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INSIDE

This Week

NEWS.................. 9

Phoenix suspends vaccine mandate for employees

BUSINESS.......... 14 Boulders Resort & Spa executive chef enjoys his “work”

FEATURES......... 20 Steve Perry recalls his childhood in “The Season”

OPINION.................... 11 BUSINESS.................. 14 FEATURES................. 20 CLASSIFIEDS............. 26 Zone I

Pastor Ed Delph Serving the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills, Norterra, Sonoran Foothills, Stetson Valley, Tramonto, New River, Desert Ridge and North Phoenix

Anthem Area Edition

PAGE

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

New executive director ‘excited to be in Anthem’ BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

nthem’s new executive director, Aaron Baker, officially started Dec. 1. During his short time in the North Phoenix community, he has been impressed. “My family and I, we’re just excited to be in Anthem,” Baker said. “It’s a great community and a wonderful opportunity. We’re just excited for a new area, both personally and professionally. So, we’re settling in, and we really appreciate the warm welcome we have received so far.” Hailing from Utah, Baker earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in geography and Russian. He joked that he doesn’t get a chance to use his Russian much, but it made a huge impact on his life and career choices.

“I took a Russian geography class in college, and I really enjoyed it,” he explained. “The professor was super interesting, so I took another class with him and another, and he said, ‘Hey, why don’t you come look at this program we have in the geography department that’s called urban, rural and environmental planning?’ It was basically city planning. I looked at the program and I loved it. It was like a dream come true. So that’s kind of how I got into the local government arena.” After graduating, Baker moved to Nevada, where he put that city planning passion and knowledge to work. He started out as an assistant planner reviewing residential and commercial plans for the city of Mesquite and climbed up the ladder to city manager. During his 15 years with Mesquite, also handled economic development, redevelopment, budgeting and management.

PD may let others handle calls

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer

onfronting a sea of unfilled uniformed and civilian positions, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams laid out for a city council committee six types of service calls that might be kicked over to other departments so that her depleted force can focus on

more serious ones. She said her department is not alone in studying Arizona State University’s recommendations as she and her top aides look to “maintain baseline service delivery.” “We’re looking at about 80,000 to 90,000 calls for service that we could

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“I feel like I’ve just had a spectrum of experiences that fit well for what Anthem was looking for and what they need,” Baker said. “I feel like I’m able to bring to bear those experiences and benefit the community — I hope.” In addition to his time in local government, Baker served as the vice chair and chair of the homeowner’s association board when he was in Nevada. While he said that organization was much smaller than Anthem’s, it still gave background knowledge to apply to his new position as executive director. Baker said he, his wife and children are happy to be in Anthem, and the move wasn’t as dramatic as it might seem. Baker said he looked at moving to the area when he graduated college, and, while he

see BAKER page 4

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams recently laid out some of the tough choices her department might have to make as it struggles to fill its rapidly depleting ranks. (Photo courtesy of the city of Phoenix)

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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 ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 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: Tricia Simpson | 480-898-5624 | tsimpson@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 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

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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 FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

BAKER from page 1

chose to go to Mesquite, he knew it was a great place to be. He also has family in the area, which was a bonus. Baker said he felt the opportunity was just too good to pass up. “There are just so many positives about Anthem, Phoenix, the whole region in general. It’s a fantastic place to live. The lifestyle amenities are here, you’re not right in the heart of Phoenix, but still close enough to drive in and participate in those kinds of things if you want. There are educational opportunities for my kids,” he said. “When I look at Anthem as an organization, there’s just a lot of good that’s been accomplished in the past and I really hope to be able to build on that and stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before me.” The executive director is responsible for managing millions of dollars for the annual budget, reserve fund and assets; 100 full-time employees; 100 part-time or seasonal employees; and the maintenance of facilities.

Anthem’s new executive director, Aaron Baker, officially started Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of Anthem Community Council)

While this may seem like a lot, Baker said he has been impressed with Anthem’s staff and operations. He said it was too soon for him to comment on speci�ic action plans, but he’s hoping to continue the work done by those before him. “I want to continue to build the great staff that we have here. We have some great folks, and I appreciate them very much and the good work they’ve done and have enjoyed meeting them,” Baker said. “I want to continue to do the great events that we have and maintain the high level of customer service that we have. Then there is the facilities master plan process that’s going on and kind of just started, so we’re going to be working through that process.” Baker said he is looking forward to getting to know the staff and residents of Anthem and welcomes those to get to know him. He said he has an open-door policy and would be happy to meet with residents.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

POLICE from page 1

off-board from patrol, thereby having them focus their efforts on other things,” Williams said. Some of those calls involve almost daily quality-of-life requests in Anthem – such as complaints about abandoned vehicles and illegal parking, which are particularly common in residential areas where homeowners associations are trying to maintain a high standard of orderliness. Others involve calls of concerns about people who may not have been seen or heard from in several days. Eliminating some of those call types is one of several strategies the department is considering to deal with what appears to be a long-term staffing problem that has been aggravated by competition from other agencies that offer better pay and/or benefits, retirements and an apparent generational disinterest in law enforcement careers. And Williams indicated that her department is not the only police

agency to study the ASU recommendations. As of Dec. 8, the department had only 68 potential bodies – including 37 academy recruits and another 31 field trainees – to fill 370 vacancies. The city has the money to pay for 3,125 officers but right now has 2,775 on the payroll. The number of calls phoned into the department for service is staggering. In 2020, Williams said, the department received two million calls and of those, 660,000 were answered by dispatching an officer to the scene. Through November of this year, the department has received 1.8 million calls and 614,000 of those required dispatching an officer. The types of service calls Williams said could be dropped by her department include so-called civil matter stand-bys for situations such as child exchanges between estranged parents with shared custody or property retrievals between former roommates.

Also under study for a hand-off to other departments are complaints about abandoned vehicles and illegal parking, calls about found property, non-injury minor collisions and noise complaints. The ASU study also has recommended that police no longer: respond to burglar alarms; assist firefighters and paramedics with unruly people or respond to a citizen’s call to check on the welfare of a relative, neighbor or friend; rescue drug overdose victims; corral loose animals; or stop people from smoking marijuana in public. Williams said she has all but dismissed three of those suggestions and though she added the department has stopped responding to complaints about public pot smoking. On responding to alarms, she said, “We don’t think that that’s a viable option for us at this moment, although Arizona State University is going to continue to do that study. “The second one is assisting Fire

with an unruly patient and/or a check-welfare call,” she continued. “We receive about 60,000 calls for service there every year. We also don’t want to put our fire department into harm’s way.” Williams wasn’t keen on stopping responses to calls involving drug overdoses, noting that because officers are all equipped with naloxone – a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose – police have “saved 81 lives.” “So that would be 81 people who would be in harm’s way, so it really doesn’t make a lot of sense” to cut responses to overdose calls, she said. But Williams said her department has a different take on some of ASU‘s other suggestions – including the 14,000 calls it receives annually for child-custody exchanges and the 10,000 abandoned vehicle complaints it gets a year. Those calls, she said, could be “off-boarded” to another department.

see POLICE page 10

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Glendale will always ‘glitter’ at Christmas BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS North Valley Justice of the Peace

id you know that one of the judges for Glendale �irst served as the mayor? Did you know his wife, Shirley, read Christmas stories to children each year at the amphitheater as Glendale Glitters developed into a major annual event? Quentin Tolby, who also �lew F-86 �ighter jets for the Air Force, served on the Glendale City Council for three terms and then was elected mayor in 1992. In 1994, he became the justice of the peace for what is now known as the Manistee Justice Court. Also in 1994, Glendale Glitters was born. If asked, Judge Tolby will quickly tell you that Glendale Glitters was not his idea; but he has certainly promoted it over the years. Initially, there was no budget for it. City leaders asked residents and busi-

nesses to donate money to buy the �irst sets of Christmas lights that were used in Murphy Park. Today, there is a tree on the outside wall of the Glendale City Council Chambers with a leaf for everyone who donated money.

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Judge Tolby retired several years ago. Prior to doing so, he wrote more than 570 columns for The Glendale Star. Judge Donald Watts has taken his place at the Manistee Justice Court, but the tradition continues. Unless you have to untangle them, you probably love Christmas lights. It is hard to imagine a holiday season without them. They became popular, in large, part because President Grover Cleveland requested electric lights on the White House Christmas tree to please his daughters. In 1903, General Electric began selling Christmas light kits. By 1925, lights in multiple colors were sold for Christmas

trees. As smaller lights and LED lights were developed, displays became exponentially more colorful and elaborate. This year’s Glendale holiday light festival is called simply Murphy Park Lights. The normal celebration has been scaled back in terms of vendors, but the beauty of thousands of lights remains. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or all three, please make plans to visit Downtown Glendale. The light display remains beautiful and free of charge. The lights will be up until Jan. 9. Judge Gerald A. Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. That court’s jurisdiction includes part of Glendale.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

In each case, drivers should pack an emergency kit that includes blankets, warm clothing, a fully charged cellphone, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter. ADOT will use these graphics on its social media accounts to help drivers know what intensity of snowstorm to expect so drivers can make informed decisions about travel. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. Drivers can also check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at azdot.gov/ADOTAlerts will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway. ADOT is also ready to help keep highways clear of snow and ice this winter with its �leet of 200 snowplows. Many of these plows include auxiliary cab heaters to keep drivers warm while not idling and wasting fuel; heated wind-

‘Know Snow’ when resuming travel this winter

ooler temperatures are around the corner and that means snow in Arizona’s high country. To help travelers this winter, the Arizona Department of Transportation has partnered with the National Weather Service to create graphics that use their color code for storm severity to better inform drivers of what to expect from winter storms. Orange is a moderate-impact snowstorm. With this type of storm, drivers should slow down when roads are slick with snow and ice and prepare to spend longer on the road. Leave extra room behind the vehicle ahead. Red is a high-impact snowstorm. In this scenario, drivers should avoid travel if possible. If delay is not possible, strongly consider using 4x4 or snow chains and prepare to spend extended amounts of time in the vehicle. Purple is an extreme-impact storm with 2 to 3 inches of snowfall per hour. Drivers should avoid travel altogether during this type of storm due to dangerous travel conditions.

see TRAVEL page 8

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

News Briefs BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Register for 2022 dog park memberships Registration for the 2022 Anthem Dog Park memberships is open. The process can be fully completed online at onlineatanthem.com. Current memberships will expire Dec. 31.

EPCOR open meetings set Customers of EPCOR who reside in the Anthem Water District east of I-17 are invited to open meetings on Wednesday, Dec. 15, and Thursday, Dec. 16. On those days, the Arizona Corporation Commission likely will decide whether to combine the Anthem Water District with other water districts or leave it as is. According to the recommendations submitted Nov. 12 by the administrative law judge who presided over the

current rate case, a “typical” Anthem district residential customer who has a 3/4-inch meter serving his/her house and uses the districtwide median of 6,000 gallons per month currently pays $72.57 (including all taxes and surcharges). By comparison, Phoenix residents, including Anthem west of I-17, and Sun City, who are also EPCOR customers, pay less than $20 for the same meter/usage combination. If the commission decides to leave Anthem as a standalone district (asis), our bill could jump to $106.69, an increase of $34.12 (47%). Alternatively, if the commission decides to consolidate Anthem with five of eight other districts owned and operated by EPCOR, the bill would be $69.26, or $3.31 (4.5%) less than current. Early Anthem residents benefitted from artificially low rates until 2008, when rates increased by an average

To a Brighter 2022 As we welcome a New Year, please don’t hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to help, we are here for you!

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of 38%, followed in 2011 by an 80% increase, for a compound increase of nearly 150% compared to 2007 rates. The causes? The high cost of building, operating and maintaining Anthem’s high-tech water (and sewer) infrastructure. In addition, Anthem’s systems are newer and thus costs were higher than when the Sun City systems were built 50 or 60 years ago. Finally, the Anthem district has only 9,200 customers whereas Sun City has 25,000 customers to share their respective costs. Residents can file a public comment about the case. To do so, visit azcc.gov. In the menu, in the middle of the page, select “Cases and Open Meetings.” Select “Make a Public Comment in a Docket.” After personal information in the fields at the top; in the fields below, enter “EPCOR Water Arizona Inc.” for company name. The eDocket number is WS-01303A-20-0177.

While you are free to choose a position, the Anthem Community Council recommends that you select “for” as the position (“For” indicates that you are for consolidation, which would reduce Anthem rates as indicated above). Click “submit.” A confirmation email will be sent.

TRAVEL from page 6

working to clear the road, always help out the plow driver by staying back until the driver pulls over to let traf�ic pass. Also, never assume a snowplow operator knows a vehicle is nearby. If you can’t see the plow driver, there’s a good chance the driver can’t see you. Check out more safety tips before resuming your travels this winter season by visiting azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

shields to prevent wipers from freezing and getting stuck; backup cameras and a camera and laser guidance system to help guide operators; state-of-the-art lighting packages, and front �lex plows that can bend in different con�igurations to remove snow. Those who come across a snowplow

New Year’s Eve fireworks planned Residents are invited to watch from their yard or neighborhood a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31. The community center will close at 2 p.m. to secure the fallout zone. The civic building will be closed all day. Call for Anthem Day sponsors Anthem Days returns Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27, and the call for sponsors has begun. View sponsorship levels at https:// bit.ly/AnthemDaysSponsorships; submit the sponsorship package by Jan. 14 to receive full benefits.

HAVE A NEWS STORY? Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at

480-898-5631

or christina@timespublications.com

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

City suspends vaccine mandate for employees members pointed to Tucson, where phasize that for the better part of Noting other cities did not feel cona mandate independent of the feder- the last two years, our priority has tractually obligated, DiCiccio said al order for contractors was imple- been to protect our community and Phoenix had become “an outlier in op Phoenix officials last week mented and brought the vaccination our employees from COVID-19 while the whole state of Arizona” by folindefinitely suspended the rate among that city’s employees up ensuring to the best of our ability a lowing one lawyer’s opinion. implementation of an order from 91% to 99% with only one fire- seamless continuity of operations,” But Barton took exception to that requiring all its 14,000 employ- man and one policeman objecting on Barton said. depiction of the process, noting that ees be vaccinated by mid-January religious grounds. “As an employer, we have been scores of public institutions had deagainst COVID-19 after a federal The federal judge’s ruling came extremely flexible and supportive cided they were obliged to follow judge in Atlanta halted the Biden ad- earlier the same day of the city coun- of our employees by offering a host the mandate for federal contractors ministration’s effort to mandate the cil hearing, Barton said, and applied of safety measures and flexible tele- – including all three state universivaccine for employees of all federal to federal contractors nationwide. work options were available,” he ties, the state Department of Public contractors. Barton also stressed that the man- continued. Safety and the Arizona Department City Manager Jeff Barton’s an- date for city employees was not of his “I value their right to personal of Transportation. nouncement of the mandate suspen- own design – city council apparently choice, religious freedom and other Barton suggested that other cities sion came Dec. 7 during a hearing has no authority in Phoenix’s form convictions but I also have an obliga- and public entities possibly had not that Councilwoman Ann O’Brien had of government to order employees tion to ensure that the city operates received the federal government’s MIS79170 Taxrather Credit AD - SanTan within Sun News 10 and x 6. 6federal laws.” requested on the vaccine mandate19.11 to do anythingPRM – but because state interpretation of their liability for DiCiccio tore Barton’s disclosure following the mandate or that their – but that didn’t stop several hours Phoenix has contractual obligations 19.11with MIS79170 PRM Tax Tax Credit AD AD --to SanTan Sun Newsthe 10 city’s 6. 6 6 decision to follow own contracts may have different 19.11 MIS79170 PRM Credit SanTan News 10 xx 6. that of argument by City Council memthe federal government per- Sun bers and the general public for and form various tasks and its employees the Biden administration mandate language from those signed with against the directive. were therefore covered by the Biden came after the Phoenix administra- Phoenix. tion relied on one law firm for interAnd the hearing ended with an mandate. see VACCINE page 10 it. I want to help feed homeless and hungry men, women, and emotional plea by Mayor Kate Galle“I think it’s important that I em- preting children YES, throughout Maricopa County and qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. go to city employees to get the vacEnclosed gift:feed homeless and hungry men, women, and children cine as she pointed out that 24 emwantisto tomy help YES, II want help feed homeless and hungry men, women, and children throughout Maricopa County and and qualify qualify for the Arizona Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Credit. ployees, including a Phoenix police Every $1 you givetaxes! throughout Maricopa the Charitable Tax Give now to save onforyour Arizona state m $800 m $400 County m $100 big Enclosed is my gift: officer who lived in Ahwatukee, had Enclosed is my gift: saves $1 on your taxes! m $50 m to $25 YES, I want help homeless and hungry men, women, and children throughout died from the virus. Every $1 you give m $800 $800 m $400 m $100 $100 m $________ to help as muchfor as the possible. m m $400 m Maricopa County and qualify Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. “The funerals have been heartsaves $1 on your taxes! m $50 m $25 m $50 m $25 Enclosed is my gift: breaking,” Gallego said. “They sound Amount $ _________ m My check is enclosed m I’d by credit card m $800 ________ to to help as as much much as possible. possible. m $$________ help $400 $100 as $50 $25like to pay $______ to help as much as possible. like incredible people and family Card type _________ Card number ___________________________________ members and you see their kids, picAmount _________Mym m My check check is enclosed enclosed m___________________________ I’d like like to to pay pay by by credit credit card card Exp.$$________ phone number ( ______ ) m Amount _________ My is I’d Thank you! ture them with their kids where they Card type _________ Card number ___________________________________ Every $1 you give to the Email address ___________________________________________________ Card type _________ Card number ___________________________________ You will receive a used to get wonderful hugs or be at Mission helps reduce tax-deductible receipt. Exp.m________ ________ My me phone number ______ ___________________________ Please send email updates on the)) lives being changed at Exp. My phone number (( ______ ___________________________ Thank you! your state taxes—by Comic Con or Disneyland. UnfortuPhoenix Rescue Phoenix Rescue Mission. very $e1 Every $1 you give to the E Email address address ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ up$1 toyou $800!* Make a Every give to the Email Mission’s Arizona You will receive nately, not a lot of pictures at gradYou will receive aa Mission helpsgift reduce you giv year-end today! Mission helps reduce Qualifying receipt. Charitable tax-deductible receipt. m Please Please send send me me email email updates updates on on the the lives lives being being changed changed at at tax-deductible m n o Tax Credit AD - Phoenix SanTan Sun News 10 x 6. 6 your state statePRM taxes—by uation. Name Rescue your taxes—by Organization es 1$119.11 MIS79170 Phoenix Rescue (QCO) Mission. Phoenix Rescue give to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. up$1 toyou $800!* Make Evseayrvoyguiv$r etaxes! Every CodeArizona is 20549. up to $800!* Make aa Mission’s Arizona “And I want children of our city Mission’s Mission helpsgift reduce you Address year-end gift today! Qualifying Charitable Charitable year-end today! Qualifying employees to have their parents at Name your state taxes—by Organization (QCO) (QCO) Name Organization save s $1eosn! City/State/Zip Code isis 20549. 20549. up to $800!* Make a Code graduation,” she continued. “This is a y our tax Address tax reduction if filing single Address Mail: Return this slipto with save a check orbig credit on card donation year-end*$400 today! tool that will help us do that and preorgift as head of household, or $800 Give now your Arizona state taxes! Phoenix Rescue Mission if filing jointly. City/State/Zip City/State/Zip vent empty seats – too many empty P.O. Box 6708, Phoenix, AZ 85005 1 *$400 tax tax reduction reduction ifif filing filing single single *$400 Ithis want to help feedor homeless and hungry men, women, and children Every $ 346-3336 YES, Mail:Phone: Return(602) this slip with check or credit card card donation Mail: Return slip with aa check credit donation seats. So, I would encourage people or as as head head of of household, household, or or $800 $800 or e iv throughout Online: www.phoenixrescuemission.org/TaxCreditAZ Phoenix Rescue Mission g Mail: Return thisMaricopa slip with County a check and or qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. if filing jointly. u Phoenix Rescue Mission o if filing jointly. y to get out and get vaccinated.” www.phoenixrescuemission.org/TaxCreditAZ P.O. Box 6708, 6708, Phoenix, AZ 85005 85005 credit card on P.O. Box Phoenix, Enclosed is mydonation gift: AZ Phone: Phoenix (602) 346-3336 346-3336 saves $1 es! Phone: (602) Rescue Mission But Gallego’s sentiments – echoed Every $1 you give Online: www.phoenixrescuemission.org/TaxCreditAZ Online: www.phoenixrescuemission.org/TaxCreditAZ m P.O. $800 $400Phoenix, m $100AZ Boxm6708, U865669643 KD9C4NU UUU A 85005 G1 KT X 2 your tax by a number of citizens who called www.phoenixrescuemission.org/TaxCreditAZ www.phoenixrescuemission.org/TaxCreditAZ Phone: (602) 346-3336 saves $1 on your taxes! *$400 tax reduction if filing single m $50 m $25 in as well as most of the mayor’s colOnline: www.phxmission.org/ or as a head of household, or $800 $________ to help as if filing jointly. U865669643 m KD9C4NU UUUas much A G1 G1possible. KT X X 2 2 FHTaxCredit U865669643 KD9C4NU UUU A KT leagues – were not shared by O’Brien or Councilman Sal DiCiccio when it Amount $ _________ m My check is enclosed m I’d like to pay by credit card came to ordering employees to get Card type _________ Card number ___________________________________ www.phxmission.org/FHTaxCredit U865669643 KE1B6NU UUU A G1 KH X 0 vaccines. Exp. ________ My phone number ( ______ ) ___________________________ Thank you! At the same time, other council Every $1 you give to the Email address ___________________________________________________

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

VACCINE from page 9

That prompted Councilman Tom Waring to say Phoenix officials should “compare the contracts line by line with these other cities” that did not feel obligated to follow the Biden rule. Assistant City Manager Lori Bays outlined the toll that COVID-19 has taken on the city’s workforce, stating that since the pandemic broke in March 2020, 3,940 workers – nearly a third of all city employees – have tested positive at one time or another and that 24 have died. She said 747 employees filed workmen’s compensation claims totaling $5.8 million and that the city has incurred $14.2 million “in medical costs related to the pandemic.” Bays also said that up to now, 51% of all city employees have submitted documentation showing they are fully vaccinated. In day-to-day terms, she said, COVID-19 infections have dealt a blow to services the city provides

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citizens. “As the pandemic has progressed, we have seen a variety of operational impacts related to the pandemic,” Bays said. “In our fire department, we have had ambulances out of service. In our police department, our staffing issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic. And in the Public Works Department, we’ve had drivers having to double up routes because the work still needs to get done. In the water department, we have also have some challenges staffing our treatment plants and in other areas across the city.” DiCiccio said he was not challenging either the seriousness of COVID-19, but rather requiring city employees to be vaccinated. “COVID is a real deal…people are dying from it,” he said, adding “I would hope that people would not discredit this because every human body is different. Everyone reacts to things differently.” He said he started taking hydroxy-

chloroquine to ward off the virus but ended up getting COVID-19. He also said the mandate had been issued at a time when Phoenix faces “a real public safety crisis” and that it would send scores of police officers and firefighters retiring from or leaving city employment at a time

when their ranks already are seriously depleted. “We are at crisis levels in the city of Phoenix and we are not going to get better,” DiCiccio said. “Public safety is at risk.” O’Brien was equally critical of the mandate, stating, “Medical decisions such as this should be between an individual and their doctor, not the government’s. If you’re able and want the vaccine, I encourage you to get it the city offers many services for access to free vaccines and boosters.” She noted that even during the hearing, vaccine mandate opponents were demonstrating and that she had received calls or emails from 400 people. “The fight is not over, as my fellow councilmen have discussed here today,” OBrien said. “I will continue to support please continue to support firefighters and I will continue to support all employees at the city of Phoenix.”

As for 3,200 annual calls about found property, an alternative would be “educating the community on where to drop off items as opposed to calling into the call center or assigning a police officer to retrieve that.” Another huge area that can be tossed to another department involves an annual 26,000 no-injury minor motor vehicle accidents and another 10,000 no-injury hit-run collisions. “It’s a requirement for the police department to handle those types of calls, but we believe it would be better filled with a civilian member or police assistant to handle the exchange of information,” Williams said. City council has authorized 75 new positions for the department’s Community Assistance Program, which comprises civilians who assist police in various situations. None of those new positions have been filled, cre-

ating a total 179 civilian vacancies in the Phoenix Police Department, according to data Williams provided the committee. Williams did not discuss loose animals in any detail, conceding it “could be a safety issue.” And she admitted noise complaints present a knotty problem, telling council members she knows they also receive noise complaints. Noting her department gets 14,000 noise complaints annually, Williams said other cities have a noise abatement department to handle such calls. Council members appeared concerned about some of the call types Williams suggested for off-boarding. Councilman Tom Waring said the transfer of kids between parents sharing custody, for example, “could go wrong and you don’t know which one of those calls is going to go wrong. “The same thing with a shopkeeper dealing with a customer,” he said. “We’re getting those smash-and-

grabs now in California and you just don’t know when it could go wrong. I don’t know that a that a civilian would get treated with the same deference by an unruly customer or an angry parent as someone in a uniform.” Waring also expressed concern about dropping calls about illegally parked and abandoned vehicles. But Williams also said almost none of ASU’s suggestions have been accepted by her department as yet. “There was always some concern about the noise complaints because we are very much aware that regardless of how many calls we say we’re not going to respond to, it’s a potential that PD would be responding to those calls anyway. “So, we’re again working through this issue with Arizona State University,” she said. “We’ve had a number of meetings with them. And, as I’ve messaged to my employees, this is just a preliminary look at the types of things we could off-board.”

POLICE from page 5

OPINION

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Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com |

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Soak in the warm glow of Christmas BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

his week, as we make the big approach to all-things Christmas, we might be flooded with memories of days gone by. The kids who grew up, the parents who passed, reliving the special moments we shared with friends and family around a table or a festive tree. It is sometimes hard to be joyful when there is grief and sadness. So, we hold on tightly to our family members, kiss our kids a bit more (than they like) and happily greet our neighbors, striving to be merry. It helps.

The spirit of Christmas is evident in our generosity. We are a “giving nation.” During this season of giving, we open our hearts and checkbooks, give toys, blankets, shoes, jackets, food and time to those in need. In 2020, we gave $471.44 billion, which works out to about 2% of every American’s disposable income. More poignant might be the random acts of kindness that shows us the world is still one, big, beautiful place. It is the mystery person in the car in front of you who buys your coffee at the drive thru. The neighbor who decorates the yard for the family next door who just lost their dad a few months ago.

The lady who stands outside the shopping plaza holding a big cardboard sign that reads, “God loves you.” The carolers who grace your door with holiday songs. The children who bring hot cocoa to the local fire department. The folks who bring gift baskets to the nursing homes and those who work tirelessly to bring a little cheer to those who are less fortunate. Sometimes we focus on conflicts, politics or worries. News is often unpleasant and even infuriating to read. Yet, it is the holidays that might help us “breakthrough” the noise and fill or minds with our own tunes. When a young nurse asked an elderly man who was visiting his wife in a nursing home how he

coped with the “all the depressing problems in our world,” he laughed and said, “It’s easy because I don’t see the world through printed headline. I make my own headlines.” Husband loves wife today. Lost puppy is found. Nurse helps patient feel better. Teach-

see BLUHM page 13

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Worst state? Hardly, when you look at the facts BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

ou live in Arizona for a few decades, you get used to our state’s inferiority complex: Reporters and residents here love to bash the place. I’ve never lived anywhere that so reveled in national studies and stories calling out its glaring shortcomings. Some headlines ripped from the pages of real life: “Arizona Ranked One of the Worst States to Raise a Family, According to New Study.” And: “Arizona Ranked Worst State in the Country for Teachers.” And: “Arizona Ranks Worst in the Country for Food Waste.” The coup de grace, as determined by CNBC in July: “Desert in Distress? New Study Ranks Arizona as Worst Place to Live in 2021.” Memo to CNBC: I checked the prime-time ratings for all TV networks. Don’t feel bad about finishing 62nd, one spot ahead of the Motor Trend channel. You did pull 249,000 viewers at peak viewing time. In a country of 330 million people, that’s a whole lot of

upside. Anyway, rather than celebrate Arizona’s perpetual worstness, I’m here today with some uplifting news. It’s likely you’ve been hearing that our country is in the middle of a national homicide epidemic, with the murder rate spiking about 30% in 2020. In the last few days, a dozen major American cities have set new annual records for killings — with three weeks remaining in 2021. In Philly, India-

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napolis, Portland and Louisville, folks are murdering one another like crazy. Even Tucson — which I’ve always considered merely boring — set a new record for homicides in the year, with 80 murders as of Dec. 7. Given Arizona’s affinity for guns, you’re probably thinking, well, we must be atop the state list? Nope. The homicide rate in Arizona jumped 30% between 2019 and last year. But — and it’s a big but — that’s merely average. In South Dakota, the murder literally tripled over the same time span. It spiked 66% in Wisconsin and 54% in Georgia and Delaware. Pennsylvania saw murders jump by 49%. At the end of the day, Arizona’s murder rate of 6.9 intentional killings per 100,000 residents ranks a mere 22nd out of the 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. That’s right about the middle of the pack. A solid C. Ordinary. Who would’ve thought? How do I explain this ranking? In two ways. First, as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Arizona has added about 800,000 new residents over the past decade. Our homicidal maniacs and gun loons can’t keep up with all the moving vans and California transplants.

My second explanation is slightly more complicated. In big cities around the United States, there has been a push to demonize police officers and defund police departments, an absurd movement that has attracted support in Tucson (see above), Phoenix (where homicides jumped 44% between 2019 and last year) and Tempe (which logged eight murders in both 2019 and 2020. The rest of Arizona has mostly rejected such nonsense, perhaps because most Arizonans have some common sense: We understand law enforcement is not perfect and should be both supported for the good it does and held accountable for its flaws and bad actors. But communities — or a nation — that spends years screeching about evil cops should not be surprised when actual murderous evil takes root in place of the many quality officers who have found themselves under attack. The moral to the story? Arizona is actually a fine place to live. Comparatively low taxes, solid economy, rising home values, incomparable weather. The Copper State is killing it. Just not like they’ve been killing it lately in South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Age is just a number — except to the ‘woke’

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

ge. Encounter that word in any crossword puzzle, and its letters only fill three spaces. Talk about its effects in real life and it becomes a “four-letter word.” George Bernard Shaw famously observed that “youth is wasted on the young.” He recognized the enormous amount of untapped potential still present in those living “past their prime.” History offers examples worth remembering. Winston Churchill did not become prime minister of Great Britain until he was 65,

see HAYWORTH page 13

OPINION

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HAYWORTH from Page 12

leading his nation through World War II and forging a grand alliance with the United States that led to a remarkable victory. Sixty-five was also the age of a one-time motel owner who used his monthly Social Security check of $105 to buy a white suit, wear it with a string tie, lay claim to an honorific from his home state, and start franchising what is now a fast-food favorite. Along the way, Col. Harland Sanders concocted a “secret recipe” with 11 herbs and spices, but the real recipe for his success with Kentucky Fried Chicken was his own considerable life experience. Far from the cliffs of Dover and the hills of Kentucky, a woman was further advanced in years than either Churchill or Sanders when her country called her back into government service. Golda Meir was 70 when she became Israel’s prime minister. And back in this country, it’s worth noting that the two most recent occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue were both septuagenarians when they took up residency in the White House. A newly minted senior’s aspirations may not include high political office or a fastfood fortune. Instead, they may simply be seeking work in their chosen profession past age 50. If so, they could very well confront a professional paradox. Several jobs may remain unfilled, yet an application is turned down by a human resources functionary with an email that calls the applicant “overqualified.” “Overqualified” really means “over the hill.” It’s rare these days to even receive the courtesy of a response. Instead, most HR departments simply acknowledge receipt

BLUHM from Page 11

er praises child. Parents sacrifice for their children. People are kind. He pointed out that happiness is up to each of us. Every day. As this year comes to an end, it is good to reflect on how much we cared for others, donated to charities, gave of our time, effort and love to those in need. It may not be a perfect world, but the spirit of the holidays makes it about as good as it gets. So, before the hoopla of the season passes, soak in the warm glow of the real meaning of

of the resume and a promise to get back in touch if they have any interest. Think of it as the internet version of “don’t call us, we’ll call you.” Occasionally, empowered HR executives will call attention to their new approach for screening job candidates. At an area chamber of commerce social gathering not so long ago, a female human resources chief bragged that “when we get a resume from a white man over 50, it goes straight in the trash.” Sure, that HR director may have had one wine spritzer too many — but in this instance it served as a type of truth serum. And the truth is that “wokeness” now prevails in the workplace. “Equity” has replaced “equality.” And “equity” demands vengeance. Today’s 50-year-old male was an entry-level employee when the “Old Boys Club” of company executives obstructed or perhaps even harassed young female workers. Maybe that happened to the aforementioned female HR director. Whatever the case, one prominent business website features entry after entry from female executives bemoaning the old days and emphasizing that they’ve “paid their dues.” But many of their former male colleagues now find themselves paying dues for a “club” to which they never belonged. Reparations are not paid in cash. Instead, the cost comes in unrealized income for these now-unemployed senior professionals. These men may eventually find work in a service industry — maybe retail or fast food. (Kentucky Fried Chicken, anyone?) It’s either that or stay home and try to solve crossword puzzles. Christmas. We give. The 1905 story of “The Gift of the Magi” says it all. It depicts the husband who sold his beloved gold watch so he could buy his wife two jeweled hair combs for her long, beautiful tresses, while the wife cut her hair and sold her locks so that she could buy a gold watch chain for her husband’s watch. Buying presents? The joy is in the giving, not the gift. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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Boulders’ chef enjoys playing in the kitchen BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

oulders Resort & Spa executive chef Drew Wetmore does not consider his role “work.” “It’s like playing,” Wetmore said. “I play every day.” In his role, he oversees the resort’s five kitchens, including the Palo Verde Restaurant, Grill Kitchen & Bar, Spotted Donkey Cantina, Spa Café, the Discovery Lounge and Pool Pavilion. He is redeveloping the menu and plans the food preparation so it respects the region’s integrity by in-

corporating local produce and freshly foraged ingredients from the resort’s certified organic garden. “Chef Drew takes much of his culinary inspiration from nature,” said John Maskovich, food and beverage director. “He has even modeled the new plate design from surrounding landscape.” Wetmore joined the Boulders culinary team in 2018 and has held titles of executive sous chef, banquet chef, chef de cuisine for the Grill Kitchen & Bar and the Spotted Donkey Cantina, where he initiated the

See BOULDERS Page 17

Two of the Boulders Resort & Spa’s restaurants — Palo Verde and Grill Kitchen & Bar — will serve Christmas dinner with traditional and modern choices. (Photo courtesy of the Boulders Resort & Spa)

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BOULDERS From Page 14

tequila dinners and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. A Tucson native, Wetmore was a student-athlete as a teenager who had an affinity for the culinary arts. He credits the FEAST program at Catalina High School for refining his culinary talents. “I started in the business when I was 14,” he said. “I started at a breakfast restaurant in Tucson called The Egg Connection. Honestly, at that job, I was a young kid, and it was just money. I wanted to pay for stuff myself.” He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. His externship at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess included working with some of the top country’s chefs, like Michael Mina, Richard Sandoval and Forest Hamrick. Through Sandoval, he learned about molecular gastronomy, the scientific approach to nutrition from the perspective of physics and chemistry. “Working with Richard Sandoval was really inspirational,” Wetmore said. “It’s basically food chemistry. You use different starches and other ingredients to create food in a way you don’t normally see.” Palo Verde offers views of the Sonoran Desert, as it overlooks the sixth fairway of the south course and the duck pond. Wetmore called Palo Verde “elevated comfort good.” “It hits that safe place that they like,” he said. The entrees include baked pasilla pepper with quinoa, manchego, golden raisin and red pepper vinaigrette ($38); squid link linguini with wild red crab, Calabrian chili, verjus butter and fresh picked herbs ($42); mesquite spiced grilled beef filet with green garlic puree, petite heirloom potato; russet espuma, wild mushroom, cipollini onion, charred baby pepper and truffled beef jus ($62); braised short rib with barbecue carrot, Sonoran wheat berries, carrot butter, front pesto and marcona almond ($46); steelhead trout

Boulders Resort & Spa executive chef, Drew Wetmore, oversees the destination’s five kitchens, including the Palo Verde Restaurant, Grill Kitchen & Bar, Spotted Donkey Cantina, Spa Café, the Discovery Lounge and Pool Pavilion. (Photo courtesy of Drew Wetmore)

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with spiced corn silk, blistered baby tomato, grilled corn succotash, guajillo chile glaze and petite green coriander ($45); seared striped bass with herbed fregola, pea butter, smoked pancetta, heirloom radish and upland cress ($46); and local ranch chicken with smoked fingerling, braised leg, salsa verde and charred lemon ($42). Boulders boasts other top-rated restaurants, including Spotted Donkey Cantina, a Mexican restaurant at el Pedregal. The festive eatery has a tequila list with dozens of varieties, like its exclusive Herradura Reposado tequila, and an innovative menu. The Discovery Lounge is all about comfort, with shareable dishes and contemporary cocktails, as well as the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The Grill Kitchen Grill Deck & Bar is casual yet elegant, featuring an exhibition kitchen, dark wood furnishings, a fireplace and a renovated

See BOULDERS Page 19

BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15 , 2021

If in�lation continues to accelerate for years BY HAROLD WONG Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

ecent news reports say inflation is a serious concern to most Americans. What if inflation continues to accelerate for years? The effects of inflation fall hardest on those with lower incomes and lower assets and the retired on fixed incomes. It’s projected that the Social Security Administration will boost benefits 5.9% in 2022, which would be the biggest increase since 1982. For a single person who received a $1,565 monthly check this year, it would raise $92 to an average $1,657 monthly check in 2022. In 2019, the median U.S. family household income was $68,703 and $67,521 in 2020. In 2019, about 30.7% of households earned over

$100,000 in 2020. If a family spends $75,000/year (after paying all income taxes) and future inflation is 6% per year, the family will need $150,915 in 12 years and $303,670 in 25 years. It’s even worse for many baby boomers and Generation Xers, who have most of their savings in IRAs or 401ks. Example: A couple is spending $75,000 the first year they retire at 66. Their steady income from Social Security is $50,000 and so they need to draw $25,000 from their IRAs or 401ks. However, any withdrawal is taxed. Suppose it’s only a 20% combined tax rate between federal and state income tax They would have to withdraw $31,250, pay $6,250 in taxes, in order to net the other $25,000 needed. In 12 years when they are age 78, inflation requires $150,915 to buy what $75,000 buys today. If Social

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Security is now $70,000 (with 12 years of cost-of-living increases), they need to pull $107,887 from their IRAs and 401ks; pay a 25% rate of tax ($26,972); and net the additional $80,915 needed to be able to have $150,915 of total income to equal total spending. Even if they have $1 million saved, with most of it in IRAs and 401ks, it won’t last more than about 10 years before all their savings are gone. How to protect yourself if high inflation continues for years? Gold hasn’t been a perfect inflation hedge over the last one-20 years. The price of gold on Nov. 17 was $1,862.66 per troy ounce. The 10-year high was $2,067.16 and the 10-year low was $1,049.41. The total increase was only a $120.16 increase over 10 years, which is 6.90% increase. Then there’s real estate. Over the

last few years, Phoenix has either led the nation in year-over-year price appreciation or has been one of the highest markets, along with San Diego, Seattle and Austin. According to Zillow, annual appreciation was the second-fastest in August 2021 in Phoenix (about 31.8%). Only Austin, Texas, with 44.8%, beat Phoenix. The annual rental growth in Phoenix was 24%. Typical property values in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro grew by over 31.9% from August 2020 to August 2021, compared to only 10.5% the previous year and 5.3% from August 2018 to August 2019. In September, the typical Phoenix home was worth $376,684 vs. $109,000 in October 2011. That’s a compound average growth rate of 13.2%. An additional benefit is “de-

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preciating debt” — the fact that your mortgage payment is fixed but the same payment is worth less to the lender in the future due to inflation. Free live seminar and lunch: A seminar at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. will be held Saturday, Jan. 29, at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler. Lunch will be catered by La Madeleine French

BOULDERS From Page 17

ly, and their four dogs. “They can experience high-quality meals. They could be high-end groups or families coming out for vacations who want a chef to cook with them and talk about it. “I like educating people. I know a lot of techniques that people don’t normally see. I show them that it’s not really that difficult to cook. Once you learn the process, it’s not that hard.”

patio area. With views of the 18th hole fairways, the establishment has a menu of burgers, sandwiches and crisp salads, along with fresh seafood and dry-aged steaks. Wetmore’s executive chef duties also call for him to schedule dinners at Boulders’ private villa rentals and haciendas. He offers three- to six-course meals that range in price from $110 per person to $300 per person. “I got out in the villas and cook and walk the guests through what I’m doing,” said Wetmore, who lives in North Phoenix with his fiancée, Emi-

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Steve Perry recalls his childhood in ‘The Season’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

ast year, at the height of the pandemic, legendary singer Steve Perry couldn’t listen to Christmas music. He was unable to visit with family or partake in traditional celebrations. There’s a glimmer of hope this month for holiday get-togethers. To help families get in the mood, the former Journey singer released the Christmas collection “The Season.” “It was really, really an emotional experience, to be perfectly honest with you,” Perry said about the making of “The Season.”

Steve Perry released a Christmas collection called “The Season.” (Submitted photo)

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“Last Christmas, I could not emotionally access any childhood memories of parents and grandparents, of us all being together for the holidays. I was in that same mode that everyone was in, which was trying to just cope with the anxiety of what’s going to happen with this pandemic, where are we going.” Slowly, the pandemic crept closer to him as friends and family came down with COVID-19. He forced Perry even further in isolation.

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“Last Christmas, I don’t remember having a Christmas holiday,” he said. “It was kind of sad.” In June, he realized there was a chance of having a Christmas this year. He and producer Dallas Kruse collaborated on “The Season.” “The next thing I knew, I started to feel the importance of these songs,” Perry said. “I started to enjoy singing them. I had never done a Christmas album until now. They were special to me and then singing them was very personally special to me and helped me get in the spirit of what’s going on now.” The process brought back vivid memories of his family, which had a twofold effect. “I was singing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ and I recalled all of my Christmases spent next door at grandma and grandpa’s house,” he said. “I remember the kitchen and I remember the door jamb that led into the living room. They would get the big tree and that’s where we were going to spend Christmas. “When I was singing, I was thinking about presents under the tree. I literally had my eyes closed as I was singing it. In my mind, I was staring through that door jamb at the tree at the right by the window. I forgot the next line. I got a little freaked out. I was emotionally teleporting there.” For the album, he recorded “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Auld Lang Syne,” “Winter Wonderland,” “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Silver Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” “Auld Lang Syne,” he said, was the most challenging song to sing and, per-

see PERRY Page 21

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PERRY From Page 20

haps, intimidating because of its meaning. Those who sing it are optimistic about the upcoming year. “People can’t wait to celebrate and sing that song,” he said. “Let’s move forward with joy and optimism. It’s a powerful song. I did some research, and it was written as a poem in 1788 and the melody was attached in 1799. It goes that far back. I had some reverence to make sure I stayed within the musical emotion of all these songs.” He admitted it was a challenge. Melodically, Perry wanted to ensure the tone in his voice was in the original singers’ “relaxed mode.” “I started to envision sitting in front of the campfire, which is why the cover is the way it is,” he said about the album cover. “I’m in front of a fireplace, having some eggnog and listening to music. I never really want to hear too much rock at that point. I want to reflect on my youth, my childhood and my memories of my departed loved ones. The voice that does

Rock band New Found Glory released its first Christmas album called “December’s Here” on Dec. 3. (Photo by Paris Visone)

Vance Joy released his album“Fairytale of New York. (Photo by Will Morrissey)

that is iconic people like Nat Cole, Bing Crosby and even Perry Como. “Those guys had some amazing talent in their voices. I pulled back on my voice a bit.”

Kat Edmonson Christmas Vol. 1” • Debbie Gibson, “Christmas Star” • Paul Gilbert, “‘Twas” • Caylee Hammack, “Hard Candy Christmas,” Spotify Singles: Holiday Edition 2021 • Billy Idol, “Happy Holidays” • José James, “Merry Christmas from

Other notable releases Christmas music does not have to be traditional and boring. This winter, the likes of Billy Idol, Train, Tim McGraw and

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She & Him have offered their renditions of holiday tunes to spice up the season.

• Paul Anka, “Songs of December” (Anniversary Edition) • Timmy Brown, “A Very Timmy Brown Christmas” • Craig Campbell & Family, “White Christmas” • Kat Edmonson, “Holiday Swingin’: A

see PERRY page 25

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021 RIGOR, RELEVANCE L L RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS A RIGOR, RELEVANCE & & RELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS SM ALL

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Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

here would you be if you had all the money your heart desires? If you had no worries? If you came home and the most delicious meal was waiting for you? If you had perfect children? If your partner was waiting for you with open arms and kisses? So, where would you be? You’d be in the wrong house. Many people think some things are too good to be true. But every now and then, good things still happen and probably more times than you think. Christmas happened. And Christmases still happen. You have heard of “12 Days of Christmas.” Well, I want to share “The 12 Principles of Christmas.” The first Christmas was a new venture for

SM S CLLAASSS CIZES! S IZES! S

God and humankind. Would you like to learn how to start a new venture? Then learn from “The 12 Principles of Christmas” and birth something new in your life. Let’s explore what God did to create a new venture. Principle 1. New ventures are new ventures. Putting a new covering on the old isn’t going to change anything. Likewise, putting Sunday clothes on a fallen Adam or Eve will not change anything. So, God closed the chapter on the old and started fresh. God moved from ritual to relationship. Christmas was a new beginning, and this changed everything. Principle 2. Your new venture needs to start in heaven. Believe me: the best Christmas presents are wrapped in heaven. God is the most incredible resource you can have. God is more concerned about revealing your new God-created venture to you than you are. God doesn’t want

something from you. God wants something for you. Principle 3. God uses inconvenient journeys to get the right people to the right place and time. Just think of Joseph and Mary, the Magi and the shepherds. All went through “journeys of inconvenience of the heaven kind” that was necessary to birth something new. Principle 4. God started small to go big. God began with a baby. Don’t be afraid to start small. Valuable lessons learned in those “small” days get you ready for what God has ready for you. Baby steps turn into adult steps. For the second chapter of Genesis until example, when I was 24 years old, I Christ was born. Do you realize that started a business with two people. Six most sports games are won Monday years later, I had 43 employees. My dis- through Friday in the game-planning covery? As I grew, the company grew. stage? Principle 6. God is aware of good Baby steps turned into adult steps. Principle 5. God planned and pre- timing. Sometimes you can have the pared beforehand for Christmas and the birth of Christ. When? From Schedule a tour! see DELPH Page 23

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DELPH From Page 22

right idea, location or product at the wrong time. So, be careful not to miss your opportunity. But, conversely, don’t let the tyranny of the urgent drive you to the wrong time. Principle 7. God’s message of hope was “good news” in those taxing times. Remember what the angel said? “Don’t be afraid … I bring you good news of great joy.” The birth of Christ is good news, even in today’s depressing world. People were tired of negative, depressing news. Starting something new should be a solution, not a problem. Principle 8. God saw a need and found a solution. God saw that His people in Jesus’ day were like sheep without a shepherd. He saw them diseased, troubled, and devoid of any hope. He gave them higher freedom, freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. He got involved. God became flesh and dwelt among them. He engaged humankind from the position of a participant, not a spectator. He came to save the world, not to condemn the world. Principle 9. If, at first, you don’t succeed, try again. Remember how there was no room in the inn? Joseph and Mary had to adjust, learn to accept changes in plans, and even descend to ascend. Like the Magi, sometimes you follow a star and find a stable. U.S. Army General George S. Patton said, “I don’t measure a man’s success by how high he climbs, but by how high he bounces when he hits bottom.” Principle 10. The customers looking for you will find you. God brings those looking for Christ to Christ. The Magi came from afar with finances.

The shepherds came with wonder. Even angels and stars from heaven came to the opening of God’s new venture. And remember — not everybody will be glad about your new venture. King Herod was furious. Not everyone will be your customer. Principle 11. God taught there was no “us against them.” Everyone could be on God’s team if they wanted to be. Jesus was called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” It didn’t matter if you were a poor shepherd or a wealthy king, a teenage virgin or a carpenter, a barnyard animal or an angel, a man or woman, a prophet, or an everyday person. Everyone was welcome on God’s team. Principle 12. God builds for longterm success and sustainability. Christ built for eternity from the cradle to the cross to the crown. There was no skimping or laziness. God uses people with a heart for heaven and people. That’s why He would like you to be on His team. Wise men still seek Him. So, there’s the story behind the Christmas story about how to start a wonderful new venture. And Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s no coincidence that one of Jesus’ names is Wonderful. Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonpro�it organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy. com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

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José James” • Vance Joy, “Fairytale of New York” • Lyn Lapid, “XMAS 01” • Kiana Ledé, “This Christmas” • Johnny Lee, “Santa Claus is Lookin’ for Love” • G. Love and Special Sauce, “Coming Back Home for Christmas” • The Imaginaries, “Christmas Town” • Monica Martin, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” • Tim McGraw, “Christmas All Over the World”/“It Wasn’t His Child” • Lori McKenna, “Christmas is Right Here”

• Ingrid Michaelson, “Songs for the Season” (Deluxe Edition) • New Found Glory, “December’s Here” • Sara Noelle, “Like Snow (Slowly Falling)” • Palomas, “Missing Mistletoe” • Makenzie Phipps, “Christmas Snow” • Raffi and Lindsay Munroe, “Silver Bells” • Sabaton, “Christmas Truce” • Mary Sarah, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (holiday rendition) • She & Him, “A Very She & Him Christmas’ 10th Anniversary Edition” • Sia, “Every Day is Christmas” (Snowman Deluxe Edition) • Spoon, “Christmas Time (Is Here Again)” for Spotify Singles: Holiday

She & Him released “A Very She & Him Christmas’ 10th Anninversary Edition.” (Submitted photo)

Brett Young & Friends released “Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics.” (Submitted photo)

Edition 2021 • Daniel Tashian, “It’s a Snow Globe World” • Train, “Mittens” • Meghan Trainor, “A Very Trainor Christmas” (Deluxe Edition) • Randy Travis, “An Old Time Christmas” (Deluxe Edition) • Various artists, “Almost Christmas— Christmas Mistletunes” • Various artists, “Bach to Christmas: Hymns and Chorales to Listen and Sing

to,” featuring compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Martin Luther performed by organist Dr. James Smith • Various artists, “Christmas with Motown” • Various artists, “Christmas Rocks” • Wrabel, “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to You” • Ye Banished Privateers, “A Pirate Stole My Christmas” • Brett Young & Friends, “Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics”

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