Skip to main content

Gilbert Sun News 061922

Page 1

Legislative debate

Ex Higley teacher busted

PAGE 10

PAGE 3

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

COMMUNITY......... 16 Gilbert teen’s AI project wins big.

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Council approves 69% annual budget increase BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert residents will see more shade structures at Cosmo Dog Park, road repairs, 12 new traffic signals and more police and firefighters when the Town’s $1.7 billion spending plan takes effect July 1. Council on June 14 approved the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and set the secondary property tax levy at $29.6 million last week on a 5-2 vote. No one from the public spoke. The bulk – or $1.05 billion – of the new budget, which is 69% higher than the previous fiscal year budget, is going to capital im-

provement projects such as building a bridge to connect Ocotillo Road and the reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant, the largest capital project in Gilbert’s history. The remaining $620 million will go to areas like the General Fund, Enterprise Fund and debt service. With 15,000 residents moving into Gilbert over the past two years, the budget includes hiring 79 employees, mostly in public safety – 24 cops and 19 firefighters. The funding for all the new positions totaled $10.4 million. “I want the public to understand as we approve a budget, it’s the maximum – we can’t spend more than that,” Councilwoman Kathy

Tilque said. “But that doesn’t mean we will spend it all. What happens throughout the year is these items come back to council and we prioritize those and we give approval for spending money.” Budget Director Kelly Pfost added that the budget has contingencies that need council approval but that it also provides flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that may come up during the year. “On the capital improvement side, we want to make sure we have the money to back up any of the contracts that we’ve signed and

see BUDGET page 6

It’s dad’s day today, but quads a shared job

REAL ESTATE Sellers still rule, but not as much.

SPORTS..................... 30 EV athlete-mentors help others to next level.

COMMUNITY....................................... 16 BUSINESS.............................................26

SPORTS................................................. 30 GETOUT.................................................33

CLASSIFIEDS....................................... 37

BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE GSN Contributor

T

he moment Nick Strom and his wife, Alison, found out they were having quadruplets, the Gilbert couple knew that their life would change forever. Though they had always wanted four children, they never anticipated having them all at once or foresaw the challenges and joys that would come with raising them. When Nick saw all four of his children — Jack, May, Declan and Charlotte — together in the Nursery Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center,

it finally hit him: he suddenly was a father of two boys and two girls. “I remember being like, ‘Oh my God, I have four kids… I’m responsible for these four little people,’” he recalled, adding that he felt a combination of relief, excitement and nerves at the time. That December 2016, the Strom babies popped out one after the other, the oldest only four minutes older than the youngest. While the delivery was fast, Alison’s pregnancy wasn’t so simple. When the Stroms discovered they were going to be parents of multiples, they

see QUADS page 8

Nick Strom of Gilbert shares a Father’s Day moment with his four quadruplets, now 5, from left, Declan, Charlotte, May and Jack. (Courtesy of Alison Strom)


2

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Squeeze the Day! JOIN US FOR A MIMOSA BRUNCH

Wednesday, June 29 10:30am - 1:30pm Brunch isn’t complete without a mimosa bar! Add a little zest to your day, and be our guest at Verena at Gilbert for a variety of chef-prepared brunch favorites—topped off with a glass of bubbly—and be entered to win a door prize. Invite a friend to join you for a brunch you won’t want to miss!

Save your seat. RSVP by Monday, June 27 at 480-899-8200. INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING 1505 Willis Road • Gilbert, AZ 85297 480-899-8200 • VerenaAtGilbert.com


NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Ex-Higley teacher arrested on numerous counts

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

GILBERT

BEHIND the Scenes

G

ilbert Police last week arrested a former Higley High School social studies teacher accused of inappropriate relationships with two underage students. Aaron Dunton, 35, was taken into custody 10 a.m. June 16 following a twomonth investigation, police said. He faces four counts of aggravated assault, one count of tampering with a witness, and two counts of contributing to delinquency and dependency. According to court records, Dunton was facing one count of witness tampering, four counts of aggravated assault-adult and two counts of endangerment of life. Dunton was arraigned June 17 and was given a $10,000 bail. If he posts the bond, he is to be supervised and be fitted with electronic monitoring, according to court documents. A preliminary hearing was set for June 27. “Dunton, was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student,” police said. “This investigation led to the discovery of another victim, who made allegations against Dunton for incidents that occurred in 2019 at Power Ranch Elementary when the victim was 11 years old. “Dunton was the victim’s teacher at the time of these allegations.” Higley Unified School District notified police of the allegation with the 14-yearold girl on April 13. The district Governing Board formally accepted Dunton’s April 14 request to be released early from his contract on April 20. The district first hired Dunton in 2015 and he taught 6th grade science at Power Ranch. He had come to the district with glowing reviews from former employers. Before his employment with HUSD, he worked six years for the University of Phoenix as an enrollment advisor and as a part-time coach at Kyrene School District from February 2011-May 2015, according to his HUSD personnel file. Five days after the board released Dun-

ADVERTISEMENT One man’s opinion Edition #24

Council Election The town council candidates that will give us continued low taxes, great rubbish disposal service and the best Police Department in the state:

Aaron Dunton ton from his contract, the district emailed a notice on April 25 to parents at Higley High informing them about the situation. Although Dunton’s name was not released at the time because he was not charged, parents on social media already knew who it was. “I’m pretty sure the teaching license will be revoked,” one woman said. “Definitely a case where I knew my intuition was correct about someone.” Dutton is married and has a young daughter. A few people criticized HUSD for just alerting Higley High School parents about him. “I feel it should have been sent to all of Higley School District as the person being investigated also taught at Power Ranch Elementary,” a man said. “Why not make sure there isn’t more to know and offer counseling to anyone affected? “The way the letter reads they make it sound like the teacher was a former teacher having a relationship with a student when the fact is he was teaching and coaching up until last week. This is important information for the community to know.” A woman agreed, saying “if he had

see TEACHER page 15

Chuck Bongiovanni Yung Koprowski Michael Clark Bill Spence Scott September George Dottl, Taxpayer

3


4

NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Gilbert Sun News is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Gilbert.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Main number: 480-898-6500 | Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Display Advertising:

480-898-6309

Classifieds/Inside Sales:

Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timeslocalmedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timeslocalmedia.com Steve Insalaco |480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timeslocalmedia.com Advertising Sales Executive:

Jane Meyer | 480-898-5633 | jane@timeslocalmedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT

Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@timeslocalmedia.com Managing Editor:

Cecilia Chan | 480-898-5613 |cchan@timeslocalmedia.com Reporters:

Ken Sain | 928-420-5341 | ksain@timeslocalmedia.com Get Out Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timeslocalmedia.com Photographer:

Dave Minton | dminton@timeslocalmedia.com Design:

Christy Byerly | cbyerly@timeslocalmedia.com Production Coordinator:

Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timeslocalmedia.com Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@timeslocalmedia.com

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

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Gilbert Sun News assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement. © 2022 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

EV park partners with GPS Performance Academy BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert Public Schools wants to boost a program that helps student athletes stay on top of their learning by partnering with North America’s largest sports venue – the 320-acre Bell Bank Park in Mesa. The Governing Board has approved a contract with Legacy Sports USA, which opened the sports facility in January near Ellsworth and Pecos roads. The cost to the district will be transporting students to the park from school. The partnership is expected to help the district’s Performance Academy, which for the past four years operated out of Mesquite Elementary, offering a flexible school schedule for 4th to 8th graders, where they learn in the morning and are transported by the district to multiple select training locations for the afternoon. Recognizing a need for an alternative school schedule for students who were performing in athletics and other elite sports competitions, the district kicked off the program in 2018 with over 30 students. The program includes performing-arts students. “Lacking a partnership with any gym or studio was a hindrance in growing the program,” said Jason Martin, Elementary Education executive director. “Going to these gyms and studios costs quite a bit of money for the families. Sometimes when you have that official partnership you can use the tax-credit funds for families to supplement or offset that cost to those gyms or studios, which can help students or families quite financially. “That tax credit program, we think, will be key to the growth of the Performance Academy.” Legacy also will be providing academic support for the students. “Students within the framework of their time at Legacy…would have a set period of time that would be for academics,” said Jared Ryan, Strategic Initiatives executive director. “It’s an interesting combination of employees that are running and looking after Legacy

Sports USA. Some have backgrounds in athletics, obviously, but many others in K-12 education. Two of their strategic leaders that have been assigned to this project from their campus are from a prior experience in K-12 education and will be looking after students and their academic support needs on campus as part of their schedule.” He said Legacy will have a venue that each of those students will go to for a period between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the age of the student, for academic support. Martin told the board that the district will discontinue transporting students to their various venues after the upcoming school year but will continue to provide free transport to Bell Bank Park. After the one year, parents who want to continue sending their students to other venues will need to find their own transportation, he said. “Middle of the day there’s not a lot of transportation needs but as we’ve learned over the last year, the challenges with transportation have grown exponentially as well as to some of these gyms and studios are quite far out of our district boundaries,” Martin explained. The district also in July will move the 7th and 8th graders in the program to South Valley Junior High so that “they’ll be able to have a junior-high experience during that day with their peers instead of being with probably 10 to 15 students at an elementary school,” Martin said. “And then, they’ll be able to have all of those course offerings,” he said. “They’ll be able to go through a schedule …that is much more typical of a junior high student.” Marcie Taylor, Secondary Schools executive director, said the junior high students will actually be attending classes with their peers instead of using an online platform. The blended learning, which has been quite successful, will continue for grades 4-6 at Mesquite with support available daily and opportunities to catch up academically after competi-

tions, Martin said. “At Mesquite Elementary you’ve got the academics, the electives that students typically go to in elementary – art, music as well as PE, extracurricular activities and clubs,” he said. “And they continue to also go on many of the field trips that the K-6 students enjoy at the school, as well.” Legacy was one of 142 vendors bidding for the contract and was chosen by an evaluation committee. One of the deciding factors was the hourly cost for a student athlete, which came in lower than other bids, according to Ryan. He noted that students will need to pay a $50 extracurricular fee quarterly to help cover the cost of transportation. He added that Legacy has a foundation created specifically to raise funds for a variety of purposes, which includes financial help for students unable to afford the facility. The multi-year contract begins July 1 and may be extended with an option to renew for four additional years. “Legacy Sports offers over 15 different athletic competitive environments for students to be trained in everything from speed and agility and baseball, basketball, softball, cheer, gymnastics, dance – the gamut of sports that a majority of our students are affiliated with,” Ryan said. “We’re optimistic that this facility would be able to provide something to our students in terms of choice and option and access that we haven’t been able to previously provide.” Staff also cited Legacy’s desire to work with GPS on a strategic marketing and advertising campaign. “It’s quite exceptional what they’ve offered,” said Dawn Antestenis, communications and marketing director. She said alongside traditional email blasts to over 120,000 families living within the GPS community who are already interested in athletics, the company will use its website and post banners and signs throughout its facility. “They specifically reference in the

see PERFORMANCE page 7


5

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

CONCERT SERIES

FIRST SHOW STARTS JULY 16th!

LIVE SHOW & DINNER

Stay

with our state-of-the-art A/C and enjoy our fabulous

Saturday, July 22nd Saturday, August 27th Saturday, October 15th

Friday, July 29th Saturday, September 17th Sunday, October 30th

Saturday, August 6th Friday, September 30th

Saturday, August 13th Friday, September 9th Friday, October 21st

Saturday, July 16th Saturday, August 20th Saturday, October 8th

GET TICKETS

480-288-0300

CALL 480-288-0300 or VISIT SilverStarTheater.com 5247 E BROWN RD • MESA, AZ 85205


6

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

BUDGET from page 1

those are some large contracts,” Pfost said. “Although not all of the work will get completed during the year, we have enough money for the full contracts that we’ve signed with different vendors to be able to pay that.” Vice Mayor Aimee Yentes explained why she could not support the budget, saying that her comments are not meant to be disrespectful or demoralizing to staff. Yentes said she often pulls spending items off the consent agenda for discussion because of cost or if she thinks it’s overspending or wasteful. But, she noted, 95% of the agenda items are passed unanimously. “I have a very deep conviction that the more money we can keep in taxpayers’ pockets the better,” Yentes said. “I don’t take exception to lot of things we spend money on. I understand and appreciate the fact that we have to fund government to a level that provides services that people expect and to make sure water come out of the faucets and roads gets fixed and somebody responds when you call for emergencies.” That said, Yentes added she had a problem with how the Town spends money on transportation. “I’m concerned with the direction some of that is going,” said Yentes, who is finishing her final year in office. “I don’t feel comfortable supporting the budget that is going to redefine, re-imagine, redesign our streets and make it more congested in the future. “I’m not supportive of putting money into studies that are going to bring additional public transit that nobody’s going to ride.” She also said that she’s talked about the need to right-size the town’s Digital Government team. At last year’s budget talks, Yentes wanted to revisit the staffing for that department, which grew from eight employees in 2018-19 Fiscal Year to 14 the following fiscal year. “We’ve had endeavors that have taken years that have not been a good use of taxpayers’ money,” Yentes continued. “I am quite frankly a little bit concerned with some of the verging on social policy …trying to change our benefits to subsidize sex changes in our community.

Vice Mayor Aimee Yentes expressed concerns about the town’s spending plan, casting one of two votes against it. (YouTube)

Budget Director Kelly Pfost said the budget has contingencies that need council approval but also that it also provides flexibility to take advantage of opportunities that may come up during the year. “I see lot of our staff has pronouns on their emails signatures, some of these things are cultural where I don’t think are particularly reflective of our com-

munity at large and it concerns me in some of the decisions going forward.” Some employees after their names on town emails include “Pronouns: she,

her, hers.” In early 2021, staff proposed including sex change surgery in its employee insurance coverage but Council voted 4-3 against it. “Everybody obviously is feeling the squeeze of inflation,” Yentes said. “I think we’re heading toward probably a pretty significant recession and an almost 70% increase in spending, even though lot of that I understand is coming from those bond monies, is concerning.” Yentes said she was never opposed to a transportation bond but she proposed halving the $515 million bond that passed in November. Mayor Bridgette Peterson complimented Yentes for doing a fine job of relaying her position on issues and “I don’t think you ever come off as disrespectful in any way.” However, Peterson said that Yentes was incorrect regarding the study on public transit centers. Council in May tabled a proposal to spend $288,760 to further study two proposed transit station locations. “We are not doing a study about bringing public transportation,” Peterson said. “We are looking at a study for the two pieces that we have reserved for potential multimodal locations in the future if, when and how that commuter rail, potential pedestrian rail comes through Gilbert on a track that’s already in Gilbert. “So we have two pieces of property that we were going to study to see whether or not to keep those. It was no way looking if commuter rail should be coming to Gilbert. That is not what this study was about.” Peterson also said she understood Yentes’ concern with the size of the transportation bond, which passed by a slim margin. “We are not bonding all of that money at one time,” the mayor said. “We asked for permission to bond those funds from now and into the future. The last time we had an infrastructure bond was in 2017 and we used all of those funds, we squeaked every last dime out of those bond funds that we could and it was long overdue to have something to handle infrastructure in this community.”


NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

7

Bell Bank Park in Mesa has an array of facilities that will enable Gilbert Public School athletes train and yet stay on top of their academic work. (Bell Bank Park)

PERFORMANCE from page 4

soccer area, baseball, pickleball and also indoor banners within their three generous field houses that they have,” Antestenis said. “And then also they actually have digital signage. That’s something that’s really notable when

you arrive, including 55 LED boards throughout the facility and 54 TVs. “So these are all things that have been offered, which we think would be significant.” Superintendent Shane McCord said if

the program can be expanded to other campuses, “we will without a doubt.” Board members liked what they heard. “I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and the innovation that this brings

GET YOUR GLOW ON!

79

$

NEW GUEST Glow Package (Value $244)

forward,” board member Jill Humpherys said. “When Performance Academy began it was a unique and different thing but now this is really something very different that maybe families will be interested in.”

The Glow Package Includes: • Custom Facial • Microdermabrasion • Brow Wax • LED Light Therapy

Call or go online to get the offer! Expires 06/30/2022. Services must be used within 90 days of purchase.

Fuchsia Spa San Tan Village

Fuchsia Spa Ahwatukee

3131 S Market St. #106 Gilbert, AZ 85295 480-626-4008

4025 E Chandler Blvd Suite 3 Phoenix, AZ 85048 480-534-7350

www.fuchsiaspa.com


8

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

The Strom quads, as infants, include Jack, May, Charlotte and Declan. (Photos Courtesy of Alison Strom)

QUADS from page 1

Alison and Nick Strom flank, from left, Charlotte, Jack, May and Declan.

were living in Chicago. There, physicians gave them a grim forecast: They were unsure if all four babies would make it, and even if they did, predicted that the babies were likely to be born with debilitating health complications. After further researching specialists in high order multiple gestations, the Stroms learned of renowned perinatologist, Dr. John Elliott. At 20 weeks, the two decided to temporarily relocate to Arizona to work with Elliott, who would end

up saving the pregnancy twice and delivered all four babies healthy. Of the more than 3.6 million births recorded in the United States in 2020, only 108 were quadruplets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that very few doctors are specialized in the successful delivery of quadruplets. Elliott, however, has delivered more than 2,000 sets of twins, 700 sets of trip-

lets, 100 sets of quadruplets, and 20 sets of quintuplets. This made the decision to travel to Phoenix to be placed under Elliott’s care an easy one. Since their birth, life with quadruplets has been an adventure, the Stroms said. “I remember telling people, ‘my wife is pregnant with quadruplets,’ and their mouths would drop,” Nick said. “People would tell me, ‘you’re going to need so much help when they’re born.’” Nick and Alison found this to be com-

pletely true, as going from zero to four kids really does take a village. “People came out of the woodwork to help us,” said Alison, who reached out to St. Joseph’s when she read a Gilbert Sun News story two months ago about another Gilbert couple who had just given birth to quadruplets with an offer to help. From helping with diapers, formula and more, friends, family and neighbors

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

originally got our rate we were on par with all the other providers in Maricopa County, both public and private,” said Bob Badgett, assistant fire chief at the June 14 council meeting. “We never went back and asked for an additional rate increase because we didn’t need it at the time. “Since 2017, there has been a pretty significant gap between what Gilbert charges for its ambulance service fees and the rest of the Valley.” Staff presented two options for increasing the fees. For instance, for advanced life support or ALS, the fee could

increase by 11.54% or 21.46%. Badgett said staff recommended the lower increase because it would just require a letter to the state Department of Health Services. The higher increase would require a rate adjustment hearing before DHS but more importantly, “looking at our financial situation, it’s not a rate that we need to charge our residents,” Badgett said. He added that the option with the much higher increases is what is being charged by all private and most municipal ambulance providers in the county. Even with the fee increase, Gilbert will

still be a bargain compared with others. Badgett said currently an ALS transport by Gilbert Fire was $200.20 lower than other providers. And, the department doesn’t charge for supplies used in emergency situations, which the other providers do, he said. The department absorbs the cost of supplies in its budget but council in the future can chose to charge for it, Badgett said. “Based on our average trip distance we are about $50 cheaper in mileage

see QUADS page 9

Gilbert raises ambulance service fees

I

t’s going to cost residents a bit more to take an ambulance ride in Gilbert, but it’ll still be cheaper than what other providers charge in the area. Town Council last week approved 6-1 the Fire Department’s request to hike fees, which had remained unchanged since 2017, when it received a state license to operate ambulances. The department didn’t begin fully replacing private provider AMR until July 2021. “Over that period of time when we

see AMBULANCE page 9


NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

AMBULANCE from page 8

fees,” he added. “So, overall right now we’re $50 cheaper than any other provider in the area.” With Council choosing to go with the lower fee increase, “we will be just under $132 cheaper for transporting our citizens than anybody in the region,” Badgett said, noting that when staff advocated for an in-house ambulance service, it promised to look at rates based on residents’ needs and not a more global look at what everybody else can possible charge. “Based on our payer mix, we are very fortunate to live in a great community,” he said. “Our reimbursement rates are higher than we anticipated. Our call volume is higher than we anticipated and we don’t need to charge what the others are charging.” The town’s payer mix includes roughly 7% uninsured, mid-20% for private insurance, mid-20% for Medicaid, insurance for low income, and mid-40% for Medicare, according to Badgett, who noted that the increase will primarily affect private insurance patients as Medicare and Medicaid have fixed reimbursement rates. Badgett said the ambulance revenue first and foremost will fund the minimal fund balance, which is three months of ongoing operating expenses. Any excess revenue will allow the department to more quickly pay off the

initial $3 million General Fund loan for start-up costs. “We will be making that payment on the General Fund loan now and ongoing,” Badgett said. “It’ll just allow us to accelerate those (payments) approximately two to three years sooner.” Once the loan is paid off, council could in the future decide no more increases are needed and could even potentially lower fees, according to Badgett. Councilwoman Yung Koprowski pointed out that the service fees are paid by users and not subsidized by taxpayers. Councilman Laurin Hendrix, who voted in 2020 against the Town going into the ambulance service, voted no on the increase.

of the Stroms came together to help with the babies. “It’s a lot of hard work,” Nick said. “Being a parent really opens your eyes. Going from zero to four kids all at once was an intense experience.” After falling in love with Arizona, the Stroms decided to permanently move to Gilbert in July 2020. Now, the quadruplets are 5 years old and have recently graduated from preschool. Looking back on how they’ve survived the past five years, the Stroms credit their success with accepting help, implementing routines, doing sleep training, and giving their children timers to teach them

how to share. “You’re going to need help, so embrace the help people offer,” Alison would advise expecting parents of multiples. “Parenting is a humbling experience because you can’t do it all by yourself,” Nick added. “Don’t be too proud to not accept help. That help goes a long way.” Watching their kids develop their own personalities, become best friends and simply play together are Nick and Alison’s favorite parts about being parents. They can’t wait to see how their love for them grows and how their children will change over time. “It keeps getting better and better,” Alison said.

QUADS from page 8

9

Sick of Soaring Gas Prices??

G O ELECTRIC! NEW • PREOWNED SERVICE • PARTS

AMBULANCE FEE CHANGES Previous fees Advance Life Support – $913.01 Basic Life Support – $813.65 Mileage – $11.18 Standby (per hour) - $201.42

OAC

New fees Advance Life Support – $1,019.38 Basic Life Support – $908.34 Mileage – $17.64 Standby (per hour) - $227.12

We Service What We Sell • TRADE-IN’S WELCOME • HIGHLY RATED SERVICE DEPARTMENT • VISIT OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT

480.895.2000

25820 S. Arizona Ave. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

www.A1GolfCarts.com


10

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Some LD13 candidates debate education, guns BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

Editor’s note: This is the first of two parts of a Clean Elections sponsored debate for District 13 candidates.

C

andidates hoping to represent a portion of Gilbert in the state Legislature sparred recently over issues, including education funding, immigration, gun control and the economy during a recent debate. Four of the nine candidates seeking the one Senate and two House seats participated in the virtual event for District 13, which also includes Sun Lakes and southern Chandler. Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard, who is unopposed in his re-election bid did not participate. But Democrats Cynthia Hans and Michael Morris, who face off in the Aug. 2 primary to challenge Mesnard in the Nov. 8 General Election, did. For the House seats, Democrat Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, who is unopposed in her primary, was a no show. And of the five Republicans running, only Josh Askey and Ron Hardin participated while Don Maes, Liz Harris and Julie Willoughby sat it out. Public education funding The candidates were asked if they believed public education in Arizona was adequately funded and if not, what changes would they make. The Republicans favored school choice while the Democrats wanted more funding for public education. Askey said nearly half or about $6.7 billion of the governor’s proposed $14.25 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023 was going toward education. “So, my concern is not how much are we spending,” said Askey, the father of three sons who all attended Basha High School in Chandler. “I would think from a parent and a student’s standpoint, it’s what’s the quality of our education for those funds?” “I would really want to know how is my money spent on my son’s education or my kid’s education,” Askey said. “I think we spend a lot of public money on

Only some of the LD 13 candidates appeared in last month’s Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission debate. (Clean Elections Commission) education and I would want to see better results for it and then we can maybe talk about how much more money do we need in specific programs.” “Throwing more money at education is not going to necessarily give us the results that we want,” Askey said. Hardin, a father, grandfather and small-business owner, said the state should look at the aggregate expenditure limit placed on school districts rather than if state funding was adequate. The constitutional spending limit puts a ceiling on how much K-12 schools can spend in a fiscal year regardless of the total money they have to spend and the cap fluctuates annually depending on the previous year student enrollment. “It’s been 40 years since that number’s been raised, so each time the school districts hit the threshold, you have to go back to the Legislature to get the OK, the authority to spend,” Hardin said. “I think those are some of the things we should probably look at versus saying whether or not the budget is adequate or not.” Hardin added he would want to look at all the inefficiencies in the system before saying if funding should be increased or even decreased. “Today, what I see in public schools is unacceptable. So yes we’ve got to have metrics, we’ve got to have the performance measures, we’ve got to have the

accountability that’s there. ” Morris, a veteran and a Realtor, stated that Arizona came in dead last in the country for funding public education. “No wonder we’re not producing the results we want to see,” Morris said. “That makes no sense to give somebody 10 cents and then say, ‘well, why aren’t you producing anything for me?’ Because I don’t have the tools, I don’t have the resources, I don’t have the funding.” Education Data Initiative in March 2022 reported that Arizona schools spend less on K-12 education than the national average and less on education per capita. The state ranked 47th in total spending and in funding, according to the research group, which collects data and statistics about the U.S. education system. Hans, a mother, grandmother and retired educator, said public schools need more funding and that she wanted to see more accountability for the money that goes to charter schools. “We don’t have enough money in education already and some of it keeps getting drained away by ESAs,” she said. Both Hans and Morris also supported more funding for trade schools. Hardin said he fully supported public schools but that competition is good. “We have to have alternative choices because everyone’s learning styles are different so you have to allow for that,”

Hardin said. “That’s how you get better. Competition drives improvements across the system.” Askey said he supported school choice and “ultimately what I want to see is that the dollars stay with the student and it moves with the student.” “The reality is that my parents, they paid (and) I went to a small private school back in Ohio,” Askey said. “What kind of irritated me the most is that they not only paid for my private education, they also paid for my public education through their taxes. “So, the harsh reality is that my parents double paid for my education and that I see is unfair and that is definitely inequitable and so when we talk about ESAs, that is kind of the road that I would head down and so it truly becomes more competitive and the parents and the students really can take advantage of the funds, the taxes that they pay into and to make the decisions for their child’s education.” Morris said with the state’s education spending so low, “why would you want to expand the voucher program and give more money to the private schools? That makes no sense. State budget surplus When asked how they would spend the state’s $5.3 billion surplus, some of

see DEBATE page 11


NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

DEBATE from page 10

the candidates tied it back to education spending. “Education, education, education,” Morris said. “I would put it right straight into public education funding. Hans said she’s lived through school budget cuts as a teacher and principal and would save some of that surplus. “If I need savings in my home, Arizona needs savings for its home, also for that rainy day,” Hans said. “So, some of that money needs to be spent,” she added. “I absolutely think a huge majority of it needs to go into schools, it needs to go into school classroom sizes, needs to go into paying teachers, paying all the support staff better, (and) the infrastructure in the schools need to be shored up.” Hardin agreed with Hans that teachers shouldn’t be underpaid, stating: “But when you go to school as an educator or when you go to school to get an education to become an educator you are not expecting to come out with the same pay as someone who majors in aerospace engineering so there is some accountabil-

ity there for the choices we make as folks going into that profession.” Hans shot back, “Somebody taught that aerospace engineer some basics before he got to that or she got to that point.” Morris also called Hardin out for his comment. “We are losing teachers left and right to Las Vegas and all these other places where they can make a living wage,” Morris said. “We have to attract and retain quality teachers by paying them a respectable wage.” As for the surplus, Hardin said it should be returned to the taxpayers not as a check but maybe as another temporary reduction in income tax. “I think we should look for those opportunities,” he said. “I’m certain that everyone would love to have more money in their pocket and that goes back into the Arizona economy. To me it’s just plain and simple, you give back to the folks that put it in the first place.” Askey said he would return 25 to 50% to taxpayers, use some of the money to shore up public safety and the rest would

THE ORIGINAL FISH & CHIPS

be saved to help weather what he believed was a coming recession. Gun control Hardin said gun-control laws don’t create a safe environment. “If anything, it’s going to probably make things worse because now the criminals know that you don’t have a gun,” Hardin said. “I am comfortable with the guns laws as they are today.” “I think we need to do background checks,” said Hans, who has a concealed weapons carry permit but doesn’t own a gun. “I think we need to require training. “We lead the world in these kinds of shootings (yet) we don’t have any more mental illness than any other country.” Morris, however, disagreed with his fellow Democrat. “As you all know I have a background in law enforcement,” Morris said. “I have guns of my own. I will never ever, ever take somebody’s gun out of their hand.” “That is our Second Amendment right. We have the right to bear arms. Now hav-

How Will They Know?

Living life to the fullest is easier knowing your loved ones don’t have to worry about your burial, cremation, or funeral. Our inflationproof preplan arrangements ensure your wishes are respected. Call or visit us online today.

Call today to make an appointment.

480-207-2286

see DEBATE page 15

AZLegacyFuneralHome.com

Family Owned & Operated Since 1947

Happy Father’s Day 2022

Voted Best Seafood in this year’s Best of Mesa!

Best Seafood

Pete’s Has Been Serving Deep Fried Goodness For Over 75 Years!

BESTOF

22 S. Mesa Dr., Mesa .................480.964.7242 1111 E. Buckeye, Phoenix............602.252.9341 3920 S. Central, Phoenix ............602.268.1828 5516 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale ..623.937.6001 1017 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe .......480.968.6265 2628 W. Van Buren, Phoenix ........602.278.3351 4121 N. 44th St., Phoenix ............602.840.0630 9309 W. Van Buren, Tolleson ........623.936.3111

Our Prices Can’t Be Beat! 8 Convenient Locations Drive-Thru/Take-Out Our Specialty

www.petesfishandchips.com

Thank you, Gilbert, for voting us

BEST LAWYER/LAW FIRM & BEST PLACE TO WORK in this year’s Best of Gilbert! BESTOF

2022

Best Law Firm 2020

Best Place To Work

Best Law Firm

BESTOF

2021

Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa

Best Law Firm • Best Place to Work

GILBERT 1760 E. Pecos Rd., Ste. 315, Gilbert, AZ 85295 Phone: 480.503.9217

11

Best Law Firm Best Lawyer/Law Firm Best Place To Work Best Place to Work

QUEEN CREEK 22035 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Phone: 480.686.9400

wgandf-law.com


NEWS

12

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

CUSD ranks its performance with an A BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

C

handler Unified School District students are not the only ones who get a report card at the end of the school year. The district grades itself in some key metrics as a way to gauge its progress in improving the overall experience for both students and staff. And it’s giving itself an “A” by scoring 44.13 of a maximum 48 points in the 30 categories it measures. “We rank No. 1 in math, English and science, and No. 2 in reading,” said Dr.

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Gilbert!

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Jennifer Fletcher, district executive director of accountability, assessment and research. CUSD uses data to determine ranks. So, in math a top ranking means 85% or higher of students are meeting career and college readiness scores. The district decided not to count six of its categories, because of the pandemic. For example, they did not look at chronic absences this year. Here are some of the highlights from the final assessment: Graduation rate: The goal is for CUSD to be at least 14% higher than the state four-year rate for it to get a top ranking. Fletcher said the state rate was 75% of high school seniors and CUSD graduated 90%. CUSD fell short of its goal of having ninth-grade students who earned at least 5.5 credits in their first year of high school. The goal for a top grade is 92% or more of students to reach that benchmark. The district finished between 88%

and 89.9%. College readiness: CUSD gets top marks after its students earned more than $145 million in college scholarships. They actually earned a lot more than that, finishing with $185 million. It also got top marks because at least 68% of students taking Advance Placement tests passed and because it had 40 or more students qualify for National Merit semifinalist or Flinn Scholarships. The district had 41 such students. Dropout rate: The district ranked second in its goal of limiting the number of dropouts to at least 2.5% of the state’s mark. It just missed that mark at 2.48%, putting it in the third rubric. Market share: Most parents continue to choose to send their children to CUSD schools. It got a top mark for limiting the student charter school mobility rate to under 2.5%. Employee satisfaction: The district disqualified two of the three categories it uses to measure if its employees are

satisfied with their job. It got top marks in the one they kept, with at least 90% retention rate. Parent satisfaction: It also got top scores by parents of students, with more than 90% of them giving their schools of their youngest child a letter grade of either A or B. CUSD gave itself the lowest grade in only two categories. One was in the equity in student perception, achievement and access category. Its rubric score in graduation rates by category fell between 0 and 1.59. It needed a score of 3.0 to get the top mark. The other lowest grade came in the indicators for career and college readiness category. In the number of Advance Placement tests taken it had between 6,462 and 6,778. It needed 7,413 or more to get the top grade. CUSD scored a top grade in 20 of the 48 categories it measured. It got a second rank in seven others, one third rank and the two ranks at the bottom.

1.6

7%

AP Y1

Warm temperatures. Hot rates. Get to know Republic Bank and stay cool this summer with a hot 1.67% APY1 on a 9 Month Certificate of Deposit! This CD is so special, you can only get it online. republicebank.com/CD9 800-526-9127 1 Minimum balance to open CD is $1,000 and must be made with money not currently on deposit with Republic Bank of Chicago. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce account earnings. Stated Annual Percentage Yield (APY) assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for the term of the certificate with monthly compounding and crediting of interest. APY is accurate as of 06/15/2022. APY may change and offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. At maturity, CD will automatically renew in a similar term at the then prevailing rate.


13

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

#1 Rated Shop in the East Valley

Se Habla Español

Vote for US!

Vote for us for Best auto repair! 2022 Your Trusted European Car Specialists BESTOF

VOTE NOW!

We at Huffs Automotive are specialists in:

• Mercedes Benz • Land Rover • BMW • Jaguar • Porsche • Audi • Volkswagen

Serving the East Valley since 2009! Family Owned and Operated

BESTOF

2021

VOTED #1

EAST VALLEY AUTO REPAIR

Call 95 N. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ 85224 480-726-8900 • huffsautomotive.com AppFoor An intment! info@huffsautomotive.com


NEWS

14

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Lone GOP candidate appeared in LD 14 ‘debate’ BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

S

uzanne Lunt, a longtime educator with Gilbert Public Schools, has her sights set on a House seat in the state Legislature. Lunt is one of four Republicans running for the two open seats in District 14, which includes most of Gilbert. Other GOP candidates in the Aug. 2 primary are Natalie Dibernardo, Travis Grantham and Laurin Hendrix, a Gilbert councilman. The two winners from the primary will face off against Democrat Brandy Reese, who is unopposed in her primary. Lunt, who is running on an education platform, was the sole participant in an April 29 virtual debate hosted by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission. Republican Rep. Warren Petersen, who is running unopposed in the primary and general election for the District 14 Senate seat, also did not participate.

Longtime GPS educator Suzanne Lunt was the only candidate to appear in the “debate” sponsored by the Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission. (YouTube) Lunt is a Gilbert resident who was a longtime kindergarten teacher before stepping into her role as an instructional coach and has served on the Gilbert Sister Cities Board and now volunteers on the Town’s Community Engagement Task

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

GOVERNMENT ISSUES DIRE WARNING! Attention anyone that has lived on or near a military base, cement plant, an agricultural area, manufacturing or chemical plants and who would like to receive free information on how to be tested in the comfort of your home for PFAS or Forever Chemicals. If you have be diagnosed with Testicular, Pancreatic, Kidney Cancer or Liver Disease or suffer from a Compromised Immune System, suffered a Heart Attack or have a Thyroid Disorder call now to find out how you can be tested in the comfort of your own home for exposure to PFAS. These chemicals may be responsible for many of the above mentioned health issues. If the chemicals are detected in the test you may qualify for significant financial compensation!

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR SIGNIFICANT COMPENSATION! You must call NOW to find out if you may qualify and how to secure your FREE at home PFAS Forever Chemical Health collection kit.

THE CALL IS FREE 800-679-1734

Visit www.myPFAStest.com

*Callers with the above conditions may qualify for $0 cost or a reduced cost of the collection kit. Those callers who do not have the above-mentioned conditions may purchase the kit and pay for the diagnostics at their option to help determine if they have been exposed to PFAS. Again, the call is free to find out. Maxwell Smart, LLC uses an outside certified lab to conduct all tests, we are a distributor of the actual tests.

Force. Lunt at the forum said she was prompted to run for political office because of the “way that people can’t get along in our Legislature.” “It made me think that we can be a little bit more kind and civil and working together kind of like how we learn in kindergarten,” she said. The following are Lunt’s edited responses to some of the debate questions. Question: What are some of the priorities of Gilbert’s residents? Answer: The priorities that I’m focusing on I feel like are ones that are concerns to our constituents – education. We want to make sure that we have proper funding for education; we want to make sure that we can attract and retain excellent teachers. We want to do the best things for our upcoming generation and that is a big concern for our family-oriented Gilbert. With education we can build a better workforce and we can boost our economy by having people who are well-educated and then finally we want to live in a place that is sustainable. We want to make sure that we have a great environment and that we have the water that can sustain our area. One thing about that is I’ve noticed is that Gilbert is really a shining star in water conservation and making sure that we’re all set with that and Gilbert has had a system for making sure that we have re-

cycled water and they have aquifers that keep that we have a 100-year plan making sure that we’re all set. Q: How can we improve trade school and vocational education in Arizona to grow the pool of available employees? A: One way that we can do that is to make sure that with our education that we’re helping our kids to not only learn just the facts and memorize things. Education is changing a little bit and as an instructional coach, I’m helping teachers learn how to help their students to think deeply and to solve problems and to collaborate with others. I think that we can all agree that employers are looking for people who have those skills and so that’s one way that I’m personally working at that and hope that we can promote that throughout our state. Also I believe that it’s crucial that we fund our community colleges and also make sure that trade schools are available. Q: What specifically are some things that the State of Arizona can do to improve its public education system? A: One of the biggest jobs for legislators is to come up with a budget and schools are a big part of that and in our budget right now we are slated to give schools a 2% inflation increase and as we know our inflation is a lot higher than that right now. .. Another thing that we can do to help our schools is kindergarten is not fully funded. … The last thing that I’ve learned is that our special education is not fully funded in Gilbert. Each year as Gilbert sets its budget it comes about $30 million short of funding those needs of our special-education students. Q: Do you support universal expansion of ESA or the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account, which gives parents vouchers to take their children to other types of schooling such as private school. A: I really don’t. I think that it’s important to have choices but when the taxpayers, when we’re using their dollars to support private institutions, I don’t think that that’s the correct use of the funds.

see LUNT page 15


NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

LUNT from page 14

15

As I thought about this I thought there’s no way of regulating how much tuition is going to be at those schools and we just get a certain amount for our students that could go to those vouchers and so it leaves the kids who are the most needy and not being able to afford it even though they have that voucher. Q: If elected, what is the first bill that you would introduce? A: I’m so passionate about public education and making sure that the needs of every student are met. I have some feelings about how charter schools may not have as much transparency as the public schools are required to have and they may not have all of the same rules and things that public schools have. I think

that it’s really important to have choice and I don’t want to discourage that but I do think that we can make a more level playing field for public schools and charter schools that we all kind of work by the same rules. Q: What are your thoughts on the border? Would you support finishing the wall and what would your other plans be? A: I think that we need to be working with our federal government whose responsibility it is to support (and) to secure the border and so I’ll be reaching out to those people at that level so that we can discuss our needs. Q: If you had the power to pass some laws, what would they be for water

conservation? A: When we get to that point where we need to do that, there could be some limitations on the size of our lawns. We could also promote using that recycled wastewater. We need to look a little deeper on how we can make the best use of our recycled wastewater. Q: Your incumbent opponent Rep. Travis Grantham says he voted against the school aggregate spending limit in February, which was approved. What are your thoughts and how would you have voted and that is referring to raising the aggregate expenditure limit on schools. ‘A: Every one of our representatives and our senator voted ‘no’ that and this is

money that was already allocated to our schools. That meant that there would be huge cuts in the last quarter of our school year. Things that were discussed as possibly coming about are shortening our school year for our students, not having substitute teachers and maybe stopping our bus services. And, so I think that that was really the wrong message to send, to vote ‘no’ on that. I think that we need to take a look probably next year we’ll come up again to the same thing. This was set in the 1980s and has never been increased and so this is a problem that we can solve. We just need to come together to make it more reasonable so that we’re not making it hard for our schools as they’re trying to do the best for our students.

ing that being said, there are some loopholes that I could see perhaps where we fall short.” He pointed to gun shows where a seller doesn’t have to do a background check on a buyer. Morris sided with Hans in that people should be trained on how to properly use guns. Hans later said she was not opposed

to people owning guns and supported the Second Amendment. Askey said he was a big supporter of the Second Amendment and disputed Morris’ assertion that there is a gun show loophole. Federal law requires federally licensed firearms dealers to initiate background checks prior to selling a weapon but private, unlicensed sellers do not.

“I take the word ‘should not infringe’ literally,” said Askey, a constitutionalist. “I would not be for too many restrictions on gun ownership especially when you realize the purpose of the right to bear arms is not to have just recreational shooting...

the purpose of the Second Amendment is to protect all the other Amendments from a tyrannical government. An unarmed populace is really easy for someone that has lost their power to come and overtake the society.”

ONLY taught/coached at the one school then I can see only communicating with that one school. This is potentially a bigger issue.” When asked at the time why the district didn’t notify parents at Power Ranch also, the district spokeswoman said, “I cannot answer this question as the district has not released any community information with Aaron Dunton’s name.” Apparently Dunton’s behavior was known among students at Higley High. “I had him last year as a teacher and he was really weird,” said a 16-year-old student, who did not want her name publicized. “Everyone said he stared at girls. “There has been so many girls reporting him to administration … they didn’t have proof, just hearsay.” The 10th-grader said the victim was a freshman and claimed that the relationship was “sexual.” She said her friend, who is a friend of

the victim, saw the text messages, did screen grabs of them and reported it to administration. She said the victim left before school ended because she is sure is was due to “all the harassment from people, ‘oh, did you have sex with Mr. Dunton?’ sort of things.” “People have been talking about it since the teacher resigned,” she said at the time, adding she decided to talk because “if there are any other victims, this can help them speak up knowing they are not alone.”

DEBATE from page 11

TEACHER from page 3

BE BALLOT READY

FOR THE AUGUST PRIMARY ELECTION We all play a role in ensuring secure, transparent and accurate elections. The Maricopa County Elections Department is here to help your community Be Ballot Ready! What can you do?

Learn more at:

B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y:

POLICE SEEK HELP

Gilbert Police Department is seeking to identify additional potential victims or witnesses and is asking anybody with pertinent information to call 480-503-6500.

FOR VOICE INFO, CALL 602-506-1511


16

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com GilbertSunNews.com |

@Gilber tSunNews

/Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert student wins international robotics award BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

H

umans have been exploring the topic of machines surpassing us and becoming a threat as far back as 1872, when the novel “Erewhon” worried about them gaining consciousness and being able to self-replicate. Since then it is a popular science fiction topic in everything from books to films to video games. It’s not a topic that scares one rising senior at Perry High School. “I’ve never seen ‘Terminator,’” admitted Joshua Shunk, a Gilbert resident. Last month, Joshua took first place in robotics and intelligent machines at the International Science and Engineering Fair after he designed an algorithm that allows machines to learn with less data. As part of his prize is that he will get to

showed machines hunting down the last pockets of humanity. But despite the fears that developing artificial intelligence can generate, Joshua sees the good they can do as well. Take his algorithm as an example. Usually a machine needs Joshua Shunk received the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS a lot of data to get Award, which provides the finalists with an all-expense paid to the point where trip to the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar, it is confident in which includes attendance at the Nobel Prize Ceremonies in making a decision. Stockholm, Sweden. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) Joshua said there are times when fly to Sweden to watch the Nobel Prize you don’t have a lot of data. Awards ceremony. For example, a doctor could list the The blockbuster “Terminator” films a patient’s symptoms and the artificial

Gilbert teen pens sci-fi adventure

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

n 18-year-old Gilbert teen who graduated co-valedictorian from Highland High last month and is attending the highly selective U.S. Air Force Academy this week just published his first book. Kaden Arnold’s sci-fi teen adventure novel, “Crusade for Hope,” is now on sale at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. “Writing a book is on my bucket list of all the cool things I wanted to do,” Kaden said. The teen began writing the book as an 8th-grader in the gifted program at Highland Junior High. It was a year-long passion project for

an English class but when the course ended, Kaden continued to write. “I finished the rough draft after 8th grade ended,” he recalled. “But it was really bad. It was obviously written by an 8th grader.” He plodded on, editing and refining the book over the years while juggling school work, being a member of the Yearbook and the National Honor Society, volunteering at a food bank and leading his church youth group. When Kaden reached the point where he could do no more on the book, he took it to professional editors. All the fine-tuning paid off when the 305-page book was self-published in April. Readers can follow the adventures of Alex, a normal teenage boy who

develops super powers after a meteorite slams into earth. He and his two friends, who also have super powers, join a small rebellion in an attempt to save the world from a dictator and his zombie army. So far, the book’s got five-star reviews with one person raving that it’s a “great read for all ages” while another called it “a little bit superhero comic, a little bit sci-fi adventure, a little bit ‘Independence Day.’” Kaden said he chose the science fiction genre because it’s pretty broad and it lets his imagination run wild. “It’s got all the cool things,” he said; “super powers, villains, terrorists, mon-

see BOOK page 18

intelligence could come up with a list of the most likely cause. But what about very rare diseases, where there is not a lot of data? Joshua’s algorithm helps machines learn without needing millions of packets of data. He decided to make his algorithm open source, allowing others to build on his work. It means he will likely never profit from his algorithm. “Being that I’m a high school student conducting this research independently, there are going to be other researchers who want to validate my claims,” he said. “Researchers won’t just take my word for it. “Open sourcing it makes this process a lot easier. The goal of my research was to develop something that would hopefully improve the lives of other and give me some credibility as a researcher. It

see MACHINE page 18

Freshly minted Highland High grad Kaden Arnold holds a copy of his first sci-fi adventure, which was just published. (Special to GSN)


17

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

the evan

from the

essentials collection

luxurious leather

The Evan sofa has long been one of our most popular leather pieces and for good reason. Here we have the perfect combination of good design, exceptional comfort, quality craftsmanship and strong value. Evan is covered in a luscious top-grain leather available from stock in either light silver grey as shown or a warm brown. Sofa measures 102.5”x 62”x 35”h. Matching loveseat and chair also available. Compare at $2745 essentials price $

2195

The Tanya sectional by Incanto of Italy is quality and style through and through. Great looking design is supported by a very comfortable seat which only gets better with the adjustable shoulder supports. Available from stock in either steel grey or taupe. Left or right configuration. 100% leather and 100% made in Italy. Compare at $4865 essentials price

$

3885 since

now hiring

apply online at jobs.copenhagenliving.com

contemporary furniture & accessories

great prices great design

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480-367-6401 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Pkwy. 480-838-3080 HOURS: PHOENIX Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm SCOTTSDALE & GILBERT Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Saturdays: 10am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm

www.copenhagenliving.com


18

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Chandler church aims to inspire women

hile many local moms are rushing to plug their children into fun events for this summer, a Chandler church is setting aside an evening just for women. Bethel Chandler, 1325 S. Arizona Ave., is inviting females 13 and up to a visionboard-creating event on June 24 called “Chica Vision Night.” Women’s Pastor May Dobbins is excited for the potential to reignite lost hopes and dreams at this June kick-off for the 2022 season of events that cater to local women. “What are those things you have believed before, but stopped?” she said. “Right now, does it feel like your dream hasn’t happened, you’ve lost hope, or it seems too far-fetched?” Dobbins, who is a corporate diversity

inclusion director and co-host of the Unbreakable Woman Podcast, says this event is the perfect place to set those dreams and plans into motion again. Participants who come will craft vision boards using art supplies and guided prompts from motivating presenters. The event organizers have been collecting magazines and other crafting materials for several weeks in preparation. The event starts at 7 p.m. but doors will open at 6 p.m. for socializing and refreshments. A $5 pre-registration fee is required because of material costs and can be completed online at tinyurl.com/ chicavision. “We’ll have everything you need to help you put what is on your heart – those things you feel you are called to do – down on paper,” Dobbins said. One goal for creating these visual crafts, she explained, is to ensure a participant’s hopes and dreams don’t end up

on the back burner. “I had a vision board for many years and would often pray about those items, make plans for and take steps towards those things,” she said. Gilbert resident Kelli Sample has attended several of the Chandler church’s women’s events and is looking forward to this year’s activities. When asked why she thought creating a vision board was important, she echoed, “Having a clear vision gives us a direct path for what we need to do to carry it out.” And, having those goals where one can see them daily, she thinks, “helps us to make the best decisions along the way.” Dobbins has acknowledged that some women might feel hesitant to come out and say these types of events are, “not for me.” To this, she wishes to emphasize that this is an opportunity for all women, from all walks of life.

Beyond church members, women’s groups from nearby local congregations are expected to join in, as well as non-affiliated social groups and moms groups in the area. “Everyone has purpose,” Dobbins believes. And, as women believe and earnestly seek after their goals, “we’ll start to see them being realized.” After the June event, the Chandler church is hosting two more community-wide events for women. One is a two-day conference slated for mid-September. “I hope to announce a big-name speaker, soon,” said Dobbins. This will be the church’s tenth conference since opening in 2007. Another event, “Chica Christmas,” is a lively, dress-up evening with a special presentation catering to a woman’s heart. More information will be announced later through their Instagram @bethelchicas.

sters and end-of-the world scenarios – all sorts of cool things that are enjoyable to write about, at least for me.” Although it’s been a long journey for Kaden and his book, the toughest part is letting people know about “Crusade for Hope.” “I’m a teenager and don’t have money to run a national marketing campaign,” he explained. Kaden said he intends for the book to be a series. “I plan to some day to write a sequel,” he said. “I don’t anticipate that ever being my career but I would love to

continue that as a side job or hobby and over the years write more.” But for now Kaden’s next chapter in life is to go to the Air Force Academy, where as a cadet he will get both a public university and a military service academy experience. He flies out to Colorado this Wednesday. Kaden said he chose the Air Force because he knew he didn’t want to be stuck on a submarine, so that ruled out the Navy and the Marines was “a little crazy, too intense for me.” And, he felt the Army wasn’t a good fit for him.

“Being a fighter pilot is my path to follow,” he said. “As far as a decision for the military instead of other paths I could have gone down, I spent a long time researching and doing all the college search processes and deciding what to do with my life. “The only thing that felt right, felt like me and felt like I belonged” was the U.S. Air Force. “With the others I didn’t have the same enthusiasm.” Kaden’s accomplishments were recognized by Town Council at the June 14 meeting, where Mayor Brigette Peterson presented him with a certificate and a

USS Arizona Challenge Coin. The teen said he was able to achieve so much because he is competitive and wants to see how much he can do but more importantly, he said he needed to do it. “I felt like I’ve been given a lot,” Kaden said. “I have a duty to do as much as I can and help as many people I can. I know that not everybody has been blessed as much as I have and I feel I need to use that for good, otherwise I would be ungrateful for all that I have been given.”

was never to make money off of.” Perry High School offers select students an Honors Science Research program where they can explore any topic that interests them. They are evaluated based on their research and what they’ve learned. That’s where Joshua did most of his research into this topic. He plans to continue to explore it The International Science and Engineering

Fair is the largest of its kind in the world, with more than 1,600 participants from 63 countries. So far, Joshua has been awarded a scholarship to Arizona State University and $6,500 in prize money. During the trip to Stockholm, he will make a presentation on his project to Swedish youth as part of a program to encourage them to explore careers in science.

He said he enjoyed the competition, getting a chance to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures. Joshua said he hopes to travel a lot in the future. In addition to his scientific research, Joshua plays hockey. He said between the research and hockey, he is pretty busy. Which is why he doesn’t have time

to play the Mass Effect video games, where machines wipe out all advanced civilizations every 50,000 years. Does Joshua ever think about machines taking over? “I think it could happen,” Joshua said. “And it’s up to the responsibility of the researchers with upgrading it. I think there’s definitely safeguards against it.”

BY JANELLE MOLONY GSN Contributor

W

BOOK from page 16

MACHINE from page 16


Obituaries

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Stephen George Knab 1947 - 2022

On Monday, June 13, 2022, Stephen G e o r g e Knab, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at 74. Steve was born on June 17, 1947 in Altoona, PA to George Martin Knab and Theresa (Regensperger) Knab. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and they raised two children, Carol and Michael. Steve served in the US Army Signal Corps from 1966 to 1970, including a tour in Vietnam. As part of his enlistment, he received training in communications which began his lifelong career with computers. Steve and Linda moved across the country to California in 1972 and experienced the beginnings of Silicon Valley as part of the high-tech computer industry. His career spanned five decades, working at many companies and moving to California, Colorado, Florida, and Arizona. Steve was a life-long gun enthusiast and competed in handgun competitions for a time. He enjoyed golf and loved his retirement home off the 6th Tee at Seville in Gilbert, Arizona. As an avid ham radio supporter Steve was part of the local emergency communications group. He was curious and willing to try new things, from skiing to scuba diving. He loved learning about his family history and adding to his family’s genealogical records. Steve had a generous soul and was al-

ways willing to help others in any way he could. He was a patient teacher and loved to help his friends and neighbors with computer issues. He loved to go on road trips with his family and, later in life, to visit his children and grandchildren. He always made it a point to be present for all family events. Although reserved in nature, his actions revealed a man deeply devoted and loyal to his family and willing to help in any way needed. Steve was raised in a religious home and later became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being with his family was always the most important thing to him. He was preceded in death by both his parents and an infant son, Scott George. He is survived by his wife, Linda Mae (Tremmel) of Bountiful, Utah, and children, Carol Ann McMullin (Kirk) of Bountiful, Utah and Michael Stephen Knab (Kerstin) of West Point, Utah. Grandchildren, Lauren Schofield (Kevin), Cole McMullin, Claire Ebeling (Michael), Evan McMullin, Thayde Knab, Cohl Knab, Margaret Knab, and Martin Knab, one great-grandson, Warner Schofield, and brother, Richard (Ann) Knab (Tyrone, PA). Funeral services will be Monday, June 20, 2022, at 11:00 am at the North Canyon Stake Building, 965 Oakwood Drive, Bountiful, Utah with a viewing from 1010:30 am. prior to services. Interment will be immediately after services at Bountiful City Cemetery. Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary facebook page and his obituary page at www.russonmortuary.com

Jeannie Rae Shanks

With heavy hearts from her family, Jeannie Rae Shanks went home to the Lord on Sat. June 4, 2022 in Spokane, WA. Jeannie was a Beloved Daughter, Mother, Sister, Grandmoth-

er and Aunt. Jeannie was born in Spokane in 1942 and grew up in Richland, WA where she graduated from Richland High School. Jeannie spent time in Arizona where she worked for and retired from Honeywell in Chandler in the 1990's. Jeannie followed her heart and returned to Spokane in the early 2000's where she found a family at Faith Baptist Church. Jeannie is survived by her daughter, Sandie Mattingly in Hawaii; brother, Tom Shanks in California and three grandchildren, Lee Peele in Hawaii, Adina Toponak in New York and Jessica Eroh in Montana. Jeannie is preceded in death by her son, Jack Boyle and her daughter Debbie Yannon. A Celebration of Life will be held for Jeannie at Faith Baptist Church, 2804 E. Euclid Ave. on Saturday June 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Greg Boyle, officiating. Jeannie's ashes, along with her son Jack's, will be interned together in the Shanks Family section at Mountain View Cemetery in Davenport, WA by her daughter and grandchildren as she wished. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for the Shank family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.

COMMUNITY

19

480-898-6465

obits@TimesLocalMedia.com Deadline: Wednesday by 5pm for Sunday Oakley J Ray

Oakley passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on June 12, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in his death by his wife, Janet Andersen Ray, and three daughters: Judianne, Linda and Lana (Viehweg), as well as his parents, Sims Flood Ray and Nellie Ellsworth Ray, and brothers Ellsworth, Gerald, Norman, Albert and sister Myrle. He is survived by his sister Maxine Steiner and nine living children: Beverly (Walker), Carol (Soelberg), Joyce (Clifton), Sharon (Snyder), Delwyn Ray, Norene (Bean), Stan Ray, Judene (Spiel) and Launette (Shaw). meldrummortuary.com/obituaries/Oakle y-Ray/ Public visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 6-8 p.m., 933 E Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be at the same location on Saturday, June 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m.

H E A D STO N E S

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

“Memories cut in Stone” • MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

Deadline for obituaries is Wednesday at 5pm for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

480-969-0788

Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.

www.everlastingmonumentco.com

Visit: obituaries.TimesLocalMedia.com

Make your choice Everlasting

75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233

info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com


20

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022


REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

re1

Despite market shifts, home sellers still have advantage BY MINDY JONES GSN Columnist

T

he race to balance is well underway in the Valley with many homeowners asking what might happen to the equity that they’ve built up in their home. Meanwhile, buyers are pleasantly surprised by the increase in inventory and the potential to negotiate and we find both parties trying to establish their footing as seller’s hang on to the fact that there still are not enough houses for everyone who wants one. We’ve watched closely as inventory

BESTOF

2022

Melanie Nemetz

has risen over the last two months due in part to buyer demand falling and in part due to new listings coming to the market at an increasingly rapid pace and have seen declining sales volume, increased number of price reductions, listing cancellations and expirations, increased days inventory, and the flattening of active list price dollar per square foot. Taking a look at the May affidavit counts, we can see that closed sales are down about 10% year over year while the median sales price is up 21.8% year over year – meaning that although sales volume is declining, closed prices continue to increase. Despite the feeling of many that the market has come to a screeching halt,

Beautifully updated home in Queen Creek with an amazing backyard oasis!

Call Melanie (480) 221-3034

the overall monthly median sales price increased 2.6% between April and June alone. Taking a quick peek at new construction, we see that sales prices are increasing slightly faster than the resale market but only by about 4% while the rental market continues to cool with a 40% increase in new rental listings year over year and many of those leasing below the asking price. Like the market shift that we saw suddenly at the beginning of COVID, we are starting to see some cities pull away

from the strong sellers market they’d been in at a faster rate than others. That means that understanding what the market is doing in YOUR neighborhood and in YOUR town has never been more important. Here in Gilbert, we’re seeing about three times the inventory we saw last quarter and about 30% more inventory than we saw two years ago however with current demand for the town’s available housing, we are still sitting at only about a month’s worth of inventory as opposed

see MINDY page RE2

SPO OTLIGHT home

Relax & entertain in the sought after Marbella Vineyards

See Page 4

Amy Jones Group

Listed for $1,100,000!

Our extensive, high quality marketing of your home combined with our thorough preparation of listing the home for sale, will help your home sell faster and for more money. Here is a sample of the marketing for our listings:

BESTOF

2022

BESTOF

2021

◆ Home Staging Report by Interior Designer & Stager ◆ Professional video of home ◆ Professional photos of home ◆ Twilight photos ◆ Community photos ◆ Aerial drone video/photos ◆ 3D Interactive floor plan - Matterport www.fosteringre.com Each office is independently owned and operated ◆ Open house first weekend on the market

480.221.3034

See Page 5


re2

REAL ESTATE

MINDY from page re1

to the three to six months we’d need to be in balance. Our sales per year have fallen but so has our days on market – which is another indicator that while headed towards balance, we’re not there quite yet. Under contract and closed prices have continued to rise but active listing $/sf has stabilized, still at more than $300/sf as compared to $185 just two years ago. Homes are still selling on average for 102.18% of list price as compared to 98.99% two years ago but with both demand and supply below normal, it will be interesting to see how long we remain above 100%. As market conditions continue to improve for buyers in spite of higher interest rates, we expect to see sellers compete with each other by offering concessions, buying down interest rates, and giving those without all cash offers

GOT NEWS?

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

a chance to win without waiving the appraisal, inspection period, or giving up their first born. Expecting that interest rates will fluctuate and prices will continue to rise at least in the short term, buyers with a little more say in the negotiation process can expect opportunities in the future to refinance while building equity in their investment rather than waiting for rates or prices to decline. While we’re certainly not in a buyers market – let alone a balanced market, for that matter – buyers should have a little more pep in their step after two years of intense warfare for homes in the Valley as they have more homes to choose from and a more prominent seat at the table. The good news is that sellers haven’t lost any ground or equity, they’ll just need to pull up a chair alongside their buyer counterparts instead of always

This 4,000-square-foot home on E. Silo Drive in Gilbert’s Warner Groves at Morrison Ranch community recently sold for $1.4 million. The four-bedroom, 3 ½ bath house, built in 2018, boasts a custom kitchen with high-end appliances, and a number of other amenities. (Special to GSN)

sitting at the head of the table. Mindy Jones, a Gilbert Realtor and owner of the Amy Jones Group brokered by EXP

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timeslocalmedia.com

Realty, can be reached at 480-250-3857, Mindy@AmyJonesGroup.com or AmyJonesGroup.com.


REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Rental scene may be changing – for now BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

T

he rental market both locally and nationally is cooling a bit – but analysts said two weeks ago there might not be much reason to celebrate on either front. Apartmentlist.com, a nationwide rental listing firm, said trends in apartment vacancies and rent indicate that more empty apartments are entering the market and rent increases are slowing, but that likely won’t remain the case longterm. And looking at the Phoenix Metro area, the Cromford Report said that even the limited rental data available on the Arizona Regional Multi Listing Service shows that “though the median lease price has increased over the 12 months, far more listings are leasing below the asking price and far more listings are appearing on the ARMLS database. “Landlords do not bother to list their

ApartmentList.com showed this nationwide trajectory in apartment vacancies and rent increases, but said these favorable trends may be adversely affected by cooling home sales. (apartmentlist.com)

properties on the MLS if they expect them to lease up very quickly and easily,” the Cromford Report said. “So the

fact that we are seeing a 40% increase in new rental listings compared with 2021 shows us that landlords are less confi-

re3

dent than they were a year ago.” Nevertheless, sales of apartment complexes are continuing at a major pace – often at prices that are more than double what they sold for only a few years ago. The Cromford Report said that in the Valley, nearly three-quarters of the 1,473 leases that closed in May 2021 came in at the asking rental price while 18.3% were below. By contrast, last month saw just over half of the 1,954 closed leases settle at the asking price and 41.6% fall below it. Still, the median closed lease price last month was $2,200 – higher than the $1,900 median a year ago. “The rental listings on ARMLS are not a balanced cross-section of the rental market,” the Cromford Report cautioned. “They tend to be skewed towards higher-end properties and single-family homes rather than relatively affordable apartments.”

see RENT page RE5


re4

REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

New models released for 485-home community in Gilbert

18496 E Ashridge Dr Queen Creek Sossaman Estates

GSN NEWS STAFF

5 bedroom, 3 bath, + loft, 3 car garage, pool with rock water feature and slide Beautifully updated. Stylish kitchen with white cabinets and quartz counters. One bedroom and full bath downstairs. Soaring ceilings in the entry and living room. Swimming pool with rock slide and water feature. Built in barbecue and patio seating area

Call Melanie today (480) 221-3034 BESTOF Winner for The Tribune’s Best of Gilbert 2021 & 2022 in the following categories: 2022 Best Realtor: Melanie Nemetz Best Real Estate Team: Melanie Nemetz Team and we work for the agency that won Best Real Estate Agency: Keller Williams Integrity First

Melanie Nemetz

480.221.3034 • www.fosteringre.com Each office is independently owned and operated

T

ri Pointe Homes has opened 12 new model homes and two new galleries at Waterston North, a new 485-home community in south Gilbert, Customers can now make an appointment to tour the model homes – two in each of the six new gated neighborhoods — Aderyn, Kestrel, Meadowlark, Starling, Tanager and Whimbrel. “We are incredibly excited about the debut of our new model homes and new home galleries at Waterston North given the high quality and great variety of thoughtfully designed offerings in addition to the record-approaching sales track record that the planned community has built,” said Tri Pointe Homes Arizona’s Division President James Attwood. Homes in Waterston North’s new neighborhoods range from approximately 1,830 to 3,970 square feet with three to five bedrooms, 2 to 3.5 baths and 2- to

Buying or Selling a Home?

3-bay garages. The neighborhoods will consist of Aderyn with 104 homesites, Kestrel with 73 homesites, Meadowlark with 94 homesites, Starling with 69 homesites, Tanager with 70 homesites, and Whimbrel with 75 homesites. Each neighborhood will offer four floor plans to choose from with the exception of Starling with five. Varying by plan, the homes will offer executive gourmet kitchens, large pantries and laundry rooms, extended patios, central game rooms and private courtyards for residents to enjoy. Homebuyers can also select multigenerational living packages. Waterston’s newest amenities include Central Lake with a great lawn, pool and clubhouse, and pocket parks and walking trails within each of the new neighborhoods. The design of Waterston draws on the natural environment of neighboring Veterans Oasis Park and Gilbert Recreation Center. Information: tripointehomes.com.

Call Erik First!

1850 E Northrop Blvd #170 | Chandler AZ 85286 480-206-5592 cell | www.ErikGeislerRealtor.com Join me in supporting my charity partner,

CULTIVATE GOODNESS

Cultivate Goodness is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping with needs in our community. We invite members of our community to get involved and wrap arms around those that could use a lift. We believe if everyone puts in their piece, whatever the size, it adds up to be a mountain of good.

Go to http://cultivate-goodness.org

Serving the Valley, for over 15 Years!

Erik Geisler REALTOR® Your Real Estate Agent


REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

RENT from page re3

“Rental prices have not changed a lot in the last five months and the median lease price seems to have hit a stable patch around $2,200,” it said, adding that the 2,385 vacancies reported on June 5 was up 26% from Jan. 1 and 79% form Sept. 1. Those trends are similar to what apartmentlist.com reported. “In Phoenix, for example, rents have increased by just 2 percent over the past six months, during which time the city’s vacancy index has gradually eased back to 5 percent, close to where it was before the onset of the pandemic,” Apartmentlist. com said last week. “After experiencing significant disruption over the past two years, the rental market has begun to gradually stabilize,” it continued. “The markets that saw large spikes in vacancies in the early pandemic have since seen renters return. Meanwhile, demand has started to level off in the nation’s hottest markets. That said, the availability of vacant units nationally remains notably constrained compared to the pre-pandemic norm.

“Even if our national vacancy index continues its gradual easing, it won’t surpass 6 percent until well into next year on its current trajectory.” Apartment list also said that the rapid cooling of the housing market may have an adverse impact on rental units’ supply and, consequently, rates. “There are factors at play which could present headwinds to that easing,” it said. “Although we’re now at the start of the busy season for the rental market, when the bulk of moving activity normally takes place, rapidly rising rents may incentivize many renters to stay put and renew existing leases rather than looking for new ones. “At the same time, the recent spike in mortgage rates has created yet another barrier to a historically difficult for-sale market, potentially sidelining would-be homebuyers and keeping them in the rental market. Given these factors, it’s possible that the easing of our vacancy index could level off in the coming months.”

SPO OTLIGHT home

GILBERT PARADISE!

Relax & entertain in the sought after Marbella Vineyards. An entertainer’s dream & plenty of space with 4289 sq ft, this beautiful two story, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home offers a place to gather. Many must-have upgrades throughout. Featuring 2 large luxury primary suites, perfect for Multi-Generational living or company. Both suites feature spa-style bathrooms with beautiful tile, dual sinks, glass shower, a soaking tub and oversized custom closets. Boasting a white chef’s kitchen with walkin pantry, granite countertops & an oversized island able to seat many. Including flex space for an office or dining, as well as a loft with a built-in theater screen & projector. Double sliding glass doors offer views of the beautiful pool and designed landscaped yard. Cool off & refresh for hours in the custom designer private pool with water features, slide and diving rock. Relax in the front private courtyard or in the backyard under the large covered patio and cook with the built-in BBQ grill. There is plenty of parking and storage with the 4 car garage. Take advantage of centralized Gilbert living, where world-class amenities meet you at your doorstep! Festive dining, shopping, golf, with many attractions nearby include San Tan Village, Gilbert’s New Regional Park, San Tan Mountain & A-Rated school options are ALL within reach!

Listed for $1,100,000

(480) 250-3857 www.AmyJonesGroup.com

In Mesa, six complexes and one condo community changed hands in the last four weeks in deals totaling $459 million. The biggest deal involved the $142-million sale of the 460-unit Indian Springs Apartments on South Stewart, near Southern Avenue and Alma School Road, by California-based Open Path Investments to Rise48 Equity of Phoenix, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. Built in 1985, the complex consists of 25 buildings, three pools and basketball/ tennis court, three laundromats and a club house on just under 10 acres. The sale equaled a per-square-foot price of $723 and a per-unit price of $308,685, vizzda said. Last week, California-based TIC Group shelled out $125 million for the Talise Apartments, a 388-unit complex, built in 1984, on Gilbert Road and University Drive. Another big transaction also saw Rise48 Equity buying the 288-unit The Nolan on W. Broadway Road for $92 mil-

3477 E Penedes Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85298

re5

lion. Northmarq Phoenix said its investment sales team ’s investment sales and debt and equity teams represented the buyer. The sale price was more than three times greater than the $30 million that seller Benedict Canyon Equities paid for the 36-year-old complex in 2018, The gated complex comprises 18 two-story residential buildings, three pools and a clubhouse on 12.3 acres. Vizzda said the sale broke down to a per-unit cost of #319,444. Rise48 Equity plans to renovate the interiors of all the units at The Nolan, Northmarq said in a release. “Rise48 has purchased over 1,000 multifamily units in Arizona since the start of 2022, and over $1 billion in transactions since 2019,” said Brandon Harrington, a member of Northmarq’s debt and equity team. “They continue to seek out well-positioned communities with value-add opportunities through improvements to the individual units and the complex amenities.”


26

BUSINESS

GilbertSunNews.com |

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

@Gilber tSunNews

/Gilber tSunNews

High-end development nears Gilbert OK BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

developer hopes to clear a final hurdle later this month to build 22 semi-custom homes at the southeast corner of Greenfield Road and Superstition Drive in Gilbert. Town Council is expected June 28 to consider the request for a minor General Plan Amendment and rezone of 14.07 agricultural acres for The Orchard. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 on June 1 to recommend approval despite opposition from a nearby resident from the Whitewing at Germann Estates community. “There are only six homes really that are significantly impacted by this,” said Jeff Hawke at the June 1 meeting. “These are homes that are valued in excess of $3

The Orchard housing plan calls for 22 semi-custom homes that will sell on average for more than $1.8 million, according to a representative of the company making the rezoning request. (Town of Gilbert)

million each.” Hawke asked that the distance between the proposed houses along the border with the existing six homes be increased. “The homeowners are really hoping that you understand their concern,” Hawke said. “If there are two-story homes approved ... with the current setbacks that could significantly diminish the value. They’d be looking right into our homes and a lot of them, mine included, our homes where we paid extra to have these really large windows. We would literally have people staring right into our living rooms.” Hawke said he also is a developer and was trying not to stand in the way of progress but a couple of modifications

see ORCHARD page 27

Bug & Weed Mart thrives with family BY ALEX GALLAGHER GSN Staff Writer

L

ike most things, it started with a need, Owner Jim LaBrie likes to tell people about how he founded Bug & Weed Mart over 40 years ago. LaBrie had been teaching at Alhambra High School and felt bugged by critters that snuck into his home. However, since he was on a teacher’s salary, he couldn’t afford an exterminator. So he decided to do the best he could by going to hardware stores and purchasing the best bug juice he could find. Unfortunately, the sprays didn’t do the trick. So, he kept searching until he stumbled into a small shop in Mesa that had what he needed. LaBrie was able to purchase the same chemicals used by professional exter-

Bug & Weed Mart owner Jim LaBrie stands next to his son Joe who operates the Scottsdale location and acts as the business’s director of operations. Bug & Weed Mart has been in business for over 40 years and has had a presence in Scottsdale for over two decades. (Special to GSN)

minators and his creepy-crawly visitors took a hike. He became so impressed by the concept that he kept a close eye on it and eventually purchased the business he once patronized, giving birth to Bug & Weed Mart. Before Jim knew it, the business began to swarm its way from its humble beginnings in Mesa to four more locations in the valley: Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix. “We started as one store in Mesa and our customers who drove from other areas told my dad ‘hey, we’d love to be able to come to see you’ or ‘is there a chance you could open (another) store’ and the business finally justified enough growth,”

see BUGS page 28


BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

ORCHARD from page 26

such as restricting houses on the perimeter to one story and increasing the setback would help existing residents. Jessica Sarkissian of Upfront Planning, the applicant, noted, “There actually is at least one house that has a two-story up against it right now. We were aware of the neighbors here and the setbacks that we’re proposing for the rear properties are 30 feet.” Sarkissian said the setback is the standard for the subdivision under the Town’s zoning code as is for Whitewing and other places in Gilbert. “And just for your information, as well,” she added, “the product here is a two-story, side-entry garage.” She said developer Stone Manor has built over 3,600 quality homes in Maricopa and Pinal counties. “These are going to be high-end-caliber homes,” she said, adding that the houses will be between 4,000 and 8,000 square feet in size and start at about $1.8 million, but likely higher given the market conditions.

She said the property values of the gated community would be similar to the adjacent Whitewing neighborhood. Commissioner Anthony Bianchi noted that the Commission already had viewed the infill project during a study session and there weren’t a lot of objections. “I think the (General Plan) and the zoning there, the requests are all over reasonable,” Bianchi said. “It’s somewhat similar to the development (Whitewing) that you see to the east there. Chairman Jan Simon said the site plan and layout were “very well done.” “It will bring value to in essence a dirt lot that will more than likely help this area,” Simon said. In February when the Commission reviewed the project during a study session, there were concerns from staff, which wanted the front entry gate removed from the development in order to fit in with the San Tan Character Area that called for open space and not a lot of block walls. The developer vehemently opposed

27

Whitewing homeowner Jeff Hawke opposed The Orchard’s current plan, arguing it was not set back far enough away from some homes to his community. (YouTube) not walling in the entire community due to the high-end homes proposed and pointed to nearby gated communities such as Whitewing and Bellamy. Commissioners, however, sided with the developer and said they didn’t have

a problem with The Orchard being gated. The entry gate as proposed would include steel pickets and old-world stone columns with post lights and a faux entry guard shack with shiplap siding, post lamps and windows for design.

Quality Healthcare Begins with Us! PHOENICIAN MEDICALBegins CENTER Quality Healthcare with Us! Flu tests with results WALK INS

within 20 min WELCOMEPHOENICIAN MEDICAL CENTER WALK INS FREE VITALS WELCOME CHECK FREE VITALS

CHECK

Michael L. Smith, MD

Join us in welcoming our newest doctor! We are excited to welcome our new provider to Phoenician Medical.

Now Accepting New Patients!

• Primary Care

• Wellness Screening

• Hospital Follow Ups

• Preventive Care

• Diabetic Management

• Flu Shots for Elderly

• Chronic Care Mgmt

• Physical Examinations

• Urgent Care Visits

• Regular Check Up

• Vaccinations/Immunizations

Michael L. Smith, MD (Internal Medicine) • Krushangi Trivedi, FN-CP • Kathyayini Konuru, MD NEW N LOCATIO N E P O W NO

480-963-1853 www.pmchealth.care

Same day new patient appt available

3336 E. Chandler Hts. Rd., Ste. #119 • Gilbert, AZ 85298 875 N. Greenfield Rd, Building #2, Ste #105 • Gilbert, AZ 85234


28

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Rebranded in Gilbert

Norman Hightower, with his son Ken Hightower to his right, gets ready to cut the ribbon on their Chevron convenience store, rebranded as ExtraMile, at 37 S. McQueen Road, Gilbert. The Hightowers remodeled the store and expanded their line of beverages and hot and cold food items as well as snacks. Hightower Management has owned the store since 2007. (Special to GSN)

PRIDE NIGHT

BUGS from page 26

said Jim’s son Joe, who joined the business in 2010 and currently operates the Scottsdale location in addition to acting as the companies director of operations. One by one, the stores kept opening and the timing became perfect for Jim to turn the business over to his daughter Cara and son Joe. Although he admits he did put his kids through the wringer in the years leading up to their transition. “Terrible, I had to fire them four times,” Jim said with a laugh after being asked what it was like to work with his children. “But it worked out pretty well because it is a business relationship and they’ve learned enough over the years about how to do things and they’re quite mature.” However, Joe and Cara have proven their worth by managing their way through shortages of certain products and dealing with rising costs. “There were some spikes that were crazy recently. And that was followed by the unavailability,” Joe said. “I’m very proud to say we’ve worked diligently to maintain stock on all of our items even though it’s been a little bit of a hop, skip

and a jump to where I will have to stuff products in my trunk and lug them from one store to another some days.” Joe believes that the tide is beginning to settle in terms of having items on backorder. “It looks like things are finally starting to mellow a bit and I’m very happy to say we have not been out of stock for anything our customers have needed,” he said. This has come at the most opportune time as Joe has just begun stacking his shelves in preparation for the re-emergence of scorpions and mosquito season. Those are not the only critters that Joe has seen jump into the fold in recent years either. “We’ve also seen a roof rat infestation that used to be focused on just a couple of neighborhoods, and many more places now than it used to be,” he said. However, Joe feels confident in his products and authentic approach to customer service but in terms of the future expansion of the business, he plans to continue to do whatever his dad wants. Info: bugweedmart.com

supported by

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

SP ORT SBO OK • F O OD • SP IR I T S

PRIDE TEE 15,000 FANS

S C O T T S D A L E | C A S I N O A R I Z O N A . C O M | 4 8 0 . 8 5 0 .7 7 7 7 Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. No smoking. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Please gamble responsibly. Problem gambling? Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP.


29

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST OF THE BEST

FREE 25 $

SERVICE CALL

OFF REPAIR

PLUMBING & HVAC SERVICES • $99 Sewer Camera Inspection • $99 A/C Tune-up incl: 1lb Freon • 10% OFF Tankless Water Heaters • 3 Ton Trane A/C Unit only $5,995 • FREE Slab Leak Detection w/Repair

Air Conditioning & Repair

Best Plumber

Over 1,000+ Five-Star Reviews

• $500 OFF any Whole House Repipe

Home Services

480-405-7099

ROC #223709 ROC #289252 | ItsJustPlumbSmart.com


30

SPORTS

GilbertSunNews.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

@Gilber tSunNews

/Gilber tSunNews

Check us out and like Gilbert Sun News on Facebook and follow @GilbertSunNews on Twitter

EV athletes mentoring kids to next level BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

M

acy McClain knows all too well how overwhelming and difficult the college recruitment process can be for high school athletes. She went through it herself for volleyball out of Valley Christian High School in Chandler, where she graduated in 2021 and was sought after by four-year universities. Her recruitment came at the height of the pandemic, which brought along even more hurdles some athletes today are still dealing with. But nonetheless, she navigated the process and landed at Concordia University in Nebraska. There were tears and there were moments of triumph, but she got through the grueling process and now joins a team of college athletes who aim to help guide high school-aged athletes through recruitment, so they don’t do it alone. “Everybody’s recruiting process is completely different,” McClain said. “Mine was very up and down. There was a point where one of my top schools told me they didn’t have an offer for me, and I remember I cried to my mom and wanted to give up. I did some research and found my school. “I love that I’m in a position to give advice to young athletes that want to play in college and the parents.” Next Step Mentoring, an innovative program still in its infancy, partners student-athletes ages 13 and up through high school with college athletes to assist them through the recruitment process. In total, the program has 30 college athletes ranging in divisions, with many playing at a high level in college and for various sports, including volleyball, soccer, football, basketball,

Macy McClain, a graduate of Valley Christian who plays volleyball at Concordia University in Nebraska, is one of 15 Arizona natives to join Next Step Mentoring, a program geared toward pairing young athletes with those in college to have help with the recruitment process. (Courtesy Next Step Mentoring)

Andrew Mason, a Perry grad who plays football at NAU, finds joy in helping young athletes navigate the recruitment process. Like McClain, his was tenuous and difficult at times. Now, he can help take some stress away from young athletes with his knowledge. (Courtesy Next Step Mentoring)

track and field and wrestling. Of the 30 college athletes who have signed on as mentors, 15 attended high schools in Arizona. Seven come from the East Valley. Now, they’re spread out at universities across the country. “We are spread all over,” McClain said. “Right now, it’s been mostly shared through word of mouth. But Mario (Diaz), the owner and founder of Next Step Mentoring, he’s so passionate and has kids that are athletes so it’s personal for him.” Along with McClain, Justin Stinson and Chandler Carter, two former Valley Christian football players, joined the Next Step Mentoring program. Joey Lujan, a former Perry soccer player, also joined along with Taylor Lawson, a senior alumni mentor from Desert Ridge. Shane Van Huizen spent his high school basketball career playing for the national team at Arizona Compass

Prep, a small school in Chandler that has become a basketball powerhouse. Andrew Mason didn’t need much convincing to join the program. If anything, he felt honored to be considered among other top-notch athletes. Like McClain, the former Perry football player had a difficult road during his recruitment to Northern Arizona University to continue his career. It came during the peak of the pandemic, when the NCAA granted seniors another year of eligibility due to canceled seasons. For universities like NAU, some seniors were able to extend it even further as the Lumberjacks didn’t see the field until the fall of 2021. “There were a lot of recruiters coming to Perry and unfortunately with the extra year of eligibility, colleges didn’t have scholarships,” Mason said. “It was very hard because it was slim

pickings with schools that had opportunities for us. I feel like I have a lot of info to share with parents and athletes based on what I went through.” Next Step Mentoring pairs each mentor with young athletes across the country. With their help, they receive knowledge that will assist them in navigating through the recruitment process. Every mentor can share their own personal stories with recruitment. Often, parents of the athletes need just as much help. Through a one-hour session, or more, young athletes and their parents can ask mentors questions to better understand the process. Often, new recruits are not familiar with questions they can ask colleges to receive more funding through scholarships. The mentors also can stress the importance of grades and help connect the athletes with Next Step Mentoring’s tutor service, which features teachers for various subjects and individuals who can help with essays, which many scholarship programs require. Overall, the program aims to help put young student-athletes on the right track with recruitment while alleviating any concerns they may have. “It’s really cool because it’s not someone older, it’s an actual student-athlete living the life a high school athlete wants to live,” Mason said. “I hope I can share my knowledge and I hope I can change someone’s life and change their thought process on recruiting. I wish I had something like this to help guide me in the right direction.” While still in the early stages, both McClain and Mason have already felt themselves making an impact on the lives of young athletes. They’ve walked

see MENTORING page 31


SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

MENTORING from page 30

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

them through the process of gathering film to send to colleges, how to email coaches and the next steps from there. They recognize the level of impact sports can have on an individual and their future, especially if paired with a high GPA that allows them to receive a college education at a discounted rate. They feel like they are making a positive impact on the lives of young athletes, and they look forward to con-

tinuing doing that for years to come. “My biggest advice is to not give up,” McClain said. “It is such a tenuous process and there is so much to do. I remember freaking out in front of my computer not knowing what my next step was going to be. Just the fact that I can have an impact on someone’s life and help them find their way, it’s so awesome.”

VOTE

RESIDENTS FIRST FISCAL CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY KEEP TAXES LOW/STOP OVERSPENDING

OPPOSE COMMUTER RAIL APARTMENTS - LOW DENSITY/LOW HEIGHT PRO- POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN WARNING! Our clinic is taking every precaution and we follow strict CDC guidelines to ensure that our patients, clinic and staff are SAFE! Mesa, AZ — The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your chronic pain and/or neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects. Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

Bobbi Buchli for Gilbert Town Council

For more information or to select your own exchange student please call:

As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects.

Julie from Denmark, 16 yrs. Enjoys gymnastics, swimming and photography. She’s positive, fun loving and easy to get along with.

(See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article) In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined. 1) What is the underlying cause?

Marcy at 1-800-888-9040 (Toll Free)

2) How much nerve damage has been sustained.

or e-mail us at info@world-heritage.org For privacy reasons, photos above are not photos of actual students

The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals. 1) Increase blood flow

In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers! The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy. THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT SANEXAS IS COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE! Depending on your coverage, your treatment could be little to no cost to you! The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be

Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until June 30, 2022. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated. Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this FREE consultation offer to the first 15 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL Call 480-274-3157 … NOW! We are extremely busy and if your call goes to our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you asap.

480-274-3157

www.whhosts.com

4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

World Heritage is a public benefit, non-profit organization based in Laguna Beach, CA.

WH 4x4 color 0522.indd 1

3) How much treatment will your condition require?

The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT!

(for 3, 5 or 10 months)

Loves soccer and would like to learn to play baseball. Pablo is a boy scout and enjoys the outdoors.

NOTE: Once you have sustained 95% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you.

Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.

3) Decrease brain-based pain

HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT TODAY! Make this year the most exciting, enriching year ever for you and your family. Welcome a high school student, 15-18 years old, from Belgium, Italy, France, Ukraine, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Germany or Thailand as part of your family for a school year (or less) and make an overseas friend for life.

determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!

Fig. 2

2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves

Web Site: www.bobbibuchli4gilbertcouncil.com EMail: votebobbi4gilbert@gmail.com Paid for by Vote Bobbi Buchli

Pablo from Spain, 17 yrs.

31

5/18/22 12:35 PM


32

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed Muscle cramping, difficulty walking, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms of neuropathy people live with every day,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is PAD has very similar symptoms. So similar that in many cases, people are told it’s neuropathy when it may not be.” Medicine is often prescribed. “Pills aren’t a cure, they just suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “If neuropathy

isn’t causing the symptoms, the real problem could get worse.” It’s important to determine if PAD (peripheral artery disease) is causing the pain or making it worse. PAD is plaque in the arteries which causes poor circulation. “Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t getting an adequate supply, they start sending signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping. The good news is PAD is treatable in

an office setting. Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist explains, “We go into the bloodstream to find the blockage using imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore blood flow.” Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen.”

If your neuropathy medication is not working, your symptoms may be an indication of another condition.

Stiff Joints Interfere with Everyday Living

HELP! Don’t wait for your feet to yell at you. If your feet hurt, they are talking to you. Our doctors can help tell you what they are saying. Y / N

Does foot pain prevent you from doing your favorite activity? Do you have burning or tingling in your legs or feet? Do you have leg or foot cramps with activity or at rest?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

(602) 954-0777 azfeet.com Dr. Kerry Zang • Dr. Shah Askari • Dr. Dan Schulman • Dr. Kim Leach Dr. Barry Kaplan • Dr. Jeff Weiss • Dr. Patrick Gillihan

One in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activity because of a condition called hallux rigidus. It’s a degenerative disease of the big toe joint. As it progresses, the pain in the joint increases and motion decreases. “People don’t realize the impact their big toe has on their life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption, and forward movement as you walk,” explains Dr. Daniel Schulman, of CiC Foot & Ankle. “When the joint is stiff, it’s not able to bend and rotate properly, and it changes how we walk without us even realizing it.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot. “It always concerns me to hear that someone is playing less golf or staying home because they’re in pain,” says Schulman. “There are ways to help.”

The goal is to protect your feet from the repetitive stress of everyday activities. “We have several treatment options to not only relieve foot pain but help improve how your feet work. If we can help your feet function better, in many cases the need for surgery can be avoided or at the very least postponed,” says Schulman. “Patients are always happy to learn about ways to alleviate their symptoms.”

For golfers, a stiff big toe can make their game suffer.


GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

GilbertSunNews.com |

@Gilber tSunNews

GET OUT

33

/Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert comedy club worth paying a visit BY SYLVESTRE SANCHEZ GetOut Guest Writer

O

nly six minutes south of the Water Tower Plaza, JP’s Comedy Club is quickly becoming a hotspot for comedians and Gilbert residents. JP’s is family-owned and operated. Jim Perry, also known as the Cop Comic, along with his wife Janelle and their sons Brenden and Nathan, have opened their doors to local comedians in hopes of mentoring and cultivating a comic scene in Gilbert. As you’ve guessed by the moniker, Jim is a comedian and a retired policeman and has since used his time and experience to continue serving the community

Comedian and former cop Jim Perry owns JP’s Comedy Club in Gilbert and is widely called “the Comedy Cop.” (Special to GetOut)

Dive into Summer Reading at Your Library!

through comedy. Quickly becoming a comedy hub for local talent and national headliners that are nothing short of hilarious, you can catch a show at JP’s every Thursday through Saturday. The 7 p.m. shows are great for pre-gaming before a night out at Gilberts Heritage District and the 9 p.m. shows are great for a night cap. The shows consist of guest spots filled with local talent then followed by the opening act, feature act and headlining act. JP’s headlining acts are consistency national touring performers. As great as the weekend shows are, Thursday nights are something to behold. Every Thursday following the 7 p.m. show, the audience is encouraged to stay and hang out with the comics for

an open-mic contest. The contest quickly unfolds into an epic night of raw stand-up comedy, attracting local talent and a variety of comedians. Old and new, young and old, funny or not, comics are ready to hit the stage for a chance to work on new material. The unscripted night of comedy is something to experience with friends, significant others or on your own. The club has an intimate feel and every seat in the house gives an up-close and personal experience that you can’t get anywhere else. So, add a little humor to your night life and stop by, say hi to the comics, grab a drink and enjoy the show at JP’s Comedy Club. You can view upcoming shows and reserve tickets at jpscomedyclub.com.

Free & Easy to Participate! MaricopaCountyReads.org June 1 – August 1

“It’s fun and interactive. The prizes are awesome too!” –Summer Reading Participant

Use this Secret Code for Bonus Points: SUNSHINE


34

GET OUT

What’s The Real Value Of Hearing Aids? • Hearing Aids • Hearing Protection • Hearing Testing

BESTOF

2022

Check out our online hearing screener at FynesAudiology.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

King Crossword ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 46 47 48 49 50 51

Embassy VIP Apple tablet Mexican money Scratch “It can’t be!” Eve’s man Finished Latvia’s capital Gusto Neptune’s realm Pale “Of -- and Men” Kite flier’s need Affectionate sign-off Flamenco cheer Bedouins Arthur of “Maude” Tennis shutout Taxpayer IDs Polite query Scarlett’s Butler Bottom “Love -- Leave Me” Awestruck Play-ending arcade message Thunder god Actor Jannings Tokyo, once “Ditto” Oahu souvenirs Lemon

DOWN

“Did your new hearing aids cost much?” inquired a friend. “Well,” said the new hearing aid user as she drew a deep breath.” my hearing loss cost me three friendships that I know of, a strained relationship with my husband, two grandchildren who think I don’t understand them, boredom at church, and lost interest in attending get-togethers.” After a reflective pause, she added: “Sure I invested some money to get these hearing aids... but it doesn’t compare with what it cost before I got them.”

480-456-0176 www.fynesaudiology.com 2058 S Dobson Rd #9, Mesa, AZ 85202

Answers on page 36

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27

Latin 101 word Dallas hoopster, briefly Soviet leader after Khrushchev Hawkeye Dr. McGraw Picnic crasher Homer’s cry Postal delivery Ms. Falco Long story Yemen neighbor Clarinet insert Phil of folk music MP’s quarry Missile shelter Dolphins’ home “Let --” (Beatles hit) Fay of “King Kong” Saw Air outlet

28 30 33 34 36 37 38

Right on the map Petri dish gel New citizen, perhaps “Scram!” Film spools D.C. baseball team Turkish title

39 40 42 43 44 45

Unhappy destiny Roman 2,002 Solidify Soul, to Sartre College URL ender Scepter


35

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Save for sunny days. (not just rainy days.)

CONTACT OUR PERSONAL BANKERS (480) 497-9800

OB/GYN Care provided by an all-female staff

Vote for US!

BESTOF

2021

BESTOF

2022

VOTE NOW!

Vote us Best OB/GYN in this year’s Best of Chandler! NADINE EASTON

WILLIAM MIMS

PEGGY THOMPSON

“Never been in an office where I felt so comfortable and so listened to. Thank you so much!”

~patient Christina

We have all female OB/GYN doctors, certified nurse practitioners, certified physican assistants, and certified nurse midwives.

BAN K 1835 East Pecos Road • Gilbert, AZ 85295 (480) 497-9800 • unisonbank.com

3 East Valley Hospitals

We provide 24/7 call groups at three excellent hospitals: Mercy Gilbert, Chandler Regional, and Banner Gateway

www.valleywomenfor women.com Text or Call 480-782-0993


36

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

G W IN NO LL RO EN

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 34

MENDOZA Cleaning & Sanitization General Cleaning, Laundry & More

K-12 Tuition-Free Charter School

1 time • weekly bi-weekly • monthly Ask about Windows & Sanitization Services

FREE ESTIMATES Call Mireya Mendoza Now!

480-259-0935 Where Character Leads to Success.

Locations in:

» Gilbert K-12 / 480.545.6646

» Queen Creek K-8 / 480.655.6787

» East Mesa

K-10 / 480.984.5645

» Maricopa K-8 / 520.568.7800

Is Your Pool In Need of a Makeover? We’re the Pool Resurfacing Experts!

» Flagstaff K-8 / 928.535.2410

» Online Academy

BEFORE

AFTER

K-12 / 480.257.5362

LeadingEdgeAcademy.com In accordance with Federal Law, Leading Edge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

10

Let us help you create the pool of your dreams!

% OFF

Tile Cleaning Expires June 30, 2022

BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE FOR A FREE ANALYSIS

SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in POOL SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

602-546-POOL (7665)

www.barefootpoolman.com Ahwatukee!

Ahwatukee!

BESTOF

2019

384 W Cullumber Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

Thank you for voting us an Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service Company 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021!

Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001


GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

Marketing Yourself

IDENTIFY YOUR USP Everyone has a unique selling point, or USP. It’s a niche factor that makes job candidates (and the products and brands they make) desirable to customers, while also differentiating it all from their competitors. Perhaps you have some specialized training, or a combination of experience and personal interests that stand out in a pile of prospective résumés. Once you’ve figured out your USP, you’re ready for the next steps in marketing yourself.

BE ORIGINAL Remember that an active presence on professional social media sites says a lot about your career engagement. Find ways to connect with others on relevant topics, either by sharing links or joining industry discussion groups. Everything you learn there, along with related publications and websites, will help down the road at the interview stage, too. As your confidence builds, try sharing your own personal takes through short original posts. You’ll be establishing credibility with industry peers, while nurturing connections for future career growth. Decision makers are always looking for smart, involved candidates. When the next position comes open, you’ll be front of mind.

AWD is a family owned and operated business that has been serving Arizona since 2005. We are a specialized interior installation service that caters to the commercial interior design industry. We provide receiving, inventory control, storage and delivery/installation services to our clients all over Arizona and other locations in the United States through our network of partners. Our focus is on making the customer experience efficient and complete, while providing a supportive work environment.

Starting pay dependent on position and experience Full and part time positions available Monday – Friday schedule Paid Holidays and PTO after 90 days Positions Available: • Non-CDL and Class A CDL drivers (load/unload) • Warehouse and Installation Associates • Bookkeeper/Billing Associate/Accountant (Quickbooks Online) We are a drug free work environment

Please apply by email Nicole Pellistri at nicole@awdaz.com or 602-272-6016

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

SHARPEN YOUR PROFILE The first impression most people get of any prospective candidate can be found on your résumé and professional social media presence. It’s important to keep your résumé up to date, of course, but also to freshen the overall look. Everything should be written in a clear, concise way, preferably with two or fewer pages. When it comes to busy job interviewers, less is definitely more. Similarly update the details on your professional social media page, which often serves as a recruiter’s first landing spot.

® ADOBE STOCK

ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE If you remain tentative about taking these steps, try adopting a new perspective on marketing yourself: Sharing expertise with others in your field can be looked at as a helpful action aimed at uplifting others who need career guidance, rather than simply a networking opportunity. Think of yourself as a mentor to others. It might alleviate some of the awkwardness you’re feeling, while also improving your chances of getting hired: Job recruiters are looking for that kind of leadership, too.

NOW HIRING

You might not feel particularly comfortable in the role of self-promoter, but networking is a critical element of professional success. Here’s how to get ahead in business by marketing yourself.

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

JOB SEEKERS

jobs.phoenix.org 480-898-6465

37


JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

NOW HIRING

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

38

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Join Our

TEAM In Mesa!

CMC Steel Arizona is growing! We are hiring immediately for overhead crane operators, maintenance mechanics, industrial electricians, entry-level positions and more! At CMC, we provide training and certifications that you need to excel in your role. If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready

BENEFITS • Competitive pay for all positions • $3 shift differential for rotating shift work • Paid Vacation • Overtime opportunities

to join CMC in Mesa. Scan the QR code or visit us online to apply today!

jobs.cmc.com


GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Why Work Here? Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, employee training, a talented team, and lots of professional growth opportunities. Times Media Group is a digital and print media company operating in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles markets. We have experienced significant growth in recent years due to our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing news to the communities we serve.

Job Description We are seeking a highly organized, friendly, and outgoing individual who excels at making customers happy and keeping the office environment functioning. A good candidate will have strong computer and communication skills and an ability to build rapport and communicate with customers, usually by phone.

A Good Candidate Possesses • An energetic and upbeat attitude • A minimum of two years of office experience • The ability to work well on a team • An ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment • Exceptional organizational skills • A desire for hands-on professional growth experience

Apply today, upload your resume: TimesLocalMedia.com

CALL TO ADVERTISE 480-898-6465

If you are a hardworking and resourceful individual, please respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe your skill set and experience make you a good fit for this position. We are currently scheduling interviews for an immediate opening. EOE

FIND YOUR JOB

• In-Office Position • Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacations, Holidays, 401K and more • Full-Time

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG LOCAL JOBS. LOCAL PEOPLE.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

39


40

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG / JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Great Wages and Low Cost of Living Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria in Sunny Blythe, California! Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Peoria Phoenix SanTan Scottsdale Queen Creek West Valley Great Wages and Low Cost of Living inavailable Sunny Blythe, at California! Full-Time Positions Full-Time Positions available at Palo Verde Unified School District Palo Verde Unified School District

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com

Employ

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

Employment General

ment

TK-8th Grade Teachers (Certificated)- starting salary $55,323 Special Education Teachers (Certificated)- starting salary $55,323

Employment General

Secondary English Teachers (Certificated)- starting salary $55,323 Secondary Math Teacher- starting salary $55,323 Counselor (Certificated)- starting salary $60,996 *Teachers and Counselors may receive credit up to 9 years of service* To view our salary schedule please visit our website at www.pvusd.us For more information please call us at 760-922-4164 or you may apply online at https://www.edjoin.org/PaloVerdeUSD

Teacher: Teach students in one or more subjects. Lead students toward the fulfillment of their bilingual potential through a target language to students in the immersion program. MS in ed. req. mail to Job Loc: The Odyssey Preparatory Academy 1495 S. Verrado Way Buckeye AZ 85326

Wanted to Buy Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM

Employment General TRAINING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Design, conduct training & business development programs to improve individual & organizational performance. May analyze training needs. MS in any management + skill in SQL, Python,Lean Six Sigma and demand forecasting, ERP SAP sys. & FTZ. Req. Mail to Job Loc: Redstone Staffing, Inc. 8603 W. Windrose Drive Peoria AZ 85381 Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally to drive the development of Cloudbased technologies, including data cleansing and conversions, interface design/development, and systems development life cycle. 15% Travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0522GIL8329 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/ veterans.

NOW HIRING

INSIDE SALES TEAM PLAYER IN TEMPE Salary + Comission, Benefits, Vacation and Sick Time Times Media Group is the largest publisher of community news in Arizona. With a complete digital advertising suite and over 300,000 copies a week – our reach is a must-have for local businesses, and we offer advertising solutions to fit any business in any community! We are hiring inside advertising sales representatives to help with inbound and outbound sales. TMG has grown 500% in the past six years, and we expect this growth trajectory to continue. Come join us! Do you get excited when you sell? We get it - it’s exciting to sell! Do you have an interest in selling solutions and not just ads? If you are a fast learner, tech savvy and familiar with Google and other digital advertising solutions, you should contact us. If you want to learn how, we have you covered too! Will train. This is a full time job with the hours of 8:30-5pm Mon-Fri. in Tempe near the Broadway Curve. Need we say more? Contact us TODAY!

Please send your resume to:

careers@TimesLocalMedia.com

EOE

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive software development and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of big technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0522GIL7928 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

SLK Holdings has openings for Software Engineers in Phoenix, AZ area. Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv, or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in SDLC/STLC/QA/Agile to analyze/dsgn/dev/implement/test systems & applics. Email your resume w/ ref no 2022-19 to slkcareers@gmail.com & ref EVT ad Sr. Software Engineer for CarsArrive Network, Inc. (CarsArrive is a business unit of KAR Global) in Mesa, AZ. Req. Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electronic Engr., or related field, w/ 7 yrs progressive post-baccalaureate exp. in mobile iOS develop. Req. 5 yrs exp. w/ each: API Dev. using SOAP & REST Paradigms; dev. & maintain mobile UI/UX; SOLID principals; & Unit/Integration testing. Req. 2 yrs exp. w/ each: .Net Web API; debug & resolve production issues; & Azure/ AWS Cloud Services. To apply, please visit https://www.karglobal.com/careers/, select Req. # R-243999. No agencies or phone calls please. Informatica Administrator sought by Republic Services in Scottsdale, AZ. Manage all Informatica MDM environments, configurations, user access, MDM HUB, ActiveVos BPM suite, Hierarchy Manager, install new s/ware & patches & applies necessary configuration changes. Responsible for reliability & performance of the Informatica s/ware. Install & configure Informatica PowerCenter s/ware, MDM, & ActiveVos BPM suites. Install & configure the Redhat Jboss EAP application server for MDM. Coord, plan & execute activities related to platform maintenance, disaster recovery & s/ware release mgmt. Configure Informatica components & assists infrastructure team on installation, upgrades & hotfix patches. Perform capacity & stability monitoring. Assist w/ application health & server metrics collection & reporting as well as integration of MDM w/ Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) Web services & w/ PowerCenter & Oracle d/bases. Conduct performance tuning on MDM application servers & configurations for optimal performance. Create user accounts, ETL integrations /implmtns/ migrations, schedules & monitors jobs, perform root cause analysis for job failures & missed data loads, & provide server & d/base admins w/ support for performance tuning. Reqs: Bach's deg (or foreign equiv) in Comp Sci, Comp Info Systems, Engg, Statistics, or closely related field + 3 yrs of exp w/ PowerCenter v10x s/ware admin or Informatica MDM versions v10.x. Also reqs 3 yrs of exp w/ Informatica Data Quality s/ware toolset, incl dvlpmt, installation, configuration, maintenance, enhancement, & support. The role may presently be performed remotely in the State of AZ, but this is subject to change. Apply online at www.republicservices.jobs or submit resume to Republic Services, S. Bogan, 18500 N Allied Way, Phoenix, AZ 85054 Ref: EG-CIU9-22.


41

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Employment General Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Senior Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally to drive the development of Cloudbased technologies, including data cleansing and conversions, interface design/development, and systems development life cycle. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL23FC0622GIL2473 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans. PayPal, Inc. has the following positions available in Scottsdale AZ.: • MTS 1, Technical Account Manager (Req#:2113185): Manage. portfolios of lge. merch/part. accts. in North America & will be their point person, providing guidance for issues directly affecting valued customers. Req’s: MS (or equiv.) +2yrs. exp. • Network Security Engineer 3 (Req#: 21-9329): Manage data networks focusing on intrusion detection, & prevention syst.; analyze sec. breaches to determine their root cause. Req’s: MS (or equiv.) +2yrs. exp. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. To apply, please send your resume with references, specifying Req.# by email to: paypaljobs@paypal.com; or by mail: ATTN: HR, Cube 10.3.561, PayPal, Inc. HQ, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. EOE, including disability/vets.

Service Directory

Air Conditioning/Heating 40 Years Serving the Central Valley

FREE Service Call (with repair) • Second Opinion HERE IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE OUR 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $5,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

PlumbSmart Over 1,000 Five-Star Plumbing Heating & Air Google Reviews ★★★★★

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Broken Springs Replaced

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Not a licensed contractor

REG. $119

480-725-3511

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

www.BrewersAC.com

Electrical Services

BY JOHN

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

• Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

Home Improvement

K HOME SERVICES “For all your Home Exterior Needs”

480.233.0336

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical Job Too ✔“No Water Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Heaters Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Electrical Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, 2010, 2011 ✔ Plumbing 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall

Concrete & Masonry

• Yard Waste

rogerkretz@yahoo.com

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

• Old Paint & Chems.

Roger Kretz

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Appliance Repair Now

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents

Hauling

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

We are offering $ 40 OFF our Brewer’s Deluxe 20 point Tune up

Appliance Repairs Air Conditioning/Heating

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Garage/Doors

“No Job ✔ Carpentry Job Too Too Small Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Tile Small Man!”

25+ Years of Customer Services

• Leaky Roof Repairs • Tile Repairs • Painting • Flat Roof Coating • Wood Repair • Doors & Windows

General Contracting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Irrigation

Decks • Tile • More!

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588 Obituaries have moved to the Community section of the paper!

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 rk SinceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM Affordable, Quality Wo

Block Fence * Call Gates Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Bruce at 602.670.7038

✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms

2010, 2011 2012,And 2013, “No JobMore! Too 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor ty Work Since 1999 Ahwatukee / References

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 602-789-6929 Roc #057163

Affordable, Quali

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotInsured a Licensed / NotCall aContractor Licensed BruceContractor at 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service ARRANTY 5 -YEAR PART W

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671


42

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

Painting

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

Plumbing Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Plumbing

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

— Call Jason —

ROC# 256752

Roofing

(602) 502-1655

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

HYDROJETTING

ALL Pro HOME&IMPROVEMENT PAINTING

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

East Valley PAINTERS

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Now Accepting all major credit cards

ROC 3297740

ROC#309706

Plumbing

10% OFF

Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM

Pool Service / Repair

FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

Voted #1

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

480-338-4011

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Painting

Family Owned & Operated

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

480-477-8842

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Quality Pool Service, That is Priceless!

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

Weekly WeeklyServices Services

Netting • Brushing • Emptying Baskets Netting ● Brushing ● Emptying Baskets Equipment Check • Water Testing Equipment Check ● Water Testing

Other Services

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

480-489-0713 • lizardpools.com Owners: Angela Clark, Chelsea Clark, & Homer Clark

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Other Services Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Pump/Motor Repair & Replacement Sand/Water Change • Repairs • Acid Wash Sand/Water Repairs ●&Acid Wash HandrailsChange • Filter ●Cleaning Repair ● Filter Cleaning & Repair PoolHandrails Tile Cleaning • Green Pool Clean Up PoolAngela Tile Cleaning ● GreenClark, Pool Clean UpClark Owners: Clark, Chelsea & Homer ROC 303766

ROC 303766 ● 480-489-0713 lizardpools.com


43

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

FIND YOUR FIND YOUR FIND YOUR PASSION PASSION FIND YOUR PASSION PASSION

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale West Valley Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Tempe Mesa North Valley

MetroPhoenix JOBS JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG MetroPhoenix JOBS MetroPhoenix JOBS To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465 MetroPhoenix JOBS Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley Ahwatukee Chandler Gilbert Glendale Mesa North Valley Ocotillo Peoria Phoenix Scottsdale Tempe West Valley

or email Class@TimesLocalMedia.com To Advertise Call: 480-898-6465

Public Notices

Summons

NOTICE TO ESTABLISH A BRANCH

Superior Court of California, County of Corte Superior de California, Condado de 4175 Main Street Riverside CA 92501 Summons (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) Citacion (Orden de restriccion de violencia en el hogar) Case No. DVRI2200386. If ordered by a judge to use this form, complete items (1) only. (2) Si un juez le ha ordenado llenar este formulario, Ilene solo los puntos (1) y (2). (1) Person asking for protection: La persona que solicita proteccion: RUBY VILLALPANDO (2) Notice to (name of person to be restrained): Aviso a (nombre de la persona a ser restringida): IAN STEPHON SOLOMON The person in (1) is asking for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order against you. La persona en (1) esta pidiendo una orden de restriccion de violencia en el hogar contra usted. Lea la pagina 2 para mas informaci6n. (3) You have a court date Tiene una audiencia en la corte Date/Fecha 7/7/2022. Time/Hora 8:30AM Dept/Depto.: F301. What if I don't go to my court date? If you do not go to your court date, the judge can grant a restraining order that limits your contact with the person in (1). If you have a child with the person in (1), the court could make orders that limit your time with your child. Having a restraining order against you may impact your life in other ways, including preventing you from having guns and ammunition. If you do not go to your court date, the judge could grant everything that the person in (1) asked the judge to order. Que pasa si no voy a la audiencia? Si no va a la audiencia, el juez puede dictar una orden de restriccion que limita su contacto con la persona en (1). Si tiene un hijo con la persona en (1), la corte puede dictar ordenes que limitan su tiempo con su hijo. Una orden de restriccion en su contra puede tener otras consecuencias, como prohibirle tener armas de fuego y municiones. Si no va a la audiencia, el juez puede ordenar todo lo que pide la persona en (1). How do I find out what the person in (1) is asking for? To find out what the person in (1) is asking the judge to order, go to the courthouse listed at the top of page 1. Ask the court clerk to let you see your case file. You will need to give the court clerk your case number, which is listed above and on page 1. The request for restraining order will be on form DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Como puedo entender lo que pide la persona en (1) Para entender lo que pide la persona en (1), vaya al tribunal en la direccion indicada en la parte superior de la pagina 1. Pida al secretario de la corte permiso para ver el expediente de su caso. Tendra que darle al secretario el numero de su caso, que aparece arriba y en la pagina 1. La solicitud de una orden de restriccion se hace en el formulario DV-100, Solicitud de orden de restriccion de violencia en el hogar. Where can I get help? Free legal information is available at your local court's self-help center. Go to www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp to find your local center. Donde puedo obtener ayuda? Puede obtener informacion legal gratis en el centro de ayuda de su corte. Vea https://www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp-selfhelpcenters.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=es para encontrar el centro de ayuda en su condado. Do I need a lawyer? You are not required to have a lawyer, but you may want legal advice before your court hearing. For help finding a lawyer, you can visit www.lawhelpca.org or contact your local bar association. Necesito un abogado? No es obligatorio tener un abogado, pero es posible que quiera consejos legales antes de la audiencia en la corte. Para ayuda a encontrar un abogado, visite https://www.lawhelpca.org/es/homepage o contacte al Colegio de Abogados local. Date/Fecha 19 May 2022. Clerk, by (Secretario, por): /s/ D. Cortez Deputy (Asistente). Published: East Valley Tribune, May 29, Jun 5, 12, 19, 2022 / 46826 / 46875

Notice is hereby given that Banterra Bank, 3201 Banterra Drive, Marion, Illinois 62959, filed an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on June 14, 2022, for permission to establish a branch facility, operating as Banterra Bank, at 950 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 114, Tempe, AZ 85284. Any person wishing to comment on this application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director (DOS) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at its Regional Office (300 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60606) not later than 15 days after the date of this publication. The period may be extended by the Regional Director for good cause. The non-confidential portions of the application are on file in the Regional Office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request. Published: East Valley Tribune, June 19, 2022 / 47340

SAN TAN IRRIGATION DISTRICT CALL OF ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 15, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the qualified electorate of San Tan Irrigation District of Maricopa County that the Board of Directors of San Tan Irrigation District, pursuant to the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 48, Ch. 19, Article 5 (A.R.S. § 48-3041 and following —Acreage System of Voting), calls for a general election to be held on the 15th day of November, 2022, for the purpose of electing one (1) member of the Board of Directors. Nomination petitions for Director shall be signed by qualified electors of the District representing no less than one-half of one percent of the acreage vote in the District, but not more than two hundred and fifty and not fewer than five individual signatures. A.R.S. § 16-322(A)(12). Nomination petitions shall be filed no earlier than 150 days before the election (June 20, 2022), and no later than 120 days before the election (July 18,2022) with the Board of Directors of San Tan Irrigation District by delivering the petition to the offices of the District at 3978 E Chandler Heights, Suite 104, Gilbert, Arizona 85298. A.R.S. § 16-311(B). Write in candidates must comply with A.R.S. § 16-312(B) (October 6, 2022) or A.R.S. § 48-3011(A) (November 4, 2022). All voters eligible to vote in the election may register or check the status of their registration in the offices of the District at 3978 E Chandler Heights, Suite 104, Gilbert, Arizona 85298 until November 9, 2022. No person shall be allowed to vote unless that person is registered and can show that they are the holder of lands within the District as shown by the public records as of the 90th day before the date of the election (August 17, 2022) and otherwise meets the qualifications of electors within the District under A.R.S. § 48-3043, nor shall any person cast more votes than the number of votes to which he or she is entitled as shown by the District register, to be established by the District Secretary no later than 5 days before the election (A.R.S. § 48-3044). The polls shall be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the day of the election (November 15, 2022) and shall be held at the District Office, 3978 E Chandler Heights, Suite 104, Gilbert, Arizona 85298. President DATED this 6th day of June, 2022. SAN TAN IRRIGATION DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA BY: Ed Roberts, Board President. Published: East Valley Tribune, June 12, 19, 2022 / 47234

Life Events

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details. class@TimesLocalMedia.com or call 480-898-6465


44

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 19, 2022

Not a bank credit card. Because we're not a bank. Being a Member-Owner has its rewards. Get up to 5% cash back1 with the Connect Rewards Visa Signature.

BANKS OWN YOU. YOU OWN US.® Card type and APR is based on creditworthiness. 1Capped at $1,500 spent in qualifying purchases quarterly in the category of your choice. 3% back on gasoline, 2% back on groceries, 1% on all other purchases. Cash Back rewards are tracked as points and each $1 in Cash Back rewards earned is equal to 100 points. Points can be redeemed for cash back, merchandise, gift cards, travel, and charitable donations. See Vantage West Rewards terms and conditions for details and restrictions of the program. Subject to approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Subject to change without notice.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Gilbert Sun News 061922 by Times Media Group - Issuu