Gilbert Sun News - 03-22-2020

New Gilbert restaurant is family affair

Gilbert nonprofit founder helps victims of abuse

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Gilbert schools scramble amid unchartered waters

INSIDE

This Week

GSN NEWS STAFF

NEWS............................. 4 Virus reshaping Gilbert election campaign.

NEWS.......................... 13 Four firms eyeing Heritage Square project.

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chool closures and the possibility of their continuation threw schools districts in Gilbert and across Arizona into uncertainty as they faced a range of daunting issues.

From online instruction to graduation, continuing pay for non-teaching staff to meeting mandatory requirements of services to special-needs students, officials in both Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified looked to the state and federal government for guidance.

Gilbert’s largest school district is ready to roll out remote learning should campuses remain close for the rest of the academic year as it appeared likely.

Gov. Doug Ducey has ordered all schools in Arizona to close through March 27 due to COVID-19. He was scheduled today, March 22, to announce if the closure will be longer.

“Should the closure extend beyond Friday, March 27, the district will be ready to implement remote learning,” according to a Gilbert Public Schools statement. “If this is the case, parents and guardians will receive communication from both the district and their student’s teachers with further details” Higley Unified spokeswoman Michelle Reese said that during an extended closure, “optional lessons and learning activities will be made available.”

see VIRUS page 10

Sarah Lazar, left, and Fatin Khorshidz were two of many GPS nutrition services employees who distributed free breakfast and lunch packs to kids.

(Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

Retired Navy leader named to Gilbert Council

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

SPORTS...................

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

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High school athletes sidelined indefinitely.

COMMUNITY.......................17 BUSINESS............................ 19

SPORTS..................................21 CLASSIFIED.........................23

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retired Navy lieutenant commander is expected to be sworn in Tuesday, taking his seat at the Gilbert Town Council dais.

Council in a special meeting last Tuesday unanimously voted 6-0 to appoint Bill Spence to the job held previously by Eddie Cook through the end of the year.

An election takes place this August to fill the remaining two years of Cook’s term following his appointment as Maricopa County assessor in February.

“I’m a team-builder,” said Spence during his televised interview. “I’ve always been

able to work very well with others and capitalize on this synergy that comes from a team empowered to innovate and think out of the box, to solve problems.

“I consider this to be invaluable to the town at this critical juncture with the turnover that we have. We really just have a very short period of time to come together, coalesce and figure out what our problems are and work as a team to solve them. The town is depending on us on getting back to the leadership that this body is able to perform.”

Council is looking at two more possible vacancies to fill.

Councilman Jordan Ray has indicated his intention to run for justice of the peace and Councilwoman Brigette Peterson is prepar-

ing for a shot at the mayor’s job.

Both must resign from Council when they file their nomination petitions to run for those two offices.

Spence was one of eight finalists culled from a list of 103 applicants interviewed for the seat.

The seven other finalist included Yung Koprowski, Jan Simon, Amanda Shaffie, Scott September, Noah Mundt, Kathleen Joy Dowler and Todd Jorgenson.

Simon, September and Mundt sit on the town’s Planning Commission and Koprowski serves on the town’s adhoc Citizens Transportation Task Force.

see COUNCIL page 9

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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NEWS

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Gilbert butcher burglary sets off looting fears

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

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break-in and theft at a Gilbert butcher shop last week threw town residents into panic mode that “looting” was on the horizon as the global pandemic continued to disrupt supermarket supplies.

Gilbert Police arrested Jeffrey Charles Schomer, 42, shortly after he allegedly broke into Gilbert Butchery and absconded with cash and a trash can filled with frozen meat. The Gilbert resident faces criminal trespass and burglary charges, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

“There is a small window that was broken, next to the door and they came in that way,” said Krista Roosevelt, who owns the shop with her husband, Dan. The couple in April 2019 opened the business near Val Vista Drive and Warner Road, specializing in fine-cut meats.

“They just broke the register and got the cash and grabbed a garbage can and took meats from the freezer really quickly,” Roosevelt said.

She didn’t know the value of the meat taken but noted there wasn’t much left in the freeze out front to begin with because most of it had been sold the day before.

“The garbage can was recovered,” she said. “They found all the meat in his freezer after they caught him.”

Schomer’s arrest came after a Gilbert officer on patrol saw the shop’s smashed window, according to a police news release. The burglary took place around

Gilbert Butchery owner Krista Roosevelt was back in business quickly following a burglary at her store last week.

(Chris Mortenson/GSN Contributor)

4:45 a.m.

Police viewed the store’s surveillance video and later located and arrested Schomer.

Schomer is a repeat offender with criminal cases that include identify theft, theft of a vehicle and burglary charges dating back as far as 1997, according to court records.

Schomer’s last reported arrest was in February. He was apprehended on suspicion of third-degree burglary after a police officer observed Schomer and another man in the parking lot of a hardware store in Apache Junction moments after it has been burglarized.

Over the past few months several busi-

nesses were burglarized in Gilbert and other East Valley locations, according to police.

Gilbert Police said Schomer has been linked to commercial burglaries in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler and Tempe and that more charges may be added later after the investigations conclude.

The news of the shop’s burglary was posted on social media, generating over 300 comments, many blaming the hoarding situation for the cause.

“Wow, people are getting desperate and more of this is going to happen,” one person predicted.

see MEAT page 16

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tudents under the age of 18 who pick up free or reduced lunches at Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified sites.

GPS sites include Harris Elementary, 1820 S. Harris Drive; • Meridian Elementary, 3900 S. Mountain Road; Mes-

quite Junior High, 130 W. Mesquite St.; Greenfield Junior High, 101 S. Greenfield Road; Highland Junior High, 6915 E. Guadalupe Road; and South Valley Junior High, 2034 S. Lindsay Road. Breakfast is available 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday .

Higley also is offering free breakfasts and lunches for take-out only at drive-

throughs at all its schools. There is no income or resident requirement for Higley’s meals and children 18 and under are eligible, as they are in GPS. All meals include napkins and plasticware as well as a straw and bathroom tissue. Full menus and other finformation is available at husd.org and gilbertschools.net.

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

COVID-19 reshaping Gilbert’s elections

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

T

hree of the 15 people seeking election to Gilbert Town Council have dropped out – and the coronavirus played a role.

Two potential candidates’ aspirations were dashed by the coronavirus, which limited their ability to collect enough signatures by deadline to qualify for the ballot.

The mayor and three council seats are up for grabs in the Aug. 4 primary. Each potential candidate must collect at least 1,000 valid signatures on their nomination petitions by April 6.

Traditional spots for collecting signatures, such as public gathering places, are now off-limits as they are considered potential hotbeds for spreading COVID-19.

“I had to suspend it,” said Charles Jackson, who was planning to go to locations such as SanTan Mall over the weekend for signatures.

“It came down to being a father and husband,” he said. “I am not overly concerned about getting the virus but did make the decision based on the safety and welfare of my children and wife.

“It was important for me to run but not important enough for me to jeopardize the health and welfare of my family.”

Joining Jackson on the political sideline is Monique Keberlein, both seeking one of two seats that carried a four-year term. The other seat is for two years.

“I have 300 (signatures),” Keberlein said last week, “but not enough probably to make the deadline. I’m suspending the campaign.”

Tyler Hudgins said he was confident he will have enough to file his petition by deadline.

“We are actually doing great,” Hudgins said. “I’ve just been going around and not too worry about (coronavirus). It’s been good, I got more than enough (signatures).”

Sandra Reynolds, who at the last minute switched from running for mayor to Council, said she is prepared to run but suggested the April 6 deadline be ex-

To collect signatures for a November ballot initiative that would limit school vouchers, Save Our Schools ran a drive-through operation March 15 in which volunteers took extra precautions with hygience gear and even sanitizer to wipe pens. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

tended.

“I fully believe the shutdown of all events has seriously impacted the ability to gather signatures,” Reynolds said.

“I also believe, because of this, and the fear of people to answer their doors, that the deadline to get signatures should be extended by at least 30 days for those who already have declared their intent to run,” Reynolds said, adding: “This is most important for Gilbert, which has had, and continues to have, an almost complete turnover of the Council.

“We should not alter our ability to have candidates run because of this crisis. Choice is the basis for making our town and country the best it can be.”

Town Clerk Lisa Maxwell said the town’s hands are tied.

“When I talked to the Secretary of State last week, they said they could not make any changes since it is dictated by State Statute,” Maxwell said.

Two other council candidates said they submitted their nomination petitions last week to get on the ballot – Kathy Tilque and Busola Obayomi.

Tilque said she was able to collect over 1,600 signatures.

“Fortunately, I was able to gather my signatures over time and have essential-

ly been done for a month, so I wasn’t impacted by the cancellation of events as other candidates have been,” said Tilque, the president and CEO of Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. She will retire from that position June 30.

Obayomi said he gave his petitions to the Town Clerk with 1,135 signatures, having started the process in October.

“Yes, corona would have slowed me down in collecting signatures if I have waited until now,” he said. “I utilized friends and acquaintances to get signatures.”

Incumbent Scott Peterson said he’s in good shape, stating “I distributed my petitions and had people working on them prior to this current craziness.”

“I have just over the minimum 1,000 right now, but I would like to have about 1,200-1,300. I am collecting the petitions that are still out and it looks like I will be in the 1,200-1,300 range.”

Four people filed statements of interest for the two-year Council seat – Laurin Hendrix, Robert Ferron, Bill Spence and Yung Koprowski. The seat was vacated by Eddie Cook, who was appointed Maricopa County assessor in February.

Spence, said he was doing “extremely well” in getting signatures. He was ap-

pointed temporarily to Cook’s seat last week until it’s filled by election.

“It’s slowed down the last few days but I have a great team of neighbors knocking on doors and things are going well,” Spence said.

“As soon as I filed the letter of intent, we made a concerted effort from day one to do as much as we could. The progress we made in the first week and half more than made up for any shortcoming the coronavirus has. We are on track to (file) within the next week.”

Koprowski, who filed her intent to run for the seat last week admitted it will be an uphill effort to qualify for the race, given her late entry and the coronavirus.

“I’m giving it a good effort,” she said.

“I have a lot of people helping me too.

Primarily, I have been distributing signature forms to friends throughout the community and hoping that they are able to collect a few signatures from their neighbors and friends they may be in touch with. I’ve been going doorto-door in my own neighborhood and I’m asking people to come to me. I don’t want to offend anyone at this time.”

Koprowski was one of eight finalists for appointment to the seat.

Hendrix said he intended to file his papers.

“The coronavirus concerns have affected everyone’s ability to get signatures,” he said. But “I don’t anticipate having a problem obtaining the necessary signatures.”

Ferron last week said he’s no longer seeking the seat after he was not chosen as a finalist for a nine-month appointment to Cook’s seat.

My decision was based on time and effort needed to collect enough signatures,” he said, adding: “I had signaled my desire to run, and applied for the vacant Town Council appointed seats, when I was not chosen as a finalist, I decided that instead, I will run when I have adequate time and support. I am looking to run in 2022 or 2024.”

In the mayor’s race, Matt Nielsen filed

see ELECTIONS page 5

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

ELECTIONS

from page 4

NEWS

March 2, much later than the other candidates to begin collecting signatures but was determined nonetheless. Mayor Jenn Daniels announced in February she was not seeking re-election.

“Signature collection is going very well, but I am concerned that without online petition signing available we’re unnecessarily exposing Gilbert citizens during a time when we’re all trying to be careful and safe,” Nielsen said.

Three others running for the position also intend to meet the deadline.

“We are doing well,” Gary Livacari said. “We’re definitely seeing less traffic out there but the good news for us is we already collected 1,000 signatures before the virus became a public problem.

Right now, we are trying to cushion the signature count.”

He said he’s no longer going to public places like he has before looking for the signatures.

“We are spending lot of our time

talking to people in targeted ways, going to their homes, asking if we can come over if they are comfortable with us coming over and maybe invite some of their friends over to sign petitions so it’s more target instead of out in the public as we have been doing,” he said. “It’s a shame this has had to happen.”

King Smith was hopeful in her bid for office. “We are doing real well, honestly,” she said. “I don’t know what’s ahead in the coming days and how comfortable we will be knocking on doors and asking for signatures.

“So far people understand it’s the only way to get that done for the ballot. But we are on track, over half way there.”

Peterson, who will have to resign from Council when she filed her nomination petition, said she’s not collected signatures at large events, instead holding successful signing events with other candidates.

“I’m in the process of reaching out to

friends and supporters carrying petitions and as such I don’t have a count right now,” Peterson said. “I’m definitely working on a comfortable buffer. I also have a local coffee shop offering to host me so I will be doing that too, as long as businesses are open.”

She noted she and her volunteers also are taking precautions by carrying wipes for pens and clipboards.

Those seeking to run for state Legislature or any statewide office like Corporation Commission can tell supporters to go online to the Secretary of State’s website at apps.azsos.gov/equal, where they can sign their candidate’s petition.

Groups seeking to get an initiative proposal on the November ballot must collect signatures by hand. Save Our Schools, pushing an initiative to limit private school vouchers, conducted a drive-by petition signing at a Mesa strip mall with volunteers wearing gloves and sanitizing pens.

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Four-year Council seats: Tyler Hudgins Scott Anderson Sandra Reynolds Busola Obayomi (Petition received) Kathy Tilque (Filed) Monique Keberlein (Dropped) Charles Jackson (Dropped) Two-year Council seat Laurin Hendrix Robert Ferron (Dropped) Bill Spence Yung Koprowski

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Virus forces unwelcome changes for Gilbert businesses

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

i

legal Modern Cocktail Kitchen touted itself as Gilbert’s first rooftop full-service restaurant and craft cocktail bar as it geared for an April 3 opening.

Staff was undergoing training and a shipment of glassware arrived last week to the establishment housed in a three-story building on Gilbert Road near Vaughn Avenue.

But the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench into the owners’ plans for the Heritage District.

Gov. Doug Ducey late Thursday ordered the closure of certain businesses such as bars and mandated restaurants to provide dine-out options only.

“If bars and restaurants are forced to close, obviously we are not opening on the target date,” said Lynne King Smith, who created the concept with Erika Rode, owner of Bitters Bar & Food in Scottsdale.

Restaurants in Gilbert and throughout Maricopa County are devoid of dine-in patrons for an indefinite period and many are trying to stay afloat with delivery and takeout service. (Special to GSN)

King Smith, a Gilbert resident running for mayor, also is the founder of Ticket

Force and principal of Building 313 – the location of ilegal.

our vulnerable populations over and over again.”

But her efforts were up-ended when Gov. Doug Ducey ordered all bars and restaurants in Maricopa County to stop in-dining services and only offer food and alcohol on a take-out or delivery basis.

Daniels did declare a state of emergency for Gilbert last Monday, closing municipal buildings through April 10 and suspending parks and recreation programs.

Hours before Ducey’s announcement late Thursday, Daniels participated in the first teleconference call with businesses to learn their needs during the outbreak. The governor’s mandate does not affect counties without coronavirus cases.

The intent is to hold the joint callin conference hosted by the town and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce every Wednesday – or more if needed. Roughly 74 people participated in the event

with over 196 registered. Participants were able to ask questions via phone or online.

“The most common question we are hearing from our businesses is do we intend to close,” Daniels said in the teleconference call with business owners.

“The answer is ‘no.’ We do not intend to mandate closures.”

Daniels advised businesses to follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Arizona Department of Public Health that recommended no gatherings with 10 or more people.

She also urged they follow procedures to protect the health of employees and the public.

Daniels said the town would only mandate business closures if the community’s physical safety was threatened or if the state or federal government ordered a shut down, which Ducey did some eight hours later.

“We want you to have all the tools you

Mayor Jenn Daniels last Monday declared a state of emergency for Gilbert, closing municipal buildings through April 10 and suspending parks and recreation programs. Prior to the governor’s announcement, the decision was left up to individual eateries in Gilbert.

Early last week, some restaurants in town chose to remain open for dine-in service, including Zinburger, Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille, High Tide Seafood Bar, and Grill and the Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar located in the SanTan Village mall.

High Tide said it was taking “the utmost precaution” in its sanitation and clearing procedures for its customers who chose to dine in while also offering pick-up service.

“I’ve owned the restaurant since 1996,” said Jim Moran, Blue Wasabi owner last Monday. “So, I’ve been around the block in this location for 12 years. I felt a small

see BUSINESSES page 8

Mayor tries to reassure virus-rattled businesses

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ov. Doug Ducey’s order last week shutting down certain businesses came hours after Mayor Jenn Daniels made it clear to Gilbert merchants that they won’t be ordered by the town to close during the pandemic.

Hours before the governor’s announcement last Thursday, Daniels had posted on social media that anyone with a compromised immune system, older than 60 or who knowingly had been exposed to any illness should stay home.

“Our businesses, particularly our restaurants know this and I have seen them implementing these standards,” she said. “Measures like sheltering in place and closing public places could exacerbate the problem by not creating a population with immunity and to have someone reintroduce the virus to the community when these protective measures are lifted and repeatedly endanger

need in order to make sure your business continues,” said Daniels, who acknowledged the fear, anxiety and angst business owners were having during this time.

Daniels was joined by Town Manager Patrick Banger, Economic Development Director Dan Henderson and the Chamber’s Kathy Tilque, president/CEO, and Sarah Watts, vice president.

Officials directed businesses to the town’s and chamber’s websites for updates and links to resources such as the Small Business Administration.

The SBA is offering low-interest loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Individual small businesses in Arizona could be eligible for up to $2 million.

Michael Carroll, a tax accountant, said a number of his clients’ biggest concern was how they were going to pay their rents with retail shutting down.

see MAYOR page 8

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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NEWS

BUSINESSES from page 6

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

impact this weekend, 10 percent off my projections.

“I’ve talked to literally hundreds of people and most of the people I’ve talked to think it’s overblown and an overreaction,” Moran added. “Obviously, we are serving sushi and we are disinfecting everything to begin with.”

He said the restaurant was doing more intense cleaning of tables and bathrooms.

“My contingency plan is just to react to whatever government edict comes down and based on what’s happened in other places, the worst-case scenario would be to go to delivery and pick-up only for a couple of weeks,” Moran said, adding: “I’ll just roll with the punches. It’s the nature of the business, as they say, ‘this too shall pass.’”

But decisions were fluid and changed in a blink of the eye, as was the case at Liberty Market, a popular eatery in the Heritage District.

“It’s business as usual here in Liberty,” said manager Julie Townsend last Monday. “It seems a bit quieter in the rushes but people are in the dining room, people are on the patio. We are good.”

Two days later, Liberty Market shut down its dining room, going to take-out only. Other restaurants doing the same include Sal’s Gilbert Pizza, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery and Postino WineCafe just to name a few.

Fire and Brimstone Eatery at Agritopia, however, elected to close down altogether last Thursday, citing health concerns of the coronavirus.

Restaurants aren’t the only business-

Gilbert Farmers Market announced on its Facebook page last week it will continue to open on Saturdays downtown.

Crumbl Cookies at SanTan Village reported a drop in sale.

“Yes, there’s a drop,” said Georgie Adams, an employee at the locally owned franchise.

“I would say at least 10 percent.”

She said the store has changed its delivery times to 11 a.m.10 p.m. from noon to midnight because of the coronavirus. The company also has stopped delivery to hospitals and nursing homes at this time.

Board & Brush Gilbert, a creative art stuLynne King Smith of Gilbert was forced to delay opening her Heritage District bar and restaurant because of the order to close restaurants to iin-dinging patrons. dio last week closed (Facebook) its revenue-generating workshops to enes in Gilbert affected by the pandemic. sure the public’s safety.

Celine Feezell, a pastry chef who sells Franchise owner Melissa Malcom her products at farmers markets and admitted the move would hurt her fievents around town, said on social me- nancially. To stay afloat during the pandia she’s had to scale back her business. demic, she’s asked her customers to She did not respond to a request for buy gift cards. comments.

“Sadly, we are getting very minimal “For us vendors, this is our busiest support from our customers purchastime of the year,” she wrote. “Unfortu- ing gift certificates,” the Gilbert resinately, I’m cutting my product by half dent said. due to what’s going on.”

“We have sold only a handful so far,”

Malcom said. “Our landlord is unwilling to allow us to make payments or to get any type of rent relief at this time. As a single-mom, widow and small-business owner my extra income to cover these expenses are basically non-existent.”

She said the company has pondered viable alternatives but to no avail.

“Since all of our products are used in a certain method for the safety of our customers already with their in-studio experience, we do not have a viable way to have them pick up products and take home,” she said.

“We are not a retail operation but rather an entertainment in-studio instructor experience so that in the studio we have the ability to take certain precautions that can’t be replicated with a “To-Go Craft Kit” that some companies are offering.”

“Additionally, we do not want people even out and about if avoidable to come pick up the kit as that still risks many factors.”

She said Board & Brush is offering a buy one, get one free projects for May but the uncertainly is making customers uncomfortable with purchasing in advance.

“I think many of our customers’ concerns are the same as that of my own staff, what if we need supplies, food, medicine, etc and we aren’t getting paid during this time,” Malcom said.

She said the best the company knows to do right now is to stay engaged with its customers on social media in the hope they make it through and thrive.

He added if they can’t make rent, commercial real estate will be left with a bunch of empty stores.

He also said he’s seeing a lot of focus on restaurants, which can still earn money with deliveries, take-outs and curbside pick ups but nothing for businesses like local salons and mom-and-pop boutique retail.

“The point is not lost on us.” Watts said.

She said the Chamber is brainstorming and working with the business community on how it can help them on this.

Tilque said Tempe was looking at the rent issue now and what that city comes up with could possibly become a best practice for Gilbert.

“I’m not sure it’s the Town’s role to dictate that or take on the burden of alleviating the responsibility of rent,” she added.

Banger noted as the town approaches April 10, officials will evaluate if the closure needs to be longer.

He emphasized that town services such as public safety, water, permitting and inspections, except for parks and recreation, were still operating as normal.

Notices have been posted on munici-

MAYOR from page 6

Watts said the Chamber has set up community Facebook pages, one for businesses to share and access resources and another for restaurants and caterers to post menus and take-out-delivery options for the public to view.

A third Facebook page for Gilbert-area nonprofits has not been activated yet but would provide opportunities, volunteering and other support the public can do for charities, according to Watts.

see MAYOR page 16

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

COUNCIL from page 1

Both Spence and Koprowski were out collecting signatures to get on the ballot to run for the seat in the Aug. 3 primary.

Each finalist was sent a list of the same six questions ahead of their interview. They were given a two-minute opening statement, three minutes to respond to each question and one minute for closing.

Each council member asked a question that covered the finalists’ views on the proper role of government; what they felt should be the town’s transportation priority both short- and long-terms and how to fund the projects; and what recommendations they had for the town’s financial policies and tax system.

They also were asked what the current Council can do to improve itself and what it should continue doing, their top priority in improving the town’s longterm sustainability and quality of life and what expertise they bring to the table.

Spence, a 10-year resident, said he believed the government’s role was to pro-

NEWS

vide basic services such as police, fire, water and infrastructure.

He added that during his campaigning, he’s met people who think the government’s role should extend to issues involving feral cats, high-density housing, pickleball courts and business signage.

He said each of those concerns was important to the people who raise them and they should all be treated with importance.

He also spoke about government’s role in effective communication and being relatable to its residents.

He said he was a big fan of meeting with businesses and residents to help alleviate their concerns when a transportation project disrupts their operation.

His ideas for long-term financial health included building upon the destination experience for Gilbert, which already has several great parks and the Heritage District. He noted that 80 percent of the foot traffic downtown is from outside the town.

He also wants to bring light industri-

al to Gilbert and would consider having workshops that would help small businesses get online and sell their products online.

And, he emphasized that he was against any tax increase and that there are other avenues to explore without pursuing that as a solution.

After the interviews, the Council met behind closed doors to discuss the finalists and came out to vote.

No resident or media were in the audience after the town declared a state of emergency last Monday and closed its municipal buildings to the public and postponed programs and events.

9

Mayor Jenn Daniels congratulated Bill Spence on his selection to fill former Councilman Eddie Cook’s seat for the rest of this year. (Cecilia Chan/GSN Managing

Editor)

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• LOCALLY UPDATED • PROPERLY INFORMED • SAFE At a time when the entire world is in an ever-changing state, and health concerns are paramount, you can continue to rely on the Gilbert Sun News to keep you informed on how the COVID-19 virus is affecting your local community. We appreciate the trust placed in us as the news and voice of the community.

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NEWS

VIRUS from page 1

She pointed to the district’s website for further details on its plans during the closure and did not respond to what would be done to accommodate households without computer access.

District spokeswoman Dawn Antestenis did not provide details on what remote learning might look like.

Many districts are struggling to develop a plan – and one of the big challenges involves training all teachers to teach in a virtual classroom.

Barbara Newman, GPS executive director of teaching and learning, said the state Education Department is recommending online learning.

Lesson plans would be in hard copy for households where there is no access to a computer or internet, Newman said.

The district has 10 Title 1 schools, which means a large percentage of the student population is low-income.

A Pew Research study in 2019 found that 94 percent of U.S. adults with an income over $100,000 had a computer at home, but that number dropped to just 54 percent for those with an income below $30,000.

The study showed a similar gap for internet access, with broadband access at home for 94 percent of adults with incomes over $100,000 compared to just 56 percent for those with incomes below $30,000.

Some districts were already launching limited online instruction last week and trying to address the “digital divide” affecting needy households.

Te m pe Union began loaning laptops to qualified students and Scottsdale Unified also began offering computers and a limited number of Verizon hotspot modems.

Scottsdale also partnered with a number of access providers to help families access the internet.

Through the Cox Communications’ Connect2Compete program, qualified families can receive a month of free service ($9.95 per month after) and receive free installation and wifi setup.

Scottsdale is also working with PCs for People to provide discounted computers for families.

Sprint and T-Mobile are also offering unlimited data to existing customers and

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

the lost days. It also would extend the window for required statewide standard assessment tests through the end of May. That March 30 date is not chosen by accident. That is the date that state school Superintendent Kathy Hoffman last Sunday picked for reopenThese breakfast and lunch packs were distributed to children at various Gilbert ing following a twoPublic Schools sites last week. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer) week closure in response to the spread of COVID-19 and the fact that teachers Comcast Xfinity is offering free use of were calling in sick, leaving many classhotspots.

Gilbert students have access to a wide rooms without someone to lead them.

But the legislation crafted by Rep. Mirange of enrichment learning resources on the district’s website – but the work is chelle Udall, R-Mesa, – a part-time teachnot part of the curriculum and does not er – and Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, has no such assumption that the emercount towards a student’s grades.

During the closure, the district’s custo- gency will be over by then.

If students are not back in school dial team was doing a deep clean of all March 30, the lawmakers’ measure classrooms, according to Superintendent Shane McCord, who addressed the GPS would suspend state laws that require Governing Board at a special meeting there be a certain number of school days and instructional hours. It also would last Tuesday.

The GPS board encouraged the public cancel the annual statewide achieveto view the meeting from home but if ment tests for this year and ensure that they wanted to attend, audience seating the letter grades now assigned to each was spaced far apart. It was unclear last school do not decline.

The legislation also allows the state week if the board will hold its regularly scheduled March 31 meeting or wheth- Board of Education to adopt rules to ener the expected announcement by Ducey sure graduation happens.

“What we figure is if a student is on today would prompt a special meeting track to graduate this year that we’re

by GPS’ board this week.

Neither GPS nor Higley Unified have not going to do anything to prevent them from graduating,’’ Udall said. addressed proms and graduations.

But the most significant part her and Some out-of-state universities already Allen’s measure would be to require pubhave announced their intentions to hold “virtual graduations” online in the ex- lic schools to offer education services pectation that recommended and man- “in alternative formats’’ if they want to datory limits of public gatherings to no get their state aid. And it would allow more than 10 people will likely force schools to continue to pay employees cancelation of physical commencement to work from home or perform alternative assignments through the end of the exercises.

Meanwhile at the state Legislature, a school year.

The GPS Governing Board last week bill is making its way to ease the requireadopted a resolution that allows the sument to make up days lost to closures.

SB 1693 spells out that if classes re- perintendent to continue regular payroll sume by March 30, there is no require- expenses during the crisis. The resolument for school districts to make up tion also validated McCord’s decision to

close the district’s schools. McCord made the decision to lock campuses two days before the governor shut down schools statewide.

Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, said the legislation does provide a lot of flexibility.

He said it can include online lessons for students with access to computers.

But Thomas said it also provides the opportunity for teachers to prepare and send home packets of materials for students to review.

Thomas said there is no real reason that many things cannot be taught remotely.

“You can take the SAT test online,’’ he said.

But that, Thomas said, requires months of preparation, something the state does not have.

“The trick is, we’re in kind of uncharted territory,’’ he said. And that, said Thomas, will require some creativity by educators.

The easiest situations to take care of, he said, might be for specific subject teachers. Consider, Thomas said, someone teaching social studies and lessons for the next two weeks involve the Civil War. “Send out some readings, some assignments, some enrichment activities,’’ he said.

That last category, Thomas said, could be viewing a movie -- one that would be interesting enough for a parent to also enjoy and then be able to discuss the issues with a child.

And he said this isn’t a one-way street.

Students could show what they know, for example, by preparing and sending back a journal. Even an open-book test is an option.

“They’ll get that back to us, either email or some kind of form online or a packet,’’ Thomas said. “And we’ll grade that and that will be the grade they get for the assignment.’’

The legislation also contains some provisions designed to provide financial flexibility. For example, Udall said, money earmarked for student transportation could be reallocated to other priorities.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Town reschedules events due to coronavirus

The camp is open to all families in need of care for children ages 3-12. The cost will be $20 daily, with a $25 registration fee for new families.

The daily fee will be waived for children of healthcare workers and first-responders.

Camp will operate with one adult assigned to a group of five children. The adults (one per shift) will remain with the same children throughout the week.

Staff will continue to provide extra cleaning throughout the day, as well as thorough cleaning each evening.

Registration is open at husd.org/communityed.

Gilbert has rescheduled a number of its events that had been slated this month and were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new dates include: Gilbert Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m., Oct. 11; KAPOW Superhero Adventure Run, Oct. 11; Gilbert Downtown Concert Series: April 16, 23, 30, May 7, May 21 and May 28; Global Village Festival, Nov. 7. The Movie in the Park with “Frozen 2,” set originally for April 3, has not yet been rescheduled.

Higley waives kid camp fees for emergency workers Boys & Girls Club extends Higley Unified School District will offer hours during closures

The Boys and Girls Club in Gilbert, 44 N Oak St, is now opened during schools hours, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. while campuses are closed, it was announced.

Gov. Doug Ducey announced the closing of all schools in Arizona until March

a Kids Club Camp 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27 at Chaparral Elementary School, 3380 E. Frye Road, Gilbert.

The governor closed all schools in Arizona through March 27.

27 due to the coronavirus.

“We came to this decision, despite the increase in costs, to be able to support our community,” the club’s statement read. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to operate as long as we are able to provide a safe environment for young people. As always, we place the safety of our youth and staff at the highest level.”

The club is available to current members and open to new members with priority being given to healthcare and essential employees. Space is limited.

The club also will serve families that are not able to telecommute for their work and children that rely on the school systems for daily meals. Parents must keep sick and high-risk children home.

Information: bgcmp.org/gilbert-branch.

Recall election set for Val Vista Lakes HOA officials

Homeowners in Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert are scheduled to hold an election

March 24 to recall the president and vice president of the HOA board.

A group of residents spearheading the recall of President Marci Johnson and Vice President Melissa Scovel successfully garnered over 300 signatures on a petition, forcing the election in the community of roughly 2,200 homes.

Ashley Nardecchia, who is part of the group, said the election is over the board’s attempt to restrict free speech on social media.

Nardecchia has a private Facebook page where she and others commented about the board that the HOA attorney found to be negative and sent ceaseand-desist letters to her and eight others threatening them with daily fines and suspension of their club house privileges. After the issue was publicized in the media, the board sent out another letter to the nine residents retracting the threats.

However, the board did not preclude the threat of further legal action, the group claimed.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

NEWS

13

Virus crisis hits special-needs kids and their parents hard

BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

T

he closure of Arizona schools in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic has created particularly severe challenges for special-needs children, whose parents rely on schools and outside therapists.

Michele Thorne, a Tempe mother of two autistic children, said single moms raising special-needs children are particularly impacted.

That’s why Thorne is giving a free one-month membership to her website, damesusa.com.

“The special needs community has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Thorne, a scientist who had been working for five years at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, or TGen, until she decided she needed more time to care for her son and daughter.

DAMES, an acronym for Differently-Abled Mothers Empowerment Society.

The acronym plays off the name of an honorific title given women in Britain and some other countries.

Michele Thorne, the mother of two autistic children, is offering help to mothers of specialThorne said needs children impacted by school closures. (GSN file photo) the indefinite school clo“This is not an extended vacation,” she sures and decisions by many therapists said of the closures. “This is life or death to reduce or close office hours have imfor their children.” pacted both kids and parents.

Thorne’s experience as a mother of “Many of our children thrive on rouspecial needs children – or, as she prefers tines and this change in routines has to call them, “differently-abled” kids – in- been extremely difficult for them,” she spired her to start an organization called said, adding her website provides tools

to help them through this crisis.

“Everything we do is online or on our mobile app because special needs parents are often isolated from society,” Thorne said. “Right now, we are in a moment in time where everyone is isolated from each other. We have lost access to the self-care tools that ground us.”

Because schools “are an incredible resource for the special-needs community,” closures are making it more difficult for children on Individualized Education Plans that require “specialized instruction that we as parents don’t know how to do at home.”

School districts have been setting up mechanisms to help fill the void created by the closures but “for now, we parents are in limbo” – particularly because the school programs are virtually the only source of needed therapy services.

Families that can afford private thera-

see NEEDS page 14

4 firms interested in Heritage District project

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

F

our companies are competing to bring an anchor-retail project – such as a neighborhood market – to the Heritage District.

Circle West Architects, Crescent Communities, TY Harrison Architecture and Eisenberg Co. have responded to the town’s request for qualifications, according to Kiley Phillips, spokeswoman for the town’s Office of Economic Development.

“A panel will review and shortlist in accordance with purchasing policies,” she said.

According to the town’s timeline, a committee will rank the four and forward it to Council in executive session this Tuesday for review.

On March 30, the town is then expected to issue a request for proposal to the companies picked for the short list. They will have until May 21 to submit proposals.

The town expects to begin negotiations with the selected firm in June.

The project site is 2.18 acres located at the northwest corner of Gilbert and Elliot roads, considered a gateway to the Heritage District.

The town’s vision for the so-called South Anchor, which sits within the Lacy Track neighborhood, includes the market, a pharmacy or a convenience store that is walkable and fronting Elliot Road.

The town expects to sell the land at market value to the selected developer and will not give leasing support or guarantees.

Town leadership in 1989 declared the .3-square-mile Heritage District a redevelopment area, which gives Gilbert the flexibility it needs to revitalize the downtown.

The District takes in the original town site, the commercial areas on both sides of Gilbert Road and the residential neighborhoods east and west of Gilbert Road between the Western Canal and Elliot Road.

Guided by the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan, adopted in 1991, the downtown today is a noted gastronomic

draw with offerings such as Culinary Dropout, Postino East and OHSO B r e w e r y.

Some 27,000 vehicle trips a day occur in the Heritage District.

Gilbert’s journey to reach this point didn’t The town is hoping that that one of four firms will submit a proposal for a retail project on this site in the Heritage District. (Town of Gilbert) happen overnight but was a slow and steady effort, a cumulative the Heritage District.

Market conditions determine when the effort of assembling parcels downtown town sell or lease the sites to developers. over decades.

Some of the parcels the town has sold The town in 2018 owned a bulk of the non-residential properties in the Heri- or leased in the District for projects intage District, roughly 62.3 acres, accord- clude a land sale to Common Bond for Culinary Dropout and a land lease to Gilbert ing to the town’s redevelopment plan.

The plan, last updated in 2018, iden- Chamber of Commerce, both located east tifies certain sites for certain projects in of Gilbert Road.

14

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

State’s jobless benefits will stay at minimum wage offs in service-related industries specifically among those in the accommodation and food service industries, whether the virus was identified or not.

So far, Arizona appears to be lagging in that trend.

Preliminary figures for the past week put first-time claims at 3,844, a 14.5 percent increase from the week before.

But the New York Times, analyzing preliminary data for the current week, showed nearly 630,000 claims. And that information is based on just 15 states.

Central to issue is the state’s unemployment insurance law.

Under that law, individuals who are laid off or fired through no fault of their own are entitled to collect payments equal to one-half of what they were earning, for up to 26 weeks. The payments come out of a special fund financed through premiums paid by employers.

Arizona law, however, limits benefits to $240 a week, no matter how much the person had been earning before. Only

Mississippi at $235 has a lower cap.

The question of payments is strictly a state decision. But it is the issue of who gets to collect benefits that is now in sharp focus.

One issue is that Arizona law says an individual has to be available to work for any willing employer.

A change to Arizona law signed in 2018

by Ducey says that people who don’t take pretty much any job after being out of work for at least four weeks automatically lose their unemployment benefits.

The problem with that in the face of COVID-19, according to the Department of Labor, is that it does not account for what happens when an employer temporarily shuts down due to the virus, with the expectation the worker will return when business resumes.

In its advisory, the Department of Labor says states are free to conclude that someone who had been working for that firm can collect benefits as long as he or she is available to retake the original job.

More complicated is the requirement to actually seek work, particularly if the job still exists and the company remains open but the employee is quarantined.

In that case, the Department of Labor says states can decide that a person meets the work-search requirement by remaining “able and available for that job’’ and that the person will “take reasonable steps to preserve their ability to come back to that job.’’

SB 1694 and its companion, HB 2911, gives DES the authority to adopt similar rules.

More complicated is the requirement to actually seek work, particularly if the job still exists but the employee is quarantined and presumably should not be out looking for a job.

In that case, the Department of Labor says states can decide that a person meets the work-search requirement by remaining “able and available for that

new police agency will soon be joining the East Valley law enforcement community.

Queen Creek Town Council last week voted unanimously to form a police department, saying goodbye to the Marico-

pa County Sheriff’s Office.

The vote follows months of study by town officials.

A survey showed the vast majority of residents who responded and who voiced their opinions at meetings with town staff supported the move.

Few of the town’s approximate 40,000

residents actually responded to the survey. But of the 309 who did, 87.3 percent favored the towns formation of a police department, saying the time had come for the move.

Council members unanimously praised the work of the sheriff’s office and deputies, but agreed with residents

who said a town-run department would be closer to the community.

Council directed the town manager to take the first step – advertise for a police chief. Other details are expected to be worked out in the coming months, although no timetable has yet been set.

py in addition to whatever a school provides also are in a lurch, Thorne said.

“We are constantly worried about regression with our children,” she explained. “Many of them are already far behind their peers. We fear that with lack of access to services, they will not only stagnate but also regress.”

Thorne herself has seen her children’s services canceled.

But it’s not just providers who are canceling, since some parents also fear for their children’s lives as the virus spreads.

“We in the special needs community

are always mindful that there are those within this community that have medically fragile children and we are taking as many steps as we can to protect those who really need protecting from this virus,” she said.

Compounding those concerns is hoarding – especially of drugs.

“The biggest concern I’ve been hearing is not so much the schools or the therapies, but the access to prescription drugs and the incredible amount of hoarding that is taking place in this country,” Thorne said.

“Prescription drugs are a major concern for these families because they can often only get enough supplies for a month, and often these drugs are manufactured in China.

“With the advance of this virus, many of them are battling insurance companies to get more than a month’s worth of life-saving drugs for their children. This has and continues to be a problem for this community.”

Parents of medically fragile children “are having a difficult time finding enough supplies,” forcing them to “go to

store after store looking for essentials to get them through and exposing them to more and more people.”

Thorn said she and parents like her pray for a greater sense of responsibility toward less fortunate people than they see now.

“These families are relying on others in the community to leave things on the shelf,” she said. “They are relying on people to stay home to stop the spread of this disease. They are relying on the kindness of others to help them get their child through this.”

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

rizonans forced out of work by COVID-19 may get jobless benefits – but not more than the minimum wage, no matter how much they were earning before.

State lawmakers provided additional flexibility to the Department of Economic Security to decide who can collect payments even if they do not meet what has until now been the definition of “unemployed.’’

All this comes as the nation is seeing a sharp hike in the number of people seeking unemployment benefits.

For the week that ending March 14, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 281,000 people made an initial application for benefits – 70,000 more than the prior week.

The agency reported that several states specifically cited COVID-19 related layoffs.

Other states reported increased lay-

see JOBS page 16

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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“Looting!?” another stated.

Still another: “Sad and predictable.

When grocery store shelves go empty, wait for the madhouse. Glutton buyers have bought all the TP, water and now meat shelves. Poaching is the next best option when modern society has no answer for middle America.”

For Roosevelt, it was business as usual

the day after the burglary, minus a working register. She’s ordered more meat and she’s upgraded the store’s security system.

She for one, hoped the burglary was not because of the fallout of the coronavirus.

“I just hope it’s not,” Roosevelt said.

“We hope that it’s not going to happen again.”

job’’ and that the person will “take reasonable steps to preserve their ability to come back to that job.’’

Here, too, the state is letting DES adopt the same rules.

There also is permission for the agency to waive an existing one-week “waiting period,’’ a situation where someone has to be out of work – and with no income – for a full week before getting benefits.

The legislation has a sweetener of sorts for the business community: It spells out that any additional costs of providing benefits because of the virus

outbreak will not be passed on to employers in the form of higher premiums.

What is not being changed is that $240 a week maximum, something fully within the state’s purview.

Dave Wells, research director of the Grand Canyon Institute, said that figure has not been changed since 2004. He said a more reasonable cap would be $490 a week, a figure he said is “about average’’ for the country and in line with states like Texas and Utah.

pal buildings and on the town website directing people how they can continue to do business in Gilbert with buildings closed.

Banger noted for businesses especially those that have limited their hours or have closed, they can call the Gilbert Police Department’s non-emergency number, 480-503-6500, and request extra patrol for their shops. The police chief has redeployed resources from other areas to beef-up patrol, Banger said.

Daniels said the town is working with every single business and resident who can’t pay their water or utility bills and noted utility companies such as SRP,

APS, Southwest Gas and communication companies COX and CenturyLink have all suspended disconnecting services to customers who can’t pay their bill.

“We care, the town wants to serve you especially in this time of need,” Daniels said to the business participants. “You are not alone. We are all in this together.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com

/Gilber tSunNews

Pregnancy Care Centers slate fundraising walk

BY LACEY LYONS GSN Staff Writer

W

ith a mission to ensure every client feels loved, cared for and equipped with the right resources, the Pregnancy Care Centers of Chandler and Gilbert strive to take the fear out of unplanned pregnancies.

And to increase awareness of that mission, the centers are holding their Preborn Vision Life Walk on April 4.

The Pregnancy Care Centers of Chandler and Gilbert offer free pregnancy testing, counseling, level one ultrasounds and prenatal classes for mothers and fathers to be.

The nonprofit helps both women and men through unplanned pregnancies.

Its operation is funded by businesses, churches and two annual fundraising events.

“We meet with women before, during and after pregnancy,” said Executive Director Lisa Henry. “It starts with a pregnancy test, then we meet with the women for options counseling, such as if they are choosing to carry and parent, if they are choosing to carry and adopt or if they are choosing abortion.”

The centers at 894 E. Warner Road,

The Pregnancy Care Centers of Chandler and Gilbert hold a fundraising luncheon to help with their mission of providing information and resources to expectant women. (Facebook)

near Lindsey Road in Gilbert and at 590 N. Alma School Road near Galveston Street in Chandler.

Henry said, “Oftentimes the women just need someone to meet with and listen.”

Parenting classes are aimed at helping women who have no experience interacting with children, telling them “Even if you have had no experience or interaction with children, everyone has to start

somewhere. You may feel that you do not have the abilities to raise a child, but there is help available to you.

“With the support of caring people, parenting classes and other resources, you will find the help you need to make this choice.”

The centers also help women with adoptions, noting “it may be the best choice for you and a loving choice for your baby.”

mother of two to evolve from a victim of domestic violence to what she calls a “healthy survivor” who now helps individuals and families victimized by child abuse, domestic violence and suicide.

For her work, she has been designated to receive the East Valley Woman of the Year Award from Positive Paths, an East Valley nonprofit dedicated to supporting the economic stability and empowerment of women in the region.

She will be honored at Positive Path’s annual East Valley Night of Heroes Gala

April 16.

Nicely is also the winner of the Beth McDonald 2019 Woman of the Year award, which 99.9 KEZ gives women who have made a positive impact in their community.

A major aspect of the healing that Winged Hope provides victims is a sense of hope, said Nicely.

As a survivor of child abuse, Nicely became a dedicated advocate for child abuse prevention, awareness and treatment.

The centers have a small paid staff, but are mostly run by experienced volunteers. Henry said that a nurse volunteers to do the level one ultrasounds, which include checking for a heartbeat and confirming a due date.

A volunteer doctor instructs classes and an experienced nanny volunteers to watch the children of those men and women who already are parents but feel they need some additional parenting resources.

The center also accepts donations of items such as clothes, blankets and toys so expecting mothers can grab what they need for their baby free of charge.

If expecting mothers or fathers attend classes, they can then earn what the centers call “Baby Bucks” that can be exchanged for new items for their babies, Henry said.

The walk will begin at 9 a.m. April 4 at Evident Life Church, 415 N. Gilbert Road, near Guadalupe Road, Gilbert.

Henry was still planning to go forward though mounting coronavirus concerns may change that plan. The event is family friendly with a bounce house and face painting for children who attend.

To register for the walk or donate: togetherweraise.com/pccchandler

Gilbert woman, her nonprofit offer abuse victims hope

BY CHRISTINA FLORES GSN Contributor

A

s the founder/CEO of the Gilbert nonprofit Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation, Jessica Nicely is driven by a belief.

“I have always believed life could be better,” Nicely said. “I always believed I could achieve my dreams and goals. And I think that’s part of what kept me resilient but kept me moving forward.”

That belief propelled the Gilbert

Nicely said that she has always been vocal about her personal experience as a child abuse survivor. She has never missed an opportunity to bring awareness to child abuse.

She even used her platform as Miss Arizona USA 1997 to speak upon these issues. One of the ways she used her platform was by participating on different child abuse prevention boards at that time.

see NICELY page 18

COMMUNITY

18

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

NICELY from page 17

Gilbert resident Jessica Nicely helps victims of abuse through her Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation.

Nicely recalled the first time she pub- ed members surrounding her.

Joyce McLaren, Winged Hope’s board licly mentioned her story, a little boy came up to her telling her he was a sur- president, along with Nicely are the organization’s only fulltime advocates. vivor as well.

Ever since then she has made it her Nicely recognized how big of a role Mcgoal to advocate for survivors by shar- Laren has played in the organization.

Nicely explained that the work of ing her story.

Winged Hope is typically unannounced In 2013, she founded Winged Hope, which is dedicated to the prevention, and discreet.

“It’s not about me and it’s not about awareness and treatment of child abuse, domestic violence and suicide. It also Winged Hope,” Nicely said, but about works to prevent family violence and the victims.

Nicely said that her son and daughter provide healing to those affected by it.

Winged Hope has also helped reno- are her biggest inspiration in life.

Regardless of what Nicely has endured vate and build new Family Advocacy in the past, she said that she doesn’t take Centers around Arizona. Gilbert is soon to have its own Family Advocacy Center anything for granted and finds joy in everything, maintaining a positive outlook with the help of Winged Hope.

The centers provide victim examina- on life and treating every day is a brandtions, investigations and support ser- new one.

She said that she appreciates bevices in one visit rather than sprawling the appointments out among different ing able to do normal things with her family and values their quality time locations, according to Nicely.

Nicely formed Winged Hope with the together.

“At the beginning, I didn’t have anyintention of building more FACs and helping the existing ones. It fortunately thing to offer except a hug and tears,” ended up developing into much more, Nicely said. “But now I get to offer resources and tools, and I just knew as she said.

Winged Hope also provides therapy a survivor, what it can mean to have sessions to victims and their families, somebody there to help you and to walk noting when a person is subjected to with you and feel like you’re not alone.”

“We believe that through education abuse, other members of the familySTRONG also experience trauma that other organizaURGES TO we GO?can prevent some of the violence we see tions might not treat.

GOING ALL daily with those we serve,” she says on her Facebook page.

As an organization made entirely THEupTIME? “We offer so many trainings and they of volunteers and donors, WingedWAKING Hope UP are has been able to provide trainingATand NIGHT? all free- please reach out if there is something we can do for your school, services to over 50,000 peopleYou around have options foster care group, church, or any other for relief.

Arizona.

Nicely is a fulltime advocate, but said group you are involved with.”

Information: wingedhope.org that she is thankful to have such dedicat-

(Facebook)

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BUSINESS

Business

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

GilbertSunNews.com

|

@Gilber tSunNews

19

/Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert family expands their restaurant holdings

BY MONIQUE SELEEN GSN Contributor

G

ilbert residents have a new place to enjoy craft food and gather for happy hour deals seven days a week.

Copper and Logs, whose name was developed to pay tribute to Arizona’s many copper mines and represent the restaurant’s wood-fired oven, officially opened last month has since attracted more business than owner Máiréad Buschtetz expected.

Buschtetz, whose family also owns and operates Cuisine and Wine Bistro in both Gilbert and Chandler, said the success so far of Copper and Logs has a lot to do with the location.

Nestled on the southwest corner of Greenfield and Warner Roads, Buschtetz attributed much of Copper and Logs’ traffic to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We didn’t do any real advertising prior to opening,” said Buschtetz. “We didn’t even have a ‘now open’ sign but people showed up at our grand opening and every day we’ve had steady customers, some who have even come back regularly.”

“We’ve seen many people ride their bikes here,” she said. “I think a lot of them live around here and have been anticipating us finally opening our doors.”

The building became available in July 2018 after Pizza A Metro closed its doors.

Six months later, Buschtetz and her husband visited the space and soon began the process of making it their own.

After securing the location, Buschtetz’s husband, Fabrice, the executive chef of all three restaurants, and their son, began developing recipes for their first American-based cuisine.

Originally from France, when the Buschtetzs moved to the United States in 2013, they decided to stick to their familiar roots and created French-inspired menus

Copper and Logs Restaurant owners Malread and Fabrice Buschletz flank their daughter Laura, who actually runs the restaurant on their behalf. Below is one of the specialties, a “hanging skewer.” (Monique Seleen/GSN Contributor)

at both Cuisine and Wine Bistro locations.

However, when deciding to open another restaurant, they agreed to take Copper and Logs in a new direction.

“It took time for us to get immersed in

another country,” said Buschtetz. “We finally felt comfortable enough to do American food this time.”

Over the next several months Buschtetz and her family, who all played vital roles in creating the new restaurant concept, began taste-testing recipes and working with a mixologist to develop specialty drinks.

“Here everything is craft,” said Buschtetz. “Craft food and craft cocktails. We don’t put anything into our food we can’t pronounce. It’s about having good basic ingredients and knowing how to work with them.”

Some of the signature menu items at Copper and Logs include a variety of wood-fired pizzas and “hangin’ skewers” featuring the choice of beef, salmon, sausage, or chicken.

In addition, Copper and Logs also offers a variety of oils at each table for added flavor and spice.

Apart from the carefully selected menu items, Buschtetz said she hopes the atmosphere and experience will continue to

draw diners in.

As a family-owned business, Buschtetz said each member of her family contributes and plays a role in the day to day operations of all their restaurants.

Their son Kilian runs the front of the Chandler Cuisine and Wine Bistro; son Steven manages the kitchen of the Gilbert Cuisine and Wine Bistro; and their daughter Laura was transferred over from the Gilbert location to run the front of Copper and Logs.

“We tried to create a place we would enjoy going to ourselves,” she said.

The interior space features an accent wall of hanging firewood logs with a digital fireplace in the middle, a bar, and tables to accommodate up to 70 guests.

Outside, patrons can enjoy a dog-friendly patio, bistro-style lights, gas lamp heaters during the cooler months, misters, umbrellas, and fans during the summer-time, and seating for up to 80 people.

Since Copper and Logs is a new restaurant, Buschtetz said the family is keeping flexible and adapting to any changes potentially arising.

“We want to be open to what the neighbors and customers need,” she said. “We hope it’s a very smooth experience for everyone.”

Copper and Logs is open for lunch and dinner every day and serves brunch on Sundays.

The family had hoped to continue dinein service, citing a number of precautions to ensure patrons’ safety from the virus.

“All of us at Copper & Logs are taking concerns surrounding COVID-19 very seriously,” it said.

But now that the governor has ordered all restaurants to restrict their service to takeout or delivery, the restaurant is offering takeout only.

Information: copperandlogs.com.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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Sports & Recreation

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

GilbertSunNews.com

@Gilber tSunNews

/Gilber tSunNews

SPORTS

21

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

AIA suspending sports at least 2 weeks

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

T

he Arizona Interscholastic Association announced Monday it was postponing all spring high school sports through Saturday, March 28 as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The decision came during the executive board meeting Monday, where the board entered executive session for nearly an hour and a half to discuss all possible outcomes.

“We have about 150,000 kids competing out of 325,000 in our high school association. They are very much involved in the activities they do,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said. “The first thing is, what can we do to try and give them some opportunity, if we can? We have been paying attention to the state health department, and as we move forward, we are going to use it and the CDC’s information.

“As long as schools are closed, we wanted to make sure people knew there would be no athletic competition.”

All games and scrimmages across the state will seize immediately. It was not immediately clear whether those games would be made up or canceled. At this time, spring postseason tournaments and meets will take place as scheduled.

Hines said it would conduct tournaments in their entirety if the season needs to be extended along with school.

“If the state said we had to push back school then we would certainly have the ability to extend our postseason,” Hines said. “We would do it based on information from our schools. If the word is schools won’t have to make up days missed, we would stay with our current schedule and adapt the number of games we play and make the adjustment on our end.

Hines added should state officials not resume school, tournaments would likely be canceled.

According to a release from the AIA shortly after the announcement, the ear-

side the AIA office shortly after the ruling. Most, including Mesa Public Schools and Gilbert Public Schools, said they would not allow teams to practice.

Tempe Union High School District Athletic Director Bruce Kipper said in a text message, officials have “shut down all athletics and activities, including practice.”

Dr. Camille Casteel, the superintendent of the Chandler Unified School District, said she and District Athletic Director Marcus Williams would gather input from parents regarding whether or not to continue practices.

“I indicated to him we need to get parental input and draw up a The Arizona Interscholastic Association announced Monday it was proposal to keep our kids safe,” postponing all spring high school sports through Saturday, March she said. “Whether it’s through 28. Mesquite’s KB Bell and his teammates will be unable to practice during the suspension, as Gilbert Public Schools has shut down ath- extraordinary sanitizing and keeping the numbers below the letic activities. (Millard Thomas/GSN Staff) 50 mark. But having parent supliest possible resumption of sports will be port is going to be key.”

Monday afternoon, it was announced Monday, March 30. However, Hines added games likely wouldn’t take place until a all Chandler district athletic teams would few days after in order to allow teams a not practice. Higley Unified School District announced similar actions, citing chance to prepare.

Should schools decide to further can- updated guidelines from the Center for cel events out of precaution, the AIA will Disease Control and Prevention which respect those decisions and cancellation recommend no group gatherings larger than 10 people. fees will be waived.

Michael Fowler, Higley’s district ath“We just have to wait and see,” Mesa Public Schools District Athletic Director letic director, said he worked closely Steve Hogan said. “I think it’s good. Let’s with Aaron Dille and Darrell Stangle, the take this opportunity to say not to make a athletic directors at Higley and Williams Field high schools, to communicate with decision until you have to.”

The AIA said in its release it would leave coaches to not practice during the susit up to member schools to decide wheth- pension.

“This is an unusual time,” Fowler said. er or not practices for spring sports teams “You just pause for a minute and think continue, an idea Hogan wasn’t keen on.

“I’m not real big on the idea of leaving where we were last Monday. It makes me it up to schools to practice,” Hogan said, think where we will be next week. The “I think it should be something we all do safety of our student-athletes is absolutethe same.” ly paramount. We need to do what we can Some district and school athletic direc- to keep them safe.” tors in attendance Monday gathered outScottsdale Unified School District also

said teams would not practice during the two-week closure.

Scottsdale Unified School District announced in a statement Monday afternoon all of its athletic programs would also not practice during the two-week suspension of play.

Mountain View Athletic Director Roxanne Perrin, who was in attendance, said she had received several questions regarding practice from her coaches.

“We’ve been telling them the kids can get together on their own without coaches,” Perrin said. “I don’t think this message is going to change.”

All rules and bylaws in the AIA handbook will still be applied during the twoweek hiatus. This includes rule 14.2.2, which does not allow athletes from different schools to practice or train with one another during the season. Hines said kids from the same school can train together, but should they get any instruction it has to be limited to one-on-one.

Hogan hopes to discuss this rule in depth on Monday, March 23 when the AIA executive board, its conference chair members and school and district athletic directors meet again.

“I was hoping for a little more clarification,” Hogan said. “I’m concerned there will be kids who break a bylaw because they inadvertently get together and go to some event or are at some batting cage together and not have a clue they’re breaking the bylaw.”

One change taking place, however, involves transfers. Should spring sports resume as scheduled, student-athletes forced to sit for half the season will have eligibility restored immediately.

Perrin was pleased the board’s decision.

“This has been such a fluid situation and things have been changing consistently,” Perrin said. “Our biggest concern is keeping our kids and our coaches safe and so having this two-week buffer where we aren’t having school and not practicing, I’m in favor of it.”

22

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

2020 FALCON FIELD AIRPORT

28 D E L L E CANC 9 AM - 3 PM

Open House To support preventive measures underway statewide and nationally related to the coronavirus/COVID-19, the City of Mesa has cancelled upcoming large events and mass gatherings hosted by the City through the end of April. This includes cancellation of the Falcon Field Airport Open House that was scheduled for Saturday, March 28. These actions coincide with recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Arizona.

Updated information about City of Mesa facility closures and event cancellations will be provided during the upcoming weeks at www.mesaaz.gov/city-hall/coronavirus.

23

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Gilbert Sun News

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

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Manufactured Homes BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED IN 2 BED / 2 BATH HOMES $58,900 Financing Available Also Available Affordable Homes Between $5K - $15K 55+ Mobile Home Park in Great Chandler Loc. Call Kim 480-233-2035

Real Estate

For Rent Apartments ALMA SCH & MAIN UTILITIES INCLUDED Bad Credit OK. No Deposit Close to Lightrail $700 (602) 339-1555 Crismon/Apache Trl Cottage Lg 1br 1ba duplex, New AC, fenced yard, $800.

Bad Credit ok.

No Deposit. Water/trash incl'd (602) 339-1555

55+ yearly resort rental.

Park model large AZ room. 2 baths, laundry room w/washer and dryer. Available April 1, 2020. No children or pets. $1,100.00 mo.

Contact Patrick 480-242-4317

Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

Car for Sale?

Advertise It Here!

Call 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Accounting

40667 N Wedge Dr • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

CON CR E T E & M A S ON RY 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

Block Fence * Gates

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

Licensed-Bonded-Insured

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Appliance Repairs Maximizing Your Profit Is Our Business!

Full-Service Accounting & Tax Services for Businesses, Individuals, Trusts, and Estates • Put 35 years of experience to work for you!

• Payroll, Bookkeeping, Accounting, Business Advising/Structuring, Tax Planning/Strategy • QuickBooks ProAdvisors • Financial Records Clean-Up • Local, State, Federal, and International Tax Services • We are available 12 months a year

480-646-3419 • SOLVEDtax.com Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Seasonal AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - $3,995 We are a Trane dealer & NATE-Certified!

0% FINANCING - 72 Months!!

Gawthorp & Associates Realty

FREE Service Call

DESERT ROCK

ROC 318210

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

FROM THE UPPER 100’S

Air Conditioning/Heating

(Over 40 Years Experience)

THE LINKS ESTATES

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

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

480-330-5117

Air Conditioning/Heating

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Bob B AC, LLC

Manufactured Homes

Why Rent The Lot When

HOUSE CLEANING The lowest prices in the Valley! We provide all cleaning supplies. 20 years exp. Trustworthy and dependable. We pay attention to details.

Excellent Refs!

Call Vicky 480-227-1890

Concrete & Masonry

($50 Service Call* Waived with any repair)

Commerical/ Industrial/Retail Outdoor commercial/personal Storage Yards for lease.

Secure, gated 24 hour access, and much more.

Call 480-926-5957 for details

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

Cleaning Services

Homes For Rent

‘A+’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Appliance Repair Now

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

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured Cleaning Services

Contractors

SIR JOHNS CONTRACTING HOME IMPROVEMENTS REMODEL& REPAIR Painting of All Types Interior & Exterior Cabinets Stains & Paints Over 30 Years Quality Experience

HIG

H

QUA Lice LITY ns ROC ed & B 251 ond 661 ed

Est Free ima tes

602-315-5470

4960 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite #1 Unit #260 John McMillan-Owner Chandler, AZ 85249 sirjohn53@gmail.com

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

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

25

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Garage/Doors

Handyman

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

HANDYMAN 37 years experience.

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

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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

Not a licensed contractor

Classifieds 480-898-6465

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

Drywall

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

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

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

Ask me about FREE water testing!

REASONABLE HANDYMAN • Painting • Plumbing • Carpentry • Drywall • Roofing • Block

- Free Estimates -

480-276-6600 *Not a Licensed Contractor

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs!

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

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Your Needs!

Decks ••Tile • More!

HONESTY • INTEGRITY QUALITY PaintingHandyman • Flooring • Electrical

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

• PanelPainting Changes • Flooring • Electrical Drywall Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry• Carpentry • Decks • Tile & More! and RepairsDecks • Tile • More!

“No Job Too

• Installation of “No JobSmall Too Man!” “No Job Too Ceiling Fans Small Man!” Small Man!” • Switches/Outlets 9 “No Job Too e, Quality Work Since 199 Affordabl Work Since 1999 Quality le,Small Home 2010, 2011 9 Remodel - Ahw Resident Since 1987 - ce•199 Affordab Man!” rk Sin 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, Affordable, Quality Wo 2012, 2013, “No Job 2010, 2011 2014 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 2012,92013, Too Small Man!”

602.670.7038

e 1992014 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Work SincAhwatukee QualityContractor ALLResident/ RESIDENTIAL References/ Insured/ Notle, a& Licensed Affordab CallAhwatukee Bruce at 602.670.7038 BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2014 2014

COMMERCIALAhwatukee ELECTRICAL Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not aBruce Licensed at Contractor Call 602.670.7038

Home Improvement

Home Improvement

Handyman

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

MESA HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Plumbing, electric, irrigation, garage doors, water heaters, tile and drywall repairs, carpentry, handyman lists and other services. Not a licensed contractor.

All work guaranteed.

Sean Sornberger 480-699-7990

RAMIRO MEDINA LANDSCAPING

DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring?

Children need your help!

Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

Carlos Medina - 602-677-3200

➧ LANDSCAPING ➧ TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL ➧ IRRIGATION ➧ YARD CLEAN-UP ➧ GRAVEL COMMERCIAL ➧ RESIDENTIAL ➧ LICENSED • INSURED OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Call or Text Today for a FREE ESTIMATE

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

Home Improvement

General Contacting, Inc.

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

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

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Landscape/Maintenance

NOPAL LANDSCAPE • • • • • •

Tree Trimming Removals Weed Control Winter Grass • Clean Ups Irrigation Repairs Timer Repairs & More...

Weekly • Bi Weekly • Monthly Low Rates

Mariano 480-276-5598 Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

ALL Pro

Home Improvement

Garage/Doors

Landscape/Maintenance

T R E E

ACTION CONTRACTING

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

WE DO IT ALL!

A+

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

aaaActionContractingInc.com

-

SI

E NC

19

L L C

Prepare for Winter Season!

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

East Valley 480-833-7353

S E R V I C E

78

-

480.345.1800

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

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

480-354-5802

26

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Painting

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

15 Years Exp 480-266-4589 Not a licensed contractor

Painting

Pool Service / Repair

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

East Valley PAINTERS

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

ROC#309706

AE&Sons

Juan Hernandez

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Pool Plaster Company

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

All Complete Pool Renovations

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

FREE Estimates • BEST Prices

Call Juan at

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Pool Service / Repair

Pebble • White Plaster • New Pool Builds Tile • Deck • Pump & Filters

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

602-505-8066 Cell Se Habla Espanõl

Lic’d, Bonded • ROC #235771 • ROC #235770

Plumbing

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

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

10% OFF

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

affinityplumber@gmail.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating & Air

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

4995

$

DRAIN CLEANING

189

$

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

($85 Value)

ITS NEW A/C UN

Water Heaters $

799

FREE SERVICE CALLS

$

3,995!

starting at

Disposals

480-405-7099

(advertised offers cannot be combined)

We are A+ Rated by the BBB and stand behind our work with a Lifetime Warranty. Call us for the BEST SERVICE and PRICES in the East Valley!

$35 off

Plumbing

Plumbing

Any Service

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Not a licensed contractor

Thank you Mesa for Voting us #1

Experience, Service and Price

Find out why our customers become customers for life! Over 700 five-star Google reviews!

FREE ESTIMATES

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com Plumbing

What we do…

• Employees Background Checked • Up-Front Pricing • Tankless Water Heaters • Tank Water Heaters • Fixture Replacements

• Plumbing & Drain Repairs • Water Treatment • Best Warranties • Fully Stocked Vans • Fix It Or It’s Free Guarantee

Drain Specialists…

• FREE Camera Inspection With Every Drain Cleared • Hydrojetting

$45 off Any service call With service performed

Financing Available

• Pipe Relining • Clean Out Installation • Sewer Repair/Replacement • Pipe Bursting

*$69 drain good Monday thru Friday during normal business hours and not combined with any other offers.

480-281-7564

Call 480-868-6722 ROC 316690

27

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Roofing

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Tree Services

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

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

TREE ART Tree Trimming, Removals, Haul off and Yard clean-ups.

Available weekends.

480-706-1453

13 yrs exp.

480-329-2239 arpjeff103@gmail.com

Over 30 yrs. Experience

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Not a licensed contractor.

Classifieds: 480-898-6465 WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Tax Services It’s your money.

Let us help you keep it!

Full-Service Accounting & Tax Services for Businesses, Individuals, Trusts, and Estates • Put 35 years of experience to work for you!

• Appointments at your home, office, or our office • Evening and weekend appointments available • Tax prep, advising, planning/strategy • Tax services for Federal, all US States, and other countries • We are available 12 months a year

Your leaks stop here!

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

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

480-646-3419 • SOLVEDtax.com Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Window Cleaning

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

Window Cleaning $100 - One Story $140 - Two Story

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

(480) 584-1643

Bonded & Insured

LLC

480-280-0390

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

Roofing The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

TK

®

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

480-357-2463

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Job Order Contractor for the following: WATER AND WATER RECLAMATION PLANT FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES PROJECT NO. JOC-W20 The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Contractor to provide Job Order Water and Water Reclamation Plant Facilities Construction Services. All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

The following is a summary of the project.

The Water and Water Reclamation Plant Facilities Construction Services Job Order Contract (JOC) will require a variety of tasks to be completed, including but not limited to services for maintenance, repair, minor and major new construction services including minor associated design services for a broad range of City Water and Water Reclamation-related projects. The Contractor shall provide all labor, tools, equipment, and materials as required (except as indicated otherwise in the specifications) to perform all work in strict accordance with the specifications and plans required for the JOC. The initial term of the Job Order contracts resulting from this solicitation will be for one (1) year and may be renewed for up to two (2) additional, one-year terms.

A Pre-Submittal Conference will be NOT be held for this project.

COUNTS

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

Public Notices

FREE Estim at and written e proposal

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm’s employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process. This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process. All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below.

RFQ Lists. The RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/construction-manager-at-risk-and-job-order-contractingopportunities.

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation). Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ. Minimum font size shall be 10pt. Please provide six (6) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (CD or USB drive) of the Statement of Qualifications by Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 2:00 pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.

Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package. On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title.

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service).

Questions. Questions pertaining to the Construction Manager at Risk selection process or contract issues should be directed to Michele Davila of the Engineering Department at michele.davila@mesaaz.gov.

ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk Published: East Valley Tribune. Mar. 15, 22, 2020 / 29356

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

BETH HUNING City Engineer

28

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MARCH 22, 2020

Sleep Soundly At Night Knowing Your Residential and Commercial Roofing Contractor Has You Covered!

 New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance  Installation of Gutters & Attic Insulation  Shingles, Tile, Built Up Single Ply, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake

“Let Our Family Cover Yours”

We’re Here To Answer Your Questions.

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ROC #’s: 061127 - 287012 - 198009 - 082024 - 318282