Mesa knows where it’s going in the Gateway area. It just doesn’t know how to get there.
The city is looking deeply into current development trends in hopes of figuring out when to build which roads for its high-flying southeastern corner.
By late spring the effort will result in what will be called the Southeast Mesa Land Use and Transportation Plan.
It’s the first official, in-depth study of the area since 2008, when the city published the Mesa Gateway Strategic Development Plan after 18 months of research.
That document analyzed potential traffic
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
Mesa police are hiring 17 new officers and detectives with the proceeds of a sales tax increase approved by voters this fall, taking the first step toward a redeployment from the creation of a new northeast Mesa patrol district.
Police Chief Ramon Batista said he has a highly diverse class of 30 recruits enrolled in a new police academy – one of two this year with plans to eventually add a third.
Eventually, during a three-year period, the sales tax is anticipated to pay for an additional 51 officers, 31 non-sworn professional staff members and eight detectives, according to a police budget presentation before the Mesa City Council earlier this month.
“The diversity ratio has been going up and up,’’ Batista said in an interview after the meet-
patterns in 2030. Now, 11 years later, the city has pushed its planning horizon out by another decade, focusing on the area from Southern Avenue going north to Germann Road, and Power Road going west to Meridian Road. The study area covers about 50 square miles.
Al Zubi, supervising engineer for Mesa’s transportation department, said the city already knows what streets it wants to have in place 21 years from now. They are delineated in the 2040 Mesa master plan that voters approved in 2014.
A map in the 2040 plan, for example, shows Meridian – which at that point is the county line – serving as a major thoroughfare as far south as Germann. It shows Pecos Road as a six-lane arterial between Ellsworth Road and Meridian.
Building those now now-existent arterials –and the other streets needed there – will cost tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars.
But that money comes incrementally as voters approve bond issues one by one and as the county doles out regional transportation dollars.
So, Zubi said, Mesa has to play its cards in the right order. And what might have looked like the right order in 2008 might not work anymore.
“There’s a lot of development that has happened, a lot of improvements, a lot of businesses, a lot of residential,” Zubi said. “We needed to update our priorities. We know what the system is going to look like in the
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future because of our 2040 transportation plan, but we needed to set the priorities of which projects are going to be more needed than others, which ones will be built and funded first.”
That analysis, he said, will be based on development that already has occurred in the area.
The 2008 Gateway plan, coming as it did just as the Great Recession was sinking its talons into Arizona’s economy, foresaw a prosperous future that at the time seemed tenuous.
There were, for example, grand ideas for a 3,200acre swath of the former General Motors Desert Proving Ground that had been purchased in 2006 by Scottsdalebased DMB Associates. A major resort complex planned for the north end of DMB’s holdings never materialized.
announced last year, promising a dense, urban-style mixed-use project at the northeast corner of Power and Ray roads.
materialized, Thompson expects them to develop over time.
But as the recession ended, construction crews lumbered back into action.
Among the developments:
The DMB property, now named Eastmark, has consistently ranked among the top-selling master-planned communities in the country, and is now home to a major Apple Inc. operations center.
Harvard Investments is developing Cadence, a much smaller slice of the former GM property, as a residential and commercial center near the intersection of Loop 202 and State Route 24.
A development called Gallery Park was
Kevin Thompson, who represents southeast Mesa on the City Council, expects more to come, with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport still the driving force that planners of the past decade expected it to be.
“It’s a hotbed right now for development,” Thompson said. “It’s one of the few locations that has land available, that has proximity to airport and rail as well as highways.”
Thompson said developments such as Cadence and Gallery Park will provide population density. And while early visions of urban cores in Eastmark have not
He sees two major threats to Mesa’s high aspirations for the area, which includes not only the airport but also the Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University, other educational nodes and a stretch of Elliot Road that Mesa has set aside for high-tech industry.
The first, he said, is the potential for residential encroachment into the airport’s flight paths. Noise complaints and concerns about safety could inhibit development of the former Air Force base, whose 2-mile-long runways are capable of handling some of the world’s largest passenger jets.
The second is infrastructure – which Thompson believes will become an even more critical issue with the impending extension of State Route 24. Construction on five miles of SR24 between Ellsworth and Ironwood roads is expected to begin next year.
“We’re starting to see a lot more interest and activity along that SR24 alignment,” Thompson said. “The sad part is we just don’t have the infrastructure in place right now to support that kind of development.”
Thompson said Mesa already has done a good job of attracting heavy industry south of the airport, but there is potential for a great deal more if the roads, water lines and sewers get built.
“A lot of that is going to take infrastructure,” he said. “It takes establishing a vision and sticking to that vision to make sure you don’t build just rooftops.”
ing. “In the past 18 months, I have been moving forward in making more women in positions of leadership’’ through promotions.
Police trumpeted their request for a $9 million budget increase – to $196 million in fiscal year 2019-2020 from $187.2 million in fiscal year 2018-2019 – by citing a decline in both violent and property crime during 2018, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report.
Mesa’s violent crime rate fell to 24.3 per 1,000 residents, the lowest the city has recorded, making it the second safest large city in the nation, slighter higher than Virginia Beach, Virginia, and lower than Long Beach and Sacramento, California, and Arlington, Texas.
That fact was quickly seized upon by Mayor John Giles, after east Mesa council member Kevin Thompson criticized a oneminute longer response time in his district.
“We are at all time low in regards to crime rate. That’s a big deal,’’ Giles said. He noted the council promised 65 additional police and 45 fire and medical positions when advertising a one quarter of 1 percent sales tax increase, from 1.75 percent to 2 percent, that was approved by voters in November.
“We are on track to do that. Our only limitation is our capacity to train officers,’’ Giles said. “We are delivering on the promise we made to voters.’’
The increased staffing will be critical in about three years, when police realize a longtime goal by dividing the far-reaching Superstition patrol district in half, creating a fifth district in northeast Mesa.
The move becomes a necessity as Mesa matures as a city, with more residents and businesses located in northeast and southeast Mesa.
Batista said he hopes to add 59 more officers in the next four years, creating a blend of 62 percent sworn officers and 38 percent civilian professional staff members.
The plan would grow the department from 761 sworn officers to 820, and from 462 non-sworn to 495.
City budget reports show that public safety, which includes police, fire and the Municipal Court, accounts for 58.8 percent of the budget, with police alone making up 39.3 percent, in fiscal year 2018-19. The Mesa Fire and Medical Department takes up 17.7 percent.
Sgt. Nate Gafvert, president of the Mesa Police Association, said Batista should have been arguing for hiring an additional 25 officers per year, minus attrition.
He said tired officers are working double shifts in patrol, creating safety issues.
“That is a high liability issue that we should be concerned with,’’ Gafvert said. “They are prone to making poor decisions when they are tired and cranky.’’
“It’s a step in the right direction,’’ he said about the hiring plan, “but we are not happy. What he’s asking for will sustain us where we are right now.’’
Thompson, a frequent advocate of his growing southeast Mesa council district, raised similar concerns and complained about a chart in the presentation that documented the longer response time in Superstition.
Thompson questioned whether Batista’s plan was aggressive enough to cope with population growth and attrition from retirements.
exactly how many officers he needs and should have been a better advocate for the department.
Batista and Assistant Chief Ken Cost, who heads the patrol division, said the longer response time in east Mesa is largely a function of geography – with police traveling longer distances to respond to calls in the far-flung district.
The Superstition District stretches from Mesa’s northeast border near the Tonto National Forest to south of Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. It covers 70 square miles and Gilbert could fit inside its borders, Cost said.
Traditionally, the Fiesta and central patrol districts, near Fiesta Mall and downtown Mesa, are the city’s busiest. While that pattern is still accurate, the mix is in flux as east Mesa grows, especially near the airport.
In 2018, Central recorded 45,878 calls for service, compared to 45,443 for Fiesta, 42,161 for Red Mountain and 40,161 for Superstition.
Although Fiesta and Red Mountain have been relatively stable since 2015, the largest increases in calls have been posted by central and particularly Superstition, which recorded 4,000 less in 2015.
The chart that clearly concerned Thompson demonstrated the disparity in response times between west and east Mesa, a longstanding problem in both the Mesa police and fire departments. Central’s response time was shortest at 3:17 minutes, compared to Fiesta at 3:30, Red Mountain at 3:51 and Superstition at 4:53. Thompson questioned why more officers are not getting shifted from Fiesta to Superstition. Cost said that officers are being re-assigned each year, usually only a few at a time, based on crime trends and demographic changes.
“It seems like we’re the little Dutch kid and the dam. We’re just plugging problems,’’ Thompson said. “Why aren’t we solving problems instead of just plugging holes.’’
Batista agreed the department is shorthanded and that the staffing has fluctuated, with a loss of 20 sworn officers in the 2017-18 fiscal year after a gain of 13 the previous year.
“I’ll take as many as you can afford for us to have,’’ Batista said. “You could give us 50 officers today and we would find something for all of them to do.’’
Gafvert said that at this point, Batista should know
City Manager Chris Brady said Superstition currently has 76 officers, compared with 75 in Central, 80 in Red Mountain and 95 in Fiesta.
Cost said the main issue with the Superstition response times is geography, with the other districts far smaller in size. Fiesta, for instance, covers 15.6 square miles and Central 12.3 square miles.
He said it’s important to put the response times in prospective.
“Even Superstition is very low compared to other police departments,’’ Cost said. Batista said the Northeast district exists only as a concept and a location for the new station, part of a major capital improvement and bond plan, has not been chosen.
He said that when the Northeast district is created, the Fiesta district will likely lose a beat or two and the Central district likely would shrink slightly.
Mesa Police Academy recruits are being put through their paces as they study to become sworn officers. (Special to the Tribune)
This map of the Mesa Police districts shows the enormity of the district covering the eastern part of the city. Represented in green on this map, it will eventually be broken up into two districts. (City of Mesa)
EV lawmaker punts on school district merger bill
Kyrene and Tempe Union High School districts will remain separate for now after an Apache Junction legislator failed to find sufficient support in the State Legislature to push his consolidation bill to the floor for a vote. Under a plan that won initial approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee, Kyrene and Tempe Union were prime targets for consolidation with scores of other elementary and secondary districts across the state by 2024 – without residents’ approval.
But Republican Rep. John Fillmore announced Tuesday, telling Green Valley Newspapers that he was giving up because he didn’t have the votes to pass it.
“There are too many people more concerned with maintaining the status quo than with the welfare of children,” said Fillmore, who had contended that the state could save as much as $500 million by consolidating districts and curbing duplicative administrative costs.
Though his bill primarily affected districts where only one or two school buildings exist – where superintendents earn well over $100,000 a year and where certain other administrative posts are required regardless of size – Fillmore specifically listed Tempe Union and Kyrene as targets in order to reduce the total number of districts in Maricopa County to 20.
Fillmore told the newspaper that he isn’t going to give up, and plans to “go back out to the community so there’s more understanding.”
14,000 students.
Fillmore could not get a hearing on his bill when it was in the House, so he resorted to a common legislative tactic called a “striker,” in which he replaced all the wording in a bill that originally had to do with elections with the wording of the consolidation bill.
“ There are too many people more concerned with maintaining the status quo than with the welfare of children. ”
- Rep. John Fillmore
There are more than 100 school districts with just two schools, Fillmore said.
Fillmore also envisioned a merger of two unified EV districts – Queen Creek and Higley – to create a system of about
While one Republican senator called merging smaller districts “the number one issue” for Republicans in the state, she also told Fillmore that she would not vote for a bill mandating consolidation.
Tempe Union Superintendent Kevin Mendivil and Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely declined comment when the bill won committee approval, but both opposed the idea of a merger when they spoke at a superintendent’s roundtable
in Ahwatukee last summer.
The Tempe Union board members had no comment after the bill advanced two weeks ago, but Kyrene board President
Michael Myrick and board member John King – both Republicans – called merging a bad idea for the two districts.
A combined Kyrene-Tempe Union district could also have included Tempe Elementary, bringing total student population to 40,000.
King said mergers made sense for those districts with only one or two schools, but not for Kyrene and Tempe Union, which have 25 and seven campuses, respectively.
Efforts to force consolidation have been discussed for more than a decade.
In 2001, a Senate panel approved a measure creating an independent commission to consolidate the more than 200 school districts in the state to no more than 90. Those that refused would be denied state aid.
It died after drawing fire from officials from some smaller districts, who argued with the presumption that small is bad and wasteful.
Five years later, a special School District Redistricting Commission created by the Legislature proposed at least forcing a vote in each district on consolidation. But that failed to produce the desired results.
Apache Junction Rep. John Fillmore pulled his school district consolidation bill last week when he realized he didn’t have the votes to get it passed in the State Senate. (Special to the Tribune)
Conservatives rally on Town’s front lawn
BY CECILIA CHAN AND JIM WALSH Tribune Staff
Jacek Spendel founded Project Arizona three years ago to push liberty in countries where there are none.
He does that by bringing six students each year to Arizona from the Eastern Bloc or Socialist countries to study ideas of liberty and how to implement them when they return home.
“The cause of liberty is universal,” said Spendel, who is from Poland. “If you guys fall as Americans what examples can we follow?”
Spendel was one of more than a dozen speakers at last week’s Patriotism Over Socialism rally at Gilbert Civic Center. The speakers focused their attacks largely against undocumented immigrants and socialism.
Gilbert officials, who last year officially adopted its nickname Kindness USA, made it clear the rally was a private event not associated with the town.
The event coordinators went through the town’s Special Event permitting process to rent the Municipal Complex’s site for $700, according to town spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison. The fee included $450 for a full-day rental cost, $100 for a permit and $150 for six hours of having staff on site.
Gilbert resident Kevin Jackson, a former Fox contributor, author, radio host and founder of Tea Party Community put together the free event.
It featured local conservative heavyweights such as U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs of Mesa; former state Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa, the architect of SB 1070, a strict anti-immigration legislation that passed nine years ago; and Kelli Ward, chairwoman of the Arizona Republican Party and an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senate.
A few hundred people attended the three-hour event on Tax Day, turning it into a semblance of a Trump campaign rally with signs and banners proclaiming “Re-elect Trump 2020” and a vendor hawking “Make America Great Again” and “Trump 2020” hats and T-shirts.
Many of the attendees came dressed for the occasion, sporting red MAGA hats and T-shirts with messages such as “Liberal free zone,” “Make liberals cry again, Trump 2020.” and “Don’t tread on me, American born free—live proud.’’
A flag that resembled the American flag, except the stripes were replaced by a series of assault rifles that looked like AR-15s was flying from a pole carried by a man.
A majority of the crowd skewed older,
white adults with a handful of families and younger children.
Three days before, the Southern Poverty Law Center or SPLC placed the rally on its Hatewatch.
The civil rights advocacy nonprofit noted the event drew the support of “hate
and extremist groups” including Patriot Movement, AZ Patriots and the Arizona chapter of American Guard.
AZ Patriots and Patriot Movement both had a booth at the event along with others, including John Birch Society, Republican National Hispanic Assembly and Riders USA, which had a banner stating, “stop the invasion” and “secure our borders.”
Learn the Risk, whose mission is to educate the public about the harm of pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines, and Purple for Parents, which formed to counter the Red for Ed movement, also had a presence at the rally.
And at one booth, Rob Scantleberry, a retired Mesa cop and a Congressional District 25 committeeman in the Republican Party, was selling raffle tickets for $20 to win a Colt AR-15.
Other event headliners included Laura Loomer, an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist, and Sharon Slater, a Gilbert resident and founder of Family Watch International, which promotes itself as a family values organization but is considered an anti-LGBT hate group by SPLC.
Family Watch opposes abortion, sex education in school and believes marriage is between a man and a woman and that same-sex attraction can be fixed.
According to SPLC, it tracked 20 hate groups in Arizona for 2018, up from the 18 for 2016 and eight for 2000.
Overall, it tracked 1,020 hate groups in the country for 2018, an increase from the 954 tracked in 2017.
There was no obvious police presence or counter-protestors at the rally, which was promoted as a family-friendly event and included three food trucks.
Jackson, who is African-American, countered SPLC ’s characterization of the rally by saying he put together the event with diversity in mind.
He said that eight of the scheduled speakers are women, including two Muslims, a Jewish woman and two Latinas.
Miranda Dawson, a spokeswoman for the rally, said Jackson has been involved in politics for over a decade and wanted to bring his connections to Arizona.
“The event is just a place to be inspired and educated and network with others,” she said hours before the rally’s start.
“We are just trying to bring all the dif-
The Patriotism Over Socialism rally Aprilo 15 at Gilbert Civic Center drew scores of residents from throughout the East Valley and at times looked like a Trump campaign event. (Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Conservatives and supporters of President Trump dominated attendance at the rally
With unemployment rates down, Mesa Mayor John Giles is trying to prepare the city’s youth for the workforce.
The Mayor’s TeenForce is a fourweek program that pairs Mesa teens with local businesses to complete unpaid internships, while incorporating service projects and job skills training along the way.
The goal of the program, said Giles, is to teach students skills in leadership, teamwork, communication and responsibility as a means to guide them toward the field of their choice.
“There’s a lot of times where we think we’re passionate about something and spend years of education going down that path. Then, when we show up for work, we quickly realize, ‘I hate this,’” he said, adding:
“We want young people to have hands-on experience with a potential career choice and see if it confirms or discourages them from pursuing it.”
The program encompasses careers in industries ranging from healthcare, engineering, education and law.
Around 48 businesses are set to participate this year, including CN Resources, Banner Baywood Medical Center, Everything Bundt Cakes, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Falcon Field Airport, IDEA Museum and A New Leaf.
According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the unemployment rate for Maricopa county is 4.1 percent – compared to the 4.9 percent in January and 4.3 percent last year.
Because of this, Giles said he believes it’s beneficial for students to see what they’re up against after graduation.
“It’s good news that people are continuing to find work here. We want to make sure that Mesa continues to provide a great workforce,” he said.
“Workforce development, including practical training like the Mayor’s TeenForce, is critical to having a workforce that’s going to continue to attract great employment opportunities,” he added.
The program, which is in its second year, takes place over the summer so
that classes won’t interfere with the on-the-job learning experience. The students will work up to 20 hours per week as interns from May 29 to June 26.
TeenForce is the brainchild of several students who participated in a separate youth-based program, the Mayor’s Youth Committee. The committee is a year-long program in which students interact with local officials to learn the ins and outs of city government.
“One of the things they do at the end of that program is make pitches to the mayor for ways to improve the city,” said Giles.
“Two years ago, we had around six presentations from these great kids, and coincidentally, four of them were all recommending we do an internship program for teenagers – they identified that that’s something they would benefit from a lot.”
Shortly after, the city repurposed one of its other teenage service programs to become the Mayor’s TeenForce.
Although the service program no longer exists, the mayor explained that the students in the TeenForce will still have opportunities to do service work. This year, the service projects will focus on food insecurity in partnership with local food banks.
The students and service recipients aren’t the only ones who will reap the benefits of this year’s TeenForce program though – the businesses will too, explained Giles.
“Workforce development is something that we spend a lot of time and energy on in the city. We want employers to come to Mesa and stay in Mesa,” he said. “This [TeenForce] helps the businesses in Mesa get introduced to young people that potentially could be full-time employees.”
The mayor added that several students were offered jobs after last year’s program.
TeenForce requires that all applicants live in Mesa, or attend a school in Mesa, and are either juniors or seniors in high school.
Applications are due May 3, and can be found at mesaaz.gov/city-hall/ mayor-council/mayor-john-giles/ teenforce.
Texting-driving ban passes despite EV opposition
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
Four East Valley legislators were on the losing side of a vote that gave final approval last week to a comprehensive statewide ban on the use of hand-held cellphones by motorists, sending the bill already approved by the Senate to Gov. Doug Ducey for his anticipated signature.
The 44-16 vote by the House on HB 2318 came after lawmakers defeated a version with many of the same restrictions but a crucial difference: It would have been a secondary offense, allowing police to cite offenders only if they were pulled over for some other reason.
Voting against the measure were Reps. Travis Grantham and Warren Petersen of Gilbert and Mesa Reps. Kelly Townsend and Michelle Udall.
Several weeks ago, several East Valley senators also voted against the measure. They include Chandler Republican J.D. Mesnard, who introduced a competing distracted driving bill, SB 1141, that also was approved by the House.
Other senators who voted against it included Eddie Farnsworth of Gilbert, David
counties already have their own versions.
Under the state law, which takes effect in 2021, a first-time offense would result in a fine of between $75 and $149; subsequent violations could lead to fines up to $250.
ranted.
“If I follow a car for more than two minutes I have ample reasons to stop it,’’ he said.
While some people, like Kanvanagh and Finchem, voted for both the texting ban and the distracted driving measure, some did not.
Farnsworth and Tyler Pace, both Mesa.
“We are only one of three states in the entire nation that does not ban text messaging and driving even though we know the frightening statistics,’’ Rep. Noel Campbell, R-Prescott, told colleagues.
He has been a champion of making texting while driving and the use of handheld cellphones a primary offense, allowing police to stop motorists solely because they are breaking this new law.
Campbell noted that Arizona cities and
But lawmakers also voted 31-29 for SB 1141, a totally separate measure to outlaw “distracted driving,’’ sending that one, too, to Ducey. Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said the two bills are not in conflict.
He said it is clear that texting while driving is “inherently distracting’’ and needs to be banned outright, as HB 2318 would do.
“But we need this bill for other activities,’’ he said of SB 1141.
Grantham said the problem with simply focusing on texting and cellphone use is that it fails to address other things that people do.
“I’ve seen people going down the road brushing their teeth, which I really don’t understand,’’ he told colleagues. He’s also witnessed drivers trying to put sauce on a burrito they were trying to eat.
Grantham questioned what will happen when someone gets killed by a motorist who is reading the paper.
“Are we going to run a ban-newspaperswhile-driving bill?’’ he asked.
But unlike the strict texting ban, SB 1141 would not allow a police officer to stop a motorist for doing other things, like reading a newspaper. There also would have to be evidence that whatever the driver was doing also resulted in an immediate hazard or failure to control the vehicle.
Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, argued that language is overly broad.
“We have a real profiling problem,’’ she said, especially in communities of color. “This will be a tool to stop anyone in these communities.’’
Rep. Diego Rodriguez, D-Phoenix, agreed, saying that increases the chance he might be stopped “depending on what part of town I’m in, depending on what I’m wearing, depending on what I’m driving.’’
But Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, who was a Department of Public Safety officer, said those concerns are unwar-
The problem with HB 2318, according to Grantham, is that it is overly broad. He pointed out that, as approved, it does more than make it illegal for a motorist to have a cellphone in hand. It would also be a violation if someone “supports (a cellphone) with any part of the person’s body’’ unless the motorist is also using a hands-free device.
“That could be sitting in your lap,’’ he complained. “That’s way restrictive.’’
House Majority Leader Petersen-Gilbert, said it would be one thing if the legislation was limited to things like texting or checking social media. But he said there’s nothing inherently dangerous with talking on a cellphone, even without a hands-free device.
“There have been people who have driven their whole lives holding their phone up, talking on their phone, that have not had an accident, myself included,’’ he said. Petersen said it would be one thing if this was “We’re going to make an awful lot of people lawbreakers with this bill.’’
That argument that people can talk and drive did not impress Rep. Randy Friese, D-Tucson.
“That doesn’t mean its safe,’’ he said. But Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, said HB 2318 actually can lead to less safety. He pointed out that people get Amber alerts about missing children, and silver alerts on missing seniors, on their cellphones, information which includes a description of the vehicle being sought.
“That life is just as important,’’ Cook said, with this law barring people from checking out these messages while driving.
Today’s votes occurred with family members of those killed by texting motorists watching in the gallery. House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez, D-Yuma, specifically addressed the survivors of Clayton Townsend, an officer with the Salt River Police Department who was killed when he was struck by a texting motorists while conducting a traffic stop.
“We’re going to get it done today,’’ she told them.
“I understand the pain of what happened, of losing these officers,’’ said Rep. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale. But he voted against the measure, saying “it goes a little bit too far.’’
ferent groups together to work together to build a better grassroots organization in Arizona. That is our long-term vision and goal.”
Spendel during his speech also bashed SPLC, calling its comments on the rally “B.S.” and said people like New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a democratic socialist, are “crazies.”
“Please stop it,” he told the audience. “I beg you as a citizen of Poland.”
Mary Ann Mendoza, an “Angel Mom” also spoke. Her son Mesa Police Sgt. Brandon Mendoza was killed in 2014 by a drunken driver who was in the country illegally and had a criminal history. Since then, she’s been advocating for tougher immigration laws.
“Angel Families is a club I don’t want any of you become part of,” Mendoza said.
The nonprofit advocacy group is for relatives of victims killed by those in the country illegally.
Mendoza showed the audience pictures of those killed by “repeat illegal alien criminals”- Grant Ronnebeck, a Mesa convenience clerk, Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry and Mendoza’s son.
She said criminals in the country illegally served less prison time than an
Arizona resident and she cited statistics to bolster her claim that those who come to the county illegally were a financial drain.
She also said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is severely understaffed to oversee a border she said is controlled by the Mexican drug cartel.
She said the group is fighting sanctuary policies in California, Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas and Maryland and that a movement was underway both in Tucson and Flagstaff to have them declared as a sanctuary city.
She added the group was starting a “Blood on your Hand Campaign” to “call out politicians who refused to stand with our president.”
The crowd cheered and one man shouted out, “build that wall,” a rallying cry for Trump supporters.
Mendoza added there are plans to put on billboards across the country pictures of victims killed by a “Dreamer” or an “illegal alien.” “Dreamer” refers to those who were brought to this county illegally as a child and attend school or work using the DACA program.
“I say build the wall,” said Ward, who acknowledged Mendoza and other families like hers.
She added President Trump’s idea to
send undocumented immigrants to sanctuary cities was a win-win. Dr. Ward lost her U.S. Senate bid to Martha McSally in the GOP primary in 2018.
Ward said there are enemies inside the country and outside who want to overthrow the government and replace it with a failed system of socialism.
“The left continues to move further away from reality,” she said, adding socialism would destroy the founding tenets of the United States.
“There’s never been a more important time to embrace American patriotism,” she added.
And the way to deflect socialists was to re-elect Trump in 2020, she said holding up a Trump campaign sign.
“Re-electing President Trump is my No. 1 priority,” she said.
Sitting in lawn chairs enjoying the rally were Ginger Niesen and her next-door neighbor Debbi MacNicol, who drove from North Phoenix. They’ve known each other for 25 years.
“I’m in support of limiting government, of freedom and standing for freedom of speech,” said Niesen for why she came out for the event.
She said she was very much against those who come into the country illegally and that the border wall must be built.
“I’ve seen the destruction in the country,” she said of the illicit drugs that pour over from the southern border.
She said many blame the over 70,000 U.S. drug deaths in 2017 on doctors when 85 percent of the drugs enter the country from the south.
She also cited Trump’s assertion that one in three women is sexually assaulted on the long journey north.
“I don’t encourage a system where women and children are being raped and Congress sits on their hands and do nothing,” the 68-year-old woman said. “It’s very frustrating.”
MacNicol, on the other hand, faulted the school system for the younger generation’s fascination with socialism.
“They are not teaching American history in schools,” she said. “In history books now we are the bad guys and I’m sorry but America is not the bad guy.
“A whole young generation thinks socialism is great. It’s not even great on paper. These kids don’t know, they think it’s a wonderful idea. The only way socialism succeeds is because capitalism funds it.”
Both Niesen and MacNicol, 64, traveled to the border, south of Sierra Vista, four years ago to check it out and they said there is no wall where they went.
“I have great compassion for people
Community
Marines to honor Mesa woman for her service
BY MIKE PHILLIPS Tribune Guest Writer
Nancy Hanley of Mesa and Lt. Gen.
John Goodman, USMC (Ret) have spent a lifetime assisting others –one on a world stage, one in the close-knit philanthropic community of Phoenix.
On May 18, their paths will intersect, and their contributions will be recognized during the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s annual Arizona Awards Dinner. The foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children.
Thirty years before Pat Tillman, Goodman blazed his own path between athlete and solider. The standout quarterback at Arizona State University (ASU) put a promising NFL career on hold to pick up a rifle and go to war.
Goodman returned safely from a combat tour in Vietnam and that experience helped shape his life.
The war would also have a profound
impact on Hanley, a Phoenix native and resident of Paradise Valley. Her late husband and high school sweetheart, Lee, was a Marine officer who also served in Vietnam.
Lee’s experience would inspire Nancy to spend a good portion of her life work-
ing to make a difference for others.
Hanley will receive the Service Above Self award at the May 18 awards dinner, an award that recognizes individuals for their lifetime of commitment to volunteerism and community. At age 16, she worked as a candy striper at St. Joseph’s Hospital and rocked babies born to drug addicted mothers at Maricopa County Medical Center.
She served as chairman of the Phoenix Heart Ball in 1995, was Heart Ball Sweetheart in 2003, served with Lee as honorary chairmen in 2008 and continues to serve as an advisor.
Nancy and Lee also served as co-chairs of Valley of the Sun United Way and chairs for Arizona Diamondbacks Charities in 2008.
Nancy is also dedicated to organizations that help women and children, including Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Ryan House and Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
She was on the board of directors of HomeBase Youth Services for six years
and co-chaired their Doorway of Hope Gala in 2000.
Her generosity also extends to the Marine Corps, where she funds scholarships through the foundation to assist the children of veterans.
While Hanley’s philanthropic career is focused locally, General Goodman’s history of service spans the globe.
Following a collegiate football career at ASU, he attended training camp with the New Orleans Saints in 1967 when he received a draft notice. He placed his dreams of playing professional football on hold to join the Army and serve as an infantry officer.
After a decorated combat tour, he returned to the Saints, but a clavicle injury derailed his pro career. The military, however, beckoned.
“I needed to be working toward something more important than myself or a bottom line,” said Goodman, a Mesa resident.
see HANLEY page 13
Mesa tournament to benefit retinal research
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer
Mollie Thompson was afflicted with retinal disease when she was born. When she began to struggle with night vision, she knew her life was about to change.
“When I was about 38, I had to quit driving,” Thompson said. “I joined a support group because I was starting to feel too depressed about the whole thing. I had two kids. I was working. How would I get to work?”
The support group is Foundation Fighting Blindness, which was founded in 1971 by a “passionate group of individuals driven to find treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases.”
At the time, very little was known about these diseases, but in the last 40 years, the foundation has raised more than $725 million to support and advance the research that would reverse blindness and restore vision.
The most common eye disease is macular degeneration, which affects many
adults older than 55.
To raise money, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is hosting a golf tournament at 7 a.m. Friday, May 17, at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club, 6425 E. Teton, Mesa. Shotgun start at 7:30 a.m., followed by golf and a 12:30 to 2 p.m. lunch and awards ceremony.
The foundation is looking for sponsorships and raffle items.
The Bausch Foundation, who donated $5,000, is the presenting sponsor. For more information, visit fightblindness. org/arizonagolftournament.
Thompson can be reached at 602-481-3243.
Thompson has retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing at night and a loss of peripheral vision.
“One of the first signs is night blindness,” she said. “Then you slowly lose your peripheral vision. Then there’s macular edema. If I just had the RP, my central vision would remain clear. I would have the night blindness and no peripheral vision.”
Macular edema is a buildup of fluid in the macula, an area in the center of the retina.
Thompson, 63, had to stop driving. She relied on Dial-a-Ride until the boundary lines changed around Mountain Bridge. The Foundation Fighting Blindness meets monthly to share stories and to hear speakers. The tournament is its largest fundraising event.
Thompson hopes the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ efforts will pay off for the sake of her children and grandchildren.
“I hate to see one of my grandchildren go through something like this,” she added. “So far they don’t think my children have inherited the gene. They still have to get gene tested to find out for sure. I followed in the footsteps of my father. They felt if my kids had inherited it, they would all follow the same pattern as me.”
Al Linde has had similar experiences. The 68-year-old has been legally blind since 2013 from macular degeneration. He can still see well enough to play golf.
“I have good friends who tell me where it went,” Linde said. “I play golf about once a week. I’ve been involved with Fighting Blindness for about four years.”
Nancy Hanley of Mesa will receive the Service Above Self award from the Marine Cors Scholarship Foundation next month. (Special to the Tribune)
Mollie Thompson has retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina.
( Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Mesa sailor’s eye on weather helps keep Navy safe
BY BRYAN DUNN Tribune Guest Writer
Most Americans rely on weather forecasts to plan their daily routine. The U.S. Navy is no different. With numerous ships, submarines and airplanes deployed in the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s area of operations, sailors stationed at Fleet Weather Center San Diego, make it their primary mission to monitor weather conditions in support of the fleet’s daily operations.
Airman Israel Torres, a 2016 Williams Field High School graduate and native of Mesa, is one of these sailors serving at the Fleet Weather Center, providing full-spectrum weather services to shore-based commands and afloat naval units.
As a Navy aerographer’s mate, Torres is responsible for ensuring the safe navigation of Navy ships by providing detailed weather forecasts.
Torres credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Mesa.
“Playing sports helped me gain a lot of
HANLEY from page 12
Goodman joined the Marine Corps, earned his pilot wings and began a 41year career that would take him to Okinawa, Korea, Kuwait, Burma and other locations.
Goodman would end up logging more than 4,100 hours in tactical jets for the Marines, attend the Navy’s legendary “Top Gun” fighter school and serve in several high-profile leadership posts includ-
MOLLIE from page 12
Linde is a rare case. His macular degeneration hit him when he was 47 years old in 1998.
leadership skills, and growing up I faced a lot of challenges that I had to persevere through,” said Torres.
Additionally, sailors serving with the Fleet Weather Center ensure naval installations, contingency exercises and operations are able to facilitate risk manage-
ing commander of Marine Forces Pacific.
Goodman retired from the Marine Corps in 2008 and became director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. His responsibilities included educating, training and preparing the U.S. military and international governments in disaster preparedness and response.
Goodman also served as chairman of the board of advisors for Tactical Edge,
ment, resource protection and mission success of fleet, regional and individual unit commanders.
Fleet Weather Center San Diego provides U.S. and coalition ship, submarine and aircraft weather forecasts including en route and operating area forecasts.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles – nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.
Being stationed in San Diego, the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, means Torres is playing an important part in the U.S.’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Torres is most proud of earning Sailor of the Month honors for January 2019.
“I’m proud of it because it felt good to
a service-disabled, veteran-owned software company and is a member of the ASU’s Flag Officer Advisory Council.
Goodman will receive the Semper Fidelis Award at the May 18 awards dinner, honoring his years of military and humanitarian service.
“Nancy Hanley and Gen. John Goodman have spent a lifetime working to make the world a better place,” says Dave English, one of the co-chairs of this year’s Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Arizona
be recognized for the effort I put in, and it was a great start to the new year,” said Torres. “When I joined, I wanted to leave the Navy better than when I came in. Being recognized means I am doing something right.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Torres, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Torres is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My godfather is a Marine,” said Torres. “He was a role model for me growing up, and I really looked up to him. He led me down the right path.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Torres and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means making my family proud,” added Torres. “That’s the number one thing, being a role model for my younger siblings, and being someone they can look up to the way that I look up to my godfather.”
Awards Dinner. “We’re honored to recognize them and their commitment to assisting others.”
Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded $120 million in scholarships to 40,000 recipients. In Arizona alone, more than $11 million has been raised since 2009.
Every child of a Marine or Navy Corpsman who served with Marines is eligible.
Information: mscf.org/arizoandinner.
“It actually stems from a fungal histoplasmosis from, of all things, bird droppings,” he said. “It’s very prevalent in the Ohio River Valley where I grew up in Indiana.
sis in their lungs. It migrates to your eyes. Most people have no effects and a tiny, tiny percentage have this happen.”
“We used to visit family who raised chickens. I remember running up and down the chicken coops with my sisters. A very tiny percentage get histoplasmo-
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 20
Linde has a low immune system, as he had stage-IV cancer treatment in 1994. His disease manifested in the eyeball; it mimics wet macular degeneration.
“I’m very interested in finding a cure,” said Linde, a retired letter carrier. “I hate to see other people having to go through this. I have a sister in Indiana who’s just been fighting it for the last nine months. It’s a horrible thing to go through and I’d love to see research produce a cure.”
Mesa native Airman Israel Torres helps keep an eye on changing weather to ensure the safety of Navy personnel around the world. (Special to the Tribune)
Indoor rock-climbing business sprouting up in EV
BY ARIELLA NARDIZZI Tribune Contributor
Once regarded as an extreme sport for “mountain men,” the popularity of rock climbing has skyrocketed –especially at indoor centers – with more facilities opening in the East Valley to cater to climbers.
Hundreds of colorful plastic holds are methodically set on several-story climbing walls to challenge people of all skill levels. For climbers, the sky’s the limit – or, in this case, the limit stretches to the top of a 30-foot wall.
There are 478 indoor climbing gyms around the U.S. and the trend is far from tapering off: 2017 saw a record-breaking 43 facilities open, the most in a single year, according to data from the Climbing Business Journal.
In or near the East Valley, there are four major climbing facilities: Phoenix Rock Gym (PRG) and Climbmax Climbing Gym, both in Tempe, Focus Climbing Center in Mesa and Black Rock Bouldering Gym in East Phoenix. Each one is different in the specialties and services they offer.
Phoenix Rock Gym, Arizona’s oldest climbing gym, opened in 1992, when indoor climbing was still a relatively new sport.
Paul Diefenderfer, founder and owner of the gym, said he’s been climbing since 1975 and was skeptical of climbing indoors at first.
But in 1992, he and a friend each put in $10,000 to create Arizona’s first indoor rock gym.
“We’ve kept it pretty much the same,” Diefenderfer said, since it opened 27 years ago. “It’s always been an easy-going atmosphere. We try to make it as safe as humanly possible, yet still keep the thrill of climbing in there.”
Since 2016, the gym has brought in approximately 20,000 visitors annually, he estimates, despite growing competition. He said they have enjoyed an increase of 1,200 new members in the first quarter of this year.
“When I started, PRG was the first gym in the state and we had the whole market to ourselves,” Diefenderfer said. “We’re busier than ever so the market’s growing. Indoor climbing makes it easy and acces-
sible for people to do.”
While much of indoor climbing’s success can be attributed to the accessibility of the sport, Diefenderfer said the trend has also grown by attracting climbers who aren’t interested in the more traditional outdoor rock climbing.
“When it first started, it was mostly just climbers looking for a place to work out so they could be that much better on weekend trips,” Diefenderfer said. “Now there’s a large majority of people that climb indoors who never go outside. This is their sport in and of itself.”
There are still some outdoors climbers who use the gym as training grounds, however.
Angela Foley, founder and president of Sun Devil Climbing at Arizona State University (ASU), still prefers climbing in the great outdoors.
Foley, who’s been climbing for eight years, initially got into the sport for the competition aspect of it. Now, she climbs for fun.
“When I first started climbing, I was a total gym rat,” Foley said. “As I started climbing outside, climbing inside became more of just a playground. My motivation for climbing inside is to just get better for climbing outdoors.”
Cassie Rezac, an ASU senior who got
into the sport eight months ago, climbs specifically for the exercise.
“A lot of people use climbing as a form of exercise,” Rezac said. “I don’t like going to the gym because I get bored, but going to the rock gym is so much more fun.”
Rezac began climbing after seeing the Oscar-winning film “Free Solo:” a documentary highlighting rock climber Alex Honnold’s 3,000-foot climb to the top of Yosemite’s El Capitan without a rope.
After his climb made headlines in June 2017, many considered this to be the greatest feat in rock climbing history, if not the greatest sports achievement of all time.
“The media coverage of climbing recently has attracted an audience that may not have paid attention to the sport in the past,” Rezac said. “Honnold showed people that rock climbing is a lot of fun.”
The attention is not going away. It was just recently announced that climbing would be included in the 2020 Olympics for the first time – a major milestone for the sport.
Joe Czerwinski, founder and owner of Mesa’s Focus Climbing Center, has gained a wealth of knowledge about competition climbing since he began 26 years ago.
Before opening the gym in 2013, Czerwinski was a rock-climbing route setter and worked for the X Games in the U.S. and
Asia. He competed with the U.S. National team as a climber, and then progressed to a coaching position.
Despite having a speciality in competition climbing, Czerwinski’s motivation for climbing is still the outdoors.
“The appeal of the indoors comes from wanting more from the outdoors,” Czerwinski said.
Focus is unlike PRG in that it emphasizes bouldering, a form of climbing on smaller rock formations without a rope and harness, but from no more than 20 feet off the ground.
The gym attracts climbers more interested in this particular form of climbing, which is what Czerwinski was hoping to achieve with this more specialized gym.
“I was tired of the Phoenix model of a climbing gym—lots of vertical top ropes and a small bouldering area,” Czerwinski said. “I wanted to create a training area where the gym and wall design unites the community, not splitting them into different areas.”
One climber who specializes in bouldering is David Caparon, an ASU sophomore who started rock climbing 12 years ago. Caparon climbs at both PRG and Focus, depending on the type of climbing he wants to practice.
“I really look for what has the multifaceted activities for me,” Caparon said. “I need a gym that offers various types of climbing.”
Although Caparon has had experience climbing outdoors, he feels the appeal of indoor climbing comes from a combination of accessibility and safety.
“Indoors, you’re pulling on perfectly formed pieces of plastic that are wellmade with no chance of it breaking,” Caparon said. “Outside, you always have to worry about rocks breaking, how sharp the rocks are, how risky the actual situation is.”
Caparon also attributed the rise in popularity to the changing nature of the sport as a whole.
“It’s a lot more approachable nowadays. The old narrative of climbing was hardcore mountain men trying to overcome these intense rock walls,” Caparon said. “Now, you have kids flashing really hard routes. It’s a normal and totally acceptable thing in the sports community now.”
David Caparon, an ASU sophomore who has been climbing for 12 years, climbs a challenging route at Phoenix Rock Gym in Tempe. (Ariella Nardizzi/Tribune Contributor)
Valley Metro service changes occur to build and refine an effective regional transit system. Public input is requested on the following proposed service changes scheduled to take effect on October 28, 2019.
Provide feedback April 29-May 31, 2019. Greater detail and an online comment card are available at valleymetro.org/service-changes.
Valley Metro Boardroom
N. 1st Ave., 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003
disability accommodations and alternative formats, call 602.262.7433 or email jparks@valleymetro.org
My long relationship with cell phones has soured
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist
My long relationship with the cell phone began in 1993, at my first job in the newspaper business.
The device was a Motorola MicroTAC, if memory serves me correctly. Rudimentary compared to today’s “smart phones,” the thing was about the weight and size of a fully loaded hoagie sandwich. It took no pictures. It sent no texts. It had no apps. Hell, it barely completed a telephone call without first dropping the call five or six times.
But still, I remember well what I told my friends and colleagues. “This is great. Now I’ll never miss an important phone call.”
A quarter century later, I am still awaiting my first stern command from the White House operator: “Please hold for the President of the United States.”
Apparently, no world leaders have me on speed dial.
I’m not sure exactly when, but sometime in the past few years I began to hate my cellphone with the sort of intense loathing most people reserve for life’s true abominations: Income taxes; pineapple on pizza; Phoenix Suns’ owner Robert Sarver; and putzes who take up two parking spaces.
My resentment hit its apex last month. Determined to better understand my cell phone addiction, I began to use an app called Moment, which tracks how often and how long you use your phone.
The numbers blew me away. After monitoring my phone use for a couple weeks, I discovered that on an average day I picked up the phone 105 times – and spent about three hours a day using the wretched little device.
According to Moment, that constitutes about 22 percent of my waking life. Throw in time working on a laptop or reading a book on my iPad and it’s no
wonder my eyes feel rectangular most afternoons come 3 p.m.
Nor am I special in this regard: According to multiple studies by Nielsen, Comscore and other culture analysts, the average screen time for Americans in 2019 exceeds four hours a day.
While many of those hours are productive – writing for work, calling or texting loved ones, mapping a destination, listening to Spotify while we workout – the discouraging part comes from all the passive staring we do.
In the last 10 days, I’ve logged more than 75 minutes a day on social media. Given how little value we derive from looking at people’s humble brags or pictures of their lunch, that’s an hour-plus daily I feel I want back.
The solution? I’ve removed the biggest time-waster apps from my phone, making them harder to access.
I’ve also taken to leaving the phone in the backseat while I drive, unless I need the map for directions.
I’m also rooting for the Arizona Legislature to finally pass a ban on the use of handheld devices by drivers – a measure set for a House vote on the morning I wrote this column. Currently, 47 states have banned texting while driving. And 16 states have banned all use of handheld devices by anyone operating a vehicle.
Normally, I don’t rely on the government to help discourage my own bad behavior. I’ll make an exception in this case, however, because this addiction feels especially hard to break.
And because like everyone else who’s ever driven on a Valley freeway, I’ve seen more than my share of swerving idiots looking down — not at the road, but at the cell phone between their knees.
Maybe such a ban, coupled with my newfound determination to wean myself from screens, means when that one vital phone call finally comes in, I’ll miss it. I guess that’s okay. I’ve been waiting 26 years for life-changing news that has yet to arrive. What’s a few more minutes?
Passing of last Doolittle’s Raiders went unnoticed
BY JIM BARBER Tribune Guest Writer
U.S. Army Air
Corps
Lieutenant Dick Cole’s passing April 9 raised barely a ripple of interest. But Lt. Cole was a genuine American hero.
Today’s youth display scant knowledge, interest or patience with the history of the blood that has been shed to raise them to their current sheltered existence, of which they do much complaining. It is men and women of such courage and dedication to freedom that has assured them that privilege.
Lt. Cole was the last surviving member of an elite group of 80 Airmen who, in one of our country’s darkest hours, gave it hope that by courage and dedication. Under the command of Colonel James Doolittle, this small band struck
the first American offensive blow of the war against Japan, shocking that nation and its leaders. America had just begun to fight.
Japanese commanders were humiliated, confused and confounded because they had no idea from where the aircraft had launched the attack. They paused offensive planning and refocused on Midway Island, which became a pivotal battle and turning point in the Pacific War.
The Doolittle Raiders had been launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. His all-volunteer unit had been training and practicing short runway take-offs without knowing what they were going to be asked to do.
When they boarded the Hornet, watching their aircraft being swung aboard, they assumed they would be off-loaded elsewhere. Once at sea, Doolittle finally told them the plan. He gave every man a chance, no repercussions,
to back out of what seemed like a nearsuicide mission.
The plan was to get close enough to Japan so that they could make their bombing runs, fly straight on to mainland China to land at a Chinese airstrip. Unfortunately, the small fleet ran across a Japanese fishing trawler. Afraid that the boat had radioed Tokyo of their presence, it was determined that the raid had to be launched immediately –200 miles farther away from their target than planned.
It was almost a guarantee that fuel would not last long enough to reach the safety of the Chinese army lines. Again, every man was given the chance to back out, with no stigma attached. Again, every man stood fast.
To make matters worse, the fleet was in storm conditions. The pilots would run their engines up to top speed while standing on the brakes, then release
and hope the timing was immaculate – which it was for all 16 aircraft. No power assisted take-off was available in those days – just the guts and skill of the pilots and Navy personnel.
Though it did little damage, the bombing and strafing of Japan by 16 American aircraft was a scandal that shook the confidence of the Japanese people and their leaders.
The Doolittle Raid is an iconic example of bravery of which all Americans, and especially the youth of our country, should be aware. That the last surviving member of that heroic band of men would pass with so little notice is tragic. How can we expect young Americans to fully appreciate what they have inherited if they do not know, or understand, what has been sacrificed for them?
-Mesa resident Jim Barber is a retired Marine who has authored a book about his days in boot camp.
Sports & Recreation
Former EV athletes showcase talent at ASU Pro Day
BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor
It’s the moment former Chandler High standout N’Keal Harry says he has been waiting for his whole life.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver was dominant at the college ranks for Arizona State University the past three seasons, hauling in 213 passes for 2,889 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also ran for 144 yards and 3 more scores.
Now, Harry will hear his name called during the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25-27. Exactly when Harry learns where he will begin his professional career, however, remains to be seen.
“No matter what happens, I thank God for putting me in this position,” Harry said. “I’ve been waiting to see my face on Madden. No more create a player.”
Harry didn’t specify which team the virtual version of himself played for. He said he would “switch it up” all the time.
Harry is projected to be picked anywhere from the middle of the first round to early in the second. At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month, Harry impressed scouts wIth a 4.53-second 40yard dash, 27 reps on bench press and a 38.5-inch vertical jump. He also had a 122-inch broad jump.
He relied on his impressive showing at the Combine when Arizona State’s Pro Day rolled around on March 27. Harry elected not to re-test his bench, vertical or broad jumps. Instead, he cheered on several of his former teammates at ASU during the events, including Hamilton alum Casey Tucker and Higley alum Quinn Bailey.
Also present at ASU’s Pro Day was Mountain Pointe alum and Northern Arizona University wideout Emmanuel Butler, who elected to hold his Pro Day workout in Tempe.
“I’ve seen a lot of tremendous players come out of Arizona and some of the people that were there today are a testament to that,” Harry said. “It really is a blessing seeing everybody out here because I have seen a lot of these guys from high school to the point we are at now.”
Inside Arizona State’s Verde Dickey Dome, the football program’s indoor practice facility, Tucker showcased his skills in offensive line drills. At least 27 NFL scouts and several more from the Canadian Football League and Alliance of American Football League were in attendance.
“There was definitely a little bit of nerves but it helps you practice zeroing in on yourself,” said Tucker, a 6-foot-5, 308-pound tackle. “You just have to stick to your training and stay focused on yourself. But I think it went well.”
Tucker began his college career at
Stanford in 2013. After graduating with a degree in Philosophy, he came to Arizona State where he started as a graduate transfer at both tackle positions and right guard.
He participated in drills with Bailey, who is also a prospect at tackle with a 6-foot-6, 323-pound frame. Both were pleased with their workout, but admitted that there is always room for improvement.
Harry and Butler caught passes from ASU senior quarterback Manny Wilkins. The duo was impressive as they showcased their speed, hands and precise route running.
One of Harry’s main focus was getting in and out of his breaks during routes, something he believes scouts wanted to see out of him.
“I give myself a B-plus,” Harry said. “There’s always room for improvement, but it was a fairly good day.”
Harry is looking forward to the moment when he hears his name called during the NFL Draft. But no matter where his career takes him, he is happy to be able to represent his family and Chandler High School on the biggest stage.
“I’ve said it a million times, I’m just glad to be here,” Harry said. “I feel like this is what I am meant for. God has put me in this position for a reason.
“With this platform I have been given I have to make it a positive outcome.”
Hamilton alum Casey Tucker’s college career took him from Stanford University to Arizona State after graduating with a degree in philosophy. Now, he hopes to hear his name called at the 2019 NFL Draft. (Eric Newman/EVT Staff)
Chandler alum and former ASU standout N’Keal Harry is among the top wide receivers in the 2019 NFL Draft class. Harry is projected by experts to be picked somewhere in the late first round or early second. (Eric Newman/EVT Staff)
Higley alum Quinn Bailey (center) participated in offensive line drills with Hamilton alum Casey Tucker at Arizona State’s Pro Day. The two were happy with their workout, which took place in front NFL and CFL scouts. (Zach Alvira/EVT Staff)
Venardos Circus harkens back to another time
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Ringling Brothers may have pulled out of the circus set, but one of their former ringleaders has filled the void and performing in Tempe.
Kevin Venardos, who formed Venardos Circus in 2014, is offering his show of shows through April 28 at Singh Meadows, 1490 E. Weber Drive, Tempe.
“Circus is part of America’s cultural fabric and we want to keep that tradition alive for generations to come,” Venardos said.
The Venardos Circus wraps world-class, animal-free circus acts into a Broadway musical-style format dubbed “The American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.”
During its first visit to Arizona, a circus spokeswoman said, “guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition; but one that has been reinvented for the next generation.”
With aerialists, acrobats, juggling, handbalancing/contortion, comedy, daredevilry, magic and music, the Venardos Circus features its own custom-made big top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with
an intimate feel and limited seating. The 15-person traveling tour is “completely self-contained, much with the original circus tradition,” the spokeswoman added.
Venardos has been ringmaster of several circuses including Ringling, Big Apple Circus and Vargas – before he set up his own.
An interactive pre-show party begins one hour before each show time with opportunities to meet the cast, snap selfies and play games. Classic circus treats like popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, lemonade and more are available.
The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission. The show schedule is at VenardosCircus. com.
General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids under 12 years. Babies under 2 are free. Reserved seating is $35 to $45.
Information: Liveyourcircusdream.com.
Live music accompanies MCC Planetarium show
GET OUT STAFF
Phoenix-based Nouveau Papillon is teaming up with the Mesa Community College Planetarium, to present VisionSphere, “a live musical experience with full-dome visualizations,” beginning April 26 and running through May 18.
The hour-long show promises “striking visualizations” accompanied by live New Age instrumental music from Nouveau Papillon.
VisionSphere shows consist of 11 “immersive voyages, including angels gliding
IF YOU GO
What: VisionSphere
Where: Mesa Community College Planetarium, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa.
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., April 26-27; 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., May 11; 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., May 17; 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., May 18.
Tickets: $20, includes digital download of Nouveau Papillon’s CD, “Enchantment Blooms.”
Info: www.purplepass.com, 480-461-7015
through the heavens, panoramic exploration of deep caves, fractal art and steampunk images, mystical realm of the wolf and other wildlife and nature indigenous to Arizona,” according to a release.
As each experience concludes, a portal appears to guide the audience to the next
destination as a new song begins. The visuals are created to align with the live music.
Nouveau Papillon are international recording artists whose live performance in the planetarium will include music from their current and upcoming albums.
Mark Bensette Aux Bois, on electric
harp and 6 and 12-string acoustic/electric guitars, and Hildi Thelen, on Native American-style flutes, create a unique presentation.
Their second CD, “Enchantment Blooms,” released in December 2018, was nominated for Album of the Year by One World Music, Europe’s No. 1 streaming station.
They describe their collaboration as one of “powerful instrumental imagery that transcends traditional New Age music, as it is constantly evolving.”
To enhance the audience experience, the dome’s perimeter has changing hues with each selection.
This presentation was designed specifically for the Evans & Sutherland Digistar planetarium system, programmed by Kevin Healy, MCC planetarium director and produced by the Nouveau Papillon design team, headed by Ed Capps.
The animal-free, 15-member traveling circus mixes three-ring tradition with Broadway show tunes. (Special to the Tribune)
Mark Bensette Aux Bois and Hildi Thelen comprise Phoenix-based Nouveau Papillon. (Special to the Tribune)
to Chili to Cheeto Chili Crack?
I’m gonna tell you, it’s that good.
fan, and I had never tried the flamin’ hot crunchy version. But I know that for many of you, Cheetos is a guilty pleasure, es pecially the spicy varieties.
chocolate lover in your life.
much like a carrot cake cookie but lighter and more delicate.
from the website Thrillist, in which a columnist was defending “pizza’s forgotten redsauced stepchild.”
treats are wonderfully flavorful and unique.
with the attitude that this is just going to be fun, and since it’s homemade chili, cheese and avocado, how bad can it be?
WWith JAN D’ATRI
With D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
GetOut Contributor
GetOut Contributor
Keep those eyes smiling by sitting down to this Irish meal
Calzones more than pizza’s ‘red-sauced stepchildren’
No fakin’: No bakin’ for this chocolate-cherry delight
Peach-a-berry pie a winning combo
Cheeto Chili a cheesy way to have dinner
These one-carrot delights are a treat any time
McCormick’s invention
Tennis need
It takes a bit of planning ahead, and don’t worry if, when assembling the cake, the layers aren’t perfect. Once the cake freezes and you enrobe the outside with whipped cream and then slice the cake, the layers of chocolate graham crackers, white chocolate pudding and dots of cherry pie filling are a gorgeous surprise.
Palm starch
used in sand traps
Robin Hood’s forest
Phobos and Deimos, to Mars
wrestlers
“If calzones are pizza’s kid brother, then stromboli is like the annoy ing cousin, always trying to butt in on the fun. The stromboli is a pinwheel, more like a rolled sandwich than an inside-out pizza. If sauce is on the side, you’re looking at a calzone. It’s that simple.”
e’re approaching the peak of peach season in Arizona. But you can always find frozen peaches in the freezer section of your grocery store.
I tried them with both white sugar for a lighter texture and color, and with brown sugar and walnuts for a more dense, carrotcake-like consistency.
If you don’t have a 12x4 inch bread loaf pan (which give you lots of layers), you can always use a cake pan. You
If you’re looking for a new way to wow, this cake is
Movie trickery, for short
“-- Your Enthusiasm”
for Oliver Twist
British rule of India
Moral principles
Larry’s pal
Archaeologist’s find
Military caps
Runs from the fuzz
Shooter ammo
Wrigley product
Sharpen
Listener
Heidi’s range
Tureen accessory
Piece of pasta
“American Gothic” painter
Inseparable 48 Marian, in “The Music Man”
Half a dime
Hearty quaff
“Monty Python” opener
Ailing 48 Jimmy Kimmel’s network
Wanted-poster datum
St. Paddy’s Day may be gone, but it’s never too late to enjoy this tasty Irish feast.
It’s that simple to make, too. I happen to love the refrigerated, ready to bake pizza dough and pizza
I was so wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I loved this dish so much that it shot right to the top of my go-to recipes list for just about any occa sion; pot luck, game watching, kid’s cooking night, pool parties, picnics, etc.
hot baked version is just as tasty.) Make up some homemade chili or choose your favorite store-bought brand. Pour the chili over the Cheetos. Sprinkle liberally with
I then slathered the cookies with cream cheese frosting flavored with a hint of orange zest. I think you’ll enjoy the lighter-than-air quality to these cookies and I’ll bet they’ll make a fabulous addition to your a new sweet
Whether fresh or frozen, when you pair peaches with fresh or frozen blueberries, you have the begin nings of a truly delicious fruit pie. I’ve been making peach-a-berry pie for years, so I was surprised to learn that for many people, it’s an unusual combina tion.
Ingredients:
Here’s what is so great about corned beef and cab bage: It’s easy! The spice packet comes with the corned beef brisket, you provide the cabbage, carrots and po tatoes and a couple of hours later, it’s time to eat. Here, I’ve provided the five-ingredient version as
I’m sure you’re familiar with Frito Pie. It’s a combi nation of chili, cheese and corn chips. Well, move over Frito Pie. You have just met your flamin’ hot match. Let me paint the delicious picture for you.
No Bake Black Forest Cake
2 sleeves (12 full-size, 5”x21/4”) Nabisco
Carrot Cookies
Honey Maid Chocolate Graham Crackers
2 boxes (3 oz.) Instant Hershey’s
But these two fruits go together like cookies ‘n cream. By the way, I wondered where the saying “cookies ’n cream” came from, and it’s actually an ice cream or milkshake combination that apparently became the best-selling flavor of ice cream in 1983. When I started making this pie, I wanted both fla vors to come through separately, so I cooked them in
Ingredients:
Ingredients
In a bowl, you pour some flamin’ hot crunchy
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
White Chocolate Pudding
“Seize the day” in Latin
Hi-tech SFX
4 cups milk (for pudding)
½ cup sugar (white or brown)
1 (5 lb.) corned beef brisket (plus spice packet)
12 small red potatoes
1 large egg
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
6 large carrots
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 green cabbage
1 cup (approx. one large) firmly packed, grated carrot
1 pint fresh white mushrooms, diced small
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup powdered sugar
Half of XIV
Elbows’ counterparts
Dove’s call
Tokyo’s old name
1 large sweet yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
1 bar (approx. 3.5 oz.) dark chocolate bar
2 tablespoons butter
Olive oil and vinegar for drizzling over vegetables, optional
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, minced
Ingredients:
2 pounds lean ground beef
Fond
2 deep dish pie shells
1/2 large onion, minced
Directions:
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup chopped walnuts, optional if using brown sugar Cream cheese frosting
Open can of cherry pie filling and reserve 10-12 cherries for the top. Prepare pudding according to package instructions. Set aside.
1 tablespoon (7 oz.) Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, chopped fine
5-6 cloves
1 cup sugar plus 4 tablespoons
1 (15 oz.) can crushed or petite diced tomatoes
Lay 2 full-sized cookies side by side in the bottom of the bread pan.
10 peppercorns, optional
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
cloves, peppercorns, garlic and onion. Pour enough water in pot to cover the corned beef. Cover and cook on medium high for several hours or until fork tender. (corned beef package should have cook time instructions as well.)
Corral 17 Huff and puff
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
3-4 cloves fresh garlic
Directions:
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Place pizza dough on a floured surface and cut in two equal portions. Cover with a cloth and let rise for about two hours. Meanwhile, make the filling.
2 avocados, diced
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, grated carrot and vanilla, mixing well. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt and stir into carrot mixture. Stir in chopped nuts, if using. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased or parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 14 minutes or until slightly browned on top. When cool, top with cream cheese frosting.
1 large sweet yellow onion, quartered
Spoon a thin layer of white chocolate pudding over the cookies. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of cherry pie filling over pudding. Repeat process until you have 6 layers, ending with a layer of chocolate graham crackers.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1 (8.5 oz.) bag Flamin’ Hot Crunchy Cheetos, fried or baked variety
1 large head green cabbage, quartered
Directions:
6 large carrots peeled and cut into thirds
12 small red potatoes
Frosting
Directions
Sprinkle one pie shell with 1 tablespoon sugar and bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Carefully seal the cake with the plastic wrap, gently pressing the sides together to compress. Slip cardboard or cake board pieces in between the plastic wrap-sealed cake and the pan to compress even more. Place in freezer to harden for at least 6 hours.
Olive oil and vinegar for drizzle
Ingredients:
4 oz cream cheese
When ready to serve, beat together whipping cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks.
Salt and pepper to taste
Long skirts 23 Pitched 24 Second person 25 “Ulalume” writer 26 Immigrant’s study (Abbr.)
28 Big Apple letters
In a large skillet, heat butter and add mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, leek and garlic until soft and translucent. Add in the mushrooms, stirring to combine. Add beef and cook until browned. Add ¼ cup pizza sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, set aside to cool. In a bowl, combine ricotta and shredded mozzarella. Set aside. Using a rolling pin or by hand, roll out first pizza dough into approximately 8-inch rounds. Spread pizza sauce over entire round, leaving 1/2 inch border. On the bottom half of the dough, place 4 slices of pepperoni.
In a saucepan, heat peaches, ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of butter. (If peaches are too tart, add more sugar.) Cook over medium high heat until peaches are softened.
Remove cake from freezer and spread whipping cream on top and sides of cake.
Beat together cream cheese and softened butter. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, salt and orange flavoring or zest.
Patricia of “Hud”
2 tablespoons butter, softened
In another saucepan, do the same with the blueberries. Consistency should remain fairly thick with both fruits.
Mustard for spreading on corned beef, optional
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
When corned beef is cooked, turn heat off and cover pot with lid. In another pot, add cabbage quarters, potatoes and carrots. Add 3-4 inches of water to steam veggies. Keep checking to make sure you have enough water in the pot. Add more if needed. Cook vegetables until fork tender. (The potatoes may take a few minutes longer to cook.)
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the beef and cook until browned. Add chili powder, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Add chipotles in adobo sauce, diced or crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
Note: If you prefer the basic cream cheese frosting, omit the orange flavoring or zest.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. (If chili is too mild, add more adobo sauce or chili powder.)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Using a carrot peeler or paring knife, scrape chocolate bar to create chocolate curls or shavings. Sprinkle over cake. Dot top of the cake with reserved cherries. Cake will take about one hour to thaw completely. Slice and serve.
Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the pepperoni, and then add four to six tablespoons of the filling on top of the cheese. Sprinkle basil over top. With a pastry brush, brush the outer edges of the dough.
1 pinch salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Bread Pan Alternative:
Pour fruits onto baked pie shells in layers, one fruit per layer. Reserve a few berries and peach slices for top of pie.
Remove spice packet from brisket. Place brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven.
1 teaspoon orange flavoring or 2 teaspoons orange zest
Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. In a serving bowl, add 1 cup of Flamin’ Hot Crunchy Cheetos. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of Cheetos. Spoon chili over top of cheese. Sprinkle more cheese on top of the chili. Dot with avocado cubes and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Place remaining uncooked pie shell over top of fruit and seal the edges with your fingers. Place reserved fruit in the center for garnish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake for about 25 minutes or until top is golden brown. Serve with good vanilla ice cream.
Add contents of spice packet, bay leaves,
Place corned beef, sliced against the grain, on a platter. Surround the corned beef with steamed vegetables. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. Salt and pepper the vegetables as needed. Serve with mustard if desired.
If using an 8x8 inch cake pan instead of bread loaf pan, you may only get 2-3 layers. Line with enough cookies to cover the bottom and follow above instructions until ingredients are used up.
Carefully fold half of the dough over the half that has the filling. Press edges together to seal. Brush entire calzone with milk. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Repeat with second pizza dough. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with a side of the remainder pizza sauce.
Past 31 Moray or conger 32 Sch. org. 33 Resistance measure 36 Practice pugilism 37 Sweet Spanish wine
cheetos. (The cheetos flamin’
Public Notices
CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA
MESA FALCON FIELD AIRPORT (FFZ)
RUNWAY 4L-22R ACUTE ANGLE TAXIWAYS
PROJECT NO CP0945
FAA AIP NO 3-04-0023-029-2019 ADOT PROJECT NO E0M 01C DAVIS BACON WAGES APPLY
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 2:00 p m All sealed bids will be received at Mesa City Plaza Building, Engi neering Department at 20 East Main Street, 5th Floor, Mesa, Arizona; except for bids delivered 30 minutes prior to opening which will be received at the information desk, 1st floor, Main Lobby of the Mesa City Plaza Building Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration
This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services fo r the construction and/or installation of the following work:
This Federal-Aid project is part of the Runway Safety Action Plan (RSAP) at Falcon Field Airport and includes demolition and removals, subgrade preparation and construction of two new asphaltpaved connecting taxiways, drainage culverts, new runway guard lights, taxiway edge lighting, airfield guide signs, pavement markings, and appurtenant work, all as indicated on Approved Plans and Specifications
The Engineer’s Estimate range is $850,000 00 to $950,000 00
Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified above
Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from ARC Document Solutions, LLC, at https://order e-arc com/arcEOC/PWELL Main asp?mem=29 Click on “Go” for the Public Planroom to access plans NOTE: In order to be placed on the Plan Holders List and to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, an order must be placed The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $44 00, which is non-refundable Partial bid packages are not sold You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the website at the address listed above Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up For a list of locations nearest you, go to www e-arc com
One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa’s Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing
In order for the City to consider alternate products in the bidding process, please follow Arizona Revised Statutes §34 104c
If a pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled, details can be referenced in Project Specific Provision Section #3, titled “Pre-Bid Review of Site ”
Work shall be completed within 180 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed
Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE
The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service)
The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements
The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa
BETH HUNING City Engineer
Public Notices
CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA
REHABILITATION OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME
PROJECT NO. NSP3/081
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PUBLICATION April 21, 2019
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 2:00 p m All sealed bids will be received and must be date and time stamped prior to that date and time, at Mesa City Plaza Building, Housing and Community Development Division, 20 East Main Street, 2ND Floor, Suite 250, Mesa, Arizona; any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration
This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the demolition, construction and/or installation of the following work:
Complete rehabilitation of a single family home including but not limited to; correct struct
drain/waste/vent system; sewer lines; new electrical service and system; dual pane windows; insulated exterior doors; HVAC unit; insulated ductwork; attic/wall insulation; new interior walls and ceilings; new interior doors; fencing; proper grading of entire property; and all other work required per the approved plans and/or written specifications
Contractors desiring to submit proposals must attend all mandatory City of Mesa Housing and Community Development training classes, have a City of Mesa Tax License, possess at least a General Residential Contractor License (B-), be in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, not be on the HUD Excluded Party List (EPL), registered with System for Award Management (S A M ), and have a minimum amount of $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate Commercial General Liability insurance All bidding contractors are subject to, and shall comply with Federal, State, County and City of Mesa procurement laws, policies and regulations including but not limited to; Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Woman and Minority Owned Business recruitments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Equal Employment Opportunities (EEOC) regulations not discriminating against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin; Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990; Drug Free Workplace regulations; Davis Bacon and Labor Standards regulations; Federal and local bond requirements; Lead Based P aint Hazard Control regulations; Maricopa County Air Quality Department environmental regulations regarding Dust Control, Asbestos and NESHAP; Energy Policy Act (EPA) of 2005; The Federal Immigration and Nationality Act (FINA) and Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, and Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 23-214 related to the verification of employment eligibility of employees or anyo ne working on the project Woman and Minority owned businesses, and Certified Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to participate
For more information or to request an “Invitation to Bid”, call Raymond Thimesch at 480644-4521
Or by e-mail: ray thimesch@mesaaz gov
A mandatory walk-thru of the site has been scheduled Please refer to the “Invitation to Bid” for additional information No contractors or sub-contractors are permitted on the premises at any time prior to the walk-thru Work shall be completed within ninety (90) consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed If at any time the contractor is delayed in performing the work under this agreement by circumstances beyond his/her control, the contract may be extended by the same amount of time as was caused by the delay The contractor shall request any extension in writing
Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE
The successful bidder will be required to execute the contract within five (5) days after formal award of the contract, and simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, on all qualifying projects
The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mesa
ATTEST:
DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk Publish: East Valley Tribune, Apr 21, 28, 2019 / 20123
Raymond Thimesch
Housing Revitalization Administrator
Publish: East Valley Tribune, Apr 21, 2019 / 20093
CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant for the following:
FEDERAL BUILDING REMODEL - 26 N MACDONALD PROJECT NO CP0213
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant to provide design services for the Federal Building Remodel Project All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected Design Consultant and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping
This project consists of providing full programming documents, schematic design drawings, compete construction documents, and potential construction phase services for the existing Federal Building located at 26 N MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85211
The scope of this project includes:
• Upgrades to meet current building code and ADA standards
• Interior improvements for programable space, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and administrative space
• Upg rades to existing building systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc ) New fire suppression and alarm, elevator, and site security features
• New flooring
• Other miscellaneous improvements, as needed
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on May 1, 2019 at 10:00 AMat the Federal Building, 26 N Macdonald, Mesa 85211 At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract is sues and respond to questions from the attendees Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries
Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide eight (8) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (CD or USB drive) of the Statement of Qualifications by May 9, 2019 at 2:00 PM The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications The City is an equal opportunity employer
Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title
Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendor-selfservice)
Questions Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Maggie Smith of the Engineering Department at maggie smith@mesaaz gov
BETH HUNING City Engineer
Public Notices
CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant for the following:
BROADWAY ROAD (PHASE 1) – MESA DRIVE TO STAPLEY DRIVE
PROJECT NO CP0666CAP
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant to provide design services for the Broadway Road (Phase 1) – Mesa Drive to Stapley Drive Project All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected Design Consultant and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping
• Proposed roadway improvements include removal and replacement of vertical curb and gutter
• Full depth pavement reconstruction of 12' wide center two-way left turn lane, two through lanes in each direction and 4' wide bike lanes
• Reconstruction of Stapley Drive to ultimate configuration with dedicated right turn lanes in all directions
• Complete replacement of traffic signal equipment at Horne and Solomon to comply with current City standards
• Replace all existing street lighting with new LED lighting
• Install new or upgrade existing underground utilities (water, wastewater, storm drain, gas, and electrical power) to meet current city standards This includes installation of about half a mile of new storm sewer on Stapley Drive from Broadway Road to 8th Avenue
• Underground 2,500 LF of City of Mesa 12 kV overhead electrical lines
• Coordinate with SRP, the underground conversion of 5,350 LF of existing 12kV overhead power
• Enhance existing landscaping and irrigation
• Four new bus stops with shelter and four bus stops with landscaping
• Relocate/Replace SRP irrigation line/structures
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on April 23, 2019, at 8 am, at the City of Mesa Plaza Building, 20 E Main Street, Conference Room 501, Mesa, Arizona 85201 At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference
Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below
RFQ Lists This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz gov/business/engineering/architectural-engineering-design-opportunities
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide six (6) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (CD or USB drive) of the Statement of Qualifications by May 2, 2019, at 2 pm The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications The City is an equal opportunity employer
Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title
Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendor-selfservice)
Questions Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Donna Horn of the Engineering Department at donna horn@mesaaz gov
BETH HUNING City Engineer
ATTEST:
DeeAnn Mickelsen
City Clerk
Publish: East Valley Tribune, Apr 21, 28, 2019 / 20122
ATTEST: DeeAnn
City Clerk
Mickelsen
Publish: East Valley Tribune, April 14, 2019 / 19989
CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Construction Manager at Risk for the following:
SOUTHERN AVENUE AND STAPLEY DRIVE GAS AND WATER LINE REPLACEMENT
Southern Avenue from Horne to Harris Drive and Stapley Drive from US 60 to 8th Avenue
PROJECT NO CP0800GAS and CP0800WTR
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk) to provide PreConstruction Services and complete Construction Services as the CM@Risk for the Southern Avenue and Stapley Drive Gas and Water Line Replacements Project All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected CM@Risk and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping This project consists of various water and gas improvements along Southern Avenue from Horne to Harris Drive and along Stapley Drive from US 60 to 8th Avenue These improvements include replacement of 5,300 LF of 6” gas pipe and 2000 LF of 2” gas pipe The work includes all required trenching, valves, services, and other required appurtenances Only those Contractors on the City of Mesa Approved Gas Line Contractors List shall perform on the City of Mesa gas system
The estimated construction cost is $6,000,000
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on April 25, 2019 at 10:00amat the City of Mesa Engineering Department, 20 E Main Street, Conference Room 501, Mesa AZ 85201 At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference
Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, to assure that contract decisions are made in public, and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below
R F Q L i s t s T h e R F Q i s a v a i l a b l e o n t h e C i t y ’ s w e b s i t e a t http://mesaaz gov/business/engineering/construction-manager-at-risk-and-job-order-contractingopportunities
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide eight (8) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (CD or USB drive) of the Statement of Qualifications by 2:00 pm onMay 2, 2019 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications The City is an equal opportunity employer
Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title.
Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service)
Questions Questions pertaining to the Construction Manager at Risk selection process or cont r a c t i s s u e s s h o u l d b e d i r e c t e d t o D o n n a H o r n o f t h e E
BETH HUNING City Engineer
ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
East Valley Tribune, April 14, 2019 / 19990
Obituaries
Imogene "Jean" Bauermeister
Jean, 24 Aug 1931- 2
A p r 2 0 1 9 , w a s b o r n i n
Oklahoma to Walter Guy
a n d L i l l i a n ( W o o d r u f f )
B u c k m a s t e r T h e f a m i l y
m o v e d t o C a l i f o r n i a i n
1 9 4 3 w h e r e s h e a t t e nded school alongside her
b r o t h e r , S a m u e l a n d s i s t e r , M a r t h a J o y
Jean loved to dance and it was during one
s u c h w e e k e n d s h e m e t h e r f u t u r e h u s -
b a n d , N e a l W B a u e r m e i s t e r T o g e t h e r
they created and raised a family of 7 children who were always the joys of her long l i f e R e l o c a t i n g t o A r i z o n a i n 1 9 7 1 , J e a n continued her hobbies of reading, watchi n g m y s t e r y T V s h o w s a n d l i s t e n i n g t o
c o u n t r y m u s i c
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and son, Donal d N B a u e r m e i s t e r J e a n i s s u r v i v e d b y
d a u g h t e r , T e r e a s a ( D e n n i s R i t z l e r , S r ) ; s o n , T o m ( K a r e n ) ; d a u g h t e r s , K a r e n (Harry Beaman); Linda Carmouche; Cathy ( L a r r y H a m l e r ) ; S h a r o n ( D o n a l d P r i n c e ) ;
b y g r a n d c h i l d r e n : M i c h a e l B a u e r m e i s t e r; Jodi (Cory Jicinsky); Christopher Beaman; M e l i s s a ( A n d r e a s M e i n e l ) ; K e l l i ( T o n y
C o n t i ) ; T e d y B a u e r m e i s t e r ; D a v i d M i llanez (Monique); Ryan Bauermeister (Nat-
a l i e ) ; B r i d g i t ( E r i c L e w i s ) ; J o h n B e a m a n
( D e e n a ) ; A m a n d a B a u e r m e i s t e r ; J u s t i n
H a m l e r ( B e c c a ) ; L i s i a ( T h o m a s H o y n e ) ;
B e c c a ( T r a v i s S c h a l l o t ) ; S h a w n C a rmouche; Terrill Carmouche; Enimoa Kale , J r ( E l i a n a ) ; J e s s i c a ( M a t t S c h r u m ) ; E r i c
C a r m o u c h e ( E m i l y ) ; D e n n i s R i t z l e r , J r
She is also survived by 32 great-grandc h i l d r e n a s w e l l a s l o v i n g n i e c e s a n d n e p h e w s
Jean’s house was always crowded an d loud it was for sure, but there was always an extra chair to be found or a pillow for a tired head
Chef, Chinese Food, ft, req 2 yrs experience Apply at Kawaii Japanese & Asian Cuisine Inc. 6530 W Happy Valley Rd #112, Glendale, AZ 85310
Chef, Chinese Specialty Food, ft, req 2 yrs experience Apply at JPMEI LLC Jade Palace Chinese Cuisine 8876 E Pinnacle Peak Road, #104, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Entry level data processing position available in NE Mesa medical billing office Benefits available Send resume to mjp@medstataz com
Sushi Chef, ft, req 2 yrs experience
Apply at Woori Inc, Yen Sushi 17037 N 43rd Ave , #A3, Glendale, AZ 85308
CONCRETE FINISHERS NEEDED IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for work throughout Maricopa County Must have a valid driver's license, own transportation and be able to bend and lift We are looking for highly motivated individuals that enjoy teamwork On the job training, paid time off with a competitive rate Please email resume to MDMerrett@aol com or give us a call at (480) 575-0915
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CITY OF MESA
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Mesa City Council will hold a public hearing concerning the following ordinance at the May 6, 2019 City Council meeting beginning at 5:45 p m in the Mesa City Council Chambers, 57 East First Street
1
block of South Stapley Drive (east side) and the1200 block of East 8th Avenue (north side) Located south of Broadway on the east side of Stapley Drive (0 9± acres) Rezoning from RM-
This request will allow for a commercial devel-
2 ZON19-00070 (District 6) Within the 8000 block of East Ray Road (north side) Located west of Hawes Road on the north side of Ray Road (36± acres) Rezone from AG-AF to LIAF-PAD; and Site Plan Review This request will allow for an industrial development Jack Gilmore, Gilmore Planning & Landscape Architecture, applicant; Kay & Judy Toolson Joint Trust/Crisko, LLC, owner
3 ZON18-00806 (District 6) Within the 3100 to 3 4 0 0
side) Located north of Elliot Road on the west side of Ellsworth Road (67 5± acres) Rezone
Review; and a Special Use Permit for a reduction in parking This request will allow for an industrial development Jeffrey Blilie, Beus Gilbert, PLLC, applicant; Sunbelt Land Holdings, LP, owner
4 ZON18-00980 (District 5) Within the 2600 block of North Power Road (east side) Located south of McDowell Road on the east side of Power Road (10 43± acres) Rezoning from R
