The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 6.30.2021

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INSIDE

This Week

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Fourth of July �ireworks means ‘be safe’

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

NEWS ................. 8 Marijuana recalls for possible contamination

FEATURES ........ 19 Lake Pleasant Sailing Club resumes activities

YOUTH ............. 20 Simon Karlin promoted to Eagle Scout

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 14 FEATURES ................ 16 YOUTH ...................... 20 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 Zone

PAGE

Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

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fter more than a year of social distancing, many are looking to the Fourth of July for a chance to gather with friends and family, but Cave Creek Mayor Ernie Bunch is asking residents to be safe with fireworks and keep in mind that fire danger in Arizona is extreme right now.

“The state of Arizona is in a tremen-

see FIREWORKS page 5

Pastor, gunsmith serves through love of country

BY FRAN BOOTH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

S

teve Snider loves to gunsmith �irearms, especially modern military weapons like AR-15-style ri�les, when he isn’t busy serving as a pastor, president of American Legion Post 34’s Legion Riders or holding services on Sunday for Legion veterans and locals.

What compels a man of God to make amazing guns for others? As Snider likes to say, “God and country.”

Snider began his gunsmithing career after growing up close to an uncle who served in

the Korean War. The role model taught him everything he needed to learn about �irearms safety and accuracy.

“I run my business with quality service and integrity every time, all the time,” Snider said. “I de�initely have an af�inity for military-type �irearms. God has blessed my business and my personal life in so many wonderful ways. I want to share my passion for God with veterans, and others, through all aspects of my life. Strong leadership is critical if you want others to follow and lead as well.”

That passion stuck with him throughout his life and led him to start U Build Ri�le

Company in 2017. Snider’s clients can have as much input and participation as they desire. He meets with them to determine what they want as a �inished product in the design, purchase of parts and �inal assembly.

Today, the gunmaker’s services are highly sought after.

The pastor and family man, who has a degree in mechanical design, has had tactical combat training, has a federal �irearms license and a class 3 license.

However, he does have an important secret that he loves to share: Snider prays over

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see GUNSMITH page 4

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NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

GUNSMITH ���� page 1

LEGION OPENING

every �ireman he sells and creates and shares his love of God with his customers. In return, they relish the compassion, dedication and passion that come with the weapons they purchase. Along with his wife of 33 years, Susie, they started a church service, Cave Creek Trinity Fellowship, which meets at 8 a.m. Sundays at American Legion Post 34. They serve the young church and the God and country inspire Steve Snider in his gunsmithing and pastoral careers. (Photo courtesy of Steve Snider) causes they love together.

Snider said God came to him several years ago in a vivid dream en- and volunteering with veterans at Post couraging him to accept the Lord. The 34. Serving with these men and women day he received a Bible in the mail from only solidi�ies my faith. I can’t tell you a long-lost friend who had been praying how important it is to be part of spendfor him, he had an epiphany. ing valuable time with local heroes, see“While I regret that I never served in ing our great American �lag and enjoying the military, I wish I had joined,” Snider the incredible patriotism that �ills the said. “However, I love meeting, sharing Legion.”

Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com

Steve Snider loves to gunsmith firearms, especially modern military weapons like AR-15-style rifles.

(Photo courtesy of Steve Snider)

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American Legion Post 34 will open its doors to the public on Sunday, July 4. Visitors can purchase a barbecue meal between noon and 4 p.m. and enjoy live music from 2 to 6 p.m. American Legion Post 34 is located at 6272 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek.

The Legion will also host concealed carry permit training with Johnson Group Tactical at the post from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. Discounts are available for military and �irst responders. The class fee includes �ingerprinting but does not include the $60 application fee to AZ DPS for the �inal permit.

“We believe in preparation and situational awareness. We teach tactical mindset,” said Oz Johnson, founder.

“It’s the ability to have the thought process that comes with training and experience by using your cognitive thinking to quickly determine your next course of action.”

Carrying a concealed weapon is the practice of carrying a weapon in a public place, in a concealed matter, either on one’s person or nearby.

“It’s about making the right decisions,” said Karin Johnson. “This class meets the requirements for those who want to obtain their concealed carry permit.

Johnson Group Tactical is a North Valley-based, veteran-owned �irearms training company. Oz, a veteran and an NRA instructor, spent 10 years in the military and 20 years in law enforcement with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Of�ice. Johnson also served on SWAT for seven years and is a former POST-certi�ied �irearms, ri�le and building clearing instructor. Johnson Group Tactical, a husband-and-wife team, has a special focus on women and new handgun owners. Classes range from beginner to advanced, as well as concealed carry weapon.

Johnson Group Tactical is a member and of�icial partner of USCCA. The business can be reached at JohnsonGroupTAC@gmail.com or by calling 602-410-7355. Interested participants can sign up for the course at JohnsonGroupTAC@gmail.com or by calling 602-448-8283.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

FIREWORKS ���� page 1

dous amount of trouble with this,” Bunch said at the June 21 town council meeting.

“We all need to be very cognizant of our own activities and what we’re doing. Pay attention so that we don’t have another repeat of what happened last year here in town. It could happen at the drop of a hat, at the dragging of a chain or at the throwing of a cigarette out of a window.”

According to Arizona Interagency Wild�ire Prevention, there are at least 57 large �ires active in the state.

Bunch, along with Jim Ford, deputy chief and �ire marshal of Cave Creek and Mike Baxley, �ire of�icial, said they are anxious about �ireworks causing more �ires in the area, as their emergency response teams are already stretched thin.

“If additional �ires break out, I don’t know what resources are still available,” Ford said. “I’m pretty sure most of the local jurisdictions are very, very nervous because they see what’s happening around the state and see the resources that are already being used. I don’t know who we would call at this point, because of the size and the intensity of the �ires that have already been occurring. So that’s what’s got everybody on edge.”

As of June 11, nine counties in Arizona, including Maricopa and Pima counties, already have stage two fire restrictions in place. Campfires, smoking outside, chainsaw use, welding, operating a combustion engine and discharging a firearm are all restricted (with certain exceptions

and exemptions). Ariel fireworks such as roman candles and bottle rockets are illegal statewide.

While other counties can regulate the selling and use of consumer fireworks, Bunch said Maricopa and Pima counties can’t.

“All of the other counties in the state, which have wild and urban interfaces are allowed to actually control the use of those items,” Bunch said.

“But (Legislators), in their infinite wisdom, decided we (Maricopa and Pima counties) can’t control our own destiny, even though we are also a wild and urban interface community. Contact your people. Send letters.

We need to get this fixed to where we have a right to control our own destiny and our own safety.”

Ford said fireworks used to be banned statewide, but the legislature changed that because, essentially, “they needed the sales from Pima and Maricopa counties.”

However, Flagstaff recently banned the sale and use of consumer fireworks, because they are not subject to the same rule.

So, even though the sale of consumer fireworks — like at Walmart, Target or an oversized white tent off the highway) is legal — town officials are asking people to let the professionals handle it and go see a commercial firework show instead.

“Our word of advice would be to attend a public display that is properly put on and not to use personal fireworks out there right now, especially with the dry conditions that we have,” Baxley said.

“We don’t want to have one little

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mistake or a spark from a consumer �irework and set a major brush �ire in the community. There are several communities within the Phoenix metropolitan area that have �ireworks displays still listed. We would suggest that they look for those communities.”

While, obviously, no one intends to start a fire with fireworks, many people don’t think intentionally about not starting a fire. Ford said people tend to think that things like starting a fire won’t happen to them, only other people. This dissociation with the issue leaves people unprepared and, sometimes, careless.

“It’s just not a good decision to use consumer fireworks unless you’re very familiar with it and you have an extremely safe place to do it. Most people don’t,” Ford said. “They always believe that the fire is going to happen with somebody else, that it’s not going to affect them, and that’s just not the case. They don’t take the time to think about putting a bucket of water out for the sparklers that they’ve already used or something

5

along those lines.”

In stage two fire restrictions, fireworks are not allowed to be lit in the town of Cave Creek, according to Baxley. There are still options to see fireworks, though. Anthem, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Apache Junction, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Gilbert, Goodyear, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Surprise are all having Independence Day celebrations on either Saturday, July 3, or Sunday, July 4. Most events are free to attend.

Check for updated information before making plans.

The Foothills Focus Online at www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

Advocates: Affordable Care Act here to stay

BY BROOKE NEWMAN Cronkite News

A

rizona advocates are breathing “a sigh of relief” this week after the Supreme Court again refused to invalidate the Affordable Care Act, a decision that should preserve the health care program

for at least several years.

The ruling, the third time the court has upheld Obamacare, comes as the number of people signed up for health insurance under the ACA continues to grow under a special open enrollment period. That included more than 23,000 Arizonans, bringing the total number insured through the

act to 178,125 as of May 31.

“The strongest case they had by far was the one that failed last week,” said Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, of ACA opponents.

He predicted that the act is here to stay for “at least three and a half years,” given the current administration and the unlikelihood of another court challenge.

Arizona was one of 17 states that joined Texas’ lawsuit to overturn the act. Calls to attorneys general in Arizona and Texas were not immediately returned.

A spokesperson for Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said it is “even more incumbent on Congress to pass legally sound policies to �ix our broken healthcare system, further fractured by the Affordable Care Act” in a public statement.

Democrats were not nearly so hesitant to react to the ruling.

“Thankfully, the Supreme Court laid down a decisive ruling that protects these provisions,” said Arizona Democratic Party Chair Raquel Terán in a statement, after what she called “the Republicans’ decade-long crusade against the Affordable Care Act.” The court ruled 7-2 June 17 that the latest challenge to the law had to fail because the plaintiffs — 18 states and two individuals — could not show that they would be harmed by the law and, thus, lacked standing to sue.

“Neither the individual nor the state plaintiffs have shown that the injury they will suffer or have suffered is ‘fairly traceable’ to the ‘allegedly unlawful conduct’ of which they complain,” wrote Justice Stephen Breyer for the majority. “The court’s deliberations started and ended there.”

In a caustic 32-page dissent — twice the length of the majority opinion — Justice Samuel Alito said the court had again “pulled off an improbable rescue” of the act as it had in its �irst two rulings of “our epic Affordable Care Act trilogy.”

“No one can fail to be impressed by the lengths to which this court has been willing to go to defend the ACA against all threats,” Alito wrote. “Fans of judicial inventiveness will applaud once again. But I must respectfully dissent.”

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010 and “required most Americans to obtain minimum essential health insurance coverage and imposed a monetary penalty upon most individuals who failed to do so,” Breyer wrote.

Opponents �irst challenged Congress’ authority to impose the penalty, but the court ruled in 2012 that the penalty was a tax and therefore constitutional.

A second lawsuit argued that while the law required states to provide subsidies for low-income insurance customers, not all states participated – the federal government offered the subsidy for states that did not participate. But the Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that the federal government could stand in place of a state for purposes of the law.

The latest challenge came in 2017, after Congress reduced the penalty for not having insurance to zero. Texas and the other states claimed that the penalty of zero dollars could no longer be considered a tax, and that the law should fail.

The court rejected that argument, leading Dr. Daniel Derksen, a professor of public health at the University of Arizona, to call the ACA “amazingly durable to withstand three Supreme Court challenges.”

California led a group of 17 states defending the law in the latest suit against Texas, after the Trump administration declined to defend the law.

Humble said the latest case was Republicans’ “last judicial-branch effort with any chance of success.”

The ruling comes as ACA enrollment is trending upward, under a special open enrollment period the Biden administration created this year to help people who lost jobs or health coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open enrollment is usually in the fall, but the special open enrollment period runs from Feb. 15 to Aug. 15.

As of May 31, more than 1.2 million Americans got coverage during the special enrollment period, bringing the total number of policies through the ACA marketplace to just under 9.5 million in the United States.

see ADVOCATES page 7

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

ADVOCATES ���� page 6

Along with expanded Medicaid coverage that was included in the ACA, a record 31 million Americans were covered under one of those plans, the Department of Health and Human Services said earlier this month.

Advocates said the court’s latest ruling also bene�its current policyholders who will not have trouble re-applying, as well as new policyholders who have yet to enroll.

Derksen called it wonderful news as “over 150,000 Arizonans gained health insurance through the marketplace this year.”

Les Braswell with Advancing Arizona called the gains under the open enrollment “a big deal coming out of the global pandemic.”

But advocates said voters need to remain alert to future efforts to “dismantle the ACA.” While he does not see a threat on the horizon, Humble said “it’s always possible depending on who’s in Congress, and who’s in the U.S. Senate, and that can change.”

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Cave Creek Museum names its board The Cave Creek Museum has named its board of directors for 2021-2022. The new members are, from left, back row, Vice President Frank Tyrol, Director Bill Oelman, Director Darlene Southern, President Reg Monachino, Interim Executive Director Evelyn Johnson, Director Nina Spitzer and Museum Administrator Jo Ann Stuckey.

The front row, from left, is Director Tammy Causey, Secretary Shea Stanfield, Director Ellie Alsever and Treasurer Pam DiPietro. The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research, and interpretive exhibits.

The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive. For more information, call 480-488-2764. It is open October to May. (Photo courtesy of Cave Creek Museum)

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

Marijuana recalls for possible contamination

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

M

ultiple Arizona marijuana establishments and dispensaries are initiating a voluntary recall of specific marijuana products due to possible contamination with salmonella or aspergillus.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is advising purchasers to dispose of the products listed below, which were found in laboratory tests to be positive for salmonella or aspergillus.

To date, no illnesses have been reported. This announcement was made out of an abundance of caution.

Patients who have purchased potentially contaminated products should not ingest, inhale or otherwise consume them and should dispose of them. Those who have already consumed any of the products and have any of the symptoms described be-

low should contact their health care provider or seek emergency care in the event of an emergency.

The ADHS laboratory auditors determined during routine inspection of an independent third-party laboratory that marijuana samples that tested positive for salmonella were reported to dispensaries and marijuana establishments as free of contaminants. In addition, marijuana samples that tested positive for aspergillus were reported to dispensaries and marijuana establishments as free of contaminants.

Once ADHS discovered the positive test results, the establishments involved were notified and took immediate action to work with all distribution and retail partners to remove any potentially impacted products.

Consumers with any questions may contact the establishment or dispensary they purchased any of

the products on the list below.

Symptoms Salmonella: Symptoms from ingesting salmonella usually start within six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. Ingestion can happen inadvertently after handling salmonella-contaminated products. Symptoms include diarrhea (that can be bloody); fever; stomach cramps. Some people may also have nausea, vomiting or a headache.

Aspergillus: Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions or infection, usually in people already sick with something else. Symptoms range from asthma or

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see CONTAMINATION page 9

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CONTAMINATION ���� page 8

Harvest Platinum: 14 g prepack sativa flower (Tiger Haze); CVGH210406HM (L); plant, trim; aspergillus.

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Marcie Rodriguez named CCUSD’s CFO

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

M

arcie Rodriguez was named Cave Creek Unified School District’s chief financial officer at the governing board’s mid-June meeting.

Rodriguez has more than 20 years of experience in Arizona school �inance and operations.

She started her career at the Arizona Department of Education as the Director of School Finance. Along her professional journey, she has been a collaborative leader of an elementary, a uni�ied and a union high school district.

She has led steering committees, which successfully passed bonds, maintenance and operation override and capital override elections.

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She is passionate about creating innovative environments where students are engaged and challenged to be independent thinkers.

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OPINION

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Bad ‘altitudes’ are soaring at new heights

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

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ave people become barbarians? I guess if you read the incidence of Americans behaving badly on airplanes, you might believe that the end of civilization as we know it is fast approaching.

Pushing, shoving, screaming, spitting, punching and trying to open the exits (while in flight) or storm the cockpit, is a road too far. It’s like the wild, wild, west in the “unruly” skies, so fasten your seatbelt if you are going to fly.

The Federal Aviation Administration has received over 3,000 reports of “combative” passenger behavior since Jan. 1. The flight attendant union leader, Sara Nelson, claims that frequency of passenger outbursts is “nuts” and “out of control.” So, many airlines have been leveling hefty fines, arresting the perpetrators and ending inflight alcohol service. A rather sobering experience.

The airlines need a break! It has been a rough year of financial losses due to the coronavirus quarantines. Before that, airlines were struggling with people bringing “emotional support animals” on board.

Not just a little doggy or kitty, but racoons, pot-belly pigs, snakes and even mini-horses were part of the inflight “zoo” that was creating headaches for travelers and flight crews.

It seems that people were fraudulently claiming they needed support animals, which had been loosely defined, a fee-free category, with lack of clarity of the definition of “support.” Well, that little piggy can no longer fly. The Department of Transportation finally ruled “enough,” and only service dogs are allowed on flights now. So, all should be calm in the skies. Not exactly.

Americans are ready to travel again!

COVID-19 is winding down, we can go see grandma or the kids. Take a vacation. Get out our suitcases and pick a spot. We have been cooped up too long! Last year we were reduced to hunting for toilet paper and stuck in our homes. This year we can go places! Yet now it seems that a few bad actors are ruining all the fun. I mean, come on, why do folks have to act so awful?

One flight attendant was videoed summing up a terrible experience, when the American Airlines flight from Raleigh to Charlotte was disrupted by numerous passengers who were shouting insults and profanities at the crew. The flight attendant said upon landing, “We were just trying to go to Charlotte. But shame on those passengers who made this flight a living hell.” Many well-mannered passengers applauded.

The video has blown up the internet and been viewed millions of times. Even American Airlines has weighed in and made statements that they will have “zero tolerance” for this abusive, disrespectful behavior.

Many of the outbursts start when folks are asked to wear masks. I get it. We hate wearing them. But it is a Federal Aviation Administration ruling, set to hopefully expire in September. Psychologists claim that people are having mental breakdowns, experiencing anxiety attacks or angry outbursts because they are “fed up” with restrictions. Collectively, we need to move forward, get over it and put the fun (and civility) back into travel. Flying? Here’s hoping that passengers will not display bad “altitude” and take their frustration to new heights.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor.

Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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OPINION

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Some thoughts on Arizona election audit

BY JD HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

T

he “Washington Wise Man” earned that nickname because he saw things clearly, conveying common sense in the backwoods vernacular of his native Kentucky.

When a cacophony of criticism would arise from the legions on the left – at once both enraged and entitled – the Wise Man would describe it thusly: “A hit dog hollers!”

The Wise Man may have departed this vale of tears, but his rough-hewn observation lives on.

It is hard to see the wisdom in the left’s incessant squawking and dogged insistence that thinking people should suppress any curiosity or concern about the tabulation of votes in the 2020 presidential election.

“A hit dog hollers,” indeed.

2020 will not only be remembered as an election year; it will also be recalled as the “year of COVID-19.”

Government policy and public health policy became synonymous. Our highest-paid bureaucrat, Dr. Anthony Fauci, became the de facto “dictator doctor,” advocating for an unprecedented economic shutdown.

The opportunity for voting by mail was greatly expanded, and with it, the opportunity for vote fraud.

Press coverage of vote by mail in 2010 was skeptical. NBC News partnered with News21, a program headquartered at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, and posted an article headlined, “The real vote fraud opportunity has arrived; casting your ballot by mail.”

Ten years later, an even more partisan press, collectively incensed about Donald Trump’s presidency, offered glowing accounts of voting by mail, and those stories increased in frequency and stridency once President Trump offered the same objections found in many media accounts a decade earlier.

“For folks on the left, it’s wrong until it’s right for them,” the Wise Man would say through the mists of memory.

Fortunately for Arizona, the name calling and intimidation that causes hesitancy on Capitol Hill does not apply to our Legislature.

Skeptical of reassurances from the governor that “We do elections well here in Arizona” when complaints were lodged and discrepancies discovered, the Arizona Senate requested an audit of ballots in Maricopa County.

The County Board of Supervisors at first ignored that request, then lost in court and has subsequently displayed unremitting hostility throughout the process.

If they have nothing to hide, then what are they worried about?

“An honest man has no need to dive in the briar patch,” the Wise Man would say.

Meanwhile, the woman in charge of elections statewide, Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, has found herself amidst the metaphorical thistles and thorns of suspicion.

The distrust has developed despite the best efforts of a partisan press to clear her path to the governor’s office in 2022.

The most pathetic example came recently on CNN. Anderson Cooper, sputtered frantically, at once conjuring up nonexistent charges of discovering bamboo in the fiber of Arizona paper ballots, then quickly admitting no such charges had been leveled while implying that some outrage was sure to develop.

Mindful of his recent guest hosting stint on “Jeopardy,” Cooper ended his bizarre screed in the form of an interrogative: “What do you do in that case?”

“That’s a good question,” responded Secretary Hobbs, concluding her own incoherent rambling with this malaprop: “There’s nothing going on here that lends any credibility to the outcome that’s gonna come out of it.”

Other accounts have described Katie’s CNN appearance as a “meltdown.” Clearly, she was feeling the heat, because she invoked a hypothetical in a way that did her no favors. “There’s nothing that can be done now to overturn the election, even if the audit was valid.”

The Wise Man would offer this response: “That dog won’t hunt!”

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

Soaring violent crime rates are no surprise

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

A

s June winds down, we already have a shoo-in winner for the least surprising story of 2021: Violent crime continues to surge in this struggling nation of ours.

How bad are we talking? Murder jumped 33% last year in America’s major cities.

Meanwhile, 63 of the nation’s 66 largest police jurisdictions saw jumps in at least one category of violent crime – murder, rape, robbery or aggravated assault.

So far, 2021 hasn’t been an improvement.

The White House says homicides jumped 24% nationally in the first quarter of 2021 versus the same quarter last year.

Father’s Day weekend was especially violent, with CNN reporting 10 mass shootings claiming seven lives across nine states.

That doesn’t even count the June 17th West Valley shooting spree allegedly committed by 19-year-old Ashin Tricarico, who stands accused of 90 minutes of drive-by gunfire that claimed the life of 67-year-old David Liebler and wounded a dozen other innocents.

Our streets have so run with blood, President Joe Biden felt compelled to address the nation Wednesday, to announce a five-part “comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to gun crime and ensure public safety.”

The gist? A crackdown on illegal guns and rogue gun dealers. Plus additional millions for local law enforcement, more money for community anti-violence efforts, more summer jobs and activities for teenagers and young adults and beefed-up programs to help those leaving prison re-enter society.

Pardon me, please, if my response is somewhere between a gaping yawn and a sad shake of my head. Because all of the above – along with the academics who blame COVID-19 for this spike in violent crime – seems to miss what’s actually happening in our communities and on our streets.

To borrow a cliche, our chickens have come home to roost.

I’m talking about the widespread disrespect of police officers and the rule of law

that has been a dominant news story for the past year-plus.

To hear many of our progressive neighbors and pundits tell it, every cop is a racist ogre or a perpetrator of systemic injustice so widespread the entire system must be reformed beyond recognition, or dismantled to begin anew. The police are to be defunded, declaimed and derided – and certainly never respected.

And the law? If it is enforced by the corrupt it, too, must be corrupt. Thus, shouldn’t we excuse those who ignore it?

Couple this neutering of law enforcement with an exponentially expanding sense of entitlement with a growing self-specialness that has permeated every aspect of our culture, and is it any surprise that Americans are quicker to anger, quicker to maim, quicker to kill, loot, assault, rape?

Virtually everywhere you look and to whomever you listen, the narrative put forth focuses on the One Percent having unfairly gotten theirs, so why shouldn’t you get yours, whatever it takes?

Throw in a few hundred million guns of every caliber for good measure, mix in widespread mental health issues and is it any wonder the nightly news and front pages frequently resemble an especially gory Tarantino film?

Like every other complex issue facing our country, rising violent crime is multi-determined, driven by numerous interwoven factors – especially hatred of police.

Stemming the violence will require more than money, summer programs and a few new gun regulations that are ardently opposed by half the nation.

Just as we have had a so-called “racial reckoning,” we need to unpuzzle America’s love-hate relationship with its cops. We cannot damn police, then act shocked when criminals, emboldened, take to our streets to take lives and property.

The only surprise about rising crime is that anyone is surprised it’s happening. The blue line, always thin, has been stretched to the brink of snapping.

13

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BUSINESS

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Julian Corles is keeping Janey’s alive

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

O

ften overlooked by tourists, Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega has offered locals a place to relax with a cup of coffee in the mornings and with a beer and live music in the evenings.

Julian Corles has owned the restaurant and entertainment venue since 2014 but has aimed to keep the original owner’s concept alive and successful.

“When I first took it over, one of the promises I made was not to screw this up,” Corles said.

Janey’s was founded in 2010 by a woman named Sam (Jane) Gesell and the restaurant was named after her and her mom’s middle names, both of which were Jane.

Corles said Sam and her eventual husband, Mitch, owned the restaurant together for about three and a half years before they moved on.

“They ran this place for about three and a half years and then realized it was tough to get a day off,” Corles said with a laugh.

Corles has a degree and back-

Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega originally opened in 2010 and was run by the original owners for three and a half years. (Photo by Pablo Robles) ground in hotel and restaurant management and the timing worked perfectly for him to purchase Janey’s.

Corles spent 10 years in corporate restaurant management before switching to the insurance field before being laid off in 2009. Unsure of his next move, Corles gave restau-

rant management another shot.

He purchased Tempe’s The Mad Hatter Pub with a partner and, after four months, he left that business after he and the partner could not agree on the bar’s direction.

When Corles visited his dad in Cave Creek, he learned Janey’s was

for sale. He was intrigued by the name and concept and wanted to see it up close.

“I came out on a Friday night and saw that there was live music, 12 beers on tap and a nice restaurant,” Corles said.

Corles was so impressed with the layout and concept, he immediately wanted to make an offer.

“I came back the next day and was impressed with what I saw. The numbers made sense, and this looked like a place that would get me away from corporate America,” Corles said.

After taking over, Corles kept what worked and expanded on what made Janey’s a staple.

“I kept things the same, but I started expanding the hours a bit, started offering the full menu during live music and added more shows to where we’re doing live shows nine to 10 times a week,” Corles said.

Live music can be heard just about any time customers walk into Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega, however, the most reliable times to see performances are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Satur-

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Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega offers live music every night and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

(Photo by Pablo Robles)

Julian Corles purchased Janey’s Coffee Co. & Bodega in 2014 after a decade in the corporate restaurant management industry and after being laid off in 2009 from the insurance field. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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days and 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Janey’s welcomes artists from around the Valley but has seen a considerable number of Anthem acts come through. Fans can see Anthem-based guitarist Bill Dutcher on Saturday, July 3, and Thursday, July 15. Singer Sophia Humbert will perform Tuesday, July 27.

Customers can treat themselves to wine tastings on Wednesdays and beer on “Tap Takeover Thursdays,” during which breweries offer samples.

Guests who are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a beverage, Janey’s has a selection for just about anyone.

“Everybody feels comfortable coming in here whether it’s their first time or they’re here seven or eight times a week,” Corles said.

“Customers love how relaxed it is here and how they can kick back in a comfy chair or outside on the patio and listen to music.”

The staff gives Janey’s a homey feeling.

“What customers love most is that there’s always someone here that’s friendly and some know the regular’s orders by heart,” Corles said.

Though it is more secluded than other restaurants on Cave Creek Road, Janey’s thrives off being a place for its locals.

“We’re a little off the beaten track,” Corles said.

“We’re a little hidden and don’t get the foot traf�ic that some of the other places get during the tourist season. This is a place that the locals enjoy coming to so where we lose some of the seasonal customers, we get the locals who know they can have their restaurant back.”

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Events are key to Creekside Lodge’s success

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

C

reekside Lodge & Cabins is more than a place to stay.

The Mayer destination, between State Route 69 and the seasonally running Big Bug Creek, is the perfect place for events — concerts, weddings, conferences and team-building meetings — and activities.

“You name it, we can do it,” said PJ McKay, the marketing representative for Creekside Lodge & Cabins.

Besides its restaurant, The Cellar, Creekside Lodge & Cabins boasts a

Owner John Papuga took over the Creekside Lodge & Cabins during the pandemic and was still able to keep the doors open. (Photo by Dave Karasinski)

game room for those who want a little fun. Garage doors allow guests to flow onto the patio that hosts entertainment on Fridays and soon to be Saturdays.

Crews are finishing work on the barn that backs to Big Bug Creek bed. In lieu of the barn, brides and grooms have been married under beautiful tents.

“People like to be married next to the creek bed,” McKay said. “Then they have the reception up top.”

Besides conferences, Creekside Lodge & Cabins offers tours of local vineyards.

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CREEKSIDE from page 16

“Wherever you want to go, we’re happy to take you,” she said. “This is a getaway.”

From Creekside Lodge & Cabins, guests can take off-highway vehicles (OHV) to Lake Pleasant, among other destinations.

“We had an OHV group come up a few weeks ago and left in their side by sides to go to the Grand Canyon and back,” McKay said. “You don’t touch pavement. It branches out to OHV trails and hiking trails. You can also park your horse here. There’s a lot to do here.

We’re starting to see a lot of families come up.”

Owner John Papuga opened Creekside Lodge & Cabins during the COVID-19 pandemic. New to the hospitality industry, Papuga is looking forward to making the facility a success.

The year before Papuga purchased Creekside Lodge & Cabins, it only brought in $165,000.

“That’s how bad of shape it was in,” Papuga said “We really didn’t know

Creekside Lodge & Cabins’ game room adds extra fun to the unique event, activity and vacation space. (Photo by Dave Karasinski) what to expect. But guess what? We made it. We’ve not gone away. It’s a cool place in a great area. This area needs something like this.”

“The elevation is perfect,” he said. “At 4,200 feet, you can really do stuff outside. We’re an hour outside of Phoenix.

You can’t beat that.

“We’re trying to convert this into a mini destination. Surprisingly, we’ve had a lot of guests from Camp Verde, Bagdad, Dewey and Prescott. They come from the Valley and places around here, too. They can come here to have dinner, listen to good music and sleep and they’re less than an hour from home.”

McKay and Papuga recently hosted Country at the Creek, which featured “The Voice” season seven winner Craig Wayne Boyd.

“We couldn’t have asked for more, especially with it being the first one we’ve done,” said McKay, a Buckeye native. “It just turned out great. We’re going to do this again.”

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Get to know someone before criticizing CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

M

any times, in life, we make judgments about behavior we don’t understand.

Often, the younger look at older people as those to be tolerated, not celebrated. Honestly, younger people may be seeing farther than more senior people because they’re sitting on older folks’ shoulders.

This column is a true and extraordinary story that many people don’t know. It is a shining example to be careful about judgments and how one might learn to be cautious with our older folks until you know them better. You never know what they have done for younger people during their lifetimes.

The story comes from Max Lucado’s fantastic book, “The Eye of the Storm.” I’ve shortened the story a bit to fit into this article.

“It happened every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the blue ocean.

“Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. Ed walks out to the end of the dock, where it seems he almost has the world to himself. Everybody’s gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts

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and his bucket of shrimp.

“Before long, however, he is no longer alone.

Up in the sky, a thousand white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way toward that lanky frame standing there on the end of the pier. Now, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds. As he does, if you listen closely, you can hear him say with a smile, ‘Thank you. Thank you.’

“In a few short minutes, the bucket is empty. But Ed doesn’t leave.

He stands there lost in thought, as though transported to another time and place. When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they, too, fly away. And old Ed quietly makes his way down to the end of the beach and on home.

“If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like a ‘funny old

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duck,’ as my dad used to say. Or, to onlookers, he’s just another old codger, lost in his weird world, feeding the seagulls with a bucket full of shrimp. Old folks often do strange things, at least in the eyes of others. Most would probably write Old Ed off, down there in Florida.

That’s too bad.

They’d do well to know him better.

“His full name is Eddie Rickenbacker. He was a famous hero in World War I, and then he was in WWII. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, the men survived the crash, crawled out of their plane, and climbed into a life raft.

“Capt. Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks. Most of all, they fought hunger and thirst. By the eighth day, their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land, and no one knew where they were or even if they were alive. Every day across America, millions wondered and prayed that Eddie Rickenbacker might somehow be found alive.

“The men adrift needed a miracle.

That afternoon they had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle. Then they tried to nap. Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose as time dragged on.

All he could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft. Suddenly Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull.

“Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his

next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, Eddie managed to grab the bird and wring its neck. He and his starving crew made a meal of it — a very slight meal for eight men. Then they used the intestines for bait. They caught fish, which gave them food and more bait for fishing, and the cycle continued.

With that simple survival technique, they were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued after 24 days at sea.

“Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first life-saving seagull. And he never stopped saying, ‘Thank you.’ That’s why almost every Friday night, he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket full of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude.”

P.S.: Eddie Rickenbacker was the founder of Eastern Airlines. Before WWI, he was a race car driver. In WWI, Eddie was a pilot and became America’s first ace. In WWII, he was a combat instructor and military adviser, and he flew missions with combat pilots. Eddie Rickenbacker is a true American hero. And now you know another story about the trials and sacrifices those brave men have endured for your freedom.

Do you see that “old man with a bucket of shrimp” type that you know? Don’t marginalize them. Listen to their story, and, above all, thank them. After all, you’re sitting on their shoulders!

Ed Delph is a native of Phoenix who lives in the North Valley. Since 1980, he has pastored three churches in the Valley. He is a noted author of 10 books, weekly columnist in several local and worldwide newspapers, teacher, business owner and speaker. Delph has been to or ministered in over 100 countries. He is president of a worldwide ministry, NationStrategy.

To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and Nation strategy, call 623-376-6757, e-mail nationstrategy@cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

FEATURES

Lake Pleasant Sailing Club resumes activities

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

A

fter more than a year of restrictions and regulations, the Lake Pleasant Sailing Club will resume normal activities this fall with a full event schedule Approximately an hour from anywhere in the Valley, Lake Pleasant is an easily doable day trip that serves as an oasis during the hot summer months. Many come to the sailing club for the water, but they stay for the friendships.

“We have monthly meetings, guest speakers, organized on-the-water boating and networking. We promote and educate boaters, helping them to develop their skills, fully participate in and enjoy boating, all while making new friends,” said Cathy White, club secretary. “We’re really more of a social club that has a boating habit, because really it’s all about the people.”

The club has about 150 members who hail from around the Valley, and White said they are always excited to have new members. Potential members can try out the club by attending a few of its meetings or joining in on a “guest sail,” where those without boats can tag along with someone else.

Russ Test joined the Lake Pleasant Sailing Club eight years ago.

“We became a member when they had a guest sail, where they invited people from the community to come out and sail,” Test said. “We met some people and joined that same day. It was just a no-brainer.”

Former Florida residents, Test said he and his wife sailed around the country, but when they moved to Chandler in 2014, they sold their boat, thinking there was no use for it, but they were soon proved wrong.

“Within a few months, we found out that there’s a very active sailing program in Phoenix,” Test said. “We immediately joined the club and haven’t looked back.

I would say it’s an extremely active club, even more so than some of the boat clubs on the coast.”

Since joining, Test said they have made “forever friends,” thanks to the club.

Twenty-year member Doug Payne echoed this sentiment. Payne said that be-

sides his love of sailing, the friendships he has made at the club are what keep him involved.

“We’ve made some long-term friends in the club. We share that passion for sailing and also a little bit of RV, camping and travel,” Payne said. “We have the clubhouse RV trips as well. My wife and I participated in that, and that kind of makes it double the fun because we can sail and we can RV with our friends in the club.”

Besides sailing and socializing, the club does a number of other activities. One, mentioned by Payne, is RV trips. Other activities include community cleanups, educational programs, cruises and movie and dinner member meetings.

One of the club’s most popular events has been its cruises. Payne said they cruise to Catalina Island every year, and he led the trip last spring. Test said he has gone on a weeklong Bahamas cruise with the club a couple times. However, Test said he also enjoys the educational programs.

“We’ve had various speakers from around the world who have spoken at our meetings, and they will talk about things like trimming the sails, line handling, knot tying, docking, safety and all kinds of things that are important for boaters to know,” White said.

These educational programs, along with lessons offered by the club, can take someone who has never been on a sailboat and turn them into a pro — or at least a solid beginner.

There are no certifications or experience required to join.

“There aren’t any criteria for joining,” White said. “All they have to do is go to our website and sign up. In fact, you don’t even have to have a boat. Only 50% of our members have boats. So, we have public events called guest sails, where we take members and nonmembers alike to let them experience sailing.”

A bundle membership is available for two adults in the same household for $50 a year, with a one-time initiation fee of $40. To sign up, view the event calendar or learn more, visit lakepleasantsailing.com. For inquiries specifically about membership, email membership@lakepleasantsailing.com.

Members of the Lake Pleasant Sailing Club do not have to own a boat and can participate in guest sails. (Photos courtesy of the Lake Pleasant Sailing Club)

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YOUTH

Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

For more Youth News visit thefoothillsfocus.com @TheFoothills.Focus

/TheFoothillsFocus

Cactus Shadows’ Simon Karlin promoted to Eagle Scout

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

B

oy Scout Troop 440 presented an Eagle Court of Honor for Simon Karlin at Cave Creek Museum on June 13. Following six years as a Boy Scout, Karlin completed and exceeded the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

The requirements include showing dedication to Scout Oath and Scout Law, being active in the troop for at least six months as a Life Scout and earning 21 merit badges. The soonto-be-junior at Cactus Shadows High School earned 40 merit badges while

in the process of earning Eagle Scout.

“My favorite badges would probably be swimming, rifle shooting, climbing and kayaking,” Karlin said.

The ceremony began with a call to order and welcome from the master of ceremonies, Chris Dimitruck, followed by the presentation of the colors led by Maxx Dimitruck.

“The torch you are caring is not only yours but ours,” Chris said about Karlin obtaining the Eagle Scout recognition.

Karlin’s family, friends, troop and other “important people” whom he has met while scouting attended the ceremony.

The opening and closing prayers

were completed by his mother Rebecca Karlin in place of Cantor Jonathon Angress. Rebecca served as her son’s den leader for Cub Scouts while they lived in Illinois and later became assistant den leader when they moved to Arizona.

“Both of my (maternal) uncles were Eagle Scouts, and my mom was like, ‘Hey do you want to join Cub Scouts?

There is a meeting,’” Karlin said about his Boy Scout and Eagle Scout beginnings. “I just really enjoyed the program and continued.”

The ceremony featured an Eagle Challenge from Eagle Scout Matthew Peagler followed by listing the require-

ments of an Eagle Scout by Troop 440’s Scoutmaster Nicholas Pela.

“Eagle’s first obligation is to live with honor,” Pela said in reference to the Eagle Scout requirements.

Eagle Scouts must display honor, loyalty, courage, serve others and have vision. Each requirement is symbolized within an Eagle Scout badge. Honor is the white of the badge, loyalty is blue, courage is red, to serve others is the scroll and vision is the bald eagle.

“He is the picture of an ideal scout,” Pela said. He also mentioned how Karlin repeatedly helped Pela’s son,

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 30, 2021

YOUTH

YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL FALL 2021 Eagle Scout Simon Karlin receives a diploma from father Sean Karlin and mother Rebecca Karlin.

(Photo by Pablo Robles)

KARLIN from page 20

Julian, through several tasks while scouting and was always eager to lend a hand to the troop who needed assistance.

For his service to others, Karlin repainted the Cave Creek Museum gazebo in the rear of the establishment.

“I asked the Cave Creek Museum of projects that I could do, and they gave me three choices and I thought picking the gazebo would be the best challenge for me,” Karlin said.

He was tasked with raising money for the gazebo’s paint job and ultimately partnered with Sherwin Williams. According to his mom, the paint color is called “Salmon Simon.”

After the presentation of the Eagle rank, Karlin’s parents reflected on the journey that led their son to this award. They then presented him with his Eagle Scout pin and handkerchief.

Rebecca said her son struggled with the archery badge.

“We figured out for (archery) he needed to wear his glasses,” she said with a laugh.

The ceremony concluded with Simon awarding pins of devotion to his Scoutmaster, mother, uncles and grandfather for their encouragement and help along the way to become an Eagle Scout. Followed by Scoutmaster minutes, the closing prayer by his

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Simon Karlin swears in during his Eagle Scout ceremony on June 13. (Photo by Pablo Robles) mother and the retirement of colors.

Karlin credited his family and friends with helping him become an Eagle Scout.

“It was mainly the people who helped me get there,” Karlin said. “The guidance, the understanding, the activities helped me get to where I am now. The Eagle Scout shows what I have accomplished and what I still have to do.”

Going forward, Karlin said he’s going to share what he’s learned.

“Leading other people, giving people chances and showing what I know,” he said.

After he graduates high school, Karlin plans to go “to college and be a pediatrician, because I really enjoy helping people and I like first aid.” He hopes to attend the University of Hawaii.

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