The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 9.1.2021

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TheFoothillsFocus.com

INSIDE

This Week

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

NEWS ................. 6

BUSINESS ......... 15 Two former plumbers found CG Essentials

FEATURES ........ 16 Desert Foothills Library hosts a variety of events in September

OPINION ................... 11 BUSINESS ................. 15 FEATURES ................ 16 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 2

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Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Cave Creek icon Larry Wendt dies at 65

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Aug. 24 fire burns down Carl’s Jr. and Green Burrito building

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

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arry Wendt, long-time Cave Creek resident and owner of the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, died at 65 years old from a heart attack on Aug. 22.

Wendt is survived by his daughters Tifani and Riata, his son Travis and five grandchildren.

“Everybody knew Larry, and everybody wanted to talk to him. Everybody wanted to be his friend,” Tifani said.

“At the end of the day, Larry did things his way and he did them very successfully.

If you didn’t like him or you didn’t agree with him, it didn’t really matter because Larry never worried about what anybody else is doing. My dad did what he did be-

cause he knew he was good at it and he was successful at it. And I think that the proof is in the pudding for that when you take a look at the Buffalo Chip and see how successful he’s made it.”

Larry started at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in 1975, and retired as the deputy chief after 23 years. Tifani said her dad also had a barbecue catering business and was a great cook.

So, in 1999, instead of retiring, he took over the Buffalo Chip when it was just a bar. Tifani said her dad never intended on running a bar, but he enjoyed cooking for people, so it was only natural to turn Buffalo Chip into a restaurant. He added a kitchen and started serving barbecue.

From there, the Buffalo Chip grew to in-

�ee WENDT page 4

Larry Wendt was part of the Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office for 23 years before retiring. (Photo courtesy of the Wendt Family)

Cactus Shadows seeks redemption this season

BY TYLER BUDGE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

C

actus Shadows will enter the 2021 season with a chip on its shoulder, and a chance to avenge last season’s first round playoff exit on the road in week two.

After an abbreviated season due to

COVID-19, Cactus Shadows entered the 5A state playoffs as the four seed, and came up short against Campo Verde, who controlled the game for four quarters. Looking ahead to 2021, the Falcons see a chance to test their mettle in the Sept. 9 rematch with Campo Verde.

“It’s definitely satisfying to get to see that rematch early in the season. They have a

quality program, and it will serve as a sort of measuring stick for our team going into this season,” said Mike Hudnutt, Cactus Shadows head coach.

Cactus Shadows is considered the favorite to knock off Sunnyslope and win the Northeast Valley, and senior wide receiver

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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 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 Proud member of :

The Foothills Focus is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Foothills Focus assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement. © 2020 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

WENDT from page 1

clude a dance hall and a bull riding arena. Larry was a former bull rider, and loved the Western cowboy lifestyle, according to Tifani. He took that love and put it into his business. He was clearly successful, as the Buffalo Chip has received awards for Best of Phoenix, Best Western Saloon and Best of the Valley.

Danny Piacquadio, owner of the next-door restaurant Harold’s Corral, expressed his condolences for the family and his admiration for Larry.

“We may have had some different opinions, but we shared a lot in common,” Piacquadio said in a public Facebook post. “We both shared a love for Cave Creek and promoting our businesses and our town. Whether if it was the taste of Cave Creek, Wild West days or even a Super Bowl game between the Steelers and the Packers. Larry always had a magnanimous and entertaining personality. He had a voice to be heard, whether on TV or in front of town council arguing against a noise ordinance. You will be missed my friend, Rest in Peace.”

He was much more than just a successful businessman, though, and used the Buffalo Chip as an outlet to give back to the community. It was under the radar, away from the spotlight and important to Larry.

“You never saw the Buffalo Chip posting about what they’ve done for charity,” Tifani said. “You know, his character wasn’t really like he was giving or being generous for attention or because he wanted people to see.

“He did it quietly, and I think that that’s like the best kind of generosity that you could possibly ask for. He frequently fed people when the fires were going, not this summer, but last summer. We fed 100 or 200 firefighters every single day for a week. But again, no one would have ever known. I can’t tell you how many fundraisers he did at the Chip. We had fundraisers for animal places. He had fundraisers for people who were struggling in their own lives, whether it was with medical things, or not medical things. He had fundraisers for kids, I mean, I could go on forever.”

Church was also important to Larry, and, in the spirit of giving back, he voluntarily opened his doors to his colleague, Steve Gilbertson, a pastor who was starting a church and in need of a building.

“I called him and asked if we could have an Easter sunrise service (at Buffalo Chip) as a way of kind of kicking off our service in 2012,” Gilbertson said.

“He said, ‘Sure. In fact, you guys can meet here all the time if you want.’ That wasn’t our plan at all, but, then we thought, well, ‘Why not? It’s a Cave Creek staple and it fits the Cave Creek style.’ So, we were happy to be able to do that. So, not only did we have the one service as a quick plan on Easter Sunday, but we’ve Wendt became the owner of the Buffalo Chip in 1999 and met every Sunday since.” turned it into a restaurant later adding bull riding and a Gilbertson said despite his dance hall. (Photo courtesy of Wendt Family) efforts, Larry would never accept any form of payment for the space. He didn’t see it as a business the first one to help. He always had a tactic, it was just a way of giving back. smile and was known for his jokes.

Even when the Buffalo Chip burned “I think that if you ask a majority of down on Thanksgiving Day in 2015, people what their favorite memory of Gilbertson said he received a call from Larry is they would say his dad jokes Larry that same day, amid dealing with or his one-liners, because he was full the destruction, to let him know the of them and they were hilarious,” Tisection where the church met was not fani said. burned, and they could still meet there “He told the same ones over and over on Sunday. and over, but you still had to laugh ev“He always said, ‘I make sinners out ery single time. One of his favorite of people all week, the least I can do is one-liners is ‘Sometimes I wake up let you try to make saints out of them grumpy’ and then we’d say, ‘Oh?’ and on Sunday.’ He would say it jokingly, then he says, ‘Well, sometimes I let her but I think he really liked being able to sleep,’ literally dad jokes, they’re not help,” Gilbertson said. great. They are just dad jokes and one “One time he said to me, ‘I don’t just liners.” want our place to be some old WestTifani shared that, as a daughter, her ern, honkytonk place in town. I want favorite memories of her father are to be able to serve the community, too.’ the times when he came to watch his So, I think he felt very strongly about grandchildren compete in barrel racus being there. I think it made him feel ing, dance or cheer. She said he would really good to be able to offer his con- have wanted to see them grow up and tribution to the community.” do what made them happy.

His kindness and generosity to the “I think, at the end of the day, Larry community did not go unnoticed, and would just want to be remembered as Tifani said, she thinks Larry was kind somebody who loved God and who of a legend or icon in Cave Creek. She tried to do right by as many people as said if someone was in need, he was he can.”

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

FOOTBALL from page 1

Michael Macdonald said he believes the incoming underclassmen could be the key.

“I know the upperclassman and I have very high expectations,” Macdonald said. “So, we are keeping the underclassmen focused and on task. We are absolutely working our tails off and we think we can be great this year.”

The Falcons’ schedule features four playoff teams from 2020, including a homecoming matchup versus South Mountain.

“I think playing good teams sets a standard for expectations. We want to continue to push and go beyond just getting to the playoffs,” Hudnutt said.

In other notable opponents, the Falcons will play 6A Mesa in their home opener, and 4A Coconino as the third of their four nonsection games.

“We feel like it’s just like any other week,” said Jacob Steward, senior linebacker. “We’ve been watching a lot of film, and we feel like it’s a great opportunity to see, where we’re going to go

Cactus Shadows senior wide receiver JP Thuma throws a wicked stiff arm on Apollo defender during their Aug. 25 scrimmage. Thuma is part of a large senior class that looks to push Cactus Shadows over the top this season. (Photo by Gina Brown)

5

this season, the chance to prove ourselves in week one.”

Team chemistry can be a huge factor at the high school level, and according to Steward, it’s not lacking with the Falcons.

“We feel that this is going to be one of our best seasons, because this team is very close this year,” Steward said, “We’ve become very close over camp, and the relationships we’ve built are really good.”

The 2021 season will see the 5A state tournament return to its 16-team format, after an eight-team tournament in 2020.

“Having a full season just feels so much better than last year,” Macdonald said, “We are hopeful to get all ten games in this season.”

Cactus Shadows plays its first game at home on Friday, Sept. 3, as part of its 10-game schedule for 2021.

“I think it’s exciting to get back to some normalcy—especially for the mental health of these young men and coaches,” Hudnutt said. “You’ve got people just itching to get back out there.”

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NEWS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Fire destroys Carl’s Jr. and Green Burrito

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

A

second-alarm fire destroyed a building containing a Carl’s Jr. and the Green Burrito on the corner of Cave Creek and Bell roads shortly after 9 p.m. Aug. 24.

The Phoenix Fire Department responded to reports of fire and smoke coming from the single-story building.

Four employees and one patron safely evacuated the building before firefighters arrived on scene. No injuries were

�ee CARL’S JR. page 8

The Phoenix Fire Department battled a second-alarm fire at a Carl’s Jr. on Bell Road. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Fire Department)

Firefighters transitioned to a defensive position outside the building after the fire spread to an attic space and weakened the structural integrity of the building. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Fire Department)

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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ADOT: ATV use on highway shoulders illegal, unsafe

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

W

hile all-terrain vehicles are a popular way to explore off-road areas, the Arizona Department of Transportation reminds ATV riders it is illegal and unsafe to drive these vehicles along state roadways.

The shoulders of state highways are only to be used for emergencies, not for joyrides.

ATV users create many hazards when they drive on shoulders. At a minimum, they are a distraction to passenger and commercial traffic on the highway. At driveways and on sharp curves, they can surprise other drivers and lead to near-misses or crashes. And on unpaved shoulders, ATV riders can kick up dust that blinds drivers who are traveling at highway speeds.

ATV use also damages the areas

Driving ATVs on illegal trails like this one along SR 188 in the Tonto Basin area can cause injuries.

(Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Transportation)

along highways. The vehicles destroy vegetation and erode unpaved areas, which can cause steep drop-offs at the edge of pavement and at driveways.

When enough damage occurs, ADOT maintenance crews are needlessly diverted from other important functions as they work to repair damage from off-road vehicles.

The problem applies no matter where ATV riders are improperly using highway shoulders, but the issue is more pronounced in certain areas.

This includes State Route 188 in the Tonto Basin, where curves and elevation changes only make the problem more pronounced. Also northwest of Wickenburg, heavy ATV use is an issue along SR 89 between US 93 and SR 71.

ADOT reminds off-road vehicle operators they can be cited for illegal use of highway shoulders, including for damage to state or private land.

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Vitalant calls for blood donations

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

A

s back-to-school and work routines resume, blood and platelet donations have slowed, but the need remains strong.

Vitalant is urging all eligible donors to make a blood or platelet donation appointment during National Preparedness Month in September to prevent a serious shortage and ensure blood is readily available for disasters.

As a special thanks for donating around the Labor Day weekend, all Sept.

1 to Sept. 7 donors will receive an exclusive Vitalant T-shirt redeemable by email. To learn more and make an appointment to donate, visit vitalant.org or call 1-877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Cave Creek locations detailed below.

All blood types are needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type.

O-negative is what emergency room personnel reach for when there is not time to determine a patient’s blood type.

Platelet donations are critically needed.

Platelets help blood clot and more than 50% of platelet donations are used by cancer patients.

Gov. Doug Ducey has proclaimed Sept.

1 to Sept. 7 as Arizona Blood Donation Week to encourage Arizonans to give blood, especially around the Labor Day holiday when donations typically drop by more than 25%.

September is also National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Blood donors save the lives of people like Arizona twins Joshua and Jordan, who were born with the most severe form of sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that causes deformed red blood cells. The twins relied on donors to provide more than 150 blood transfusions until they were able to recently receive bone marrow transplants.

“Blood donors saved my sons’ lives over and over,” said their mom, Kristine.

Sickle Cell affects about 100,000 people in the United States. Their last names were withheld.

First-time donors with Vitalant can get

a glimpse at their blood type immediately when they donate. Lab confirmation of blood type and other useful health information is available about a week after donation in the donor’s online account.

There is no waiting period to donate after being vaccinated for COVID-19 or the seasonal flu shot. To support a safe environment and most efficiently follow the latest CDC guidance, masks are required for all donors, staff, volunteers and guests at Vitalant blood drives and facilities regardless of vaccination status.

N. Hayden Road • 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

26, Daisy Blue & Pretty Please, 32607 N. Scottsdale Road • 7 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 30,

CARL’S JR. from page 6

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Scottsdale Donor Center • 15170 N. Hayden Road, Suite 6.

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Scottsdale • 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, HonorHealth-Scottsdale Osborn, 7300 E. Fourth Street • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, Scottsdale Worship Center, 6508 E. Cactus Road • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, Infinity Fitness AZ, 7498 E. Monte Cristo Avenue • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Sept. 17, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Boulevard • 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11300 N. 64th Street • 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday. Sept.

20, HonorHealth-Scottsdale Shea, 9003 E. Shea Boulevard • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, Paradise Valley Corporate Center, 4835 E. Cactus Road • Noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, Westminster Village, 12000 N. 90th Street • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, 15656

Firefighters eventually controlled the fire, but the building was completely destroyed. (Photo

courtesy of Phoenix Fire Department)

reported.

When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and fire bursting from the top and sides of the building, according to reports. Responders initially went to work inside the building, securing a water supply. However, the fire then spread to an empty attic space, weakening the structural integrity of the building.

At that point, a second alarm was called, and firefighters transitioned to an exterior approach. Multiple ladder crews were set up and engine crews set up master streams on the ground to fight the fire. Reports stated the crews eventually controlled the fire and stayed overnight to mop up hotspots.

The Carl’s Jr./ Green Burrito building, located at 2343 E. Bell Road, is a “total loss,” according to David Ramirez, a public information officer for the Phoenix

Fire Department. Ramirez said the fire started in the kitchen, but the cause is still under investigation.

Several ladder crews were set up to fight the flames from above. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix

Fire Department)

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

9

Public can enter raf�le for off-road vehicle, boat

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

T

he State Employees Charitable Campaign annually provides Arizona state employees with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute monetary donations that support hundreds of nonprofit charities.

The public can show its support for three of those 501(c)(3) nonprofits by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win from a wide selection of brand-name outdoors equipment, which includes the grand-prize winner’s choice of a 2021 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS or a 2021 Sea-Doo Fish Pro and trailer.

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Elk Society, both of which work closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Together, the organizations provide needed support for habitat projects, water for wildlife, education and mentored activities where traditional

Your news 24/7 www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

resources aren’t adequate. Special Olympics Arizona also will benefit to help assist more than 22,000 Arizona athletes who participate in the program.

RideNow Powersports has donated a 2021 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS ($18,837 MSRP) and a 2021 Sea-Doo Fish Pro with trailer ($16,199 MSRP) to be raffled as the grand prize.

The Arizona Elk Society is hosting the fundraiser on behalf of the three charities and has donated six additional prizes to increase the number of winners — 55-quart Canyon coolers (second and third prizes), Vortex Diamondback 10x42 binoculars (fourth and fifth prizes), and Canyon Nomad soft-sided coolers (sixth and seventh prizes).

The raffle ends at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 28, with a live drawing scheduled for Dec. 11 at RideNow Powersports in Phoenix at 17202 N. Cave Creek Road.

For more information, and to participate, visit https://aesraffles.org/.

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Alternative fuel tax formula changing tional cars and trucks, bringing fairness to VLT assessments.

The changes in the formula will take effect in January and be completely phased-in by 2023. The changes ensure that drivers of alternative fuel vehicles contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the state’s 7,000-mile highway system at the same rate as drivers of traditional vehicles. Bringing parity to VLT assessments is especially important for the continued maintenance and expansion of Arizona’s infrastructure as alternative fuel vehicles continue to increase in popularity in Arizona.

Under current state law, an alternative fuel vehicle registered before Jan. 1, will have its VLT calculated using 1% of the manufacturer’s base retail price of the vehicle. For an alternative fuel vehicle registered between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, the VLT will be calculated using 20% of

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

C

hanges to state law mean that drivers who purchase alternative fuel vehicles will pay the same vehicle license tax (VLT) rate as other drivers by 2023. The change in VLT rates is phased-in, starting Jan. 1, 2022.

The VLT is paid during vehicle registration and is assessed in place of a personal property tax often charged in other states. The VLT funds transportation infrastructure in Arizona, including highways, bridges and local roads, and contributes to the general funds of cities/towns and counties.

In 2019, the Legislature amended Arizona Revised Statute 28-5805.

This implemented a phased-in approach for making the VLT formula used for alternative fuel vehicles the same one used currently for tradi-

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the manufacturer’s base retail price of the vehicle. After Dec. 31, 2022, the formula used to calculate VLT for alternative fuel vehicles will be the same one used for other vehicles, as determined by ARS 28-5801.

What potential buyers of alternative fuel vehicles need to know It’s important to note that the VLT formula attached to an alternative fuel vehicle is determined by vehicle registration date, which can be different from the purchase date. A temporary registration permit issued by a vehicle dealer qualifies as the registration date and must be issued before Jan. 1, 2022, for a vehicle to have its VLT calculated using the 1% formula.

For private party sales, new title documentation must be processed by an MVD or an authorized third-party office before Jan. 1 for the alternative

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Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 31, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

What current owners of alternative fuel vehicles need to know Owners of Arizona-registered alternative fuel vehicles who make no changes to their vehicle title will continue to have their car’s VLT calculated with the 1% formula. The VLT rate changes won’t affect these vehicles until a change is made to the vehicle title, triggering a new registration cycle.

The VLT formula attached to the alternative fuel vehicle will be changed to the current formula in use if a new registration cycle is established. Examples of this include but are not limited to selling the car, transferring ownership, adding or removing an owner from the title, and a lease buyout.

Paying off a vehicle loan and the lender’s name being removed from the title will not trigger a new registration cycle.

For more information about VLT for alternative fuel vehicles, visit azdot.gov/altfuel.

Alternative fuel vehicles are defined as vehicles that are powered by electricity, hydrogen, solar or natural gas/compressed natural gas/liquefied petroleum gas. This does not apply to hybrid vehicles.

Alternative fuel vehicles will continue to be issued the Alternative Fuel Vehicle special license plate, which allows access to HOV freeway lanes at any time, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle.

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OPINION

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Biden ‘finishing the job’ for his predecessor

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

B

arack Obama did not go gently into that good presidential retirement.

While most of his predecessors departed once their “lease” at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue expired, Mr. Obama decided to remain.

Now with his “No. 2” elevated to “No. 1,” the former president sticks around with an up-close view and an important role in Joe Biden “finishing the job,” as Mr. Obama put it in an interview with The New York Times. Sympathetic journalists take that to mean that the 46th president will work to complete the progressive policy goals envisioned by the 44th.

Americans with a different political point of view fear the expression conveys a simpler and more sinister goal: the end of the USA as a democratic republic.

While his immediate successor, Donald Trump, was widely viewed as “disruptor-in-chief,” it’s worth recalling that the Barack Obama of 2008 routinely pledged on the campaign trail to “fundamentally change America as we know it.”

In many ways, he succeeded.

From the enactment of Obamacare to the politicization of our military and intelligence apparatus, and on through the exploitation of racial disharmony, our 44th president lit long, slow fuses…now set to detonate.

How does Mr. Obama avoid responsibility?

Simple. He employs euphemisms and administers “verbal tranquilizers.”

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Though his mask may slip occasionally, such an occurrence is usually explained away by an infatuated press corps.

A recent example of Obama speaking softly and sticking it to Republicans can be found in his remarks to the American Library Association in late June. There, he was asked about his biggest concern for the future, and responded this way: “The degree to which misinformation is now disseminated at warp speed, in coordinated ways that we haven’t seen before.”

The former president then expounded on his “concern” by quickly adding a political dimension: “And that the guardrails I thought were in place around many of our democratic institutions really depend upon the two parties agreeing to those ground rules, those guardrails. And that one of them right now doesn’t seem as connected to them.”

Call it “accusation by insinuation and omission,” preceded by “indictment

see HAYWORTH page 14

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Arizona’s most thankless job: school board member

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

M

ost of us like to believe we’re decent people. We give a few bucks to charity, we volunteer, maybe even help a friend move.

But be real: There’s being a decent human and then there’s going above and beyond.

Like by serving on your local school board.

If there’s a volunteer role existent in Arizona today that I cannot wrap my head around, it’s that one. And the past year of headlines – full of protests, threats and extreme surliness – have only deepened my confusion. Our state has about 240 school boards and 1,200 board members.

Each of them deserves a medal. Or our prayers.

Because anyone who does that job for $0 a year deserves something in

return.

School board members begin their careers by running for election. You speak at public forums, knock on doors, stand in front of Safeway, anywhere you can meet a few voters, most of whom pay attention for 14 seconds before pushing past you like you’re a human turnstile.

Then, say you win. That earns you the privilege of going to 25 or 30 weeknight meetings annually, many of which last for hours and involve a “call to the public.”

If you’ve never been to a school board or municipal council meeting, lucky you. I’ve attended many, and trust me: Most members of the public who answer this call do so because no sane human being has ever listened to them for three minutes straight without dialing 911. It’s like open mike at an insane asylum, minus the lithium.

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And that was before COVID, before anti-mask protests, and before machinations over Critical Race Theory. Nowadays, your average school board meeting frequently resembles Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol. Minus the gunfire – so far.

Down south near Tucson, the April 27 meeting of the Vail governing board required sheriff ’s deputies before the meeting even started. About 150 anti-maskers – some armed – stormed the meeting, pushing past school district employees, screaming and berating board members and refusing to wear masks, per Pima County’s mandate.

“There was a handful of people – I don’t know exactly how many – who either don’t have kids in the school district, don’t live in the school district, don’t live in the county, who came with the express purpose of whipping up that group,” Supt. John Carruth told the Arizona Education News Service.

Talk about needing more hobbies.

The Litchfield Elementary School District has degenerated into chaos over the passage of an “equity statement” last December. Since then, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been involved and protests have become a regular feature of board meetings.

Last week, Dr. Tara Armstead, the school board’s only Black member, resigned and scorched the 12,000-student district on her way out the door.

“I will not say thank you for the time that I served here,” said Armstead,

“or express any gratitude or appreciation because, for the five months I have been here, I have been treated like I’m not an expert in the field and have no idea what I’m talking about.”

The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board has been equally protest-laden and chaotic.

Last week, Board President Jann-Michael Greenburg lost his temper over the distribution of a neo Nazi comic book on some campuses.

Greenburg stage whispered “Jesus (explitive) Christ” into a hot microphone.

He later publicly apologized. “I’m very sorry about that,” Greenburg explained. “I have to admit it was done out of frustration in the moment.”

The wonder is, more school board members don’t drop f-bombs. Or outright quit. Because there’s surely no more thankless job in this state.

How to get a letter published E-mail: christina@timespublications.com

The Foothills Focus welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include

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published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus

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writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Foothills Focus, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Does ADOT mean ‘Arizona Demons of Traffic?’

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

T

ime flies when you are having fun. Especially when you are stuck for four hours on I-17, on your way out of Phoenix. The hands of time move very slowly. One hot afternoon I was forced, with a few thousand other motorists, to finally discover what it means to be trapped liked a rat in a vehicle. Just north of Black Canyon City, a big RV tipped over, blocking the entire northbound lanes of I-17 and causing a backup for miles and miles.

These evil traffic snarls seem to happen every weekend. What is the hope here? You try to cope. One long minute at a time. People turn off their vehicles, start milling around, trying to make sense of what is happening, with a backdrop of laughter, small talk and friendly exchanges. That initial phase is replaced by an almost eerie sense of dismay and helplessness, as people begin to realize that sitting in 102 degrees on an uphill grade in a parked

vehicle can be downright dangerous.

It was the elderly lady in front of me who had a birthday cake in her backseat — a birthday surprise for a friend in Prescott — who started unraveling first. She became noticeably distraught and started crying after 45 minutes of no information. Well, she wasn’t alone.

Sweltering heat, high humidity and threatening thunderstorms were only part of the misery. Not knowing what was happening was the worse part of the equation.

One disgruntled trucker left his big rig and walked to the site of the accident to talk to the highway patrol officers. He was shaking his head, livid as he marched back to his truck. “What’s wrong?” dozens of motorists asked as he walked by. He would tell the same sad tale again and again. It seems there is an effort to move the RV off the freeway, but it “takes time.”

Does ADOT stand for “Arizona Demons of Traffic?” That was one trucker’s assessment. Yes, in a road closure, there are many victims. There are folks

very low on water, many needing to use the bathroom, diabetics out of insulin, babies crying, people who began the road-trip sick and who were getting sicker by the minute, and all types of dogs panting and getting anxious. The “tailgate” atmosphere quickly turned to despair and frustration.

Finally, long after the lady’s cake was a melted mess, and all of the babies had cried themselves to sleep, and the dogs stopped barking, we got the blessed message to “start our engines.”

Yes, it was true joy to finally feel our tires rolling on the road.

Moral of the story? Dear readers, pack a bag with essentials before you leave home. Bring extra water, snacks, reading material, flashlight, medicine and anything else to make yourself comfortable during a long, treacherous wait. And if you must bring a birthday cake, be sure to have a supply of plates and forks, because eating it with

HAYWORTH from Page 11

through redefinition.” All of it delivered in a calm, “thoughtful” manner.

Translated into conservative context, Mr. Obama is basically saying this: “Let’s call investigative reports and assertions from therRight ‘misinformation’ so that they can be immediately discredited.”

“Moreover, Republicans need to know their place! They need to return to the passive, polite people they used to be, accepting election irregularities for the ‘greater good,’ which of course keeps our side in power.”

The left has made it a priority to politicize the pandemic; that continues with the use of government funds following the “Obama Directive.” Check out this headline from the broadcasting trade journal Radio Ink in its Aug.

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strangers on the road is a lot more fun than watching it melt all over the back seat! Safe travels.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

19 edition: “CPB Targets COVID Misinformation.”

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is awarding $275,000 in emergency grants to public media stations to address COVID-19 misinformation in their communities,” reads the article’s lead sentence.

While $275,000 is a pittance compared to the trillions the left intends to spend, it does speak volumes about the way government-financed radio and TV stations take their cues from the Democrat playbook.

Of course, 10 days before those government grants were announced, Barack Obama celebrated his 60th birthday with a lavish party on his $12 million, 29-acre Martha’s Vineyard Estate.

Joe Biden was not invited; presumably, he was focused on ”finishing the job.”

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Entrepreneurs hope to raise customers’ self-esteem

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

L

orenzo Carson was working as a plumber when he met Taqee Zareef on a job in the Bay Area.

Carson, of Avondale, wish he could spend more time at home with his family, as plumbing is a 24/7 job. He found Zareef felt the same.

In February, the duo took a leap of faith and invested in CG Essentials, a self-care company that they say improves self-confidence. It launched in April.

“We’re big on family,” Carson said.

“Back when we were working as

plumbers, it was so time consuming.

We want to do well and make money and be comfortable, but not at the expense of spending time with our kids and families.

“We have always been clean-cut men and putting these grooming kits together is right up our alley.”

Zareef said CG Essentials’ products are rare in that men do not usually see grooming kits just for them.

Products range from a $4.49 Dip’N Du-Rag to a $90 Boss Bundle, a collection of men’s grooming products on CG Essentials’ website.

Perfume, edge control, beauty blenders and cuticle oil are among Lorenzo Carson and Taqee Zareef founded CG Essentials so they could spend more time with their children. (Photo courtesy of CG Essentials)

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the popular products for women.

Their products are even named after their children to show their commitment to building a more splendid future — not only for their children, but also for the Black community.

For instance, some of their products are named Iyana’s Edge Control, Love Aliya Perfume, Layla’s Luxury Lip Balm and Carson Cuticle Oil. “The edge control is our top seller to be honest,” Carson said. “It allows them to tame and style their edges.”

The now-former plumbers — or “house doctors,” as Carson said — enjoy the creativity and the opportunities that come with CG Essentials.

“It’s the same rush I used to get when I was plumbing,” Zareef said.

Zareef and Carson would love to expand their business, but they’re happy with the success they’ve had so far. They are working on having

CG Essentials products in Walmart, Target and beauty salons.

“People are telling us how much they love it,” Carson added. “We do it all at home, which allows us to spend time with our family and kids. We’re going to their basketball games and practices. It opened a whole new world for us.”

Zareef added, “It takes people years to be able to do it, to experience some of this stuff. In a couple months’ time, it’s been amazing.

We’re still really humble about it.”

Zareef and Carson are in CG Essentials for the long haul.

“This is de�initely not a get-rich-quick scheme,” Carson said. “It’s more for our families. It we were really worried about the money, we would have stayed in plumbing. It’s a fruitful job. But with time, you can’t get it back with your kids. That is our No. 1 priority.”

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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Library events are plentiful in September

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

D

esert Foothills Library has scheduled a slew of events for adults and children in September.

All events take place at the facility, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, or virtually on Zoom. For more information, call 480-488-2286 or visit dfla.org.

The library will be closed Saturday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 6, for Labor Day. Registration is not required for free programs, unless otherwise noted.

Health and wellness programs are available, too. Visit the website for information.

Weekly programs Craft N Chat 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays Join other crafters for companionable creating and conversation. Any portable craft is welcomed, as are new crafters.

MahJongg 101: Brain Healthy Fun 1 p.m. Mondays Sept. 13 to Oct. 4 Learn the foundations of how to play this stimulating rummy-like tile game.

Fun, challenging and addictive it helps to improve memory, decision-making skills and patience. Instructor provides individual attention in a small-group friend-

ly setting and guides students in understanding MahJongg and how the game is played. The 2021 Mahjongg card is required and available at nationalmahjonggleague.org.

RSVP at dfla.org; seven-day cancelation policy in effect. Cost: $90 Alcoholics Anonymous 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday Monthly programs Caring for the Caregiver 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 Led by Hospice of the West facilitators,

Caring for the Caregiver has been moved to the first Tuesday for this month only.

Chapter2Books Monthly Sale Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 11 Peruse through the books and other media at lower prices than the everyday bargain prices in Chapter 2. The monthly book sale is throughout Chapter 2, the Jones/Coates Room, and the patio, weather permitting. Chapter 2 Monthly Sales are offered on the second Friday and Saturday of every month. Can’t make a sale? Check out the selection on Amazon. There are hundreds of books as well as CDs, DVDs and audiobooks listed there that are not on display in the bookstore.

International Film Series: Women Directors with Gary Zaro 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 The International Film Series gives viewers a glimpse into other cultures to see their creativity and history and what is important to them. It is also a great look into the universality of all countries and cultures. Travel around the world as the organization explores innovative films and fascinating cultures. A post film discussion will follow each screening with Gary Zaro. This month is the Turkish film “Mustang.”

RSVP online at dfla.org.

The Healing Pathway 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13 This group guides and supports participants as they discover their “new normal.” The open-ended group provides guests with practical tools and supportive conversation as they process their personal grief journey.

see LIBRARY page 19

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Please mind the expectations gap CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

L

ast week, we started a twopart series on what happens when we live our lives or base our success on the following equation: expectations minus reality equals happiness.

So, when the reality of someone’s life is more than they had expected, they’re happy. But when their reality turns out to be less than their expectations, they’re unhappy.

We discovered most people have a sizable gap between where they expected to be in life compared to the reality of where they are currently.

They’ve applied themselves, worked hard, but somehow didn’t quite achieve what they believed they would. When this happens, many people either give up or give in to “unmagnificent” obsessions to medicate the hurt, discouragement and frustration.

Let me give you an example of what I am addressing. I have been a pastor since 1980 in the Phoenix area. For the last 20 years, I have been pastoring pastors all over the world. The most common issue I address in pastors is their expectations.

When pastors start their ministry, they expected to have a church of thousands of people, a large build-

ing and speaking worldwide. But 25 years later, they are pastoring a church with 100 people, with no hope of ever achieving their expectations, and they are exhausted. So, where do you go from there?

Hopefully, this two-part series will give a realistic perspective to those who never quite reach fulfilling their dreams, goals and desires. So, let’s discover a new and much more accurate view about success and life. Let’s learn to, as they say in England, “Mind the gap.” If this concept applies to you, please consider the following truths that have the power to unhandcuff you, freeing you up to enjoy and be content with life.

First, leave the definition of real success to God. Don’t allow our shame-based, performance-driven society to determine the meaning of success that you are basing your happiness on. God’s definition of success is to be a person of peace with yourself, your family and others, whether in business, community or church.

Here’s some ancient wisdom about peace and contentment. “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.”

You see, peace brings release. We aren’t running a race against others, competing for trivial pursuits

and unrealistic dreams. We are running an endurance race against ourselves. At the finish line is the trophy of contentment. Peace with yourself and with God leads to peace with others. Finish strong, not wrong.

Third, find a shared vision with God and yourself. Don’t be afraid to believe or dream again. It’s OK to have big, hairy audacious goals, but don’t let those goals define you. Give it your all but remember, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

Don’t confuse who you are with what you do or have done. Goals give direction, dreams give motivation, but if you don’t reach where you expected to be, that’s OK. Some fulfill their expectations. Some don’t. It’s OK, not to be OK if you tried.

Learn to integrate success with failure. If you back up and take a second look, there are other areas in which you could be successful.

Don’t let the world (shame, name, fame, or blame) squeeze you into its mold. You are God’s workmanship, and God “don’t” make no junk. Don’t put a question mark where God put a period.

Our perspective about happiness and success needs upgrading. Think of life this way. “I was wrong in my definition of happiness; I’ve tried my hardest, I’ve lived my life faithfully, and it didn’t turn out. I’m not going to spend the rest of my life

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Fourth, get back into the game of life. It’s one thing to be wounded or lost on the battlefield. It’s another to be captured by the enemy or surrendered to the enemy.

Realize God’s hall of fame was built by faithfulness rather than high attendance, sales figures or stereotypes. David was a man of small stature. Noah preached for 120 years and only had seven converts.

But they both had peace.

Many times, successful people in the world’s eyes paid for it in areas that we don’t see and ended up with no peace or contentment. That’s their reality gap — these successful idols would give anything to have the contentment you can have.

Remember that God does His work and allows us to participate. Life is not our show. It’s God’s show. Peace with contentment is a deliberate adjustment of our lives to the will of God. All you want to hear when you finish your race is right out of the Bible. “Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

KUMA’S GREAT ADVENTURES

Hiking Water Wheel in Payson TOLD BY KUMA AND WRITTEN BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

E

eesh. What is up with this humidity? We left Houston because we like a drier climate. Ugh! Guess that’s what we get with the monsoons.

At least we are getting some rain this year. Boy, we could tell driving out to Payson this past weekend. The desert is definitely happy.

I’m getting ahead of myself again. I just get so excited. We decided to head north in hopes of cooler temperatures and chose the Water Wheel Trail in Payson.

From North Phoenix, allow about two hours of driving time.

Get on I-10 east until you reach the 87 north and follow that to Payson. You’ll turn right onto Houston Mesa and look

for signs. There’s a decent-sized parking lot, but you do have to pay a $10 daily use fee or display your National Park pass, which we did. Dogs are welcome on leash, and it has a human restroom.

Like I said, the hills were green, and the wildflowers were smiling like it was spring. We saw remains of the wildfires, but the rain is thankfully helping the Earth to recover. Mom found this hike and read that it was easy, but we quickly disagreed. With all the heavy rains and flooding, there was no trail. Normally, you would follow the creek shore, but it was totally overflowing. Trees were knocked down, and we had to hike through a ton of debris.

The trail wasn’t as busy as we read it could be, and it wasn’t full of garbage

see KUMA page 20

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

FEATURES

North Valley Jews celebrate high holidays

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

T

he North Valley Jewish Community Association will celebrate the high holidays with services led by Rabbi Robert Bonem.

The Rosh Hashana evening service is Monday, Sept. 6, followed by the morning service on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Kol Nidre evening service is Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Yom Kippur morning and Yiskor

LIBRARY from page 16

Little Known Stories of WWII with Gary Zaro 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 This film series offers little-known war stories filled with daring, intrigue and improbability. At the heart of each one is the men and women who made World War II modern history’s seminal event. This month is “Hell to Eternity.”

RSVP online at dfla.org.

Black Mountain Dems & Friends 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 Monthly meetings with new speakers each month.

The Dangers of Compulsive Eating 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 Joy Jesty will present on the dangers of compulsive eating to help the direct sufferers or those who know of someone suffering. The presenter has found a solution that works effectively with long-lasting results.

Puzzle Exchange 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 Come drop off gently used puzzles and pick out a new one for free. Offered on the last Friday of every month. All ages and skill levels encouraged.

service is Thursday, Sept. 16.

Annual membership, which includes the high holiday services, is $106.

A traditional Break-the-Fast buffet dinner follows at the Anthem Country Club for an additional charge.

For more information on the high holidays, Break-the-Fast or membership, contact Fran Kesselman 623322-0957 or fkesselman@cox.net. Location will be revealed with reservations.

Desert Foothills Art Gallery, Katalin Ehling’s Reception Saturday, September 25, 4:00 pm Meet the internationally famous artist Katalin Ehling for the closing reception of her retrospective show. Please join us for a most compelling and fascinating show of batik, paintings, collage, and drawings. We will be serving Prosecco, cheese, fruit and chocolate.

No registration | Questions, please call 480-488-2286.

Cost: FREE

IDEAS WANTED Apps • Beauty • Electronics • Housewares • Medical Pets • Tools • Lawn and Garden • Toys and more!

Literary programs

Library Book Club 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 9, on Zoom 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 28, in person Book Club is offered twice monthly.

Same book, same facilitator, different days. This month focuses on “Early Autumn” by Louis Bromfield.

To participate via Zoom, email Public Services Manager Ashley Ware at aware@dfla.org.

Literary Salon 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 An informal discussion of books, film and theater, led by a facilitator. This month the focus is on race relations.

Call 866-847-9023 for our FREE Idea Starter Guide.

100% Confidential • Davison charges fees for services

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KUMA from page 18

like we were told. It was, however, a moderate to difficult climb up a bunch of boulders. Have I mentioned that I just love bouldering? Mom has a hard time keeping up with me as I bound up those rocks. In her defense, she only has two legs, and her ankle was bothering her again.

If your dog is small or has short legs, there will be places you will have to lift the dog up. Again, is this the normal trail or results of the monsoons? We don’t know, but it is definitely a pretty area.

We love being in the forest.

If you look up the Water Wheel Trail online, you will see pictures of crystal-clear streams, swimming holes, ponds and waterfalls. Well, today everything was chocolate brown. Now, I really felt like I was in Houston again. I always enjoy taking a dip into a stream, and dipped I got. I couldn’t see anything with the murky water and thought I’d walk in. Nope. I got dunked. I went complete-

see KUMA page 21

Kuma and his dad inspect the Water Wheel. (Photo courtesy of Lorraine Bossé-Smith)

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KUMA from page 20

ly under, freaking my mom out big time.

She couldn’t see me, and she knows I hate getting my ears and tail wet. It’s a Shiba thing. Anyway, I came out of that water like I saw an alligator and did a major Shiba shake.

We continued to scamper our way up to the first falls, which is about 1.5 miles.

It was really hard to tell. The water was flowing off of all the rocks, not just one specific waterfall, and the trail that allowed you to continue on to the Ellison Creek Cascades was flooded.

With mom’s ankle bothering her, we opted to stay put and have a picnic. Other people braved the rapids to cross over and continue about 1/4 of a mile to see the cascading fall. Note: We discourage crossing rapids as you never know when the current will be too strong and can carry you away. We’ve already lost several people this year. Please be safe.

I think, when it is dry, the Ellison Creek Cascades is a must. But when everything is a raging river and waterfall, we didn’t need to go further. Mom, once again, packed us a nice lunch, and we watched

the water and people. We met some really nice people from Washington state and Tennessee. I’ve never been to either, have you?

This entire area is prone to flash flood, thus the mess we saw. We kept our eyes to the sky and noticed dark clouds moving in. That was our sign to hike our way out as the boulders would be very slick in the rain. We hope everyone else got out before the storm.

Mom was surprised when I took another dip into the creek. This time, though, I made sure I could touch bottom. I swam all the way across and back, redeeming myself, thank you very much.

Once you get past the rocks and in the trees again (just before the parking lot), you will see the old Water Wheel that gives the trail its name on the right.

Lorraine Bossé-Smith is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever.

Read about Kuma at https://bit.ly/ kuma0901 or @kumathedog on Facebook.

The flooded river due to monsoons. (Photo courtesy of Lorraine Bossé-Smith)

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