Gilbert Sun News - 08-30-2020

Health and wellness

Gilbert giving nonprofits $$$

PAGE 17

PAGE 4

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS................................ 6 New Gilbert school’s principal has hands full.

BUSINESS................ 26 Multiplexes reopening in Gilbert.

SPORTS...................... 29 Mesquite High QB ranking high nationally.

COMMUNITY.......................................24 BUSINESS.............................................26 OPINION.....................................28 SPORTS.......................................29 PUZZLE....................................... 31 CLASSIFIED...........................................31

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

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Higley Unified reopening campuses Sept. 8

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

H

igley Unified School District is bringing students and teachers back into the classroom five days a week on Sept. 8, provided COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

The Governing Board last Wednesday voted 4-1 to move up full in-person learning after it had earlier this month approved a resolution to return to in-class instruction Oct. 12 or ear-

lier if state and county health benchmarks are met.

All district students began fulltime remote learning July 27.

“I think that our failure rate of our kids within our district is very high,” Vice President Kristina Reese said. “It’s very clear they are struggling. We need to get them in front of their teachers. I think it is time for our kids to get back to school.”

The board noted that if cases were to shoot back up before then, it will hold an emergency

meeting to delay the reopening.

But data released by the Maricopa County Public Health Department the day after the board met showed a continued downward trend in COVID-19 data.

Gilbert Public Schools is allowing students to return to campuses part-time beginning Sept. 8 with the intention of full-time, in-class learning starting Sept. 21.

HUSD is following the state’s three rec-

see HIGLEY page 7

Council puts town in the New Fry’s, new mural ambulance business

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert is going into the ambulance business, promising faster response times and cheaper billing rates than private operator American Medical Response.

Town Council last Tuesday voted 5-2 to buy six ambulances, stretchers and power cots for $1.7 million despite AMR representatives saying they provide a “first-class system” for Gilbert. The service could be operational as early as May. “We as a Council are the guardian of the public trust in Gilbert,” Mayor Scott Anderson said. “Our responsibility is to serve and keep the public safe. In other words, we are delegated to the Constitution to protect the health, safety and welfare of this community.”

He said in contracting with AMR the town was delegating

see AMBULANCE page 10

Gilbert artist Selina Rodriguez shows off the mural that she was commissioned to paint at the new Fry’s Marketplace that opens Sept. 2 at Higley and Baseline roads in Gilbert.You can read about how she was picked on page 24. (Srianthi Perera/GSN Contributor)

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

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NEWS

Town’s first behavioral hospital opens

3

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert’s first in-patient behavioral health hospital with 72 beds is now open for business – seven years after it failed in its initial attempts to locate in the community.

Company officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Monday for Copper Springs East at the northeast corner of Melrose and Rome streets, south of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

“We know we can make a difference with our new facility here in Gilbert,” said Matt Flynn, CCO of parent company Springstone in Kentucky. “I know lives will be saved.”

Flynn cited sobering statistics that included over 40 percent of adults have admitted to some level of depression with 10 percent or one in 10 adults having contemplated suicide and that Arizona ranked No. 8 in the country for death by suicide. Additionally, drug deaths have increased 53 percent in Arizona in the last decade, he said.

And now people are wrestling with the additional burden of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Flynn.

About 200 people attended the virtual open house that also featured Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Chairman Kevin DeRosa, Copper East CEO Beckie Shauinger, parent company Springstone CEO Phil Spencer and Copper Springs Market CEO Jessica Black. Anderson and DeRosa welcomed the facility to the community while the company officials thanked its staff and supporters.

The 60,000-square-foot Gilbert facility is one of Springstone’s two locations in Arizona. The 72-bed Copper Springs in Avondale opened in May 2016.

Copper Springs offers inpatient and outpatient services for adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, addiction and other mental-health issues. Copper Springs East has hired more than 100 employees, including nurses, physicians, behavioral health experts and administration for the new facility.

Cutting the ribbon for Gilbert’s first behavioral health hospital were, from left, Copper Springs Market CEO Jessica Black, Copper East CEO Beckie Shauinger, parent company Springstone CEO Phil Spencer and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Chairman Kevin DeRosa. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

Springstone, which has over 30 behavioral health facilities across the country, has no plans for additional hospitals at this time, said company spokeswoman Kelly Sorice.

The Gilbert facility began construction in the summer of 2018 and originally aimed for a 2019 opening but was held up due to the need for tweaking plans and some minor construction delays, Sorice said.

“We weren’t willing to sacrifice any details of the design, so we prioritized enacting our vision over meeting any specific timelines,” she said. “We’re very happy with how the facility turned out, and are excited to begin caring for patients there.”

It’s been a long road for Springstone to reach what one company official said Monday “a milestone.”

Springstone initially attempted to locate in Gilbert in spring 2013. The company at the time pitched a proposal to build a mental-health facility at Greenfield and Baseline roads but abandoned plans after neighborhood opposition from people concerned it was near Pioneer Elementary School.

The company later that year settled on a site near Val Vista Drive and Williams Field Road but again ran into opposition from neighbors there worried about the

proximity to homes, shopping centers and a school-bus stop.

After those failed attempts, the company went to Avondale to open its facility.

In 2017, a land-use attorney for the company approached Gilbert again – this time armed with a town-commissioned needs assessment study that identified gaps in access to mental, behavioral and substance abuse treatment programs in the community.

Town fire and police officials also spoke Gilbert’s need for this type of facility.

Sorice said the company expected to see patients to come to the Gilbert facility from across the East Valley and noted that the Avondale location runs at full, or nearly full, capacity on most every day of the year.

“We are seeing an increase in those with depression, including suicidal ideation, as well as an increase in those facing addiction challenges,” she said.

“The isolation and fear associated with the pandemic has truly exacerbated the issues for those who face mental health issues.”

Soon, Copper Springs East won’t be the only behavioral health hospital in town.

see BEHAVIOR page 5

4

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Town has pandemic relief money for Gilbert nonprofits

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

s of tomorrow, nonprofits serving Gilbert residents will be able to apply for some of the $2 million the Town Council set aside for them from its share of federal pandemic-relief funding.

Helping nonprofits is the first recommendation coming out of a recently formed town subcommittee tasked with how to spend $29.2 million in funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The subcommittee based its recommendation on two surveys, in April and August, on the pandemic’s impact on nonprofits. Of the over 129 nonprofits contacted, 55 responded.

“The primary needs for our specific nonprofit organizations themselves are assistance with funding operational

costs, salaries and benefits, safety supplies and equipment,” said Melanie Dykstra, program supervisor at last Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. “When they talk about salaries, it’s things that provide direct services like counseling.

They need staff in order to make those counseling appointments.”

And the top needs requested of the nonprofits include help with food, rent, utilities and mental health counseling, Dykstra said.

Dykstra reviewed what other monies the town has doled out so far this year for nonprofits before the pandemic hit, including $568,026 in federal block grants and $430,000 in general and Neighbor-2-Neighbor funds.

Neighjbor-2-Neighbor enables residents to make a donation through their monthly utility bills. In both incidents, the town received more requests for help than it had money to meet.

Dykstra said the nonprofits that received funding have been providing services to priority populations identified in a town needs assessment.

That study listed 10 priority populations that included people with mental health and substance abuse needs, domestic-violence, sexual-assault and human-trafficking victims and homeless people.

Dykstra said police was reporting an uptick in domestic violence reports in Gilbert.

Because of the pandemic’s economic impact, the focus for the most recent available funding will be on nonprofits that serve the elderly, low- to moderate-income families such as foster families, those with mental health and counseling needs, domestic violence victims and families in crisis.

“This does not preclude any of our nonprofits from applying for funds,”

Dykstra said.

She said every nonprofit can apply but they should tie it back to one of the priority groups.

Dykstra said the deadline for nonprofits to apply will be Sept. 20. The applications will be sent to a committee Oct. 2 for vetting and contract development.

From there requests over $100,000 will be sent to Council for review on Oct. 13.

Councilman Jared Taylor asked if the process could be shortened.

“The timeline seems a little bit slow,” he said. “Some of these groups need this support straight away and they may not be around in October when they finally get something.”

Dykstra said the timeline was developed based on the number of expected applications, time needed for scoring and writing up the contracts and be-

see NONPROFITS page 5

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

BEHAVIOR

NEWS

from page 3

5

The town’s Planning Commission in March approved a conditional use permit for a 24-bed psychiatric hospital for older patients, south of Mercy Road by 156th Street near existing medical offices.

The 16,400-square-foot Sana Behavioral Hospital will be a 24-hour acute treatment facility for patients 55 and older with psychiatric disorders.

“Congratulations on your beautiful

new facility,” wrote Ryan Eggleston, CFO of ERH Healthcare, which operates Sana Behavioral hospitals during last Monday’s Zoom open house. “It’s exciting to think about the huge impact for good

that you’ll have in the community. We’re excited to be neighbors next year.”

Information: coppersprings.com/locations/gilbert-az/ or 480-667-5500

cause Oct. 13 is the only meeting the Council was holding that month and Sept. 15 was too soon.

Town Manager Patrick Banger said to expedite the procedure, a special Council meeting can be called to address just

this issue.

“I’ll be opened to that,” Taylor said.

“We can do it over ZOOM. It’s pretty pro-

cedural and getting them the assistance sooner than later is probably a priority.”

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Pandemic amplifies new Chandler school’s challenges

BY KEVIN REAGAN GSN Staff Writer

S

hirley Mathew’s 25 years of experience working in the Chandler Unified School District couldn’t quite prepare her for the complexities of a pandemic.

She had been the principal of Weinberg Elementary and was preparing to transition to Rice Elementary, one of two new schools the district is opening this year, when COVID-19 struck.

The last five months have been tumultuous for all of the district’s principals and administrators, yet Mathew had the added challenge of straddling between two schools in the middle of the pandemic.

“One day I will write a book on all this,” she joked.

Not only did she have to figure out how to educate hundreds of students virtually, but Mathew had to deal with the weekly tasks of ordering supplies, assembling classrooms and preparing to open the new campus at 1290 E. Ocotillo Road – which might not actually have any students in the near future.

The 2020-21 school year was expected to be an exciting time for Rice’s students and teachers. Its newly-constructed classrooms have been stocked with new textbooks, desks and computers that are now waiting to be used by children.

The CUSD Governing Board decided last month to delay all in-person instruction at the district’s schools until the second quarter starts on Oct. 13.

Though the district’s staff has the option to work from home, Mathew has been coming to school every day, working on a campus that should have had nearly 800 students on it by now.

“It is extremely different,” the principal said about the school’s emptiness. “The joy that we have is from the buzz of children.”

When schools closed in March, Mathew’s staff at Weinberg was instructed to quickly pack up the entire school and vacate the campus within a couple weeks.

Suddenly staffers were in a mad dash to sanitize every object and empty out all the school’s classrooms, the principal recalled, resulting in an intense period of transition for the school’s staff.

But Mathew also had to simultaneously

Transitioning to becoming principal of Chandler Unified’s new Rice Elementary School in Gilbert has beena challenge for Shirley Mathew because of the pandemic. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

Crews have been working on the new Rice Elementary School most of the year to have it ready whenever campuses reopen for Chandler Unified. (CHandler Unified)

monitor all of Weinberg’s teachers in their shift to at-home virtual learning.

Teachers had to prepare take-home materials for students lacking internet access, Mathew said, while scrambling to clean up their classrooms before the end of the school year.

“The magnitude of what we had to do was just pretty phenomenal in a very short time,” Mathew said.

Once Mathew and her staff left Weinberg, they found themselves with no place to go. The Rice campus was still under construction and CUSD had to begin remodeling work at Weinberg for the next school year.

Another elementary school offered Mathew some spare space to open up a temporary summer office so parents could still contact her about questions regarding Rice’s expected opening in August.

There’s been an incredible amount of support from parents and the district during this stressful time, Mathew said, and it’s made the transition to Rice much easier.

Even after the campus was built and Mathew started moving her staff in, the pandemic interfered with the delivery of needed items like garbage cans, filing cabinets and cleaning supplies.

Supply networks have been regularly

interrupted by COVID-19’s impact over the last few months, delaying the amount of time it typically takes items to arrive.

The school is still waiting for some items to arrive, Mathew said, but most of the campus is essentially ready for students to arrive.

The school’s floors have been marked with stickers to indicate where students should stand in relation to others. Classrooms have desks carefully arranged to prevent students from sitting too close to each other.

Rice has a plan for almost any scenario that may arise when in-person instruction begins, the principal said, and the school is prepared to make major changes in order to keep students safe.

Mathew said her current priority is keeping Rice’s students engaged while they’re learning from home.

She has been routinely dropping in on virtual lessons, posting videos with uplifting messages and answering questions from students via email.

Mathew said teachers continue to track attendance every day and ensure students are completing their lessons.

She said these last few months have taught her she doesn’t always have control over every situation and she is trying to remain flexible in order to adapt to the many blindsides of an evolving pandemic.

“We’re not giving power to the pandemic,” she noted. “But we’re certainly making sure we’re doing everything to protect our children.”

Rice Elementary had originally been envisioned as a sustainable campus that practices eco-friendly protocols and teaches students how to responsibly care for the environment.

Mathew said Rice still intends to fulfill that vision and has plans in place to construct a vegetable garden on campus for students to learn about horticulture.

Education may look and feel different in the coming months, she added, but students will still be learning and teachers will be doing everything they can to make them feel cared for.

“There’s a lot of good things that we’re planning for when the kids do come in-person,” she said. “It will still be school.”

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

HIGLEY

from page 1

NEWS

7

ommended benchmarks for reopening and the county’s dashboard that drills COVID-19 data down to the district level.

The benchmarks call for 14 days of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals, less than 7 percent of new tests coming back positive for the virus and less than 10 percent of hospital visits with COVID-19 symptoms.

According to the most recent county data, HUSD is in the yellow for moderate COVID-19 risk with a recommendation for hybrid learning, which Higley Unified does not offer.

Under the county color coding, green for all three benchmarks means minimal community spread and traditional learning could resume; yellow is moderate spread and hybrid learning is recommended while one or more benchmarks in the red is substantial and necessitates remote learning.

The data is 12 days old when it is posted around 4 p.m. every Thursday at Maricopa.gov/5594/school-metrics.

According to the state health data, Maricopa County is meeting the two weeks of decline in cases per 100,000 people and in hospital visits but not meeting the benchmark of less than 7 percent of new tests

coming back positive for the coronavirus.

HUSD on the county dashboard is showing green in two benchmarks and yellow for cases per 100,000 people, an improvement from the week prior, said Dr. Dawn Foley, assistant superintendent of K-12 Educational Services.

Foley said the projection is that the cases numbers will continue to drop.

The district is showing green for all three benchmarks because it combined the metrics from both the state and county and took the highest score of each metric.

That didn’t sit well for board member Scott Glover, who called it “cherry picking” to get the desired numbers.

He applauded the teachers who noticed that too and called the district out on it.

Reese said the benchmarks are recommendations and not requirements for schools to follow in deciding when to reopen campuses.

About 10 teachers and 25 others submitted comment cards that were read into the record at Wednesday’s meeting.

Teachers were notified Tuesday about the board’s intentions.

The district is not allowing the public to attend the meetings. Over 650 people tuned into the virtual meeting last week.

An overwhelming majority of the people who submitted comments said it was too soon to return to campuses and the district should wait to October. Only two people wanted the district to reopen schools on Sept. 8.

Before taking the vote, Glover, a teacher, threw out statistics for his fellow board members to keep in mind – including that over 70,000 children have tested positive since August.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics report, Arizona is No. 1 for children, ages 0-19, hospitalized for COVID-19 among 22 states and second for deaths among 23 states.

Arizona also was No. 1 out of nine states reporting for positive children cases.

Glover said if the motion to reopen schools sooner does pass, he advised the district’s cabinet to go out and talk to teachers instead of communicating by email.

“You all have a lot of work to do,” he said.

“I don’t want us to be the next J.O. Combs.”

That school district in San Tan Valley announced it was reopening schools Aug. 17 but was forced to cancel it after dozens of teachers staged a sick-out.

Board member Jill Wilson said they’ve

received countless emails from people on both sides of the issue – those concerned for the students’ physical health and those concerned about the students’ mental health.

She urged people not to judge others for the decision they make for their children and to be kind to one another as school reopening has divided the community.

During the board presentation, district nurse Jillian Fulton reviewed risks of not wearing a mask versus wearing a mask.

Students and employees will be required to wear masks upon return.

Board member Greg Wojtovich questioned who will be responsible in making sure students are wearing their masks and was concerned that teachers already have to do cleaning in between teaching.

“Everyone is alert to who is not wearing a mask,” said Fulton, who added it will be teachers who will monitor for face covering.

Wojtovich also was assured that the district had enough cleaning supplies and crew on hand for when school reopens.

Fulton also went over who is considered a primary versus a secondary contact and the notification process in place if there is a positive COVID-19 case.

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

The Trust was unsuccessful in finding a re-insurer to provide the coverage so it set aside $25 million for all its 247 member-school districts and community colleges, according to Betz, who also sits on the Trust’s board.

The district’s policy will be retroactive to July 1 and ends June 30.

It includes $1 million coverage for each occurrence, including defense costs and indemnity payments and $10,000 for each claim in an indemnity coverage. The district’s maximum annual coverage is $2 million.

Board member Jill Humphreys asked if school districts will be liable for legal costs once the Trust depletes the $25 million.

Betz said yes and added it would be a long shot for that to occur.

“It would be a very difficult thing for anyone to prove first the transmission of

the virus occurred on school ground,” she said. “And, secondarily that the district was negligent in that transmission. So just by virtue of the difficulty there are some intrinsic protections there.”

She said the Trust was looking to see if legislatively the federal government would exempt schools nationwide from being sued over COVID-19 transmission.

“It’s also on the radar for the Arizona state Legislature,” Betz added.

Both Congress and the Legislature have considered liability exemptions for businesses. But on the federal level, the measure has been caught in the deadlock between the Republican Senate and the Democratic House over another pandemic relief bill.

The State House passed an exemption bill but it died when the Senate adjourned in March as the pandemic caught hold of Arizona. State Senate Republicans and

Democrats also found flaws in the House bill but said there was not enough time to try and correct them.

The GPS policy’s deductibles is $10,000 for each occurrence for student claims and $20,000 for each claim where there is no signed waiver from a contractor or a signed parent acknowledgement and disclosure form.

Betz said the district is not requiring parents to sign the forms, although over 500 have done so already.

The form basically is an acknowledgement by the parent or guardian that there is a pandemic and outlines their responsibilities when they send their children to school – such as daily temperature checks in the morning and not sending their child to school if he or she is sick.

Successfully suing any district over a

GPS buys COVID-19 insurance as reopening nears

G

ilbert Public School District is spending $150,000 on additional insurance to protect itself against COVID-19 claims as it moves toward reopening classrooms next month.

The Governing Board last Tuesday voted 5-0 for the liability insurance that will include the district asking parents to sign an acknowledgement and disclosure form and contractors to sign a waiver and release form.

“This will protect us as a school district against any lawsuits associated with COVID-19,” Superintendent Shane McCord said.

Bonnie Betz, Business Services superintendent, said the district’s normal liability insurance with the Arizona Risk Retention Trust does not cover COVID-19 claims.

see GPS page 8

8

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Hendrix suit for council seat set for hearing

enough votes to avoid a run-off in November. Spence was appointed to the vacant seat in March to serve nine months until someone was elected to that position.

While that case was waiting to be heard, La Sota filed an emergency request that the court immediately bar Gilbert Town Council from taking any official action until Hendrix’s seating was resolved.

After a 30-minute telephonic hearing Aug. 25, Kiley denied Hendrix a temporary restraining order.

“The relief is outside the scope of judi-

cial authority,” Kiley said.

Kiley said the court can’t stop a municipality from carrying out its duties because it would be an infringement of the town’s authority.

Attorney Trish Stuhan, representing Maxwell and the town, said Hendrix hasn’t shown how he would be harmed irreparably by council votes and that he was asking for “unprecedented action” from the court.

She added there was no dispute with the six seated council members and that Hendrix’s temporary restraining order was casting a wide net that would prevent them from exercising the authority of their office.

Stuhan added that the town would be gutted in the middle of pandemic, unable to regulate and protect its residents, if the temporary restraining order was granted.

Spence’s attorney Aaron Arnson agreed and added there was no case law that supported Hendrix’s request.

LaSota countered that the order would not prevent the six council members from acting individually, just collectively.

He also said Hendrix is harmed because once the Council votes, it’s basically a done deal. Hendrix could ask for a recon-

sideration but that is only good until the next Council meeting, LaSota noted.

Hendrix’s application for the order cited “another series of important votes” that were expected to take place later that Tuesday at Council’s meeting.

Items included buying ambulances and equipment that would enable the town to launch its own service, something that Hendrix opposed. He believed there should be more discussion and questioned the need to spend the money when the current private provider AMR was fulfilling its contract with the town.

Hendrix’s argument in the Aug. 18 suit for why he should be seated as soon as possible includes a contention that he was elected by voters whereas Spence was appointed to the seat.

LaSota said Arizona law favors elected representatives over appointed ones as evident by the state statutes he cited in the suit and that there was no legal authority for keeping Spence in his seat.

According to LaSota, state law requires that a council fill a vacancy until the “next regularly scheduled council election,” which he said is Aug. 4. But the town countered the seating should take place in January after the Nov. 4 General Election.

he numbers are in and Gilbert is faring well financially and can begin full spending of its base budget.

Because COVID-19’s impact on the

town’s revenue stream was unclear, the current budget has built-in triggers for spending based on sales tax revenues.

“There’s been a lot of stimulus and a lot of extraordinary efforts that have been put into the national economy and our local economy to help keep things moving,” said Kelly Pfost, director of manage-

ment and budget told Town Council last week.

“What we don’t know is what the economy will look like after that money kind of settles out and we get back to some kind of normal.”

While staff recommended full use of the budget, it also recommended the

town continue to hold off spending for medium and large-impact items.

The town budgeted $97 million for sales tax collection for Fiscal Year 2020 and surpassed that with $107.5 million.

Pfost said sales tax revenue rebound-

student’s COVID-19 infection likely would be hard to win, legal experts say, because a plaintiff would have to prove the where the child caught the virus and that the district had been negligent in following federal and state guidelines to minimize infection.

The acknowledge form notes that there are no foolproof ways of protecting anyone from catching COVID-19.

GPS plans to open schools to hybrid learning Sept. 8.

Students will learn on campus two days a week and at home remotely for the other days with student bodies divided alphabetically by the first letter of their last name.

Reducing the number of students will enable more effective social distancing on school buses and in classrooms.

If health benchmarks continue to be met, the district anticipates opening up schools to full-time in-person learning on Sept. 21.

At last week’s meeting, eight people spoke, a majority of them asking the district to delay the opening of school.

McCord at the meeting also shared results of a recent classified staff survey that showed 92 percent of teachers indicated

they will return to in-class teaching while 8 percent said they will stay or go to work at the district’s online Global Academy.

The survey was sent to 2,133 teachers and only 166 did not respond, McCord said.

A parent survey on their preference for the learning models just ended Aug. 24 and results will be shared at the board’s next meeting, he added.

GSN NEWS STAFF

C

ouncilman-elect Laurin Hendrix legal fight to take his seat now instead of waiting five more months is set for a Sept. 9 hearing.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Kiley will hear Hendrix’s case naming the Town of Gilbert, Town Clerk Lisa Maxwell and Councilman Bill Spence as defendants.

Spence was singled out as an individual and not as a councilman in the suit and so he had to hire his own attorney.

Asked why Spence was not listed as a councilman, Hendrix’s attorney Timothy LaSota responded, “He’s not a councilmember. He’s a usurper.”

Spence, however, won’t have to pay his attorney fees.

Council last Tuesday approved for the town to defend and indemnify Maxwell and Spence “for and against all expenses, including attorney’s fees and judgments, fines, amounts paid” in Hendrix’s suit.

Spence abstained from voting and Councilwoman Aimee Yentes was the sole dissenter.

Hendrix beat Spence in the Aug. 4 Primary for the two-year Council seat with

Laurin Hendrix

Town finances surviving pandemic’s worst impact

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

T

GPS from page 7

see SPENDING page 11

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Gilbert food bank aids hurricane victims

GSN NEWS STAFF

M

idwest Food Bank in Gilbert has sent disaster relief to victims of Hurricane Laura.

Along with its efforts to aid victims of the pandemic, Midwest Food Bank has sent 80 truckloads of food to various locations across the United States.

As a first responder for The Salvation Army, Midwest Food Bank can have relief on the road within 24 hours of a request. It has been restocking their shelves and purchasing necessary products.

“We have been given another opportunity to live out our mission of sharing the

love of Christ,” said Midest Executive Director Merilee Baptiste.

For those who wish to help, financial donations give Midwest Food Bank the flexibility to quickly and efficiently respond to the needs of the victims.

To help cover the cost of the supplies or fuel needed to transport them, visit midwestfoodbank.org, and click on “Donate.”

On the donation form, select “Disaster Relief” for the designation, or text @MFB to 52014 to donate.

Midwest Food Midwest Food Bank has 11 locations, nine in the United States, and one each in East Africa and Haiti. Information: midwestfood.org.

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10

NEWS

AMBULANCE from page 1

that trust to the company, which has “violated” it based on four years of response-time data.

“I know we are talking seconds sometime,” Anderson said. “But it’s important to realize seconds matter when lives are at stake.”

Overall, the town expects $6 million in start-up costs to expand service from the one ambulance in operation now. Included in that cost is hiring 32 employees, which the town anticipated it will recoup within eight years from billing users.

After the initial investment, officials projected user fees will cover all the costs of providing the service.

Council also voted 7-0 to renew a twoyear contract with AMR as the town transitions to its new role.

With the instability in the ambulance industry – namely, the bankruptcy filing of then-provider Rural Metro in 2013 – town officials say this was the appropriate route to take in order to protect a critical line of service for residents.

According to Gilbert Fire and Rescue, which will operate the ambulances, AMR overall is meeting its response time requirement but is not providing service equally throughout the town. The department’s data showed the northeast and south areas having longer response times.

AMR assigns four ambulances to Gilbert and sends in two more during peak times.

The company also no longer sends its employees to Gilbert’s orientation training so they would learn the town’s standards and violates its contract by pulling local regional resources to support its inter-facility transfers in the market, Assistant Fire Chief Bob Badgett said.

Additionally, Badgett said he learned that AMR has lost track of the badges issued to 45 former employees that allow access to the town’s secured fire stations, putting crews, the information they collect and supplies at risk.

“We are in the process of trying to fix that as we currently speak,” Badgett said.

“This was our first dive and 45 badges are unaccounted for and are somewhere in the public.”

He said the town would meet with AMR over concerns but that it would end

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

up having the same conversation again with the company a short time later.

At Councilman Jared Taylor’s request, AMR officials were allowed to address the town’s concerns.

AMR Regional Director of 911 operations David Tantone said the company has never been fined for not meeting its response times and as of June had a 98-percent compliance.

“I simply feel we are meeting the obligations in the contract,” Tantone said, adding that the town has never raised a concern about service inequity and every employee assigned to Gilbert participates in the town’s training. He added AMR was set to send two new supervisors for training Aug. 5 but the town canceled it.

As for the employee badges, Tantone said he was only notified of it by the town the day of the council meeting and was addressing it.

Badgett said a monthly compliance report is sent to AMR for review and that he was on his fourth AMR employee that he’s reached out to with service concerns.

Glenn Kasprzyk, regional vice president overseeing Arizona and New Mexico for Global Medical Response, said he wanted to return with more information on items such as billing rates.

AMR and Air Medical Group Holdings merged in 2018 and now operate under the parent company, Global Medical Response.

“We feel that we’ve developed a firstclass system here in Gilbert, how the response model worked to maximize resources and response times to ensure high-system reliability for critical patients in a time of need,” Kasprzyk said.

He said he felt Gilbert hasn’t given the company a good opportunity to present its case and walk officials through its data and give transparency on how it operated its system and the resources assigned to the town.

“You have a two-year agreement, there’s no reason to rush into a decision that could have great consequences,” he said.

According to fire officials, the town needed to move now because its Certificate of Necessity, which allows the oper-

ation of an ambulance service, is up for renewal in February and risked losing it if Gilbert continues subcontracting with AMR. Kasprzyk acknowledge no contract was perfect but that he was “mystified that we are in this situation.”

He added that the company is always open to making changes and improving the system and was not unwilling to meet with town officials as claimed.

He also disputed statements that private providers lacked customer service in dealing with patients over billing problems.

Kasprzyk said the company has a billing office in Scottsdale and is responsive to customers, even sending out surveys to ensure it’s meeting their needs.

Kasprzyk also said the company was open to a hybrid system with both providing ambulances in Gilbert so that not all the burden is on the town.

Fire officials also presented the results of a survey asking for feedback on the town’s ambulance proposal.

Badgett said the survey showed a 5 to 1 ratio in support of the town’s plan.

He added 945 people took the survey, of which 83 percent were town residents.

Taylor and Councilwoman Aimee Yentes, however, criticized the survey.

Both voted against buying the ambulances and related equipment because they were not convinced the town should be spending money for a new service currently provided by a private company.

Yentes said she responded to the survey and found the questions “not particularly objective.”

She also asked how many of the survey respondents were fire employees, which Badgett said there was no way to tell.

However, he said IT checked how many of the survey responses came from the same URL or web address and found it was “very small.”

Yentes also expressed concerns that the town might later resort to a tax to support the new service and urged an objective analysis of the risks to the taxpayers and from a health perspective.

She said the town would lose out on some innovative programs, such as AMR’s nurse navigator program launched in Washington, D.C.

However, if the town elects to start its own service, Yentes suggested a citizen oversight committee be formed, providing another layer of accountability.

She tried to delay the Council’s vote on buying the ambulances and related equipment but failed in her two motions.

Taylor said the move was premature and he hasn’t seen a financial business plan to back up the department’s assertion of providing better service. Until that happens, he said, it’s nothing more than “claims and aspirations.”

He said more dialogue was needed and that the town should go out to bid so that AMR can “fairly compete with us for the service.”

He also noted the town would lose the annual $300,000 AMR pays for leasing space at the fire stations.

Taylor reminded his colleagues that Council was not there to “rubberstamp everything that comes out of staff.”

Others on the Council supported the plan.

Councilwoman Yung Koprowski said it was not about two organizations against each other but the best choice for residents.

“AMR provides a much-needed service for this region and for our town,” she said. “However, when I look at this I want to look and focus on the service and the outcome for our Gilbert residents. I trust that the town is a very sophisticated and efficient agency, including our Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department.

“I believe that our local department can provide the same or better quality of service at a lower cost to our residents and protect that certificate of necessity for the town,” she said.

Aaron Moss, who worked for Rural Metro from 1993-2008, said he felt the decision was a “slam-dunk” and pointed to the transparency for residents if the model was put in place.

“If this increases the protection of the citizens of Gilbert by even 5 percent, it needs to happen,” Moss said. “I feel like this department’s got what it takes to do it and I think it’s owed to the citizens.

They deserve it.

“I would hate to think that the one time they are out of compliance it was my kid’s life.”

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

NEWS

11

$15.4M in land deals pave way for rental, retail projects

detached homes with one, two and three bedrooms.

The Planning Commission in February unanimously recommended approval of the project.

The developer said the area is already saturated with retail, identifying “42 retail-restaurant locations” and 85 retail and service locations on Gilbert Road between Guadalupe and Baseline roads.

The vacant parcel was originally zoned in the late 1980s as part of a larger 31acre shopping and medical center but was rezoned a few years later, according to a staff report.

Each unit at Bungalows on Ash will have a private backyard. The development is expected to appeal to retirees, young professionals and couples who do not want to own a home but could still enjoy the benefits of renting and have a backyard.

The residential units are designed in a cluster configuration, with typically four to eight units clustered around a common connected pedestrian courtyard. Amenities include a clubhouse, a resort-like pool, dog spa and central turf lawn.

The one main entry to the development would be off of Gilbert Road with fire access to the north.

GSN NEWS STAFF

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wo land sales in Gilbert totaling $15.4 million last week have set the stage for development of a small shopping center in south Gilbert and a 165-unit gated multifamily community farther north.

Breunig Development paid $7,610,000 for 13. Acres on the southwest corner of Higley and Ray roads just south of Agritopia and that community’s Epicenter commercial development.

Velocity Retail Group represented the buyer, noting its proximity to the Santan Loop 202 Freeway, Agriptopia, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus.

The site, tentatively called Gilbert Pavilions, offers 81,000 square feet of retail buildings with seven planned pads and frontage on both roads. Trade reports indicated the pads could become home to restaurants as well as personal care, automotive and other services.

Meanwhile, Ash Development Company’s purchase of 16 acres on Gilbert Road between Houston and Baseline roads for $7,650,000 paves the way for construction of The Bungalows on Ash, a 165-unit sin-

SPENDING from page 8

ed from April and came in higher than budgeted for May and June by 7 percent and 9 percent, respectively, as many businesses reopened after a two-month shutdown.

The sales tax haul for this fiscal year was projected at $108 million with the worst-case projection of $98 million.

“Our citizens are doing a fabulous job working to spend money locally,” Pfost said. “That’s not to say there aren’t businesses that aren’t hurting.”

Responding to Councilman Jared Taylor’s question, Pfost said the worst-case scenario accounted for no more Payroll Protection Program funds and no boost in unemployment benefits.

The federal government was giving an additional $600 a week on top of states’ unemployment benefits, which ended in July. But President Trump later extended that benefit, which provided an addition-

The red-bordered area above a parcel that recently sold for $7.6 million at Ray and Higley roads while the map at left shows the Bungalows at Ash.site. (GSN)

gle-family-style rental community.

The land had been zoned commercial but had sat vacant for three decades.

Gilbert Town Council in April unanimously approved a minor General Plan amendment and zone change for The Bungalows on Ash, north of Sam’s Club.

The developer’s lawyer said the gated community would consist of single-story, al $300 a week for Arizonians through December.

Councilwoman Kathy Tilque said unemployment benefits are something the town needs to keep an eye on.

“Many of those businesses are getting PPP and (Economic Injury Disaster) loans,” said Tilque, a former Gilbert Chamber of Commerce CEO “But if they have to start laying people off because they don’t have additional dollars coming in, I think some of these retail sales are going to be impacted whether or not there’s unemployment benefits for those so that might be one of those checkpoints for you.”

For state-shared sales tax, the town built a 7-percent decline in the budget, anticipating $24 million. Last fiscal year, it received $26 million.

This fiscal year, the town budgeted $36 million for its state-shared income

tax, up from the $32 million the prior year. State-shared income tax is based on income tax collections from two years prior to the fiscal year in which a city or town receives these funds.

Pfost also went over data that gives indications on the state of the local economy – unemployment, property tax collection, utility payments and sales tax collection.

Before the pandemic, Gilbert’s unemployment was 3 percent. That shot up to 11.3 percent in April, fell to 7 percent in May and then inched up to 8 percent in June, according to Pfost.

She noted economists consider healthy economy to have a 4.5 to 5 percent unemployment rate.

“We are definitely higher than what we would like to see but not as high as other places in the United States,” Pfost said.

For the fiscal year that ended June 30,

the town took in nearly 99 percent of its secondary property tax, which means $300,000 was not collected.

Pfost said it was not alarming but definitely a sign of stress in the local economy.

In fiscal year 2019, the town collected 100 percent of the property tax and in fiscal year 2018, it collected 99.5 percent, according to the town.

For utility payments, 1,000 households in the town were delinquent, Pfost said, adding the town deferred shut-offs in March due to the pandemic.

She said the $250,000 in outstanding bills was not alarming but something to keep an eye on.

For comparison, between April and August 2019, the town disconnected 1,520 accounts for nonpayment.

Staff is expected to give another financial update Oct. 13.

12

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

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NEWS

14

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

County virus data improving for CUSD

BY PAUL MARYNIAK and KEVIN REAGAN Gilbert Sun News Staff

D

ata on COVID-19 in Chandler Unified School District is becoming more favorable for a possible return to classrooms on a limited format.

Marcy Flanagan, director of the Maricopa County Public Health Department, told the Chandler Unified Governing Board on Aug. 26 that virus transmission levels in the district would soon satisfy the benchmarks that school officials are advised to follow in making reopening decisions.

Most of the district’s 46,000 students have been learning from home virtually and CUSD has not planned to reopen campuses until October.

The risk of a major outbreak has reached a “moderate” level in Chandler, Flanagan said, which could allow the school district to consider adopting some sort of hybrid model of instruction involving a mix of virtual and in-person learning.

Schools should consider readjusting to having all its students come back to campus once the infection rate falls below 5 percent, according to the benchmarks.

Flanagan said the Health Department is not advising school districts to invite students back on campus until its infection rate stays below 7 percent for at least two consecutive weeks.

She said the rate of positive COVID-19 tests in the CUSD boundaries has dropped down to 6 percent. The infection rate was 8 percent the week prior.

But the day after the meeting, the county updated its metrics – as it does every Thursday at 4 p.m. at Maricopa. gov/5594/school-metrics – and they showed positive tests had dropped to 3.6 percent. That is lower than Gilbert Public Schools’ 4.6 percent positivity rate and Hidley’s 4.07 percent.

The number of COVID-19 cases will

Conditions for COVID-19 are in the moderate, or yellow, category throughout Gilbert’s two school districts, as this map released by the Maricopa County Public Health Department last Thursday indicates. (Maricopa County)

likely ebb and flow over the next few weeks, Flanagan added, so a complete picture of the pandemic likely won’t be achieved until a vaccine is created.

“The data is pointing in a lot of different directions,” she said. “We will have a lot more data once we’re done with all this.”

Board member Lindsay Love said she feels like the district has been left to take “a shot in the dark” because the state has offered little support or guidance on reopening schools.

“This is the one thing nobody wants to be wrong on,” Love said.

The school board intends to hold another meeting this week to discuss the hybrid model.

Regardless of the infection rate gets, Flanagan recommended all school districts should adopt social-distancing protocols and Frank Narducci, assistant superintendent of elementary education, said the district’s grade schools should have enough room for students to practice social distancing.

Administrators say it would likely be much more challenging to achieve social distancing at the district’s sec-

ondary schools because class sizes are significantly bigger.

Craig Gilbert, assistant superintendent of secondary education, said the district has been exploring a hybrid model but that the size of high schools’ student population might make that format inefficient for social distancing.

“You’re still going to have issues of social distance because you still have a large school size,” Gilbert said.

The metrics are represented visualized on a map using three colors red, yellow and green – based on three sets of data that indicate virus spread.

Those data sets include the number of positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people; the percentage of positive new tests; and the percentage of hospital visits showing COVID-19 symptoms.

Green indicates “minimal” virus spread and suggests an optimal opportunity for reopening schools fulltime, according to health officials’ guidance.

Yellow suggests a hybrid approach is safe, with students in classrooms a couple days a week and learning at home the rest of the time. Red indicates full online learning at home is advisable.

Chandler, Higley and Gilbert are in

the “green,” or minimal, category only for hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms. All three districts are in the yellow category for the other two benchmarks.

Districts are not required to follow those county benchmarks in deciding when to reopen classrooms.

But county health officials are urging districts to pay particular attention to positive test results because “a higher percentage positivity can indicate that there is more disease spreading within the community, or it can mean that there is not enough available testing in the area.”

On the same day the county released its updated figures, the state Health Services Department said its interpretation of data statewide indicated that partial in-classroom learning was warranted in only four counties in Arizona.

Maricopa County is not among them.

Neither Maricopa County’s benchmarks nor the state’s interpretation of virus data are mandatory.

“What we heard from our stakeholder conversations over the summer from school leaders is they wanted to have flexibility to work with their communities,’’ said Education Department spokesman Ritchie Taylor. Beyond that, he said there was a belief that the state should defer to the extent possible to the locally elected school board members “Mandates can work both ways,’’ Taylor said. “We wanted schools to be able to decide, even if they met the benchmarks, that they wanted to continue to do distance learning that they could make that decision for themselves.’’

And, conversely, it permits school boards to decide to reopen, either fully or partly, even when the area does not meet the benchmarks.

The county advises districts to monitor the weekly benchmarks to ensure there is no upward trend in any of the three categories.

Check us out and like the Gilbert Sun News on Facebook and follow @gilbertsunnews on Twitter.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Your Local Guide to Better Living

HEALTH

Summer 2020

hw17

WELLNESS Special Supplement to The Gilbert Sun News

Last-resort effort saves Gilbert doctor’s life

BY SARA PATTERSON Contributing Writer

A

young Gilbert physician who was given a nearly 100% mortality expectation from COVID-19 has made an extraordinary recovery thanks to a last-resort, lifesaving medical intervention at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. After nearly two months of being hospitalized, Dr. Karl Viddal was released from St. Joseph’s and reunited with his wife and three young children.

“I can’t wait to see my wife and kids after spending almost eight weeks in the hospital. It’s hard to believe this happened to me. I’m young and without any past medical issues, and this virus nearly ended my life,” said Viddal, 46, who was in top health prior to contracting COVID-19.

“The nurses and doctors have been incredible. They’ve literally saved my life.

I’m so grateful to the medical team that cared for me. They literally had to navigate through uncharted waters. If it wasn’t for their early interventions, I wouldn’t have made it. They gave me a second chance.”

Doctors are calling Viddal’s recovery “remarkable” after having spent 28 days in a medically induced coma, 34 days on a ventilator and 55 days in the hospital fighting for his life. They credit a lifesaving intervention called ECMO for his significant outcome.

ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Essentially, these machines take over and do the work of failing lungs. Very few hospitals have an ECMO program. Viddal was the 32nd patient in the United States and the second in Arizona to be placed on ECMO therapy for COVID-19. He spent 16 days on ECMO—

Chandler physician Dr. Karl Viddal is back with his family after a horrific bout of COVID-19. (Special to GSN)

more than any other COVID-19 patient on the lifesaving machine in Arizona. Dr. Viddal faced nearly 100% mortality within 24 to 48 hours if not for the immediate and lifesaving ECMO intervention. He’s believed to be among the nation’s most critically ill COVID-19 patients to make such an incredible recovery.

“Using ECMO allowed us to rest Karl’s lungs,” said Dr. Raed Suyyagh, intensivist and medical director of the ECMO program at St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute. “It is a very specialized medical treatment and is only used after all other conventional treatments have failed. We were going to do everything possible to help Karl fight this illness.”

Viddal, a family practice physician, began experiencing flu-like symptoms days after returning from a trip abroad in March. Within days, his health began to

rapidly decline and he was admitted on March 22 to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. The illness was already so deep in his lungs that it did not present in his nasal cavity for some time. As a result, he had three false-negative results before testing positive for COVID-19 through a bronchoscopy specimen.

While at Mercy Gilbert, Viddal relied on a ventilator at maximum support to help him breathe due to severe pneumonia caused by the virus. The medical staff at Mercy Gilbert called upon the experts from St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute as Viddal’s lungs continued to worsen and it became clear he needed a higher level of care.

“Dr. Chirag Patel, one of our Norton surgeons at Dignity Health, went to Mercy Gilbert and placed Karl on the EMCO machine, and then helped a skilled team

Dr. Karl Vidal was hospitalized for nearly two months.

(Special to GSN)

from Norton coordinate the state’s first ECMO transfer from Mercy Gilbert to St. Joseph’s,” said Ross Bremner, MD, thoracic surgeon and director of the Norton Thoracic Institute.

“This kind of transport is incredibly complex, but it is something our team has experience with because of our lung transplant program.”

In addition to the ECMO treatment, Viddal also underwent repeated prolonged bronchoscopies and had a tracheostomy and a chest tube placed while hospitalized. Suyyagh said these additional pro-

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

HOV receives grant to provide free dementia support

BY LIN SUE COONEY

F

amily caregivers often feel overwhelmed, anxious and isolated while they are caring for a person with dementia. They want to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible but wonder how to make it all work. Thanks to a federal grant, Hospice of the Valley can now help these families at no charge.

The Administration for Community Living has awarded funds to 12 agencies nationwide to help families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The three-year grant will allow Hospice of the Valley to significantly expand its Palliative Care for Dementia program, which provides home visits to help caregivers with education, emotional support, behavior management strategies, medications, respite, placement options and living wills. Families also have 24/7 phone support with a nurse, social worker or Hospice of the Valley medical director Dr. Gillian Hamilton.

Christiane and Muryl Cole appreciate the 24/7 support they receive from Hospice of the Valley’s dementia care and education program. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to help more families who so desperately need support,” Hamilton said. “Dementia is a vulnerable and challenging journey, and no one should travel it alone.”

This program serves those at any stage and with any type of dementia, as well as their family caregivers. Hospice of the Val-

ley will collaborate with a number of local organizations to create programs with a special focus on people with dementia living alone; those with distressed behaviors; and those with developmental disabilities like Down syndrome, who may develop Alzheimer’s at an early age.

Executive Director Debbie Shumway ex-

pressed gratitude and excitement.

“Our goal is to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their family caregivers live at home with high quality of life,” Shumway said. “We are extremely grateful for this grant and for the collaboration of so many local partners who share this same vision.”

Those partners include The Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Caregiver Alliance, Duet Partners in Health and Aging, Senior Adult Independent Living Program, Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities and Valleylife.

This grant also provides funding to train a dementia-capable workforce to better serve the rapidly rising number of people who will be diagnosed—a 43% increase in Arizona by 2025.

To enroll or get more information on Hospice of the Valley’s Palliative Care for Dementia program, visit hov.org/dementia/palliative-care-for-dementia or call 602-636-6363.

A legacy of caring More than end-of-life care Hospice, palliative and dementia care Support for the caregiver • Music, massage and pet therapy Military veteran and first responder recognition Grief support • Volunteer opportunities Call 24/7 to speak with a nurse • As a not-for-profit, we turn no one away

(602) 530-6900 hov.org

Lin Sue Cooney Director of Community Engagement

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Memory loss clinic launches outpatient program

BY THE SUMMIT AT SUNLAND SPRINGS

F

or too long, memory loss has been seen as a natural and unavoidable part of aging. Fortunately, Valley residents now have an invaluable resource in fighting back against cognitive decline.

The Summit at Sunland Springs, under the medical direction of A Mind for All Seasons, recently announced the opening of their memory care services to outpatients, allowing participants to remain in their homes while receiving care.

Research by Dr. Dale Bredesen uses a multifactorial approach that leverages how diet, physical activity, nutrients, hormones, and toxic exposures contribute to cognitive decline, and how those factors can be adjusted to slow, stop, and even reverse the effects of de-

Summit at Sunland Springs takes a multifactorial approach to helping people with memory loss that includes physical activity.

(Special to GSN)

DOCTOR from page hw17

cedures may have been largely avoided at many other medical centers due to the higher risk for staff exposure to the virus.

“Thankfully, we had the proper PPE and re-designed intubation boxes for the team to safely perform these ultimately lifesaving tasks,” he added. Viddal was also given two doses of a drug commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, called tocilizumab, to help treat the severe pneumonia.

“It was hard comprehending what happened to me when I became conscious. I woke up and I was paralyzed, unable to speak,” Viddal explained. “I feel blessed to have such incredible nurses and doctors.

They never gave up on me and I am optimistic I will make a full recovery.”

Once off the ECMO and the ventilator, Viddal was transferred to the hospital’s inpatient neuro-rehabilitation program managed by St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute. After less than two weeks of intensive physical and occupational therapy, Viddal regained enough strength and balance to safely walk on his own again and return home.

mentia. This led to the creation of The Enhance Protocol by A Mind for All Seasons.

The Enhance Protocol will be available to 10 individuals this October as part of a six-month group treatment.

The program will include lab panels that identify missing nutrients, minerals, toxins and hormone imbalances and address the root causes of dementia rather than masking the symptoms.

The program includes a personalized treatment summary, weekly support group, brain training exercises, and nutrition plan. A memory coach facilitates with an easy-to-follow daily checklist that addresses the personal factors causing the cognitive decline.

For more information, call 480907-0331, visit thesummitaz.com or email lori@thesummitaz.com.

“Karl is a true warrior,” said Viddal’s wife, Alyssa Viddal. “The kids and I have been counting down since he started rehab. After 55 days in the hospital, we can’t wait to have him home.”

While we are living in uncertain and unprecedented times, the doctors at Dignity Health in Arizona want the public to know that it is important to embrace courage and possibility in our ever-changing world.

“Karl story of perseverance and survival is a beacon of hope for all of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bremner said.

St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute is home to one of the largest and busiest lung transplant centers in the United States, and the only lung transplant program in Phoenix. As a result, their experts are some of the most experienced using ECMO for lung failure in the state. The team at Norton also has a national reputation of excellence in innovation when it comes to caring for patients with complex and severe thoracic and esophageal conditions.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

At Humana, we believe living life on your terms means beginning with your health We are committed to helping you choose the Medicare benefits you need to help achieve your best health. Plus, we offer many extras that may help keep up with your lifestyle.

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With more than 30 years of Medicare experience, Humana can help you make the right choice. Reach out to a licensed sales agent today to find out more.

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*Humana Inc. First Quarter 2019 Earning Release May 1, 2019 This advertisement was sent by an independent agent licensed to sell Medicare plans. Applicable to H0028-027-001- HMO. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711).

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Senior living in 2020: What you should know

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uring the last several months, senior living communities have continued to make headlines as COVID-19 numbers increased throughout the nation.

The majority of these headlines included shocking numbers of reported cases and deaths from a select number of communities—portraying the entire senior living industry as a less than ideal place for seniors.

In the wake of these headlines, many incredible stories went untold about the heroic acts performed by nurses, caregivers and staff at these communities as they strived to keep loved ones safe during the pandemic.

Many of these health care workers went above and beyond to create a safe place for seniors while continuing to

provide lifesaving support residents could not have found elsewhere.

Pauline Borkowski of American Orchards Senior Living leads the charge at her community—not only as the executive director, but also as a licensed nurse.

Borkowski said some of the benefits of living at American Orchards during

see SENIOR page hw23

HEALTH & WELLNESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Hematuria may be a sign of bigger health issues

COMPREHENSIVE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S UROLOGIC CARE

General Urologic Conditions Treated: • Cancer (prostate, renal, bladder, penile and testicular)

BY DR. LAUREN N. BYRNE

T

hose who have seen blood in their urine—even once—should see their primary care doctor or urologist.

Hematuria—or blood in the urine— can equate to illness. Evaluation can include a physical exam, urine studies, imaging tests and a cystoscopy (a look inside the bladder with a tiny camera).

Depending on the cause of your hematuria, your treatment will vary.

Doctors will first check a urine sample to verify blood in the urine (hematuria) and also rule out infection (UTI).

The source of the bleeding can be located anywhere along the urinary tract: the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes running from the kidneys to the bladder), the prostate gland (in men), the bladder or the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).

Some, but not all, causes may be:

SENIOR from page hw22

the pandemic include 24-hour nursing, early detection if someone fell ill, continued socialization, specialty diet plans, implementation of CDC guidelines, and round-the-clock monitoring by health care professionals.

“The outpouring of gratitude from family members was overwhelming and meant the world to our staff,” she added. “Several families even said they could not have survived the last several months without our help” While COVID-19 certainly gives cause for concern, senior living communities continue to be an ideal and safe atmosphere for those seniors who need care, support, socialization and the love of an amazing team.

Families searching for a senior living community should meet with the executive director and other team members to ensure the safety and services offered fit their needs. Finding the right community can provide peace of mind while giving your loved one the level of care they need now more than ever.

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Urinary infection Enlarged prostate in older men Kidney or bladder stones Period in women Prostate infection Kidney disease Kidney trauma Bladder cancer (smoking is a risk factor) • Kidney cancer • Cancer of the lining of the urinary tract • Anti-swelling drugs (joint swelling and pain pills) • Tough workout Urological cancers are rarely the cause of blood in the urine but can be life threatening. Most patients with blood in the urine do not have major problems. In fact, for many, a cause is not known. In those patients with a more serious condition, finding this early can be lifesaving.

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COMMUNITY

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@Gilber tSunNews

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com

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Gilbert artist’s mural to grace new Fry’s store

BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

F

reelance artist Selina Rodriguez loves to work in large-scale projects and believes that “more is more” when it comes to art.

“I do prefer to work in a large scale because I can pack a huge amount of detail and interest in my work,” the Gilbert resident said.

Rodriguez also loves to work on nature themes, drawing inspiration from exploring the natural world – from vast landscapes to the tiniest details of a bloom.

With her particular experience, Rodriguez was chosen to create a 11’x5’ mural inside the new Fry’s Marketplace store at Higley and Baseline roads.

Her brilliantly colored work will be available to view in the community space of the store when it opens on Sept. 2.

Opening the new, 129,000-square-foot supercenter means that Fry’s will close its smaller store at Baseline Road and Val

Gilbert artist Selina Rodriquez, whose mural at the new Fry’s Marketplace appears on the front page of today’s edition, also created these pieces. (Special to GSN)

Vista Drive.

Fry’s creates a community mural at each new store it opens.

When it was building the new stores – there’s another supercenter coming up at Williams Field and Recker roads – the company connected with HD South and asked it to manage the project.

At the beginning of the year, Kayla Kolar, CEO of the arts center, formulated a request for quotations from artists in Metro Phoenix and received 23 responses.

Kolar chose six to send a request for proposals. From those entries, Rodriguez, and Mary Opat of San Tan Valley,

were chosen to create the art.

The murals had to contain landmarks of the area, Kolar said. The artists have to create the murals off-site and receive $9,000 each for their efforts.

“This is a really cool thing because there are not many opportunities like that,” Kolar said. “It’s exciting.”

Rodriquez’s artwork showcases the places and scenes in Gilbert that bring the most joy to the artist and her family.

She hopes, in turn, it will bring joy to the community as she highlights its beauty and vitality.

Spanning from left, the mural depicts the Gilbert Riparian Preserve in morning light, and shows saguaro cactus, a dry riverbed, desert brush and a desert cottontail.

Discovery Park is depicted next, with its ponds and reeds in the water.

Gilbert neighborhoods are portrayed with the commonly seen cactus flowers and prickly pear. As the sun sets, the fo-

Gilbert Sonic crew going for the gold GSN NEWS STAFF

W

hile the sports world is watching professional hockey and basketball playoffs, a small group of Gilbert restaurant workers are engaged in a championship competition themselves.

The team of workers at the Sonic Drive-in at 987 N. Gilbert Road are among a dozen Sonic restaurants competing in the Dr. Pepper Sonic Games to win the title of one of the three top drive-ins in the country.

Considering there are 3,606 Sonics in the nation, getting to the finals is no easy task for the Gilbert AZ Sonic Slushers – who include General Manag-

The crew at the Sopnic Drive-In at 987 Gilbert Road includes, from left, Sienna Husted, Alexander Espinoza, Karina Hernandez, General Manager Barbi Salazar, Hector Mendel, Jenessa Salazar and Ashley Munoz. (Special to GSN)

er Barbi Salazar and Sienna Husted, who mans the switchboard; Alexander Espiñoza, who works the grill; carhop Ashley Muñoz, and coworkers Karina Hernandez, Hector Medel and Jenessa Salazar.

Judges visited the team

see

FRYS page 25

last week to see how well they performed in getting slammed with 20 orders and completing them in 20 minutes.

The Gilbert team has made it this far by earning points through five months of quizzes, a mystery shopper and customer service challenges. They earned bonus points if they didn’t receive customer complaints.

“Ultimately, the program recognizes exceptional guest and operational service as a way to motivate and recognize carhops on both individual and team levels,” a Sonic spokesperson said.

“The guest experience is a critical

see

SONIC page 25

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

COMMUNITY

25

Gilbert teacher honored by Sun Lakes Rotary GSN NEWS STAFF

A

Gilbert woman who is a Casteel High School special education teacher has been named the Sun Lakes Rotary Sandy Lundberg Educator of the Year.

Michelle Capriotti received the award, which is co-sponsored by Intel in memory of the school’s first principal, who passed away in 2018.

Finalists for the award were Alicia Cox, who teaches sports medicine through Casteel’s Career and Technical Education program, and Cheryl Butler, the English Language Learning coordinator at Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School in Chandler.

According to her biography on Chandler Unified’s website, Capriotti holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and child development from St. Mary’s Col-

FRYS from page 24

Gilbert residentt Michelle Capriotti is a teacher at Casteel High and was honored as the Sun Lakes Rotary’s teacher of the year. (Special to GSN)

cus is on the nightlife emanating from the Gilbert Heritage District.

Rodriguez said nature was a large inspiration for the painting.

“My thought process for this painting was to try to create a panoramic view of Gilbert and to also show a morning to night vision of the town,” she said. “It was such a joy to find images for the mural. I would put my ki​ds on the school bus and then go exploring all of my favorite places around town.”

Rodriguez, who has lived and worked

in Arizona for the past 18 years – 13 in Gilbert – remembers “obsessively drawing flowers and insects out of the encyclopedia as a child.”

“My father is a ceramic artist and my mother is a quilter, so as kids we were allowed and encouraged to make things whenever we wanted,” she said. “So, when I decided to pursue art as a career, I had the full support of my parents.”

Rodriguez received her first scholarship from Casper College in Wyoming, and then a Regents Scholarship from Ar-

component to the overall Sonic experience and the Dr. Pepper Sonic Games is a program designed to recognize and reward drive-in teams who are instrumental in making sure guests are served in the best way possible,” the spokesperson added.

The 25-year-old competition had to change up a bit because of the pandemic.

In past competitions, employees from the 12 finalists would gather at one drive-in and compete against each other. This year, the judges are traveling to the 12 finalists’ sites.

“My drive has made it to the top 50 three times since I took over in 2014,” said General Manager Salazar. “I’m very proud to say that despite all that has happened, 2020 is our year to shine and bring home the gold medals.”

Because individual team members also can compete for honors, Salazar said she’s pumped.

But she added, “No matter what – we started with 3,000 and we are in the top 12. Not every team can go to the Super Bowl right? Think of it like that.”

SONIC from page 24

lege of California and a master’s in education from Arizona State University.

She is working on a second master’s in educational policy.

She was in elementary education for 15 years before joining the Casteel High special education team in the past year.

Capriotti also is vice president of the Chandler Education Association and is actively involved with Special Olympics of Gilbert and the Queen Creek Center for the Performing Arts.

She lists her motto as “Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.”

Grace Wilson-Woods, chair of the Rotary Club’s Sandy Lundberg Educator of the Year Award Committee, said, “Because of the quality of the candidates for this award, the decision is never easy, but the committee does a wonderful job reviewing the applications to select the

honoree.

“We know that the commitment, dedication and expertise these teachers bring to the classroom means the students in the Chandler Unified School District are certainly the biggest winners,” Wilson-Woods added.

Currently, Sun Lakes Rotary holds weekly Tuesday meetings for its more than 80 members through Zoom, alternating between 7 a.m. and evening 5 p.m.

Among the projects supported by Sun Lakes Rotary are education through schools in the Chandler Unified School District literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and water access and sustainability through the Navajo Nation Water Project.

Information: sunlakesrotary.com or facebook.com/groups/SunLakesRotaryClub.

izona State University. She received congruent degrees in painting and drawing and spent time in Italy studying art history and drawing.

“After school, I started to work as a fine artist making paintings for Phoenix Art Group and then moving on to do freelance work,” she said. “I have been a working artist since 2002.”

The artist packed her mural with flowers, cactus, birds and wildlife, which she loves to draw.

“It feels amazing to be selected for this project, and with the Corona virus happening, it was a wonderful distraction during such a stressful moment in time,” she said. “I feel so grateful for this opportunity to showcase our beautiful town.”

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BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

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Gilbert multiplexes reopening – with changes

BY KEVIN REAGAN GSN Staff Writer

T

he Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert will soon start screening films again – six months after multiplexes were forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

And Harkins announced its reopening of long-shuttered theaters as of last Friday.

While AMC Theaters gave no indication on its corporate website, both Alamo and Harkins will begin special showings tomorrow, Aug. 31, of what was supposed this summer’s first big summer blockbuster – Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.”

But if you’re planning to take in that flick – or any others – be prepared to wear a mask.

Alamo Drafthouse franchise owners Derek Dodd, left, and Craig Paschich plan to reopen their Tempe location first, followed quickly by those in Chandler and Gilbert. (GSN file photo)

Unless you’re eating popcorn or some other munchies, you’ll have to wear one.

Otherwise, you’ll have to either wait until Maricopa County relaxes its mask man-

date – something not likely any time soon – or just go back to Netflix.

The Arizona Department of Health Services last week gave the green light to Alamo’s and Harkins’ safety plans for reopening as the state weighs reopening requests from hundreds of the-

aters, bars and gyms.

“That was a big step,” said Craig Paschich, co-owner of Alamo’s three theaters in Arizona. The Chandler and Gilbert loca-

tions are expected to reopen in a week or two.

Harkins and Alamo were among more than 102 venues, gyms and bars approved for reopening early last week. Out of the 800 businesses that initially applied for reopening, at least 202 have been turned down.

With benchmarks showing fewer cases of COVID-19 in Maricopa County, gyms and fitness centers will reopen at 25 percent capacity. But they are required to provide the state Health Services Department with an attestation of compliance with its safety protocols and post that in a visible site on their premises. More information is at azhealth.gov.

The department issued an announcement encouraging people to report vio-

see MULTIPLEXES page 27

Mac & Cheese eatery coming to Gilbert

BY KRISTINE CANNON GSN Staff Writer

C

heese lovers, listen up: I Heart Mac & Cheese is coming to Gilbert.

The Florida-based fast-casual concept famous for its made-to-order, build-your-own macaroni and cheese bowls and customizable grilled sandwiches is expanding its footprint into the southwest with new restaurants in Peoria, Gilbert and Scottsdale next spring.

Franchisee James Maragh and his partner Tony Ortiz are excited to bring the I Heart Mac & Cheese experience to the Phoenix area.

“My three boys and little girl all love mac ‘n’ cheese and so does Tony’s little one,” Maragh said. “When I first came across this [franchise], I got on the phone with Tony and told him we have to go see this place firsthand. [We] booked the flight

enjoy,” I Heart Mac & Cheese’s menu includes bowls in savory flavors, like lobster and white truffle, Cuban, baked chicken parmesan and others.

“Mac bites” come in kidfriendly flavors such as pepperoni pizza Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, fully customizable and buffalo build-your-own mac ‘n’ cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, is opening new locations chicken and in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Peoria. (I Heart Mac & Cheese) there are even and showed up in Florida two weeks later. vegan options, like vegan grilled cheeses We were instantly blown away.” and bowls made with vegan cheeses and Described by Maragh as “dishes parents meatless substitutes. will love and dishes the kids will for sure “We did some secret shopping [and]

asked customers for their thoughts and got nothing but great responses,” Maragh said.

“Teenagers were happy they were able to get creative with their old favorite snack and were enjoying BBQ chicken mac ‘n’ cheese bowls as well as pizza-style mac ‘n’ cheese bowls,” he continued.

“Adults were swinging in for a quick lunch bowl, and they were telling us they really enjoyed the healthy options, like the broccoli and cauliflower base with some delicious chicken as the protein.”

Maragh said they plan to customize the menu with one or two Arizona-inspired dishes.

“We know of other I Hearts having location-based bowls, like Texas with their Brisket Bowl, and we will work hard on creating our own,” he said.

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MAC page 27

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

MAC from page 26

27

So far, Maragh said he’s received nothing but positive feedback regarding I Heart Mac & Cheese’s expansion into Arizona.

“It’s different, and everyone likes to try something different,” he said. “It’s our job to make sure they come back. We’ll do that by making sure they have a great experience and food is coming out hot, fast, and right.”

While Maragh and Ortiz have yet to choose a location in Scottsdale, they do know they want it to be located near other family-friendly eateries and shops.

“We would love to be near a local favorite such as a Dutch Bros, Target, or Top Golf. So, if you are out with the family getting a coffee or picking up some goodies from the store, you’re able to

swing on in for a delicious mac ‘n’ cheese bowl for the kiddos,” Maragh said.

Maragh and Ortiz currently live in Yuma, but Maragh and his family have plans to find their forever home in Gilbert.

“Our family is excited to soon be able to call this great city home for good,” Maragh said. “When I came across this new and exciting franchise and had the ability to bring it to the Phoenix area, I had to jump on board. Right now, I couldn’t be happier that this is becoming a reality.”

I Heart Mac & Cheese is a unique, low-investment franchise concept that requires zero fryers, grease-trap systems or hood systems.

“I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fun, attractive concept and an affordable franchise model that is easy to operate with sup-

port systems in place to help our partners be successful,” said Stephen Giordanella, I Heart Mac & Cheese CEO and chairman, in a prepared statement.

“We are thrilled to continue growing our brand with partners that share our same beliefs and value our innovative concept, food quality and diverse menu,” Giordanella continued.

Headquartered in south Florida, I Heart Mac & Cheese offers franchise owner training, marketing support and ongoing development opportunities to ensure each location’s success.

“James and I will both definitely be heavily involved in the business and the growth of our I Heart Mac & Cheese locations,” Ortiz said.

“We have a few bright manager can-

didates who are eager and ready for the opportunity to manage an I Heart Mac & Cheese location. We will also be hosting interviews for the first location,” he continued.

I Heart Mac & Cheese launched in 2016 and has since captured the attention – and stomachs – of cheese lovers nationwide.

It was recently featured on QSR Magazine’s “40/40 List for 2020: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals.”

Additional locations are slated to open in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Texas.

“Get ready AZ family,” Maragh said, “I Heart Mac & Cheese is coming soon!”

Information: iheartmacandcheese.com

lators to either the state or county health department or even local police.

It’s trickier for bars.

Only those that convert to “restaurant service’’ can reopen.

That means customers must be escorted to tables, groups limited to no more than 10, no standing or mingling, and limited waiting areas.

And forget dancing.

Paschich said the application process with DHS was relatively straightforward and not too burdensome.

Patrons can expect to see many changes at all three locations as Alamo Drafthouse adapts to protocols to protect staff and patrons from the coronavirus.

Staff and customers will be required to wear masks inside the theaters, but can remove them while eating popcorn or other items.

Stickers will be placed on the floors of the cinema’s bathrooms to instruct visitors how to navigate the common space without getting too close to others.

The Alamo theatres are part of a national chain of cinemas known for their large screening rooms that allow for guests to order food and alcohol during the show.

Arizona’s Alamo locations will initially offer a scaled-down version of their food and beverage menu, Paschich said, and customers will be given disposable paper menus.

Alamo’s online ticketing system will automatically place a two-seat buffer between every group of customers in order to ensure guests are seated at least 6 feet from each other at all times.

If a guest starts to feel ill during a screening and needs to leave, Alamo says it will refund the patron’s ticket.

Similar protocols are being introduced

by Harkins.

“There is no question that this has been the most difficult time in my 50-plus years in the business.,” said Dan Harkins, owner of the theaters.

Both Paschich and Harkins President/ CEO Mike Bowers said reopening is not only good news for them but for moviegoers numbed by the wave of pandemic-related news in recent months.

“In trying times, people have always looked to us to escape for just a few hours of solace and to immerse themselves in another world,” said Bowers.

Harkins said its new protocols “will meet or exceed uniform guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, governmental health authorities and the National Association of Theatre Owners so that guests can sit back, relax, and get lost in the magic of the movies.”

Harkins is adding enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, daily health checks for staff, social distance seating between every pair of seats and reduced audience

capacity and showtimes.

Harkins Loyalty Cups will be refilled with a new paper cup and all other refills on paper drink and popcorn containers will be discontinued until further notice.

Along with hand sanitizers throughout its theaters, Harkins also has installed increased fresh air, hospital-grade MERV 13 air filters and HEPA filtered vacuums in all auditoriums The state has allowed the theaters to open at 25 percent of their normal capacity, Paschich said, and he hopes the business can gradually expand up to 50 percent in the following weeks.

The benefit of running a movie house, Paschich added, is that owners get to set their own schedule and decide how many movies they want to screen – thus controlling the number of guests at any time.

Alamo will disinfect each screening room every night with a special sanitation chemical and staff will be trained to regularly clean surfaces in between showtimes throughout the day.

Alamo also is assigning one employee to a special position it calls “the lobby mayor,” who will be responsible for guiding guests around common areas and maintaining traffic flow.

In a way, closing theaters made little difference for movie fans since blockbusters were already moved to late this year and even next.

Hollywood started canceling or delaying the release of many highly-anticipated films in mid-March and eventually resorted to releasing some movies through video-on-demand services.

When the state shut down in March, Paschich said he expected the moratorium to maybe last only a couple months and theaters would open by summer.

“We never thought it was going to be six months,” he said. “It’s been really rough.”

Alamo obtained COVID-19 relief funds and renegotiated leases with its landlords.

Yet the pandemic’s economic impacts were still severe enough to prompt Alamo to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections a couple months ago. The business said back in May it was going to use the bankruptcy filing as a chance to reorganize its finances and plan for the future.

Meanwhile, AMC on Aug. 21 reopened more than 100 movie theaters in 17 states and the District of Columbia but Arizona is not among them.

Only months ago, reports said that the pandemic had crippled AMC worldwide.

“AMC is carrying billions in debt and has been teetering on the edge of bankruptcy for months,” The Hollywood Reporter said two months ago of the nation’s largest movie chain.

In the theaters it has opened, AMC will have safety equipment and protocols almost identical to those of Harkins.

MULTIPLEXES from page 26

28

OPINION

Opinion GilbertSunNews.com |

@Gilber tSunNews

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

For more opinions visit gilbertsunnews.com /Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert must bring back human relations panel

BY BUS OBAYOMI GSN Guest Writer

I

n the words of Martin Luther King, Jr,, “An individual has not started living until the individual can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Our nation is at a precipice.

The current social and economic issues in our country have only led to a more significant divide. There is a growing discord between the police force and growing racial tensions.

Our Town of Gilbert is not exempt from the issues confronting our nation. The recent death of George Floyd has caused a protest across the country. There have been protests in Gilbert as well.

Gilbert is a great town with a great community feel. We have a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the United States.

We need to keep it that way.

However, we also need to become aware of the growing population and diversity in our town. Our current population estimate is 266,971. We anticipate being 300,000 as of 2030.

Gilbert is becoming one of the largest mu-

but it was scratched out by the Gilbert Town Council a few years ago.

There is a greater urgency now more than ever to have the human relations commission. Its sole purpose will be to promote mutual understanding and respect among the many groups of people who live, work, and spend time in our community. The HRC will advise the mayor and Town Council and assists city departments: On ways to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, people from different cultural backgrounds can be made to feel at home in the community; On ways in which information on Gilbert resident Bus Obayomi was a Town Council candidate this human relations topics can be disyear. (File photot) seminated, including conducting surveys and studies, convening fonicipalities in Arizona, with a median age of rums, seminars and workshops, and sponsoring special event and award recognitions; 33.8.

Involving all demographics and communiA growing municipality like ours also comes with new challenges. It becomes more ties in decision making in Gilbert; Continuous improvement in relations beapparent that we need to know our new neighbors. Gilbert is one of the few towns in tween the police, firefighters and the comPhoenix metropolis without a human rela- munity as a whole; Building bridges between communities tions commission. We used to have an HRC

and celebrating the diversity in Gilbert; Providing avenues and maximizing the skills and entrepreneurship of diverse communities in Gilbert.

Gilbert has exemplified what a great town looks like. The beauty, security, and sense of community continue to attract various people to our city. Change is inevitable because of these attractions.

However, we have a responsibility to preserve what makes our town great as we experience growth. More than ever, we need to be proactive in ensuring that Gilbert’s reputation is protected.

We can do this by bringing back the Gilbert Human Relations Commission. More importantly, we need our leaders to listen. We need them to put the constituents ahead of individual interest.

Dear residents of Gilbert, let us all request our Council to bring back the Gilbert Human Relations Commission.

Bus Obayomi is the founder and principal consultant of New Zeal Intl. Consulting who ran for Town Council in the Primary Election as “an avid advocate of building bridges among the leaders, businesses and communities in Gilbert.

landlords were still expected to meet their financial obligations.

Arizona Realtors is dedicated to the protection of private property rights. As such, we question why the available financial pandemic assistance to both those living in rental homes and the owners obligated to make mortgage payments and pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees on those homes have not been widely distributed.

The Arizona Department of Housing’s rental assistance program has only $5 million in available funding. These funds are not legislative or federal COVID-19 relief funds.

More than $12 million in rental assistance applications have been submitted, and only 7 percent of those applications have been processed.

To make matters worse, only about $2.1 million of the allocated $10 million has been provided to those in need.

Nearly five months after landlords and ten-

ernment is not dedicating the resources to award qualified applicants assistance at the appropriate speed.

Arizona Realtors continues to advocate in every way possible to get available financial pandemic assistance to both those living in rental homes and the property owners.

We continue to ask Gov. Ducey to heed calls to properly fund and implement effective and accessible tenant and landlord assistance programs so that evictions and foreclosures are not tomorrow’s reality.

Property owners across the state have done so much to support Arizona’s more than 920,000 rental households. It is now time for the Governor’s Office to do its part to properly fund tenant and property owner assistance programs.

Michelle Lind is CEO of Arizona Realtors, the largest trade association in Arizona and representing approximately 52,000 Arizona realtors.

Tenant/landlord assistance programs are needed

BY MICHELLE LIND GSN Guest Writer

A

rizona businesses continue to be affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Particularly hard-hit are those individuals whose business is the ownership and management of rental homes throughout the state.

As tenants struggle to make ends meet, landlords were mandated by an executive order to adjust their rent collections schedules, allowing tenants upwards of eight months abeyance on payments.

While this order provided needed relief to the tenants, it created additional hardship for the landlords, whose own financial stability often relies on the income generated from these rental properties.

And although no rent was collected, the

ants began facing hardship, the need continues to escalate.

Retirees, families, individuals, couples and small businesses have invested substantial portions of their life savings in real estate.

These owners are not big companies turning a profit; they are real people struggling in the same ways’ renters are struggling to stay afloat financially.

The governor’s eviction moratorium has deprived these small property owners of the income they need.

If the state and local government funds are at appropriate levels to address the needs of tenants in the form of rental assistance and landlords in the form of foreclosure prevention – as stated by the Governor’s Office – then there is no need for an eviction moratorium.

This is necessary only because funds are far below an appropriate level and the gov-

Sports & Recreation GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

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Mesquite’s Ty Thompson taking strides during pandemic

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

T

he coronavirus pandemic brought the sports world to a halt in March, resulting in the closure of schools and cancellation of spring sports in Arizona.

Athletes had to take it upon themselves to find an outlet to train as coaches were essentially barred from in-person contact. Despite the added challenges, several athletes continued to flourish and work on their craft to make improvements in hopes of a 2020 fall season taking place.

That includes Mesquite senior quarterback Ty Thompson.

“I’ve seen improvement on the little things I was focusing on,” Thompson said. “I was really nitpicking the things I wanted to work on. I feel like my accuracy has improved and I feel like I can move better.”

Thompson took part in the Elite 11 quarterback competition in Nashville, Tenn. in July. Several recruiting analysts from 247Sports, Rivals and other top national databases argued Thompson was the clear-cut favorite to win the competition, as he showed his arm strength and overall poise at the position during the three-day competition. Even then, however, he wasn’t declared the winner.

Still, he said it was among the most fun he’s ever had playing football.

“It was awesome,” Thompson said. “It was three days of playing a whole lot of football with a great group of guys. I learned a lot and did pretty well.”

Thompson went back to his normal training regimen with quarterback guru Mike Giovando and began summer workouts with Mesquite. His progression through the spring and summer began paying off in dividends.

Heading into the summer, the University of Oregon commit was named to a

Thompson said he hopes to continue Arizona’s new-found legacy of successful quarterbacks at the next level. But his focus now remains solely on helping Mesquite win back-to-back titles at the 4A level or by breaking into the Open Division playoffs.

Several other key returning players for Mesquite include do-it-all playmaker Andrew Morris, who Hare believes will be Mesquite’s next All-American after a slow recruitment period due to the spring cancellations.

“I think Andrew’s recruitment is going to explode,” Hare said. “I think the pandemic didn’t necessarily hurt his recruitment but Mesquite senior quarterback and Oregon commit Ty Thompson used the time away from delayed it. Once college his team to further perfect his craft, as he recently was named a five-star recruit and a Sports coaches see him, they’ll Illustrated pre-season All-American. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff) realize he can play anywhere. You don’t see plethora of national preseason watch the Mesquite footmany guys that can play lists. Already the top-ranked player in ball program to new wide receiver and middle the 2021 class in Arizona, his stock con- heights, finishing the linebacker.” tinued to rise on a national level. season 12-2 and as the Mesquite will also benNow the third-ranked dual-threat 4A Conference chamefit from 6-foot-4 tight quarterback in the country by Rivals, pions, the first-ever tiend Gerardo Saenz, who Thompson was named a Sports Illustrat- tle for the program. may take over at quared preseason All-American. But perhaps “We knew what we terback in 2021 when Thompson’s most notable accomplish- were getting with Ty Mesquite head football coach Scott Hare Thompson graduates. ment this offseason was being elevated when he first stepped said everything Ty Thompson has accomto a five-star recruit by Rivals. on this campus as a plished is no surprise to him or the rest of Both Hare and Thompson also expect success from “I didn’t even know but the Oregon freshman,” Hare said. the staff. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff) coaches sent it to me and told me con- “I had an idea about what we wanted to senior wideout Lavontae Trotter, who, gratulations,” Thompson said. “I was re- do and how we wanted to do it when I before suffering an injured ankle early ally surprised and happy about it.” took over but a lot of that stemmed from on last year, is able to use his speed to be Thompson’s accolades don’t come as a what they were already doing his first a deep-ball threat.

Expectations are high for the Wildcats surprise to Mesquite head football coach two years.

Scott Hare.

“I hope I’ve been able to coach him in a in 2020. Thompson, with his college deNow entering his second year as head way that he feels I have helped him. But cision made up and a clear mind to focus of the football program, Hare watched Ty was going to be great no matter who only on Mesquite football, aims to do Thompson develop as a freshman when was coaching him or what program he whatever it takes to hoist another championship trophy. he served as Mesquite’s athletic director. went to.”

“We are going to be a special team this He saw Thompson explode onto the naAt 6-foot-4, 220 pounds with speed, tional recruiting scene during his soph- arm strength and accuracy, Thompson year,” Thompson said. “We just have to omore season, when he began fielding has the ability to become the next great buy-in to what coach Hare is preaching several scholarship offers from pow- quarterback out of Arizona, a state that to us and putting in front of us. If we er-five programs. has seen its stock rise with big-name re- work as hard as we did last year, I think we can definitely get back there.”

As a junior last season, Thompson took cruits in recent years.

30

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31

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020 43

King Crossword King Crossword

Obituaries

ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

Early bird?

Said “not guilty” Molt By way of Emanation Rent Work unit Whirl Long-billed wader Sprinter’s device Many millennia Parcel of land Allude (to) Driver’s license datum Foundation Out of control “Oklahoma!” baddie Stead Vat Haw partner Tureen accessory Prohibit Emeril’s shout Extremely exciting Plankton component Love god Dove’s remark Works with New Haven school Choose Not so much Resorts international?

“The Matrix” role

Christine "Chris" Anne Bundy

Obituaries Walter Murphy

36 37 38 39 40

Marching-band section Half of 49-Across’ fight song Booty Otherwise Census statistics

41 42 43 44

Sudoku

Obituaries - Death NOtices iN MeMOriaM We are here to make this difficult time easier for you. Our 24 hour online service is easy to use and will walk you through the steps of placing a paid obituary in the East Valley Tribune or a free death notice online.

Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35

Snare PC picture “Unh-unh” Attend

Walter “Murph” Murphy, August 1930 to August 2020. Born Wabash, Indiana - resided Peru, Indiana, Chandler, Marana and Tucson, Arizona. Retired from a long career at Chandler Public Schools, serving as Custodian, Maintenance Coordinator, and New Construction Coordinator.

Loving father missed by daughter Karen Fearing, daughter Terry and son-in-law Dan Dale, Granddaughters Daun Pruett, Christina Stoner and Barbra Eichler; six Great Grandchildren and an extended family of in-laws, out-laws and anyone who sat at his table.

Joined his wife Opal, in Heaven August 11, 2020.

H E A D STO N E S

Prior nights Encircle Lady -Cleric Pea-family plant Ms. Brockovich Hung Half a circus clown’s pair Vagrant -- The Red Dilbert’s worksite Stench Go a few rounds Snitch Ostrich’s cousin Pass (off) Total Auction action Wet wriggler Payable Football garb Genie’s home Chapeau Expires

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PUZZLES ANWERS on PUZZLE ANSWERS on page page 17 9

Make your choice Everlasting

Christine "Chris" Anne Bundy August 31, 1950 - August 16, 2020 Christine "Chris" Anne Bundy passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born in Michigan and grew up in West Chester, PA before moving to Castro Valley, CA, graduating from Canyon High School in 1968.

She attended the University of Washington where she met her husband, Donald Bundy and started a family. Don's job as a journalist moved them to Montana, Washington and Oregon, and entrenched her love of the Pacific Northwest.

Following Don 's death in a car accident, the family moved to Mesa, AZ in 1988 to be closer to family. In Arizona , she raised her two boys with the help of her parents. She continued her love of caregiving as a nurse and other positions with Banner Baywood Medical Center until her retirement in 2013.

After retirement, she moved to Vancouver, WA to take care of her mother and be near family. Her gifts as a caregiver extend ed beyond her profession as she provided care and support for sick family members throughout her life.

Chris loved spending time with her family and friends. Nothing gave her more joy than spending time with her three grandchildren.

She also had a variety of interests and hobbies. Chris was an avid and talented quilter.

Many friends and family members have been blessed with her gifts of the heart. She had a love of nature, flowers and visiting gardens.

She loved trips to the Oregon Coast, taking in the views and eating at Mo's. She was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling and learning the history of an area. Her most recent adventure was a trip to France in 2018 when members of a village in Provence asked for family to come celebrate while they honored her uncle, Donald Tracy, who died when his plane was shot down over their village in WW2. She had the opportunity to explore a good portion of France while there and met many people.

Chris is survived by her son, Nicholas Bundy (Elaina) of Vancouver; daughter-in-law, Stacie Bundy of Peoria , AZ; three grandchildren, Ella and Connor of Vancouver and Jakob of Peoria; and sister, Karin Tracy of Vancouver.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Peter Bundy and Scott Bundy; parents, Robert and Margaret Tracy; and brother, James Tracy.

A celebration of Chris's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Society of Greater SW Washington or to ALS research in her honor. Please share a memory at www.http://obituaries.eastvalleytribune.com/

32

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

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THE LINKS ESTATES

For Rent Apartments ALMA SCH & MAIN Income verified UTILITIES INCLUDED Bad Credit OK. No Deposit Close to Lightrail $700 (602) 339-1555 Crismon and University 3bd/2 Ba Secure fenced yard, Big lot, no deposit, bad credit ok. $1200 Dave 602-339-1555

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

Call 480-898-6465

Apartments Crismon/Apache Trl Cottage Cozy 2br 1ba Bad Credit ok. $800 No Deposit. Water/trash incl'd (602) 339-1555

Merch andise

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

Cash 4 Diabetic Strips!

Best Prices in Town.

Sealed and Unexpired.

480-652-1317 Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand.

Will pay top dollar.

Call Pat 480-323-8846

Wanted to Buy

H COLLECTOR BUYING H European & American Classic Cars (All Models, Any Condition,Including Barn Finds)

CALL ROY 602-810-2179

FROM THE UPPER 100’S

ASK US HOW YOUR $105,000 CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME. 40667 N Wedge Dr • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

PORSCHE • 50’s-90’s • 365 Coupes, Roadsters, 911, 912 ALL MODELS

MERCEDES • 40’s-70’s • 190SL, 230SL, 280SL Early Cabriolet

Business Opportunities Finance/Financial What Should I Do with My Old 401(k)?

Get free PDF guide that reveals the 5 options you have.

Call Dennis 480.278-3598 or request at zaderaka.com

Wanted to Buy

Why Rent The Lot When

Gawthorp & Associates Realty

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Real Estate

AUSTIN HEALEY’S • 50’s-60’s •

JAGUARS

• 30’s-70’s • XK, XKE, Coupes, Roadsters, Early Cabriolets

ALFAS

• 20’s-70’s • ALL MODELS ALL INTERESTING

Air Conditioning/Heating

FREE Service Call ($50 Service Call* Waived with any repair)

Bob B AC, LLC

480-330-5117 (Over 40 Years Experience)

ROC 318210

Licensed-Bonded-Insured

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Summer AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - now $3,995 New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

‘A’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

Do You Have or Know of a Classic Car? Finder’s Fee Paid! Cash Buyer

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

Kellyutaz@msn.com

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

602-810-2179

480-405-7588

33

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Cleaning Services SPARKLE & SHINE CLEANING SERVICE Immaculate, Dependable Service. Affordable Rates.

Commercial & Residential services All supplies included.

Sanitized & masks worn You've tried the rest, now try the BEST!" Ask for Martha or Annie 480-495-5516 or 480-797-6023

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

Handyman HANDYMAN 37 years experience.

Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

Concrete & Masonry

Handyman

DESERT ROCK

C O NC R E T E & MASO NRY BLOCKWALL CONCRETE RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL

Home Improvement

CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured Cleaning Services

I

19

78

-

LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

aaaActionContractingInc.com

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.

480-276-6600

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

*Not a Licensed Contractor

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

A+

-S

E NC

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766

- Free Estimates -

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

East Valley

480-833-7353 - Office 480-430-7737 - Cell

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

• Painting • Plumbing • Carpentry • Drywall • Roofing • Block

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

WE DO IT ALL!

Bath & Kitchen Remodels • Car-Port to Garage Conversion Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Plumbing • Electrical • Can Lights Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Painting • Block Fences Wrought Iron Gates • Remodeling • Additions • Patios Tenant Improvements

General Contacting, Inc.

REASONABLE HANDYMAN

Block Fence * Gates

ACTION CONTRACTING INC.

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES

Irrigation Drywall

LLC

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

480.266.4589

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

520.508.1420

All Estimates arethe Free Call: Marks Spot• for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

www.husbands2go.com Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry Licensed, Bonded &•Insured • ROC#317949 Decks • Tile • More!

Ask me about FREE Needs! water testing!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical josedominguez0224@gmail.com Job Too ✔“No Flooring Not a licensed contractor.

RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CLEANING SPECIALISTS SINCE 2007 Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured

FreeFree estimates estimatesat at 480-802-1992 480-802-1992 or or dennis@simplygrandcleaningaz.com reed@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

Electrical Services

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • CarpentrySmall Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More!

Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y alit • Panel Changes able, Qu Afford ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo Quality ande,Repairs 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordabl And More!

2010, 2011 Small Man!” Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2014

Call Bruce • Installation of at 602.670.7038 Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee Bruce atFans602.670.7038 Ceiling

2012, 2013, 2014

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

• Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

34

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Painting

Plumbing

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call!

15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

Irrigation

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

Not a licensed contractor

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Landscape/Maintenance

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

Superstition Landscape Maintenance

Junk Removal PLUS House Cleaning Call or Text Adrian

480•376•9803 or 480•925•1418

FREE Estimates

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

East Valley PAINTERS

ALL Pro S E R V I C E

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

480-706-1453

$35 off

Any Service

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Not a licensed contractor

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Now Accepting all major credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

HYDROJETTING

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Your leaks stop here!

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Plumbing

ROC 3297740

Over 30 yrs. Experience

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

480-354-5802

Inside & Out Leaks

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

Prepare for Monsoon Season!

PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

24/7

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

L L C

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential

Water Heaters

Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!!

‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

Family Owned & Operated

T R E E

ROC#309706

Voted #1

ROC# 256752

Honest & Reliable

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Disposals

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600

Roofing

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!!

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

35

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

Public Notices AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct a 35foot overall height small cell telecommunications support structure at 273 W Buffalo St., Chandler, Maricopa County, Arizona (N33° 18’ 16.2”; W111° 50’ 40.4”). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Megan Gomez, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice@eca-usa.com. Ms. Gomez can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x 405 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. W2982/HMF

CLASSIFIEDS and LEGALS Deadline: Thursday at 10am for Sunday 480-898-6465 Email Your Ad: class@times publications.com

gilbertsunnews.com

Public Notices INVITATION TO BID (ITB) INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS Subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to read the entirety of these instructions. For questions about the process, project or proposal submission, please contact the Bid Manager directly. Supplement and sample documents are for information only. Standard industry procurement procedures and negotiations will proceed bid day. Thank you for the interest in StreetLights Residential!

Date: August 24, 2020 Bid Deadline for Submittal: September 10, 2020, 12:00 PM Local Arizona Time Location: 1530 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (Project Construction Trailer Parking Lot , W Corner of Higley and Ray) Solicitation number: 409125-002 Project: Agritopia Epicenter Offsite Improvements Bid Manager: Courtney W. Dunlap SLR Construction Dept. cdunlap@streetlightsres.com Tel: (480) 407-2900 Contract Documents available at https://streetlightsres.box.com/s/hado9w9bbx0iehi8pypk3efykyw7o700 these files are available at no charge.

Date and Location for Submittal of Sealed Bids: Sealed bids will be received at StreetLights Residential’s Construction Trailer parking lot for Agritopia Epicenter located at 1530 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (NW corner of Higley and Ray) until 12:00 p.m. Thursday September 10, 2020, for the above project. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked on the outside with the name of the Project and the solicitation number. Any bid received after the time specified will be returned unopened. It

is the bidder’s responsibility to assure bids are received at the above location on or before the specified time. Bids will be opened at 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Construction Trailer Offices, and publicly read aloud. In the case of extensive price listings, only the bidder’s names will be read aloud, and the determination of the highest bid will be made after further StreetLights Residential’s review.

Pre-Bid Conference: A pre-bid conference will not be held. Right to Reject Bids: StreetLights Residential reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality in a bid or to withhold the Award for any reason StreetLights determines.

Equal Opportunity: StreetLights Residential is an equal opportunity employer. Minority and women’s business enterprises are encouraged to submit bids on this solicitation.

Project Description: Agritopia Epicenter is a mixed-use development in Gilbert, AZ. This solicitation is specific to the Offsite Improvements for the Street Light Pole relocation and added Traffic Signal identified in the Civil Offsite plans prepared by Landcore Consulting and Wright Engineering Corporation.

StreetLights Residential is soliciting bids from trade contractors.

The offsites improvements include but are not limited to the following: Traffic Control, Traffic Signal and Street Light Pole relocation.

Estimated Start: Construction for the Offsite Improvements for the Street Light Pole Relocation and Traffic Signal is anticipated to start in the 4th Quarter of 2020.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Aug 23, 30, 2020 / 32700

Time for a New Roommate?

Check out the Classifieds, or place an ad today!

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

NOTICE TO READERS:

THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE’S JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

FIND THE BEST TALENT HERE. EASILY POST JOBS. COMPETITIVE PRICING AND EXPOSURE Contact us for more information: 480-898-6465 or email jobposting@evtrib.com

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

Post your jobs at:

WORD SEARCH: Summer Gardening Find the 11 items on the list.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

DIRT FERTILIZER

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

FLOWERS GLOVES HOSE PLANTS POTS

Reference: http://www.azroc.g ov/invest/licensed_ by_law.html

http://www.azroc .gov/

BS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM

Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com

What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC status at:

J

RAKE SEEDS SHOVEL CB

WATERING CAN

36

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 30, 2020

social

activities re-imagined through virtual vibrant living activities

safe

precautionary measures to keep you and your loved ones safe

devoted

to adjusting to every new safety measure the CDC suggests.

keeping you well Virtual Classes & Events Meal Delivery as Well as Social Distancing Fine Dining Grocery Shopping/Delivery Available Temperature Checks Regularly Masks being worn at all times Extra sanitary Cleaning Provided Wireless 24/7 Emergency Call System 24-Hour Onsite Staff Designated tele-communication room for residents physicians appointments Dedicated task force committed to following CDC and senior living guidelines

“I will applaud the effort everyone has put in for us to get through this and the creativity used for virtual activities offered. This has been a once in a lifetime event for all of us and the friendly, upbeat and reassuring attitude from all personnel has made a positive difference.”

-LivGenerations Resident

Liv Your Way! Call one of our communities today!

LivGenerations Ahwatukee 15815 S. 50th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85048

480-485-3000

livgenerationsahwatukee.com

LivGenerations Agritopia

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. | Gilbert, AZ 85296

480-485-2000

livgenerationsagritopia.com