MUSIC | 23
Thousand Foot Krutch leads pack of Christian artists coming to Valley
New age for East Valley RV resorts
Megaplexes hustle to meet travelers’
Out
BY ROSE HUTCHINSON TRING
SCONTRIBUTOR
itting under a shaded area at Apache Palms RV Park in Tempe, Doug Schnorbus taps away on his laptop, two cellphones lying nearby on the folding table.
Wearing brown shorts, a North Face T-shirt and flip-flops, he’s dressed for the triple-digit weather in Arizona and not as the full-time account executive that he is for a national financial services company.
Schnorbus represents an emerging demographic among America’s RVers, a telecommuter with a full-time job who can set up his office anywhere that has Wi-Fi.
During the past 10 years, change has overtaken the RV industry from all fronts with the age of travelers dropping by several decades and RV owners demanding more amenities because they want to live as well on the road as they do at home.
“The single biggest change in the past decade has been the lowering of the age of a lot of RV’ers,” says David Gorin, owner of David Gorin & Associates, a McLean, Va.-based RV industry consulting firm.
“Ten years ago, they were 55 and up. Now the owners are in their mid-40s and beyond. When you look at the industry as whole, it’s a lot different now.”
Doug Schnorbus discusses life at the Apache Palms RV park in Tempe. “We’ve been here for about six weeks," he said. "We’ve found it very friendly here.”
EAST VALLEY
THE SUNDAY Tribune
The East Valley Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in singlecopy locations throughout the East Valley. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of the Tribune, please visit www.EastValleyTribune.com.
Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282
CONTACT INFORMATION
Main number: 480-898-6500
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ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT
Sales Director: Scott Stowers | 480-898-5624 | scott@timespublications.com
Local Advertising Sales: Ryan Brown | 480-898-6482 | rbrown@evtrib.com James Jones | 480-898-5649 | jjones@evtrib.com
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NEWS DEPARTMENT
Editor in Chief: Roberta J. Peterson | 480-898-5638 | rpeterson@timespublications.com
Executive Editor: Ralph Zubiate | 480-898-6825 | rzubiate@timespublications.com
Managing Editors: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryinak@timespublications.com Lee Shappell | 480-898-5614 | lshappell@timespublications.com
Reporters: Shelley Ridenour | 480-898-6533 | sridenour@evtrib.com
Mike Butler | 480-898-5630 mbutler@timespublications.com Madison Rutherford | 480-898-5629 | mrutherford@timespublications.com
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GetOut Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5612 christina@timespublications.com
Photographers: Will Powers | 480-898-5646 | wpowers@timespublications.com
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Art Director: Erica Odello | 480-898-5616 | erica@timespublications.com
Designers:
Veronica Martinez | 480-898-5601 | vmartinez@timespublications.com
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Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | aaron@azintergratedmedia.com
Pals come together to save shelter dogs with Project PALS
BY CAITY HEMMERLE TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Four women from Tempe have come together to help find homes for dogs in need of love throughout the Valley.
Every week, the Project PAL friends pick one dog to feature on their website and social media in hopes that they can find it a home. Once they have chosen a dog, they make a donation to the dog’s shelter.
Recently, the crew was at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control East Valley shelter in Mesa to help wash and walk dogs.
“We started our project the first week of January 2016,” said Kim Bistany, one of the founders of Project PAL. “We wanted to literally put our money where our mouths were, so we decided to put together an initiative where we focused specifically on one dog per week to sponsor and promote.”
Bistany explained that the four all grew up in Tempe in the same community, noting that, “the four of us were constantly searching ‘adoptable dogs’ online and sending each other links to look at different dogs we had fallen in love with. So, we wanted to come up with a concept that would allow us to share these adoptable dogs and tap into our networks, neighborhoods, and our communities.”
Bistany said that since the shelters house so many dogs, they have to promote multiple dogs per day. So, they thought it would be interesting to take a different, more targeted approach.
“Once the dog is selected, we make a donation to help with costs for that week and we obtain as many photos and information on the dog as we can.
“Then, we create a blog to highlight the dog’s qualities, and we spend the whole week blasting pictures and information on the dog to our social media followers.”
Project PAL’s blog is at projectpalaz.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/projectpalaz.
Project PAL has now featured 29 dogs, and only four are still available for adoption, Bistany said.
“Looking back, we know for sure 14 of those adoptions were directly from our efforts,” she added. “The others we believe were a combination of social media outreach from the shelters themselves, volunteers and other organizations cross-promoting at the same time.”
Bistany added that after a few months, the girls noticed they were cross-promoting some of the same dogs as One Love Pit Bull Foundation.
“We reached out to them to see how we could help support their work since they already have the non-profit status, the structure, and all of the knowledge to really be the ones to make a difference,” she said. “After meeting with them, we decided to team up and now we have created Pup Tees by Project Pal” at shoppuptees.com.
The two teams worked together to launch
this campaign, have all of the costs to purchase and print shirts underwritten by sponsors. All of the money from each Pup Tee purchase goes directly to their foundation to support the shelter dog program.
“We do not accept donations for Project PAL specifically. Since we do the weekly donations personally, we now have a way for our community to support the efforts,” Bistany said. “So many people have already purchased our Pup Tees that we are getting ready to launch our second campaign.”
Bistany said that the members of Project PAL are just four young professionals who have a heart for shelter dogs.
“We are all overwhelmed and so excited that our community has rallied behind our efforts and helped us start off so successfully,” Bistany said. “It has truly been an honor to get to know the different people advocating for the pups.”
(Special to the Tribune)
The driving forces behind Project PAL are sisters Nikki and Nina Maggio (from left), along with Kim Bistany and Tristan Gertsch.
Volunteers Rob Miller and Lynda Wittig play with a dog off the leash in dog a run at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control East Valley shelter in Mesa.
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)
DeMykal Anderson of Phoenix plays with one of the dogs at the shelter in Mesa.
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)
A reluctant dog gets a scrubdown at the Mesa shelter.
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)
RV PARK
Mary L. Schmidt, general manager of Venture Out at Mesa, says Boomers are more “fluid.”
“Boomers open up their unit in the fall, stay a month, then leave and rent the space,” she says. “They come back in April and May and enjoy the quiet and the amenities.”
An important factor is the advent of technology. Gorin says that, because people can work from anywhere via telecommuting, many business owners, in particular, take to the road and simply work from wherever they happen to be.
Many aren’t waiting for the gold watch and retirement before hitting the road, if that lifestyle is appealing to them.
“We all have the same address, and that’s no address,” Gorin says. “People are going mobile all over the country.”
Schmidt agrees that technology is a draw for RV users now.
“If you don’t have a good Wi-Fi system, you’re not in play,” she says. To that end, Venture Out is upgrading its Wi-Fi before residents start rolling in, which she says is usually in September.
“We’re working on a pretty revolutionary WiFi system. I can’t talk too much about it, because I don’t want to give it away,” Schmidt says.
Moving from the empty nest
Schnorbus and his wife, Maleia, found themselves with a rather large empty nest when the youngest of their four children moved out of their 5-bedroom home about four years ago to start college at Northern Arizona University.
The couple first downsized to a condo. But Schnorbus lamented that the demographics at the complex in Scottsdale were skewing younger and younger.
“Not that I didn’t enjoy my 20s, too,” he says, laughing. “But we decided to move to an apartment.” That wasn’t better. So, not long after, they bought their current 25-foot RV home and relocated to Apache Palms.
It was hardly a matter of dropping out.
“We’ve been here for about six weeks. We’ve found it very friendly. And the light rail is right here,” he says, pointing to Apache Boulevard and the train tracks just a short distance away on the other side of the street.
During this transition phase, the couple also bought a condo in North Myrtle Beach, N.C., to serve as their eventual retirement home. At the moment, Schnorbus isn’t planning to retire any time soon. He nods toward his laptop saying he needs to get back to answering emails and making phone calls from his shaded outdoor office.
To keep up with the expectations of their clientele, the East Valley’s RV parks are constantly looking for ways to entice visitors and residents to their properties.
In addition to year-round residents like the Schnorbuses, short term visitors tend to stay at parks such as Apache Palms.
But “seasonal residents,” those who first start showing up in Arizona in about six weeks from now, are more likely to gravitate to the much more amenity-rich RV resorts that blanket Mesa, Apache Junction and beyond.
In addition to the early arrivers in the fall, others continue to arrive and stay throughout the winter – until they swell the population of the East Valley to its annual high in February and March.
More of these visitors are retired. Some call Arizona home but travel a few months in summer to escape the heat. Others still own family homes in northern climes but spend up to half the year in the sunny Arizona RV resorts reuniting with friends they meet back here each year.
And no longer does a shuffleboard court and a hot tub meet the demands of the everchanging and diverse population of RV users that make their homes – however temporarily – in these RV resorts.
“The resorts have upgraded their games considerably in most cases. People are looking
for and demanding that they live comfortably while ‘on the road,’ ” Gorin says.
Beyond comfort, most want a wealth of activity and interaction.
One amenity that residents are looking for is a fitness center.
“Nobody had fitness centers in the ’50s and ’60s. In the ’80s, you had a room with a treadmill,” Schmidt of Venture Out says. “Now, a fitness center is a prerequisite.”
At ViewPoint RV Golf Resort in Mesa, general manager Cheri Dewarrat is fully aware that “Baby Boomer residents want more to do; they want more square footage. They just want more,” she says.
While ViewPoint is an “age-qualified” resort –built around the requirement that one resident much be 55 or older – it also has a growing number of people in their late 40s and early
50s. They include the “under-age” percentage allowed by law in addition to younger spouses.
“It is a balancing act to make sure we meet and exceed all of the expectations of these generations who are new to retirement. Each age group has different needs, and we recognize this,” adds Dewarrat.
The resort is owned by Equity Lifestyle Properties, a Chicago-based real estate investment trust.
During peak winter months, ViewPoint has nearly 5,000 residents, about half Canadian, Dewarrat says. The living spaces range from 350 RV hook-up sites, to older park model homes and three-bedroom Cavco manufactured houses that are ground set. Cavco is a Phoenixbased manufacturer of systems-built homes. Dewarrat’s background is in the hotel and hospitality industry. “Having the hotel background is a plus for managing a large property like ViewPoint,” she says.
Her vision for the property is apparent on a recent tour of the 350-acre village in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. There are small green parks with tables and benches scattered throughout, clever landscaping with pottery and artfully arranged rocks cascading on inclines, an artistic touch added by the property’s Tennis Club. “This was just dirt before,” she offers. In the 2,000-square-foot gym, a wicker basket holds fresh towels for exercisers, one of many small luxury touches that are appreciated by ViewPoint residents. “Just adding small touches around a property goes a long way,” Dewarrat says.
RV park residents drove their golf carts and power chairs to listen to some music.
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Shuffleboard is still a popular pasttime at the ViewPoint Golf and RV Resort in Mesa. During peak winter months, ViewPoint has nearly 5,000 residents.
(Special to the Tribune)
RV PARK
Amenities and clubs
The resort offers both 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses with discounts for residents. There are six spas, three swimming pools, five pickleball courts, 10 tennis courts, a softball field and more than 25,000 square feet of banquet/ activity space.
But, as they say on late-night TV, wait –there’s more: A billiards room; the large library with wall-to-wall shelves full of books, movies, puzzles and games; a computer lab; and spacious laundry facilities, even though many homes have their own laundry rooms.
On the interaction side, more than 150 clubs within the community are open to new participants, including the 450-member tennis group and a dozen softball teams. “The tennis and softball teams play competitively with other resort properties in the area,” Dewarrat explains. Now, during off-season, only about 325 sites are populated at ViewPoint. Dot Boksa is one of the “year-rounds” – but even she isn’t quite sure of her exact tenure.
“It’s been 18, 19 or 20 years,” Boksa says, looking up briefly from a jigsaw puzzle she is working. “My husband and I moved here, and we’ve been together 65 years.”
Boksa says her “street” has four other yearround residents, which is one of the reasons she likes her location.
While Boksa resumes her puzzle, Dewarrat
climbs to the stairs to show off another of ViewPoint’s amenities: a 60,000-gallon pool, with a view that stretches for miles before ending at the dusty red Superstition Mountains, rising gracefully on the horizon.
The neat, straight rows of homes seem to line up for miles. That’s why golf carts are the vehicle of choice among residents, who zip around the grounds to take advantage of the wide range of amenities.
“This place is just fabulous,” says Richard Snyder, a retiree from Simpsonville, S.C., who has been staying here with his wife and their 100-pound golden retriever, Sierra, for “three or four months.”
“We have made some friends here, mostly at the dog park,” he says.
That’s another change Dewarrat initiated.
While the park had been about “20 percent” dog friendly, she says she made the move to a fully canine-welcoming property about eight years ago. Active retirees like to travel with their dogs, and it’s part of the overall interaction among residents.
Snyder sits with an Atlas on his lap at a table in the library. He’s plotting the route north in anticipation of their impending departure. He explains that it has been their first trip “out West,” and adds, “We’re not really quite ready to leave yet.”
The activities and physical amenities aren’t the only attraction at the resort. There’s an activities director in charge of “tailgate” parties.
ViewPoint’s version? Residents circle their golf carts like wagons to chat, drink cocktails and listen to live “Music on the Green.”
The resort also brings a rotation of activities to the site. An itinerant country store offers crafts and goods for sale. There are dances featuring music that was popular in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. There are also periodic dinner shows.
“It is ever-changing,” Dewarrat says. She indicates a building under construction adjacent to some recently planted palms.
“We’re building a new fitness center there.”
When finished, it will include privacy cabanas, a pool and spa, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center and a fire-pit – all surrounded by new decking and landscaping.
“Every summer we upgrade something. We like to have something new waiting for the returning residents,” Dewarrat says.
It’s a formula that is working. The Arizona Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds gave ViewPoint the Mega Park of the Year Award for 2016.
And, back at the much-smaller Apache Palms, owner Barbara Stafford also sets a high bar for the park she has operated for more than 25 years. In April, she received the association’s Small Park of the Year Award. Angie Sherman, office manager at the Palms, says there’s always a mix of different backgrounds and ages in residence. Although summer months are off-peak for visitors – most preferring to leave the Valley of the Sun for
See RV PARK on page 6
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff
ViewPoint has a large library with wall-to-wall shelves full of books, movies, puzzles and games.
Judge to hear case on recreational marijuana
BY HOWARD FISCHER CAPITAL MEDIA SERVICE AND SHELLEY RIDENOUR TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Opponents and proponents of letting Arizona voters decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana get their chances to convince a judge on Friday.
A 3-hour hearing is scheduled before Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jo Lynn Gentry that day.
Backers of the initiative get to respond to charges leveled by foes, who claim that the wording of the measure is flawed and the question can’t be placed on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
Attorney Brett Johnson, who represents challengers, contends the proposal is basically a fraud on voters.
The most visible challengers are Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Other opponents include state Rep. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, and Moses Sanchez, a Tempe Union High School District governing board member.
The push to get the question before voters is led by a group named the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol.
The plaintiffs, who filed the lawsuit, claim that supporters misled people who signed the petitions to get the question on the ballot by saying the measure would regulate marijuana like alcohol.
Before the issue hits the ballot, the required number of qualified signatures must still be verified by the secretary of state. Backers submitted petitions with 258,699 signatures. The required number of signatures to get on the ballot is 150,642.
John Balitis, a partner with the Phoenix law firm Fennemore Craig, is an interested observer in the case. He predicts that no matter how Judge Gentry rules, the case will end up before the Arizona Supreme Court.
Part of the argument to legalize pot usually refers to the ability to collect taxes which can benefit various entities. Proponents also say that legalizing pot means less money going to drug cartels, Balitis said.
“For the proponents, in their view, medical marijuana hasn’t been bad, so they want to advance” its use, Balitis said. “Those arguments have largely been
successful” in other states.
Currently in Arizona, marijuana is legal for people with certain medical conditions who have a doctor’s recommendation and state-issued card. The most recent figures from the Arizona Department of Health Services show 97,938 qualifying patients, with another 853 certified as caregivers who can grow or obtain marijuana for someone else.
There are about 4.8 million Arizonans who could qualify to purchase pot for recreational use if the measure passes.
Johnson, the plaintiffs’ attorney, argues that there are multiple differences between how Arizona law treats people who legally drink alcohol and people who would be able to use marijuana legally.
For example, he pointed to language which says an employer who wants to fire a worker who is impaired by marijuana would have to show a worker was “performing any task while impaired by marijuana or a marijuana product that would constitute negligence or professional malpractice.’’
“That is not like alcohol,’’ Johnson said.
But Kory Langhofer, who represents initiative backers, said there is nothing wrong or fraudulent about selling the initiative to voters as a system of regulation that parallels alcohol regulation. He said
RV
PARK from page 5
cooler climates from June until October–several residents pop into the office to ask questions and enquire after Angie’s health. She suffered a ruptured aorta in April and only recently came back to her job of 12 years.
“That’s not what you’re going to get in the big parks,” she says, referring to the sense of community at Apache Palms. “RVers–well the majority of them–take pride and have a sense of ownership in the places where they stay. They look after each other.”
RV resorts vs. RV parks
Typical of RV Parks
(fees may apply):
• Restrooms
• Shower facilities
• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs/spas
• Power hook-ups
• Cable TV
• Wi-Fi
• Laundry facilities
• Picnic / barbecue areas
the similarities are far greater than any differences.
“It’s legal with licenses and taxes and restrictions on where and when you can sell it, how you use it,’’ he said. That’s far more understandable and informative to voters than simply saying the proposal would legalize the recreational use of marijuana, Langhofer said.
Johnson contends the measure does not pass legal muster because the description put on the initiative petitions, legally limited to 100 words, does not adequately describe what the measure does.
The lawsuit drew an angry reaction from initiative organizers.
“Our opponents have demonstrated that they are willing to do and say just about anything to maintain the failed policy of marijuana prohibition,’’ said campaign chairman J.P. Holyoak in a prepared statement. “This lawsuit is simply a desperate attempt to deprive Arizona voters of the right to vote on this ballot question.’’
– Follow Howard Fischer on Twitter @ azcapmedia.
– Reach Shelley Ridenour at 480-898-6533 or at sridenour@timespublications.com.
– Check us
Typical of RV Resorts:
• Rec rooms (billiards, pingpong, etc.)
• Clubhouse
• Fitness center
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Picnic / barbecue areas
• Shuffleboard
• Craft / sewing room
• Horseshoes
• Educational & fitness classes
• Clubs
• Dog parks
• Driving range
• Putting green
• Golf course
• Baseball / softball fields
• On-site restaurant(s)
• Ballrooms
• Plays, dinner theater, live music
• Observatory / telescopes
• Library
• Fully equipped gyms / fitness centers
• Biking / hiking trails
• Craft classes (silversmithing, stained glass, more traditional options)
J.P. Holyoak, who chairs the effort to legalize recreational use of marijuana, discussed the drive that resulted in petitions with more than 250,000 signatures in June. With him is Kathy Inman of MomForce AZ, which supports the measure.
(Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services)
Early voting begins for Aug. 30 primary election
Early voting has begun throughout Maricopa County.
Ballots have been mailed to those already on the county’s list for early voting for the Aug. 30 primary election. Other registered voters who want an early ballot must contact Maricopa County Elections at 602-506-1511. Voters can also go to the County Recorder’s website at recorder.maricopa.gov/earlyvotingballot/earlyvotingballotrequest.aspx.
Completed ballots can be dropped off at special early voting locations. For hours and sites, go to recorder.maricopa.gov/elections/evlocations.aspx.
Early voting will continue until Aug. 26.
– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Reward offered for information on puppy with chopped ears
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information on an abandoned puppy who had his ears cut.
The pit bull puppy, now named Pistol, was left at a Mesa animal shelter on June 8. It’s believed that somebody tried to crop the 7-week-old puppy’s ears, possibly with scissors. The puppy is receiving veterinary care and is being put up for adoption.
PETA is urging the public to help with any information that may lead to an arrest. Anyone can call the Avondale Police Department’s Animal Control hotline at 623-333-7345.
– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EDITOR
3 East Valley candidates for County Superior Court
Eleven candidates—three from the East Valley—have been recommended to Gov. Doug Ducey for three openings on the Maricopa County Superior Court.
The openings have been created by the retirement of three judges.
The East Valley candidates are:
Michael C. Blair, 45, Republican, of Gilbert, a Partner at Baird, Williams & Greer, LLP.
Michael Mandell, 46, Independent, of Tempe, Commissioner with the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Erin O’Brien Otis, 40, Democrat, of Chandler, Commissioner with the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Gov. Ducey will select the new Superior Court judges. – TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
New park opens at children’s home in Mesa
McCarthy Park was dedicated and opened at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa on July 27.
A splash pad featured at the new park is courtesy of McCarthy Building Companies’ Heart Hats committee and members of McCarthy’s subcontractor community.
The park features traditional playground equipment, swings, a basketball court, a shaded ramada, a running path and exercise area, and a skate park. – JARED MCDONALD, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
100 best trails sought for new statewide listing
The 100 best trails in the state will be designated as part of the new Arizona Premier Trails System, and hikers are invited to nominate their favorite trail.
Trails being considered by the program will need to meet a list of attributes and features to be eligible. The comprehensive list of trails will be unveiled in 2017 and will include trails for hiking, biking, horses, and river and riparian trails.
The group behind the new trail system, Arizona State Committee on Trails, will use public input to encourage land management agencies and trails groups to submit official nominations for supported trails. Individuals, clubs, organizations and communities are invited to nominate their favorite trails for the designation at facebook.com/AZ100BestTrails.
– JARED MCDONALD, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Interactive map will help disabled in Tempe
Tempe has launched an interactive map for disability services called Access Tempe.
The map shows city buildings, transportation, parking, and accessible housing and resources for people with disabilities. More locations will be added to the map later.
The map is online at gis.tempe.gov/ accesstempe and is meant for desktops and laptops. A mobile version is being worked on.
Additional information about Access Tempe can be found at tempe.gov/ADA or by contacting ADA Compliance Specialist Michele Stokes at Michele_Stokes@Tempe.gov or at 480-350-2704.
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS & PLANNING FOR LONG-TERM CARE
optimize your social security income!
Representatives from a local non-profit will present a free educational workshop covering one of the most relevant and challenging financial topics Americans face today.
Social Security Benefits
• Maximize the amount you are eligible for
• How to claim a spouses benefit even if you are divorced
• Optimize your assets to minimize or avoid paying taxes on your Social Security benefits
Planning for Long-Term Care
• Facts you should know before purchasing long term care insurance
• How much does long term care cost?
• What is the likelihood that you will need long-term care in your lifetime?
And many other topics associated with Social Security and Long-Term Care CLASSES START SOON! REGISTER TODAY!
Community Room/Center
1206 E. Warner Road • Gilbert, AZ 85296
Social Security Benefits
Tuesday, August 9th Thursday, August 11th 6:00 pm 6:00 pm Saturday, August 13th 10:30 am OR OR
Tuesday, August 16th 6:00 pm Thursday, August 18th 6:00 pm OR
Planning for Long-Term Care
Saturday, August 20th 10:30 am
THE WEEK AHEAD
Marijuana dispensary hosts information seminar
Harvest of Tempe will conduct an information session and seminar for users of medical marijuana and anyone wanting to learn about the drug.
The seminar will be at Harvest of Tempe, at 710 W. Elliot Road, Suite 102, at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The seminar will address conditions that are approved for medical marijuana, including pain management, epilepsy, cancer and glaucoma.
The session will be led by Dr. William Trout, Harvest’s medical director.
For more information, go to harvestoftempe.com/calendar.
Tempe joins campaign to warn about drowning
Tempe has joined the push for awareness of drowning prevention.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital is conducting a “purple ribbon” campaign to highlight drowning as a top cause of injury and death of Arizona children and teens.
Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell has proclaimed August as Drowning Impact Awareness Month.
Throughout the month, Tempe Fire Medical Rescue will hand out purple ribbons as a reminder of water safety. Citizens can get a ribbon at a Tempe fire station or the Kiwanis Wave Pool.
– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EDITOR
Special effects workshop for kids at i.d.e.a. Museum
The i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa is holding a special effects workshop for kids ages 4 to 8 on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children will explore sound effects, kaleidoscopes and holograms. Smartphones are required. Registration costs $5 for i.d.e.a. Membership holders and $13 for non-members. That cost includes all-day museum admission for both parent and child.
TRIBUNE REPORT
Tempe offers classes, activities for fall
Tempe is offering activities and classes for the Community Services Department’s Fall 2016 programming session.
Courses are available for various ages, abilities, times, budgets and interests.
Topics include sports, arts and crafts, reading, dance, business and computers.
The course brochure, complete with descriptions and schedules, can be picked up at city facilities or viewed online at tempe.gov/brochure.
Tempe residents may begin registering for courses Monday, and non-residents may begin on Aug. 15. Registration can be completed in-person at a Tempe recreation facility, via mail, fax or online. Most classes begin the week of August 29.
– JARED MCDONALD, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Google to put self-driving car on display in Chandler
Google is hosting an open house Saturday, and the company’s selfdriving car is the centerpiece.
The public can see the Google car, learn more about the project and meet the team behind it. The company will conduct information sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Soho63, 63 E. Boston St. For more information, go to google.com/selfdrivingcar/chandler.
Astronomy Club will watch the skies in Gilbert
The Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch continues its Skywatch tradition Friday.
The East Valley Astronomy Club will have a presentation of current astronomical events and the Star Party.
The Sky Watch begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Star Party begins at dusk. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The preserve is at 2757 E. Guadalupe Road. For information, call 480-503-6200.
– JARED MCDONALD, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
– JARED MCDONALD, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Public safety, finances big issues in Mesa’s 3 council primaries
BY PAUL MARYNIAK TRIBUNE MANAGING EDITOR
Mesa voters in the Aug. 30 primary election have choices in all three districts where council seats are up for grabs. In each race, the city’s long-term debt appears to be a big concern for most candidates.
The incumbents in Districts 1, 2 and 3 are termed out, creating the certainty that the City Council next January will take on a radically different look from the last eight years.
It is too late to register to vote in the city’s nonpartisan council elections, although registered voters have until Aug. 19 to sign up for a mail-in ballot.
Here’s a district-by-district look at the candidates, based on their responses to the Tribune’s questionnaire.:
District 1
This northwest Mesa council district offers a race among attorney and former councilman Pat Gilbert, retired city fireman Mark Freeman and Courtney Guinn, 35, a Walgreens program manager.
Gilbert, 65, and Freeman, 61, have lived in Mesa virtually their entire lives and are both Arizona natives.
They also both have a long history in community and local government involvement.
Freeman cites “31 years in public safety in problem solving and customer service.” He also has been a member of the city Board of Adjustment, the Arizona Farm Bureau board, the Lehi Community Improvement Association, SRP District 9, and the West Mesa Steering Committee. He has retired from the Fire Department and is now a farmer.
Gilbert has served on the boards of about 30 nonprofit organizations and was a Mesa City Council member from 1990-98, the last two years of which he was vice mayor.
A longtime coach for Mesa Youth Sports and a Scout leader, Guinn is proud that he has no government experience, stating, “we have enough career politicians.”
When asked for his most compelling qualifications for office, Gilbert replied, “I am a good-listening, problem-solving collaborator.”
Freeman said his experience in public safety will help him “continue
making Mesa one of the safest cities” and “also work with neighborhood groups and revitalizes areas in District 1.”
And Guinn said his business experience negotiating million-dollar deals as well as his concern for Mesa make him a good choice for City Council.
Although Freeman and Gilbert consider Mesa’s finances stable, Guinn said, “The city has too much debt.”
Freeman said he would like to “maximize the return on the enterprise systems to help pay down debt.”
Gilbert stated, “We have solid bond ratings and rational rainy day funding coverage. It’s good.”
Guinn said, “Through past bonds and deals made, the city has grown our debt to over $600 million. We cannot continue to spend money we do not have and waste money paying on the interest of money borrowed in the past.”
Gilbert and Freeman identified public safety as one of the two biggest issues facing Mesa.
“Public safety growth has not kept up with city needs,” Freeman said. “We need to budget appropriately to ensure Police and Fire can meet expectations of our neighborhoods and community goals.”
District 2
This race is the only one of the three in Mesa with female candidates.
Kathleen Winn, a 57-year-old real estate entrepreneur and mother of seven, and Shelly Allen, a 54-year-old retired Mesa employee who worked in numerous departments during her
out of the way of small business, and vocational training programs to boost our economy.”
District 3
The council race pits 37-year-old management consultant Ryan D. Winkle against Jerry Lewis, 59, a former state senator who is principal of a Sequoia charter high school for Edkey, Inc.
Both men say their extensive involvement in nonprofit and community organizations help make them qualified to sit on City Council.
career, are joined on the ballot by 33-year-old small businessman Jeremy R. Whittaker.
Whittaker is president of Velocity Technologies, a computer consulting firm he founded right out of high school. Allen, whose lineage dates to Mesa’s original settlers, holds a master’s degree in public administration and has served on the city Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning Committee since her retirement.
Winn has been involved in 16 nonprofit organizations and has worked with a half-dozen agencies and groups that help crime victims. She also touts her experience in public safety and private business as her two strongest qualifications for office.
Allen says that her career with the city has given her an understanding and knowledge of the city’s operations and structure and that she also has practical experience in redevelopment and economic development.
Whittaker touts his background in a business he says has generated over $2 million in revenue. He says the fact that he is “not a life-long government bureaucrat” is one of his most compelling qualifications for office.
He also is one of the more vocal council candidates on the issue of the city’s $1.6-billion debt. He is against a November ballot proposition that he claims will raise business taxes by 23 percent.
“We have to start focusing on entrepreneurship, getting government
Asked to name the two most important issues facing the city, Winkle cited five. But he added, “First and foremost I think that transparency and cronyism must be addressed immediately.” He also listed eliminating government red tape for small-business owners, public safety, making city hall staff available on a regular basis and designating older neighborhoods renewal zones.
Lewis cited “redevelopment and improvement of blighted areas in West Mesa, especially Southern (Avenue) and Alma School (Road).” He called for “an educated workforce to match the demand for 21st century hiring needs.”
In assessing the state of Mesa’s finances, Winkle expressed concern about the city’s debt load and said, “Mesa will have to find sensible and creative ways of generating more income, developing a ways-and-means plan to ensure financial security in the future.”
Lewis said, “The ability to balance and manage all of our revenue sources will continue to be of utmost importance.”
Both Lewis and Winkle see a need for the city to be more responsive and proactive in maintaining and expanding Mesa’s small-business community.
To our readers
This is the first of three reports on East Valley municipal primary elections. The Gilbert and Chandler elections will be covered next Sunday and Aug. 21. The stories are based on the candidates’ responses to a questionnaire prepared by the East Valley Tribune. To see all the questionnaires from all the races, go to tiny.cc/evtribquestionnaires
Campaign signs at a Mesa intersection say it’s election season again.
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Arizona schools ranked fourth worst, but findings are disputed
BY HOWARD FISCHER CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
The way WalletHub sees things, Arizona has the fourth-worst school system in the entire country.
An analysis of various factors by the financial advice web site puts only Louisiana, New Mexico and Alaska further down on the list. And only Utah and California had a higher ratio of pupils to teachers.
A spokesman for state schools chief Diane Douglas said the rankings, released Monday, “remind us of the needs facing our school system.”
But Daniel Scarpinato, press aide to Gov. Doug Ducey, was dismissive of the rankings.
“The study is baloney,’’ he told Capitol Media Services.
Scarpinato did not dispute the numbers WalletHub found for the various factors it studied.
Aside from being 49th in pupil-teacher ratio, Arizona was near the bottom in the average ACT score by its students. It also was below average for the high school graduate rate for low-income students and
far below average for the dropout rate. But Scarpinato said none of that really matters. His reason: school choice.
“In Arizona, we have open enrollment,’’ Scarpinato said, which means a student can attend any public school in the state. There also are various options, including charters which are part of the public system.
What that means, he said, is any Arizona child can access whatever school his or her parents believe is best. There are caveats though: A school not in the student’s district must have space available. And the parent needs to get the child to that school every day.
But school choice also involves the state providing dollar-fordollar income tax credits to help students attend private and parochial schools. And these are students who are no longer part of the public school system that WalletHub finds wanting.
measured in their response to Wallet Hub’s findings.
“We cringe at reports that paint with a broad brush, knowing full well the quality of instruction and high achievement of our staff and students in Chandler Unified School District,” said Terry Locke, director of community relations for the district.
Jill Hanks, Tempe Union High School District communication director, said, “Without knowing the deep details of the study and its validity, Dr. Baca (Superintendent Kenneth Baca) would not feel comfortable commenting on it.”
“ We have some challenges that some other states don’t,” he said. ”
Daniel Scarpinato press aide to Gove. Doug Ducey
East Valley school districts were
The new study follows repeated reports that Arizona is close to the bottom in perstudent funding.
Even with the additional dollars that will flow to schools with passage of Proposition 123—about $300 per student—the state will still rank in the bottom 20 percent.
WalletHub says it found there was not always a correlation between public
funding and quality schools. “That isn’t to say that money doesn’t help,’’ the report says.
It cites a study by the Economic Policy Institute that says income is higher in states where the workforce is sell educated and thus more productive. In turn, workers with better earnings contribute greater taxes to boost state budgets over the long run.
While Scarpinato cites the success stories of some schools and open enrollment, the fact remains that Arizona has 22.8 students for every teacher. And that’s a statewide average, including good and bad schools.
“We have some challenges that some other states don’t,’’ he said.
For example, Scarpinato said, Arizona is growing more rapidly than other states. And some states back East are actually losing population.
“If you have a decreasing population, guess what?’’ he said. “You’re going to see an increase in per pupil amounts.’’
– Tribune staff contributed to this article.
Mesa man dies in plane crash near Flagstaff
A Mesa man transporting donated blood died in a plane crash in northern Arizona.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office says Homer “Mac” McClure, 76, a volunteer pilot, crashed near Kachina Village after he picked up blood from United Blood Services in Flagstaff.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, AZ DPS, Flagstaff Police, Highlands Fire, and AZ DOT all responded to a report of a crashed plane a few miles southwest of the Pulliam Airport and approximately 50 yards east of Highway 89A.
Cyberattackers hit Banner Health records
Banner Health was hit in a cyberattack that compromised the records of as many as 3.7 million people.
The breach began June 17 and involved patients, health insurance plan members and restaurant customers.
In the East Valley, these locations were breached:
• Banner Baywood Medical Center Cafeteria, Mesa.
• Banner Corporate Center-Mesa Bistro, Mesa.
• Banner Corporate Center-Mesa Espresso, Mesa.
• Banner Desert Medical Center Bistro, Mesa.
• Banner Gateway Medical Center –Canyon Cafe, Gilbert.
• Banner Heart Hospital Deli, Mesa.
• Banner Ironwood Medical Center Cafe, Queen Creek.
• Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
– Salt River Bistro, Gilbert.
• For more information about the cyberattack, call 1-855-223-4412.
$13 mil Head Start grant will aid East Valley cities
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has received a five-year, $13 million federal Head Start grant.
The funding allows the county’s Human Services Department to continue Head Start in the East Valley communities of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe, while increasing the amount of education time and length of the school year for many of the preschool children.
Make Extra Cash
Development to add hotel, offices to 62 acres in Chandler
BY MIKE BUTLER TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Developer Douglas Allred said he can’t wait to get started on Park Place II, a massive expansion of Park Place I that will bring 928,000 square feet of new office space and a hotel/conference center to a 62-acre campus near Price and Willis roads in Chandler.
“We are ecstatic to get started on Park Place II,” he said. “Over the last several years, Price Road has transformed into one of the most vibrant business corridors in the entire Valley. Park Place II will help ensure the area’s success for years to come.”
The Chandler City Council greenlighted Allred’s rezoning request July 28. The property had been zoned for agriculture.
A proposed hotel/conference center and a pair of mid-rise office buildings anchor the portion of the campus on the west side of Price Road. An additional four office buildings and a parking structure are planned on the east side of Price road.
Allred’s Park Place I, southeast of the San Tan Freeway and Price Road,
has six fully leased office buildings with 2,400 employees and hosts such notable companies as Infusionsoft and Healthways.
Once completed, Park Place II’s total annual economic impact is estimated at $1.4 billion, according to a report from Scottsdale-based Elliott D. Pollack & Company. The City of Chandler will derive most of the benefit, but the East Valley as a whole will also share in the increased economic activity.
The study said Park Place II will generate $19.4 million in annual tax revenue for the state, $6.4 million for Maricopa County and $2.5 million for Chandler. The Chandler Unified School District stands to gain $1.5 million in annual tax revenue from Park Place II.
The new project will create more than 2,000 construction jobs and employ an estimated 9,691 when built.
– Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6581 or at mbutler@timespublications.com.
– Check us out and like the East Valley
This schematic of the proposed Park Place II development shows a bending Price Road splitting several buildings between Willis Road and Armstrong Place.
(Special to the Tribune)
Community
New Chandler PD spokesman loves communicating with public
BY SRIANTHI PERERA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
The Chandler Police Department’s new public information officer is no stranger to residents or even to the region’s media outlets.
Sgt. Daniel Mejia moved to Chandler Police Department in 2001 from a law enforcement career that began in Nogales in 1995. The fluent Spanish speaker has worked in many aspects of the department’s operations.
He has been a Spanish translator, liaison with the Mexican Consulate, school resource officer, investigator and crisis negotiator.
In Nogales, Mejia was a deputy sheriff and worked as a SWAT team member, a field training officer and handled DUI enforcement.
“One of the essential things of being an effective PIO is having the knowledge and the experience to talk about all facets of police work,”
Detective Seth Tyler said. “It brings a lot. Whether we’re investigating a burglary, a fatal crash, homicide or a drug operation, it’s really important to be able to have a comfort level to be able to talk about stuff like that.”
Mejia, who has received training in public relations, will work alongside Tyler to answer media requests,
organize and participate in outreach events, and pave the way for better communication. It’s a 24 hour, seven days a week position that the two will share.
“I think I’m most proud about all the community outreach that we do,” said Mejia, who has volunteered for the Chandler’s Boys & Girls Clubs for 10 years and is a board member. “I like the interaction because you get to meet a lot of people in the community.”
Mejia said that the fulltime role of a public information officer is “a lot
Project designed to boost youth literacy
BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
An effort to develop critical literacy among local students is the goal of a new program at the Mesa Arts Center.
Project Lit will use creative art tools such as storytelling, humor, improvisation, visual arts, hip-hop and spoken word, according to arts center spokeswoman Casey Blake. The goal is to help students develop traditional literacies, such as reading comprehension, writing and speaking.
alone.
“Coffee With A Cop” enables the public to meet police officers in a cafe to discuss topics of interest and learn more about each other. “Pizza With A Cop” is focused on the autism and Down syndrome community and enables individuals to meet them in a casual setting.
“Most of the public, the one-onone that they have with an officer is usually a traffic stop, or unfortunately, they are a victim; so this kind of gets down to that human level just to give the people the opportunity really just to intermingle with the officers in uniform,” Tyler said.
of responsibility.” So far, he said, “it’s been a good partnership.”
“When you work with media outlets, there’s a mutual trust and respect there where there’s a flow of information on both ways,” he said. “I see the value in the partnership with the media in terms of getting our information out to, with the assistance of media.”
Similar to police departments around the country, Chandler’s has established several programs that show its human side.
The Senior Lockbox Program lets emergency personnel gain access to the home of a senior, allowing them to check on the welfare of people who live
The officers also work closely with the Chandler, Mesa and Kyrene school districts to teach students about the dangers of underage drinking, drug prevention, gangs and other social issues. Each summer, Mejia teaches four, one-week academies to familiarize youths 12 to 17 with the work of the police department. He also conducts a hiking trip for middle schoolers in the cooler climes of Northern Arizona.
“It’s very important for us to work closely with everybody in our community,” Mejia said. “It’s a great position to be in.”
– Contact Srianthi Perera at 480-898-5613 or srianthi@timespublications.com.
– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.
– Contact Shelley Ridenour at 480-898-6533 or sridenour@evtrib.com.
Educators can learn about the new project at the Aug. 18 preview night, set from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Arts Center. People should register in advance for the free event by emailing engagement@mesaartscenter.com. Programs planned for the upcoming school year through Project Lit include improv for students in grades 4 through 8 and spoken word for middle and high school students. Other programs are drama for kindergarten through thirdgraders, performance for all ages and hip-hop for all ages.
– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.
Announce the a iliation of Carrie Cashman, MD, FACS and Laura Champagne, MD, FACS
Now scheduling appointments at our Chandler, Gilbert & Mesa Locations
We are pleased to announce the opening of the Ironwood Breast Centers, delivering comprehensive care of malignant and benign diseases of the breast. Dr. Cashman and Dr. Champagne have extensive experience in breast surgical oncology and treatment of malignant and benign diseases of the breast. Our multidisciplinary team approach includes surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, social service support, nutritionist, integrative services, and genetic counseling.
To schedule an appointment please call 480-792-6006. www.ironwoodcrc.com
CARRIE CASHMAN MD, FACS Breast Surgeon LAURA CHAMPAGNE MD, FACS Breast Surgeon
Sergeant Daniel Mejia has worked with the local media in Chandler. “It’s been a good partnership,” he said.
(Special to the Tribune)
Crossing guards get schooled as they prepare for year
BY MIKE BUTLER TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
More than 100 volunteer school crossing guards in the East Valley gathered in Mesa last week to brush up on their safety skills. The workshop at the convention center also provided an opportunity for guards to swap stories about past run-ins with distracted parents and other drivers.
“I almost got hit a couple of times,” Grace Cole said during a break. Last year was her first as a crossing guard at Eisenhower Elementary in Mesa
She recalled a day when another driver braked a little too late approaching an empty crosswalk and mowed down a “Stop When Children In Crosswalk” sign.
Cole said the woman got out of her car and yelled, “‘What is that sign doing in the middle of the road?’”
No wonder that crossing guards emphasize being highly observant, especially now that East Valley drivers are encountering many 15 mph school zones again after a long layoff.
A key part of being alert, veteran guards and traffic cops told workshop participants, is to make eye contact with drivers. A harried mom or a distracted dad who’s on the phone or keeps glancing toward the back seat is potential trouble. Drivers who make eye contact with the guard are engaged and act more predictably.
Organized by the city of Mesa Transportation Department and the Maricopa Association of Governments, the workshop presented a series of videos
GILBERT
Gilbert insurance agency given community service award
The McAlister-Gray Agency in Gilbert has earned a 2016 Safeco Insurance Make More Happen Award for its community work with Save the Family Foundation of Arizona.
McAlister-Gray conducts clothing drives and provides financial support to volunteers on Save the Family’s Service Saturdays. Save the Family is a nonprofit organization focused on assisting local homeless families.
The Make More Happen Award includes a $4,000 donation to Save the
outlining the differences between yellow (15 mph) school crosswalks and regular white crosswalks. Guards were told where and when to place portable signs and when to remove them.
After being shown various ways to handle two-way stops, four-way stops and signaled intersections, participants progressed to live scenarios, with some posing as school kids and the guards careful to don their mandatory fluorescent green safety vests, hats and hand-held red stop paddles.
Jean DeStories of Mesa Fire & Medical kicked off the workshop with important reminders for guards to keep hydrated and recognize the symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The workshop concluded with a review by police officers from Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler of traffic laws regarding crosswalks.
Officers cautioned crossing guards that their primary focus is to keep kids safe. Guards are not there to enforce the law or direct traffic, such as waving cars through or stopping vehicles to let other cars make turns.
“It was very informative,” said Sami Armendariz, who is starting his second year of guard duty at Eisenhower Elementary. “It’s a huge responsibility.”
Grace Cole agreed, then added: “The kids are so much fun. They really are.”
With East Valley schools back in session, drivers need to slow down and be alert at crosswalks to avoid potential harm to kids and crossing guards. Fines will also harm your budget; they range from $125
to $500 in East Valley cities.
Motorists must stop for all pedestrians (not just children) in any part of the yellow crosswalk. The 15 mph zone begins at the first sign and ends once the vehicle has cleared the crosswalk. Passing is forbidden, even if you’re traveling at the speed limit. Fines can be doubled for violations in a yellow school crossing.
At unmarked and marked white crosswalks, pedestrians must yield to vehicles before entering the roadway. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk only if they are in their half of the roadway. Motorists may not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
Although it’s not a good idea to jaywalk, it’s not illegal as long as the pedestrian has yielded the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road. You can be ticketed if you jaywalk a street that has no side streets between traffic signals, which often occurs in downtown districts.
– Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6581 or at mbutler@timespublications.com.
– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.
Family from Safeco Insurance. Christine and David Gray also had a story featured on www.safeco.com, which was awarded an additional $1,000.
Safeco’s Make More Happen Award recognizes independent insurance agents who demonstrate volunteerism for a nonprofit organization.
MESA
Mesa Royale residents
still may be booted
With the Mesa Royale mobile home park again on the block, residents may be forced to move.
Last year, city officials inspected the downtown Mesa property and found about 100 health and safety code violations. The inspection was spurred by a 2013 complaint filed by a neighbor.
Repair estimates were high and the owner decided to not fix the problems. That could have meant the residents would have been forced to move out.
But last September, the California owner of other mobile home parks bought Mesa Royale, announcing that repairs would be made. Many were. However, in recent weeks, the property has been listed for sale.
Many park residents say they can’t afford to move. They say efforts to revitalize downtown Mesa are the real
reason their park is under fire. The park is privately owned and is not within the Mesa city limits.
Tech and career students win at national competition
Career and technical students from Mesa won awards at the 2016 SkillsUSA Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, last month.
Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 100 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions.
Virginia Blubaum (center) carefully watches crossing guard trainees Patricia Avena and Amy Stickel in a demonstration of crossing guard techniques at the Mesa Convention Center.
(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)
BRIEFS
Championship medals and Skill Point Certificates were awarded to students.
Travis Stakebake and Trevor Sellers from the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) were awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Audio-Radio Production. Rachelle Jones, from Mesa and a student at EVIT, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Cosmetology.
Alex Merrill of Mesa, a student at Northland Pioneer College in Holbrook, was awarded the college silver medal in Job Skill Demonstration Open.
Gateway airport sets passenger record
A record number of passengers flew in and out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in May, according to Brian Sexton, airport spokesman.
Passenger numbers increased by 8 percent, compared to May 2015. A total of 107,621 passengers flew on Allegiant flights, up from 99,683 passengers the same month a year ago, Sexton said.
Allegiant flies nonstop to 38 cities from Mesa, having added four new cities earlier this year.
Kyrene District has job openings, not enough applicants
TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Classes may be full now that the new school year has begun, but scores of Kyrene School District jobs are still waiting to be filled.
Exactly how many is hard to tell because this is the busiest time of the year for the three or four human resources people charged with filling those vacancies; they don’t have time to update the page on the district’s website that lists job openings, district spokeswoman Nancy Dudenhoefer said.
And because the hiring process is so long and complicated by various state requirements, human resources often post jobs that people are planning to leave but haven’t left yet.
“Over the course of this past summer, our Human Resources Department has processed thousands of applications for a variety of openings,” Dudenhoefer said.
Just in the last few months, 170 new certified teaching positions were filled. Currently, the website shows 174 jobs available, ranging from crossing
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guard and bus driver to secretaries and school club leaders to a “director of school effectiveness.” But of that total, 40 are listed as teaching positions.
When the new school year began last Monday, “there was a teacher in every classroom,” Dudenhoefer said.
Nevertheless, the district is trying to fill a number of positions that ensure schools run smoothly throughout the year. In all, the district employs more than 2,400 people.
Of 17 job categories showing vacancies on the website, nearly half involve so-called “school-based” positions, such as crossing guard, classroom and health assistants, and children’s aides who supervise lunch and playground times. Bus drivers also are in great demand—not just in Kyrene but throughout most of the Valley’s public school districts.
Part of the problem in filling those jobs involves the calendar.
“It is difficult to find applicants at this time of year because all districts are hiring,” said Dudenhoefer.
Many jobs require specific qualifications: Bus drivers must pass
drug screen tests; secretaries must be able to type a certain number of words per minute; and, of course, many require specific academic backgrounds.
Still, for someone looking for a job, even part-time, Kyrene schools may have the right kind of position.
There are numerous openings for part-time club leaders and club leaders in training, part-time program specialists and full-time club leaders.
Pay ranges in those jobs depend on experience and can go up to $11.50 an hour for club leader and start at $13.12 an hour for program specialist.
Dudenhoefer said the best advice for anyone looking to get hired at the district is to apply at kyrene.org/ employment.
“As an organization we are way past thinking in a ‘school-year’ mentality,” Dudenhoefer said. “The public may still think like that but, we are a 12-month operation with 25 locations. That’s a big undertaking.”
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COMMENTARY
Trump is too loud and too harsh, but that alone doesn’t mean he’s wrong
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ TRIBUNE COLUMNIST
As a husband who frequently displays an uncanny talent for saying things exactly the wrong way, thus losing most arguments before they start, there’s a part of me—about the size of my gall bladder, metaphorically speaking— that sympathizes with Donald Trump. The guy is a hard R-rated cartoon character living in Disneyfied, politically correct times.
Trump simply doesn’t appear to give a damn about the rules of engagement for public conversation in the early 21st century. He snarls, sneers, calls spades worse than spades. He spews 3 a.m. tweets dripping with disdain. It’s morbidly fascinating to watch, because at the epicenter of this hurricane resides a few fascinating questions.
Like: How much political incorrectness will America embrace in 2016? And: Will
Trump’s tone and word choice cost him this election? Or: Do the rhetorical habits which make The Donald repulsive to so many win him the votes of just enough to carry the day come November?
That all remains to be seen. But here’s a thought for a fine summer Sunday: What if Trump’s campaign says more about the rest of us than it does about the candidate?
Let me explain.
Like I said at the start, I have some sympathy for this blowhard, despite loathing so much about the man. Because Trump does have some valid points at the core of his vitriol, but we’re so busy hating his chatter and his haphazard choice of targets (a Gold Star father? A federal judge?) we can’t be bothered to grasp and debate the underlying issues.
For example—and to be PC, I must apologize for even writing this sentence— perhaps we as a nation do need to have a conversation about the wisdom of our policies regarding immigrants who hail from predominantly Muslim countries?
Perhaps Trump is right? Perhaps a “timeout” for such immigration makes sense? Not because, as Trump seemed to slur, all or even many Muslims are suspect, but because the vetting process we use to admit 100,000 such immigrants annually appears in need of drastic overhaul.
That’s a necessary, legitimate conversation. And one America appears incapable of having, because even to raise the point is to risk being branded the worst kind of racist.
The same risk occurs for anyone who looks at the Black Lives Matter movement and points out the alarming frequency with which young black men turn a gun on white cops. That’s a valuable conversation about race and parenting, education and policing this country badly needs to have, one we should conduct with a balance of civility and brutal honesty. Don’t hold your breath, though.
In 2016 America, there is virtually no correct way to suggest such a thing; no language nuanced enough, no tone
respectful enough, no body language compassionate enough. To flout the sentiment of the politically correct on race is to invite the same public shaming that the PC crowd despises when it’s directed at, say, Hillary Clinton, or the gay community, or transgender restroom users.
Trump says indelicately what many Americans would prefer not be said at all. He screams what otherwise would be said in secret. To me, the shame isn’t only that the candidate says so much, so often, so poorly. There’s also something sad about a nation predicated on freedom where to even speak a controversial thought, albeit loudly and poorly, is to rain down the wrath of an even louder many.
The First Amendment says Congress shall make no law “abridging the freedom of speech.” Thank goodness. Because we, the people, appear to be abridging that freedom just fine on our own.
Will Trump’s negative message motivate millennials to do something better?
BY ANDREW SHERWOOD TRIBUNE GUEST WRITER
The original “Wolf of Wall Street” was Jordan Belfort. He was a liar and a crook who could convince people to trust him. He spoke with authority and a sense of urgency. Remind you of anybody? For as long as media has existed, consumers have been ingesting the lifestyles of these glamorous predators. Growing up in the 1980s, I remember seeing many examples of American greatness firsthand: the Space Shuttle was the technological envy of the world, “Thriller” dominated the music charts, and for the first time in decades, the world was at peace. People and politicians were optimistic and weren’t afraid to say so. It was a good time until our motives changed. Movies and televisions worked hard to teach kids that becoming rich meant getting to cut in line anywhere, anytime. The desire for greatness was
replaced with the desire for being rich and famous.
No generation heard that call to glamour better than mine. My generation has been taught that you don’t get what you deserve; you get what you can negotiate. We learned that moderation is never as profitable as extremism.
“
These two sentiments eroded the sustainable and respectable society. The knowledge of teachers was replaced with opinions of pundits. We became comfortable with fact-free representations. Two plus two was a matter of opinion. Rumors were better than reason. What you are is what you pretend. Don’t answer; deflect. Winning is the only thing.
to make things right. Millennials need to make the change. Millennials need to get elected.
The next election cycle will see the most diverse class of millennial candidacies ever because people won’t worry about skeletons in their closets. Millennials were the first generation shackled with
As the only generation with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, it is our duty to make things right.”
the scarlet letters of their misdeeds getting digitized and Donald Trump’s misconduct, now wearing a presidential nominee’s costume, is influencing that discussion.
distortion of history, we can expect a whole new wave of candidates with similar baggage who plan to check in to an industry that previously told them there was no vacancy. Society forgives a certain amount of bad behavior and honest mistakes, but what about the deliberate trespass? My answer is “it depends.” How much harm was done? Did they repeat the offense? Did they offer amends or wait until they were caught? Thanks to Republicans’ necessity to back their nominee, conservative leaders are now doing logical gymnastics to defend their nominee and omit the overt indecencies from Donald Trump’s past and present.
This impulsive, self-centered, and immoral monster must be tamed. As the only generation with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, it is our duty
Trump hopes that the coming attack ads won’t stick. If he is successful in deflecting the rhetoric regarding his awful character, ignorance of facts and
Ironically, Donald Trump is the man who shaped my generation for the worse but may unintentionally help millennials get a second chance. 2016 presidential race aside, is there some sliver of a silver lining?
– Andrew Sherwood is a state senator from Tempe.
– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Reach him at david@leibowitzsolo.com.
Back to school: Homeless children face unique struggles
BY MICHAEL T. HUGHES TRIBUNE GUEST WRITER
Returning to school is an exhilarating time for children, but for the 29,537 homeless students in Arizona, this time of year can be a daunting experience.
A New Leaf has been helping vulnerable children for 45 years, and A New Leaf’s work with homeless students in the East Valley has given us insight into their unique challenges and ways to improve their lives. For children living in emergency shelter, temporary housing, or on the streets, the uncertainty of living arrangements can elicit deep anxiety. Worries about hunger, clothing and shame dominate the lives of young children and youth whose families are in transition. Frequent isolation leads to severe emotional and behavioral issues—obstacles that would be crushing for adults. Yet our state’s homeless students are expected to function in school alongside their peers.
Nationwide, the country is facing a crisis. The number of homeless children
Who is in charge here?
I am shocked at Mr. George Johnson’s letter titled “Are You Complicit in Crime?” (July 31). I was completely unaware that God died and left Mr. Johnson in charge.
– Roger Herd – Mesa
Against Mundell for Corp. Commission
William “Bill” Mundell failed as career Arizona politician. Since 1980, he has been a judge, a lawmaker and a member of two state agencies. He was fired in February 2015 from his last job as the head of the Registrar of Contractors (ROC). During his first month in charge, Gov. Ducey fired Mundell for incompetencebased homeowner complaints and a state audit of the ROC. The Arizona auditor, Debbie Davenport, reported in 2013 that the ROC record-keeping was a mess, with 20 percent of its records missing or duplicated plus 40,000 ROC records with inaccurate information. The damning state audit reported that he failed to provide the protection for homeowners from bad contractors that they were entitled by the law. Specifically, the auditor stated that the ROC failed to properly investigate homeowner complaints and that many were wrongly closed. The state audit reported that the ROC failed to conduct timely investigations of homeowner complaints, which delayed state contractor recovery trust reimbursements and caused more undue homeowner financial hardships. Lastly, the state audit reported that the ROC failed to keep in communication with the homeowners, which resulted in bad contractors never resolving their construction problems or failing to pay the required homeowner reimbursements. This can be verified by the state report posted online at azauditor. gov/sites/default/files/03-04Report_0.pdf
Sadly, many bad contractors were allowed to stay in business and hurt more Arizona homeowners with bad home repair work because the ROC did nothing to stop their criminal activities.
in public schools has doubled since before the recession, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Many families continue to struggle financially even as the economy recovers from the housing collapse of 2008-2009. And school costs continue to rise: The cost of sending a child back to school is up to $673 for the average family, says the National Retail Federation, an increase of 54.8 percent over the last 10 years.
“ Helping a young person in need today is an investment for our future—and the right investment for Arizona.”
For educators, the impact is felt across the system as public schools work to address the financial and emotional needs of homeless children. Teachers find themselves striving not only to help children learn but also to clothe them, feed them, keep them clean, and counsel them through stress and trauma—a flurry of activities that can interfere with classroom progress.
Children move with their families to
multiple locations as they seek shelter. And every time children move, they fall further behind; it takes children an average of 4 to 6 months to recover academically after changing schools. At A New Leaf’s East Valley family homeless shelter and after school programs, the priority is to keep children in the same school, focusing on transportation, peer support and outreach with the district. Staying in the same school helps a child find stability in a chaotic situation with a better chance of academic success.
The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees protections, such as a student’s right to enroll in school even without a permanent address. This law is the cornerstone for ensuring equal access to education for children who are homeless in our state.
But there is more we can do:
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
William “Bill” Mundell failed at the ROC as documented by a state audit plus many complaints from homeowners. Mundell should not be elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission. – Mark and Carol Fairall – Sun City West
Thinking about puppy mills
Animal advocates declared Aug. 6 Puppy Mill Free Arizona Day to educate Arizonans about a dangerous law that took effect that day.
The law protects the supply chain from puppy mills to pet stores by ensuring that no municipality passes an ordinance prohibiting pet stores from selling puppy mill dogs. It also voids existing ordinances in Phoenix and Tempe.
In addition, the law states that regulation of pet dealers is a statewide concern, implying meaningful regulation of pet stores. In reality, these provisions only prevent pet stores from buying from federally licensed puppy mills with certain Animal Welfare Act violations, which depends on a broken federal inspection program. This law also allows pet stores to source from completely unregulated, unlicensed puppy mills.
Arizonans must come together against this bill by never purchasing a puppy from a pet store. This educational campaign will rise again on Sept. 18, also known as Puppy Mill Awareness Day.
– Patrick Norton – Phoenix
David Lucier for Legislature
There is a battleground in Legislative District 26’s primary featuring candidates known to the community. My favorite Green Beret, David Lucier, is vying for a senate seat to continue leadership and service to his community and for all of Arizona. As a veteran, Latina, Arizona Native, Tempe resident, ASU alum, mother, and healthy communities advocate, I support David above the rest. It is not because I do not like the other candidates as individuals;
Expand the East Valley’s network of stabilized housing to provide a secure home environment for children as they go to school.
Invest in programs that help homeless parents with the significant costs of education, especially transportation, school-required clothing or supplies, and activities like driver’s education or extracurricular events.
Mobilize community volunteers to tutor homeless students and provide a helping hand to struggling families.
Empower teachers as advocates to understand the issues around homelessness and the unique needs of this at-risk population.
As a community, all of us can help in the safety, nourishment and progress of our homeless students. While homelessness is a formidable challenge, helping a young person in need today is an investment for our future—and the right investment for Arizona.
it is because I think David will do the best job for all of Arizona. When I served in the military, it was a complex rainbow of Americans from all races, ethnicities and cultures. We worked together for a common mission and found fellowship and understanding. David knows this and more.
David’s service to his country is exemplary. He was decorated for valor and for meritorious service, inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, advocated for Veterans Court in Tempe / East Valley, a cofounder of Tempe Veterans Commission, served on Tempe’s Police Review Commission and Tempe Municipal Arts Commission, helped pass the Instate Tuition for Veterans Bill and more. I have no doubt that he will continue to get results and serve us all well.
I have come to know David personally, as have leaders in the community who endorse him. He is no stranger to government and advocacy. I know he can rally a governing body around a common mission and work across the aisle for common ground. Once those windows and doors are open, there are many possibilities.
– Jana Lynn Granillo – Tempe
Pro-life, pro-Andy Biggs
Every life should be cherished and given the opportunity to blossom. Protecting life is a fundamental, non-negotiable issue.
I have spent 20 years working in the pro-life movement. From advocating at the U.S. Congress to serving impoverished women with unexpected pregnancies in south Phoenix who are on the verge of choosing abortion, I’ve seen all sides of this fight to protect life.
Every election year, we hear candidates claim pro-life values, especially in the East Valley. But it’s one thing to be a voice for life, it’s another thing to put those words into action.
In Congressional District Five, Andy Biggs is a champion for life. He has truly earned his 100 percent pro-life voting record. He’s held Planned Parenthood accountable. I have stood on the
sidewalk in front of an abortion clinic with him and his wife as we have prayed and rallied for the end of abortion. Andy Biggs is a true pro-lifer.
Christine Jones, on the other hand, does not have a pro-life record. When asked, her campaign could not come up with one single shred of evidence in the past 43 years to attest to her prolife belief. She says she is pro-life but it’s not until she decides to run for office that she has decided to take up this banner. The pro-life movement would be right to be skeptical.
The fight to protect life is too important to send an unproven candidate to D.C. That’s why I’m putting my trust in Andy Biggs. – Christine Accurso – Gilbert
McCain’s confusing statements
Sen. John McCain, sir, what are you saying? In the controversy and feud between Donald Trump and a Muslim father and mother, parents of a heroic American fallen soldier. In one minute, you condemn Trump’s verbal attack on a Muslim war hero’s father, and mother and in the very next sentence out of your month, you say, “but I support Donald Trump for President.” Do you know you are contradicting yourself? Do you know your statement is hypocritical? Do you understand in today’s technology it’s possible to replay your statements not only in Arizona but across the nation over and over again for millions to hear what you said? Do you know that every comedian, news reporter on TV, in newspapers and on the web have made negative comments about you because of those statements? Your statements sound like a befuddled and confused old man. Have you become senile in your old age and don’t know what you are saying? It sounds like you are ready for the old soldiers’ home but certainly not as a U.S. senator representing me.
– Michael T. Hughes is CEO of A New Leaf
Zia’s new store in Mesa is a dream come true for owner
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
When Brian Faber was a teen, his mother dropped him off at the Zia Record Exchange store on Mill Avenue to peruse cassettes. It didn’t exactly go as planned.
“I was told I wasn’t cool enough to buy something,” Faber said.
He now serves as general manager and co-owner of Zia Record Exchange, and is celebrating the opening of a store at 1302 S. Gilbert Road in Mesa.
“We believe that everyone is cool enough to buy something,” he said. “It’s not like back then when you had to pass some test.”
The Mesa location joins eight other Zia Record Exchange stores, which include two in Las Vegas. The building features new products and used movies, vinyl, CDs, books and even game consoles and instruments. Pop culture items, like obscure Hello Kitty pieces and action figures, also are hits.
“One of the things we’ve gotten into over the years are used systems and peripherals,” he said. “People can come in during the summertime and find really affordable entertainment under $10 or even $5. They can get an extra controller or a game to play on a lonely summer night.
“What’s been exciting for us is getting books into the stores and creating these book sections. On the first day, there were three or four guys sitting on the floor reading graphic novels and looking at comic books and stuff like that. We also keep the kids and family sections together.”
The store in Mesa South Shopping Center continues Zia’s established
tradition of offering cash and store credit over the trade counter.
“The interesting thing about the store is customers can bring in any kind of entertainment item and get store credit or cash. We even take board games and old figurines. Maybe the customer is ready to move on and get something new, or they have to pay a bill or they just want a good night out.”
Zia’s staff may even take goodies not related to entertainment.
“We bought a NASCAR tire,” Faber said with a laugh. “We’re an entertainment music store, but someone bought it. We like to try and really engage the customers.”
The 11,000-square-foot building gives Zia Record Exchange the room to grow its product lines.
“But I think we’ve done a really good job of representing a lot of the product,” Faber said. “This store carries the second or third most product in the entire chain. A lot of the people who work here and the customers who come in get that full Zia experience. It bodes well for this area and this store.”
For Faber, this career and Zia’s stores are bucket-list items, he said.
“This is a dream come true,” he said. “Each time we open a new store, we really put our hearts into it. This new location just off the freeway makes us accessible to more of the East Valley than ever before.”
Zia Records is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 480-6683749 or visit ziarecords.com.
– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-8985612 or christina@timespublications.com.
Zia Record Exchange's new 11,000-square-foot building in Mesa has room to grow.
(Special to the Tribune)
(Special to the Tribune)
Mountain Pointe grad working on breakthrough communication device
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
AMountain Pointe High School graduate and former Flinn Scholar belongs to a three-person team that is working on a way to communicate information entirely through touch.
Ajay Karpur is helping to develop Moment, a device that enables users to draw shapes and patterns on their wrist with precise vibrations. Moment will offer GPS navigation, caller identification, notifications, alerts and time augmentation.
“We’re making wearable devices that communicate information through the sense of touch,” Karpur said.
It works like this:
Moment connects to an Android phone or tablet, iPhone and iPad through Bluetooth Low Energy. Setting up the device takes less than a minute.
Users choose what’s important to them, subscribing to information and notifications from their favorite apps and websites, and determining how they want to get notified of new messages and phone calls.
The user’s brain adjusts to the new
streams of data through a process known as “sensory substitution.”
Over time, users know about new developments in their areas of interest the moment they happen.
Moment provides navigation instructions as silent “vibrotactile shapes” drawn on users’ wrist. They can keep their eyes on the road as directions are given distraction-free while they “feel” their upcoming turns.
Karpur said traditional smartwatches or smartphones are distracting.
“It’s often not the most optimal way,” he said. “If someone is driving a car with turn-by-turn GPS navigation, it’s not the best idea to turn and look at a smartphone or to lift a wrist off of the steering wheel.
It’s dangerous.”
Karpur, Shantanu Bala of Peoria and Jake Rockland of the Tucson area founded Phoenix-based Somatic Labs to create devices like this.
The Moment project was started five months ago to “push the boundaries of the human sensory system,” according to its website.
Bala spent six years at the Center
for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing exploring the ways haptic feedback could be used to create assistive and rehabilitative technologies. After incorporating haptic feedback into chairs, gloves, and body suits, he left Arizona State University as a 2014 Thiel Fellow.
After Shantanu developed the design concept for Moment, Karpur and Rockland joined the team.
Karpur brought his background in signal processing, hardware design and software development. A hacker at heart, Rockland had experience with firmware development, full stack web development and iOS development.
Moment is scheduled to be the first product released from Somatic Labs. The presale cost is $129. The next step for the trio is to raise funds through Kickstarter beginning in August—with units shipped in December—to raise $150,000.
Come August, interested parties can visit kickstarter.com and search for the product or lab name.
“This has been a great opportunity,” Karpur said. “I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to do this.”
Karpur has been fascinated with science and technology since he was young, when he read “a ton of science fiction” books. Science was one of his favorite subjects and he chose electrical engineering as his major at ASU, from which he graduated this year.
“I feel that’s been helping me understand what we’re working on now as well as technology trends,” he said.
– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-8985612 or christina@timespublications.com.
Ajay Karpur is a Mountain Pointe High School graduate and former Flinn Scholar.
Address change
Newcomers look to make an impact in their new locales
BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Changes are bound to happen in any endeavor, but high school football in Arizona has seen a major overhaul since Thanksgiving weekend, when the last game was played.
There were more than 40 coaching changes across the state, including eight in the East Valley.
The official count on transfers from schools or move-ins from other states is harder to tally, but there are plenty of players who will be wearing new uniforms this fall.
The question is, how many of the newcomers will make a real difference?
Here is a look at some of the individuals who will make the biggest impact:
Paul Moro, coach, Marcos de Niza
There is no order to this list, but if it were ranked, picking a coach with more than 300 career wins is a solid choice for No. 1.
The Padres are coming off a state title appearance but suddenly needed a new coach after Sean Morin resigned. The search ended with Moro, who had two mediocre years at Poston Butte after leading Blue Ridge to 13 state titles in 30 seasons.
Moro has 324 wins and sits seven behind Vern Friedli (331) for most wins in Arizona history.
The Padres have the talent—led by quarterback Nazareth Greer, wide receiver Marcus Naisant and defensive lineman Anthony Nicastro—to give Moro a shot at the record this year in the 5A Conference.
Donte Lindsey, cornerback, Mountain Pointe
His availability for the first five games is still in question, depending on whether Cesar Chavez High administration signs off on the transfer, but his talent is not.
“He can be really good,” Mountain Pointe coach Norris Vaughan said. “He’s shown us a lot already. We have two really good corners and we feel he can be just as good.” Last year as a sophomore with the
Champions, he had three interceptions, 22 passes defensed, 54 tackles and a blocked punt. He also scored two touchdowns on interception and fumble returns.
The Pride defense is loaded, but Lindsey will certainly see the field in some capacity.
Josh Alexander, running back, Williams Field
The 5-foot-10, 171-pounder could take advantage of Steve Campbell’s need to run the ball.
The Black Hawks had one of the most dynamic passing trios (QB Weston Murphy, wide receivers Justis Stokes and Max Fine) a year ago, but still ran it 420 times last year.
Alexander, who came over from Poston Butte, will have plenty of competition from other established Black Hawks. But Campbell also likes to spread the ball around, so he should make an impact.
Cade Matthews, outside linebacker, Higley
A sturdy 6-feet-1, 212-pounds, this junior can be an immediate help to a
Knights defense that struggled against most teams last year.
Higley gave up 423 points in 11 games, including at least 30 points in eight games.
Mike Fell, head coach, Mountain View
The Toros have struggled to find footing in recent years after a change in the neighborhood and a couple of coaching changes.
Toro Nation is dying to have another long playoff run and Fell might be the guy turn it around as he did with several programs in Ohio. The last resurrection came at Lima Central Catholic.
A favorable schedule could have the Toros turning into a top eight playoff seed in Fell’s first year.
Kapi Sikahema, head coach, Mesa
The Jackrabbits showed life last year for the first time since 2009 by making the playoffs and winning eight games. Two things soon slowed their momentum.
Coach Scot Hare resigned and the Jackrabbits were placed back into the state’s biggest classification.Step in
Sikahema, who is a throwback to the ’80s when he played for the program. He’ll try to keep things going forward while linking the program to its past.
Chad DeGreiner, head coach, Mesquite
DeGreiner’s offensive system, which is influenced by his days as an Arena Football quarterback, can be difficult to digest and the personnel has to match just right.
The Wildcats are in a tough 5A Conference region. Early results might not be pretty but his teams at Cactus Shadows and Mountain View always knew how to put points on the board.
For now, DeGreiner is more focused on the culture and gaining trust.
“I just want them to compete every play,” he said. “Discipline is the most important thing that needs to be developed.
“We will have our first game, and we can eventually eliminate costly mistakes, but if you don’t have players that compete every play, then there is trouble.”
Chad DeGrenier takes over his third program, this time at Mesquite, with hopes of taking it to a new level.
(Tribune
Basha’s Morell has whirlwind year leading to pro debut
BY LINDSEY WISNIEWSKI SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE
Basha graduate Johnny Morell was sitting in his childhood home in California, lounging on the sofa with family, when his phone started to jolt.
“I got the notification on Twitter from the draft tracker that the Angels selected me,” said Morell, who moved to Chandler from California last year. “We were just jumping up and down.”
But rather than reflect on the instant he had been waiting for since he was a young boy, his thoughts immediately turned to his mother, Maritza Morell, who passed away in April during the middle of the Bears’ push toward the postseason.
“We would have been in tears,” Johnny said of how his mother would have reacted to the life-changing news. “[She] probably wouldn’t have said anything besides ‘congratulations.’ I wish she was here for that to happen.”
Maritza Morell, 48, lost her yearlong battle with cancer just hours after her son pitched in his last Basha game against Chandler. Johnny later said he dedicated the game to his mother.
“I knew during that game that was probably going to be her last day,” Morell said. “So that was really hard on me. I just wanted to play for her.”
But Morell was unable to finish the
game, as he was alerted to his mother’s condition in the second inning and quickly departed to be by her side.
Head coach Jim Schilling said the team rallied around Morell following his return to Arizona days later.
“One of the moms did these little green ribbons and we sewed them to the sides of our hats in memory of Johnny’s mom,” Schilling said. “We just tried to show Johnny as much love as we can. There’s nothing really anybody’s gonna say that’s going to mask the pain of losing a parent.”
Making the leap
With a heavy heart, the 6-foot-3, 205pound senior finished out his Basha career on a high note, leading his team to a 24-6 record and a trip to the Division I state playoffs.
He contributed by going 6-0 with a 1.11 ERA in seven games. He struck out 38 in 38 innings with six walks, while allowing 21 hits.
“Winning our league championship was a great experience,” Morell said. “And making playoffs, being the top seed in state and getting to wear that on our sleeve was really cool.”
Before Morell’s senior year had come to a close, he signed a letter of intent to play for Grand Canyon University. But that was before he was drafted in the 31st
round by Anaheim last month.
“I had a great scholarship to go to Grand Canyon and play under Andy Stankiewicz,” Morell said. “But I had a couple of people, a big leaguer and Jim Fregosi Jr., who also told me I’ll develop a lot more with an organization like the Angels.”
Playing for the Angels
Morell decided to forgo his scholarship with GCU and he joined the Angels organization on June 17. He is now playing for the Arizona League Angels, a rookie-level professional baseball league run by Minor League Baseball.
“It’s a dream come true,” Morell said. “I’ve worked for this moment my whole life. Having this day come, it’s nothing but joy to me.”
Basha head coach Jim Schilling had nothing but praise for the former star, who pitched his first game for the Angels just eight days after being drafted.
“Everything he did at Basha was to be drafted to the major leagues,” Schilling said. “He’s worked very hard to do that.”
Morell has made six professional appearances through Aug. 1 and the right-hander went 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA in six games, including four starts.
While Morell continues to pursue his dreams of being a major leaguer, he carries on his mother’s legacy with
the Angels. Morell, who went 7-2 at Murrieta in California with a 3.02 ERA as a junior, continues a tradition he began at his former high school; writing down the letters P-F-M before every game.
He says it stands for ‘play for mom.’
“In my mind, I always say a little prayer,” Morell said. “I know my mom is watching over me and so that’s always helped me.”
Desert Vista leaves foe in lurch by canceling California game
BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE PREP SPORTS DIRECTOR
The Desert Vista football team is no longer headed to California on Aug. 26 to be part of the Brothers in Arms event.
The game at El Capitan in California on Aug. 27 gave the team an 11-game schedule. It was one of several games being held that weekend in the annual Brothers in Arms Event.
“We had our 10 games,” Thunder athletic director T.J. Snyder said.
The players were told before they left for the annual team camp in Show Low on July 18.
Arizona Interscholastic Association
David Hines said Arizona schools can only schedule out of state games if the the team has less than 10 to begin with in order to fill it out.
“DV was scheduled for 10 games before the discussion of a California team to
play,” Hines said. “Arizona schools cannot schedule an 11th game with an out of school state.”
The Brothers in Arms website still has the game on the schedule.
El Capitan coach Ron Burner said the late notice made it too hard to do anything about it so now his squad has a bye
Week 1.
“We found out July 21 and as you can imagine has put us in a very bad situation,” he said. “Nobody has games available at this late stage of the year with Game 1, four weeks away.”
Desert Vista, which played in the inaugural Brothers in Arms event in 2013, opens the year Aug. 19 at Perry, and will now have a bye week before Basha on Sept. 2.
– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.
– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow VarsityXtra on Twitter.
Former Basha player Johnny Morell had a lot going on over the last year - moved from California to Arizona, had his mother die and being drafted by a MLB team - on his way to professional baseball.
(Lindsey Wisniewski/Cronkite News)
Desert Vista running back Keishaud White (5) runs past Chandler defensive back Michael Williams (34) during the football game between Chandler and Desert Vista at Chandler High School last November.
(Tribune file photo)
Football coverage changes this fall
The East Valley Tribune’s award-winning coverage of high school athletics will have a new look starting this fall.
All previews, statistics and features for football each week will be online only since our only print edition is on Sundays. Our deadlines will not allow for coverage of Friday night games in the paper edition so the results from Friday’s football games
SPORTS BRIEF
Local team, coach recognized nationally
The Marcos de Niza baseball team and Mountain Pointe’s new baseball coach Matt Denny both are both being recognized nationally.
The American Baseball Coaches Association is recognizing the Padres’ off-the-field efforts with the 2015-16 ABCA Team ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award Academic Excellence Award, which honors high school and college programs that posted a GPA over 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the academic year. While more than 150 high school and college programs earned the inaugural award, Marcos de Niza is the only high school in in Arizona.
The National High School Baseball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) has announced Denny’s selection as Rocky Mountain Region - Coach of the Year for the 2016 season for leading Greenway to the Division II state title. Denny, one of just eight coaches selected nationwide, is also a contender for 2016 National BCA Coach of the Year, which will be announced on December 2 at the NHSBCA Hall of Fame/Awards dinner in Columbus, Ohio.
Baseball camps help family affected by cancer
The Perry High baseball coaching staff will hold the Pumas Crushing Cancer Clinic on Sept. 12-15 and all proceeds will go to a CUSD family who is battling some form of cancer.
The camp, which is in its second year, has expanded to a complete baseball training camp, and students will learn positionspecific fundamentals.
will also be online only. A select number of games will be covered each week and play-by-play of the games can be followed on Twitter by searching for the hashtag #VXLive.
Follow Prep Sports Director Jason Skoda on Twitter at @JasonPSkoda and @VarsityXtra for all updates involving the East Valley athletics.
It is for ballplayers ages 12 to 14 and will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Perry’s baseball field all four days.
The cost is $40 per camper.
To register go to www.cusdcommunity. co, and select CUSD Camps and Clinics.
For more information, contact Perry coach Damien Tippett at tippett.damien@ cusd80.com
Little League teams come up short
Three area Little League squads played in the state tournament with hopes of advancing to the West Region in California and beyond, but all three were eliminated.
Chandler National North fared the best, going 2-2, and made it out of pool play. Queen Creek (1-3) and Mesa Four Peaks (1-3) did not.
Chandler National North lost its first game of the eight-team single elimination tournament, which was won by Cactus Foothills South of Cave Creek.
East Valley softball squad wins World Series
The Bombers, a softball team filled with East Valley players, won the Triple Crown 18U World Series tournament in Park City, Utah.
The Bombers went 4-0 in pool play, scoring 29 runs and allowing only eight. In tournament play, they won three games including a 6-0 shutout over the Kansas City Monarchs in the title game.
The Bombers have several players who will continue their softball careers in college next year, Bombers coach Michael Velasco said. Reina Bondi and Desert Vista graduate Mara Kemmer will play at UNLV, Highland graduate Kylie King will play at Arizona and Alexis Rogers will play at Belmont Abbey.
When you lose a loved one, it is one of those times in life when you can feel lost, or adrift–not sure of which way to turn and how to make it through. You need to know that there’s someone there that you can trust, someone who feels like family. A funeral director who cares can make a huge difference in your comfort level, and allow you to the safety of knowing that your best interests are being considered. This is the benefit of choosing Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery for your final arrangements and those of your loved ones.
Family Owned and Operated
Mountain View Funeral Home understands the concept of family: since 1951, the Coury family have been operating the family funeral home under the guiding philosophy of being of service to members of the community in their time of need. Now managed by the Second and third generation of Coury’s, Mountain View Funeral Home is a Mesa, AZ tradition with professionally trained and licensed staff members all with the stated goal of ensuring your loved one receives the dignified memorial service that they deserve.
Community Education
A family funeral home takes services a step further by offering education before a loss as well as caring and compassion during a period of mourning. Funeral directors and their team will help you understand the meaning of different parts of the memorial
Family Funeral - Comfort From Trust
service, the differences between cremation and interment, and provide you with a wealth of additional options including beautiful touches such as a release of white doves after the service.
Your Personal Concierge
When a loved one passes from the mortal coil, you can feel overwhelmed with details, so another benefit that family funeral homes can offer is access to a concierge to help with everything from florists, hotels, restaurants and even car services. Our professional staff is available to assist with any special needs six days per week.
Finding the right fit for a funeral home is important; you want to know that not only is your loved one being treated with dignity, but that you and your family will feel comfortable and supported in your decisions during this time. Selecting Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery is one way to ensure that you are using a family funeral home who will go above and beyond your expectations.
We believe our work is a “mission of service” and it’s a privilege to help a family during the most difficult time in their life.
Christian music fills the Valley air this month
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Chicago-bred Christian singer
Matthew West admits he’s a “huge baseball fan.”
For one night, he’ll throw on an Arizona Diamondbacks jersey for Faith and Family Night when the snakes take on the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, Aug. 26.
“I love combining my two loves: baseball and music,” West said. “I grew up in Chicago so those teams will always have a place in my heart.
“Hopefully we’ll get a Diamondbacks win and the crowd will be in good spirits.”
West is one of several Christian acts who will be in town in August. Others include Danny Gokey, Thousand Foot Krutch, Bethel Music, Justin Unger, Jason Gray and JJ Heller.
“Phoenix has embraced Christian music,” West said. “As Christian artists, we’re really thankful for that. It seems like every time we go, there are tons of people who are so welcoming to us.
Anytime I see Phoenix on my schedule, I circle that on my calendar and look forward to it.”
Bethel Music
Josh Baldwin just wrapped up gardening around his Redding, California, home. He was a little tired, and a bit hot, but he was pleased to talk about Bethel Music’s “worship night” at the Comerica Theatre on Friday.
“It brings worship and music and people together,” Baldwin said.
The tour features Bethel Music worship favorites and new music from “Have It All,” a multiartist double-disc live recording released March 11 that has garnered wide critical acclaim. He called the show “corporate worship,” which brings together God’s word, prayer and fellowship.
“We definitely tell stories and share, but we have some corporate ministry time and personal ministry time,” said Baldwin, who joins fellow singers Brian and Jenn Johnson, Amanda Cook and Cory Asbury in Phoenix.
“It’s more like a song and singersongwriter time. It’s really well done.”
Baldwin said the Bethel shows are personalized to each city.
(Special to the Tribune)
“We get a feeling for what’s going on in that city and rein in what the Lord’s doing and what that might mean for that night.
“It changes each night, which makes it more special for each place. I love knowing what’s going on, but there’s something exciting about doing it this way.”
In the days of terrorist attacks,
mass shootings and other violent encounters, Baldwin said Bethel Music is a good change of focus.
“When the world is in crisis, people turn to things like this,” he said. ‘It’s great that people say, ‘Let’s turn to the Lord.’”
Bethel Music Night is 7 p.m. Friday at Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Tickets are $33 for the general admission show. For more information, call 800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Thousand Foot Krutch
Million-selling Christian rockers Thousand Foot Krutch could play theaters, but on this round of dates, the band is hitting the intimate confines of Club Red in Mesa.
“For this headlining ‘Exhale’ tour, we wanted to do something intimate and really fun,” said singer Trevor McNevan.
“We wanted to go to rock clubs again and get face to face with everyone.
“It’s just such a blessing to play bigger shows, but once, if not twice a year, we have to play club shows. There’s just something about them, man.
“To get with your rock family, it feels like a different kind of connection. We love being a part of that.”
Released on June 17, the album “Exhale” is the bookend to a two-part series that started with “Oxygen: Inhale.”
we’d focus on the quieter side of the band. With ‘Exhale,’ we just dropped the gloves, put pedal to the metal and got more aggressive. It feels great to have ‘Exhale’ out.”
He compares a Thousand Foot Krutch show to the feeling of “Exhale.”
“Our show is very high octane,” he said. “We’re massive music fans and we love connecting through music.”
The Canadian band has won and or been nominated for several prizes from the Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant, GMA Dove, Juno and Shai awards. McNevan has one person to thank.
“Honestly, we give all the glory to God for that,” said McNevan, whose band has been together 20 years. “We feel like we’re just getting started. We still love music the same. It’s such a privilege.
“We’re a brotherhood with a passion for music. Our faith is our lifestyle.”
Thousand Foot Krutch will appear with Adelita’s Way, Smashing Satellites, 3 Pill Morning, Interfate and Throw Logic at 6 p.m. Thursday at Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa. Tickets are $23 to $25. For more information, call 480258-2733 or visit clubredrocks.com.
Matthew West
established author, singersongwriter and actor, Matthew West has
CHRISTIAN
(Special to the Tribune) (Special
“We have our quieter and more aggressive moments on every record,” he said. “We thought that on ‘Inhale,’
on page 25
An
Thousand Foot Krutch has released eight studio albums, one live album and three remix albums.
See
MUSIC
Josh Baldwin and Bethel Music focuses on producing worship songs and albums that are largely written and recorded by members of their Artist Collective.
Matthew West has worked as a songwriter for many Christian musicians and groups as well as mainstream country acts, like Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus and Vince Gill.
to the Tribune)
Art Garfunkel, War featured in Chandler Center’s new season
The Chandler Center for the Arts will celebrate its 27th season with performances ranging from comedic and family-friendly to immersive and instrumental.
“The extraordinary multicultural and multidisciplinary performances of this year’s lineup deliver the artistic merit that Chandler Center for the Arts is known for,” said Michelle Mac Lennan, general manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Tickets are on sale at chandlercenter. org. Here is the lineup:
Concerts
Get the Led Out—American Led Zeppelin, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25; $22-$36. The tribute act Get the Led Out focuses on Led Zeppelin’s early years, touching on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever, heard in concert.
Christmas with Clay Aiken, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; $52-$72. Former “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken will perform holiday classics accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra.
The King: The Music of Elvis, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22; $46-$58. The group celebrates the music of The King with a 12-piece orchestra. These aren’t Elvis impersonators, but four Broadway and cabaret singers who bring a new twist, shake, rattle and roll to the classic hits.
Roots and Boots featuring Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Ray, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27; $44-$64. Three country legends come together for an evening of hits.
War, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; $38$68. Everyone has heard “Low Rider,” but there are plenty of hits to accompany that song. Tracks like “The World is a Ghetto,” “Me and My Baby Brother”
and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” will be highlights.
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26; $30$40. This show features more than 40 hit songs from four decades of jukebox chart toppers. Among the favorites will be “Tuxedo Junction,” “In The Mood,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Chattanooga Choo” and “Moonlight Serenade.”
Art Garfunkel: In Close-Up, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11; $54-$84. Art Garfunkel is a Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree, Golden Globe-nominated singer and actor. He will sing solo hits, Simon and Garfunkel songs and cuts from his favorite songwriters.
The Doo Wop Project, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18; $28-$42. Featuring current and former stars of Broadway’s smash hits “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical,” The Doo Wop Project will re-create some of the greatest music in U.S. pop and rock history.
Stormy Weather: The Story of Lena
Horne Starring Mary Wilson, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25; $32-$48. The Supremes’ Mary Wilson shows her pop-jazz prowess as she sings Horne’s trademark songs, including “Stormy Weather,” “The Lady is a Tramp” and “Honeysuckle Rose.”
Family events
The SnowCat by Dmitri Matheny, 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; $8-$10. A musical production, The SnowCat is the heartwarming holiday tale of a little girl’s search for her wandering white cat on a chilly afternoon and the life lessons she learns on the spirit of sharing and gratitude that makes the holidays such a magical time.
Zoppé, An Italian Family Circus, Various times Tuesday, Dec. 27, to Sunday, Jan. 8; $15-$40. Zoppé welcomes guests into its intimate 500seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the history of the Old World Italian tradition.
Rhythm of the Dance—The National
Dance Company of Ireland, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12; $34-$44. This twohour dance and music extravaganza contains a wealth of Irish talent.
Golden Dragon Acrobats, 6 p.m. Sunday, March 5; $32-$46. The performers of Golden Dragon Acrobats mix award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance and spectacular costumes to present a show of skill and beauty.
Instrumental events
New York Gypsy All Stars, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; $28-$36. Led by classically trained Macedonian clarinet wonder Ismail Lumanovski, the group displays the spirit of their Gypsy namesakes.
Drumline Live, 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28; $38-$46. This show-stopping attraction, created by the team behind the hit movie and TV series “Drumline,” brings the historically black college university marching band tradition to
In 2014, War was named a nominee for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Crowdfunding campaign pays off for 3 Pill Morning
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Setting up a crowdfunding campaign is always a gamble, but with a few goodies to entice a few cash gifts, it can be successful.
3 Pill Morning isn’t exactly a household name, but it ended with 150 percent of its goal by offering a slew of goodies ranging from a digital download of its new album plus bonus content ($10) to a day-of-show hangout experience ($200).
“We have toured like crazy over the past few years and always try to give a killer live show experience, but never had an opportunity to get fans involved with the music creation part,” said singer Jeff Stebbins.
“The pledge gives us the ability to give the behind-the-scenes stories along with a bunch of killer in-studio experiences to the people that support the band. There’s a lot that goes into making an album. Seeing it and being a part of it is something pretty special.”
The result is the 11-song “Never Look Back,” which was released on July 29 on Countdown Entertainment.
“For this record, we really tried to keep it fresh,” Stebbins said. “Every time we had a break from the road, we would knock songs out.
and actress Sarah-Louise Young will share Julie Andrews’ music as well as stories and anecdotes about the legend’s life.
“We found that these breaks capture the emotion and the energy that we wanted with this collection.”
“Never Look Back” mixes melodic hard rock and, according to Stebbins, “draws strength and resilience from all of the highs and lows that have come
before.” 3 Pill Morning’s blue-collar work ethic and the influences of growing up in Minnesota are reflected as well.
“It’s a cool scene up there for rock ‘n’ roll,” he said. “Rock is in a little different place. It’s more about touring and building a loyal fan base.
“We just played a rock festival and there were 38,000 people there. We think people still love rock.”
– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-8985612 or christina@timespublications.com.
– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.
IF YOU GO
What: Thousand Foot Krutch, Adelita’s Way, Smashing Satellites, 3 Pill Morning, Interfate and Throw Logic Where: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 Where: Club Red, 1306 W. University Dr., Mesa Cost: $23-$25
Information: 480-258-2733 or clubredrocks.com
the theatrical stage.
California Guitar Trio & Montreal Guitar Trio, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; $22-$32. When the ensembles join forces, they perform some of the greatest rock classics from Queen and The Beatles, as well as spaghetti western themes.
Piano Battle, 3 p.m. Friday, March 19; $28-$44. The Piano Battle sees the duo go head-to-head on stage, with a variety of classical pieces.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24; $24-$32. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a Chicago-based group consisting of seven sons of the jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran. Its musical style ranges from hip-hop to jazz to funk and rock, including calypso and gypsy music.
Recycled Percussion, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8; $22-$32. Since Justin Spencer formed Recycled Percussion in 1995, the band has been featured on the cover of USA Today as well as on “Carson Daly,” “The Today Show” and the Latin Grammy Awards.
Theatrical events
“Julie Madly Deeply,” Various times, Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29; $36-$42. Award-winning London singer
“Letters Home,” 3 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; $26-$34. “Letters Home” puts the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq front and center by bringing to life actual letters written by soldiers serving in the Middle East.
“Pump Boys and Dinettes,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25; $44-$64. “Pump Boys and Dinettes” is packed with toe-tappers such as “Drinkin’ Shoes,” “Farmer Tan” and “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine!”
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: Two Man Group, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 3; $46-$66. Known by TV audiences for their work on “Whose Line is it Anyway?,” Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood improve each night from audience suggestions and participation.
Frank Ferrante in “An Evening with Groucho,” 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12; $26-$38. Award-winning actor/director/ playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fastpaced 90 minutes of hilarity.
learned to “never to write anything off.”
“You never know what kind of opportunities are going to come,” said West, who is close to inking a book deal. “I look back and it’s pretty amazing all of the different things I’ve been able to do.
“I’m enjoying life more than I ever have. I hit the stage and I can’t believe that somebody wants me to come and sing for them. I don’t take it for granted, that’s for sure.”
He called Faith and Family Night a unique chance to play outside of church venues and attract new fans. West is promoting his 2015 album “Live Forever.”
“There are people who will come to the concert who haven’t heard my music before,” said West, 39. “That’s really a cool thing to think about. Playing in a stadium, that’s beautiful as well. I know it’s probably going to be super hot. So we have to get ready to stay hydrated and get in shape for that one show.”
West is keeping busy this year. He’s writing a “full book, not just a devotional book or gift book.” He is also preparing for a Christmas album, and a proper new record. The Chase Field show is at the top of his list.
“We have an awesome fan base in
Phoenix and Scottsdale,” he said. “There are some great, great people there. We’re looking forward to a special night. I’ll probably have a hot dog or two before the show, too. That’s a good day in my book.” Matthew West will perform after the Arizona Diamondbacks play Cincinnati Reds. That game will begin at 6:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson, Phoenix. Tickets are $14 to $225. Call 800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com for more information.
– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-8985612 or christina@timespublications.com.
– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.
OTHER SHOWS:
For information about Valley visits by Justin Unger, Jason Gray and JJ Heller, visit extremefaithproductions.com. For information about Positive Hits Tour with Passion, Danny Gokey, Capital Kings and Hollyn on Saturday, Aug. 20, visit gcuarena.com.
See CHRISTIAN MUSIC from page 23
3 Pill Morning’s first radio single, “Loser,” stayed in radio rotation on the Top 100 chart for over 6 months in 2011.
(Special to the Tribune)
Arizona Cardinals Training Camp
Pro athletes spend a lot of time in practice, and you can be a part of it. See the Arizona Cardinals practice, and get autographs and let your children enjoy a special Kids Zone - all for free. Details>> 2-4:30 p.m., Aug. 8-26 (with some exceptions). University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale. Cost: Free. azcardinals.com.
Maks & Val Live On Tour: Our Way
You know them from “Dancing with the Stars,” and a fun cameo on “Fuller House,” but now you can see the popular dancing brothers, Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy, cut a rug live.
Details>> 7:30 p.m., Aug. 9. Comerica
Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix. Tickets: $38-$68. 602-3792800. comericatheatre.com.
Free line dancing
Break out the cowboy boots and charge up your electric slide for free Wednesday Night line dancing. Not sure how to line dance? You get lessons on the spot. And don’t worry about dancing solo—an average of 40 to 50 people show up to dance. Details>> 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Cactus Jack’s Bar & Brill, 4747 East Elliot Road, Phoenix. Cost: Free. cactusjacksbar. co (yes, that’s .co, not a typo).
29th Annual Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering
Cowboys spent a lot of nights under the stars with not much to do, and so they come up with poems, stories and songs. You can get a taste of that legacy thanks to more than 50 poets and singers who keep the tradition alive.
Details>> All day, Aug. 11-13. Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon Ave., Prescott. Tickets: Free day-time, $20-$35 night concerts. azcowboypoets.org
– Justin Ferris, Tribune Staff Writer
Get more ideas for fun things to do in the East Valley - and beyond - at Phoenix.org.
Faith
SIDE
In the wake of massacres, our brothers’ blood cries out
BY RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR
Ididn’t really cry until the press conference. There was something about the way the surgeons of Orlando Health described the bombardment of bodies. It was at once so professional, using precise technical terminology, and at once so human, their eyes betraying the overwhelming horror they had witnessed. It finally brought the immensity of the Pulse massacre home to me.
I pictured the pools of blood on the dance floor, and the blood smeared on the floors of the surgical bays. I imagined the floors of the classrooms in Sandy Hook and the church in Charleston, the Inland Regional Center of San Bernardino, the movie theatre in Aurora, the streets of Dallas and the many other locations where we’ve gunned each other down.
It seems our whole nation is drenched in blood.
“Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor,” says Leviticus (19:16). It is that same Leviticus used by hatemongers to denigrate us, forgetting the verse that follows: “You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart” (19:17).
Many are rightfully horrified by the carnage, but blind to the connection between it and the homophobia, misogyny and dislike for difference that they themselves inculcate.
At the Orlando Health press conference, the doctors disclosed that they weren’t surprised by the first few gunshot victims. They were ready. As a trauma center in an American city, treating gunshot victims is a regular occurrence.
That fact is as horrific as a massacre— even more so, because there are more homicides, suicides and injuries by gunfire daily across American than even a single, horrific massacre. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reported 33,636 deaths by firearms in 2013, for an average of 91 each day. That doesn’t include injuries, only deaths.
And it’s horrific that we’ve come to accept such a sorry state as immutable.
Other Western nations do not live this way. The most logical, minuscule gun laws seem lofty. We don’t demand that our elected officials protect our lives. In Arizona, we accept that our representatives in Congress take massive amounts of money from the NRA. So there’s blood on our hands, too.
What’s more, the massacre at Pulse has been a wake-up call to heterosexual America. It did not, I think, understand fully just how vulnerable gays, lesbians, transgenders and others feel in our society. What some claim is “special treatment” is, in fact, equal rights: the right not to be fired; the right to rent any apartment you can afford; the right to use the bathroom without harassment; the right not to be shouted at as you walk down the street; the
right to look where you want to look without fear of reprisal; the right to donate blood.
Every gay, lesbian and transgender person knows these and other vulnerabilities, and knows that these rights are not yet secured. They are especially precious to women, people of color, the differently abled, transgender people and poor folk.
Now, perhaps, the rest of America will understand that it is truly not always safe for us here.
We human beings keep asking the same question, as if the answer were ever in doubt: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9-10).
Throughout the world, the same answer keeps coming: “Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.”
– Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe. Contact him at rshapiro@emanueloftempe.org and visit his “Rabbi Dean Shapiro” page on Facebook.
SATURDAY AUG. 20
GAMES AND ICE CREAM ON TAP
Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School is holding a “Minute to Win It” game and ice cream social.
Players are given 60 seconds to complete each simple game, such as blowing up a balloon and knocking cups off the table; tossing toilet paper rolls into a hoop; knocking soda cans down with rubber bands; and building a pyramid with 36 plastic cups. Simple games will also be provided for preschoolers.
DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m. at the school, 3257 E. University Drive, Mesa. Information: 480-830-1724, pilgrimmesa.com, office@pilgrimmesa.com.
SUNDAY AUG. 21
CHABAD CENTER MARKS 3 YEARS
The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life and the Chandler Jewish Preschool will celebrate their third anniversary with a barbecue. Parents and children can learn about programs and meet the staff. It will feature balloons, inflatables, caricaturist and other activities.
DETAILS>> 5-6:30 p.m., 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Free admission and food will be on sale. RSVP required: 480-855-4333 or chabadcenter.com.
SUNDAYS
VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION
DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.
HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE
High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.
DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@ horizonchurch.com.
BERIEVED CAN SHARE GRIEF
A support group designed to assist people through the grieving process. One-time book fee $15.
DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m. at Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G3, Tempe. 480-491-2210.
UNITY OFFERS INSPIRATION
Inspirational messages and music are offered, along with classes and special events.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE
Valor Christian Church in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.”
Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays.
DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.
RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED
Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English.
DETAILS>> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.
UNITY OFFERS A PATH
Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.”
DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Spiritual discussion group and meditation practices group. 10:15 a.m. service. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Child care available at 9 a.m. Nursery for infants through kindergarten at 10:15 a.m. 480-8922700, unityofmesa.org, joanne@unityofmesa.org.
MONDAYS
JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA
Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community.
DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-759-6200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.
CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.
STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT
Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life.
DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.
TUESDAYS
DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT
People suffering through a divorce or separation can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges.
DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road, Room 117, Ahwatukee, 480759-6200 or mountainpark.org.
FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN
HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing.
DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.
SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’ The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a
different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed.
DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. to noon, Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.
HOLY TRINITY HAS GRIEFSHARE
DETAILS>> 2 and 6:30 p.m., 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.
READ BIBLE FOR PLEASURE
Bring a Bible, or Bibles are available at these free sessions.
DETAILS>> 7 to 8 p.m., Chandler Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1188 W. Galveston St. Lori, 480-917-3593.
WEDNESDAYS
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS
Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.”
DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED
Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee.
DETAILS>> 10 to 11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.
TAKE A COFFEE BREAK
Corpus Christi offers a coffee break with scripture study, prayer and fellowship.
DETAILS>> 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee. Loraine 480-8931160 or CoffeebreakMin@aol.com.
GET A ‘SPIRITUAL SHOWER’
A release calls this “a 15-minute energetic tune up each week” and says the Twin Hearts Meditation “is like taking a spiritual shower: when your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness. You see through things more clearly and good luck increases.”
DETAILS>> 7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT
People suffering through a separation or divorce can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges and move forward.
DETAILS>> 6:30-8:15 p.m. Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G5, Tempe. One-time book fee of $15. 480-491-2210. DivorceCare 4 Kids (DC4K) will also be offered in Room G7.
CHABAD HAS TORAH FOR TEENS
The Teens and Torah program offered by Chabad of the East Valley is for teens ages 13 to 17, and combines education and social interaction with videos followed by discussion, trips, games, community service projects and thought-provoking discussions.
DETAILS>> 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3855 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. Shternie, 480753-5366 or chabadcenter.com.
THURSDAYS
MAN CHURCH HELD IN CHANDLER
“Man Church offers coffee, doughnuts and straight talk
for men in a language they understand in just 15 minutes. No women, no singing, no organ and no long sermons,” a release states.
DETAILS>> Doors open 6 a.m., message at 6:30 a.m. 1595 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Bob, 480-726-8000 or cschandler.com/manchurch.
KIDS CAN FIND SUPPORT
Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook.
DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.
Obituaries
ROKELY, Florence G Valentino (Spencer)
Florence G Valentino (Spencer) Rokely, 91, of Mesa, Az. Passed away on Wednesday June 22, 2016 at Edens Adult Care Home
Mrs Rokely was born August 8, 1924 in Candon, Oh to Pasquale & Amelia (Pavia) Valentino She spent her formative years in Fort Wayne, In until 1992 when she moved to Mesa, Az
She was happily married to Robert Spencer for over 50 years
Daniel (Sarah) Morrison; two great grandchildren, Karington & Justyn Morrison, all of Ashley, In; and one brother, James Valentino of Mesa, Az
Small burial service will be held Saturday August 6, 2016 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Fort Wayne, In at 1pm
Sign the Guestbook at: www EastValleyTribune com
MOORE, Gordon Paul Jr. (Gordy)
P
vived by sister Colleen Abar (Grand Forks –Mesa), wife of 54 years, Sandra (Swartz) Moore , Four children 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren whom he loved very much and kept him young at heart Gordy to be laid to his final rest, after cremation, with Military Honors, at Ft Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN Gordy’s fam-
Read full obit and add comments on his memory page at www.MelcherChapelofroses.com/GordonMoore
Employment General
East Valley agency looking for compassionate, dependable CAREGIVERS to work with Special Needs individuals in their home & out in the community Positions are open for Assisted living residential services, Day Program Instructor, and Respite, Habilitation, Attendant Care Flexible hours FT/PT Long-term care needed Certifications needed are First Aid/CPR and AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card, which we can help you obtain Looking
Employment General
Engineers in Scottsdale, AZ area Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in C++/SQL/Matlab to dsgn/dev/implement/ test apps/systems Email resume to Rajesh at contacttm@ techmileage com with ref # 2016-19 on front of resume & ref ad in EVT
Meetings/Events
Apartments For Rent
licensed contractor" in the advertisement
CALL FOR ELECTION
The Board of Directors of Ocotillo Water Conser-
held for the office of Director at Large on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.
6:00 p m The polling place shall be the District office, located at 160 N Pasadena, Suite 101, Mesa, AZ 85201
Nominating petitions can be filed by a candidate at t h e D i s t r i c
The last date to register to vote in the election is September 26, 2016
Write-in candidate nomination papers can be filed by a candidate at the District offices located at 160 N Pasadena, Suite 101, Mesa, AZ 85201 no later than 5 p.m. on October 6, 2016.
A nominating petition signed by ten or more qualif i e d e l e c t
D i
didate at the District offices located at 160 N. Pasa
November 4 2016. Signed: Jennifer Torpey District Secretary Date: July 27 2016
Public Notices
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SOLICITATION # AGFD16-00006603 WATERCRAFT FORMS, DECALS AND PRINTERS
T h e A r i z o n a G a m e & F i s h D e p a r t m e n t , P r ocurement Branch, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix , AZ 85086, (623) 236-7449, will accept proposals for the above-mentioned service The RFP is available online at https://procure az gov Offers are to be submit-ted in the Procure AZ system by August 19,2016 by 3:00
p m ( P h o e n i x t i m e ) A P r e - o f f e r c o n f e r e n c e will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the address stated above in the Eagle Conference Room at 9:30 a m
Publish: DNS-August 4, 2016; EVT-August 7, 2016 / 131081
LEGAL AD
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Department of Child Support Services (DCSS), is soliciting competitive sealed proposals for the following requirement, Kiosk for C h i l d S u p p o r t P a y m
f providing an automated payment solution with the capability to pay child support payments
A Pre-Offer Conference will be held on August 5, 2016 at 12:00 p m MST, Arizona Department of Transportation, in the Auditorium, 206 S 17th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85007 indicated in t h e R
Vendors, attendance is strongly encouraged
You may obtain a copy of solicitation ADES160 0 0 0 6 4 5 7 ( R F P )
gov Proposal are due electronically through P r o c
3:00pm MST Please submit all questions pertaining to this solicitation through ProcureAZ via the Q&A tab P u
2 0 1 6 / 1 3 0 9 7 9
Notice of Trustee's Sale Order No : 160115540-AZ- VOI TS No : AZ-16- 6396-JY APN : 220-81616 2 The following legally described trust property will be sold, pursuant to the power of Sale und e r t h a t c e r t a i n D e e d o f T r u s t d a t e d 1 2 / 6 / 2 0 0 6 a n d r e c o r
/
/
20061613122, Book xxx, Page xxx, in the office of the County Recorder of MARICOPA County, Arizona; and at public auction to the highest bidder Notice! If you believe there is a defense to the trustee sal e or if you have an objection to the trustee sale, you must file an action and obtain a court order pursuant to rule 65, Arizona rules of civil procedure, stopping the sale no later than 5:00 p m mountain standard time of the last business day before the scheduled date of the sale, or you may have waived any defenses or objections to the sale Unless you obtain an order, the sale will be final: Sate Date and Time: 8/31/2016 at 10:00:00 AM Sale Location: IN THE COURTYARD, BY THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF SUPERIOR COURT BUILDING, 201 WEST JEFFERSON, PHOENIX, ARIZONA Legal Description: LOT 211, CRISMON CREEK VILLAGE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, RECORDED IN BOOK 699 OF MAPS, PAGE 30 Purported Street Address: 10057 E ISLETA AVE, MESA, AZ 85209 Tax Parcel Number: 220-81- 616 2 Original Principal Balance: $161,050 00 Name and Address of Current Beneficiary: LSF9 Master Participation Trust, by Caliber Home Loans, Inc , solely in its capacity as servicer C/O Caliber Home Loans, Inc 16745 W Bernardo Drive, Ste 300 San Diego, CA 92127 Name and Address of Original Trustor: CHRISTOPHER J LIEROW, AN UNMARRIED MAN AND ANGELICA LIEROW, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN 10057 EAST ISLETA AVENUE, MESA, AZ 85209 Name and Address of Trustee/Agent: SUMMIT SERVICES AND REALTY, LLC 16745 W Bernardo Dr , Ste 100 San Diego, CA 92127 Phone: (866) 248-2679 Sales Line: 714-730- 2727 Login to: www servicelinkasap com AZ-166396-JY The successor trustee qualifies to act as a trustee under A R S Section 33-803A (1) in its capacity as a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be e ntitled only to a return of the deposit paid The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mort-
August 6, 13, 20, 2016 / 17439459
Name Change
Manuel Chavez
Bryan Chavez
Emely Chavez
The corresponding case number is CV 2016004134 Concerned parties should contact the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County at 201 West Jefferson , Phoenix, Arizona, 85003
SPEND A LITTLE… MAKE A LOT!
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TS#: 1616983 Order#: 02-16038416 The following legally described trust property will be sold, pursua n t t o t h e p o w e r o f S
Deed of Trust dated 8/21/2009 and recorded on 8/27/2009 as Instrument # 20090800106, Book Page in the office of the County Recorder of Maricopa County, Arizona, NOTICE! IF
THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE, YOU
OF THE
SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU
NOTICE OF SALE OF PERSONAL AND ABANDONED PROPERTY
N o t i c e i s g i v e n t h a t p u r s u a n t t o s e c t i o n 3 31704 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 15 - Self-Service Storage, Fast & EZ Self Storage , 101 W Park Ave Chandler, AZ 85225 will sell by competitive bidding on August 12, 2016@10:40 A M The auction is to be held at the above address Property to be sold as foll
racks, mattresses, tools, toolbox, ladder, dolly, T
#006 10x20 Silverado Western Wear #046 5x10 Rosana Mendoza #061 10x10 Danny Flores #084 10x10 Kimberlee Flynn #129 10x10 Rosa Flores-Montiel #133 10x10 Esther Lopez-Sanchez #142 10x30 Maria Ramirez #188 10x15 Mary Doreen Daskam
BC Cole Auctioneers 623-362-2904 602-618-4106 cell
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS BID OPENING: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2016 AT 11:00 A M (M S T )
TRACS NO 0000 CH CCH SS954 01C PROJ NO HPP-STP-CCH-0(202)T TERMINI CONNECTION SR-80 to US-191 LOCATION DAVIS ROAD, MP9 9
T h e a m o u n t p r o g r a m m e d f o r t h i s c o n t r a c t i s
$4,055,000 00 The location and description of t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k a r e a s f o l l o w s : T h e p r oposed project is located in Cochise County on Davis Road, which connects SR80 to US 191 a p p r o x i m a t e l y 3 6 m i l e s s o u t h e a s t o f T o m bstone With the mileposts increasing west to e a s t , t h e M P 9 9 i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e l o c a t e d between MP9 59 and MP10 33 The work consists of the placement of con- crete arch culverts and vertical and horizontal re-alignment o f t h e r o a d w a y t o t a l i n g 2 , 8 6 7 f e e t o n D a v i s Road Improvements also in- clude addition of guardrail and concrete barri- er, construction of an earthen diversion struc- ture, installing access gates at ranch ingress/ egress locations, and other related work Project plans, special provisions, and pro- posal pamphlets, as electronic files, are available free of charge from t h e C o n t r a c t
OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE UNLESS YOU OBTAIN AN ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder at At the Main Entrance to the Superior Court Building Maricopa County Courthouse, 201 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, on 10/11/2016 at 10:00 AM of said day:LOT 313, CAREFREE CROSSING PARC
F MAPS, PAGE 46, RECORDS OF MARICOPA
Trust Deed in the trustee's capacity as a l
ARS Section 33-803, Subsection A Name of Trustee's Regulator: Arizona Department of Insurance ACCORDING TO THE DEED OF
808(C):Street address or identifiable location: 3
gage Services LLC c/o Carrington Mortgage Services LLC 1600 Douglass Road, Suite 200 A Anaheim, CA 92806 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have not further recourse The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designations, if any,
without covenant or warranty, expressed or im-
brances, to pay the unpaid principal balance of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with
under the terms of said Deed
warranty, express or implied, and subject to all liens, claims or interest having
senior to the Deed of Trust The Trustee
Carrington
CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FOR FALCON FIELD AIRPORT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant for the following: FALCON FIELD AIRPORT MASTER PLAN
UPDATE PROJECT NO CP0256 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant or team to provide comprehensive airport planning services to update the existing Falcon Field Airport (FFZ) Master Plan All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the select- ed Consultant and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping
This project will utilize federal funds administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The City’s 2009 Master Plan needs to be up- dated to reflect new facilities, current projections of airport operations and activity, and new environmental and other regulatory constraints Planning and study services must also include plans for an appropriate mix of land uses to support projected aviation needs and the long-term financial health of the airport; and to include a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) based on a Wildlife Hazard Assessment recently completed by Mead & Hunt and approved by FAA The City and the FAA desire to implement Airport Geographical Information Systems (AGIS) and Electronic Airport Layout Plan (eALP) systems for Falcon Field Airport as part of this project.
All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SOLICITATION # AGFD17-00006584 AIS DECONTAMINATION STATION OPERATION FOR WATERCRAFT
Support Services Branch, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix , AZ 85086, (623) 236-7209,
SOQ Submittal The Statement of Qualifi- cations shall include a onepage cover letter, plus a maximum of 1 0 p a g e s to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an append ix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide eight (8) hard copies and one (1) CD of the Statement of Qualifications by 2:00 pm on September 7, 2016 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications The City is an equal opportunity employer
Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title
Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/pur- chasing/ vendor-self-service)
Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Maggie Martinez of the Engineering Department at maggie. martinez@mesa az gov
BETH HUNING City Engineer
ATTEST:
DeeAnn Mickelsen, City Clerk
Publish: DNS-August 5, 12, 2016; EVT-August 7, 14, 2016 ; 131316
mitted in the Procure AZ system by AUGUST 17, 2016 by 3:00 P M Arizona Time
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TS#: 16-16864 Order#: 02-16033175
The following legally described trust property will be sold, pursuant to the power of Sale under that certain Deed of Trust dated 3/10/2009 and recorded on 3/13/2009 as Instrument # 2009- 0226917, Book Page in the office of the County Recorder of Maricopa County, Arizona, NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE, YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PUR-
ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE UNLESS YOU OBTAIN AN ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder at At the Main Entrance to the Superior Court Building Maricopa County Courthouse, 201 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix AZ 85003 on 9/20/2016 at 10:00 AM of said day:LOT 166, COUNTRY MEADOWS UNIT 10, ACCORDING TO BOOK 420 OF MAPS, PAGE 10 AND CORRECTED IN BOOK 438 OF MAPS, PAGE 4 6
9 , 1997 IN DOCUMENT NO : 97-015055 AND AFFIDAVIT OF CORRECTION RECORDED MARCH 10, 1997 IN DOCUMENT NO : 97-149715, BOTH OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA The successor trustee appointed herein qualifies as trustee of the Trust Deed in the trustee's capacity as a licensed insurance producer as required by ARS Section 33-803, Subsection A Name of Trustee's Regulator: Arizona Department of Insurance ACCORDING TO THE DEED OF TRUST OR UPON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE BENEFICIARY, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO A R S SECTION 33-808(C):Street address or identifiable location: 7733 NORTH 110TH LANE GLENDALE, AZ 85307 A P N : 142-75- 512 1 Original Principal Balance: $84,442 00 Name and address of original trustor: (as shown on the Deed of Trust) CARRIE L WI LLIAMS, A MAR-
Name and address of beneficiary: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC c/o Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 1600 Douglass Road, Suite 200 A Anaheim, CA 92806 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have not further recourse The u ndersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designations, if any, shown herein Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the unpaid principal balance of she note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee Conveyance of the property shall be without warranty, express or implied, and subject to all liens, claims or interest having a priority senior to the Deed of Trust The Trustee shall not express an opini o n a s t o t h
NUMBER OF TRUSTEE: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC P O Box 3309 Anaheim, California 92803 (888) 313-1960 Dated: 6/14/2016 Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC Tai Alailima, Director, Foreclosure Services Sale information can be obtained online at www auction com or use the automated sales information at (800) 280-2832 A-4583957 07/26/2016, 08/02/2016, 08/09/2016, 08/16/2016 Publish: July 27, August 3, 10, 17, 2016 / 128681
N
: 160115540-AZ-VOI TS No : AZ-16-6396- JY APN : 220-81-616 2 The following legally described trust property will be sold, pursuant to the power of Sale under that certain Deed of T
/
/
d e d 12/11/2006 as Instrument 20061613122, Book x x
Recorder of MARICOPA County, Arizona; and at public auction to the highest bidder Notice! If you believe there is a defense to the trustee sale or if you have an objection to the trustee sale, you must file an action and obtain a court order pursuant to rule 65, Arizona rules of civil p
t h a n 5:00 p m mountain standard time of the last business day before the scheduled date of the sale, or you may have waived any defenses or objections to the sale Unless you obtain an
Time: 8/31/2016 at 10:00:00 AM Sale Loca-
ENTRANCE OF SUPERIOR
ARIZONA Legal Description: LOT 211, CRIS-
THE
OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, RECORDED IN BOOK
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’ S SALE TS#: 16-16972 Order#: 02-16037975 The following legally described mist property will be sold, pursuant to the power of Sale under that certain Deed of Trust dated 11/20/2013 and recorded on 11/27/2013 as Instrument # 20131023057, Book Page in the office of the County Recorder of Maricopa County Arizona, NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE, YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A CO URT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 P M MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE UNLESS YOU OBTAIN AN ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder at At the Main Entrance to the Superior Court Building Maricopa County Courthouse, 201 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, on 10/11/2016 at 10:00 AM of said day: LOT 5, UTOPIA ESTATES, ACCORDING TO BOOK 265 OF MAPS, PAGE 32, RECORDS OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, The successor trustee appointed herein qualifies as trustee of the Trust Deed in the trustee’s capacity as a licensed insurance producer as required by ARS Section 33-803, Subsection A Name of Trustee’s Regulator: Arizona Department of Insurance ACCORDING TO THE DEED OF TRUST OR UPON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE BENEFICIARY THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO A R S SECTION 33-808(C): Street address or identifiable location: 2844 E PIUTE AVE PHOENIX, AZ 85050 A P N : 213-17-094 Original Principal Balance: $74,246 00 Name and address of original trustor: (as shown on the Deed of Trust) SHERRILL ARVIN, A SINGLE WOMAN 2844 E PIUTE AVE PHOENIX, AZ 85050 Name and address of beneficiary: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC c/o Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 1600 Douglass Road, Suite 200 A Anaheim, CA 92806 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidders sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have not further recourse The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designations, if any shown herein Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the unpaid principal balance of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee, Conveyance of the property shall be without warranty, express or implied, and subject to all liens, claims or interest having a priority senior to the Deed of Trust The Trustee shall not express an opinion as to the condition of title, NAME ADDRESS and TELEPHONE NUMBER OF TRUSTEE: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC P O Box 3309 Anaheim, California 92803 (888) 313-1969 Dated: 6/29/2016 Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC Tai Alailima, Director, Foreclosure Services Sale information can be obtained online at www auction com or use t h e a u
08/16/2016, 08/23/2016 Publish: August 8,9,16,23 / NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’ S SALE TS#: 1616972 Order#: 02-16037975 The following legally described mist property will be sold, pursuant to the power of Sale under that certain Deed of Trust dated 11/20/2013 and recorded on 11/27/2013 a
County Arizona, NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE, YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 P M MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE UNLESS YOU OBTAIN AN ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder at At the Main Entrance to the Superior Court Building Maricopa County Courthouse, 201 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, on 10/11/2016 at 10:00 AM of said day: LOT 5, UTOPIA EST A T E S , A C C O R D I N G T O B O O K 2 6 5 O F M A P S , P A G E 3 2 , R E C O R D S O F M A R I C O P A COUNTY, ARIZONA, The successor trustee appointed herein qualifies as trustee of the Trust Deed in the trustee’s capacity as a licensed insurance producer as required by ARS Section 33803, Subsection A Name of Trustee’s Regulator: Arizona Department of Insurance ACCORDING TO THE DEED OF TRUST OR UPON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE BENEFICIARY THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO A R S SECTION 33-808(C): Street address or identifiable location: 2844 E PIUTE AVE PHOENIX, AZ 85050 A P N : 213-17094 Original Principal Balance: $74,246 00 Name and address of original trustor: (as shown on the Deed of Trust) SHERRILL ARVIN, A SINGLE WOMAN 2844 E PIUTE AVE PHOENIX, AZ 85050 Name and address of beneficiary: ( as of recording of Notice of Sale) Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC c/o Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 1600 Douglass Road, Suite 200 A Anaheim, CA 92806 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidders sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have not further recourse The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other co mmon designations, if any shown herein Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the unpaid principal balance of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee, Conveyance of the property shall be without warranty, express or implied, and subject to all liens, claims or interest having a priority senior to the Deed of Trust The Trustee shall not express an opinion as to the condition of title, NAME ADDRESS and TELEPHONE NUMBER OF TRUSTEE: (as of recording of Notice of Sale) Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC P O Box 3309 Anaheim, California 92803 (888) 313-1969 Dated: 6/29/2016 Carrington Foreclosure Services, LLC Tai Alailima, Director, Foreclosure Services Sale information can be obtained online at www auction com or use the automated sales information at (800) 280-2832 A-4585987 08/02/2016, 08/09/2016, 08/16/2016, 08/23/2016 Publish: August 8,9,16,23 / 129425
CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Design Consultant for the following:
BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY TENANT IMPROVEMENTS 225 E MAIN, MESA AZ 85201
PROJECT NO M99-2016-011
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant to provide Design Services for the Benedictine University Tenant Improvements Project All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected Design Consultant and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping
classroom space The work is expected to include interior walls, ceilings, finishes, electrical, lighting, HVAC, restroom, fire suppression and fire alarm improvements Close coordination with the City and Benedictine University will be required A floor plan showing the location of the unfinished spaces will be posted along with this RFQ at the link below
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on August 15, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Mesa City Plaza, Room 170, 20 E. Main, Mesa AZ. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference All interested firms are encouraged to attend
spond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the PreSubmittal Conference
Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide six (6) hard copies and one (1) CD of the Statement of Qualifications by 10:00 am on August 30, 2016 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualification The City is an equal opportunity employer
Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title
Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/ vendor-self-service).
Questions Questions pertaining to the Design Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Maggie Martinez of the Engineering Department at maggie martinez@mesaaz gov
BETH HUNING City Engineer
ATTEST:
DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
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