Gilbert Sun News - 9.26.2021

Cops and DUI busts

Gilbert school honors heroes

PAGE 3

PAGE 26

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week LAST DAYS TO VOTE! 2021

Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa

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NEWS............................. 13 West Nile Virus threat worsens here.

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Sunday, September 26, 2021

Bond pitches heat up as ballots near Town faces bumpy ride Higley voters to weigh on $515M proposition in on property tax hike

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

I

t’s going to be a bumpy ride to Election Day for a proposed $515-million bond to pay for projects such as road repairs, the Ocotillo Bridge and trail crossings in Gilbert as opposition arises ahead of early voting.

It’s an all-mail election Nov. 2 for Gilbert with eligible voters receiving a ballot beginning Oct. 6. Gilbert’s election cost was anticipated to be just below $185,000.

“This bond seems like a slush fund of we’ll just find some way to spend it if we can get it,” said Councilman Laurin Hendrix at last week’s Council meeting. “We just ask for as much money as we

see BOND page 8

Gilbert water park hits more turbulence

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

V

oters within Higley Unified School District’s boundaries will decide if they want a higher property tax to pay off a proposed $95 million bond to fund things such as renovating buildings, replacing aging buses and buying out one of two controversial lease agreements.

Ballots start going out Oct. 6 to eligible voters for the Nov. 2 all-mail election. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 4.

“Without the passage of the bond, Higley USD will face the wider impact of the reduced state education funding,” said Ben Harrison, chairman of the Bond Political Action Committee. “Facilities that are

Inspiring

see HIGLEY page 8

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

COMMUNITY..........15 You too can own a piece of Gilbert.

COMMUNITY........................................15 BUSINESS.............................................20 OPINION................................................23 SPORTS..................................................26 GETOUT.................................................28 CLASSIFIED..........................................29

T

he opening of a 25-acre water park in south Gilbert touting a sandy beach and state-of-the art wave technology for surfing has been pushed back a fourth time to 2024 with a new name and new developer.

Town Council last week approved a revised agreement with new owner ACA Arizona, which purchased The Strand project from John McLaughlin, CEO of The Strand Resorts, and has renamed the facility Cactus Surf Park.

The new developer must begin construction by June 30 and have it opened for use by April 15, 2024.

Council first entered into a deal with McLaughlin in February 2019 to build the project on town land adjacent to Gilbert Regional

see STRAND page 4

Luis Martinez puts ballerinas through their paces at the newly opened Inspire Dance Studio in Gilbert.The new building will house programs Inspire has been running in both Gilbert and Mesa. To read more about it, please turn to page 20.

(Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

2

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

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NEWS

3

Board won’t change policy on cops busted for DUI

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

state board that licenses law enforcement officers has decided to make no changes in the way it handles off-duty cops caught driving under the influence.

Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board this month unanimously voted to keep with the practice of hearing cases when there is an extreme DUI – a blood alcohol concentration level of over .15 – or when there are aggravating circumstances involved, such as a crash.

In cases that come before it, the board can take no action, revoke or suspend an officer’s certification to work in the state.

“I actually thought it was going to be easy to put this thing in a rubric and

make it work for all the different agencies, 159 agencies,” said board member and Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams at the board’s monthly meeting Sept.

15.

The 159 law enforcement agencies encompass over 14,500 sworn peace officers, 6,500 correctional officers and 16 police officer training academies.

Williams, who chaired the board’s DUI subcommittee tasked with studying and making a recommendation on the issue, said although not perfect, the .15 BAC at least gives a baseline for some consistency. For the general public, a driver with a BAC of .08 is considered legally impaired and would likely be arrested for a DUI. The board in May formed the subcommittee of Williams and three other board members after concerns were raised over inconsistencies on cops’

off-duty DUI arrests are handled statewide.

Since 2015 the board has heard 59 off-duty DUI cases with punishment ranging from termination to suspension, according to Executive Director Matt Giordano.

“There hasn’t been complete consistency when you look at reporting to the Arizona Post,” Giordano said. “As you know the only cases that are required by statute to be reported to us is when someone terminates employment.

“So, someone gets an off-duty DUI, is retained by their agency then we might not be aware of the incident. So, it creates some of that disparity.”

Deputy Director Ken Hunter of the Arizona Department of Public Safety asked if the board hears extreme

see POST page 12

Survey looks at handling of drunk cops

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

I

n an effort to understand how often off-duty DUIs occurred and what sort of disciplinary action if any was meted out, Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board staff reached out to 63 law enforcement agencies in the state.

The report, recently given to the board’s DUI subcommittee, does not name the agencies. AZPost provides services to 159 law enforcement agencies in the state.

The agencies were asked five questions: how many off-duty DUIs since 2015; standard discipline action for an off-duty DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08-.149, standard discipline for an off-duty DUI with a BAC over .15; if any additional discipline was given for aggravating factors and does the department notify AZPost if the officer was not fired. Two agencies did not respond to any of the questions.

The agencies were of different sizes and included municipal, state, county and tribal law enforcement.

Of the 12 agencies that had employees involved in an off-duty DUI since 2015, 11 indicated a range of one to five occurrences while one agency reported over 10 DUIs for a total of 19, the report stated, adding 47 agencies reported they had no such cases.

When it came to disciplinary actions for an off-duty extreme DUI and one with a BAC of .08-.149, 39 agencies stated they do not have a policy that specifically addresses off-duty DUI and instead evaluates on a case-by-case basis.

Twenty-one departments indicated they used standard discipline for both with 12 stating they would terminate employment, eight relied on a range of actions from suspension to termination and one used written reprimand to termination.

Also, “most agencies do not increase discipline in response to BAC levels alone but 16 agencies indicated aggravating circumstances would likely result in increased discipline,” the report stated.

The agencies shared what they considered aggravating factors, which

included lack of cooperation with arresting agency, prior alcohol-related misconduct, hit-and-run and presence of a child in the vehicle.

Also, 15 agencies indicated they would notify AZPost of an off-duty DUI even if the officer was not fired. Agencies are required to report all officer terminations to AZPost.

Another seven agencies said reporting would be dictated by the totality of the circumstances and 13 stated they would not report the incident unless the officer was fired.

Over the past five years Gilbert Police has not had any officers arrested for a DUI, said department spokesman Paul Alaniz.

He said if a Gilbert officer is caught with a DUI in town, a criminal investigation is conducted by the officer or supervisor who initiated the traffic stop.

“An administrative Internal Affairs investigation will also be initiated regardless of the BAC level,” he said in an email. “Subsequent discipline is then determined through a chain of command review of facts and circumstances.”

4

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

STRAND from page 1

Park near Higley and Queen Creek roads with an opening date of August 2020. In summer 2019, the opening was pushed to summer of 2021.

Then on Aug. 23, 2020, Council agreed to delay the opening to August 2022.

McLaughlin, a Gilbert resident, told the Gilbert Sun News at the time the project was being delayed due to COVID-19 as the company waited to see if health guidelines would be imposed on water parks.

“Until we have more information from the CDC and state health department, it is prudent for the project to have this information so if there needs to be additional safety measures that need to be added to the design (they) can be added before construction begins,” McLaughlin had said.

He assured GSN he had no concerns the project wouldn’t get off the ground.

But in emails to the Town earlier in 2020, McLaughlin raised concerns about meeting the fall groundbreaking date, stating it was hard raise money during a pandemic for the $60-million venture.

In a March 23, 2020 email, McLaughlin told the Town he was losing some investors due to the uncertain economic situation and that “at least 20 on each call (to investors) were in dire condition and critically low on liquidity to keep the project moving forward.”

A month later in another email to the Town, McLaughlin indicated “things have drastically been put on hold with some of our investors and our ability to raise all the funds due to the stay-at-home orders and uncertainty in the financial markets.”

The Town gave McLaughlin until February 2021 to begin construction with an opening set for Aug. 21, 2022.

Nothing was done on site and according to the Town, ACA, an investment group based in California, recently purchased the water park project.

“This new partnership group has met extensively with Gilbert staff as well as with the Gilbert Town Council in Executive Session and the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Board to discuss the full asset purchase of the project and their plan for completion,” said Eva Kirschbaum, parks and recreation spokeswoman.

ACA Arizona has the knowledge and

While plans for a water park in Gilbert Regional Park stumble along, construction of a 37acre surf lagoon in southeast Mesa is hurtling to an early 2022 opening date. (Special to GSN) experience from the surf and water park town’s amenities at the 272-acre regionindustry, including skills in action-sports al park. At the time of the original deal’s facility operations, management, design, approval, staff said the project will create financing strategy, risk-management, and 180 jobs and have a $317-million economic impact. more, according to Kirschbaum.

The revised agreement was on the The company is expected to go through the approval process, including pre-ap- Council consent agenda – items approved plication submittal, public outreach and in a single motion without discussion.

But Councilman Laurin Hendrix pulled Planning Commission approval.

The group already has a website set the item because of concerns over the up for Cactus Surf Park touting a “touch project’s water use.

“I actually like the idea of the water of Baja” coming to the area with a perfect surf at all levels. The amenities remain park from what I’ve seen of it,” Hendrix the same as proposed by The Strand such said. “But as I’m reading through it, it as a surf lagoon, cable-wake park, indoor talks about water credits and water use party rooms, indoor arcade, kids play and I have concerns. We’re in the middle area and a restaurant.

A month after the water park opens, the owner must begin rent payments. Gilbert is to receive an annual lease payment of at least $253,191 and an anticipated annual profit-sharing revenue between $450,000 and $750,000 under the 50-year lease.

These funds are expected to help offset the main- Town Councilman Laurin Hendrix questioned the wisdom of buildtenance costs as- ing a water park during an extended drought. (YouTube) sociated with the

of a drought.

“We’re talking about limitations on water, we’re talking about challenges in the future – may not be challenges in our homes at our kitchen sink but it’s challenges in water conservation.”

Under the agreement with the Town, the developer has to bring its own water supply – 10,000-acre-feet. The project’s water use was currently anticipated at 200-acre-feet a year, about half of what a golf course would use annually. One acrefoot of water equals 325,851 gallons.

Hendrix likened water credits to carbon credits, where entities or people with money compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions.

“The water credits seem pretty similar,” Hendrix said. “It doesn’t mean the water is going to exist. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be available. It means they’re going to go buy these credits. I’m still a little sketchy about a 25-acre water park with 10,000-acre-feet of water credits. I’m just not sure I’m comfortable with that.”

He also asked if the drought continues and Colorado River water allotments continue to be cut, who would see their water use reduced –0 first Gilbert residents or a for-profit venture.

“Am I going to conserve first or is this 25-acre water park going to conserve first?” Hendrix asked.

Lauren Hixson, interim Water Resources manager, explained that the water credits represent actual water and are not like the energy credits.

“Those credits are actual wet water that’s been recharged through recharge basins,” she said, adding that the reclaimed water credits are not tied to the Colorado River.

Town Manger Patrick Banger reminded Hendrix that Council in summer passed an amendment to an ordinance that states if Gilbert enters a more severe drought stage, Council can assemble a stakeholders group to decide where cuts would occur in the community.

Hendrix was the sole dissenter against the amended agreement in a 5-1 vote.

Councilwoman Aimee Yentes was absent.

When Cactus Surf Park opens, it will face competition from Mesa, where a 37acre water park featuring a beach and surfing lagoon is under construction.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Gilbert doc leads ‘COVID pill’ trial here

BY TOM SCANLON GSN Staff Writer

I

magine taking a pill that – even if you’re not vaccinated and even if someone you share space with has COVID-19 – would protect you from the coronavirus.

As one of 43 sites around the country in a clinical trial, a Mesa center is a key player in what many are dreaming about: The hypothetical “COVID pill.”

Arizona Clinical Trials is looking for people who live with someone who has COVID-19 and want to be – potentially, at least – part of history.

In a modest south-central Mesa office surrounded by insurance, weight loss and arthritis treatment providers, Dr. Anita Kohli of Gilbert meets potential volunteers to discuss a trial she hopes will be groundbreaking.

“As an individual citizen, I’m rooting for it like you wouldn’t believe,” said the upbeat, energetic Kohli. “As a scientist, I am always cautious, just look at the data.”

But when she sets her “just the facts” professional microscope aside, for the moment, she steps back to view a big picture that is almost staggering.

“We hope for all of humanity this works,” she said. “We hope to develop a simpler drug that can be in every pharmacy in America. And the world.”

Last year, Kohli and Arizona Clinical Trials took part in a crucial trial that found Regeneron to be an effective treatment for COVID-19.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, Regeneron’s “combination of the monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab, has been shown to markedly reduce the risk of hospitalization or death among highrisk persons with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”

The Regeneron “cocktail,” according to the medical journal, “prevented symptomatic COVID-19 and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in previously uninfected household contacts of infected persons. Among the participants who became infected, REGEN-COV

That’s the problem, es of either the molnupiravir pill or a noted Kohli, a Delaware placebo, with results from both groups native who trained under tabulated to see how effective molDr. Anthony Fauci – now nupiravir is. the leading spokesman The trial lasts 29 days, with the first on COVID, as the director five days of four pills taken every 12 of the National Institute hours, followed by a tracking period to of Allergy and Infectious report symptoms.

Diseases before moving The trial is only open to those who to Gilbert six years ago. have not been vaccinated against “We’ve been running COVID-19. clinical trials for the treatThe “COVID pill” study technically ment of COVID for around started two weeks ago. “We have not a year; we started July 1, enrolled anyone yet,” Kohli said Mon2020,” she said. day. While this trial excludes those who After three phases of currently have COVID-19, Kohli noted monoclonal antibodies Arizona Clinical Trials has several studtesting, she was pleased ies going on, including treatments for to see Regeneron’s path those with active COVID. to being widely available.

“People are looking for options and While she said the effec- solutions,” she said. “We hope to help tiveness of the drug is the community.”

“We have to use what we know works.

Dr. Anita Kohli, a Gilbert resident, and Arizona Clinical Trials not challenged, “the bigin Mesa are part of a nationwide study that could yield a gest question is, ‘Is there Right now, we do have a great (COVID “COVID pill.” a way to simplify treat- treatment) option, people should utiment?’ Instead of intrave- lize it more.”

Regeneron’s approval was, in a small reduced the duration of symptomatic nous therapy, if we could develop a pill.”

Enter the new trial for molnupiravir, way, assisted by the trials Kohli and the disease and the duration of a high viral launched recently. Volunteers who live load.” see COVID PILL page 7 Though joyous over the positive clin- with someone with COVID will get dosical results that paved the way for FDA fast-tracking of Regeneron, Kohli and “Inclusion Criteria” to take part in the molnupiravir (“COVID pill”) study: others have been frustrated over its limited use. last dose of study intervention • Lives in a household with an index Then-President Donald Trump, after case where the index case is a person • Is female and not pregnant/breastfeedbeing diagnosed with COVID and havwith documented COVID-19 (laboraing and at least one of the following ing his oxygen levels drop to dangerous tory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection applies during the study and for more levels, received the Regeneron “cockwith symptoms case) and must have than 4 days after: is not a woman of tail” that he credited with his stunning 1) a first positive SARS-CoV-2 test rechildbearing potential (WOCBP), is bounce-back to good health. sult from a sample collected within five a WOCBP and uses highly effective Nine months later, according to a redays prior to randomization of the parcontraception (low user dependency cent Washington Post story, “Monocloticipant, and 2) at least one symptom method OR a user dependent hormonal nal antibodies are free to patients and attributable to COVID-19 (e.g., fever, method in combination with a barrier there have been almost no side effects… difficulty breathing). method), or is a WOCBP who is abstiBut Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, maker nent from heterosexual intercourse • Does not have confirmed or suspected of the only authorized, free monocloCOVID-19. nal antibodies, said it is reaching fewArizona Clinical Trials in Mesa is one of • Is willing and able to take oral medicaer than 30 percent of eligible patients, 43 national locations for a trial of a “COVID tion. up from fewer than 5 percent a month pill” that is being studied to prevent • Is male and willing to be abstinent from ago.” heterosexual intercourse or use accept- COVID-19. Dr. Anita Kohli meets potential As the Post article notes, Regeneron able contraception during the study volunteers to discuss a trial they hope will is administered via infusions at hospiand for more than four days after the be groundbreaking. tals, urgent-care centers and some other medical facilities.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

COVID PILL from page 6

company did in Mesa.

The national effort behind that trial “shows how well we can push this field forward and really bring incredible, innovative and cutting edge (treatment) in a year.”

But, again, she is pained by the idea that the treatment is still relatively limited.

“Some of these deaths are absolutely

NEWS

avoidable,” she said.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is a narrow window: It works best when someone is sick with COVID, but not to the point where the patient is hospitalized with respiratory distress and other conditions caused by the disease.

Regeneron, she said, “reduces hospitalization and death (from COVID). We need to be more aggressive about treat-

ing people before they get that sick. We have to give it to people early in their disease.”

“I did not get COVID. We take a lot of precautions to keep our staff safe,” the doctor added. “I commend my team all the time. They worked with COVID from the very beginning; they worked side by side with people with COVID.” For those who are not able to avoid

COVID, Kohli said: “Call us early in your disease. We’re happy to talk through options.”

Arizona Clinical Trials is also known as Arizona Liver Health, and provides free scanning for fatty liver disease (which 1 in 3 Americans have).

For information, call 480-360-4000 or visit azclinicaltrials.com.

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HIGLEY from page 1

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

in need of repairs will go without. Students in need of devices to support learning will not have them provided.

“And, HUSD will be in a poor position to accommodate the growth that Higley is experiencing now.”

The state during the recession cut school funding, which forced many districts to delay projects.

Since 2009, the state cut $4.56 billion dollars to public schools and those cuts haven’t been restored, according to the Arizona School Boards Association.

HUSD says it is one of the state’s fastest growing school districts and anticipates it will add 3,000 more students to its current count of 12,500 over the next five years.

“For the general public, it is difficult to comprehend how our state leadership has funding deficits to common sense needs for our students and teachers, but that perception doesn’t change the reality of the schools needs,” Harrison said, adding: “Districts continue to put forth these bond and override efforts because they are facing needs that go unmet by our state Legislature. This has been the situation for decades and it never should have

been this way.”

Harrison, a former district teacher, said the PAC so far is seeing support for the bond.

“From the community, there has been a tremendous amount of conversation and positivity supporting our school community with the bond,” he said. “It seems like our message of moving the district forward, together, has resonated with the voters.”

The bond with interest would cost property owners an estimated $137 million when it’s paid off. For a typical home with an assessed value of $250,000, the property tax is estimated to be $163 a year, according to the district’s voter pamphlet.

There are no arguments opposing the bond in the pamphlet. The bond spending would be spread over five years.

The last time voters decided on a school-spending measure was in 2019 when they approved continuing a 15-percent override, which is funded by a property tax increase.

The district proposes spending the bulk of the bond – 33.7 percent or $32 million – to retire one of two controversial and costly leases executed in 2012.

At the time, the district was seeing explosive student growth and entered agreements where it leased two new buildings for 40 years from a nonprofit.

The buildings currently house the Cooley and Sossaman campuses, the district’s first and only middle schools.

The total cost of the two leases over their lifetime to the district is nearly $160 million, according to the state auditor general in July.

That move ended up costing the district three times more than what it would have cost for an outright purchase, the district’s acting CFO said in April during discussion about the bond.

The auditor general’s findings resulted from an investigation into then-Superintendent Denise Birdwell’s dealings during her employment at HUSD. A grand jury indicted Birdwell for allegedly engineering the leases by rigging the bids and taking payoffs. She also is accused of misusing public monies while at the district. She and two others involved in the case have a trial date set for April 7, 2022.

The next big spend is $27 million for more classrooms, adding specialty building spaces and upgrading and remodel-

ing buildings.

Technology and safety projects make up 16.3 percent of the bond spending.

Projects included teacher and student laptops, network and wireless, phones and projectors.

The district also is looking to spend $11 million to do major maintenance such as replacing HVAC units and for roofing and flooring projects; $3.5 million for replacement buses and $2.5 million buy land to build a potential school north of Pecos Road.

can get and then dream up some way to spend it because the best thing is to have control of taxpayers’ money so we can spend it how we please.”

In the last two decades, Gilbert voters have approved four different transportation-related bonds totaling $363 million – all spent. The last transportation bond approved was in 2007 for $174 million.

Hendrix’s comment on the upcoming bond came as he questioned a state allotment of $7.9 million to Gilbert to help pay for the construction of Ocotillo Bridge, which will connect two major arterial roads near the regional park.

Hendrix said the Town lobbied the state for the money, which comes from taxpayers, and “there’s also an effort being made to pursue Gilbert taxpayers to see if we could tax them again.”

Hendrix’s objection to the bond was joined by Councilwoman Aimee Yentes and Jared Taylor, who is a chairman of the Maricopa County Republicans Legislative

District 12 and a former Gilbert councilman.

The trio penned a public letter presenting a case for why voters should reject the bond, stating that the Town has “a track record of wasteful spending.” (See page 23.)

They pointed to the University Building that the town built in the Heritage District for $36 million to house a private Catholic university, which ended up breaking the lease less than a year into its stay.

“Gilbert was left with an annual $2 million loss,” the three stated. “This is just one example of how the Town has been an unwise steward of your money.”

They also went after the town’s assertion that passage of the hefty bond won’t increase property taxes and pointed to the recently opened Public Safety Training Facility, which was funded in part by a $65 million bond passed in 2018.

“It has resulted in three tax increases since the bond was voter-approved,” they

claimed.

General obligation bond debt is paid off by secondary property taxes.

For the proposed new bond, the Town maintains the current rate of $0.99 per $100 of assessed property value would remain unchanged if it passes because this proposed debt would replace old debt that’s being paid off.

Property owners, however, would see their tax bill go up if the value of their home increases and if the county or school district rates increase.

Hendrix at the Council meeting also said the Town was asking for $515 million because it “was just the amount that we thought we could get away with tapping the taxpayers for because it kept the rate the same because we’re paying off other bonds.”

He wasn’t convinced Gilbert needs to take on such a large debt burden.

“I guess as a taxpayer, I’d rather you come to me and tell me you’re going to

build something or you’re going to buy something and you want me to approve the purchase of that,” Hendrix said. “I don’t want you to ask me to give you essentially half of the annual budget to just use as a discretionary fund as you see fit.”

According to staff, the bond amount likely won’t be enough.

“What we’re seeing right now with the construction market is a considerable amount of cost escalation in the industry in general,” said Public Works Director Jessica Marlow last week. “That $515 million likely would not even complete all of the projects that we currently have planned because of the added costs due to those cost escalations.”

The bond is based on identified needs in the Town’s Capital Improvement Program over the next five years.

Some of the proposed bond projects included reconstructing Guadalupe Road

BOND from page 1

HIGLEY BOND ROAD SHOW What: Presentations on the proposed $95 million bond for the Nov. 2 election When: 6-7 p.m., tomorrow, Sept. 27 Where: Williams Field High School, 2076 S. Higley Road When: 5-6 p.m., Oct. 12 Where: HUSD Board room, 2935 S. Recker Road Details: HUSD will set up a ballot drop-box on Oct. 6 in the district office and will have replacement ballots available from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2

see BOND page 10

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

NEWS

CUSD pushes override approval

BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

T

he Chandler Unified School District is asking residents to once again authorize it to exceed state funding levels by 15 percent on Nov. 2. It is something voters have done for three decades.

Michelle Mowery, a principal in the Washington Elementary School District, says it gives Chandler schools an edge.

“Because Chandler has had this override in place for so long, they are able to offer contracts earlier,” she said. In addition to offering earlier, she argued they are able to offer new teachers more money.

Mowery leads the political action committee that is supporting the Nov. 2 override for the school district. She said there are plenty of reasons to continue authorizing the override. She and her husband live in Chandler and have two

daughters who attend school here.

“Because this is a continuation, it’s not going to change taxes in anyway,” she said. “The district can give more money for teacher’s salaries, support positions, keep class sizes smaller, make it more manageable.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize we have to have someone manning the gates at every school, checking IDs to make sure it’s only parents coming in.

That costs money. The override helps keep salaries competitive.”

No one wrote an argument against authorizing the override in the voter guide.

Ballots will be mailed out to voters on Oct.6.

Property owners in Chandler currently pay $1.18 per $100 of assessed valuation for the previously authorized override. If this year’s proposal passes, it is expected to remain the same rate.

CUSD has about 45,000 students and is the second largest school district in

Arizona. The U.S. Census Bureau ranks Arizona 49th in the nation in per pupil funding, averaging $11,170 per student in 2020. The national average in 2018 was $14,530.

CUSD spent $10,664 per student in 2020. The district says more than 61 percent of that goes directly to education costs. The rest goes to school officers, utilities, insurance and liability, district administration and other.

The other category, which is second largest at nearly 24 percent, includes teacher training, student assessment, librarians, counselors, speech therapists, nurses, security, custodians, maintenance and transportation.

Mowery says the voters passing the override for so long brings a lot of stability to the district.

“We have 44 new teachers in my district because of a high turnover,” she said. “That’s not something that Chandler has to worry about.”

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BOND from page 8

from Arizona Avenue to McQueen Road to reduce congestion and increase safety with improvements such as turn-lanes and the Val Vista Lakes reconstruction, which would replace and reconstruct deteriorating infrastructure.

Marlow also said the Town would only sell the bonds as needed.

“So, if at the end of the day we complete the projects and we don’t need to sell that $8 million or $7.5 million in bonds, we just wouldn’t sell it,” she said.

Hendrix, Yentes and Taylor also called the bond vague and are urging voters to turn it down and want officials to bring up a $100 million bond next year instead.

The Town originally planned to take the bond to voters last year but postponed it due to the uncertainty of the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

Officials say if the bond is put off another year, it would put the Town further behind in its ability to keep up with the needs of a growing community and its ability to mitigate increasing construction costs.

And “while the language of the bond

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

does not list specific projects to be completed, it is specific in that the projects will be directly related to streets and transportation needs, along with infrastructure that is directly associated with the roadways and transportation systems, such as drainage improvements, retention basins and parking structures,” said spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison.

As for the University Building, Harrison called it “unfortunate” but she noted the original tenant paid $4 million for breaking the lease and today, Park University and University of Arizona are occupying the space.

The Town also disputed the comment that it has a track record of wasteful spending. Officials pointed to recent savings to taxpayers such as refinancing debt at a saving of $38 million since 2012, saving $9 million in spending since fiscal year 2019 by implementing zero-base budgeting and reducing debt by $67 million since 2012 with early payments.

They further pointed to the Town’s AAA bond rating, which means lower interest rates, and the low cost for services

such as water and wastewater and the low sales and property taxes compared with other Valley cities.

The Town added the CIP projects are published annually for viewing and that each year the CIP plan is updated with public input.

The bond also is facing attacks from outside of Town Hall.

Signs have popped up in Gilbert pushing for the bond’s demise by tying it to Mayor Brigette Peterson. The signs are mostly purple, the mayor’s signature color.

Since taking office in January, Peterson has incurred the wrath of residents, mostly from Morrison Ranch over her behind-the-scene support of a developer’s proposal to increase the number of apartment units in a project in their development. The developer also co-chaired her mayoral campaign last year.

Three residents and an employee have each filed an ethics complaint against Peterson that were under investigation by an outside law firm.

The signs read, “You can’t trust Mayor Peterson. No on the Bond,” and “Peterson

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The latter sign referred to Peterson’s support to include sex-change surgery in the Town’s employee insurance coverage.

Staff recommended the inclusion in order to keep up with other municipalities that were offering the benefit in order to stay competitive.

The proposal, however, failed to garner the votes to pass with only two others on Council siding with the mayor.

When asked if the mayor thought she might be a liability for the bond’s success at the ballot box, her aide responded instead of Peterson.

“Last November over 70,000 Gilbert residents elected Mayor Peterson to lead Gilbert forward,” said Chris Kelly in an email. “Mayor Peterson has spent the past 20 years working to make Gilbert the best place to live, work and paly through her work on the Planning Commission, Town Council, and now mayor. Her careful planning and forward thinking have led to Gilbert becoming one of the top places to live in the nation.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

POST from page 3

off-duty DUI cases whether an officer has been fired or not.

“Our direction to our partner agencies is report to us if you have an off-duty DUI, if the BAC is over a .150,” Giordano said. “Again, there’s nothing statutorily required of agencies to do that.

We are getting a lot of those reports because a lot of them do result in termination – that is how they come to us.

But we have gotten some where people haven’t been terminated but their BAC was over .15 and the cases come to us.”

Hunter said DPS for the last couple of years has enforced a no-tolerance DUI policy for troopers.

Hunter referenced the arrest in January of a DPS major caught speeding while intoxicated.

“All charges were dropped, nothing happened,” Hunter said. “We still terminated even though the county attorney didn’t want to prosecute.”

Hunter asked what will be the trigger point for a case to come before the board – an arrest, the BAC level or adjudication in criminal court.

Giordano said the BAC would be trigger because the act still occurred even if an arrest ends up without a conviction.

Williams said she had discussed with Giordano earlier about having agencies report all off-duty DUIs but that because the 159 agencies are different in scale and size, it would be too arduous for smaller departments.

“If we have a zero-tolerance policy and it’s a very small agency, we could diminish their pool of individuals greatly,” she said.

In Phoenix, the standard discipline for DUIs is a suspension of 120 hours; if there are aggravating circumstances,

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it could be a 240-hour suspension or termination.

Jamie Kelly, a public member on the board, said her biggest concern was with consistency of board discipline and holding everyone to the same standard.

“Anecdotally, if we present a case to you for someone whose .150 or above, the board’s historically taken action,” Giordano said. “The ones that are below .150 that comes to us, that we are made aware of, we don’t even bring those to the board. We close them administratively. We don’t get a lot of those reported to us.”

The board’s position is to take no action for DUI arrests that are not extreme and when there are no extenuating circumstances.

Kelly asked if it was possible to require treatment or counseling.

Assistant Attorney General Mark Brachtl said the board is only authorized to suspend, revoke or take no action and that ordering probation or counseling is not provided it by law.

Kelly said a DUI could be an officer’s cry for assistance and support.

“They know we are not the parents of our officers,” she said. “But sometimes I wish we could step in and say, ‘hey, we know you are struggling, here are some other resources and help.’”

Williams said .15 thresholds works for the board because it creates some consistency around the state. And if spikes were to occur in the future, the board can rehear the issue.

“It’s not as clean and as easy as I was hoping it was going to be,” Williams said. “I was thinking, ‘OK we can have this one standard for the entire state and it’s going to work.’

“But we are so diverse agency-wise – truth be told trying to get staffing and keeping staffing in place when quite frankly if someone gets involves in one of these collisions, maybe that’s a cry for help and they need to get help and you fix them and then bring them back they become this productive person. So a little bit of grace I think is something we need to put in place, too.”

The board then dissolved the subcommittee.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

NEWS

August left lingering mosquito threat

BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

A

s Gilbert and the rest of the nation struggle with the ongoing menace of COVID-19, another public health danger is becoming a bigger threat here.

West Nile virus – long considered a permanent public health threat in the Valley and Arizona – has become particularly menacing as a result of last month’s heavy rains.

The mosquito-borne threat already has hit home in parts of the Valley.

Tempe police are mourning the Sept.

21 death of Officer Nathan Ryberg from West Nile Virus. Ryberg, 59, who had retired in February, had been in a medically induced coma since Sept. 11 after contracting the disease.

In Ahwatukee, two residents between the ages of 40 and 60 from different households were hospitalized. While one has been discharged, the other has

been moved to a rehab facility.

TV Channel 3 broadcast a report on a Peoria man who is paralyzed by the disease and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced that West Nile Virus is far more of a threat this year.

So far five people have died in Arizona and 132 cases have been confirmed – up from two deaths and 11 cases in 2020.

“We all need to do our part to protect ourselves, our family and our neighborhoods from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the Disease Control Division at Maricopa County Department of Public Health, earlier this month.

“With so much rain this summer, we all need to stay mindful of eliminating standing water where mosquitos can breed, like pet dishes, potted plants, and even toys.”

With most of the confirmed cases reported in Maricopa County, Sunen-

shine’s department said, “While adults over 60 and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk for serious complications of West Nile virus, young healthy individuals can also get severe disease.

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department, which conducts aggressive year-round mosquito surveillance and abatement programs, reported a nearly 400 percent increase in positive West Nile virus mosquito samples compared to all of last year.

West Nile virus can cause severe disease, though only about one in five of those infected will develop any symptoms at all.

Those who do develop symptoms usually experience a flu-like illness including fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness. About one in 150 victims infected can develop encephalitis or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain or of the spinal cord.

“This more severe form of the disease

13

can present with headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, paralysis and other neurologic symptoms,” the department said.

“These severe cases can lead to very prolonged illness, permanent paralysis or death. Those who are over 60 years old, have underlying medical conditions or have depressed immune systems are at higher risk for the more severe form of West Nile Virus.”

Animals, particularly horses, also can be sickened by infected mosquitoes.

Originally isolated in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda, Africa, the first Arizona case appeared in 2003, four years after it first emerged in the United States, most likely from bird migrations.

A study two years ago by Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute said Arizona’s moderate temperatures allow

see NILE page 14

14

NILE

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

from page 13

the West Nile Virus to survive throughout the winter.

It usually is active in the summer and fall, dissipating when temperatures reach freezing, something that rarely happens in Maricopa County.

“This is the first genomic evidence of local over-wintering by WNV strains over the course of several years in Arizona,” said Dr. David Engelthaler, co-director of TGen’s Flagstaff-based Pathogen and Microbiome Division, TGen North, and the study’s senior author. “These findings will allow public health officials to better track the virus, allowing for more targeted vector control and public education campaigns.”

West Nile Virus samples for the study were collected from mosquitoes trapped weekly at 787 sites throughout the Phoenix metro area by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Vector Control Division.

“The protocol we created for this study can now be incorporated into routine public health surveillance activities, allowing for better tracking of local viral hotspots, changes in local viral populations and detection of the emergence of new strains of WNV,” Dr. Crystal Hepp said.

“We are currently conducting WNV surveillance across western states to better understand how permanent Arizona viral populations may be a source for continual reintroductions to other regions and other states,” she added.

Maricopa County conducts fogging operations tom combat mosquitos and its most recent map shows where they have been launched. Go to maricopa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c00b3ecbb3344ca2930a30b978184ddd. A calendar of fogging operations is at maricopa.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=51.

For other information about West Nile Virus: maricopa.gov/2423/Fightthe-Bite.

frequently.

• Remove areas such as dense shrubbery where mosquitoes breed and rest.

• Let your neighbors know about potential mosquito breeding grounds on their property.

Around the house • Make certain that door and window screens fit tightly and do not have holes.

• If there are no screens, keep doors and windows closed from evening to dawn.

Dr. Crystal Hepp, assistant professor at NAU’s School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, was the lead researcher in a 2019 study that analyzed the genetic material of mosquitoes caughter in Maricopa County. (Courtesy of NAU )

Combatting West Nile Virus and its carriers

drain the water. Check fountains after rain and at least twice a week.

• Change water in animal watering dishes at least twice a week.

A facemask won’t protect you from West Nile Virus and there are no vaccines and there are no medications to treat it.

But people can take precautions – par- Pools ticularly by disrupting infected mosquitoes’ • Immediately remove any water that collects on pool covers. breeding grounds.

Here are some tips provided by the Marico- • Make sure the pool’s pump is circulating water properly. pa County Department of Public Health: • Turn over wading pools when not in use.

• Don’t leave out children’s toys, cups, etc.

In standing water • Don’t allow any outside water to stand for • Clear leaves and twigs from eaves, troughs, storm and roof gutters. more than four days.

• Make sure that drainage ditches are not • Cover rainwater barrels with mesh or clogged. screen.

• Drill holes in the bottom of any unused • Check flat roofs frequently for any standing water. containers so water can’t collect.

• Remove or drain any standing water from birdbaths, discarded tires, flowerpots Around yards and lawns (check the dish underneath the flower- • Fill in any low depression areas in lawns. pot), wheelbarrows, barrels, tin cans that • Check knots in trees.

• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets are left outdoors. and remove air conditioner drain hoses • Keep decorative fountains operational or

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Personal protection • Stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you need to be outdoors during this period, cover up and use insect repellent for extra protection.

• If you like to work in your garden, avoid early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors during these active times. Apply insect repellent to any exposed skin, sparingly: • Do not apply repellent to children’s hands, or near any areas of mucous membrane such as the eyes or mouth.

• Do not apply repellent on children under two years of age.

• It’s a good idea is to spray any clothing with repellents containing DEET, as mosquitoes easily bite through thin clothing such as cotton t-shirts.

• Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for use.

First aid for mosquito bites • Wash bite with soap and water.

• Apply anti-itch medication.

• Apply cold cloth for swelling.

• Watch for secondary infections.

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COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

15

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com GilbertSunNews.com

|

@Gilber tSunNews

/Gilber tSunNews

People in need benefit from Gilbert’s tchotchkes

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert Goodies Store over the past four years has been peddling T-shirts, mugs and hats stamped with the town’s iconic downtown water tower to raise money for those in need.

Last year, the online store sold $10,000 in souvenirs after accounting for the cost of the merchandise, shipping and transactions fees with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the town’s Neighbor 2 Neighbor program.

“The town already had the ability for residents to donate to assist those in need through their utility bills but we were looking for additional sources of revenue to support the Neighbor 2 Neighbor fund per Council direc-

The Town of Gilbert’s online-only store has 24 different items people can buy as souvenirs.

(Town of Gilbert)

tion,” said Jennifer Lauria, Community Resources supervisor.

“The Gilbert Goodies Store was created to establish a new revenue source that benefits the Neighbor 2 Neighbor fund with the intent to lessen the request of general fund dollars when allocating funds to nonprofit service providers.”

In the first fiscal year of operation in 2017-18, the store generated $1,800 and for fiscal year 2018-19, $10,000.

Last fiscal year’s haul, also at $10,000, was not impacted by the pandemic, Lauria said.

The Neighbor 2 Neighbor program or N2N doles out money each year in a competitive process to nonprofits that serve families, children and the elderly

see TCHOTCHKES page 16

Longtime former TV reporter pens kids book

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA GSN Contributor

F

rom attorney to television reporter to author of a newly published children’s book, Steve Krafft has enjoyed a rich and varied career and, now, retirement.

The latter has given him the time to complete a project he began 20 years ago: a children’s book titled “Won’t Somebody Play with Annabelle Kay?” The book is available on Amazon and signed copies are available at Barnes & Noble’s Chandler Fashion Center store at the “Signed Author/Local Author” display through the holidays.

In 2019, Krafft retired from Fox 10 News after reporting international and local news for more than 34 years. He was one of the longest-tenured reporters at the station.

Krafft estimates he covered and filed

more than 8,000 stories, many outside the Valley – including the on-the-ground reporting of the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.

He has earned two Emmys, and was named Arizona Broadcaster of the Year.

When he was hired at Fox 10, he’d had no television experience but he’d learned quickly while moonlighting at a Chicago NBC affiliate as a news researcher.

At the time, he was a practicing corporate law attorney.

He had earned his J.D. degree at Boston College Law School after graduating from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Former Fox 10 reporter Steve Krafft started a chilKrafft admits that after dren’s book 20 years ago and only after retiring, has working in various capacihe had time to finish. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer) ties at Brown’s campus radio

station, he continued to feel the pull towards working in broadcasting even after he earned his law degree.

“I wanted to enjoy my life, I wanted to do something I couldn’t wait to do every day. I decided I wanted to do media; but could I make the jump?”

While working at Fox 10, he and his wife Nancy started their family. They made a practice of reading every night to daughters Natalie and Annelise and son Cameron.

“They inspired me, they motivated me.

As I read the children’s books to them, I thought I can do this, I can write a book,” he recalled. “I figured what really mattered to me as a parent would be important to other parents, too.”

He began writing but life intervened and the book project was put on a back burner. Retirement allowed him time

see KRAFFT page 16

16

COMMUNITY

TCHOTCHKES

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

from page 15

in Gilbert.

Nonprofit recipients have included A New Leaf, Aid to Adoption of Special Kids, About Care, Catholic Charities and AZCEND. The online store currently offers 24 different items for sale, including an “I love Gilbert” tote bag for $10, a Centennial Christmas ornament for $12, dog bandanas featuring the water tower for $11 and a Gilbert coloring book for $10.

A pair of socks with the water tower on it goes for $20 and a long sleeve State Forty-Eight shirt costs the most at $38.

Lauria said the top five selling items last fiscal year were the Centennial

ornament, the Water Tower 3D ornament, the State Forty Eight sticker, the ceramic Water Towner coffee mug and the Centennial Mason jar.

“We try and keep a variety of products that will appeal to all shoppers,” Lauria said. “We add merchandise for the holidays as well as for special occasions.

“This holiday season we will be featuring a new Riparian Preserve ornament, Gilbert water tower salt-andpepper shakers, as well as our popular water tower 3D ornament. We also recently launched the new State Forty Eight City T-shirt.”

Gilbert isn’t the first to hawk products

to the public.

“Many municipalities have a city-run museum that sells merchandise and in our initial research we found New York City, the City of Tempe, which only sells Tempe logo items, and the City of Ottawa in Canada,” Lauria said.

The Big Apple’s CityStore is the “museum store” for the entire city and besides selling officially licensed NYC merchandise online, it has two storefronts.

Gilbert doesn’t have a physical building, however “we participate in pop-up events during the year such as attending the Gilbert Farmer’s Market

and Gilbert’s special event activities.”

Lauria said.

People can have their merchandise shipped or they can go pick up at the Fire Administration Building, 85 E. Civic Center Drive.

For residents who want to give back but aren’t interested in buying from the online store, a new option is available – eGift cards.

To access Gilbert Goodies Store, go to shop.gilbertaz.gov.

People who want to make a suggestion on merchandise for the store, can contact Melanie at melanie.dykstra@gilbertaz.gov.

to dust off his manuscript and start the process anew.

“Won’t Somebody Play With Annabelle Kay?” is a rhyming book for kids 3-8.

“It’s really about a simple idea: why not be kind to each other?” he said.

The richly illustrated book tells the story of a little girl and her first day at school.

“The book helps children realize that if people aren’t nice to you, if you take that first little step to reach out, as counterintuitive as that may seem, people respond. I’ve found that to be the case. Especially these days, when people can be so unkind to each other, so mean, I try to be a little warmer, to make a difference,” he added. “Surpris-

ingly good things can happen to you when you’re being nice.”

Krafft said he discovered writing rhyming prose isn’t a simple matter.

“I will say writing in rhyme is so, so hard. I wanted the rhyme to be musical, to be simple but elegant and memorable as well. I wanted the perfect metre and I wanted to keep it from being trite,” he

said.

“After this experience, I regard Dr. Suess as a towering genius,” he laughed.

The illustrations were done over the decades, starting with artist Mike Ritter, followed by ASU graphic designer Samantha Lass and also the Kraffts’ son, Cameron.

KRAFFT

from page 15

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

HD SOUTH hosts a variety of programs GSN NEWS STAFF

H

D SOUTH, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum and an arts, culture and history center, has a full lineup of programs next month.

The programs are led by artists, historians, storytellers, health and wellness specialists, botanists and scientists.

Originally opened as Gilbert Elementary School in 1913, HD SOUTH is the oldest building still standing in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historic Places.

The programs and events at HD SOUTH focus on six community pillars – history, health and wellness, science, literature, art and music.

To register, visit hdsouth.org/calendar.

Unless noted otherwise, programs are free for members and $5 for non-members and registration is required. Masks are required. HD SOUTH is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

OCTOBER EVENTS House of Broadcasting Special Exhibit. Through Oct. 20.

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Spooktacular Car Show Oct. 23 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Desert Corvette Association’s sixth annual Spooktacular Car Show will feature Chevy, Chevy-powered classics, hot rods and Corvettes. Judges will be seasoned and experienced owners and builders. There will also be a trunk & treat for the kids.

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Heat and Our Health Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Presentation

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Desert Plants for Yards Oct. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. Steve Priebe, a professor at Mesa Community College, will discuss plants ideal for planting in Arizona.

Personal Legacy For Generations Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m-noon. Duane Roen has been tracing his roots since his teenage years, building a database with more than 32,000 ancestors. He is the founding coordinator of the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Interactive Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University. In this workshop he will discuss how to leave a legacy for generations through writing journals. Participants will write a journal entry (bring paper and pen or a laptop) and will be invited to share their writing with the group.

Grow Your Family Tree Oct. 12, 6:30-8 p.m. Ralph Willett discusses researching your family tree.

Scottish Genealogy Oct. 19, 6:30-8 p.m. Margaret Burke, from the Mesa Family History Center will provide tips and clues to use when researching your family from Scotland.

Build Your Own Insect Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m-noon. Gilbert author and entomologist Roberta Gibson will discuss. Free.

Mortimer And Me Book Launch Oct. 30 10:30 a.m.-noon. Gilbert author Kathie McMahon will discuss her new book in the “Mortimer and Me” book series for kids ages 6-12. Free.

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BUSINESS

GilbertSunNews.com

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

@Gilber tSunNews

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New performing arts center opens in Gilbert GSN NEWS STAFF

I

nspire Entertainment has opened a new performing arts center and school in Gilbert.

The 14,000-square-foot building, located at 4469 E. Baseline Road, houses seven large dance studio spaces, a preschool, cafe, recording studio and dancewear boutique.

“We have always believed in the arts,” Inspire CEO Michael Sackett said. “We’ve seen it transform individuals and inspire others to make a difference in the world.

This new facility will enable us to do that on a bigger stage.”

Inspire was renting space in Mesa and in Gilbert for its classes. Now at its new location, it continues offering classes in dance, music and theater.

“We love doing business in Gilbert so it’s a great location for us to expand our operations,” Sackett said. “It’s near some important established businesses and it’s a convenient location right off the 60 for our current and future studio families, too.”

The company has seen explosive

Sadie VanShaar, 17, teaches a TikTok dance class at Inspire Dance Studio in Gilbert.

(Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

growth since putting down roots in the East Valley in March 2015, growing to over 650 students from 75, according to Sackett.

The new building will allow the business to grow at the new location, able to accommodate up to 1,200 students.

“We believe in building community, inspiring positivity and encouraging hope in others,” said LaDawn Pettitt, Inspire president. “We are achieving this through our established programs in music, dance, theater, education and development for all ages.”

Fulton Homes was founded in 1975 by Ira Fulton after successfully buying and turning around a clothing business that was closed to bankruptcy.

The company grew from building several homes a year to completing more than 1,200 single family units in 2020.

“Quantity is not Fulton Homes’ motivating factor; the company’s overarching goal is to fulfill the needs of the ever-changing American family as best as possible,” the company release said.

“It is important that homeowners know they’re moving into a home that is not only built with care, but with unmatched quality.”

Fulton Homes said its key to its business has been a variety of charitable endeavors, including large donations to educational institutions, water safety awareness campaigns, musical educational promotions and giveaways benefiting family pets and children literacy.

Recently, the Tempe-based homebuilder announced details on more than 5,200 secured lots the company currently has in different stages of development in the local market.

“As a company, we know exactly who we are and what we do best: Build single-family homes and large-scale master-planned communities featuring the

Inspire touts its family-centered lifestyle that includes value-based training, modest costumes age-appropriate music and no Sunday training.

“We have been planning this building for a year now,” said Sackett in an earlier interview. “There will be a dedicated room for tumbling space, room for all our classes we currently have and additional classes we can add.”

Sackett said the new building will allow the business to grow at the new location, able to accommodate up to 1,200 students.

Inspire touts its family-centered lifestyle that includes value-based training, modest costumes age-appropriate music and no Sunday training.

The company also has a nonprofit arm – Inspire: music.service.hope. Each year a group of students go on an international music service tour to developing countries like Puerto Plata, Columbia and Costa Rica, taking supplies and performing service projects.

Sackett said the company has plans to

see INSPIRE page 21

Fulton Homes marks 45 years of building

GSN NEWS STAFF

F

ulton Homes is marking its 45th anniversary.

The Tempe company said in a release it prides itself on “quality single-family homes with high-grade amenities and plentiful greenspaces in communities across the Valley.”

“Forty-five years of building residences in which families grow and raise children in is an amazing achievement,” said CEO Doug Fulton. “We are proud to share this success with our current and future homeowners. We look forward to many more years.”

highest grade of amenities and shared gathering spaces, all within our local market,” said Fulton. “Our pipeline is proof of that and our commitment to the community.”

Fulton Vice President Norm Nicholls added, “For a local homebuilder that operates in-market, we believe we are in an extremely good position to compete with national builders in an active and healthy residential real estate market.

“The lots are in front of us, and once the trades and supply chain catches up to the demand – a challenge all builders

see FULTON page 21

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Inspire’s new performing arts center in Gilbert includes a preschool. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

INSPIRE from page 20

do fundraising to build a theater in the future.

“The sooner the better,” he said. “We’re hoping in the next five years. Hopefully it won’t take us that long.”

Inspire also has a Fit Club, a musicvideo production program and a preschool program that centers around music, movement and the arts, while educating 3- to 5-year-olds. More programs are added each year.

Fit Club is one of Inspire’s most recent

offerings. The program’s classes at the Gilbert location include yoga, cardio kickboxing, and tap for adults.

“The Fit Club classes for adults are popular,” Sackett said. “Our main goal is to train the youth in the arts but we also want to have offerings for parents.

If someone drops their kid off, they can come to a fitness class and simplify their life. Bring the family to one place to do it all.”

Information: inspireent.com.

face right now – we can start announcing sales and pre-sales.”

Its major Southeast Valley development currently is Barney Farms in Queen Creek, a master-planned community that will total more than 1,700 homes on 550 acres, including 114 acres of open space anchored by a 22 acre lake.

With established master-planned communities underway and nearing close-out, and newer projects in different stages of development, Fulton Homes expects to build approximately 3,500 homes on secured lots in the West Valley in the coming years.

Currently in development, Escalante has more than 1,000 lots near US 60 and the Loop 303 freeway in a burgeoning part of the Northwest Valley.

In Goodyear, Fulton Homes closed on land at Yuma Road and Estrella Parkway surrounding the Goodyear Ballpark

Village that will eventually be home to more than 790 homes. The project will feature higher-density designs in a gated setting. This project is not expected to go into development for at least a year.

Additionally, the company recently secured a parcel totaling 187 acres at the northwest corner of Perryville and Indian School Roads in the West Valley.

The recently approved master-planned community will have 675 homes.

Surprise will also feature a Fulton Homes master-planned community of 550 homes on 110 acres of land.

“The approved projects remain in the early stages of raw land in predevelopment, and the company will look to break ground on homes in the summer of 2022,” the company said.

Information: fultonhomes.com.

FULTON from page 20

BUSINESS

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OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Opinion GilbertSunNews.com |

@Gilber tSunNews

23

For more opinions visit gilbertsunnews.com /Gilber tSunNews

Why Gilbert bond is not necessary

BY LAURIN HENDRIX, AIMEE YENTES AND JARED TAYLOR GSN Guest Writers

I

n a few short weeks, Gilbert voters will be given a choice. It’s a big one, so you should pay attention. Will you vote YES, to add upwards of $500 million in debt for our town? Or will you vote NO? Here’s why I urge you to vote NO to this blank check for town leaders to spend as they wish.

First, I don’t trust anyone with $500 million dollars when there is a track record of wasteful spending. It’s your money and you should have a say about where it goes, but you won’t.

If the bond is approved, Mayor Peterson and the Town Council can buy what they want from whomever they want – including their friends.

This has happened in the past.

One example is the “University Building” located in downtown Gilbert. A bond financed a weak business plan to bring St. Xavier University here. After just nine months, the school failed and Gilbert was left with an annual loss of two million dollars.

This is just one example of how the town has been an unwise steward of your money.

Second, supporters of this bond will claim that your taxes won’t go up because of this massive debt increase. This lie has been repeated for years. Don’t fall for it.

The Public Safety Training Facility was financed with a bond that clearly stated that it would NOT result in tax increases. In fact, it has resulted in THREE tax increases since the bond was voter approved.

Third, the bond’s funding is vague in order to confuse voters. You are actually being asked for permission to spend up to $500 million in new bonds over the next 10 years. Our current list of needed projects amounts to far less than $100 million. We do not need more!

Think of it as a line of credit at the bank.

The town leaders will spend approximately $50 million funding our current list of projects. Then, anytime a request is made for something new, there’s no need to get voter approval.

Money is just taken from the bank and past town leaders have done it with very little meaningful discussion or debate.

Yes, there will be needed projects in the future, but not enough to spend $500 million.

Fourth, the bond’s purpose is vague. It will be presented as necessary funding

for transportation and infrastructure.

These are needed and appropriate uses for bonding. But it’s not completely clear what infrastructure projects will be funded. Yes, these details will come forward when specific bonds are being considered by the Council.

But the wording is so vague that many wasteful projects unrelated to infrastructure will surely sneak in.

Fifth, $500 million is too much. Yes, inflation is running wild and construction costs are soaring, but not to this level.

The last large authorization was approximately $74 million about 20 years ago. It took over 10 years to find enough projects to burn through that much money. During that time many major road projects were funded, including south

favor of Arizona House Bill 2005, which would have provided alternative payment methods on Android and iOS for developers and consumers, introducing competition and lower prices where none exist today.

What you probably didn’t know is that every time you buy a digital product or spend money in a video game, Apple and Google are taking a 30 percent transaction tax, stifling competition, hurting innovation, and artificially raising prices on consumers.

Today, this issue has reached the steps of the U.S. Congress.

In August, the Open App Markets Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate, and a companion bill was later introduced in the U.S. House.

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would promote a fair app ecosystem and allow developers to innovate while pro-

viding choices to consumers.

While the legislation overreaches in some areas, the guiding principles of introducing competition, reducing consumer costs, and anticompetitive behavior from Apple and Google are critical.

Many developers face harmful restrictions and protocols at the hands of large tech companies, like the 30 percent transaction fee on purchases made through in-app payments as well as unfair self-preferencing methods.

These harmful tactics diminish innovators’ ability to bring products to market and reach a broad consumer audience.

Furthermore, these behaviors limit choices for consumers in the app marketplace.

The Open App Markets Act is a step in the right direction to hold large tech corporations accountable for practices that stifle competition for developers in the U.S. and worldwide.

We must halt anti-competitive tactics and level the playing field by allowing consumers and developers to decide how they pay for their product, ban self-preferencing schemes, and break down the barriers preventing developers from directly communicating with their consumers.

As a small business owner and chairman of the Arizona House Commerce Committee, I want to see our state’s tech innovators and developers grow and prosper.

I urge the entire Arizona Congressional delegation to support the provisions that encourage competition, marketplace fairness, and innovation, while reducing customer costs. Arizona’s Silicon Desert is counting on you.

see

BOND page 24

Hold big tech accountable for stifling small developers

BY REP. JEFF WENGINER GSN Guest Writer

W

hat comes to mind when you think about tech hubs around the country? For many, it’s probably California’s Silicon Valley or an open-concept office space in a New York high-rise.

But did you know that tech hubs are popping up around the country in the least likely of places? Nebraska has the Silicon Prairie, Colorado is home to Silicon Mountain, and our great state of Arizona plays host to Silicon Desert.

Silicon Desert is home to small to medium-sized tech start-ups and Fortune 100 companies alike.

As a small-business owner, I know how critical it is to provide companies with the tools they need to survive and grow. That’s why I was proud to vote in

Rep. Jeff Weninger represents LD17, which includes part of Gilbert.

24

OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Higley bond proposal leaves too many questions

In March, Higley Unified School District interim CFO Jeff Gad said, “We’re in wonderful shape. We’re giving a salary increase that is more than anybody I know of.”

A month later, the HUSD Governing Board presented a need to borrow and spend $95 million over the next five years on top of their current budget.

Huh? The district points to the lease for the middle schools as the cause of our problems.

Though the lease is bad, the cost to taxpayers is only 3.8 percent of the district’s total $130 million budget this year.

The cost includes maintenance and large capital repairs throughout the lease.

The middle schools teach around 1,900 kids and receive roughly $4,300 per student per year from the state. Attendance generated $8.9 million this year for the district and can increase if state, local and federal sources are bolstered.

If we buy the school now, future maintenance is on the taxpayers and I’m not sure what pre-paid items we would be walking away from.

The bond increases the district’s overall debt from $74 million to $169 million and would inflate the yearly interest cost to taxpayers to over $5 million per year at the peak. This is added to the cost to repay the bonds!

This year the debt service we owe from old bonds is $11.7 million. The proposal balloons that amount from $13.6 million in FY ’22-’23 and up to $17.2 million in 2027-28 – up 47 percent in six years.

Worse, in years 2029–2035 the debt service doubles, and in some years triples the amount taxpayers already owe.

Finally, we are obligating future taxpayers to owe $50 million from years 2036-2043 where there is now $0 owed.

Hardly a one-time .14 percent increase as the literature suggests.

In the new proposal, the district sets aside $9 million set for “contingency” in case prices rise and another $25 million for projects that their material says “may” happen or be needed.

May? The board had to seek authorization a few years back to expend $14.6 million unspent from the bond in 2015.

If enrollment and property values don’t meet the district’s rosy expectations, much of this newly borrowed money may also not be needed.

Long-term borrowing for expenditures that may be needed over the next

five years spends money now that future students will need, when we should be striving to pay down debt. We have over $18 million in bonds with 3.25 to 5 percent rates that could be repaid early and replaced with lower cost debt and repayment of the bonds spread out or eliminated if possible.

This small move alone would save taxpayers $2 million in interest savings over the next dozen years. Long-term, we can fund district needs as they arise through strategically planned overrides vs. bonds. The district will achieve greater future flexibility and taxpayers will reap a gigantic savings in financing costs. Wonder why that wasn’t part of the plan?

The district needs a more transparent and streamlined financing proposal that gives them capital now to meet the most critical needs, but with a goal of paying down debt to give the district enhanced flexibility for decades to come. Fiscal responsibility now will be returned “with interest” to the students of the future.

-Marty Bender

Val Vista Road, and Higley and Baseline.

Those needed projects were completed with less than 15 percent of the amount being proposed in this new bond. Even with inflation, $100 million is more than sufficient to fund the projects we need for the next 10 years.

Yes, it is important to fund public infrastructure and debt can be an appropriate source of funding. But this massive bond is so vague it will surely provide an ongoing slush fund for unnecessary and wasteful ideas like those we’ve seen before.

The ballots for the bond will be coming out by mail. This is an off-cycle election and mail-in only. It will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to conduct. This bond should have been added to the reg-

ular election ballot in 2022.

Off-cycle elections are old political tricks used to sneak bad ideas past citizens. Most voters miss or ignore these ballots. The majority of voters tend to be those with vested interests. Elections on regular cycles involve a broader base of taxpayers. It allows a more honest and fair opportunity to weigh in on the merits of the ballot question.

As both a concerned Gilbert resident and a council member, I urge you to turn down this bond and ask Town Council to return with a $100 million bond in 2022.

Aimee Yentes and Laurin Hendrix are members of Gilbert Town Council. Jared Taylor is Legislative District 12 chairman and a former member of council.

BOND from page 23

Have something to say?

Send your letters to the editor, to Paul Maryniak at pmaryniak@timespublications.com

25

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

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SPORTS

GilbertSunNews.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

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ALA – Gilbert to honor first responders, heroes Friday

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

A

merican Leadership Academy – Gilbert North is hosting its fifth annual First Responders Appreciation Football Game Friday when it hosts its sister school, American Leadership Academy – Queen Creek.

The event, which will begin at 5 p.m. and lead up to kickoff of the game between the two schools at 7:15 p.m., will honor a slew of first responders, including local police, fire departments, the U.S. Marshals, county police departments and both active and veteran military personnel. Randy Ricedorff, the athletic director and head football coach at ALA – Gilbert, said the event is to simply show appreciation for those who protect the freedoms of the American people on a daily basis.

“We do pregame dedications before every home game,” Ricedorff said. “We

American Leadership Academy – Gilbert North will host its fifth annual First Responders Appreciation Football Game on Friday, Oct. 1 when it hosts sister school American Leadership Academy – Queen Creek. (Andy Silvas/GSN Contributor)

honor moms, dads, teachers, and we always have done one for first responders. Now, it’s at a whole new level. It’s a good event for the recognition the first responders deserve.”

Ricedorff began this type of event in 2016 when he was at Show Low. Before one of his team’s games, a local police officer was killed in the line of duty at a nearby apartment complex. His team honored both him and his family at their next game. It’s taken off since then.

The ceremony Friday will begin transcribing thank you letters to first responders at 5 p.m. Friday, which will then be followed by a BBQ for all first responders attending the game at 6 p.m. There will also be a meet and greet at that time for fans attending the game to personally thank them themselves.

A pregame ceremony will take place at 6:40 p.m., where first responders will

see

HEROES page 27

‘I just want to kick’: star Mesquite soccer player joins the football team

BY MIA JONES GSN Contributor Writer

F

ootball is historically a men’s sport, however in recent years young women have been joining the boys on the field. One of those young women is Tegan Keil.

Ever since she was little, Keil has been an avid soccer player, swimmer and track athlete, but she wanted to add another sport onto her roster. She had seen dozens of videos of different female football players around the country. When she saw the video of Vanderbilt soccer player Sarah Fuller stepping in as kicker the idea sprouted in Keil’s head to follow suit and become a kicker.

According to Keil, it all started as a joke, then she received her first ball

Keil, while successful this season, saw it come to an end after she suffered a knee injury against Combs. No matter the results, she aims to continue working toward making it back to the field and support her “50 brothers.” (Mia Jones/Contributor)

and tee for Christmas in 2020. She then went out to a park near her house and started practicing kicking. After that day, Keil knew that becoming a kicker was no longer a joke but something serious that she wanted to pursue.

Keil officially joined the Mesquite varsity team as a sophomore in July. She worked hard at practice and was determined to make her kicks go farther and farther.

“She is a dedicated player who works hard on her craft each day,” Mesquite head coach Scott Hare said.

However, being a kicker, practices were usually away from the rest of the team.

“In the beginning it was really hard

see

KEIL page 27

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

HEROES from page 26

be led onto the field by bagpipes. Just before kickoff, both teams from Gilbert and Queen Creek will run onto the field holding American Flags.

Ricedorff said every player will hold a flag from both teams.

“We aren’t trying to say, ‘Oh, look at me,’” Ricedorff said. “That’s not what it is about. It’s about being respectful to those who served and doing our best to honor them. This is only a small token of appreciation.”

Honoring first responders isn’t new for either ALA school. At Gilbert, nearly 70 American Flags are placed by one of the school’s athletic programs all along its campus near Higley Road and the San

Tan 202 Freeway before every Friday home football game. A separate athletic team then takes them down at the end of the night.

In year’s past, first responders were honored in a similar fashion, including having a spotlight from a Mesa Police Department helicopter illuminate the field ahead of kickoff.

The weekend of Sept. 11, ALA – Gilbert joined other local programs in carrying 13 American Flags out onto the field to honor the fallen soldiers in Afghanistan in late August. Campo Verde High School located nearby did the same tribute and set up 13 empty seats on its track near the field in honor of the soldiers.

Valley Christian in Chandler also held a first responders’ night. Perry, also located near ALA’s Gilbert North campus, wore special American Flag inspired jerseys in its game against rival Basha.

“Our school is very patriotic and really tries to drive home the fact that we have freedoms, and we need to be grateful for those freedoms and the country we live in,” Ricedorff said. “I think it’s just good for our kids and everybody involved to be reminded of what we have as members of this country and to not take for granted any of our freedoms.”

Ricedorff expects a large crowd for the special night. In year’s past, there was standing room only.

Members of the Gilbert community flocked to the school to honor those who protect their freedoms. Children enjoy the spectacle the spotlight from the helicopter, the bagpipes and the pregame firework ceremony provide alongside a football game.

Overall, it’s a night that not only Ricedorff enjoys hosting every year, but something his players are also proud of, win or lose.

“We have to remember there are people fighting and dying daily to protect those freedoms. They deserve our utmost respect,” Ricedorff said. “I think we are all guilty at times in our lives of taking those things for granted.”

for me, I chewed up half of my nails from the stress,” Keil said. “Then I started talking to the guys, and now at the last game they were the most supportive people I’ve ever seen. I know they have my back, and it feels like I have 50 big brothers.”

Those 50 big brothers mentioned have welcomed Keil with open arms.

“She’s a hard worker and doesn’t draw any attention to herself and just wants to be a part of the team so she gained a lot of respect from me for the way she carries herself,” captain Andrew Morris said.

Keil made her first start during Mesquite’s game against Gilbert on Sept.

10 making both of her kicks. Keil talked about the difference between being on the field as something that “could not be described unless you’re standing there padded up ready to go on that moment.”

Unfortunately, during Mesquite’s

game against Combs on Sept. 17, Keil was tackled after the snap and found her leg stuck underneath a Combs player. An MRI Monday, Sept. 20 confirmed she has a torn ACL and MCL in her right knee.

“For right now, since the future for my playing is unknown, I like to keep a positive mindset,” Keil said. “I’m not gonna see this as a setback, only an opportunity to grow in other aspects of my athletic ability.”

She is confident that despite her injury, the love and support she feels from her teammates will remain.

“I know that even if I’m not in the field with my boys, we will all still support each other and that’s one of the best feelings,” she said. “It’s hard to go down like this for now but my recovery will be one for the books and I will come back and rip out the biggest field goal I got.”

KEIL from page 26

Catch up on local news. gilbertsunnews.com Tegan Keil is breaking barriers at Mesquite High School, where she joined the football program as the varsity kicker this season. (Mia Jones/Contributor)

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Zombies make their way to equestrian center

BY MALLORY GLEICH GetOut Contributor

R

emember back when the pandemic first hit Arizona, and some were convinced that this catastrophic event could result in, well, zombies?

Well, while that hasn’t happened, October is the perfect month to pretend that zombies are real and you can find them at the KOLI Equestrian Center, 6940 W. Broken Ear Road, Chandler.

KOLI provides year-round horseback riding for anyone looking to enjoy beautiful views.

But on weekends between Oct. 8 and Nov. 7, the scenery takes a turn for the worse as a zombie outbreak occurs at various times Fridays through Sundays.

And because the point of finding zombies is to get rid of them, KOLI is holding “The Hunt: Arizona Zombie Assault.”

Organizers of the hunt have provided the back story “There was a viral outbreak in 2019. A rare virus spread across the country. This virus has been reawakening dead people into zombies after their vaccine wore off.

“This reaction was unknown to the masses and needs to be stopped. We need you to help us conduct a hunt of these infected zombies before they re-infect the population. Send these zombies back to the grave!”

Guests board a military-style vehicle (also known as a zombie assault vehicle) and head to a double-decker trailer. The first station is where they receive ammo, which comes in the form of paintballs. After a mission briefing, guests head out into the desert in search of the undead.

Arizona Zombie Assault was once known as Zombie Warz and was the brainchild of Utah-based Wayne Park.

Park had the idea for a zombie hunt back in 2015 and decided that the des-

Zombies were hired several months in advance of the coming zombie hunt at KOLI Equestrian Center in Chandler. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

ert landscape of our state would be better suited than his home.

He headed to Wild Horse Pass and eventually Maricopa Wells, where the hunt was open for three years until it shut down in 2018.

Zombie Assault General Manager TroyScott Farrar and owner Chuck Pablo said that the concept of the hunt is the same as Zombie Warz, with a few changes to fit the venue.

“It’s the perfect time of year for an event like this – and it doesn’t require a lot of physical activity,” Farrar said.

“Piggie-backing on the pandemic makes for a great storyline that is

intriguing guests to come out and hunt. Who doesn’t want a chance to shoot a zombie?”

The creepy monsters are hired by the staff at KOLI a few months in advance.

Their primary purpose, other than to avoid getting taken out, is to have fun.

“Actors must fill out an application online, but one of the things we look for is a great zombie leg drag or grunt,” Farrar said.

“Their looks and movements might be intimidating, but the zombies do not come within 20 feet of the trucks.”

The mission lasts around 20 minutes and either individuals or groups can participate.

Paintball experience isn’t necessary, but Farrar said shooting the zombies is more complicated than it looks because not only are they moving slowly, so is the zombie assault vehicle.

Once the ride is over, guests will have a chance to take photos with zombies for proof that they survived the hunt.

One important thing that Farrar and Pablo want guests to know is that they are not allowed to bring anything with them on the hunt.

Tickets start at $25 and more information and ticket purchasing are at koliequestrian.com or thehuntaz.com.

29

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

King Crossword

Answers on page 17

ACROSS 1 5 8 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 24 25 28 30 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 43 46 50 51 54 55 56 57 58 59

-- Valley, Calif.

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

Scatters seeds Texter’s “As I see it” Chow -Unbroken “-- the season ...”

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Obituaries Arlene J. Baker

27 29 31 32 34 38 40 42

Port authority?

Designer Chanel Squealer Poetic tribute Drei minus zwei Dwarf tree Expels Camp bed

43 44 45 47 48 49 52 53

Postal delivery “Othello” villain Ornamental jug Pitch Jai -Band in Boston?

Prior night Snooze

Arlene Baker (nee Robertson) passed away peacefully at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 87.

Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, James G. Baker, Sr., of Scottsdale, AZ and Fish Creek, WI. She was also preceded in death by two children and two grandchildren. Arlene is survived by and will be deeply missed by her eight surviving children, their spouses, other friends and family. She was a loving and generous grandmother to thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Arlene was an avid and life-long traveler, animal lover, birder, photographer, cook and a woman of faith.

Donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, the Audubon Society, or the charity of your choice.

James Ellsworth Shaner

Passed away on August 26, 2021 peacefully in his home. He was born June 1, 1925 in Quincy Township, Michigan. On May 10, 1947, he married Beatrice Elaine Seely and in 1980, moved to Arizona.

He is survived by his sister Betty From (Raymond), three sons, Dennis, James (Jean) and Patrick (Mary Lu) and daughter, Lori; four grandchildren (Ashley, Alyson, Nathaniel, and Danielle), five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His ship, the USS LSM70 carried Marines and four tanks to the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was a lifetime, knighted member with the Free Masons and was a member of the Lions Club for over 2 decades. He held a private pilots license with Instrument Rating to fly his Piper Cub. James was an industrial electrician for 60 years.

When he retired he enjoyed his Ham radio, woodworking and watching the Diamondbacks with Beatrice who preceded him in death December, 13 2019 after 72 years of marriage.

Louis Redondo Louis "Jay" Redondo Jr. 83 passed away unexpectedly in Show Low, Arizona on Friday, September 10, 2021.

He was surrounded with love by his immediate family.

Louie was a firecracker baby, born on the 4th of July, 1938.

He was the son of ranchers, Louis and Esther Redondo. He was the oldest of 5 children.

Louie lived in Mesa, Arizona for most of his life. After the ranch sold, he became a Realtor.

He eventually opened an Insurance and Real Estate Company in Chandler, Arizona. At one time he was very involved in the Real Estate Exchange organization. Louie lived and breathed "making the deal". He discovered the White Mountains in Arizona and started a business there. He would split his time between Mesa and Lakeside for the rest of his years.

He is survived by his Wife, Ellen Ramsey Redondo. Children, Toni Redondo, Guy Redondo and Scott Redondo (Bettina). Sisters, Gloria Noe and Marti Guerrero. Uncle, James Martinez (Janette).

Grandchildren, Jamie Smith (Brandon), Michael Guerrero (Adriana), Brock Redondo and Logan Redondo. GreatGrandchildren, Kayla Smith, Jayden Smith and Adalyn Smith.

Louie never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He had a love of fishing, looking for elk, old cars, traveling and spending time with family. He had a generous heart and will be missed.

At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. His immediate family will gather to celebrate and remember his life.

Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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

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

Visit: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

30

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Gilbert Sun News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Deadlines

Classifieds: Thursday 11am for Sunday Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | GilbertSunNews.com

In Memoriam In Loving Memory of

Peter Alexander Price

Born in Christ April 16, 1991 Returned to God Sept. 26, 2007 I pray that I may Live to fish Until my dying day And when it comes To my last cast, I then most humbly pray When the Lord's Great landing net And peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged BIG ENOUGH TO KEEP! Love, Gram

Lani (Gramps Keith is now with you in Heaven)

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Employ ment Employment General Now hiring for fulltime Day Porter positions in Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe.

For further information apply in person at 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale AZ 85301 or Call 623-937-3727

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Employment General Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Solution Architect in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to manage the creation of innovative and transformative solutions that address supply chain needs.

15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0921GIL8039 in “Search jobs” field.

EOE, including disability/veterans.

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Senior Solution Specialist, Enterprise Performance, SAP in Gilbert, Arizona & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to Support software development and implementation services to address Manufacturing, Financial, Human Resources (HR), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain, and other business needs throughout the enterprise, utilizing SAP (Systems, Applications, Products) products. 15% travel required nationally.

Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0921GIL3301 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/ veterans.

Quality Assurance Manager Manage QA group to ensure ongoing functions and systems of the company’s quality program are maintained; develop, maintain and enforce GMP systems, HACCP/HARPC validating processes and provide proper documentation. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering or related field (foreign equivalent acceptable); 2 years of experience in job offered or as Quality System Management Specialist or Quality Consultant or any combination thereof; must have 2 years of experience (may be gained concurrently with the above experience) in food quality assurance manufacturing operations, including HAACP, cGMP, and with algae processes and products. Employer: Heliae Development, LLC. Job location: Gilbert, AZ. Qualified applicants should email resume to Sschwartz@heliae.com.

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Solution Manager, Enterprise Performance – Oracle in Gilbert, Arizona & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to Manage the creation of innovative and transformative Cloud-based technology solutions that address clients next generational needs; create effective IT visions, strategies and roadmaps, in direct alignment and support of business and technology objectives. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0921GIL1648 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting, Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to provide software development and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of Technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC0921GIL8134 in “Search jobs” field.

EOE, including disability/veterans.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS MAAX Spas is hiring Full Time v

Starting $15-$17/hr

Announce

Garage Sales/ Bazaars

Prayer Announcements

Queen Creek MONTELENA NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE Sat. 10/2 7AM-1PM Something for everyone. Unique items, household, kids, & more. Hawes Rd. Between Chandler Heights & Ocotillo

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Thank You St. Jude For Prayers Answered - JRH

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Fri. 923 - Sun, 9/25 6AM - 5PM Ethan Allen Corner China Cabinet, Lane Cedar Chest, Nechi Sewing Machine, Freezer Hot Point7.1CuFt, Roll-Top Desk, Louie Lamour Novels (Large Collection) Large Wall Alaskan Painting, DVD's & VHS and much more, 5251 E Boise St, Mesa Between Main & University (East of Higley)

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HUGE COMUNITY SALE! Entrada Del Oro 18437 E. El Buho Pequeno - Gold Canyon AZ 85118 Friday October 22nd, Saturday October 23rd & Sunday October 24th 7am-3pm

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31

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Employment General

Peter Piper Pizza

Real Estate for Rent Homes For Rent

Location: McDowell and Miller Road We are now hiring Full Time / Part Time, Team Members for Day, Evenings and Night positions.

Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, Az. 85257 (480) 947-9901 Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division is pleased to announce the opening of the Public Housing Wait List. The Public Housing Program is a project-based housing program funded by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide low-income individuals and families with affordable housing.

Pre-applications for the Public Housing Program will be accepted beginning 12 p.m. (MST) Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 through 12 p.m. MST Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.

Who can apply: All families and individuals.

How to apply online: Apply atchandleraz.gov/applyforhousing. Applicants MUST complete BOTH steps of the process: 1) Create an online account and 2) Complete a pre-application.

How to obtain a paper pre-application: Call 480-782-3200 (*711 via Arizona Relay Service, TTY English 800-367-8939 or Español 800-842-2088); fax 480-782-3220; by email chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; mail request to Housing and Redevelopment Office, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008; or pick-up pre-applications near the DROP BOX on the door leading from the garage into the building at 226 S. Washington St., Chandler AZ 85225;

Now Hiring

How to submit completed paper pre-application: Pre-applications can be submitted in the Housing DROP BOX in the garage at 226 S. Washington St., Chandler AZ 85225; by phone 480-782-3200; by fax 480-782-3220; email chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; or mail to Housing and Redevelopment Office, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008. Oral language translations in any language are also available and in those situations, the pre-application can be submitted by phone.

What you will need to apply: Information for all household members to include: First, Middle, and Last Names; birth dates; and total gross annual income from all sources. We will not ask you to verify any information on the pre-application. Verification of household information will only be required during the eligibility process. We encourage all interested applicants to apply.

Household Income must not exceed:1 person-$44,250, 2 persons-$50,600, 3 persons-$56,900, 4 persons-$63,200, 5 persons-$68,300, 6 persons-$73,350, 7 persons-$78,400, 8 persons-$83,450, 9 persons$88,500, 10 persons-$93,550.

Placement on the wait list: 2,000 pre-applications from the applicant pool will be placed on the wait list by random selection (“lottery”). Pre-applicants not selected will have to reapply for assistance when applications are open again.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: Persons with a disability or those who require auxillary guide services should call 480-782-3200 (*711 via Arizona Relay Service, TTY English 800-367-8939 or Español 800-842-2088); fax 480-782-3220; email chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; or mail request to Housing and Redevelopment Office, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008.

Language Assistance: Persons with limited English proficiency are entitled to language assistance with written or oral communication. These services are available at no cost. To obtain language assistance, contact our office by calling 480-782-3200.

For more information, refer to the FAQ section on the website atchandleraz.gov/affordablehousing; call 480-782-3200 (*711 via Arizona Relay Service, TTY English 800-367-8939 or Español 800-842-2088); fax 480-782-3220; email chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; or mail to Housing and Redevelopment Office, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008. Drop box available at 226 S. Washington St., Chandler AZ 85225.

Apply in Person

Completed pre-applications will only be accepted beginning 12 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, through 12 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 14. Please contact us for more information. The City of Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division is committed to fully complying with all state, federal, and local laws involving nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Sept 26, 2021 / 41621

32

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Homes For Rent

Real Estate

For Sale Homes For Sale

NOTICIA PÚBLICA La División de Vivienda y Reurbanización de la Ciudad de Chandler se complace en anunciar la apertura de la Lista de Espera de Vivienda Pública. El Programa de Vivienda Pública es un programa basado en proyectos financiado por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos (HUD) para proporcionar viviendas asequibles a personas y familias de bajos ingresos. Las presolicitudes para el Programa de Vivienda Pública se aceptarán a partir de las 12 p.m. (MST) Jueves 7 de Octubre de 2021 a las 12 p.m. MST Jueves 14 de Octubre de 2021.

Quién puede postularse: Todas las familias e individuos.

Cómo presentar la solicitud en línea: Solicite en chandleraz.gov/applyforhousing. Los solicitantes DEBEN completar AMBOS pasos del proceso: 1) Crear una cuenta en línea y 2) Completar una solicitud previa.

Cómo obtener una solicitud previa en papel: Llame al 480-782-3200 (* 711 a través del Servicio de retransmisión de Arizona, TTY en inglés 800-367-8939 o en español 800-842-2088); fax 480-782-3220; o por correo electrónico chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; solicitud por correo a la Oficina de Vivienda y Reurbanización, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008; o recoger solicitudes previas en la puerta que va del garaje al edificio en 226 S. Washington St., Chandler AZ 85225.

Cómo enviar la solicitud previa en papel completa: Las solicitudes preliminares se pueden enviar en el DROP BOX de Vivienda en el garaje en 226 S. Washington St., Chandler AZ 85225; por teléfono 480-782-3200; por fax 480-782-3220; correo electrónico chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; o envíelo por correo a la Oficina de Vivienda y Reurbanización, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008. También se encuentran disponibles traducciones de idiomas orales en cualquier idioma y, en esas situaciones, la solicitud previa se puede enviar por teléfono.

Lo que necesitará para solicitar: Información para todos los miembros del hogar que incluya: nombre, segundo nombre y apellido; Números de seguro social; fechas de nacimiento; e ingreso anual bruto total de todas las fuentes. No le pediremos que verifique ninguna información en la solicitud previa. La verificación de la información del hogar solo será necesaria durante el proceso de elegibilidad.

Alentamos a todos los solicitantes interesados a que presenten su solicitud.

El ingreso del hogar no debe exceder: El ingreso del hogar no debe exceder: 1 persona- $ 44,250, 2 personas- $ 50,600, 3 personas- $ 56,900, 4 personas- $ 63,200, 5 personas- $ 68,300, 6 personas- $ 73,350, 7 personas- $ 78,400, 8 personas- $ 83,450, 9 personas- $ 88,500 , 10 personas- $ 93,550.

Colocación en la lista de espera: 2.000 pre-solicitudes del grupo de solicitantes se colocarán en la lista de espera por selección aleatoria ("lotería"). Los pre-solicitantes no seleccionados deberán volver a solicitar asistencia cuando las solicitudes se abran nuevamente.

Solicitudes de adaptaciones razonables: Las personas con una discapacidad o quienes requieran servicios de guías auxiliares deben llamar al 480-782-3200 (* 711 a través del Servicio de retransmisión de Arizona, TTY en inglés 800-367-8939 o en español 800-842-2088; fax 480-782- 3220); correo electrónico chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; o envíe la solicitud por correo a la Oficina de Vivienda y Reurbanización, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008.

Asistencia con el idioma: Las personas con dominio limitado del inglés tienen derecho a recibir asistencia con el idioma con la comunicación escrita u oral. Estos servicios están disponibles sin costo alguno. Para obtener asistencia con el idioma, comuníquese con nuestra oficina llamando al 480-7823200.

Para obtener más información, consulte la sección de preguntas frecuentes en el sitio web en chandleraz.gov/affordablehousing; llame al 480-782-3200 (* 711 a través del Servicio de retransmisión de Arizona, TTY en inglés 800-367-8939 o en español 800-842-2088); fax 480-782-3220; correo electrónico chandler.housing@chandleraz.gov; o envíelo por correo a la Oficina de Vivienda y Reurbanización, Mail Stop 101, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008. Buzón disponible en 226 S. Washington St., Chandler AZ 85225.

Las pre-solicitudes completas solo se aceptarán a partir de las 12 p.m. Jueves 7 de octubre hasta las 12 p.m. Jueves, 14 de octubre. Comuníquese con nosotros para obtener más información. La División de Vivienda y Reurbanización de la Ciudad de Chandler se compromete a cumplir plenamente con todas las leyes estatales, federales y locales relacionadas con la no discriminación y la igualdad de oportunidades.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Sept 26, 2021 / 41632

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33

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

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

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

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Irrigation

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Garage/Doors

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

Not a licensed contractor

TREE

TRIMMING

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season!

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

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

480-354-5802

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

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Concrete & Masonry LLC

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

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

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

azirrigation.com

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Ask me about FREE water testing!

Drywall

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

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

480.266.4589

Hauling

Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

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

• Old Paint & Chems.

• Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris

CALL US TODAY!

• Old Tires

480.721.4146

josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011 PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655

ROC#309706

34

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Painting

Juan Hernandez

East Valley PAINTERS

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

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

10% OFF

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Voted #1

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

480-688-4770

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

Plumbing

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

HYDROJETTING

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

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

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

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

10% OFF

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

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

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Window Cleaning

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

Window Cleaning $120 - One Story $160 - Two Story

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

ROC 3297740

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Roofing

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663 FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Sun Screens Cleaned $3 each Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

(480) 584-1643

Bonded & Insured

LLC

480-477-8842

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Published: East Valley Tribune. Sept. 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 2021 / 41442

COUNTS

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

480.898.6465

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

623-873-1626

Roofing

Sell Your Stuff!

Call Classifieds Today!

I, Jamie Lynn Murad, am not responsible for any debts other than my own.

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

Family Owned & Operated

Public Notices

Roofing

Pool Service / Repair

Public Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS CASE PB2021-090901 SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA MARICOPA COUNTY: In the Matter of the Estate of Danny D Montgomery Deceased. Notice is given that Stephen T. Montgomery was appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to the personal representative at 20102 E. Silver Creek Ln, Queen Creek AZ, 85142.

Dated 9/13/21. Published in the East Valley Tribune September 19, 26 & October 3, 2021 / 41430 Estate of Eleanor Toth, deceased.

Notice is hereby given by the undersigned, Executor of the Estate of Eleanor Toth, deceased to decedent’s next of kin who may have an interest in the Estate: Kenneth Robinson; Kevin Robinson; Kimberly Robinson; Mark Van Cleaf; Donna Van Cleaf and Colleen Elliot. The Will of Eleanor Toth was probated by Claribel Cortes, Surrogate of Middlesex County, New Brunswick, New Jersey on September 10, 2021. The undersigned executor will furnish you with a copy of said Will upon request. Turp, Coates, Driggers and White, PC is the attorney representing the Executor of the Estate.

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Rule 4:80-6. Dated: September 21, 2021 Paul Raz Rasmussen, Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Eleanor Toth, Deceased.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Sept. 26, 2021 / 41572

35

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

NOW OPEN HAPPY HOUR

Every Day 2pm-6pm and 10pm-CLOSE • $2 OFF Chips, Salsa, Guacamole • $2 OFF Nachos, Load ‘Em Fries OR chips • $2 OFF Coyote Balls • $2 OFF ALL Draft Beer

• $4 House Wine • $3 Well Drinks • $5 Titos, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Herradura Silver, Jack Daniels

WEEKLY SPECIALS / ALL DAY SPECIALS

MONDAY $2 Off All Burgers

FRIDAY $2 Off Fish & Chips

WEDNESDAY $3 Off the Philly

TUESDAY

BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF ALL APPETIZERS

SATURDAY Kids Eat Free SUNDAY $2 Off Coyote Balls

THURSDAY

BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF ALL WINGS

1026 S Gilbert Rd Gilbert AZ 85296 www.howlerssportsbar.com

480-687-2864

OPENING HOURS : SUN-WED 11AM-10PM (NFL SUNDAY’S WE OPEN AT 9AM WITH BREAKFAST MENU) THU-SAT 11AM-12AM

36

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

contemporary furniture & accessories

Gilbert location opening Fall 2021

coming soon!

2000 S. San Tan Village Parkway Gilbert AZ 85295

Architectural rendering of the future Copenhagen, Gilbert. Construction is well under way!

In the very near future, Copenhagen will be announcing the opening of our brand new showroom, to be located in the heart of Gilbert’s thriving shopping district, and directly across from San Tan Village Mall. This newly constructed, 32,000 square foot showroom will offer inspiring furniture vignettes, with a specific focus on the contemporary and modern designs you’ve come to know at Copenhagen.

Of course, our classic Scandinavian, our fine collection of teak furniture, as well as our fabulous collection of contemporary accessories, including art, rugs and lighting, will also be represented. This will undoubtedly be the area’s most unique furniture shopping experience.

We can’t wait to show it off. On behalf of the entire Copenhagen team, we looking forward to seeing you very soon!

since

join our team now hiring

apply online at jobs.copenhagenliving.com

contemporary furniture & accessories

great prices great design

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. 480-367-6401 TEMPE 2346 E. Southern

www.copenhagenliving.com

(at 101)

480-838-3080