Gilbert Sun News - 09.27.2020 by Times Media Group

Higley to sue vape makers

New councilman slams town

PAGE 4

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

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

Sunday, September 27, 2020

GPS posts COVID-19 data by campus BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

NEWS.................................3 How will schools handle football fans?

COMMUNITY......... 19 Gilbert author starts kids’ series.

ilbert Public Schools went live last week with a dashboard that shows reported positive, active COVID-19 cases on each of its campuses. As of last Thursday, 10 campuses reported a total of 12 cases of the coronavirus – four days after the district opened schools for fulltime in-person learning, though students can choose to continue learning online. The reported cases were - one case for Carol Rae Elementary; two at Desert Ridge High; one at Desert Ridge Junior High; one at Finley Farms Elementary; one at Gilbert High; two at Greenfield Junior High; two at Highland High; one at Islands Elementary and one at Mesquite High.

see COVID page 6

New lawsuit roils Val Vista HOA BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

GETOUT..................... 29 COVID won’t stop Chili & Pumpkin Party.

COMMUNITY....................................... 19 BUSINESS.............................................26 OPINION..................................... 27 SPORTS.......................................28 GETOUT......................................29 PUZZLE.......................................30 CLASSIFIED...........................................31

Students at Settlers Point practiced social distancing as they ate when Gilbert Public Schools reopened for fulltime learning on Sept. 21. (Gilbert Public Schools)

rewing beneath the idyllic surface of a sought-after community in Gilbert with waterfront homes, an ongoing tug-of-war between free speech and defamation could end up in court. Nearly three dozen residents who have criticized the HOA board overseeing the 900-acre Val Vista Lakes Community are now facing a lawsuit from three former directors. The lawsuit claims the defendants “engaged in defamatory, harassing, and otherwise violative conduct against one or more of the named plaintiffs.” The suit also alleges a Facebook page and

three other social media platforms “became a breeding ground for vitriol, hate speech, religious persecution and outright lies designed to injure plaintiffs.” Resident Steven Nielsen, who with his wife were served the complaint last week, said, “To me the issue is just another attempt to stifle First Amendment rights. We are going just like we did in September of last year where certain board members tried to stop comments about their performance.” Nielsen also questioned the timing of the lawsuit as the community of roughly 2,230 homeowners readies to vote in six new directors on the seven-member HOA board in November and several defendants had indicated their desire to run for election. “It’s almost like (the lawsuit is) silencing

or intimidating them,” Nielsen said. The plaintiffs’ attorney Bradley Jardine declined to respond to Nielsen’s statements. The community, with its picturesque manmade mountain and cascading waterfalls near Baseline and Val Vista roads, grabbed headlines in January. The board threatened to fine nine residents – eight of whom are named in the suit – if they didn’t remove their comments on a private Facebook page deemed defamatory and negative against the directors. The comments began last fall during board elections and included criticism of board decisions. Shortly after the media stories, the board

see VAL VISTA page 10

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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Always Running to the Bathroom? There’s Now a Pill for That Researchers achieve major breakthrough by strengthening bladder muscles with plant based extracts. The result is a daily pill for bladder control that’s helping adults cut back (or prevent) daily diaper use.

s researchers, when running new clinical trials, we never know what to expect.

Most of the time they are complete failures, forcing us back to the drawing board. But in very rare cases, results far exceed our expectations and these product work better than we could have ever imagined. This is the case with the most recent breakthrough in Urology called Urivarx, a new bladder control pill which has performed extraordinary in every test. From dramatic reductions in urgency and frequency…dribbling and leaking…nighttime bathroom trips…and even diaper use…the improvements men and women are seeing with this nonprescription pill have been phenomenal. Why so effective? We asked its developers that same question.

STRENGTHENS THE BLADDER MUSCLES & PREVENTS THEM FROM RELEASING Until now, many within the medical community − including myself − believed it was impossible to strengthen the muscles that control the bladder without drugs, surgery, or exercises. Remarkably, it has now been proven this can be achieved with a tiny a pill. Albeit, a natural one. The secret? A revolutionary discovery that helps the bladder create a tighter seal...while also preventing your bladder from releasing involuntarily. Research shows that as we age, the muscles surrounding the bladder can deteriorate. This is triggered by hormonal changes in the body which results in muscle atrophy, the medical term for muscle shrinking. When these muscles get too small and weak, they cannot seal the bladder shut. That’s why you may leak, dribble, and experience uncontrollable accidents. Worse, because the bladder fails to empty completely, you feel like you need to go all the time! And as old urine just sits there, it can seep into your blood stream, causing painful infections which need multiple rounds of antibiotics to get rid of.

“URIVARX TARGETS A FAILING BLADDER IN A WHOLE NEW WAY” In its most recent clinical trial, scientists discovered a trio of science based compounds that actually strengthen the tiny muscles surrounding the bladder. So effectively that they were shown to decrease adult diaper use by a staggering 400%.

of comfort of confidence that you once had before. And it starts happening in minutes.

IMPRESSIVE CLINICAL RESULTS The exciting clinical results published on the government clinical website clinicaltrials.gov show that UriVarx™ can strengthen your bladder fast, significantly reducing the urine urgency and leaks. In a new double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 142 men and women with bladder control issues were separated into two groups. The first group was given a placebo while the other received UriVarx™. The results were incredible. The participants who received UriVarx™ saw major improvements in leaking, pressure, and the urgency to go − all without the usual side effects seen in prescription drugs! They also reported fewer trips to the bathroom both day and night.

Overall, the UriVarx™ group experienced: • 56% Reduction in Urge Incontinence • 66% Reduction in Stress Incontinence • 61% Reduction in Urgency • 33% Reduction in Frequency • 46% Reduction in Nighttime Bathroom Trips Additionally, at the end of clinical trial and after seeing the results, 84% of the participants taking UriVarx™ said it significantly improved their quality of life. “The clinical findings are incredible, but people still wonder if it will really work” explains lead developer for Urivarx. “It’s normal to be skeptical, but we’ve seen thousands of UriVarx™ users get results exactly like the participants in the study. It’s an amazing product.”

EXCITING RESULTS FROM URIVARX USERS Many UriVarx™ users say their bladders have never been stronger. For the first time in years, they are confident and in complete control. Adult pads and diapers are no longer a big worry. “It’s exciting to hear all of the positive feedback” explains a spokesperson for the company.

Even more surprising, these three compounds also had a rejuvenating effect on the bladder, allowing it to work like it was years younger.

“Its also helps to gain perspective. These people will share how embarrassed they’ve become over the situation. How uncomfortable it makes social outings and the interruptions it causes in daily life.

The result? All the worries you have about your overactive bladder can finally be put to rest! And you can enjoy a new level

They can’t believe the change Urivarx has made. The fear is gone. They are back to feeling in control”

Muscles provide a tighter seal with plant based extracts

Weak muscles can lead to uncontrollable urges, leaking

Daily use of these plant based extracts has been shown to reduce urgency, frequency, nightly bathroom trips and accidental wetting by strengthening the bladder. HOW IT WORKS UriVarx™ is a pill that’s taken just once daily. It does not require a prescription. The active ingredients are patented natural extracts. Research shows that as we get older, the muscles which surround the bladder weaken. This is caused by hormonal changes in the body that causes the muscles to atrophy and weaken. When they become too small and weak, they cannot seal your bladder shut, which causes leaking, accidents, among other incontinence symptoms. It also prevents your bladder from fully emptying, which can result in persistent bacterial infections and UTIs. UriVarx’s™ active ingredient targets the muscles around the bladder, making them stronger. Supporting ingredients in UriVarx™ support kidney function and overall urinary health.

BLADDER PROBLEMS GONE With daily use, UriVarx™ can restore strong bladder control and help users overcome leakage without the negative side effects or interactions associated with drugs. Leakage sufferers can now put an end to the uncontrollable urges, the embarrassing accidents, and enjoy an entirely new level of comfort and confidence.

HOW TO CLAIM A RISK FREE SUPPLY OF URIVARX This is the official release of UriVarx™ in Arizona. As such, the company is offering a special discounted supply to anyone suffering from bladder issues who calls within the next 48 hours. A special hotline number and discounted pricing has been created for all Arizona residents. Discounts will be available starting today at 6:00AM and will automatically be applied to all callers. Your Toll-Free Hotline number is 1-800-914-6570 and will only be open for the next 48 hours. Only a limited discounted supply of UriVarx™ is currently available in your region.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING THIS SUPPLEMENT. URIVARX IS NOT A DRUG.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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NEWS

Schools unveil fan protocols for fall sports BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

ttending a fall high school sporting event will be a different experience than in years past for Gilbert, Higley and other fans due to the pandemic. Many school districts are limiting the number of tickets sold to a household and the public. Other measures, such as the use of masks and social distancing, have also been put in place to ensure a safe environment. But protocols still change frequently. “Everything is ongoing,” said Steve Hogan, the Mesa Public Schools district athletic director. “I still meet with our athletic directors about this. Things are always changing.” Higley was the first district to announce its plans for fans to attend fall sporting events. But unlike others, the district decided not to put a limit on the number of fans that can attend. The only limitation is for an athlete’s household, which is set at four, like Mesa. Gilbert Public Schools will allow only 25 percent capacity in its stadiums and gyms. All tickets will be sold online with each athlete allowed to reserve two. Visiting teams can also reserve two tickets per athlete via a private link each school will provide. General admission tickets will be available online 48 hours before the start of the event as long as capacity has not been reached. When it is, tickets will no longer be sold. The lesser capacity will be a major decrease at schools like Highland, where it is common to see at least a few thousand fans at football games each week. Often times, especially in recent years as the Hawks have competed for a playoff spot, it’s limited to standing room only. “Playing in front of large crowds definitely gives the team an advantage,” Highland junior quarterback Gage Dayley said, “and especially the student section, it gets it to another level. “I’m going to miss getting to play in front of them and the energy they bring to the games.”

Schools such as Highland draw thousands of fans each Friday to a home football game. Now with Gilbert Public Schools limiting capacity to 25 percent, junior quarterback Gage Dayley said he will miss the raucous crowd. (GSN file photo)

Chandler Unified School District is limiting capacity to 25 percent for football volleyball and swimming competitions. Four tickets will be available for football, cheer, pom and marching band participants, while only two will be available for volleyball. Parents will have an opportunity to purchase tickets between Saturday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 10 p.m. before they go on sale to the general public at 8 a.m. on Monday. Students will be able to purchase tickets starting 8 a.m. Monday if the 25 percent limit has not been reached. Chandler senior running back Eli Sanders said while the energy will be different, it’s something he believes his team will be able to adjust to. “The energy in the stadium will be different but I don’t see it being a challenge to adjust to,” Sanders said. “We’re still going out there with a purpose to win and play fast and hard. “I’m just excited in these uncertain times that we are guarantee a football game. I’m just blessed to be in this situation.” Beyond what will undoubtedly be a quieter atmosphere for kickoff on Friday nights is the potential loss of revenue for programs throughout the year

becauseconcession sales help the programs. Higley will allow limited items to be sold. Other school districts are still mulling their options when it comes to fans. Tempe Union High School District, for example, was set to have a plan in place by late Thursday, Sept. 24 or Friday, Sept. 25. The start of the season will undoubtedly bring excitement to all involved with the sports programs, including fans. But Hogan emphasized all to take a cautious approach when attending games. “I’ve always had two goals from the start. One is to let the kids play and the other is to let the parents come watch,” Hogan said. “But I always tell them if they want their kids to play and they want to watch, they have to wear a mask. “If they can’t, we can’t have fans. And if it gets really bad, then we can’t play.”

Contact Cecilia Chan at 480-898-5613 or cchan@timespublications.com

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Higley joins suit against e-cigarette makers BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

igley Unified School District Governing Board is joining a class action lawsuit against makers and/ or sellers of e-cigarettes. The Governing Board unanimously voted without comment last Wednesday to ink a contract with Wagstaff & Cartmell and six other law firms that will represent the district in trying to recover damages caused by vaping products. The board initially was considering another law firm in July, the Frantz Law Group, which made a presentation in July. At that presentation, Superintendent Mike Thomason said his office had worked on the contract with Frantz for three to four months and that the district had been approached by other law

firms to join their lawsuits. Thomason told the board at the time he was recommending Frantz because of a number of factors such as the firm’s offer to come in and immediately work on a free prevention program for students. It doesn’t appear the district is getting any similar program with the current contract providers. Associate Superintendent Dawn Foley last Thursday in an email explained the decision to go with Wagstaff & Cartmell. “The decision was based on a combination of factors, including experience, the extent of the firms’ involvement in the multi-district litigation, and the terms of the firms’ proposals,” Foley said. “The district agreed to the proposal from the Wagstaff & Cartmell law firm, which is a leading law firm for other school districts involved in the Juul and electronic cigarette litigation,” she said.

The new contract like the one proposed by Frantz offers free representation, taking payment – a 25 percent cut of the awarded damages – only if the suit prevails in court. The Frantz contract singled out the largest vaping company in the country, JUUL Labs, to go after for damages, whereas Wagstaff & Cartmell is looking to bring action against manufactures and/or distributors and/or sellers of e-cigarettes and vaping products. The Wagstaff & Cartmell contract also noted the litigation can take years to resolve and that there was no guarantee of success with the district’s claim. Arizona in January filed a consumer fraud suit against two e-cigarette makers – Juul and Eonsmoke – for targeting youth in their advertisement. In August, Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the state won a $22.5

million judgment against Eonsmoke. E-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many experts blamed the attraction on the marketing of the sleek and discrete devices with vape juice flavors that targets teens. The federal agency reported after seeing an increased use of e-cigarettes among youth between 2017 and 2019, there was a drop from 2019-20. In 2020, there was a 10.5 percent drop in middle school students using e-cigarettes from the prior year and for high school students there was a 27.5 percent drop in use in 2020 from 2019, according to CDC. Besides nicotine addiction and all the

see VAPING page 5

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

VAPING from page 4

health impacts vaping brings, teenagers and young adults who vape face a much higher risk of COVID-19 than their peers who do not vape, according to an August study by the Stanford University School of Medicine. Among young people who were tested for the virus that causes COVID-19, the researchers found that those who vaped

were five to seven times more likely to be infected than those who did not use e-cigarettes. Vaping also has been associated with a mysterious lung disease that broke out last year. The CDC in February reported 2,807 hospitalizations or deaths – 21 cases in Arizona. JUUL controls 70 percent of the e-cig-

arette market after entering it just five years ago, according to other school districts’ lawsuits against the company. Its sales over that time have skyrocketed, generating $224 million in sales in 2017 – a one-year increase of 621 percent – and $942.6 million in 2018 – a 783 percent increase over what it sold two years earlier.

Other lawsuits said company founders Adam Bowen and James Monsees set out on a path to “refresh the magic and luxury of the tobacco category” and reach “consumers who aren’t perfectly aligned with traditional tobacco products” in order to recreate the lost “ritual and el-

see VAPING page 12

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

COVID from page 1

“Upon notification of a positive case, extensive procedures and protocols are immediately actioned by our district and campuses, including exclusion from participation in any in-person, on-campus activity until the registered nurse verifies that the individual meets the return criteria set by state and local health authorities,” Superintendent Shane McCord read from a statement at last Tuesday’s Governing Board meeting, a day before the dashboard activated. “Once they are no longer active and return back to school or work that number will drop off,” he said. The dashboard, which is updated weekly, will provide transparency to the community, McCord said. The dashboard listed all the schools, the total number of students and staff on each of the campuses and the number, if any, of current, active, confirmed cases. The number of cases does not distinguish between students and staff. The district has 33,000 students and 4,300 employees. A district official previously reported about 5,600 students were enrolled for online learning. “It seems like not everyone who has COVID tests positive,” said board member Jill Humpherys at the meeting. “Sometimes there are case where people are sick but do not test positive. So, if they have symptoms, would we count them as positive?” McCord reiterated only confirmed cases would be posted. McCord also discussed how the board reached the July 28 decision to return students and teachers to classrooms fulltime on Sept. 21. The district had received a letter signed by 150 people, claiming the health benchmarks were not met for a full return. “None of the data for percent positivity on the Maricopa County and Health Department sites meet the criteria set forth by the benchmarks chart the District said they would follow,” the letter read. “At the time of the Board’s vote in favor of returning to full-time, in-person learning, the percent positivity for the Gilbert Public Schools district was 6.07 percent, not below 5 percent for two weeks,” it stated. The letter asked the district to continue

Playa del Rey Elementary School students wore their masks in classrooms that saw fewer kids when fulltime learning resumed last week. (Gilbert Public Schools)

Kindergarten students at Finley Farms practiced social distancing as they listened intently to their teacher. (Gilbert Public Schools)

hybrid learning – two days on campus and three in online learning – that was in place Sept. 8-21 until the state benchmarks are green. The district started school Aug. 5 with remote learning. The benchmarks are color-coded so that red indicates “significant” COVID-19 spread warranting full at-home learning; yellow indicates “moderate” spread allowing for a hybrid format; and green indicates “minimal” spread allowing for five-day in-class learning. The letter also stated the district’s online learning through Global Academy does not work and demanded additional resources, such as in-classroom lessons recorded by laptops or webcams when possible. Though they did not acknowledge the letter, GPS officials said there are shortcomings with online learning. They said it would cost $15,000 to $20,000 to equip every classroom with a camera to record lessons, but said even if they had the money scheduling problems would make such a format unworkable. McCord said the district initially relied on the state Health Department’s dashboard on COVID-19 cases for counties and subsequently those provided by Maricopa County, which gives data specific to school districts. “As we came to the meetings from then on out we kept looking at both sets of data…to guide us in our decision-making,” McCord said. “With that we didn’t specify whether it had to be all green or how many yellows there had to be.” The county’s data, updated every Thursday morning, is 12 days old by the time it is posted. The district followed the state’s three recommended benchmarks for reopening, which include 14 days of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals, less than 7 percent of area positive cases and less than 10 percent in-hospital COVID-19 visits. Board member Reed Carr said the public’s confusion stemmed from the use of colors for the benchmarks by the state and the county – red for remote learning, yellow for hybrid and green for traditional learning.

see COVID page 8

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Fight emerges over voting at nursing homes BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he top elected officials of the two major parties are squabbling over election procedures, with the ability of some nursing homes and other facilities to vote hanging in the balance. Democrat Secretary of State Katie Hobbs has said counties can use a procedure that allows members of already legal “special election boards’’ to accept ballots that are effectively filled out via telephone or video conference. This would occur when board members are not allowed to interact directly with residents because of concern for COVID-19. But Gov. Doug Ducey told Hobbs there is no legal basis for the “experiment’’ she has proposed. “These policy changes should be suspended immediately so that Arizonans can continue to have confidence and

faith in the integrity of our election system,’’ he wrote. Hobbs responded by telling the Republican governor that the procedures were developed “in close collaboration with your staff and the Arizona Department of Health Services.’’ Ducey said it is “simply not an accurate representation’’ that what Hobbs and her staff showed them is what she wants to do. “They are not election law experts, and do not have the authority to circumvent the legislative process or the election procedures manual process clearly defined by law,’’ he said. The governor upped the ante, asking Attorney General Mark Brnovich to look into what Hobbs is doing. Hobbs said if Ducey believes such a procedure is illegal, there is a simple

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see NURSING page 15

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NEWS

COVID from page 6

“Part of the confusion of the metrics is that there are two and there really are three elements to the metrics as far as the green and red,” Reed said. “We were looking at the metrics of did we meet specific benchmarks and that’s 100 out of 100,000 people and that’s 7 percent and that’s 5 percent, depending on which of the metrics it was. “We either met that or we didn’t and we have referred to those as either green or red. At the same time the metrics released indicated a component of risk level for spread and that was either red, yellow or green and so the fact that we are using red and green for a specific metric and we are using red, yellow and green for a risk level, I think is part of what is causing the confusion.” Carr added, “We authorized (McCord) to go forward with the plan. I honestly don’t feel like it’s an issue of whether we are meeting the metrics – again I’m referring to the specific numbers and not the range – but perhaps we didn’t communicate it post fact how we were following those. We moved forward because we be-

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

lieve we’re meeting the metrics.” Phill Monsalvo raised concerns with how the district used the data. He said when the county data for GPS first turned yellow, signaling hybrid learning could be implemented. He said parents were not told for quite some time that the board knew they were on track to opening up schools for fulltime in-person learning. The county’s dashboard last week showed the entire GPS district in yellow. Monsalvo said his daughter is now in a difficult situation, having to choose between the additional risks of going to classrooms fulltime or learning at home and its inadquacies. “It’s just really, really frustrating,” Monsalvo said. “I’ve lost a lot of confidence and it appears to be some slipperiness now going on, which really, really surprises me to say that we want to shift the data we’re looking at to meet what we want to do and that’s the way it looks and that’s the way it appears.” Michael Langford said the district seemed to reinterpret the data to justify a

full return to the classroom. The county and state benchmarks are voluntary and districts can choose to ignore them. Langford said what is affecting his family is that not all classes are online. He said that forces students to decide if they want to stick to their academic plan or stay safe and learn online. McCord also reported that he visited campuses on Monday and received positive feedback. And, he noted students and teachers were wearing their masks, which wasn’t the case for some parents. One mom wrote on the district’s Facebook page, “lots of kids in groups not wearing masks at one of your high schools, after school, during parents’ student pick-up today.” She acknowledged while there was an announcement that students don’t need to wear masks while outside, they should when they are in close proximity. “We are hearing mixed messages about safety protocols on campuses,” she wrote. Another mom reported seeing the same

thing when picking up her two children from school on Monday. “A boy got out of his car, no mask on and walked right next to the woman security guard who was sitting in the golf cart,” she wrote. “She looked up from her phone, saw him and said nothing. He proceeded to walk on the campus, up the stairs and into the building. Saw another girl with a mask hug another girl without a mask on.” And, still another mother wrote that the District’s safety protocols were nothing more than lip service. “I saw a yard full of kids at recess today with no masks on any child. Many kids huddled together in small clusters talking within less than a foot of each other’s faces, and kids running in close proximity to one another. This defies all logic. Guessing we will be seeing numbers go up again very soon.” In response, one woman wrote. “I’m so glad those kids were able to breath freely, without something hindering their oxygen intake! If you’re so worried about someone wearing a mask then you should stay home.”

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

CUSD may move Erie students to new school BY KEVIN REAGAN GSN Staff Writer

handler Unified administrators want to relocate Arizona College Prep-Erie’s 800 students to the district’s new high school campus next school year. The relocation across town from Erie’s present campus near Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard to the high school under construction at Gilbert and Ocotillo roads is part of a plan that also includes adjusting the boundaries of two other high schools that would take effect in either 2024 or 2025. The Erie students would join their peers living within the new high school’s enrollment boundaries, currently Ocotillo, Cooper, Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads. Students living in this region are currently assigned to Perry High. Moving the Erie students and changing some other boundaries are part of the district’s effort to equalize the population on

its high school campuses. The Governing Board might vote on the plan Oct. 14. Administrators said that moving Erie students to the new school, which opens next July, would enable more students to take advantage of academic programs that have earned Erie the U.S. Department of Education’s “Blue Ribbon School” designation. “ACP-Erie can expand and offer its successful program to more students,” administrators wrote about the plan. The move also would save the district $6 million for a planned expansion of the Erie campus and renovations to Andersen Junior High’s football stadium, which is utilized by ACP-Oakland’s students. In turn, Oakland students would relocate to Erie’s campus, where they would have greater access to sports facilities. CUSD would then use Oakland’s old campus as a facility to host expanded offerings for the district’s community education programs.

There are still unanswered questions about the plan – including the school uniform policy currently in force at Erie. It’s unclear whether students who are within the new school’s boundaries but not in the Erie college preparation program would have to wear uniforms or whether the policy would be dropped. “This will be a collaborative conversation with the parents in the new boundaries, ACP-Erie parents, students and the principal once the high school boundaries have been approved,” district administrators said in their recommendation. “A series of meetings will be held to gather information from all members of the school community.” The new high school – CUSD’s seventh – is positioned on the south end of Perry High School’s enrollment boundaries. CUSD presented a number of options earlier this year for reshuffling school boundaries. Unlike Chandler’s other high schools, Erie was intended to be a smaller campus

that focused on preparing students for college through rigorous coursework and personalized learning. The school accepts students through an open enrollment process that involves filling out an application. Attendance at the new high school would be based on both open enrollment applications for the Erie program and the new school’s residential boundaries, according to the proposed plan. Although the proposed plan involves drawing in hundreds of students from the new school’s surrounding neighborhoods, CUSD insists the new campus can maintain the culture already established for Erie students and staff. The district plans to have the new school keep Erie’s knight mascot and the school’s “Arizona College Prep” logo. “ACP-Erie is known throughout Arizona and the United States as an exceptional school and it is important not to lose the

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

retracted the letters but the damage was done. Several defendants in the current lawsuit organized a successful recall of President Marci Johnson and Vice President Melissa (Scovel) Wilson in June. The third plaintiff Cheryl McCoy was a director in previous years but her husband remains on the board. The lawsuit calls Save VVL, the recall drive, “a hate and disinformation campaign” with “overlords” that included Nielsen, Ken Hassen, another former board member, and Ashley Nardecchia, who was the administrator of the Facebook page for community members. The plaintiffs claim they were criticized for their association with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although Wilson is not a member. It then named specific allegations against each defendant. For instance, Nardecchia, who did not return an email request for comment, was accused of penning articles and posting videos on the SaveVVL website that “falsely and maliciously claimed” Johnson and Wilson “engaged in voter fraud in the November 2019 elec-

and maliciously” claimed that McCoy’s husband, Todd McCoy, sits on the board to do her bidding. Nardecchia’s husband, Joseph, also was named in the suit for allegedly posting false and disparaging remarks about Johnson and McCoy “for their Earlier this year, some residents of the Val Vista community protested the board’s efforts LDS beliefs and to impose sanctions for social media posts it deemed defamatory. (GSN file photo) accused them as acting as proxies tions, engaged in tax fraud, violated the for the LDS Church in dealing with board CC&Rs, made false claims against others, business.” The suit also claimed he posted a messought personal gain through their role on the board, sought to serve a select sage that “encouraged community memgroup, breached their fiduciary duty to bers to physically attack board memcommunity, damaged home values, cre- bers, including Johnson and Wilson.” Nielsen declined to address the specifated increase liability risks for the community (and) hid board documentation ic allegations directed at him in the suit. “I can’t answer that because this is concerning financial matters.” pending litigation. I’ve turned it over to She also was accused of writing artian attorney,” said Nielsen adding there cles for the SaveLLV website that “falsely

was sufficient documentation to be able to respond to the allegations in a meaningful way. Nielsen, who was the City of Tempe project manger for Tempe Town Lake, moved to Val Vista Lakes in 2009. He served on the HOA Board from 2009-13 and again from 2018-19 and was president and vice president during his stints. The letters sent to the nine current and former homeowners were not the current board’s only attempt to get a handle on social media posts. Last fall, the board was crafting a social media policy that would ban homeowners from posting negative comments about the directors, residents or the Association’s employees and agents. Penalties for violation included clubhouse privileges suspension, attorney fees and other costs related to enforcement action and fines ranging from $50 to $150. The board eventually tabled it after residents voiced objections. No court date was set as of last week because a few of the named defendants have not yet been served. The lawsuit also reserved the right to add up to 15 more defendants.

Gilbert mayoral forum scheduled this Thursday

the world that serve in its focus areas: healthy nutrition and support for underserved children, wellness education for all, aid for those affected by natural disasters, and the pursuit of racial equality. Previous grants ranged from $2,500 to $150,000 with an average of $25,000. The foundation expects to make the awards in December. “Every grant cycle generates terrific opportunities to partner with organizations whose caring, compassionate work aligns with our desire to help people around the world enjoy healthy, joyful, and abundant lives,” said Justin Powell, Isagenix chief legal officer and ISA Foundation board member. “We especially look forward to hearing from nonprofits whose projects correspond to the pursuit of racial equality, a focus area we added in June,” he said, noting the company and

Airco company launches veterans giveaway

United for Education will present an online forum featuring Gilbert mayoral candidates Brigette Peterson and Matt Nielsen at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. There is no pre-registration and people can watch it live on URL COMING or facebook.com/UniteForEducation, where it will be archived. The session will be moderated by Gilbert Sun News Executive Editor Paul Maryniak.

Isagenix foundation seeking grant applications

Gilbert-based Isagenix International’s foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofits until Oct. 15. The ISA Foundation helps to support nonprofits locally and around

foundation “support diversity and inclusion across the globe.” Since launching in 2018, the ISA Foundation has awarded $3.4 million in grants to 79 nonprofits in the United States and Canada, including 12 grants totaling $525,000 to U.S.-based nonprofits providing COVID-19 relief. The $3.4 million in grants has provided over 5 million meals, funded over 30,000 educational events, and served over 225,000 children and families around the world. The foundation has also provided several volunteer opportunities to Isagenix independent distributors and employees, including a service day at Central Park’s community garden in Phoenix with grant recipient Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and a service trip to El Salvador. Information: ISAFoundation.net or ISAFoundation@IsagenixCorp.com.

Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air Conditioning will honor veterans and current military personnel with a free installed ai-conditioning system Anyone can nominate a military hero by filling out a short application on forrestanderson.net/military-hero-giveaway by Oct. 12. A company panel will select up to five finalists and share their stories on Forrest Anderson’s website and Facebook Page, where members of the public can vote for their favorite between Oct. 21Nov. 4. The giveaway is open to active duty military, retired service members and veterans who were discharged under general or honorable conditions who own a home in Maricopa County. Finalists will be announced on Oct. 21.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

BOUNDARIES from page 9

reputation that has been established for the benefit of current and future families,” district officials wrote. CUSD has an alternative boundary plan that would impact the class of 2024 if the Erie students were not relocated. The proposed boundary changes in the recommended option would not take effect until 2025. The recommended plan would also redraw some of the boundary lines for Hamilton High – the district’s largest campus, which ended the last school year with more than 4,000 students. CUSD proposes moving Hamilton’s perimeter of Chandler Boulevard, Alma School, Pecos and McQueen roads to Chandler High’s boundary. District officials said the move would facilitate transportation because the perimeter is geographically adjacent to Chandler High’s campus. Chandler High has a new wing that can accommodate a big influx of additional students, the district said, noting the move would prevent Hamilton becoming too overcrowded.

This map shows the boundaries and the locations of CUSD high schools. Students in the top two orange blocks from the right would be moved to Chandler High and those in the second dark blue block from the right would be moved to Basha High under the proposed boundary changes. (CUSD)

The district’s plan further proposes moving an area bordered by Val Vista Drive and Ocotillo, Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads out of Perry High’s boundary and over to Basha High. CUSD hope reshuffling the boundaries will keep enrollment levels at each high school campus between 1,500 and

2,000 students. At the end of the last school year, none of the district’s schools – with the exception of Erie – had fewer than 2,000 high school students. Erie’s 800 students still exceed the school building’s capacity of 765 pupils. If Erie’s students were to remain at

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their current campus, CUSD would likely have to move more of Perry’s boundaries over to the new school and carve up more of Hamilton’s enrollment area. CUSD also envisions saving money on the new school’s staffing because Erie’s personnel would be transferred there. But some of Erie’s families are concerned about losing the school’s culture by moving students to a bigger campus. According to feedback received by the district, parents have told CUSD they don’t want Erie to change its small learning environment and other parents are worried about Erie’s rigorous standards. Erie has already composed a year-long plan for how it would slowly integrate students at the new school campus. The district would begin offering tours of the campus starting in December and January, then start hosting a number of orientation events in the spring. Students and parents can submit feedback on the plan by emailing alloway.stacey@cusd80.com.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

VAPING from page 5

egance that smoking once exemplified.” “By design, a cornerstone of the product’s commercial success is its addictive nature,” the suit states. “JUUL is, in many ways, the paradigmatic start-up. It has all the markings of Silicon Valley success: staggering profit margins, meteoric growth and status as a cultural phenomenon.” The company in three months reached a valuation of $10 billion, according to other lawsuits. They also cite statements Monsees has given in interviews that said internal documents he obtained from lawsuits against tobacco product manufacturers helped the company design equally addictive products. Other school districts also have filed suits against Altria and its related companies bearing the same name that entered the Arizona market with a brand called MarkTen in 2013. Those suits note that company’s use of Disney movies in its marketing campaign promoted cigarette manufacturers to call it “irresponsible.”

Vaping products are routinely confiscated in East Valley schools as teen use skyrocketed in recent years.(GSN file photo)

Altria also benefited from a distribution network of 60,000 stores that gave it nearly half the e-cigarette market in Arizona in just seven weeks, those suits state. The company also added flavors to its vaping products to enhance their attractiveness to young people, according to multiple lawsuits. Though Altria in early 2018 agreed to tone down its advertising and vowed to federal officials it would “reverse the current use trend among youth,” it later the same year made a $12.8 billion investment in JUUL. The following year as JUUL reaped $3.4 billion in sales in 2019. “It is not an overstatement to say that JUUL has changed the educational experience of students across the nation,” according to a suit filed by Kyrene School District. “JUUL use has completely changed school bathrooms – now known as ‘the JUUl room’…The ubiquity of JUUL use in high school bathrooms has generated numerous online spoofs about ‘the JUUL room.”

EV hospital marks a year of operation GSN NEWS STAFF

brazo Mesa Hospital will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 1. The first of three “microhospitals” being developed across the Valley by Abrazo Health, the Mesa facility employs 50 mostly East Valley residents, many from Gilbert. Abrazo calls the hospital a game-changer because of it “convenient, efficient emergency, short stay inpatient and surgical services.” “The hospital is situated between developments with large populations of young families as well as communities with a large number of senior citizens. We see a wide variety of patients, from pediatric to elderly, with a broad array of medical needs,” explained Gilbert resident Christy Matlock, RN, administrative director at Abrazo Mesa. Located at 5750 E. Baseline Road

From left, Nurses Marie Kelly of Gilbert, Laura Bivins of San Tan Valley and Christy Matlock of Gilbert await their next patient in the emergency department of Abrazo Mesa Hospital. (Courtesy of Abrazo Hospital)

near Recker Road, the hospital has eight inpatient rooms and offers 24hour emergency care, surgical procedures with an around-the-clock emergency physician and general surgery. Abrazo Health operates six hospitals, multiple physician practices and other services throughout the Valley. Microhospitals are smaller in scale than a typical general hospital, but offer surgical services, a full emergency department, inpatient rooms, ultrasound, x-ray and CT scan, laboratory, pharmacy and other services, said Matlock. Types of surgeries performed at Abrazo Mesa include minimally invasive appendectomies and gall bladder procedures, for example. “We have worked hard to create a patient-friendly, efficient setting,” said Matlock. “Providing a safe environment and quality medical care are among

see ABRAZO page 13

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

ABRAZO from page 12

our top priorities, and we want our ER waiting times to be among the shortest they can possibly be.” Matlock added that Abrazo Mesa Hospital has developed strong relationships with local EMS providers. “Patients with abdominal pain, sprains and broken bones, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, minor trauma, lacerations, abdominal issues, pneumonia and flu are typical of the types of patients treated in the Abrazo Mesa Hospital emergency department,” noted Dr. Chris Lipinski, an emergency medicine physician. “We also have the capability of extending care beyond the ER to the observation or inpatient environment for lower acuity, uncomplicated medical conditions,” he said, adding this minimizes the need for transfers to larger facilities. “The coronavirus pandemic certainly threw us a curveball shortly after we opened, but we continued to operate and provide care for our community,” said Matlock.

Lipinski said Abrazo has “worked very diligently to stay current with the medical research and best practice standards regarding COVID-19. “We also appreciate the importance of caring for other medical and surgical conditions in an environment where infection control is crucial for all of us,” he added, pointing to a variety of safety protocols. “Delays in care could lead to significant complications in many types of conditions. Physicians are already seeing patients with potentially life-threatening conditions who waited to go to the ER. Your health can’t wait,” he said. The 32,500-square-foot hospital has 13 ER exam rooms, an operating room, three post-anesthesia care units, eight in-patient beds and imaging suite.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

As classrooms reopen, students’ mental health a big concern BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer

s children and teens begin returning to Mesa classrooms, teachers and administrators aren’t just focused on addressing “learning loss” among many students during months of online instruction. They also are focusing on the impact of campus closures and pandemic-related stress on students’ mental and emotional well-being. While they are addressing academics as well as numerous new protocols aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, schools also have developed plans to address the fallout from months of uncertainty, isolation and stress. Experts say that fallout has triggered wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, drug overdoses and suicide ideation and attempts. Suicide is already the leading cause of death among children 11-14

years old, Gov. Doug Ducey noted two weeks ago. Katey McPherson, an East Valley education consultant and suicide prevention advocate, estimates that there have been at least six suicides of students between the ages of 12 and 18 that have occurred since campuses were closed in mid-March. She said the East Valley could lose a child to suicide every six to eight weeks. But, she added, “The awareness has grown and people are talking about mental health. We have made great strides.” “I’m excited for my own children to get back to school, but it will probably take 90 to 120 days for them to settle in,” said McPherson, a former assistant principal at a Gilbert junior high school. “We all want to think home is a safe place, but for many children, it’s not.” Schools also are making progress on dealing with mental health issues among students.

The state Department of Education has developed competencies that teachers and administrators are learning in order to recognize and help troubled youngsters. Some districts hired more counselors and social workers after the Ducey administration set aside $20 million for additional grants to pay for them, although the demand far exceeded available dollars. Two new state laws also are taking effect at the same time campuses are reopening. Teachers, administrators and other school employees who regularly come in contact with students in grades 6-12 must receive mandatory training in recognizing and responding to the warning signs of suicide. That law is dubbed the Mitch Warnock Act, named in honor of a Tempe teen who was lost to suicide in 2016. Also taking effect is Jake’s Law, which expands the availability of behavioral health assistance for children in school

and will eventually lead to the creation of a panel that will investigate the root causes of teen suicides. Denise Denslow of Gilbert – who started the JEM Foundation with her husband Ben and spearheaded a grassroots movement to get Lake’s Law passed after her teenage son’s death by suicide – said the $8 million Behavioral Health Services Fund will help students get emotional help at school more readily. She said the investigative panel has been delayed and it will take a year to implement new regulations that require insurance companies to cover mental health needs the same they cover physical health treatment. Still, the pandemic has had a farreach impact on children and teens. “They’re really struggling,” Denslow said. “It’s the social isolation, the uncertainty and the fear.” Teen Lifeline reported a 46 percent

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

SUCIDES from page 14

increase in calls and texts during June and July from stressed teens. Teens contemplating suicide or feel the need for help can call the hotline 24/7 for supportive services. Mesa-based Community Bridges, which provides services to address addiction and behavioral health issues, also experienced an increase in referrals for East Valley youngsters and teens. “I would say that across the board, behavioral health is pretty busy,” said Natalia Chimbo Andrade, director of community education and outreach for Community Bridges. “We have seen an increase in referrals for suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression,” she said. “What is going on with the pandemic is a contributing factor in depression and anxiety in teenagers.” A child psychiatrist also said she has seen an unusual increase in suicide attempts. “We’ve definitely seen more suicide attempts than generally what I have seen during my career,” said Dr. Adeola Adelayo, of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry. “It pushes them over,” she said as teens struggle with social isolation and other interruptions in the normal school year. “The ones who are prone to abusing substances, we have seen more overdoses,” Adelayo said. While Adelayo believes that going back to school may generally improve the mental state of many children and teens, she said the benefits must be weighed against the risks of contracting the virus.

NURSING from page 7

remedy: Issue an executive order under the emergency he declared due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak said his boss won’t do that because this is different. “We want to make sure that people have trust in the process and in the officials who are administering this election,’’ he told Capitol Media Services. Ptak pointed out some of the gover-

“I’m definitely hopeful,” she said. “Kids are going back to normalcy. It sends the message that things are getting better.” The return to classrooms “gives some kind of structure. Every human being needs structure, especially kids,” Adelayo said. She said teens in particular need space to grow up and develop their identity. “That’s where they get their socialization from, being out of the home, being able to make friends,” Adelayo said. “They need some space to figure out their own morals, their own values,” or whether they continue on the same path imparted by their parents. “They are trying to figure out who they are.” During the pandemic, Adelayo said

she noticed that stressed-out parents trying to cope with a job loss, financial stresses or sickness and death within a family, unwittingly influence the children’s emotional and mental state. Often a child’s mental state would improve after therapy sessions involving the child and a parent, she said. Nikki Koontz, clinical director of Teen Lifeline, said teens have been struggling with social isolation caused by the pandemic but they also are concerned about becoming carriers for COVID and infecting their families if they return to school. “Going back to school is politicized. Many kids feel their opinion doesn’t matter,” Koontz said. “They are struggling with there being no control over anything.”

She said the pandemic has created an opportunity for parents to have the sort of deep conversations that can lead to stronger emotional connections. At the same time, however, the pandemic’s effect have also given rise to more family conflicts. The usual warnings about the dangers of social media have been pushed aside a bit during COVID, Koontz said. “The lack of connection with their peers can make them feel very lonely,” she said. Even though teens have spent more time with their families, “there still can be a sense of loneliness. They don’t feel people understand.” “I can’t imagine how things would be without technology. That’s how we are all staying connected,” Koontz said. “One of the biggest protective factors is a sense of connection.” A return to school may help many teens emotionally, Koontz said, because “a lot of their social and emotional growth comes from their associations with friends and peers.” Koontz said Teen Lifeline has been helping school districts prepare for the return of their students, running training sessions on digital platforms throughout the summer for employees to spot the warning signs of teen suicide, with as many as 25-30 employees attending. Adelayo said it only stands to reason that more emotional problems among children will be spotted when they return to school. “Anytime you have more oversight, you will be able to see better. You have more people keeping an eye on you,” she said. “Your parents may be working two or three jobs.”

nor’s actions have been challenged in court. He said if someone were to sue over an order allowing video voting in these circumstances it could end up that these ballots would not be counted. Hobbs acknowledges there is no specific legal authority. But she says these rules were crafted before anyone ever thought about COVID-19 and situations where visitors to nursing homes – in-

cluding election officials who normally provide in-person assistance to residents to vote – would not be allowed. Special election boards, composed of one member of each major party, go to long-term and residential care facilities as well as hospitals or where someone is disabled to help that person vote. Hobbs is addressing is what happens if board members are not permitted to

enter a facility due to COVID-19 access restrictions or the voter is not comfortable receiving assistance through direct contact. Ptak questioned the need to change voting procedures, particularly this close to an election. He said the state managed to conduct other elections this year, including the August primary, all without changing procedures.

Gov. Doug Ducey two weeks ago called attention to the problem of suicide among young Arizonans, noting the millions of dollars his administration has been putting into programs to help troubled children and teens. (Capitol

Media Services)

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Ducey rules out any more business closures BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ov. Doug Ducey will not order businesses to re-close or impose new restrictions even if the infection threat of COVID-19 in any area returns to “substantial.’’ “Arizona’s open,’’ the governor said Thursday. “Arizona’s economy is open, Arizona’s educational institutions are open, Arizona’s tourism institutions are open. The expectation is they are going to remain open.’’ Ducey’s comments came as state Health Director Cara Christ said the coronavirus numbers are going to get worse. “There are counties that are likely to go back into substantial spread starting next week,’’ she said. It was having that threat of substantial spread that led to the original orders to shutter businesses in March and then Ducey’s directive to re-close many of them in June following a spike in cases. “We should expect a rise in cases,’’ the governor said, though he suggested part of the reason for that will be an increase in the number and types of testing available. But the governor said the decisions he made before won’t be repeated. “We are not going to be, due to a gradual rise in cases, be making any dramatic changes,’’ he said. The problems appear to be localized. Statewide, the rate of infection remains below 100 per 100,000 residents, enough to put it in the moderate range. And the percentage of tests for the virus coming back positive actually is below 5 percent, showing what the state calls “minimal’’ spread. But in Pima County, for example, the rate of infection is not just increasing but, for the week ending Sept. 13 -- the most recent data available -- it actually slipped past that 100 per 100,000 level. That, according to health department measurements, makes the risk of spread substantial. Most other counties, by contrast, ap-

As state Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ looked on, Gov. Doug Ducey last week said he would not close businesses again if there is a spike in COVID-19 cases.. (Capitol Media Services)

pear to have a slowing rate of infection, at least on a county-wide basis. But there still are potentials of local hotspots. One potential cause could relate to the return of university students. The situation in Tucson got so bad that the University of Arizona and Pima County instituted a voluntary “shelterin-place’’ recommendation. Police and code inspectors have issued citations and code-of-conduct violations and warned of potential legal action to curb the spread of the virus. “We want to avoid closing down,’’ Christ said. “We’re starting to work with those county health departments to identify if there are targeted areas where we can work specifically with those business owners,’’ she said. Rather than shuttering businesses she would instead propose narrower “miti-

gation strategies’’ like a further reduction in the number of customers at any one time. Daniel Scarpinato, the governor’s chief of staff, said one reason his boss can say he won’t close businesses again is because the situation is far different, even if the raw numbers may not show it. “We have broad access to testing with fast turnaround,’’ Scarpinato said. “We have increased contact tracing,’’ he continued. “We’ve got enforcement of rules and regulations.’’ All that, Scarpinato said, means it allows people to be found and told to isolate themselves if they’ve been exposed. “Businesses are operating much differently today than they were when some of these industries were closed,’’ Scarpinato said. For example, he said, restaurant patrons have to wear their masks when

they’re not at their table. Masks also are required at salons and barber shops. Then there are capacity restrictions, with restaurants and bars that operate like restaurants at 50 percent and gyms at just 25 percent of normal attendance. And even in cities and counties where masks are not required, Scarpinato said most retailers are requiring them of customers. The other big issue, he said, is that the state is better equipped to handle an outbreak. “Our hospitals were at capacity,’’ Scarpinato said, with some close to having to implement “surge’’ plans to find more space. One potential reason for Ducey’s reticence to once again shut down businesses is purely financial. Earlier this year business owners could apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program which provided loans to companies to keep workers on the payroll. That program is now gone. What’s also gone is the extra unemployment benefits available from the federal government, initially at $600 a week and, more recently, reduced to $300. Those, too, have disappeared, leaving jobless Arizona workers with a maximum state benefit of $240 a week. One issue that remains is how broad would be any closure orders if the governor believes the spike in new cases merits it. The current system measures and react to outbreaks on a county-by-county basis: If the overall infection numbers hit a certain level, any changes in business operations would be imposed on a countywide basis. But the problem could be more localized, such as around a university campus. That raises the question of whether the spike in one area, putting the overall county numbers into the substantial range, should affect all businesses in that county or should result only in closures in the immediate area affected. Scarpinato was noncommittal. “We’re going to follow the data closely and see,’’ he said.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Virus now helps drive tune up your smile teacher vacancies in state with the doc that rocks! VOTE FOR US FOR A BEST DENTIST IN THIS YEAR’S BEST OF THE BEST! BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

n average 20 percent boost in teacher salaries over the past four years has apparently done little to entice people into the classroom and keep experienced staffers there. A new report released last week by the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association said schools surveyed filled just 28 percent of the vacancies they had due to retirement and other reasons. That’s not to say there weren’t adults standing in front of classrooms. But districts had to make up the difference, largely by having their current teachers work extra hours or using long-term substitutes. Justin Wing, the organization’s immediate past president, acknowledged that filling vacancies has been a perennial problem in Arizona schools. But Wing said there’s something different in this year’s report: the number of experienced teachers who resigned as the school year began. In “normal’’ years, Wing said there always are new teachers who quickly conclude that the job isn’t what they expected and decide to pursue another career. This year, he said, the problem appears to be directly related to COVID-19. The 145 school districts and charter schools that responded to the survey reported 751 teachers leaving at the beginning of the year. Of that, 326 of those resignations were teachers who said they were quitting outright or retiring because of the coronavirus. Another 342 said they were taking a year off without pay due to COVID-19. The districts also reported 633 other non-teaching staff who resigned or retired, citing the virus as the primary reason. COVID-19 aside, Wing said the “why’’ behind the staffing problems is unclear though salaries remain an issue. “Even though pay has gone up, we

were in a big hole,’’ he said. Facing a teacher walkout in 2018, Gov. Doug Ducey pushed through funding designed to provide a 20 percent average pay hike over four years. This is the final year of that increase. That did not mean all teachers are getting that much more, with variables including what teachers were making before and how district officials chose to allocate those dollars. “We’ve climbed that ladder but we’re still not out of that hole,’’ Wing said. “We’re still bottom five in average salaries.’’ But Wing said there are bigger issues: “The main one is, why are high school kids not going into the teaching profession?” He acknowledged that state lawmakers have altered requirements to become a teacher, allowing people to make mid-career switches without having to go back to school for a full-blown education degree. And that, Wing said, has been important. But Wing said the solution is going to have to come from getting more people into the profession right out of college. That, he said, is going to remain a problem. For example, he said Arizona has one of the highest student-teacher ratios in the country.’ State schools chief Kathy Hoffman said the results of the annual survey “are startling but not altogether shocking for the education community.’’ She, too, said she has seen the impact of COVID-19. “Some educators make the difficult decision to leave the classroom,’’ Hoffman said in a prepared statement. “I know this decision is deeply personal to each educator,’’ she continued. “And I hope that one day we can recruit them back to our schools.’’ Aides said it is designed to function as a hub of information about what has worked at some schools to keep teachers in the classroom as well as help schools thatare having challenges.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Gilbert’s housing market in nation’s top 5 BY ROB WINDER Cronkite News

ilbert resident Nadia Saco bought the home of her dreams this August. But landing it, she said, was a “nightmare.” Saco, 32, and her husband, who spent a year and a half looking for a larger home for their growing family, were outbid on two houses before finally winning a bidding war for the home they’re in now. “We had to pay all their closing costs. We wrote a personalized letter with a photo of our family. And we still barely got it. We offered, I think, $10,000 over asking price,” Saco said. “It’s just a crazy, crazy market, especially in Gilbert,” she said. That tight market was one of the factors that made Gilbert the fifth-best real estate market in the country in an Aug. 25 WalletHub ranking. Gilbert was one of five Valley cities in the top 25, followed by Peoria at 17th, Surprise at 20th, Tempe in 23rd place and Chandler in 24th. The ranking was based largely on market strength, measured by average time to sale, median home price appreciation and foreclosure rates, among other factors. It also considered “affordability and economic environment” factors such as unemployment and health care infrastructure. William Gray, former president and CEO of the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business, said the homebuying market has “been going gangbusters” since the beginning of the summer. “We’re seeing more people buy homes today than we have seen in years,” said Gray, a professor at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of business. Demand is high across the U.S., but the market is particularly tight in Arizona because large numbers of people continue to move into the state, Gray said. “We’re bringing in about 75,000 people a year, which is an amazing number. And we don’t have enough housing,” he said. Gray said one reason for the high migration is Arizona’s favorable tax struc-

The Saco children settled into their new home in Gilbert on closing day in August. Nadia Saco said it took months of househunting and a couple of lost bids before the family landed their dream home. (Courtesy Nadia Saco)

ture. Property taxes are “very low compared to many states in the East,” and the business climate is friendlier as well, he said. “We see many people leave states because maybe there’s more regulation there than we have here, so it’s easier to start a business here,” Gray said. That “advantageous business climate” also attracts businesses looking to expand and hire more employees, said Dan Henderson, Gilbert economic development director. He noted that Arizona, a right-to-work state, has no business inventory tax and no sales tax on manufacturing equipment, and that its low worker’s com-

pensation and unemployment insurance rates are also appealing to employers. Arizona also offers homebuyers “a quality of life that’s outstanding,” Gray said. Gilbert in particular is “a phenomenal place to live,” he said. “The parks, recreation, family environment, tremendous schools” add up to make Gilbert “one of the hottest spots in the last probably 10 years,” Gray said. “They’ve done everything right.” All of these marks in Gilbert’s favor come at a price, however. “One of the little problems we have in Gilbert is the median price of a home is running at about $400,000. So that may get a little expensive,” Gray said.

In the current economic climate, taking on a mortgage that’s even “a little expensive” brings even more trepidation than usual. Saco acknowledges that it is “kind of a weird time to take on a bigger mortgage.” The software company her husband works for is doing well and she is reasonably confident in his job security, “but you never know.” “We felt pretty good moving forward, but it’s always kind of in the back of your mind. Like, is this a bad time to buy a home?” Saco said. The Sacos were presented with another complication earlier this month when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a nationwide moratorium on evictions through the end of the year. The Sacos, who kept their old house and rented it to friends, could be in a financial bind if their renters couldn’t pay the rent. “I know these tenants well and they seem to be in a good financial spot,” said Saco, who called the eviction moratorium a “slight concern.” But “I just don’t know what would happen if our tenants couldn’t pay, because we can’t afford to pay both” mortgages without the rental income. But Gray sees little risk of foreclosures increasing in the current market. All a strapped homeowner has to do is “put their home on the market, it’ll be sold in two days.” Unlike the recession, he said, homes have equity now and homeowners “have something to sell today, where they didn’t have anything to sell” during the housing bubble then. Owners of rental properties could face challenges because of the eviction moratorium, which runs through Dec. 31. “If landlords put those houses on the market Jan. 1, they’d be purchased immediately,” Gray said. “But if you put the property on the market right now with no stream of income (from renters), who would buy it?” But Gray expects the effect of the eviction policy to be little more than a “blip” on the housing market.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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First-time Gilbert author debuts children’s series GSN NEWS STAFF

J Gardner took just as circuitous a route to being the author of children’s books as she did to take to Gilbert, her home the last 17 years. Gardner recently published the first in her “Horace and Bunwinkle” novels last month and already has the second in the final stages for release next year with plans for a third the year after that. Targeting young readers in second-fifth grades, the series features Horace, a Boston Terrier, and Bunwinkle, a potbellied pig, as they partner to solve mysteries around their barn yard. The first book, titled simply by the two character’s names, is already out in America and next month will be published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand next month. “I hope readers find it fun, and a good mystery, but there’s more to the story,” said Gardner. “It’s about moving and

First-time Gilbert author PJ Gardner debut the first in a planned series of children’s books built around a Boston Terrier and potbellied pig. (Special to GSN)

learning to like your new home. It’s about family.” Gardner wound up in Gilbert after forays into Southern California for college, New Jersey for her master’s degree in art and then a return to Southern California.

And it wasn’t until she left a 12-year job as a customer rep for a pool supply company that writing slowly came on her radar. “I didn’t think of myself as a writer,” she explained. “I was an avid reader and assumed that was all I’d ever be.

However, a friend from a book club invited me to join her writing group. I said no for years, but after quitting my job, I found myself at loose ends so I decided to give writing a try.” So, she took a crack at women’s fiction, but that didn’t work out. Writing children’s fiction turned out to be a different story. “Ultimately, I think it was inevitable that I write for young readers,” she said. “Most of what I read is in that area and I love it. My kids would agree, but they would argue that it’s because I have the sense of humor of a 12-year-old.” The inspiration for her two characters came from real-life situations. Horace was inspired by her own two Boston Terriers. As for Bunwinkle, since her husband Neil vetoed the idea of owning a pig – somewhat prematurely, she said. “My husband told me I wasn’t allowed to have one before I knew if I even wanted one,” Gardner said. “It’s

see AUTHOR page 24

Tourney honors Gilbert athlete who died in May BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

he inaugural five-day JM23 Classic at Tempe Diablo Stadium went off without a hitch from Sept. 15-19, with a champion crowned on the final day of the tournament. But as exciting as it was for many fans to watch live sports for perhaps the first time in months, that was all secondary to the main goal: honor the legacy of former Perry baseball player Jacob Medina of Gilbert, who died in May at age 19. “Without embracing sadness, you can’t celebrate the joy,” said Emery Miller, Jacob’s longtime friend and organizer of

Mike Medina (left), Krystal Medina (middle) and Casey Medina (right) were honored before the championship game of the JM23 Classic, a high school baseball tournament in honor of Jacob Medina, who passed away in May after a long battle with cancer. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff)

the event. “The people in the ‘Jacob Strong’ family, we’ve embraced a lot of sadness in the last 19 months. But to now be here and see me and Jacob’s vision come to life, it’s beyond words. It gives me goosebumps.” Emery and Miller had come up with the idea of the 24-team tournament in December to raise funds for a family in need. Still in remission at the time from his first battle with leukemia that resulted in a lengthy stay at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Jacob threw out the idea of hosting an entire league to raise more

see MEDINA page 23

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Decision puts valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins back in circulation – zip codes determine who gets them Unsearched Vault Bags loaded with valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value are actually being handed over to residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List below and beat the 48 hour order deadline

Who gets the U.S. Gov’t issued coins: Only U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed on the Distribution List below are getting the valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins. If you find your zip code listed below call: 1-800-865-9521 NCS1160 “The vaults at Federated Mint a re going empt y,” sa id Ma r y Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America. That’s because a decision by Federated Mint to put valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins, some worth up to 50 times their face value, back in circulation means unsearched Vault Bags loaded with U. S. Gov’t issued coins dating back to the 1800’s are now being handed over to U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication. “These are not ordinary coins you find in your pocket change. These

are valuable silver, scarce, highly collectible and non- circulating U.S. coins dating back to the 1800’s which is why U.S. residents will be claiming as many as they can get their hands on. That’s because after the bags were loaded with over 2 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins the dates were never searched and the bags were securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search all the coins,” said Withrow. “But don’t thank the Government. As Executive Advisor to Federated Mint, I get paid to inform and educate the general public regarding U.S. coins. Ever since the decision

by Federated Mint to put valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins back in circulation – everyone’s asking me, how much are the unsearched Vault Bags worth? The answer is, there’s no way to tell. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but we do know this. Each unsearched bag weighs over 2 pounds and is known to contain at least one silver Walking Liberty coin and just that one coin alone could be worth $15 - $325 in collector value. So there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search through all the coins. But you better believe at just $249 these unsearched Vault Bags are a steal, “said Withrow.

The only thing U.S. residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication need to do is call the National Toll Free Hotline before the 48 hour deadline ends. This is very important. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $349 for residents who miss the 48 hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48 hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $249 as long as they call the National Toll Free Hotline before the deadline ends. “Remember this, we ca nnot stop collectors from buying up all the unsearched bags of coins they (Continued on next page)

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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(Continued from previous page)

can get in this special advertising announcement. And you better believe with each bag being loaded with over 2 pounds of valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins they’re going to go quick,” said Withrow. The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30am this morning. That’s because each unsearched Vault Bag is loaded in part with highly sought after collector coins dating clear back to the 1800’s including the stunning Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar, valuable President Eisenhower Silver Dollars, rarely seen Silver Franklin Half Dollars, high demand President Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, beautiful Silver Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar, American Bicentennial Quarters, rare Liberty V Nickels, the scarce Indian Head one cent U.S. coin and the last ever minted Buffalo Nickels. “With all these valuable coins up for grabs we’re doing all we can to answer all the calls,” said Withrow. Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins. That means U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication can claim the unsearched bags of money for themselves and keep all the U.S. Gov’t issued coins found inside. Just be sure to call before the deadline ends 48 hours from today’s publication date. ■

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Sealed Unsearched Vault Bags contain over 2 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Guardsmen invited to share VETERAN VETERAN by Mike Phillips stories in special project

t’s been an unprecedented year for the Arizona National Guard. From fighting forest fires to providing pandemic relief and protecting sites from civil unrest, thousands of citizen soldiers have answered the call. Those soldiers – and the ones who came before – have a chance to tell their stories through a unique program this fall. The Veterans Heritage Project is an Arizona nonprofit that invites veterans to share their stories with students. The veterans may discuss all aspects of their service – why they joined, what they experienced and how those experiences shaped them. The students listen, conduct interviews and write the stories that are published in an annual collection. The book is available for purchase and is in the Library of Congress. Participating veter-

Gilbert resident Craig Houk, seen here during a tour in Afghanistan, found the project empowering on many levels. (Special to GSN)

ans receive a free copy. The process is empowering on many levels, said Gilbert resident Craig Houk,

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a past president of the Project and current board member. “Students are learning first-hand history from individuals who served their county in amazing ways,” Houk said. “Students tell us that they also learn other lessons … civic responsibility, taking care of others … it effects what they want to do with their lives.” The program started in 1998. A Cactus Shadow High School student asked history teacher Barbara Hatch if the scenes depicted in the film “Saving Private Ryan” were real. Hatch directed students to the source – she invited veterans of the conflict into her classroom to discuss their experiences. From there, the idea grew into an after-school oral history publishing club and eventually a nonprofit organization. Today, 30 schools in three states have programs and more than 2,300 veterans have had a chance to share their stories. Schools in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale and Glendale have chapters. This year, the spotlight is on National

Guard veterans, whose mission continues to evolve as the nation faces new challenges. “We thought it was a great time to focus on Guard members,” said Houk, who spent 30 years in the Army both active and reserve. He saw duty in Cuba, Korea and Afghanistan and was one of the interview subjects for the Veterans Heritage Project in 2008. As a participant, he was invited to a reception when the book was unveiled. The experience spurred him to get more involved. “You get about 30-40 veterans together in the same room …. World War II, Korea, Vietnam … the experience was overwhelming for me,” Houk said. “The veterans become emotional; the students become emotional. There’s this wonderful experiential thing going on.” National Guard veterans who want to participate in this year’s program can submit an interview request that is available on the Project website -- veteransheritage.org

Local resident in service

Gilbert resident Darius Swan is serving aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton. Swan, an electronics technician 3rd Class, recently assembled shoring during a general quarters drill. The Princeton is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean.

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Contact Cecilia Chan at 480-898-5613 or cchan@timespublications.com

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

MEDINA from page 19

money. “This is classic Jacob,” said Miller, smiling at his orange “Jacob Strong” bracelet. “He says, ‘I like the idea, but what if you did more?’ I think it goes to show how Jacob was. He wanted to help people by doing it in the very best way possible. But I was like, ‘dude, who is going to run the league? We are all in college.’ “He never settled for good enough. He always wanted perfection, especially when it came to helping others.” As Miller and his non-profit organization, Team Emery, began finalizing plans for the tournament in February, Jacob’s health once again began to decline. He beat leukemia in just 33 days in March 2019. After his physical therapist raised concerns once again a year later in March 2020, tests revealed the cancer had returned, this time at an accelerated rate. Even then, however, Jacob’s mindset never changed. He was confident he could beat it. His parents, Mike and Krystal Medina, said the chemo treatments were too harsh on his organs.

Before his passing, Miller decided he wanted all proceeds from the tournament to go toward his family. Additionally, he wanted to honor Mike, Krystal and Jacob’s younger brother, Casey. The three joined Miller on the field the final day of the tournament. They stood near home plate, where “JM” and “23,” Jacob’s initials and number, were written in white chalk. “The support is just awesome,” Mike said. “It’s been overwhelming. We are going through a pandemic right now, but people here think this is more important than that. I think all of this goes to show how special Jacob was. People don’t even know him, but they hear his story and they just want to participate.” The three were then gifted a custom blue wooden bat with Jacob’s initials engraved in white. Mariah Meredith, Jacob’s nurse at PCH, presented the gift. “When I got a message asking to come, there was no way I could turn it down,” Meredith said. “I felt very honored and Jacob made me feel like a special person in his life.”

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Jacob was described as a happy-golucky kid with an infectious smile who loved Air Jordan shoes and helping those in need. Austin Kowalchuk, Kenzie Jones, Abby Cabner and Anthony DeAndrea were some of the many who volunteered to help run the tournament. They recalled on several occasions going to his house when he was battling cancer for the second time. He always appeared strong and told them if they needed anything, he was there. “He always thought of others before himself,” Jones said. “No matter what condition he was in, no matter how he was feeling, it was always about other people before himself.” Jacob’s desire to help others through difficult times never went away, even as he was at his worst. One of the most notable came from one of his old classmates now enlisted in the military. “He told us he was in his darkest moment but out of the blue, Jacob texted him and said he wanted to check on him and see how he was doing. Jacob was in

a hospital bed at the time,” Krystal said. “He told us Jacob saved him.” Miller and the Medina family believe Jacob made more of an impact in 19 years than many people make over more time. “Jacob was the kind of kid that even though I hung out with him for 19 years, it wasn’t enough time,” said Miller, fighting back tears. “Knowing Jacob was humbling. Knowing him made me a better person. “This event, this is Jacob. This is his community. It takes a special young man to bring this many people together for a great cause.”

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AUTHOR from page 19

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

probably for the best that we don’t have one. I have a hard time keeping up with my kids and my two dogs.” So, she did the next best thing: she volunteered at Better Piggies Rescue in North Phoenix, where she studied pig behavior and temperament and found a way to bring Bunwinkle to life. As for how she got the idea of making Horace and Bunwinkle a kind of Starsky and Hutch of the barn yard set,

Gardner explained: “The idea came from a real incident. Many years ago, I read about a potbelly pig named Lulu and an American Eskimo dog named Bear that saved the life of their human. Bear stayed by his owner’s side, barking for all he was worth, while Lulu went and blocked the road until someone stopped and she was able to bring the person back to help. The story stuck in my mind. I

loved the idea of a dog and a pig working together.” Illustrated by renown Ohio graphic designer and illustrator Dave Mottram – his images truly bring the characters to life,” Gardner said – “Horace and Bunwinkle” has drawn raves from some authors of children’s books. The first book has the two animals investigating the mysterious disappearance of their “yard mates.”

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLE AND SUDOKU on Page 30

It also was selected for HarperCollins 360, a program that publishes in international English speaking markets. “It is a huge honor…not every book gets the opportunity,” Gardner said. Horace & Bunwinkle is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound and Bookshop. Information: PJGardnerSwitzer.com.

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Gilbert woman’s candle business burning bright ular scents are apple and maple bourbon, vanilla pumpkin marshmallow, and birthday cake. midst the chaos and uncertainties Not only does Harris rely on of the pandemic, Gilbert resident the help from her neighbors, but Amy Harris has been melting her said her family also plays a role in stress away. helping with the business. She’s pouring her extra time into a “My daughter likes to sample candle-making business, a dream that all the scents. She’s four so she has burned bright for her for a while. gives me her honest opinion,” said “I’ve always been a huge candle Harris. person,” Harris waxed enthusiastically. Harris’ said her 3-year-old son “My mom worked at Yankee Candle and enjoys handing the packages to always had candles around.” the mailman and credited her husHarris, who works full-time in public band who helps manage their kids affairs for State Farm, said she got while she works on the candles. inspired about a year ago after she had “It’s a family thing,” said Harris. purchased several candles and was frusHarris also honors other memtrated by their cost. bers of her family through her An idea flickered and she began digpartnership with Stephen Siller Amy Harris prepares another batch of candles in her Gilbert home. She donates a portion of sales to a nonprofit that helps Tunnels to Tower Foundation, a ging on the DIY-ing of candle-making. When COVID-19 hit, Harris said she families of the Stephen Stiller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, named after a firefighter who died on 9/11 (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff) nonprofit that helps families of was able to devote more attention to fallen first responders. starting the business. home more on the weekend when it’s start-up process had begun several “My father, sister and broth“I’m working from home right now been so hot.” months prior. er-in-law are all in law enforcement,” so I no longer have a commute to work, M.C. Candle Co., named after Harris’ “I researched different techniques, said Harris. “When we lived in Illinois, which saves me like an hour each day,” children Mali and Casey, officially learned about the types of waxes, wicks, we heard about a trooper killed in the said Harris. “We’ve also been staying launched in April, but for Harris, the and vessels. I joined candle making line of duty and the T2T Foundation groups on social media and started paid off the mortgage for the family. watching YouTube videos on the pro- I always had them in the back of my cess,” she said. mind.” It took Harris about six months altoWhen starting M.C. Candle Co., Harris gether to come up with a good process contacted T2T and said that within for the types of candles she was trying days, she had a contract set up with to create. them. She now donates 15 percent of all Once she had the basics down, she her sales to the group. said she recruited volunteers from her While Harris said the business has had neighborhood to find out how the can- its challenges – especially when it came dles’ different scents might play in the to the amount of time and resources it marketplace. took to figure out how to get the perfect “This was one of the hardest parts,” product – she said it’s been rewarding said Harris. ”I didn’t want to have too to see the business grow. many choices. Having other people’s “We’ve been way busier than what opinions really helped.” we expected,” she said. “People love Harris still relies on the same group of candles. It’s been extremely gratifying neighbors every time she launches new knowing all this time and effort has scents. paid off.” Amy Harris relies on neighbors to provide the sniff tests for new scents she creates for her candles. (Pablo Robles/ GSN) Right now, she said her most popInfo: mccandleco.com

BY MONIQUE SELEEN GSN Contributor

OPINION

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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Town leaders should follow the law BY LAURIN HENDRIX GSN Guest Writer

ne of the great freedoms that we enjoy is the right to elect our leaders. This is true at the national, state and local levels. If an elected person is unlawfully prohibited from filling a position or carrying out its duties, it is in direct opposition to the constitutional rights of the voters. It is against the law. The voters’ preferred candidate should always take precedence over someone who has been temporarily appointed to fill a position. After all, citizens have no input regarding who fills a vacant seat. It is decided by a very small group of people, and often the appointee’s ideology does not truly reflect the ideals of voters. When I was elected to the Town Council in August, it was for a two-year seat occupied by a temporary appointee. The Town of Gilbert refused to acknowledge the rule of law and also refused to follow the precedents of similar elections in Arizona. Since Gilbert is not an incorporated city, it has no city charter that outlines the process of replacing appointed officials. Thus, state statutes must be followed. By law, elected offices should be filled with elected people, even in Gilbert. In 2010, Bill Montgomery was elected to the position of Maricopa County Attorney. Since Rick Romley was an appointee filling the seat, he immediately stepped down so that Montgomery could begin his term. In 2018, Tom Nerini was elected to the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board. The appointee stepped down so that Nerini could begin

his term. There are other examples in Arizona in which appointees did not refuse to leave their posts after an election. They did not try to usurp power that was not granted by voters. In addition to following the standard rule of law, these appointees exhibited integrity and respect for voters. In a prior ruling, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick, stated, “The electorate shall have the right at the earliest possible date of selecting officers to fill vacancies in elected offices with a person of their own choice”. In order to respect the decision of Gilbert voters and follow the rule of law, I asked to be sworn in following the election in August. Town officials refused this request and stated that I would begin my term in January. Interestingly, the Town Council was about to make some very important decisions that would determine how our tax money is spent. Here is just one example: Council voted to move forward with a plan to create a town-run ambulance service that will cost millions of dollars. I discovered that this is not financially feasible. Other municipalities have lost well over $1million in a single year by doing this. There are other decisions being made by the Town Council that I feel can benefit from my experience and knowledge. Critics (and supporters of the current appointee) claim that I am only interested in spending the Town’s money on lawsuits. This is false and laughable, especially in light of the millions of taxpayer dollars that they have no trouble spending in unnecessary ways. Although the appointee, Bill Spence, publicly stated that he would not leave office until Jan. 5, he is being removed by court order Nov. 3. Town leadership voted to pay the legal fees for Spence.

In the event that Spence was found guilty of usurpation of office, he would have been guilty of an offense under the Arizona criminal code. The Town of Gilbert in essence paid for the criminal defense of Bill Spence. He has been found not guilty thus far but that could change if an appeal is pursued. Regardless of the outcome of this lawsuit to follow the rule of law, the majority of Gilbert Council members voted to pay for the criminal defense of one of their appointed friends. These are the same people who are irresponsible with the money they are entrusted with. I believe that Gilbert leaders should be transparent and represent its citizens lawfully. I am discovering that this is not

always the case in our town. Some people call this the “good old boy mentality,” with leaders abusing the trust they have been given. How can our leaders claim to support business and family values when they do not value the law? It’s time to change and I look forward to being part of it.

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Highland’s Ellsworth forced to sit out senior season BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

t was an announcement Highland High School senior Colton Ellsworth never imagined he would have to make before his final season with the Hawks football program. On Aug. 30, nearly three months after he was diagnosed with mononucleosis that spiraled into other health-related issues, Ellsworth took to social media to announce he would be forced to sit out his senior year. His message, which emphasized that this was only a bump in the road and not a career-ending situation, was met with an outpour of support from those directly involved with Highland and the Arizona high school football community. “I’ve gotten tons of videos and calls from my coaches and friends,” Ellsworth said. “I have some teammates come by, take me out to lunch and stuff. They’ve all made posters that they signed for me. “Everyone has shown me tons of love.” Ellsworth was diagnosed with mono in late May, which eventually turned into a sinus infection. A trip to his primary care physician in July revealed an elevated level of liver enzymes. His doctor recommended Ellsworth go to the emergency room at Phoenix Children’s to have his liver checked. When he arrived at PCH, Ellsworth said everything “started failing.” “My kidney failed, my liver failed, and I started getting blood clots in my head,” Ellsworth said. “All of a sudden, everything just shut down. I didn’t understand why it would happen to me. I was a healthy kid, I worked out twice a day and ate healthy aside from the Dairy Queen a couple nights a week.” He remained at PCH for two weeks before he was released. He then spent another week at Mayo Clinic. Along with the failing organs and brain clots, Ellsworth has also suffered from third nerve palsy in

Highland senior tight end Colton Ellsworth had to step away from football this season due to several medical-related issues over the course of the summer. (Photos courtesy Donna Mundy Photography)

Ellsworth, who is 6-foot-5, lost 50 pounds over the course of three months while battling mono, a sinus infection, blood clots in his brain and failing organs that resulted in three separate hospital stays.

his left eye, which forced his eye lids shut until just recently. Despite now being open and allowing him to see, he is still unable to physically move his eyeball. To this day, doctors still can’t pinpoint the exact reason for his medical issues. But it has changed how he goes about his daily life. Now, instead of waking up and joining his teammates in workouts, practices or in the classroom, his day starts with a dose of blood thinners and antibiotics through a PICC line, which is repeated on several occasions throughout the day. “It’s kind of the same routine every day,” Ellsworth said. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, Ellsworth was poised for a breakout senior season as

one of junior quarterback Gage Dayley’s top targets. Ellsworth also spent time as defensive end last season, accounting for 10 total tackles, including a safety in 2019. Even if cleared to play at some point this season, there would still be a major uphill battle to get back into playing shape. Over the course of his three separate hospital stays, Ellsworth dropped from 225 pounds to just 172. He watched as his muscles quickly deteriorated and he became physically weak. Mentally, however, he’s always remained strong. At one point, he even became a support system for his parents. “I’ve always known I would be able to get past all of this,” Ellsworth said. “I just feel it. My parents always tell me my strength has also helped them.” Since arriving home after his latest hospital visit earlier in September, Ellsworth has been able to once again begin light workouts. He has been able to ride a bike for a short duration of time and perform goblet squats 20-pound weights. While still far off from his previous squat of 405

pounds, it’s progress. Ellsworth is currently on track to receive his last treatment and get his pick line taken out the week of Oct. 13. He had originally hoped to return to the classroom earlier, but with Highland’s fall break taking place Oct. 5-12, it made sense to return after. Once back in the classroom, he will then begin joining his teammates at practice and during games. However, he will remain in tennis shoes, a shirt and shorts. He doesn’t quite know what to expect when he walks out of the locker room, dubbed “The Hawks Nest,” and through the inflatable tunnel for the first time this season. He figures it will be somewhat emotional. But for the most part, he just looks forward to feeling the energy that comes from Highland football games, regardless of the lack of fans that will be in attendance. It’s a moment that he hopes arrives sooner rather than later. “I was sad when I was told I couldn’t play this year,” Ellsworth said. “But at the same time, I was just lucky to be alive. I can’t wait to get back out on the field again.”

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Schnepf Farms’ Halloween tradition is a go BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

he pandemic has cost the Valley scores of annual public events this year – from fundraising galas and community gatherings to well-established traditional celebrations like the Ostrich Festival and even the Arizona State Fair. But Mark and Carrie Schnepf are refusing to bow to COVID-19 and scrap one of the East Valley’s signature fall events – the Chili and Pumpkin Party on their 300-acre farm at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. “Someone needs to do normal because for families, it’s tough,” Carrie said. “It’s tough for everyone and we have a big space. … This is just for everyone to just enjoy each other. COVID-19 has been devastating to many families who have lost loved ones or those who have lost jobs. It’s time to finally have some positive memories.” With that theme, the Schnepfs are determined to help families eke some fun out of a year that’s been hard for everyone – including them. Their annual Peach Festival earlier this year was crimped by COVID-19 as they had to forego the traditional peach-picking by patrons, who instead ordered the fruit online and had it picked by the couple’s employees. Scores of spring weddings were canceled, further impacting the bottom line of an operation that depends on such events – as well as the Peach Festival and Chili and Pumpkin Party – to augment the revenue their more traditional farming generates. The Schnepfs have added a number of attractions to this year’s 23rd annual Halloween tradition, which runs Oct. 1-31 and draws thousands of families and couples on many weekend days and

The Hyper Loop is normally a staple at the Arizona State Fair but since there is none this year, it will be at Schnepf Farm all October for people who visit the Chili and Pumpkin Party. (Special to GSN)

Mark and Carrie Schnepf have implemented a number of safety protocols to enable visitors to maintain social distancing during their annual Chili and Pumpkin Party. (Special to GSN)

evenings. But the pandemic also has forced them to alter some aspects of the party – particularly the number of people they can allow on the premises at any

given day. “Extreme steps have been taken to assure visitors that when visiting this fall,” Carrie said. “Their safety and health is our top priority.”

The Schnepfs figure they can allow 4,000 people to attend the event, where masks will be required in close quarters like on the hayride, in the country store and a few other places and amusements – and will be mandatory throughout the farm 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays for those grandparents who want to bring their grandkids. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the site, as well as auto-flushing toilets, soap dispensers and hand dryers. Sanitizing teams will be cruising the farm to keep high-touch surfaces safe and all staff will have daily temperature and symptom checks. To keep the crowds manageable, people must buy their tickets online at pumpkinandchiliparty.com so that the Schnepfs know how many people are planning to come. While all-season passes are available and good any time, they are included in the count of single-visit tickets to help them count the crowd. “Once we get around 4,000 people, then there’s no more tickets to be purchased for that time,” Carrie said, adding that military, law enforcement and first responders can get in for $10 instead of the regular $23 admission – which entitles visitors to free rides and all other activities except food, the hayride and pumpkins. For those people who enjoy dropping by the party to pick a pumpkin or be one of the 50,000 visitors who gobble up the event’s famous chili lunches and dinners – but are nervous about mingling among others on the farm – the Schnepfs have you covered. They can order bowls of chili – complete with corn on the cob, a slice of corn bread and a brownie – and even

see TRADITION page 30

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TRADITION from page 29

caramel apple pies and pumpkins online at Schnepffarms.com. The online pantry also has other baked goods and food products. For those who do enter the grounds, the Schnepfs have added some amusements in addition to fan-favorite attractions like the pig races, petting zoo, bonfires and the 4-acre and 10-acre corn mazes. The larger maze is always cut in honor of a local sports celebrity and this year it will be Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps. Because the Arizona State Fair will not be held, the amusement ride supplier, Kastl Amusements of Casa Grande, is renting the Schnepfs a super slide and the Extreme Hyper Loop to add to the normal array of amusement rides like the roller coaster and kiddie ferris wheel. In the open-air pavilion, Molly Jacobs, the director of the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, has choreographed a small troupe of three costumed girls and two costumed boys to provide country-western shows every couple hours and there will be continuous line danc-

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ing for everyone. The Schnepfs also have had success with their drive-in movies on a 50foot screen and they’ve planned family-friendly Halloween-themed major motion pictures for people who feel like taking in a movie at $20 a carload in an area apart from the Chili and Pumpkin Party. “We can only take up to 150 or 200 cars but people love it,” Carrie said. “I get emails and phone calls every day about doing the drive-in now. We let them bring their own food and their snacks and they can sit in front of their vehicle or in the back. They just can’t sit beside their cars because of the social distancing.” They’ve also added additional times and days for the event, with 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-through-Thursday opportunities for families whose kids might be on fall break or can sneak away from their laptops if they’re doing distance learning. Other times are 1-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sundays.

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In Memoriam In Loving Memory of Peter Alexander Price Born in Christ April 16, 1991 Returned to God Sept. 26, 2007 Gone are the days we used to share But in our hearts you are always there. Never more than a thought away. Loved and remembered every day. Love, Gram Lani & Gramps Keith Meyers

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Concrete & Masonry

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C ONC R E TE & M ASONRY BLOCKWALL CONCRETE RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

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

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Concrete & Masonry

Garage/Doors

Block Fence * Gates

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Handyman

Doors

HANDYMAN 37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVICING & INSTALLING GARAGE DOORS AND OPERATORS

Place YOUR Business HERE!

OPEN 24/7 • SERVING ALL OF METRO PHOENIX • HONEST AND REPUTABLE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

ANOZIRA DOOR SYSTEMS

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Home Improvement HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Office 480-820-8515 Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6465

Home Improvement

Landscape/Maintenance

ACTION CONTRACTING INC. WE DO IT ALL!

East Valley

480-833-7353 - Office INCE 480-430-7737 - Cell - S A+

7 19

Man!”

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. • Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Ask me about FREE water testing!

Call or Text Adrian

480•376•9803 or 480•925•1418

FREE Estimates

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

520.508.1420

Junk Removal PLUS House Cleaning

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

General Contacting, Inc.

www.husbands2go.com

All Estimates are Free • Call:

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

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.

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

480.721.4146

Honest & Reliable

Home Improvement

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

Call Lance White

Superstition Landscape Maintenance

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

LLC

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Handyman

602.515.2767

Irrigation

ALL RESIDENTIAL & ✔ Kitchens rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo ✔ Bathrooms COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 rk Since 2012, 2013, Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 2014 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Over 28 Years Experience •Ahwatukee ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured Bruce at 602.670.7038

Not a licensed contractor.

aaaActionContractingInc.com

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Jose Martinez

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

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

Complete Clean Ups

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical

“No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” • Panel Changes Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! and Repairs 1999 e Sinc k Quality Wor Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 • Installation of Decks •Affo 2012, 2013, 2014 Ceiling Fans Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry • Switches/Outlets Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks • Home Remodel

TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

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

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

Electrical Services

High Quality Results

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

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

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Painting

Plumbing

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589 Not a licensed contractor

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Now Accepting all major credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Your leaks stop here! New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

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

30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Not a licensed contractor

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

HYDROJETTING

SAME DAY SERVICE

WORD SEARCH: A Non-serious Fuzzle

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Plumbing

ROC 3297740

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

ROC#309706

East Valley PAINTERS

Family Owned & Operated

Roofing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

480-338-4011

Roofing

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

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

Find the silly “F” words on the list. FRIVOLOUS FUN FLIPPANT FOOLISH FICKLE FEATHERBRAINED CB

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

NOW OPEN

HAPPY HOUR

Every Day 2pm-6pm and 10pm-CLOSE • $2 OFF ALL Draft Beer and Appetizers • $4 House Wine

• $2 Well Drinks • $4 Titos, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Herradura Silver, Jack Daniels

ALL DAY SPECIALS

MONDAY $10 Burgers TUESDAY $5 Dos XX Draft and Frozen House Margaritas $4 Chips with Salsa and Guac $6 Nachos WEDNESDAY $10 Wraps

THURSDAY $8 Wings and Chicken Tenders FRIDAY $9 Fish & Chips and Fishy Wrap SATURDAY $10 Pizzas SUNDAY $10 Pastas

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

480-687-2864

REGULAR HOURS : DAILY 11AM - 12AM

GILBERT SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

social

activities re-imagined through virtual vibrant living activities

safe

precautionary measures to keep you and your loved ones safe

devoted

to adjusting to every new safety measure the CDC suggests.

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

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

Liv Your Way! Call one of our communities today! LivGenerations Ahwatukee

LivGenerations Agritopia

15815 S. 50th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85048

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

480-485-3000

480-485-2000

livgenerationsahwatukee.com

livgenerationsagritopia.com