after receiving specialized MAT throughout her pregnancy, she recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The baby showed no signs of withdrawal. “I have a daughter and I got my other daughter back,” the Phoenix resident said. “I’ve been clean and successful. I work and have no cravings. I take my meds there, they have therapy there and I can honestly

MASKS from page 16

he intends to try to argue his use of the dollars complies with federal law. “You’ll see the letter,’’ Ducey said. The feds, however, may have the upper hand. In writing to the governor, Adeyemo reminded him that, prior to receiving

Dr. Saul Perea, Terros Health’s chief medical officer, created the medication-assisted treatment program. (YouTube) say this is the best thing. The program is the best thing if you really want help getting off of drugs.” Dr. Saul Perea, Terros Health’s chief medical officer, created the MAT program. He works hand-in-hand with patients, their families and, in the case of pregnant women who are addicted to substances, OB-GYN specialists to coordinate integrated and behavioral care. Terros Health has offered substance use treatments for many years but the MAT program didn’t officially begin until approximately six years ago, Perea said. This program addresses patients’ overall health by combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and primary medical care. “The MAT service started with a vision of providing services to every single opioid use disorder person,” Perea said. “We had great success with the general public and then we noticed that our pregnant women and adolescents were part of the population that weren’t getting the treatment that they needed.” Statewide, there aren’t many programs that specialize in the treatment of substance abuse in pregnant women, so Ternearly $2.1 billion of COVID-relief funds, he signed a certification that Arizona would use all the dollars it received in compliance with the federal law and any regulations issued by the Department of the Treasury. And he said those limit use of the dollars to responding to the public health emergency and its negative economic impacts.

ros Health fills that gap, Perea said. “A lot of pregnant women still suffer from discrimination and stigma, not only from their own families, but from medical providers, and that’s unfortunate,” he said. “But we’re doing the best we can to educate people and make sure that they understand and that we give the treatment that these women deserve.” Terros Health’s trained medical experts, counselors and community health workers use two medication-assisted treatment options: Suboxone and Subutex. Suboxone can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without producing the dangerous side effects of opioids. Pregnant women struggling with substance use are given Subutex to help keep themselves and the baby safe while decreasing substance cravings. “This is actually the only thing that really helps with cravings,” Pesqueira said. Great communication between patients and providers is especially important during treatment, Perea said. To achieve this, Terros Health has partnered with NextGen Healthcare, a leading provider of ambulatory-focused technology solutions. All that, Adeyemo said, limits Ducey’s discretion on how to divide up the cash. The spat with the Treasury may not be the only problem for Arizona and the efforts of Ducey and Republican lawmakers to keep schools from requiring masks. The U.S. Department of Education already has launched civil rights investiga-

“We provide a lot of the underlying technology that gets used in a lot of medical practices but it’s folks like Dr. Perea… who are doing the hard work,” said Dr. Robert Murry, NextGen chief medical information officer and practicing physician. “We’re just trying to be behind the scenes to let them do their job.” Terros Health integrates patients’ medical and behavioral health data into a single system using an electronic health records platform called NextGen Enterprise with NextGen Virtual Visits. This gives clinicians access to a patient’s health record to improve efficiencies and coordination of care, reduce administrative errors and promote total health and well-being. For expectant mothers, the NextGen system enables Terros Health to work with OB-GYN specialists to care for patients who are deemed high-risk pregnancies. “Every pregnant woman becomes highrisk,” Perea said. “So communication and coordination of care is really, really important. Being available through telehealth and having all the clinical information that we need at our fingertips with NextGen just makes our life a lot easier.” Terros Health offers in-person appointments as well as video visits so patients can meet virtually with a provider from the comfort of their home. MAT providers are also available at the company’s 27th Avenue Health Center in central Phoenix and the Olive Health Center in Glendale. The company also has mobile crisis capabilities, meeting people anywhere in Maricopa County if they are having a mental health crisis. The cost of treatment may be covered by Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, private insurance or through federal grant funding. For more information, visit terroshealth.org/MAT. ■ tions into six Republican states that already have laws on the books forbidding schools from imposing mask mandates, saying that may violate the rights of students with disabilities. The agency said it has been watching other states, including Arizona, what with the state law here on hold pending Supreme Court action. ■

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Scottsdale doc must pay $400K in opioid case BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Scottsdale doctor will pay more than $400,000 to settle charges that he took so-called “speakers fees’’ from a now defunct company to increase the number of opioid prescriptions he was writing. Without admitting guilt, Dr. Steve Fanto agreed to the deal to be dismissed from a wide-ranging lawsuit filed in 2017 by Attorney General Mark Brnovich against Insys Therapeutics over what the state said were the practices of the Chandler firm of using unfair and deceptive marketing practices designed to pad company profits at the expense of patient safety. That, according to the attorney general’s office was part of a nationwide scheme to deceive patients, doctors and insurers about the safety of Subsys, its sublingual spray form of the powerful opioid fentanyl. Insys has since pleaded guilty to federal charges, filed for bankruptcy and ceases to exist. A criminal case remains pending against John Kapoor, the company’s founder and former president. But the lawsuit also went after Fanto and two other doctors, charging they took hundreds of thousands of dollars of sham educational speaker fees from Insys in exchange for increasing the number of prescriptions they wrote for Sybsys. Brnovich said that violated the state’s Consumer Fraud Act. An 2018 investigation by the Palm Beach Post reported that Insys received $3.05 million in Medicare payments between 2013 and 2015 just from prescriptions written by Fanto. According to the lawsuit, Fanto accepted at least 78 payments with a combined total of at least $250,980 from the company. In the deal announced last week, Fanto denies the allegations but agreed to enter into a consent judgment “solely in order to compromise disputed claims, and to avoid the expense and uncertainty of further litigation.’’ Aside from having to surrender all of the money he got from Insys, the agreement also requires Fato to pay $152,000 in civil penalties. He also is barred from receiving any fu-

ture compensation from the manufacturer of any pharmaceutical drug or medical device while holding a license to practice medicine in the state. But the deal still allows him or his staff to accept food and beverage items as long as the total value throughout the year does not exceed $300. Brnovich got similar settlements earlier this year against two pain-management doctors, Dr. Nikesh Seth of Scottsdale and Dr. Sheldon Gingerich of Tucson. That deal required the pair to pay more than $500,000 to settle the lawsuit. In announcing the lawsuit in 2017, Brnovich said the three doctors were responsible for 64% of the nearly $51.9 million in Sybsys sales in Arizona during a five-year period. And he said that was directly related to the speakers fees they received. According to the Attorney General, the three doctors collective wrote about nine Subsys prescriptions a month before they started getting money from Insys. When the checks started, he said, that figure averaged about 62 prescriptions a month. The state had previously reached a $9.5 million settlement with Alec Burlakoff, the former vice president of sales for Insys, consisting of $5.2 million he collected in company stock and another $4.3 million in civil penalties. There also was a $2 million settlement with Michael Babich, the company’s former CEO, who agreed to pay at least $2 million to settle allegations related to his role in the scheme to prescribe more opioids. In filing suit, Brnovich said that Insys promoted Subsys in ways designed to general sales while ignoring health concerns. He said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved Subsys only to manage “breakthrough pain in cancer patients 18 years of age and older who are receiving and tolerant to around-the-clock opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain.’’ At the same time, Brnovich said, the FDArequired label said the drug should not be used for things like postoperative pain and for headaches and migraines. But he said Insys ignored all that to promote sales. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency in November 2018 revoked Fanto’s certificate to handle controlled substances. ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Redistricting plan tilts toward GOP in Legislature BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

espite concerns of Democrats on the panel, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission last week gave preliminary approval to a map that would give Republicans an edge in electing members of the Legislature for the balance of the decade. And at least part of that is because they voted to create a legislative district in Pima County designed to help ensure the election of Republicans to the state House and Senate. There was less controversy over a decision to give final approval to draft maps that also would give Republicans an edge in congressional races for the balance of the decade. As crafted, Republicans would dominate three districts and Democrats in two. And the margins are close enough in the other four to, at least theoretically, allow a candidate from either party to win a general election. But even with Thursday’s vote, that is not the final word. Commissioners said they anticipate changes after that map goes out for public comment for the next 30 days in early December. One issue left hanging is how that map splits Tucson between two congressional districts following a complaint from Mayor Regina Romero. She said it makes no sense to have the University of Arizona and the nearby Fourth Avenue shopping and restaurant area separated from downtown. “She makes a compelling argument,’’ said Chairwoman Erika Neuberg. But rather than wrestle with the issue

Erika Neuberg of Chandler chairs the fiveperson redistricting commission. (Capitol Media Services)

Thursday, the commission chose to keep that line in place, at least for now, with the option of making future changes before final adoption. The real debate Thursday came over how to draw the lines for the state’s 30 legislative districts, with the Republican and Democratic commissioners on opposite sides of the key battle of how to divide Southern Arizona. Neuberg sided with the two Republicans in saying she prefers a plan that allows what she called “right-of-center’’ residents in the Tucson area to have some chance to elect someone who shares their political philosophy. But in doing so, the commission rejected a proposal by Shereen Lerner, one of the two Democrats, to create a district with a population split nearly even between the two major parties. She argued that was fair. “It provides Republicans with a good

opportunity to have their voices heard,’’ Lerner said. The maps, which now go out for public comment, for the moment create two legislative districts where a study of how residents of the area voted in prior elections make them an effective tossup. Another four districts are considered within the possible competitive range, with two leaning Republican and two leaning Democrat. There would have been three tossup districts, with 12 where the margins favor Republicans and 11 with decidedly Democratic edges. But that was before the panel crafted LD 17 -- the one in the suburban Tucson area -- to give an edge to the GOP. Hence, the draft maps appear to create 13 Republican-leaning districts against 11 with a Democratic edge. The commission did that by crafting a district that starts at Marana, runs through Oro Valley and around Tucson’s northern and eastern edge to take in Tanque Verde and Vail. That drew objections from Shereen Lerner, one of the two Democrats on the panel. She proposed instead to include Casas Adobes in the district, saying that makes more sense. It also would have kept most of the Amphi and Catalina Foothills school districts in the same political area. That did not sit well with Commissioner David Mehl. He agreed to back off just a bit from the plan he had previously advanced on behalf of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, of which he is a founding member. His earlier plan included Oracle, Mammoth and San Manuel in LD 17. They now are in LD 7, which stretches north through Florence into the eastern edge

art of Apache Junction and up to Payson and Snowflake. And the Flowing Wells area was moved from LD 17 into LD 20 which runs through downtown Tucson. But Mehl insisted that with four strongly Democratic districts in Pima County, there needs to be at least one with a Republican edge. Anyway, Mehl argued, this plan creates a “suburban ring around Tucson.’’ What tilted the debate in Mehl’s favor was the support of Neuberg, the lone independent on the commission. “I am focused on ensuring some accountability in the Tucson area for rightof-center folks, a community of interest, to not be neglected,’’ she said. The result is that LD 17 has a Republican edge, versus what would have been a nearly even political split under Lerner’s plan. That question of what the area around Tucson should look like legislatively spilled over into a separate debate over the political future of southern Cochise County, specifically Bisbee and Douglas. “These are border communities that have high Latino populations,’’ said Lerner. But the map given preliminary approval Thursday puts them into heavily Republican LD 19, which includes not just the rest of Cochise County but goes as far west as Green Valley and stretches to Safford, Clifton and Morenci. Lerner wants those areas linked to LD 21, a heavily Democratic district which runs from Nogales up into southeast Tucson. Strictly speaking, what Lerner wants is not dead, as the maps can still be changed before formal adoption next month. She promised to bring the issue back before a final vote. ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Arizona AG raises questions on vaccine safety BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ttorney General Mark Brnovich is opening a new front in his legal battle with the Biden administration over mandates for some people to get vaccinated, raising questions about whether they have been properly tested for safety. He contends that what Arizonans are being offered has not even obtained final approval despite publicity to the contrary. The latest version of a lawsuit in federal court says that the process used by the Food and Drug Administration for full approval of the COVID vaccine “has been significantly accelerated.’’ In legal filings, the attorney general cites the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control which says that vaccine licensing “is a lengthy process that can take 10 years or longer.’’ It also involves three phases of clinical trials with humans before they can be licensed,’’ Brnovich quotes the CDC, with the Phase 3 trials on a large group of human subjects typically lasting several years. That time compares recipients with those who have not been inoculated and allows for discovery of potential side effects. In the case of the Pfizer vaccine, however, he said the Phase 3 trials were conducted of those who had been enrolled from July 27, 2020 and followed through up through mid-March of this year. “The FDA thus required less than eight months of Phase 3 trial data, rather than the period of several years normally used to observe side effects and adverse effects,’’ Brnovich told U.S. District Court Judge Michael Liburdi. Brnovich claimed what the FDA gave

ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BRNOVICH

final approval to was Pfizer’s Comirnaty version of the COVID-19 vaccine. But he asserted that’s not the one being distributed here. “The only Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine actually available in the United States is the prior Pfizer BionNTech COVID 19 version,’’ he said. And that, Brnovich said is “only available pursuant to an emergency use authorization,’ just like the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. That distinction is important. It starts with what Brnovich said is the fact that drugs authorized under an emergency use authorization are approved by the FDA through a procedure “that is less rigorous than the full approval process.’’ More to the point, the attorney general said federal law spells out that recipients of vaccines available only under emergency use authorizations have the right “to

accept or refuse administration’’ of those drugs. And that, he said, protects all the people that the Biden administration contends have to get vaccinated. That claim’s accuracy is in dispute. In an Oct. 20 letter from the FDA to Pfizer, the federal agency says that the Comirnaty vaccine “is the same formulation as the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.’’ Brnovich press aide Katie Conner does not dispute that the formula is the same. But she argues there is something different in the way Comirnaty is manufactured. And all that, Conner said, is important and backs up Brnovich’s claim that what the president wants to order some Arizonans to take is not a fully approved drug “and is governed by different laws.’’ Conner said her boss is not claiming the vaccines are unsafe. But she suggested that perhaps Arizona consumers weren’t

than in any other U.S. metro, statistics show. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ newly released Consumer Expenditure Surveys, metro Phoenix households spend an average of $12,776 per year on transportation, whether by private car or public transportation. That’s more than any other metro in the country – even traffic-choked Los Angeles

and jam-packed New York, as well as cities with notoriously long commutes, including Washington, D.C. Hspend more to buy vehicles than drivers do anywhere else in the country. A lot more, according to 2019-20 data collected by the bureau. The average U.S. household spent $4,429 per year on car purchases. Phoenix house-

getting all the information they need. “Vaccines must be a choice and Americans deserve all information and transparency from public officials and pharmaceutical companies to make the best decision for themselves and their families,’’ Conner said. As to whether Brnovich himself has been inoculated, Conner said it would be “inappropriate’’ for her to answer that question. All this is part of Brnovich’s attempt to get Liburdi to issue an order blocking the Biden administration from enforcing its policies requiring certain people to be vaccinated. Liburdi has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 10. Hanging in the balance are three specific actions the Biden administration is taking. First are the proposed new regulations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to require vaccines of all employees of companies with more than 100 workers. That rule, yet to be formally enacted, has a work-around, allowing instead for testing at least weekly. Brnovich had previously sued over the last provision. But he never actually pursued that claim given that the rules do not exist. The new version keeps that claim and adds two more. One is the requirement that all federal employees be vaccinated or face loss of their jobs. The only exceptions are for those who qualify for medical or religious exemptions. Brnovich himself has no legal standing in that fight. But to get around that, he has associated with a private attorney who has a client who is a federal employee who does not want to get vaccinated and says he fears he will lose his job. ■

Car-lovin’ Valley spends most on transportation BY MICHAEL PATTON Cronkite News

alley drivers love their cars, and more than anywhere else in the country, they put their money where their hearts are. In fact, it costs more to get around in Phoenix – a city that was designed for cars –

holds spent 59 percent more than that, an average of $7,022 per year. The effect is even more pronounced when viewed as a percentage of household expenses, the data show. For Valley households, buying a car made up 11.2 percent of all yearly spending, while na-

see CAR SHOW page 24

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

CAR SHOW from page 22

tionwide it averaged 7.12 percent. Even the second biggest spender by this measure, Baltimore, averaged just 7.84 percent. What’s more, Phoenix holds the top spot among metros in transportation spending despite spending less than average on gasoline, maintenance, public transit and every other sort of transportation expense tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A check around the Valley with car dealership associations, academics, government agencies and a Bureau of Labor Statistics economist came up blank as to why. Officials with the Arizona Department of Transportation declined to comment because they hadn’t studied the issue and didn’t want to speculate. But it’s widely understood that Phoenix was built for motorized vehicles. The city has had a love affair with the automobile since at least the 1950s, when “cruising Central” first became a popular pastime, according to Marshall Shore, an unofficial “official Arizona Hipstorian.” With cheap desert surrounding Phoenix and the availability of cars when the city started to boom after World War II, it didn’t need to have a dense urban core. Instead, it’s a 14,587 square mile area of sprawling suburbs and abutting cities. And despite efforts like the installation of light rail, it’s still designed for cars, Shore said.

Hundreds attend the Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic Car Show at the Pavilions at Talking Stick, touted as the longest-running weekly car show in the United States, on Oct. 23, 2021. (Michael Patton/ Cronkite News)

“Phoenix is and was a car-centric city,” Shore said. “Unlike other cities that built up, Phoenix built out, and it’s still building out.” Some speculate car spending is so high because of the price of used cars because Arizona’s dry climate keeps them in better condition than rust-prone regions. But according to data provided by ISeeCars.com, a car aggregation and research website, a used car in Phoenix costs only $85 more than the national average, at $24,800 versus $24,715.

Another possible factor is the area’s classic car culture. Muscle cars, lowriders, street racers and supercars are commonly seen in the Valley, which also is home to a host of collector-car auctions and shows each year. “There’s no better place to be for someone who loves cars,” said Larry Oliver, manager of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic Car Show at Talking Stick. For many, cars are more than just a tool to get around. They’re an obsession, “a disease,” in Oliver’s words, and a source of com-

that takes rescue dogs and trains them to be rehabilitation dogs for our veterans right here in the Valley,” said Valor Pastor Thor Strandholt. Strandholt said there will be food trucks, awards for some of the entries “and lots of fun.” Formed in 1999, the association describes itself as “a ministry of helping people to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. “We provide material in the goody bags for people to read and make their own decision,” it adds. But it also boasts a passion for restoring motor vehicles. “We love the process of restoration,” it states on its website. “We enjoy taking an

old vehicle and applying the skills, talents and resources necessary to bring it to a better-than-new condition….It is our joy and passion to witness the creation of a beautiful piece of automotive art as the meaningful culmination of our combined skills and efforts.” But the men and women who belong to the group also “believe that life also exhibits a parallel principle in the process of growth and maturity that everyone must experience in the ongoing course of life,” noting each vehicle “is the result of a time-consuming, energy-expending construction process. “It is our belief that life demands a similar process of each one of us … and that God uses the circumstances and chal-

munity for the people who care about them. “They’re there at the (car) show every week. They never miss a week, and they meet their friends there, and for some of the guys, they’ve been meeting up there for years,” Oliver said. As home to one of the world’s largest collector car auctions, metro Phoenix also has an entire industry of businesses dedicated to the sale, storage and refurbishing of collector cars. “That attracts people from all over the world to buy them, of course, and they keep them right here,” Oliver said. “And then that leads people to buy homes here, either as full-time residents or winter visitors.” It’s a niche part of the car market, but there is a lot of money connected to it. “For one of these cars in good condition you’re looking at an average of $75,000 to $100,000, and it’s not uncommon for someone to buy a car and then put $150,000 into it,” Oliver said. While Phoenix residents already shell out for automobiles, spending is expected to get only higher due to international factors, like a shortage in computer chip production that is slowing the manufacturing of vehicles everywhere. “The number of vehicles produced by all manufacturers, foreign and domestic, has dropped precipitously over the last year because of the chip shortage,” said Knox Ramsey, president of the Valley Auto Dealers Association. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better.” ■

Annual Christian car show in Gilbert Saturday AFN NEWS STAFF

he Covenant Hot Rod Association, which aims to introduce people to Christianity while entertaining them with souped-up and restored motor vehicles, will hold its sixth annual Desert Harvest Car show with Valor Christian Center of Gilbert. The show – open to vehicle owners for registration between 7:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, and to the general public for viewing between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – will be held at Valor Christian Center, 3015 E. Warner Road. “We are the only car show in the valley that uses funds from the show to support Soldier’s Best Friend, the local non-profit

lenges of life as a means whereby that process is carried out. “We are truly passionate about our cars, but we are far more concerned with the things that God is doing in the lives of people. It is our intent, therefore, to use cars and our love of motorsports as a means of helping people to experience success throughout life’s process.” Registration for cars includes a t-shirt, dash plaque and goody bag. The registration fee is $30. A whole range of cars and car-trucks can be entered and the mayor will award a trophy to one. People can register at the show site or at covenanthotrod.com. ■

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Real Estate Guide Valley housing market still belongs to sellers BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hile Zillow appears to have held a fire sale on Valley homes over the last two weeks, homebuyers might want to temper their hopes that the housing market is finally turning their way. It may be – but it’s about as hopeful a U-turn as that massive ship tried to make in the Suez Canal earlier this year before it got stuck. The Cromford Report, which carefully monitors the housing market in Maricopa

and Pinal counties, said on Oct. 20 that of 252 Zillow-owned listings in Phoenix, “182 have had at least one price reduction with the average drop $41,000.” “The average current listing price is 6 percent less than the average price they paid, according to the affidavit of value filed with the county,” it said. “Of course they charged the seller a fee, but this 6 percent represents an average gross loss of $28,000 per home. This is a very strange business model. Buy high, sell low.

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REAL ESTATE

Monsoon damage can create MARKET legal issues in home sales BY BEN GOTTLIEB AFN Guest Writer

rizona is known for, among other things, its monsoon seasons – which generally results in significant rainfall touching down in the months of June through September each year. Mother Nature responds differently each monsoon season, however, with the 2020 monsoon season bringing a relatively small amount of rainfall to Phoenix. Most Phoenicians recall the 2014 monsoon season, which recorded 6.3 inches of rainfall, registering as the 7th wettest monsoon. Although not as severe as the 2014 monsoon season, this year nearly 4 inches of rain fell by the end of September, with long-term residents most likely feeling that it rained above average this year. Phoenix recently recorded the highest annual growth in home values and rent among the country’s largest cities, according to Zillow. A housing sector crisis in the near future seems unlikely in light of low interest rates, strong buyer demand due in part to an influx of residents moving to Arizona, and low inventory. A healthy housing economy translates to strong housing activity and buyers paying top dollar for homes, which in turn is a recipe for legal disputes after a buyer purchases a home. Most of the time, these issues revolve around alleged non-disclosures by the seller. Under Arizona law, a seller of a home has a legal obligation to disclose to the buyer known, latent, material defects associated with the home.

Most sellers achieve this disclosure through the Arizona Association of Realtors’ Seller Property Disclosure Statement, although filling out this form is not a requirement under Arizona law. Strong monsoon seasons, similar to a healthy housing economy, also trigger their own set of legal disputes. The more it rains, the more likely an aggrieved homeowner will be damaged from a neighbor’s altering of drainage conditions nearby. Diverting water flow and natural drainage conditions can lead to liability for the offending homeowner. In 2014, entire neighborhoods experienced flooding – municipalities were tasked with taking measures to ameliorate the effects from the floods, property owners flooded sought relief from their local municipality or sought legal action against neighboring property owners who diverted storm water and were responsible for the damage. While 2021 did not make the top 10 list in Phoenix for total annual rainfall during the monsoon season, Phoenix experienced a significant amount of rain – and many residents experienced flooding to some degree. Liability may attach to offending homeowners who constructed a development on their property – i.e., construction of a perimeter wall or other structure or importation of dirt fill for landscaping purposes – which altered the natural drainage conditions on and around their property. The buying “frenzy” combined with the rainy monsoon season is likely to generate a storm of legal troubles. Not only will homeowners seek redress for nearby neighbors altering drainage

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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“The price cuts are being made very swiftly on homes that do not sell. They do not seem to be waiting for the market to catch up with their initial pricing.” Cromford and other market This 2,928-square-foot house on E. Tecoma Road in Ahanalysts have reported that watukee recently sold for $815,000. Built in 1992, the fouriBuyers, like Zillow, and deep- bedroom, two-bath house boasts an open great room pocket investors have pur- with fireplace, large update kitchen and a large patio. (Spechased significant numbers of cial to AFN) way to go before the data put a smile on Valley homes in recent months. The iBuyers were paying significantly buyers’ faces. The lowest score on its index was 202 higher-than-list prices, Cromford said, which essentially is keeping inventory in Maricopa and the highest was 601 in Fountain Hills. The Phoenix housing marrelatively low and driving prices higher. But Zillow abruptly ended its buying ket was one of the five cities that were spree two weeks ago, according to a re- trending upward – i.e. more favorable to sellers – with an index of 330. port by Bloomberg News. Cromford said all that data indicated It reported that Zillow, which bought 3,800 houses in the nation in just the sec- its index ratings for all 17 cities “are still ond quarter of this year, said it would stop very high by normal standards and fallbuying any more homes for the rest of the ing only slowly. With all cities over 200, year so that it could work through a back- prices are all but certain to rise during the fourth quarter.” log of properties. Meanwhile, the financial website Mar“We’re operating within a labor- and supply-constrained economy inside a com- ketWatch.com offered a less-than-encourpetitive real estate market, especially in the aging observation that may not be good construction, renovation and closing spac- news for either sellers or buyers. “Americans are set to see their purchases,” Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow’s chief operating officer, told Bloomberg. “We have not ing power shrink,” MarketWatch said last been exempt from these market and capac- week. “And unlike in the past, they won’t ity issues and we now have an operational be able to rely on falling mortgage rates to bail them out.” backlog for renovations and closings.” The site explained, “For nearly 40 years, While Zillow may be trying to whittle down its inventory quickly, the same can’t home buyers could depend on mortgage be said for other iBuyers, according to rates to drop, making buying a home an Cromford. Opendoor, for example, appears affordable proposition. That trend ap“to be more reluctant to make price cuts in pears to be at its end, as interest rates rise their listings,” Cromford said. “Their strat- in tandem with inflation. “The increase in mortgage rates has egy appears to be to wait for the market value to catch up. Eventually the price they caused home price growth to slow, but not reverse, meaning that buying a home is paid will probably seem cheap.” What all this might mean for prospec- still becoming more and more expensive.” Citing the monthly Real House Price tive buyers is unclear. On one hand, Cromford appeared relative- Index from title insurance company First ly pessimistic about any significant change American Financial Corp., marketwatch said “housing affordability declined 16.6 in the market that would favor buyers. Cromford maintains a market index percent over the past year as of August” based on various data that indicates – based on changes in household income, whether conditions in 17 different Valley mortgage rates and nominal home prices municipalities, including Phoenix, favors when calculating affordability. “Even though affordability has worssellers or buyers. A rating below 100 indicates a favorable buyers market while ened, when home prices are adjusted to reflect Americans home buying power, anything about 100 tilts toward sellers. Its latest index last week showed 12 of they still remain 37.5 percent below the 17 cities in the Phoenix Metro area were 2006 peak during the last housing boom,” trending downward – but they had a long \MarketWatch said. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Supply chain disruptions drive home prices up

companies assumed consumers wouldn’t want to spend money during a crisis, so they scaled down production and furloughed and laid off employees. They were wrong. Flush with stimulus checks and all the money they saved from not going out or on vacations, Americans stuck at home decided to fix up their abodes. They bought new appliances, embarked on remodeling projects, and purchased 60-inch TVs they’d always wanted. Instead of falling, demand soared. So factories ramped back up. But that hasn’t been a simple or quick process. “Last year when the pandemic happened, we closed down the economy. A lot of businesses had to prepare themselves that we might not reopen for a while, so they reduced capacity,” said David Sacco, a finance and economics professor at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. “Companies didn’t expect people to be restarting their

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homes are now taking seven to nine months to complete from start to finish, said NAHB’s Dietz. That’s about a month longer than before the pandemic. And they cost about 20 percent more than they did in early 2020. “The supply chain crisis is the top immediate factor holding back construction right now,” said Dietz. “It’s holding back the amount of housing that could come to market.” Builders are having a tough time securing common but critical items like garage doors, windows, cabinets, paint, bricks, appliances, and plumbing fixtures, said Zonda’s Wolf. “Builders are playing a real-life game of whack-a-mole, where once they solve one problem, another arises – often on a weekly or even daily basis,” she said. Even if the materials started flowing again, though, the industry would still be short about 340,000 construction workers, said Dietz.

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purchasing as quickly as they did.” Then the shipping container shortage hit Asia. The containers piled up in parts of the world that needed goods from China, such as protective gear that was needed in West Africa, but didn’t produce many goods that could be shipped back. Suddenly the cost to move goods exploded, becoming about 10 times more expensive than what it was pre-pandemic. Those costs, plus tariffs on the goods, are passed on to consumers—one of the primary reasons inflation is on the rise. Adding to the backlog, the Suez Canal was shut down for nearly a week in March after a ship got stuck in the waterway. And a pervasive shortage of workers unloading goods at ports and drivers getting them to their destinations is further compounding the situation. But experts believe it will be a temporary problem. “Eventually those things work themselves out. It just takes time for people to

ramp up. It takes time to hire more people. It takes time to build more ships,” said Sacco. “As a society, we’re used to getting everything instantaneously. If you go on Amazon and you can’t get something in two days, you think this is crazy.” But the supply chain problems – coupled with a construction labor shortage (and other issues like zoning problems and a lack of land for sale) – are making it nearly impossible right now for homebuilders to ramp up production. Without that sorely needed supply of homes for sale, housing inventory is likely to remain scant. And until there are more homes for sale, prices will remain high. “The housing shortage and accompanying high prices are not likely to go away as long as the products that construction companies depend on don’t arrive on time,” said George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com. “Once these goods get offloaded and shipped to stores, suppliers, consumers, we’re going to see prices moderate somewhat.” The double whammy means that new

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SALE PENDING

that doesn’t mean everything will go back to how it was before the pandemic and prices will drop. “The idea that we’re going to see a reset where prices go down back to 2019 levels is unlikely. But … the run-up in pricing is going to slow.” The supply chain snafu is so critical, of course, because so many products and parts are made in different countries and then shipped around the world. It affects just about everything from electronics, to everyday essentials like toilet paper, to homes. Even an item manufactured in the U.S. may be reliant on a part or chemical made in Asia or Europe. “Right now, everything’s just clogged up globally,” said Larry Wigger, a supply chain management professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The crisis began when the pandemic led to temporary plant closures to contain the outbreak, workers calling out sick, and international borders being closed. Many

conditions, but homeowners need to now disclose to buyers water damage endured from the rainstorms. Buyers may seek redress to the extent a seller failed to properly disclose known and adverse facts. In all cases, it is better to prudently disclose potential adverse facts and seek professional help prior to developing one’s property. After all, when it rains, it pours – and you do not want lawsuits pouring down on you. Ahwatukee resident Patrick MacQueen and Benjamin Gottlieb of Chandler are founders of MacQueen & Gottlieb, PLC, one of Arizona’s top real estate law firms. If you have questions, you can contact Ben Gottlieb at ben@mandglawgroup. com; or call 602-533-2840. ■

SALE PENDING

lobal supply chain bottlenecks have lately made purchasing everything from chicken wings to cars seem like a very expensive, frustrating scavenger hunt. The crunch is threatening the holiday gift-giving season with the prospect of empty shelves in the stores. And it’s disrupting the already challenging housing market in a major way. The shortages and delays are making the dire shortage of homes for sale even worse as builders can’t source the materials and appliances that go into constructing new homes, keeping real estate prices sky high. And it isn’t affecting just those buying newly constructed homes. First-time and other cash-strapped buyers purchasing fixer-uppers are struggling to get the same lumber, plumbing parts, and finishes and find contractors with availability for renovations. Homeowners whose stoves or washing

machines give out are waiting months on replacements. “Supply chain disruptions have plagued the housing market since the early days of the pandemic, but have only gotten worse recently,” said Ali Wolf, chief economist of building consultancy Zonda. About 91 percent of the homebuilding companies surveyed by Zonda reported struggling with the supply chain problems. “The lack of material availability is making it take longer to build a home, and the delays and higher input costs are contributing to rising home prices,” said Wolf. This is the most disastrous the situation has been since at least World War II for the residential construction industry, said Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders. And it’s not likely to let up anytime soon. “These supply chain issues will absolutely continue into 2022, but may begin to ease as we head into 2023,” said Dietz. But

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SOLD

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FAMILY RUN TEAM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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SPO OTLIGHT home ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING LOTS AVAILABLE IN AHWATUKEE!! LOCATED IN FOOTHILLS MOUNTAIN RANCH ESTATES!! OVER 5 ACRE HILLSIDE LOT WITH STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM EVERY DIRECTION•BUILD YOUR DREAM CUSTOM ESTATE OR BUILD MULTIPLE HOMES ON THIS SIGHT•ZONED R3*THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS ON THIS RARE OPPORTUNITY•THERE IS NOT ANOTHER PIECE OF LAND IN AHWATUKEE THAT OFFERS THIS MANY BUILDABLE ACRES•NO HOA•LOCATED AT THE END OF A CUL-DE-SAC•BE THE KING OF THE HILL WITH VIEWS ALL THE WAY TO FOUR PEAKS•PLANS AVAILABLE AND OTHER CUSTOM HOME OPTIONS AVAILABLE FROM A WELL KNOW AHWATUKEE CUSTOM HOME BUILDER*DO NOT MISS THIS AMAZING HILLSIDE LOT IN AN AMAZING LOCATION!!!!

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Estate living with refined tranquility in this exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of this luxury home. Inviting entry opens to diagonally laid tile with granite inlays and dramatic wooden staircase. Formal dining room with stacked stone fireplace. Gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, large island, Subzero refrigerator, and Wolf gas cooktop with double ovens. Fireplace and wet bar in great room. Floor plan boasts seven bedrooms, playroom and large game room. Expansive master suite includes large sitting area with two-way fireplace, crown molding, separate walk-in closets and spacious bathroom. Three custom iron doors lead to massive covered patio with pavers, built-in barbeque, heated pool with waterfall and slide, gorgeous landscaping with fruit trees and koi pond.

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Phoenix region in top 4 for rent increases AFN NEWS SERVICES

he COVID-19 pandemic sent rental prices tumbling as city dwellers fled for the hills, but the latest data shows those prices haven’t just recovered – they’re surging to a new all-time high. And Phoenix is among the top four markets where rent increases have been the highest. Median rents jumped 13.6% compared with last year in the 50 largest metro areas of the U.S. as people start to return to cities, according to monthly rental report from Realtor.com. Rents hit a median price of $1,654 in September, which means renters are paying $198 more compared with the same time last year and an extra $222 versus two years ago, before the pandemic began. In the Phoenix Metro area, Realtor.com reported, the median monthly rent was $1,700 – a 26.4 percent year-over-year in-

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The shortages of materials and labor could also result in fewer sellers listing

480-706-7234 ! LD O S

crease. The median rent for a studio apartment was $1,284, a 32.5 percent year-overyear increase. The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom was $15,30, a 28 percent increase over the previous year, while the median rent for a two-bedroom place jumped 26.6 percent from a year ago to $1,899. “It really highlights how challenging affordability is at this point,” said George Ratiu, manager of economic research for Realtor.com. This surge in rent is coming at the same time that buying a house is getting less affordable, too. Home prices are at record highs and more people are returning to cities, which creates more competition and higher prices in the rental market. In addition, the federal government ended its moratorium on evictions. This means the foreclosure rate is going up, so more people may be forced to sell their home and rent instead.

their properties. They may not be able to get what they need or find workers to make improvements to help them fetch top dollar for their residences. This could tempt some

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! LD O S

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supply chain problems are unlikely to go away anytime soon,” said Wolf. Realtor.com provided this report. ■

D! L SO

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San Tan Ranch

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to delay putting their homes on the market, worsening the housing crisis. “Consumers will need to practice their patience when buying a home today as the

not enough housing to meet the demand. The other metro areas with the highest yearly growth in median rent were Miami, at 31.6 percent; Riverside, California, at 26.5 percent; Phoenix, at 26.4 percent; and Las Vegas, at 25.9 percent. The pandemic saw a particularly large exodus of renters from big tech hubs like Seattle and Austin, TX, since tech-related jobs are often well-suited for remote work. As of September, rents in those cities are largely back to normal, and in some cases even higher than they were at the beginning of March 2020. In Seattle, for example, median rents dropped around $300 from March 2020 to January 2021, from $2,923 to $2,610. As of September, they’re back to almost the same price they were before, at $2,895 a month. In Austin, rents last month were around 20 percent higher than they were in March 2020, jumping from $1,367 to $1,647. ■

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It also means landlords have more power to kick out tenants and raise the rent on whoever moves in next. However, the increase in rents does at least signal that the economy is recovering from COVID-19, as tenants come back to cities and support local businesses. Growth was particularly high in metros such as Tampa, Florida, which includes St. Petersburg, which has seen a whopping 33.3 percent increase in rental prices. Monthly rents were a median $1,800 in the Florida city. “The rental market is as tough as the sales market,” says Alma Alexander, a Realtor who’s with Coldwell Banker in Tampa. She says a growing economy and strong sports industry are attracting many people to the Tampa region. The pandemic also gave the area a boost as many folks in snowier areas who could work remotely headed for cheaper, sunnier parts of the country. But in cities across Florida, there’s simply

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

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Pristine & classy single-level gated tuscan estate! stunning curb appeal w/amazing south mountain views. Grand foyer, entertainment room w/full wetbar & scotsman icemaker, formal dining, family room w/canterra fireplace, kitchen incs :slab granite,alder cabinets,s/s wolf appliances,gas cooktop,miele dishwasher,copper sinks,island, & subzero, most amazing custom stonework ever seen in ahwatukee consisting of marble,canterra,travertine, & granite, large master ste w/sitting area & 2 separate full baths, his/her alder & cedar lined closets, guest suite-2nd master w/ensuite bath & courtyard, extremely private backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool w/waterfalls, firepots, firepit, grassy play area, & fully equipped outdoor kitchen, fruit trees inc: apple, orange, lemon, & lime, this dream estate has it all!

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Pristine & Classy Gated Estate On A Premium 2/3 Acre Hillside Lot, Private Cul-De-Sac, 6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, 5200 Sqft Of Pure Luxury Finishes, Stunning Views In Every Direction, Iron Door, Butted Glass Windows In Entry & Kitchen, Custom Window Treatments, Decorator Paint, Dome Ceiling Foyer & Groin Vaulted Ceilings In Living Room, Travertine & Hardwood Floors Throughout, 7-Inch Baseboards, Media Room, Dream Kitchen Includes S/S Appliances, Slab Granite Counters, Alder Cabinets, Huge Island, Walk In Pantry, Large Master Suite W/Stone Fireplace, Master Bath W/Jacuzzi Tub, 3 Vanities & Snail Shower, Paradise Backyard W/Travertine In Versailles Pattern, Turf Grass, Pebbletec Pool/Jacuzzi, 4 Water Features, Large Covered Patio, Stacked Stone Bbq, 4 Car Garage W/Epoxy & Storage! Your Dream Estate Awaits!!

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Mountain Park Ranch $679,000

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5 bedroom / 3 bath, 3,506 SqFt, Cul-de-sac location with huge backyard, sports court, built-in BBQ, mature shade trees, very private backing to wash. Good size SOLD! bedrooms, master downstai5. Features a large office with balcony, plus office/loft with built-in bookcase and 3 full baths. Th� home is perfect for family gatherings one is a show stopper!!! over 4200sqft of luxury on a preserve hillside lot in a cul-de-sac, 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath with andThis previewed with 24family hourroom notice andkitchen appointment only. aentertaining. bonus room, formalCan living &be dining room w/soaring ceilings, w/fireplace, includes:s/s appliances,

SOLD! The best view lot in all of club west!!! this stunning custom gated estate in canyon verde has the best privacy & views you will find in ahwatukee*grand foyer*formal living & dining room*executive office*kitchen includes: custom cabinets w/ antiquing, s/s appliances, cooktop, island, breakfast bar, pendant lighting, & walk-in pantry*butler’s pantry w/wine fridge*family room w/fireplace*upgraded fixtures throughout*large master suite w/sitting area*master bath w/jetted tub, snail shower, & spacious closet*guest suite w/separate entrance*all secondary bedrooms are large*paradise perfect backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool & spa, firepit, built-in bbq, flagstone, and putting green*oversized garage w/epoxy & built-in cabinets*this custom estate is a dream opportunity! welcome to paradise!!

slab granite, island, & recessed led lights, breakfast nook, gigantic master bedroom with the most amazing preserve views, custom master bath w/walk-in shower, freestanding tub, his/her vanities, & large walk-in closet, all bedrooms are extremely large with walk-in closets, views from every room, laundry room w/built-in cabinets & sink, extended length 3 car garage w/ epoxy, guest bedroom downstairs, paradise backyard w/covered patio, grassy play area, firepit, & custom new pool & jacuzzi 2020, this amazing home is truly stunning and checks all of the boxes!!

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Amazing Remodeled Custom Estate with mountain views located at the end of a cul-de-sac.Over 8000sqft of pure luxury finishes.6 Bedroom,5.5 Baths.Custom Kitchen.Elevator.Executive Office.Basement Media Room.Dance Studio.Huge Backyard with Pool, Jacuzzi, Turf, BBQ, Sportcourt.This Spectacular Estate has it all!!! Immaculate single level home located in club west on a premium lot, paradise views of south mountain, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, plus executive office and loaded with upgrades, formal living room, formal dining room, family room w/wetbar, builtin media center, & fireplace, kitchen includes:s/s appliances, corian counters, large island, gas cooktop, 42’cabinets, recessed & pendant lighting, breakfast nook, neutral paint & carpet, stone look tile flooring, plantation shutters, large master suite with views, master bath w/dual vanities,glass block walk-in shower w/travertine & mosaics, new exterior paint, paradise oasis backyard with pebbletec pool,waterfall, palm trees, covered patio,extensive decking, built-in bbq, grassy play area, & endless views, patio furniture included, this is the home you have been waiting for!

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Ahwatukee Country Club

Lakewood

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$635,000

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Coventry Tempe

Foothills Club West

SOLD!

$600,000

Fantastic 2 bed- 2bath + Bonus Room, Great location near restaurants, shopping spots, & ON Ahwatukee Golf Club. Cozy front porch perfect to enjoy your morning coffee. Inside you will find an inviting living room, wood-look floors, carpet in all the right places, an impressive brick fireplace in family room, & vaulted ceilings. Kitchen fully equipped w/granite counters, pendant lighting, SS appliances, & breakfast bar. Spacious primary bedroom comes w/large closets, patio access, & private bathroom. Amazing Arizona room & screened-in patio are excellent for your gatherings. Relax under the covered patio & enjoy the easy-care backyard w/large shade tree. A deal like this won’t last long. New Roof + 55K in upgra

2,438 sq ft. Beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath. Master Down ! Great curb appeal with easy-care desert landscape and a two-car garage. New Carpeting discover formal dining and living areas, plantation shutters, and a soothing palette throughout. The charming kitchen offers ample oak cabinetry, tile counters, recessed lighting, & an island complete with a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom boasts its own ensuite filled with natural light & a sizable walk-in closet. Spacious bedrooms offer plush carpets and ceiling fans. Interior laundry with shelving. Backyard offers the best of both worlds with a covered patio and sparkling pool to cool off in.

Jenifer Bulfer 480-297-6968 jbulfer@westusa.com

Marty Griffin 602-692-7653 martygriffin@q.com

Ahwatukee

Foothills Reserve

Maricopa

2,498 Sq Ft. EXCEPTIONAL HOME Which Has One of the LARGEST LOTS in the Premier Lakewood Community! PEBBLETEC POOL and SPA in your own Oasis backyard! 4 bedrooms 3 baths with Lakewood Parks, Greenbelts & 2 Fishing Lakes, Playgrounds and More.

SOLD! Pristine Curb appeal in desirable Adult 55+ Golf Community of Ahwatukee. Open concept split floor plan with Vaulted ceilings. Many upgrades include remodeled and updated kitchen, tile floors, master bath, murphy bed, travertine deck and patio with misting system and a putting green. updated duel pane windows, Plantation shutters throughout, pebble-tech heated pool with a water feature, North South exposure and mountain views. Enjoy all the benefits that the ARC has to offer.

Troy Royston 480-435-3461 troyston61@gmail.com

$599,900

UNDER CONTRACT UCB

DESIRABLE 5 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME IN THE VISTAS IN FOOTHILLS RESERVE. New Front Door. Soaring Ceilings in Entry & Living Areas. Lovely Kitchen W/ Cherry Staggered Cabinets, Beautiful Granite Counter tops & Nice-size Island. Open Kitchen to Family W/ Warm & Inviting Stone Fireplace. 1 Bedroom & 1 Full Bath Downstairs. Travertine Tile, 2’’ Wood Blinds, Bidet in Master Bath, Classy Closets in Master Closet. Balcony Off of Master. Custom Floor to Ceiling Garage Cabinets. Relaxing Backyard W/ Mountain Views, Diving Pool, Large Covered Patio and Cool Deck that was Recently Redone. Community Walking Path & Close to South Mountain Hiking Trails!

Geri Thompson 480-239-7589 thompson_geralyn@yahoo.com

$399,000

$435,000 Immaculate, well-cared-for single story home with mountain views. BRAND NEW ROOF with 10yr transferrable Warranty (3/21), NEWER HVAC (7/18), & NEW Water Heater (12/20) make this an incredible value. Enjoy the eat-in kitchen w/ granite, pantry, pass through to DR & bay window. Master bedroom boasts walk-in closet and bath w/ separate shower and tub. Gorgeous Private Backyard with paver walkways, raised flower beds storage shed and convenient covered patio. Close to hiking, biking, A+ Schools and much more.

Jill Ostendorp 480-678-7308 jillo@homesbyjillo.com

Mountain Park Ranch

SOLD!

This amazing single level 3 bed, 2 bath, plus den home sits on a lrg. Corner Golf lot w/ lots of privacy, 8.5’ deep salt water pool & 3 car garage. Enjoy spacious living/dining room, cozy family room & chefs kitchen w/ Corian counters, stainless appliances, pantry, butlers area & island. Primary bedroom is a full retreat w/ lrg. Walk-in closet, ensuite tiled shower/ tub, dual sinks, custom cabinetry, & storage loft above bath w/ backyard access. Oversized Backyard has covered patio, gated pool, custom pool shed & view fencing to 16th green (no balls). Newer HVAC (17), Exterior Paint (21), Solar Screens, Attic Insulation are just some of the many extras. Great home and walking distance to school and parks.

Jill Ostendorp 480-678-7308 jillo@homesbyjillo.com

SOLD!

$495,000

3,250 sq ft. 5 bedroom, 3 baths! 3 car garage, short walk to the huge HOA pool and top-rated Kyrene Monte Vista. Large kitchen with multiple living areas, nice front/ afternoonshaded patio, in a family-friendly cul-de-sac. Plantation shutters, new plumbing, one newer AC on a split-system, newer interior paint and flooring.

Link Paffenbarger 602-989-7221 linkpaff@gmail.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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Pride alumnus leads Phoenix ballet school’s ‘Nutcracker’ BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Anthony Spaulding attended Mountain Pointe High School, rather than socialize with peers during his lunch hour, he feverishly worked on his next day’s homework. Yes, he admitted, he was an introvert during his freshman through junior years at MPHS, but it wasn’t because he was avoiding his fellow students; instead he was preparing for the grueling hours of after-school dance that followed. Spaudling said that although his studies were important, his passion was dance – and that was where he chose to concentrate his energies. His hard work paid off as he was accepted at age 17 as a dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, and it was there he completed his high school education. His present acclaim as a classical ballet soloist was launched when he was a

Anthony Spaulding, who attended Mountain Pointe for three years before finishing his high school education with the San Francisco Ballet Company, will be performing the lead role in the Ballet Theatre of Phoenix presentation of “The Nutcracker.” (Special to AFN)

Theatre of Phoenix. It’s been a full-circle journey for Spaulding, who from age 11 followed his dream and worked hard to accomplish it. While at Mountain Pointe, Spaulding would leave school and go directly to Dance Incorporated under the tutelage of Hodgie Jo, now a choreographer for the Phoenix Boys Choir and director of the Solid Rock Foundation. He didn’t start with ballet, but rather with hip hop and modern jazz before eventually moving toward classical ballet. He was accepted at the School of Ballet Arizona, where he studied under Kee Juan Han and Nadia Spaulding. At Mountain Pointe, he recalled, “I used my lunch time to do my homework because I knew my time after school would be strenuous with rehearsals and private lessons. I’d get done at 11:30 or 12 at night, get some sleep and get ready to go

youngster at his first viewing of “The Nutcracker” ballet. “My mother took me to see ‘The Nutcracker’ in Phoenix at Symphony Hall, and I fell in love with it,” Spaulding recalled. “I had been training to be a professional

figure skater but this experience changed my life.” This Dec. 18-19, Spaulding is dancing the lead role of the Nutcracker/Cavalier in “The Nutcracker” production performed by students in his former school, Ballet

strong said. “Veterans of all ages are encouraged to come with their families to learn about the heroes and sacrifices of our veterans of the past,” he said. “During your tour, you will see uniforms, weapons, artifacts and documents that are on display dating back to 1776,” Armstrong promised. “You will see items owned by one of our most famous veterans – (the late astronaut) Neil Armstrong. There will be books, maps and other items to review while you wait for your tour of the museum.” Armstrong will provide coffee, tea and water at no charge. “This will be a casual event, that I promise will be memorable and will surprise you with what you will see and learn” said Armstrong.

Jack Armstrong has scoured the globe, collecting a wide variety of artifacts that he displays in his Ahwatukee home. (AFN file photo)

see NUTCRACKER page 28

Ahwatukee man’s ‘micro-museum’ hosts open house BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

escribing Jack Armstrong as a history buff is akin to describing George Washington as a historical figure. Armstrong is so steeped in history – particularly but not exclusively Scottish-Irish history – that he turned part of his Ahwatukee home into a micro-museum that houses an incredible array of artifacts, books and other memorabilia that he has culled from strategic trips around the country and painstaking online searches. And on Nov. 13, Armstrong is giving the public a rare opportunity to share his passion and tour the fruits of those history hunts. While specifically geared to veterans, the museum open house “will focus on America’s military history since the Revolutionary war up to World War II,” Arm-

see ARMSTRONG page 29

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Kiwanis Club again sponsoring foster kids’ Thanksgiving dinner

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee wants to deliver Thanksgiving dinner to 40 group homes for foster children and it needs help to line up 15 of them for meals. Boys Team Charity Ahwatukee is sponsoring meals for 11 homes, Other community supporters include Christ’s Church of the Valley in Mesa, Carrie Chipman of Dream Vacations, the Desert Vista High Key Club, Joseph Ortiz of Edward Jones, the Sunrise Kiwanis Club and Vision Management. Karen Snyder (Karen@ktsnyder.com) needs security-credentialed drivers to deliver meas to some of the homes on Nov. 20. Texas Roadhouse at Power & Ray donating 540 rolls with butter. The club is seeking community support for various items, including dessert. To help: ahwatukeekiwanis.org.

Kyrene Foundation starts drive for Winter Wonderland

Kyrene Foundation, in partnership with the Kyrene School District, is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland donation drive that again is depending solely on cash and gift card donations. Because of safety protocols, they are unable to accept tangible gifts. Even with the pandemic, the generosity of the Kyrene community enabled the foundation last December to serve 927 children and their families. The goal this year is $45,000 to help more than 1,000 local children and their families receive food and gifts. Deadline is Dec. 1. Go to Kyrenefoundation.org.

Ahwatukee garden club slates its annual yard and plant sale

Desert Pointe Garden Club will be holding its 20th annual yard and plant sale 7-11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 and 6 ay 3642 E. S. Fork Drive, Ahwatukee. The club promises a wide array of kitchenware, electronics, toys, decorative items, books, tools, clothing, shoes, pictures and frames. And, of course, a variety of member-grown plants

NUTCRACKER from page 27

to school the next morning.” While performing a dance at a Desert Vista High convocation, Spaulding drew the attention – and praises – of his peers. “I didn’t have a lot of friends and that was okay because I didn’t have a lot of playtime. No one knew what I was doing until I did a solo at an assembly. After that, people said, ‘wow, I didn’t know you could do that!’ I got a lot more attention and became more popular.” That was his junior year. The following summer, he auditioned and was accepted at San Francisco Ballet’s summer intensive program, earning a year-long scholarship and completing his high school senior year. After receiving a contract from the San Francisco School of Ballet, Spaulding con-

ready to go into the ground with instructions from experts on how to keep them thriving. Attendees also can learn more about the club and its many activities. The club will also host a topic-related field trip later in the month. Information: 480-759-4407 or visit Desert Pointe Garden Club – Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs (azgardenclubs.com).

Tickets to the venerable Ahwatukee Nutcracker now on sale at Studio 111

Tickets are on sale for the 22nd annual production of the Ahwatukee Nutcracker and there’s two special aspects to Studio 111 owner Kimberly owner’s beloved production that features scores of performers ages 3-19. First, it will be in person at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 1 p.m. Dec. 19. And it will be held at one of the Valley’s newest and swankiest venues – the Madison Center for the Arts at 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. There will be the traditional appearance by Santa Claus at both afternoon shows as well. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 with assigned seating. They can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Information on the Nutcracker: 480-706-6040.

Tukee Trot to resume day after Thanksgiving after pandemic delay

Hans Laudon is helping to bring back the Tukee Trot, a full range of foot-propelled, day-after-Thanksgiving activity to benefit the Kyrene Foundation for Families’ Winter Wonderland. Despite an unusual downpour in 2019, the inaugural Tukee Trot drew throngs of runners and walkers. Then, last year the pandemic forced its cancellation. “We look forward to building on the successful event in 2019,” Loudon said. This is a non-profit, volunteer-only event so the registration fees all go to the Kyrene Foundation. In addition, participants are asked to bring a $20 Walmart gift card the day of the race or packet pick-up. Laudon also recommends early registration, noting, “we had to limit and close registration early at 500 participants due to strong interest and support. tinued his training. In 2004, he was named apprentice with the San Francisco Ballet and joined that company in 2006 as a Corp de Ballet member. In 2008, he was promoted to soloist dancer, performing many coveted roles. Though separated from his family, he felt at home among others dedicated to ballet. “In Phoenix, at least during my teen years, ballet was not looked upon in the black and Latino communities as a good thing,” he recalled. “ Throughout the decades, Spaulding said he was aware “certain roles were not offered me” because of his race, but those few incidents spurred him to continue working hard to advance his career. The slights also made him more aware of what others were facing, whether it was

The event, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 26 at Desert Vista High School, includes a 5K run and walk that is chp-timed so people can start at their leisure to run, racer or walk. Registration includes dri-fit T-shirt and all finishers receive 15 oz. mugs. and post-race refreshments and there are age-group awards for the top finishers. Information/registration: raceroster.com/events/2021/ 49892/tukee-trot-5k or tukeetrot@cox.net. The team is still accepting sponsors.

Prepare now for annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s

It’s time to get ready for the annual Walk to End Alzheimers co-sponsored by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and Visiting Angels Owners Joe and Holly Miller at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 6, which parallels a similar event in downtown Phoenix the same day. More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and Arizona is the fastest growing state for the disease. A few Phoenix Rising players will be in attendance for the walk, which starts at Visiting Angels S. Phoenix/ Ahwatukee Foothills, 16815 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. #123. Siogn up at Phoenix. AZ. 85048. More information and Sign-up: act.alz.org/goto/PHXVisitingAngels.

St. John Bosco Catholic School slates big open house next week

As it continues its 20th anniversary, St. John Bosco Catholic School is holding an open house 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 11. The Pre-K-8 school, on 48th Street just south of Chandler Boulevard, will have staff and teachers available to discuss details on the educational program. For details: 480-219-4848 or admissions@sjbosco.org. Adjacent St. Benedict’s atholic Church will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, for its new church edifice.

Foothills Golf Course Ladies League ready to hit the links

The Foothills Golf Course Ladies League is open for play. Participants play 18 holes of handicap golf every Tuesday morning now through May. Play includes weekly a weight issue or skin color. “I came back from an injury and had a meeting with my boss who said, ‘we noticed you’ve gained weight.’ I remember thinking, ‘yeah, I was injured.’ Yet, I realized that some people, often women, go through this all the time.” Besides the San Francisco Ballet, Spaulding also danced with the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem during their 2018-19 season. His repertory is rich with plum ballet roles as a soloist or duet partner. With his partner Sarah Van Patten, he was nominated for the “Outstanding Achievement in Performance – Ensemble” at the 26th annual Isadora Duncan Dance Awards. He appeared in John Neumeir’s The Little Mermaid broadcast for PBS’s Great Performances Series.

games, prizes and friendly competition. Interested women can email Lucille Heid at lpheid@ outlook.com for details.

Exchange Club in Ahwatukee seeks support for wreath program

The Exchange Clubs of Chandler and Ahwatukee are working with Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler for the sixth annual Chandler Wreaths Across America Day event on Dec. 18. Their goal is to raise enough money to place wreaths on approximately 2,800 veterans’ graves at Valley of the Sun Cemetery. Last year, approximately 1,800 wreaths were sponsored and organizer Mark Whitaker said, “We will need help from the community to achieve the goal of sponsoring 2,800 wreaths.” Chandler’s annual event consists of laying out the wreaths and a memorial ceremony. Volunteers will begin gathering around 8 a.m. for light refreshments and the laying of the wreaths will begin at 9 a.m., Whitaker said. “Each wreath symbolizes the commitment to remember and honor our nation’s veterans and teach our children about freedom and the sacrifice required to maintain our freedom,” Whitaker said. There will be an educational activity for children to help them learn about veterans. “As wreaths are laid, we ask that the volunteers respectfully remember the veteran by saying the veteran’s name aloud,” Whitaker said. The formal ceremony will start at 10 a.m. and will be streamed on Facebook Live on the Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler Elks, and the Exchange Clubs of Chandler and Phoenix Facebook pages. To help: wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0144P.

Tuesday park day for homeschooling families in Ahwatukee

Homeschooling families are invited to join facilitator Cheryl Wedell of Ahwatukee for fun activities 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Vista Canyon Park, near Desert Vista HS.

see AROUND page 30

He also performed “The Nutcracker” with the San Francisco Ballet Company with his mother, Robin Campbell, in attendance. “She was able to come see me perform, and it was an emotional experience,” he recalled. At present, Spaulding has parlayed his professional ballet company experience into a schedule freelancing, guest appearances in ballets in the U.S. and abroad and teaching. At 35, he said he’s learned to listen to his body while maintaining a regular dance schedule. He forgoes coffee and soda, eats well and gets plenty of sleep. To order tickets for the Dec. 18 evening performance or Dec. 19 matinee of “The Nutcracker,” see BalletTheatreofPhx.org. This year’s Nutcracker ballet is in conjunction with Convergence Ballet. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

ARMSTRONG from page 27

The museum is wheelchair accessible and seating will be provided for seniors. Visit AMMARC on facebook.com/armstrongmmarc for more details and updates and email curator Jack Armstrong at armstrongjack123@gmail.com or call or text 480-639-7128 to RSVP. Armstrong has spent more than 10 years researching his own Armstrong Clan, tracing its centuries-old roots and collecting enough books, old photos, maps and other memorabilia. He’s been able to collect copious materials related to the migration of his clan from a no-man’s land on the coast of Scotland called the “Debatable Lands” – a name reflecting the early inhabitants’ refusal to submit to either the king of England or the royal family of Scotland. From there, clan members moved to Northern Ireland, where they became part of the Ulster Scots, and eventually to upstate New York. And from there, the clan’s roots took hold in various parts of the country over 200 years, producing famous families like the Kennedys of JFK and Bobby fame. His collection includes memorabilia dat-

historical events and movements that helped shape not only the Armstrong clan but entire nations. “There’s so much history out there and people would be amazed if they just peeled it back and started looking,” he once told AFN in an interview. Armstrong’s peeling-back began in Iowa, where he literally stumbled on the farm that his greatgreat-grandfather settled on in the late mid-1800s. “It was like a time capsule,” Armstrong said. “The whole world of my great, great grandfather opened up.” The man, Fred Henry, turned out to be a distant cousin of Armstrong whose father had lived in the house until he died in 1992. Though uninhabited since then, the house retained a lived-in look with food in the pantry and items dating back to the 1800s simply Among Armstrong’s memorablilia are three generations stacked in the basement. of American military uniforms. (Courtesy of Jack Armstrong) Between those items and Hening back more than 300 years and he can re- ry’s stories, Armstrong began piecing togale visitors for hours with the knowledge gether the history of his family and the he has picked up along the way of the great broader Armstrong clan.

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He began making connections with distant cousins he never knew he had as he put together a continually deepening and broadening genealogical story. “When I started putting it all together, I just found out this amazing history,” he said. For example, he discovered the story of Thomas Armstrong, who became the youngest combat veteran of the Civil War after enlisting at age 13. Armstrong located Thomas’ farm, where the owner gave him permission to search the land with a metal detector. That search turned up a blacksmith chisel – Thomas was a blacksmith after he got out of the Army – and other artifacts that are now part of Jack’s museum. He also learned that his grandfather served in World War I and was a machine gunner in one of its bloodiest battles, eventually forced to join a different division because his was decimated. His own father also became a machine gunner, riding in the tail of a B24 Bomber in the Pacific Theater. “These veterans didn’t talk much about their service,” Jack said. “But what I saw here in all this history was just an amazing amount of sacrifice – and not just the Armstrongs but all these border clans.” ■

COMMUNITY

AROUND from page 28

Restrooms are available and parents are asked to bring their own water and park toys and games to share.

Foothills Pool. Goodman team plan 2 holiday events

Foothills Pool Care and Repair, 3233 E> Chandler Blvd., and the Goodman Taylor Team, both Ahwatukee, are planning various free holiday events to benefit the nonprofit Hope for the Homeless. Foothills Pool – joined by mortgage advisor Pete Levas – will host a Winter Wonderland with photos with Santa 5-8 p.m. Dec. 17. Information: facebook.com/even ts/3101541573424064/?ti=ls. The Goodman Taylor Team will sponsor the annual Ahwatukee Car Show 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 27 at Mountain

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Park Church, 16461 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. They will collect new blankets, socks and underwear for Hope for the Homeless. There will be food trucks, vendors, raffles, photo booth, music, and more. Cars can be registered for free at ahwatukeecarshow.com. OPeople also can buy raffle tickets to win a 1970 Chevy El Camino with a. 350 V8 engine. To buy tickets, go to hope4thehomelessaz.com.

Phoenix Astronomical Society holds Zoom meeting on life in space

The public is invited to join an online Zoom lecture by Dr. Klaus Brasch that the Phoenix Astronomical Society will hold at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 4, at pasaz. org. Go to the calendar tab to join. Klaus will discuss current and planned missions to Mars, Europa, Enceladus and other bodies in the

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solar system. Brasch is a retired biomedical scientist and volunteer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. He joined the biology faculty at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where he teamed with noted radio astronomer, Alan Bridle, to offer Canada’s first course in astrobiology. In 1990 he joined California State University, San Bernardino, where he served as department chair, dean of science and director of campus research.

St. Vincent de Paul slates virtual gathering and celebration

Anyone with a desire to feed, clothe, house and heal is welcome to join St. Vincent de Paul for “Renewing Hope,” the nonprofit’s celebration and virtual gathering on Nov. 19 8-8:30 a.m., which “aims to connect people in hope and share in the power of kindness and grace in each other’s lives, especially the lives of our neighbors in need,” according to a release. “As we have for the last 18 years, we ask that you to hold the morning of the Friday before Thanksgiving on your calendar,” CEO Steve Zabilski said. “We will kick off the holiday season by gathering together for an uplifting program. And we’re inviting you, and all those important to you far and wide to join us for a very special morning.” Different from SVdP’s celebration last year, “Renewing Hope” is a season of invitation leading up to the celebration. “That might mean an invitation to a conversation over coffee, gathering for an intimate dinner in your neighborhood, asking if you would like to come tour and visit our campus for the first time or perhaps again after a long time, or offering personal opportunities to volun-

teer and support families during the holidays,” Associate CEO Shannon Clancy said. “It’s all about connecting us to be inspired and have our own hope renewed.” Last year, SVdP had nearly 1,000 attendees of its virtual community gathering with people from all across the world, including California, Georgia, Canada and even Germany. SVdP hopes to reach even more people this year! RSVP by Nov. 5 to receive a gift in the mail to be revealed during the event. RSVP at renewinghope. stvincentdepaul.net/rsvp.

Ahwatukee prof’s program hosts MLK’s daughter online

Ahwatukee resident Dr. Neal Lester, Arizona State University’s Foundation Professor of English, founded Project Humanities 10 years ago “to demystify humanities and to demonstrate humanities in action” by talking, listening and connecting. He will host Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of the civil rights leader and CEO of the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, in Atlanta. King, a global thought leader, advocate, orator will join Lester in a discussion titled “Looking Back to Move Forward: Are We Losing Our Humanity?’’ “Dr. King’s extensive background through her Nonviolence365 principles in schools, media, and politics and her leadership in “Better Together: Racial Reconciliation” provides an invaluable perspective regarding reflections upon past, present, and future of humanity,” Lester said. The free virtual event is 2-4 p.m. Nov. 13 on Project Humanities’ Facebook page. Information: projecthumanities.asu.edu. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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New barbershop tries to stay a cut above the rest BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

xecutive Men’s Grooming in the Kohl’s complex on Chandler Boulevard may look to be a new Ahwatukee barbershop – but you won’t find barbers inside. “I’m a hairstylist,” explained co-owner Tony Starks, who along with partner Joe Templin own the Ahwatukee salon and an Executive Men’s Grooming in Gilbert. “You’ll never hear us say ‘barber.’” There’s a long history of both hair styling and barbering in both men’s background. Their friendship and professions began in Tucson, where Starks and Templin, though not neighbors, were acquainted. As teens, both were backyard barbers, cutting their friends’ hair. It was the early 70s and long hair was de rigueur, yet even lengthier tresses required good styling. Starks’ father and uncle owned and ran a

barbershop in Tucson and when he turned 17, after completing the necessary courses to be licensed by the Arizona Board of Barbers, he joined them. Templin was one of Tony Stark’s first customers and it took a while for him to take up the profession. “The way I got drawn into barbering was initially out of necessity,” explained Templin, who also the award-winning Joes: A Barber Shop in Maricopa. “My friends and I grew up cutting each other’s hair - sometimes to save money and sometimes out of necessity. I then continued to do so for roommates, friends and family,” said Templin, admitting he began wielding scissors at age 14. After a concussion necessitated he give up playing football at the University of Western New Mexico, Templin tried his hand at firefighting. Throughout his years interacting with Starks,

Joe Templin, left, and Tony Starks recently opened Executive Men’s Grooming on

see GROOMING page 34 Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee and also own an EMG salon in Gilbert. (Special to AFN)

Hotel-to-apartment conversion passes first test AFN NEWS STAFF

he Ahwatukee Village Planning Commission recommended approval of two relatively minor zoning changes for converting the old Clarion Ahwatukee Hotel into an apartment complex. The move last week clears the way for a likely approval of the plan tomorrow, Nov. 4, by the Phoenix Planning Commission before it goes for a final review and vote by City Council. Owned by Quinn Holdings LLC, the complex at 5121 E. La Puente Ave. – just north of the Wells Fargo Bank at the northeast corner of S. 51st Street and Elliot Road – the building needed the two zoning amendments so it could be converted from a 188-room hotel to a 110-unit apartment complex. Neither zoning change alters the basic structure of the complex, which will include

The exterior of the old Quality Inn hotel, once known as the Clarion Ahwatukee, will get a different look as it is transformed into an apartment complex called The Quinn Ahwatukee. (Lazarus & Silvyn P.C.)

a gym, yoga room, pool, hot tub and some of the other amenities that the hotel provided. Attorney Larry Lazarus of Lazarus and Silvyn told the committee that the buildings will house 96 one-bedroom and 14 studio units. The one-bedroom units will be approximate 600 to 620 square feet, eight units will be “micro studios” with

about 300 square feet of space while the other studios will be about 500 square feet. “These will be at market rate, not subsidized,” Lazarus stressed. “The rents project will be in the range of $1,200 a month.” Lazarus and developers Josh Wertlieb and Jay Chernikoff have been careful to quell initial rumors about the conversion,

including a virtual meeting with neighbors. The two partners also have a history of converting hotels into apartment complexes. Their portfolio includes The Merlino on Baseline Road at I-10, which is the old Innsuites at the Mall hotel currently being converted into apartments, and The Woodson on Thomas Road near I-17, a converted hotel that currently has studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent that include a kitchen and hardwood floors. They bought the 34-year-old Ahwatukee hotel and an adjacent 3.4-acre parcel for about $8 million, according to Valley real estate transaction tracker vizzda.com. That price is a lot higher than the last time the hotel was sold. Vizzda records

see HOTEL page 34

BUSINESS

GROOMING from page 33

Templin said his friend encouraged him to make barbering a career. “At 30 years, I went to barber school and I realized it was my calling. I never looked back,” Templin said. “I love the interaction with people and it’s great to hear the excitement and feel the appreciation when someone sees an amazing cut.” In August, Starks and Templin opened their second shop. Executive Men’s Grooming in Ahwatukee – which, at 4605 E. Chandler Blvd, augments their first and ongoing endeavor in Gilbert at 785 W. Warner Road. The duo said they are looking to find an equal success in Ahwatukee. Like their Gilbert shop, the new facility is designed for comfort. Oversized and comfortable chairs greet customers in the 10 stations, and in Ahwatukee four big screen TVs offer sports, comedies and a daily favorite showing of The Price is Right. “We watch that every day,” admitted Starks. “We like to keep things light.” The barber pole, with its spirals of rotating red and blue bands, was once ubiquitous on Main Street USA, but it waned as haircut franchises melded men

HOTEL from page 33

show that in 2013, a couple and a woman bought the hotel for $3.23 million. Lazarus told the committee his clients will be devoting about 23 percent of the 3-acre site to landscaping and that “we will be bringing back and maintaining the deteriorating landscaping on the site as well.” He also said the conversion is “consistent” with the Phoenix General Plan “as multifamily is allowed in commercially designated areas.” The complex’s location also conforms to the city’s emphasis on walkability, he added, noting it will provide potential residences for employees of nearby retail and service businesses, who he said can walk or bike to work. “Our application creates an opportunity for a walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented environment,” Lazarus said. “So, people can live near where they work in this employment area. It is appropriate for entrylevel and mid-level employees and young

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

and women’s hair cut salons into onestop shops. In the 21st century, there’s been a resurgence of men’s barber shops. most independently owned and operated. And as Starks and Templin like to explain, styling is more than just clipping hair. “Barber shops are definitely retro, but they’re not old school. A version of it has been a constant since Egyptian times,” said Templin. As styles change, attention to detail is another reason the barber shop has once again come into its own. “The resurgence of barbershops is something that’s been inevitable,” Templin posited. “It’s more than just cutting hair. It’s a skill that’s being done in a safe and sterile environment. We as barbers take the natural state of your hair and accentuate it, making it the best look for you.” Both Stark and Templin are well-versed in both trending and traditional haircuts for men and children. Cuts for short hair or long hair, curly or thin, fades or a clean head shave performed with a professional straight razor, all can be done by EMG barbers. “The pickier the customer, the better,” said Starks. “I like projects.”

One of those projects was the faux mohawk now sported by Desert Vista High School guidance counselor Rory Ruelas. “It’s been a work in progress. I brought in a picture of what I wanted and it took about three times to get it there,” said Ruelas, the father of two daughters ages 10 and 8 who are now fans of dad’s new “do.” Specialities at the Ahwatukee and Gilbert Executive Men’s Grooming cover all modern and trending haircuts. Both men say they keep close eye on hair styles for men to assure their mastery of the art is cutting edge. Men’s and children’s traditional cuts, head shaves and hot face shaves, hair coloring and highlights, and waxing are also available. One look at both men’s exquisitely maintained beards and it’s easy to see why beard and mustache trimming is one of the popular features at Executive Men’s Grooming. Interesting tidbit: the word “barber” is derived from Latin “barba,” which means “beard.” Starks and Templin work both Executive Men’s Grooming locations. Starks can be found at the Ahwatukee shop on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays

The 188-room hotel will be converted to a 110-unit apartment complex. (Lazarus & Silvyn P.C.) professionals.” Indeed, he noted that traffic studies showed that as a hotel, the site generated 1,572 daily vehicle trips. As a multifamily site, it is projected to generate only 806 daily trips – a reduction of 766 trips.

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“The new use will have less traffic impact and less traffic requirements,” Lazarus said. He also said, “We are not demolishing, removing any buildings. We are modifying the interior of the buildings to combine

and Templin is there on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Alternate days they are at their Gilbert location. Their hours are long, they said, to better accommodate today’s busy men. Executive Men’s Grooming in Ahwatukee is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are currently six barbers in Ahwatukee and 12 in Gilbert where weekday hours are even longer, opening at 6 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and closing at 8 p.m. while keeping the same weekend hours. Executive Men’s Grooming customers are loyal. Darren Hasler has been a customer of Templin’s for three years. “I’m very picky about how I get my hair cut,” Hasler said. “From the very first time I got my hair cut by Joe I said I’ve gotta keep this guy. He does a really good job every time.” Starks said though styles are high, prices have been kept low. Both locations offer a cash discount. Appointments are available but walkins can usually be accommodated. Executive Men’s Grooming can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Their website is ExecutiveMensGrooming.com ■

hotel rooms and create apartment units.” While the number of parking slots for an apartment site that size is 138, Lazarus said, The Quinn. Ahwatukee will keep the 179 parking spaces that were part of the hotel. Lazarus said the conversion comes at a dire time for Phoenix. “The City of Phoenix has noted that there’s a need for 167,000 additional housing units in the city,” he said. “In order to meet the demands, we believe this is an appropriate location and help meet some demand for variation of housing within the employment corridor.” The plan has virtually no opposition from people living near the site. Lazarus said no one showed up for the online neighborhood meeting in September, and only one resident notified about the meeting called “with a question asking us if this was going to be a Section 8 housing facility and we indicated it was not and they said they were fine with the project.” ■

SEND YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO PMARYNIAK@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Inflation’s history in U.S. is not a very pretty sight BY DR. HAROLD WONG AFN Guest Writer

ere are some recent headlines and key facts from recent articles: “Here’s why your food prices keep going up” by Laura Reiley and Alyssa Flowers in the Washington Post: “Compared to August, 2019, the Consumer Price Index for meat, poultry, fish and eggs has gone up 15.7 percent.” “Social Security cost-of-living increase will boost benefits 5.9 percent in 2022 as inflation spikes” by Paul Davidson in USA Today. “This is the biggest annual increase since 1982.” “A key measure of inflation surged to a new 30-year high” by Anneken Tappe, CNN Business. “The price index tracking consumer spending – the PCE price index – was up 4.3 percent over the 12 months ending in August. That was a faster pace than July’s 4.2 percent. Inflation continued to run at the fastest pace since January 1991.” There are two consumer items that really hit home for the average American household: the price of bacon and the price of gasoline. When I stop at Fry’s grocery store, the price of one pound of bacon is $7 vs. $5 one year ago. When one looks at gasprices.aaa.com/ ?state=AZ website, the average price (of all blends) was $3.467 on Oct. 26 vs. $2.250 a year ago. For premium gas, it’s $3.986 per gallon on Oct. 26 vs. $2.789 a year ago. A historical lesson if inflation continues to accelerate: In October 1973, Arab nations attacked Israel on Yom Kippur. They formed OPEC (Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries) and used an oil embargo as an economic weapon for the first time. Within, six months, oil had gone up from $3 per barrel to $12 per barrel and caused inflation the rest of the 1970’s. The 1979 Oil Crisis was the “second oil shock.” Because oil is used heavily to grow, transport, and dry food, the price of food increased substantially. The price of soy beans quadrupled to over $13 a bushel. The US experienced the worst of all worlds: “stagflation” – which is stagnating economic growth coupled with inflation. There was a three-year period where So-

cial Security cost-of-living annual increases totaled 35.40 percent, consisting of: 9.9 percent increase in 1979; 14.3 percent in 1980; and 11.2 percent in 1981. Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Paul Volcker raised interest rates to the highest level in US history: federal funds rate of 20 percent; prime borrowing rate of 21.5 percent; and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage on a house was 18 percent. It led to a serious recession with: unemployment over 10 percent; the entire savings & loan industry going out of business; and hundreds of banks going bankrupt. There were cities in Texas where it took 10 years before housing values recovered to their previous levels. Why did Volcker do this? The inflation of the 1970’s, started by the OPEC oil embargo of 1973, led to seriously high inflation that eroded the value of savings and normal families struggled to buy necessities. Volcker saw this as a cancer on America. In normal cancer, the cure (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) can be worse than the disease. The high interest rates did eventually stop inflation, but at the cost of millions of Americans suffering during a huge recession. Once inflation was wrung out of the economy, it did lead to an economic boom enjoyed by future presidents such as Bill Clinton, and both Bush Presidents. If inflation becomes hyper-inflation, history has darker lessons. Hyper-inflation destroys the middle-class, which is the glue that keeps all countries stable.. The hyper-inflation of the 1930s led to the collapse of the German economy (a precursor to World War 2) and the Communist Revolution in China. A future article will talk about how one protects one’s financial future if inflation lasts for years. Free Information on tax savings, retirement planning, and solar business investments can be found at drharoldwong. com or solarbusinessinvestments.com. To schedule your free consultation, contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.■

BUSINESS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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State lost $4.3B through poor planning BY REP. MITZI EPSTEIN AFN Guest Writer

magine your outrage if you filed your taxes on time but were assessed a penalty through no fault of your own. My neighbor faced headaches like that as he paid his mid-October taxes. The Arizona Unemployment Insurance system (AZ-UI) never provided him a 1099 form despite his many phone calls, emails, and polite patience with the online system. We deserve better customer service from our state agencies. During the pandemic, about one out of 3 Arizona adults turned to the AZ-UI system for a bridge to their next job. But for far too many families, the Arizona UI system failed them. Employers faced incorrect tax bills; workers could not get benefits owed them – and $4.3 billion was lost to fraud. That’s $4.3 billion with a B! For these reasons, I worked with a bipartisan team to develop and pass a bill to modernize UI in Arizona. It included fraud prevention and oversight requirements, as well as increased benefits for workers

Vote for supporters of Ahwatukee for Legislature

Our state representatives, Mitzi Epstein and Jennifer Jermaine are nowhere to be found in Ahwatukee. They are supposed to represent the interest of Ahwatukee in LD18 and have not held a town hall, local meeting or meet and greet in over a year in our district. At the next election in 2022, let’s elect people in Ahwatukee to represent us. -Rhonda Smith

We are headed down a very rough road

Nowadays the real truth is hard to find.

and lower tax rates for employers. Unfortunately, the underlying system is still an antiquated mess. The system requires DES staff to manually enter too many transactions. As a result, it could not handle the jump from 20,000 to 260,000 weekly claims during the pandemic. The system is full of outdated rules – like requiring paper documents to be faxed to the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Paper. Faxed! Yikes. By summer 2020, fraud prevention tactics were implemented that stopped $75 billion in additional fraud attempts. Sadly, the early fraud prevention tactics also delayed payments to many Arizonans with legitimate claims who desperately needed them. AZ-DES Director Michael Wisehart explained that the $4 billion fraud problems were contained to “the first two or three months of the pandemic where it was true chaos.” On average, U.S. states paid out about 10 percent improperly, while Arizona’s chaotic system resulted in a bigger loss of 27 percent. It did not have to be “true chaos.” On March 23, 2020 – long before unemployment became a crisis – I gave a speech

to my fellow Representatives, explaining that other states have plans and they practice those plans to be prepared for a mass unemployment event. I asked, “Where are the plans for a Mass Unemployment Event in Arizona?” Crickets. I heard no response from state agencies, nothing from Gov. Ducey and no interest from the Republican leadership in the Legislature. Legislators and governors chose to cut state agencies to the bone and those cuts hurt. Every time a family needed to pay rent or make a car payment but could not, those cuts hurt. AZ-UI delays and frustrating difficulties left workers feeling abandoned, powerless and outraged. Why didn’t Arizona have a plan for PPE, a plan for testing, and a plan for unemployment insurance? Republican budget makers did not prioritize long-term prevention-planning in their budgets. Gov. Ducey and Republican legislators rave about their cuts to budgets, ignoring the pain they cause. It’s real-life middle-class Arizonans who feel the pain, while favors and big tax cuts go to those making millions each year. You – we – work hard for our money

and we are tired of lawmakers who throw it out the window with no accountability. 4.3 billion dollars lost to fraud is 4.3 billion too much! As a computer systems analyst, I sweat the details and I know good procedures are necessary for good outcomes. I’ve repeatedly called for a performance audit of the AZ-UI system, but my Republican colleagues have blocked it time and again. The computer system that AZ-UI uses is a throwback to the 1980s. As of October 2021, they have finally put out a Request for Proposal to modernize. While I congratulate AZ-DES for that step, and for eventually delivering payments to onethird of the people in Arizona, I continue to call for AZ-DES to improve. As a taxpayer, you deserve accountability, and you deserve plans to be ready for the next pandemic, the next flood, or the next mass unemployment event. If we plan better at the state level, we can prevent business shut-downs and job-losses. With prevention planning in our state budget we can prevent fraud and save lives.

You can’t see truth when your vision has been fogged by years-perhaps decades of untruths. These untruths are drilled into your mind every day by those that use us as a means of gaining their personal wealth or collective political goals. They are the only real players in this game and they always win. Following their misguided messages has brought this country to the brink of chaos and turmoil. We are headed down a very rough road. Trust me, where we are headed is a place that some of you will regret having ever helped them take us. Some change is good. Other change looks good on the surface, but in reality is not. Bad change happens. Argentina and

Venezuela were once considered examples of Democracy in Latin America. Because of similarities of these two countries and incidents happening in the United States today, it’s important to compare the similarities. Those of you who are retired or about to retire, do you like your Social Security/retirement pension? Enjoy it now because if our country continues down the path it is going, it may be gone. This is reality. Quoting an October 21, 2008 headline in Reuters, “Argentina to seize pension funds, markets tank.” That was real and could happen here. A second example is Venezuela. Referencing the Human Rights Watch article

“Venezuela Events of 2020.” Since 2019, the citizens of Venezuela have been subjected to “repression, shortages of food, medicine, and medical supplies, lack of judicial independence, crackdowns on protestors and jailed opponents.” Sound familiar? If you truly think this can’t happen here, you are woefully mistaken. Stop being blinded by a one-party quagmire. Don’t just believe conservative or liberal pundits. Watch both and compare. The truth is there. - George Bowers

Rep. Mitzi Epstein represents Legislative District 18, which includes Ahwatukee. ■

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Turnovers, miscues plague Thunder in loss to Mountain View BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

esert Vista head coach Ty Wisdom was visibly upset following his team’s 31-13 loss to Mountain View Friday night, and for good reason. The Thunder committed five turnovers against the Toros, one of the top teams in the 6A Conference heading into the matchup. Wisdom knew going into the contest his team would have to execute and play its best to have a chance at knocking Mountain View off. But that didn’t happen. “It’s the same old song and dance. At some point we have to move on and grow up,” a visibly upset Desert Vista coach Ty Wisdom said. “We aren’t going to beat a 7-1 football team turning the ball over. We’re just not. And we continue to do the same stuff.” Desert Vista’s first play of the game, a pass from junior quarterback Jackson Akins, was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted. It didn’t lead to any points

Desert Vista senior offensive lineman Aiden Mikus attempts to recover a fumble in his own end zone against Mountain View, one of five turnovers for the Thunder on Friday in their loss. (David Minton/AFN Staff)

for the Toros, but it allowed momentum to quickly change hands. The Toros found the end zone on their next possession. Mountain View’s next possession that extended into the second

quarter, senior running back Aiden Damiani bounced an inside run outside and took it 19 yards for the touchdown. A fumble on the first play of Desert Vista’s next drive by senior quarterback Xavier Castillo

allowed Damiani to punch it in once again for his second score of the game. It didn’t get better for the Thunder. Castillo was picked off by Clark late in the second quarter and Akins was picked off twice more by senior defensive back Cole Standage. The turnovers, while not all resulting in points for Mountain View, often killed offensive drives for the Thunder. Wisdom estimated a potential 14-point swing if one interception doesn’t happen, and a block is picked up by one of his guards in the second quarter. “I can’t tell you how many missed assignments we had tonight,” Wisdom said. “And we cut our stuff in half because we had a lot of guys out. I don’t know what it is, but I have to sit back and reevaluate what we are doing.” Desert Vista’s only score of the first half came on perhaps its best drive of the game. Akins found a rhythm through the air and sophomore running back Christian Clark

see THUNDER page 40

Pride’s MiMi Harris commits to Alabama volleyball BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

iMi Harris never imagined she would be in a position to play Division I college volleyball after she graduated from high school. But her hard work and determination to make it a reality did just that. Harris, a senior setter for the Pride volleyball team became the latest in a long line of Mountain Pointe volleyball players who will take their talents to the highest level in college. In September, she committed to continue her career at Alabama State University. “I’m very excited,” Harris said. “I want to study physical therapy and do some sports psychology also. They have a PT grad program, and I can do the rehab undergrad. I saw that first and then checked out the volleyball program and played in front of the coach. Everything

was good. There was no bad. It felt like home.” Harris’ commitment surprised the Alabama State coaches. They had all gone out to eat while she was visiting the campus. It was there the coaches outlined why she would be a perfect fit for the program. They liked her movement on the court and overall ability. There were several other high-level prospects who showed interest in Alabama State, but they held off on extending offers with the hope Harris would eventually commit. Harris knew that. And she felt a sense of comfort. So, as they were walking to their cars after the meal, she told them she wanted to give them a verbal commitment. The coaches were overcome with excitement. “The coach, she was so elated,” Harris’ mother, Nicole said. “She grabbed MiMi and hugged her, she was just so excited.

They really think highly of her.” Alabama State extended an offer mostly on sophomore and junior film for Harris. This season, she played just three games for the Pride after she had shoulder surgery and spent most of the year rehabbing to come back. She made her return a week before senior night. Nicole, said it was special to be able to see her enjoy that moment after all she had been through. Her and about 20 family and friends showed up wearing Alabama State colors. It was a surprise for MiMi. “This has been a hard journey, a long

see HARRIS page 40

Mountain Pointe senior setter MiMi Harris is the latest in a line of Pride volleyball players to go off to play at the Division I level. She committed to Alabama State in September. (David Minton/AFN Staff)

THUNDER from page 39

found open space out of the backfield. It led to a 1-yard plunge from Akins as the clock expired. The Thunder’s second touchdown came late in the fourth with the game already decided. Sophomore quarterback Braxton

HARRIS from page 39

journey and it’s been painful,” Nicole said. “Just knowing where she was and where she is now, never losing sight of her goal, she’s known where she’s wanted to go for a while. “It’s one thing to support her but it’s another to show up to her game. And she didn’t know which made it even better.” When Harris was younger, she tried just about everything. She was heavily involved in gymnastics before falling out of love with the sport. She then turned to volleyball and told her mom she wanted to do that full time. Nicole said she never pushed her in that direction. It just so happened Harris the same sport she played in college at Howard University, where she is now in the school’s Hall of Fame. Their love for the same sport has

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Thomas found sophomore running back Isaac Acedo for a 10-yard touchdown. As a team, Desert Vista had 246 yards compared to Mountain View’s 296, but costly mistakes and the offense’s inability to stay on the field led to a lopsided loss. “Dudes have to go make plays and we just aren’t doing that right now,” Wisdom said.

allowed them to grow closer. And aside from the relationship with her mother, Harris has built others with friends. One, Makayla Carroll, she bonded with immediately. The two share the same personality, the same style and have grown so close they call themselves sisters, which confuses their peers and at times, administrators. “It’s so funny, we are with each other every day and people always ask if we are sisters, but we are just friends,” said Carroll, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in volleyball tryouts. “I almost cried when she committed. I’ve been with her this whole time and know how hard she was working for this. I’m really proud of her.” Not only do Harris’ skills standout on the court, but her leadership does, too. Firstyear head coach Justine Ackie, a Mountain Pointe alum, was hired just two months before the start of the season after the

“It’s just disappointing because I feel like we took a major step back today. I just hope we can get better starting (Saturday).” With just two games left and a 3-5 record, Desert Vista is in a difficult position. The Thunder entered Friday’s contest as the No. 14 seed in 6A with Open Division teams taken out of the conference playoffs. school’s previous coach unexpectedly left. Ackie was brought in under difficult circumstances. The team has struggled in recent years to get a footing in the 6A Conference. They haven’t made it to the postseason since 2018 despite having talented players on the roster. This year was much of the same as the Pride won just eight games. But the struggles allowed the opportunity for players to step up into leadership roles. Harris was one of them. “She has stepped up tremendously,” Ackie said. “Preseason is where it kind of started. Her and a couple other girls were kind of my go-to. I knew she was easy to communicate. She’s stepped up on the court and off the court. She’s been a great leader.” Moving across the country will be a different experience for Harris. She said it may be hard, and she will miss her family

Wisdom said if they plan to play into the postseason, things need to improve in practice. “Tonight, I’m sick for the kids but this is one of the hardest ones I’ve been a part of,” Wisdom said. “(Mountain View) did some nice things but we just shot ourselves in the foot all night.” ■ and friends. But it’s a move she is also excited to make to start the next chapter of her life. Nicole said she plans to visit frequently. Carroll, who will be trying to obtain her own scholarship offer to play at the next level, will travel alongside her when she can. Harris knows she will not only represent her family and friends at Alabama State but her high school, too. It’s something she doesn’t think about often, but it stays in the back of her mind. After all, she aims to continue the string of Mountain Pointe players who have success at the next level after their high school volleyball careers come to an end. “It feels really good,” Harris said. “I’ve been working really hard to do it and I’ve finally accomplished it. And I was able to commit to my dream school. So, it feels really good.” ■

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Canal Convergence returns with gusto to Scottsdale BY ALEX GALLAGHER GetOut Staff Writer

fter last year’s attractions were scaled down or moved online, this year’s Canal Convergence will reconvene at the Scottsdale Waterfront for 10 days of live music, art, workshops and celebration beginning Friday, Nov. 5. Despite the COVID-made abnormal event last year, some activities were so successful that they will carry over to this year’s in-person celebration. “Last year gave us the opportunity to test our augmented reality and the opportunity to partner with local businesses,” explained Kim Boganey, director of Scottsdale Public Art. One of last year’s successes was the implementation of augmented reality (AR), which allows for people to use their mobile devices to scan a QR code and view a feature that is not physically present. This year the software is being used as part of five experiences, including some created by Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation. “When the Public Art team thought that augmented reality might be an interesting way of engaging the public, I jumped on it,” said Natalie Marsh, director of Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation. “What was really exciting to me was getting that opportunity to live in that world of discomfort where I’m encouraging them to try something different.” One of the most exciting AR experiences involves a scavenger hunt where patrons will help an artist who lost the pages of her sketchbook track them down virtually along the canal. As patrons make their way down the canal, they will scan a QR code that triggers an animation with clues on the scavenger hunt. The animations were developed by students at Saguaro High School. Those who solve the scavenger hunt will be treated to a special AR experience that cannot be seen anywhere else. The AR scavenger hunt is just one of the

Jules & JC, Kelly’s at Southbridge, La Senora at Saguaro, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Monroe’s Hot Chicken, Nonna Urban Eatery, Nori Sushi & Asian Dining, Oh My Dog! Boutique Hotel and Spa, Sizzle Korean BBQ, Super Chunk Sweets & Treats and Yellow Spruce Roasters. In addition, Canal Convergence will also host food Australian artist James Tapscott will be showcasing his art for the first trucks during time in the U.S. at Canal Convergence when he displays his work "Arc weekends. Zero - Oculus" at the Soleri Bridge. (Courtesy of Scottsdale Public Art) One of the larginteractive ways people can experience art est attractions this year likely will be the at this year’s Canal Convergence. CODAsummit Nov. 10-12. This will be the first year with a desigIt is billed as a “conference focused on nated and sponsored area for learning and the exciting ways creative professionals innovation. The Nationwide Innovation are incorporating technology to create artZone will feature more than 30 different work installations that are changing the workshops for kids, teens and adults. ways we experience our environments,” “What we wanted to try this year was to according to the event website. have more in-depth time with artists,” said The summit is expected to draw hunMarsh. “You’ll see more workshops and dreds of artists from around the world less drop-in activities because we really to Scottsdale, including Australian artist loved that in-depth experience that people James Tapscott, who will be displaying art got with artists.” in the United States for the first-time durSome of the headlining workshops are ing Canal Convergence. ones where guests can use software to ma“The CODAsummit worked as well as I nipulate algorithms, create artwork even am presenting an artist showcase at the with sound, contribute to groundbreaking same time,” Tapscott said. “It became a research in drone design and explore vari- good time to do two things at once.” ous art-making software. Tapscott had known about Canal ConverThis year also will build on last year’s ini- gence for years prior to this year’s event tiative to collaborate with local businesses. and had plans to bring one of his signature Last year’s festivities featured half a doz- pieces over last year but was confined to en local businesses supporting Canal Con- his home in Australia when a pandemic vergence. This year, well over a dozen are lockdown was declared. offering discounts during the Convergence. When this year’s festival was greenlit to These businesses are: Arcadia Farms, return to the waterfront, Tapscott decided Brunch & Sip, Eco Tours AZ, Grimaldi’s it was time to make his debut in America. Pizzeria, Jewel of the Crown, JOJO CofDespite being ready to show his work feehouse, Joyrides AZ, Juice Core Organic, to American audiences, Tapscott admitted

there has been one challenge to planning for an event that is nearly halfway across the globe: He was unable to visit the site before the festival and had to allude to images on Google maps and site plans to view the canal. Despite the challenges, Tapscott is eager to bring his work “Arc ZERO – Oculus,” which will be displayed on the Soleri Bridge. The piece is the 10th installment in a series of works Tapscott began creating over a decade ago and is a circular ring that emits a mist and light that flows from side to side. The piece was originally designed and installed on a bridgeway to a Buddhist temple in Japan in 2017 and the site of Canal Convergence reminds Tapscott of the work’s original display site. “I think the ability to work with water, which is one of my mediums these days, and the opportunity to use the Soleri bridge made it seem like a really good idea,” he said. “I think, considering the resources that we have, it’s going to come together really well.” Tapscott believes the location will allow patrons to experience his intention for the work. “The idea is to have people cross over into another realm,” he said. “I tried to enhance that spiritual experience.” Even with the unique placement and experience of the work, Tapscott feels his piece will complement the ambiance of Canal Convergence. “I think it will be interesting because it is a kinetic and interactive work but in a much different way than anyone else’s work,” Tapscott said. Tapscott will not be the only newcomer to Canal Convergence as musical acts like Blackbird and Steel Dads will provide music for the event for the first time. “When I was reached out to about Canal Convergence and talked about how it is about bringing the art and culture together, it was a no-brainer,” said Cody Black-

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bird, who plays the flute for the band. “Especially with the event falling during ‘American Indian Heritage Month’ and us being a native band, the fact that we will be able to showcase music during that month and at an event that is centered around art and bringing people together is a great thing.” Blackbird plays a unique fusion of music that incorporates rock music with native flute and lyricism that relates to things that occur on Native American reservations. The band dubs it “alter-native” music. A unique part of Blackbird’s sound is how Cody Blackbird runs his wooden flute, which is almost shaped like a recorder, through a series of pedals like guitar players do. Blackbird plans to play a setlist of original songs as well as covers, all with the same goal in mind. “Our hope is through our music and the words we share is that people take away a greater understanding of indigenous music and indigenous peoples,” said Blackbird, “We also want to give people a nice slice of entertainment and something they won’t hear anywhere else.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Another musical group that will add to the diverse sounds of Canal Convergence is a steel drum band called “Steel Dads.” For a band whose goal is to bring the sounds of the Caribbean to the waterfront, leader Keith Johnson was sold on the opportunity to play in front of a diverse crowd that sold Johnson. “One of the things that I love is when This map shows the location of many of Canal Convergence sights. (Courtesy of Scottsdale Arts) things are all-inclusive and everyone can enjoy the beautiful mu- sion Impossible,” classical music and John- much bigger project,” he said. sic,” he said. son’s favorite song “I Can See Clearly Now.” With all the new excitement and impleHe is looking forward to enlightening “Even if you’re in a sad mood, when you mentations from the previous Canal Conpatrons with the vibrant sounds that steel hear “I Can See Clearly Now,” it makes you vergence, many are eager to pick up where drums and djembe drums offer. feel like the clouds are gone and you’re Canal Convergence left off the last time it “The wonderful thing about steel drums looking for a rainbow,” Johnson SAID. was a mass gathering. is that you can play a variety of music that Beyond being able to spread joy by play“We’re just excited to get back to what people will be able to recognize,” Johnson ing his favorite songs and instruments, we were doing in 2019,” Boganey said. “We said. “You can’t play sad music on steel Johnson sees Canal Convergence as some- hope and pray that everything will work drums, it’s just so happy of an instrument.” thing bigger than music and art. well and that everyone will have a great Steel Dads plan to play a setlist of cover “This is an opportunity for people to experience.” songs, including “The Little Mermaid,” “Mis- socialize, communicate and be part of a Info: Canalconvergence.com ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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Momma’s chicken cacciatore is bliss in a skillet

liss in a Skillet. That’s what my momma’s chicken cacciatore recipe should be named. As an Italian girl growing up, I just thought that it was one of those dishes that everyone ate at least once a week – just like we did – with polenta or pasta. I also assumed that all chicken cacciatore pretty much tasted the same. But many years later, having tasted chicken cacciatore in numerous restaurants, I’m going to finally go on the record and say that momma’s is the best. You’re going to get to try it for yourself and see if you agree. Momma’s cacciatore is simple, inexpensive, uses only one pan and the flavors are absolutely divine. It’s about as close to a fool-proof dish as you can get with the recipe I’m sharing with you today. Momma’s chicken cacciatore was one of the first recipes we included in our first cookbook, “Momma & Me & You,” and through the years we’ve tweaked it just a bit to make it even better. Here’s what momma wrote in our cookbook: “Almost every Italian restaurant has chicken cacciatore on the menu, and there are as many versions of the dish as there are places that serve it. Although it’s a Southern Italian specialty, it has been adopted as

a treasure throughout Italy. When I introduced cacciatore on my restaurant menu back in 1957, our customer’s fell in love with the very first delicate bite! It became one of our most popular signature dishes for the celebrity crowd and locals alike.” I find that good quality, fresh chicken enhances the taste – and that chicken thighs and legs seem to be the most flavorful. Flavor-filled bones make all the difference. Pick up a nice bottle of wine, some good sour dough bread and enjoy one of my momma’s mainstay Italian meals! ■

Ingredients: 3-4 pounds chicken pieces, skinless (legs and thighs) 1 cup flour for dredging ½ cup olive oil 1 cup Marsala wine ½ cube butter, cut into pieces 1 (8oz) can tomato sauce (Organic preferred) 2 cups white mushrooms, sliced 1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped fine 3 cloves of garlic, chopped fine 3 green onions, (white and green parts) sliced thin 2 teaspoons fresh parsley ½ teaspoon fresh oregano 1 tablespoon fresh basil Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions: Wash chicken and pat dry. Dredge chicken in flour to coat. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil, and fry chicken on both sides until golden brown. Discard most of oil, leaving brown bits in bottom of pan if possible. Add Marsala and butter, and simmer on low heat until wine begins to evaporate, about 2-3 minutes. Add tomato sauce, mushrooms, onion, garlic, green onions, parsley, oregano and basil. Cover and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over pasta or polenta. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Obituaries Neeltje Mae Rawson

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Neeltje Mae Rawson, 83, of Phoenix, Arizona, slipped peacefully away to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, October 19, 2021, at her home with devoted daughters by her

side. Neeltje was born in Homewood, Illinois, on June 20, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Jacob and Frances (Fuller) Van Es. She spent her early years on her family farm enjoying horses. She attended Thornton Township High School where she discovered her love of music and met her singing partner for life, James Michael "Mike" Rawson, who preceded her in death. Neeltje and Mike married on June 15, 1957. Together they lived a life full of servanthood within their church and community. They developed long lasting friendships, and many beautiful memories at their cottage in Door County, WI. In 1980, Neeltje and Mike became the proud owners of the "Keeler Keg & Kitchen" located in Hartford, MI. Neeltje was the head chef of the restaurant and enjoyed serving up a variety of homemade (never fried!) cuisine with the world's sweetest smile. Neeltje and Mike spent their retirement in Phoenix, where Neeltje spent time with family and maintained wonderful relationships with her neighbors and church friends. Neeltje was active in the homeless ministry, small group, choir, and bell choir. She also enjoyed playing piano and traveling around the world with her senior center group. Surviving are her beloved children, Sherrie (John) Mason, Terrie (Mark) DeMar, David (Cathy) Rawson, Debbie (Tom) Ziemke, Tom Rawson; grandchildren Alicia (Gordie) Cartwright, Robert (Jessica) Mason, Amy (Steve) Paris, Cara (Nick) Krug, James Mason, and Shawn Rawson; Great Grandchildren, Ava, Bryce, Luke, David, Benjamin, Noah, EJ, Sarah, and Lilly. She was also preceded in death by sonin-law, John Mason; brothers, John, Al, Jim, Adrian, and Frank Van Es, and sisters, Barb Porep, Clara Dinges, and young Neeltje Van Es, her namesake. Services will held on November 20, 2021, 11 AM, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85044. Lunch will follow service.

Employment General NortonLifeLock Inc. has an opening for Information Security Analyst in Tempe, AZ. Responsibilities include: Configuration, administration and management of various technology platform such as NGFW, VPN, IDS/IPS using centralized tools and scripting. Participate in rotating on call support for 24 x 7 production environment. May telecommute from home. To apply, submit resume to jobads@nortonlifelock.com. Must reference job title and job ID: 1648.6664 KLA Corporation currently has openings in our Chandler, AZ location for: • Customer Support Engineer (Job ID# 2311): Understand the semi-conductor manufacturing inspection process and its effect on the customer. Identify, isolate, and resolve technical issues with wafer inspection tools. [Limited international and domestic travel required.] Mail Resume to: One Technology Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, ATTN: Resumes, mail stop 1216-145, indicating job ID number. KLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Senior Systems Architect (Phoenix, AZ) Oversee system design, development, architecture, customization, deployment, & support, incl automation & DevOps design, architecture, cloud solutions, tech support, & DevOps systems; Direct & drive the development of tech solutions & products & provide the vision & computational design strategy for highload, multi-master, & modern platforms; Analyze projects & develop computational mechanism design solutions; Design & implement modern, entity specific infrastructures & software-defined storage solutions, incl Red Hat Storage, Ceph, & GlusterFS; Design & implementation of service infrastructures for PaaS platforms based on Solutions Kubernetes & Red Hat OpenShift, incl security monitoring, storage, & automation levels; Design, develop & maintain different High avail IaaS Cloud Solutions based on OpenStack; Design & implement hybrid solutions using public cloud AWS & OpenStack, & environment migrations betw datacenters; Lead the design & development of automation infrastructure & oversee DevOps transformation for fully automated platforms; Design & implement strategies for network scalability & functionality of system architecture; Implement & maintain multi-node RedHat clusters for biz-critical high load apps; Design & implement system mgmt solutions based on Red Hat Satellite; Design & implement virtualization environments based on VMware & IBM System P systems. Req. 4 yrs of exp in the position. Mail CV to Li9 Inc., 2390 East Camelback Rd, Ste. 130, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Attn: Armando Arias,

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Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Text or call

480-278-1355 dbroze@hotmail.com

THE BUSINESS THAT CONSIDERS ITSELF IMMUNE TO THE NECESSITY FOR

ADVERTISING

SOONER OR LATER FINDS ITSELF IMMUNE TO BUSINESS. - Derby Brown

CLASSIFIEDS Irrigation

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Landscape Design/Installation

Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. D - Dedicated for long term S - Service No Yard .

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

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!

LANDSCAPING

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

Maintenance

• 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 SONORAN LAWN

Schedule your holiday cleanup with SONORAN LAWN.

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month!

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

480.345.1800

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Specials

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

20+ Years Experience

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Landscape/Maintenance

480-745-5230

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

TRIMMING

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

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Install HD Drip System Leak Free for Life!

TREE

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

Phone, Text or Email

15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

Sick of LEAKS!

Juan Hernandez

480-580-4419

To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Landscape/Maintenance

Landscape Design/Installation

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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!

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED

Call/Text 480.695-3639 RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

www.irsaz.com

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

25 years Experience & Insured

ROC# 256752

Not a licensed contractor.

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

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

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

CASH OUT!

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

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

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

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

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY! ROC#309706

(480)785-6323

★ 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

See MORE Ads Online!

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

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

CONKLIN PAINTING

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

www.Ahwatukee.com

Off 40work done

480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

$35 off

Any Service

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

*Any

East Valley PAINTERS

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

24/7

Plumbing

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

Water Heaters

Disposals

Veteran Owned

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

480-338-4011

Plumbing

Painting

Not a licensed contractor

Painting

Voted #1

Plumbing

Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

10% OFF

We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Plumbing Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Pool Service / Repair

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special! Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Rooﬁng Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

$25 OFF

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

Filter Cleaning!

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

Pool Service / Repair

602-546-POOL

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Play Pools start at

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Owner Operated - 20 Years

$85/month

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online

7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

with chemicals

Rooﬁng

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

Rooﬁng

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

Your leaks stop here! New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

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

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

Mark 602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

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

Serving All Types of Roofing:

Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service

FREE ESTIMATES

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

602-471-2346

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

Plumbing

Valley Wide Service

PLUMBING We Repair or Install

10% OFF

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

ROC # 272721

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

oﬁn

g.c o m

480-446-7663

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Let Us Show Yo

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

SAME DAY SERVICE

with this ad

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

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

480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Rooﬁng

Window Cleaning

Rooﬁng

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

480-330-2649

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.

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

PHILLIPS

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

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

WORD SEARCH: Words ‘n Words

ROOFING LLC

#1 Find three 4-letter words, #2

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

that are words in reverse as well, using only these letters.

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

CREEDDE

623-873-1626

Find three 6-letter words using only these letters.

PLOTPED

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

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

#3 Find six 5-letter words using only these letters.

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

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

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

? ?

#1 Answers: Deed, Deer, Reed #2 Answers: Topped, Lopped, Topple #3 Answers: Scree, Eches, Heres, Ceres, Cheer, Sheer

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

ESRECH

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Sa Fa $ vi ll To In ng w st s a a

rd n s tC tio A N re d n th ew it is ad U n

BESTOF

2021

40 Years Serving the Central Valley

FALL TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

REG. $99.

Includes a 16-Points Inspection. LIMITED TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY

FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER* • Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander & dust • Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%, *With a qualified ac system purchase

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

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

Service Call (with repair) Second Opinion A + Rating

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2021.