Inside Tucson Business 03-24-2023

By Jimmy Magahern /

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Tucson educators work to restore a deeply disrupted learning system

By Jimmy Magahern Inside Tucson Business Contributor

When Margaret Chaney began her first term as president of the Tucson Education Association in May 2019, she had no way of knowing that her four years in power would take her through one of the most unprecedented disruptions to the U.S. public school system in history.

“I call it the COVID presidency,” Chaney said with a laugh. “It’s been full of surprises, that’s for sure.”

The same could be said for the entire field of education since March 2020. The past three years have witnessed a pandem-

ic-caused shutdown; a rushed and untested pivot to remote learning; and finally a fitful return to classroom instruction, with student progress levels all over the map.

During the same period, the classroom has become a gladiatorial Colosseum for hot-button political issues, with lawmakers — and, increasingly, parents — challenging curriculums, safety procedures and even which students can use which bathrooms.

All the while teachers and other education professionals, the group Chaney’s union represents, continue to battle for fair and equitable wages to handle this

Stay ahead of the trends with these top 10 tech tips

mess.

“We worked with our communities to make sure that they understood that, you know, the teacher’s working condition is their child’s learning condition,” she said. “We’ve all come through a lot.”

2023 started with good news for state educators.

In February, the Arizona House and Senate approved lifting the constitutional spending cap for education, at least for the current school year. The action headed off budget cuts and allowed school districts across the state to

EDUCATORS

CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

I am constantly asked about the latest technology trends and how they can be useful for businesses. With the rapid pace of innovation, it can be challenging to stay up to date and leverage new technologies effectively. At Cox we work closely with businesses in Southern Arizona — big and small — to listen to their needs and respond by giving them the best technology services to help operate, communicate, and serve their customers. In this article, I will share my top 10 tips for business leaders looking to leverage additional trending technologies to improve their operations and drive growth.

1. Foster a culture of innovation. At the root of it all, business leaders must foster a culture of innovation to stay ahead of the competition and leverage new technologies effectively. At Cox Communications, we encourage innovation by providing employees with opportunities to experiment, collaborate and learn. For example, we are currently conducting a pilot program in Whetstone, which utilizes new technologies that provide stand-up wireless internet service to residents who don’t already have traditional embedded networks. This pilot program is giving us an opportunity to experiment and fine-tune new technology, while also expanding our services to communities in need of reliable internet services.

We are seeing that cloud computing has shaped the way businesses operate by providing access to computing resources on demand. By leveraging the cloud, businesses can scale up or down quickly, access data from anywhere, and reduce their IT infrastructure costs. Responding to requests from local businesses, Cox provides flexible and scalable cloud management services for businesses all over Southern Arizona.

5. Automate customer service. Customer service is a critical aspect of business operations, and automation can help businesses improve efficiency and reduce costs.

6. Adopt 5G technology. 5G technology is the next generation of wireless connectivity, offering faster speeds and lower latency. At Cox Communications, we are investing in 5G technology to provide customers with faster, more reliable connectivity.

7. Implement mobile payment solutions. Mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Contactless payments like Apple and Google Pay give customers a fast and convenient payment experience.

8. Implement IoT solutions. The Internet of Things (IoT) enables businesses to collect and analyze data in real time. This can help optimize processes, reduce downtime and improve customer satisfaction.

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Yves Carmelle Toby affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty

Yves Carmelle Toby has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.

Yves Carmelle Toby

Prior to working in real estate, she taught math to first through third grade students at the International School of Tucson (IST). She was also a French substitute teacher at IST and is fluent in French and Haitian Creole. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social psychology and education from the University of Massachusetts Boston. With over 30 years of volunteer experience, she volunteers with her religious organization.

“My years in education helped me gain skills that will allow me to provide the best service to my real estate clients,” Toby said.

“I hope to make each of my prospective clients feel comfortable and at ease with the process of buying or selling a home by providing clear communication and updates along the way. I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker after I heard about the positive experience directly from one of their affiliate agents.”

2. Identify ways to leverage tech in each department. For example, human resources software can provide insights into workforce trends, allowing your HR team to make informed decisions about talent management and workforce planning. For retail businesses, inventory management software can help to track inventory levels, manage orders and automate reordering.

3. Create a virtual bulletin board. Use a digital platform to create a virtual bulletin board where employees can share ideas, accomplishments and announcements. This can foster a sense of belonging and recognition among employees.

4. Embrace cloud computing.

9. Enhance cybersecurity. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and businesses must take steps to protect their data and systems. Cox Business offers a range of cybersecurity solutions to help businesses stay secure.

10. Provide ongoing IT support. Provide ongoing support to employees to ensure that they can troubleshoot issues and fully utilize the new technologies.

Lisa Lovallo is the Southern Arizona market vice president for Cox Communications, leading a team of over 260 Cox employees, with more than 1,500 jobs supported by Cox locally. Prior to joining the Cox Southern Arizona team, she ran a family business based in Tucson and is a graduate of the UA. Reach her at lisa.lovallo@cox.com.

PEOPLEINACTION

Scafede named principal of Picture Rocks

The Marana Unified School District Governing Board selected Vanessa Scafede as principal of Picture Rocks Elementary School.

The MUSD Governing Board members voted during their regularly scheduled March 9 meeting in favor of hiring Scafede for the role.

Scafede will assume her position as principal effective July 13. The position is held by Mary O’Hara-Perkins, who is retiring after 22 years of service at MUSD and, of those, six years as principal of Picture Rocks Elementary School.

Over the past few weeks, the principal selection committee — comprised of teachers, support staff, parents, principals, senior staff and governing board members — has paper-screened and interviewed candidates for the principal opening at PRE.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid elects officers

The board of directors of Southern Arizona Legal Aid Inc. elected the following officers:

President: Roxanne Veliz. A partner at Snell & Wilmer, her practice involves banking, commercial finance, real estate finance, renewable energy lending, premium finance transactions, franchise lending, loan sale transactions, and loan restructures and workouts.

A Tucson native, Veliz has three degrees from the University of Arizona: her JD, magna cum laude, from the James E. Rogers College of Law; an MBA in finance and economics; and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, cum laude.

Among her many professional recognitions and awards: The Best Lawyers in America, Banking and Finance Law (2009-23), Commercial Finance Law (2009-23), Real Estate Law (2009-23); Tucson Lawyer of the Year, Banking and Finance Law (2017, 2019); Women of Influence, Inside Tucson Business (2013), and Arizona’s Finest Lawyers.

Vice president: Keith Singer. Family law and domestic relations are the focus of his practice. An experienced mediator, Singer opened his own office in 2003.

For many years, Singer served as a court-appointed parent advocate in the Pima County Juvenile Court, and as a child advocate and child’s best interest’s attorney/guardian ad litem in the Pima County adult and juvenile courts.

He’s taught at Pima Community College’s paralegal program in the areas of family law, evidence and legal ethics. He’s also presented and coordinated continuing legal education seminars in family law, juvenile law and child advocacy.

Born and raised in Tucson, he earned his JD from Creighton University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. Secretary/treasurer: Beverly Parker. Prior to retiring in 2017, for nine years Parker was the managing attorney for SALA’s Consumer, Housing and Public Benefits Unit.

In addition to practicing in Arizona, she was also licensed in Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and the District of Columbia in the areas of appeals, bankruptcy law, child custody, divorce, family law, mediation, premarital agreements and real property.

Previously, she was an adjunct instructor at Florida Community College in Jacksonville and also an adjunct professor at Florida Coastal School of Law. She earned her JD from the University of Alabama School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, magna cum laude.

From that process, four quality candidates were chosen to proceed with the interview process. At the recommendation of the selection committee, two finalists were recommended to move forward with a final interview with governing board President Dr. Maribel Lopez and Superintendent Dr. Dan Streeter.

Scafede has been with the district since 2007 and serves as associate principal of Ironwood Elementary School. In that role, she has ensured quality instruction and professional learning and collected and used data to set school goals while supporting the principal through assigned duties and responsibilities.

She also mentored new elementary associate principals in MUSD and served as a member of the district’s Elementary Discipline and Social & Emotional Learning committees. Prior to serving the Ironwood Elementary community, she was the associate principal for Picture Rocks Elementary. Scafede is excited to return to the Picture Rocks community as the principal.

“I’m eager to bring my experience, knowledge and passion to a school that holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to reconnecting with the staff, students and families that make up this wonderful community, and working together to create a school culture that fosters growth, learning and success,” Scafede said. “Let’s make this school the best it can be.”

Linsalata chosen as MUSD assistant superintendent

The Marana Unified School District Governing Board selected Denise Linsalata as assistant superintendent. The MUSD Governing Board members voted during their regularly scheduled March 9 meeting in favor of hiring Linsalata for the role.

Linsalata will assume her position as assistant superintendent effective July 1. The position is held by Dr. Carolyn Dumler, assistant superintendent of human resources, who is retiring after 37 years of service at MUSD. Over the past few weeks, an assistant superintendent selection committee — comprised of directors, principals, senior staff and governing board member Kathryn Mikronis — paper-screened several highly qualified applicants for the position.

From that process, four candidates were chosen to proceed with the interview process. At the recommendation of the selection committee, Linsalata was recommended to be one of the candidates to move forward with a final interview with governing board President Dr. Maribel Lopez and Superintendent Dr. Dan Streeter.

Denise Linsalata

Linsalata serves as executive director of state and federal relations for MUSD, where she supports five Title I elementary schools, manages state and federal entitlement grants and programs, and supports schools with improvement planning. An employee since 1995, she has served in additional positions including teacher, assistant to the principal, principal, and director of state and federal relations.

“As an employee of more than 28 years, I am proud to be a part of the Marana Unified School District, further promoting and supporting the district’s vision and mission,” Linsalata said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the students, staff and families in the district in this new position.”

Lori Carroll & Associates takes first place

Lori Carroll & Associates was recently presented with the first place Powder Room Award by The National Kitchen & Bath Association at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.

The NKBA Design Excellence Awards honor those who showcase their skills and ability to create memorable spaces that allow for functionality.

Lori Carroll & Associates has over 40 years of experience in the industry, creating refined yet livable spaces in residential and commercial sectors throughout Arizona, and across the country, having won numerous design awards including NKBA’s Kitchen of the Year & International Design of the Year.

Lori Carroll

Vanessa Scafede

Roxanne Veliz Keith Singer

Beverly Parker

spend money they were already allotted.

“That alleviated the concern that schools would have to lay off teachers this spring,” Chaney said. “That would’ve been totally disastrous. It’s hard enough to maintain the teachers and substitutes we have, let alone think, ‘Oh, now I have to make cuts because we don’t have enough money to pay them.’”

But the same month, school funding became strained when a cyberattack brought down the Tucson Unified School District’s computer systems for a few days, prompting conversations about moving the district’s current “hybrid environment,” with some

systems in the cloud and some still in-house, to an entirely cloud-based system. At the time, district Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo criticized the Arizona Legislature for not adequately funding school districts enough to make such a transition.

“The capital funding that we do receive is targeted at heating and cooling systems, air condition, heating, plumbing, electrical, books, buses and buildings,” Trujillo told reporters. “This is just another reason why capital funding is sorely needed across the state.”

All in all, education in Arizona remains a field where statistically underfunded professionals (according to the latest data from the National Educa-

(TEA/Submitted)

This semester marks the end of Margaret Chaney’s four-year term as president of the Tucson Education Association. “It’s been full of surprises, that’s for sure,” she said.

tion Association, Arizona ranks 49th in the nation for average teacher salary)

struggle mightily to return a deeply disrupted system to something resembling normal.

Educators are wrapping up the current semester with a well-earned sense of accomplishment at what they’ve all pulled through.

In March 2020, Tucson schools, like nearly all schools in the country, pivoted to online instruction

(TEA/Submitted)

After a cyberattack in February brought down the Tucson Unified School District’s computer systems for a few days, Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo criticized the Arizona Legislature for not adequately funding school districts.

following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, tossing teachers into jerry-built remote teaching technologies that some had trouble mastering and many students — particularly those from lower-income families — had difficulty accessing.

“We worked very closely with our district to bring

that to their attention,” Chaney said. “They worked really hard to get every student a laptop. And then they realized, ‘Oh yeah, some of these kids don’t always have internet access at home.’ So we worked with them to make sure that

EDUCATORS

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Students attend a book reading event at Davis Bilingual Magnet School.

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We are currently enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year

Oralia M. Gomez

Director of Admissions and Recruitment

520-294-6403 x1110

gomezo@sanmiguelhigh.org CWSP

San Miguel High School is unique! Our students participate in the Corporate Work Study Program which trains our students in necessary skills for success in employment and life! We then provide opportunities for them to utilize their newfound skills with incredible community partners such as Raytheon, TEP, the City of Tucson, and more.

Rene Huerta, VP CWSP | 520-294-6403 x1427

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San Miguel High School is proud to be participating in the Az Gives Day on April 4, 2023 and would be honored by your support. Early giving begins on March 16, 2023. Please visit azgives.org to give and for more information.

AZ GIVES

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everyone got internet hotspots, because even teachers sometimes had to go to a place with free Wi-Fi in order to log in.”

In-person classes didn’t resume for all elementary schools in Southern Arizona until April 2021. Since then, educators have been struggling with the setback in student progress that’s been termed the “pandemic learning loss” — all while trying to rebuild the lost social structure of the classroom and retain teachers burned out from remote teaching, hybrid classrooms and persistently inadequate wages.

“It’s been a crazy time, and I think that teachers and administrators have done everything they can to try to get everyone back into the routine of learning, as well as the routine of discipline and interacting with one another,” Chaney said. “I won’t say that learning hasn’t been difficult, but it’s mostly the emotional state of our kids, especially the younger kids, that has really suffered.”

In a press release from Trujillo, the TUSD superintendent assured parents

they were working on that.

“We recognize that there are achievement gaps and other disparities in our education system, and we are working to address these issues head-on,” he said. “This includes providing additional support to students who need it most, increasing access to high-quality curriculum and instruction, and working to build stronger relationships with families and communities.”

But other changes have

also impacted education in 2023, some stoked by hot-button political issues.

In recent months, Arizona legislators have been proposing measures that would greatly impact classroom procedures, such as banning books, mandating the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, specifying which restrooms certain students are allowed to use, and reenforcing restrictions on how race and ethnicity can be taught.

In March, returning Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne launched what he called the “Empower Hotline,” described in a Department of Education press release as an avenue for parents to “report in-

appropriate public school lessons that detract from teaching academic standards.”

For Horne, who campaigned for reelection on a platform vehemently opposing teaching critical race theory in Arizona schools, the hotline provides a way for parents to report lessons that include, in the announcement’s wording, “those that focus on race or ethnicity, rather than individuals and merit,” as well as lessons “promoting gender ideology, social emotional learning, or inappropriate sexual content.”

“When I first started teaching, over 20 years ago, if a parent had an issue with a curriculum or a book or a lesson, they would just call the teacher directly,” Chaney said. “Now, with this ‘Empower Hotline,’ teachers are like, ‘What do I do? Is there a magic word I can’t say? I don’t even know all the words I can’t say before I’m reported.’ It just screams of McCarthyism and witch hunts to me. I

don’t know how they’re getting away with it in 2023.”

Of all the disruptions the pandemic brought to the school system, Chaney ranks the loss of constructive dialogue between teachers and parents as perhaps the worst casualty.

“It just seems like people have stopped talking to one another,” she said. “It’s like they don’t want that initial confrontation or dialogue to occur. They want to have a middleman do it, and that doesn’t work because the middleman wasn’t there in the classroom. If you just ask the teacher directly, then you get a direct answer and an explanation. And if you don’t like what the teacher is doing, then you can always come up with a solution together.

“Things have become adversarial between parents and teachers, and they don’t need to be,” Chaney added. “It just seems to be more and more punitive now than solution seeking. That’s one thing we’re trying to change.” ITB

(TEA/Submitted)

Families with new students tour the campus at Sabino High School.

Representatives from The Tucson Woman’s Club read to students at Myers-Ganoung Elementary.

Get the royal treatment at SewKing Upholstery

By Karen Schaffner Inside Tucson Business Staff

In a hidden, bright and tidy workroom somewhere in midtown, Carlos Arvizu sat at an industrial sewing machine adding pleats to a piece of leather that would eventually be a motorcycle seat.

Using the old leather from the motorcycle as a pattern, Arvizu carefully marked the black material with chalk, folded and then sewed the pleats into place. It’s a job that gives him great satisfaction.

“It’s amazing when you get something that’s ruined and you make it

brand new again,” said Arvizu, who became interested in sewing in his sixth grade home economics class. “When the client loves it, I’m happy.”

Anyone who has sat down in a restaurant or bar anywhere in Tucson has likely sat on the work of Arvizu and Pete Trinque. The two own the new business SewKing Upholstery. The pair come with a wealth of knowledge from a combined 32 years in the business.

“We have a history of upholstery experience,”

Trinque said. “If you’ve sat in a booth in Tucson, I’ve had my hand in it.”

The shop features completed works and those in process. On one side of the open space is a finished barber chair, its black vinyl seat and arms gleaming under the lights. Nearby is a renewed golf cart seat.

Trinque said lots of cart owners like to customize the seats, so you might see Diamondbacks or car logos. Even car interiors can be renewed with authentic-to-the-period styles and materials.

On the other side of the shop are shelves with lefto-

SEWKING

CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

(Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez)

Carlos Arvizu, one of the owners of SewKing Upholstery, cuts out the leather that will become a motorcycle seat. He used the old seat cover as a pattern.

ver vinyl and leathers from past jobs. Trinque said he keeps the leftovers nearby should the client need another item upholstered. In this way he can guarantee the item will match what’s already there.

Most of what they do at the shop is commercial; it’s surprising to hear there are plenty of commercial establishments that need reupholstery services.

For example, Trinque said they do doctors’ examining tables, and just so the business of medicine can keep going without an interruption, Trinque has a spare to lend.

“We have a loaner exam table,” he said. “Doctors

need to get their exam tables redone, but they don’t need the time off. We bring this in, drop it off for them. That gives us the opportunity to do (the job) right, not have to turn it so fast, but at the same time keeps a room up and running.”

Trinque also has waiting room loaner chairs. It all has to do with getting jobs done well and out the door in a timely manner.

“We really focus on turn times,” Trinque said. “We have a small operation. We did that by design so that we can get our production and scheduling correct. We have to get it in and get it out so we can get the next (order) through. We don’t want to be that ‘Hotel California’: The project comes in and it never comes out.” That mindfulness about

timeliness includes restaurants.

“We have quick turns for restaurant seats because we know lost seating is lost revenue,” Trinque said. “We can typically pick up the booth seats early in the morning and have them back before their 11 a.m. opening.”

In the back of the workroom, Floracita Cano builds the structures that go underneath the upholstery, in this case a booth. She learned carpentry from her father, who is a carpenter. She is learning to do upholstering, but for now enjoys the woodwork. She likes the feel and smell of wood. Even though her work is hidden beneath fabric and leather, she still takes pleasure in knowing it’s her work she’s sitting on.

“I feel good knowing that we had a hand in doing something for the restaurant, for people to feel comfortable,” she said.

The majority of SewKing’s business is for businesses, but there’s still room for the residential piece. Trinque has plenty of swatches from which business owners may choose. However, clients should probably bring their own swatch if

SewKing

it’s for their home. Either way, at SewKing they all work with the same business philosophy.

“Our mantra is quality and quick turns,” Trinque said, “and we’re going to be there if there’s a problem in the future.”

245 S. Plumer Avenue, Suite 22, Tucson 520-440-3531

sewkingupholstery@gmail.com

(Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez)

The crew at SewKing includes, from left, Floracita Cano, Bree and Carlos Arvizu, and Pete Trinque. The upholstery shop focuses on quality work and a quick turnaround time.

(Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez) Carlos Arvizu uses an industrial sewing machine to get the job done.

Navarro-Hernandez joins Casa de los Niños as CEO

By Veronica Kuffel

Nora Navarro-Hernandez felt a calling after 30 years in social services.

“I felt this pull. It was very strange,” she said. “I needed to try to do something where I could intervene earlier … to make a difference in the lives of children and families here in Tucson in a different way.”

Recently, she was named the new CEO of the nonprofit Casa de los Niños. She follows Susie Huhn, who retired last year. For most of her professional life, Navarro-Hernandez said she believed she was making an impact in her communities.

Navarro-Hernández started her career in her home state of Illinois, working her way to deputy director at the Pilsen Wellness Center. She became a surveyor for CARF Interna-

tional, or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and found herself frequently visiting its base in Tucson. She decided to move to the city and join CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness, where she stayed for 18 years. She didn’t plan to leave, but when Huhn stepped down, Navarro-Hernandez saw Casa de los Niños as an opportunity to give back in a more personal way.

“When I realized that I could work exclusively with a younger population, it took me back to my roots in Chicago and how I grew up,” Navarro-Hernandez said. “I was a child that was at risk, and I know that if I didn’t have the support and services I had access to, my life could’ve been different.”

Navarro-Hernandez grew up in an impoverished Chicago neighborhood. She

was raised by a single mother with behavioral problems, which spawned her interest in social services.

From there, Navarro-Hernandez graduated from Illinois universities with a B.S. and M.S. in psychology.

A large portion of her work is dedicated to adult and family behavioral health. To Navarro-Hernandez, however, Casa de los Niños addresses problems of poverty at its start.

“I felt like I needed to try to be a part of that,” Navarro-Hernandez said. “Making sure we’re addressing that here in Tucson and in our families and with the children that may be at risk here.”

As its new leader, Navarro-Hernandez plans to work on visibility throughout the organization. In a post-COVID-19 world, she noted that families need help more than ever. Casa de los Niños offers a wide

range of resources from parenting classes to foster care and adoption services, all available in Spanish or English.

The nonprofit has three locations across Central Tucson dedicated to serving these among many more resources. She addressed the large list and made it a goal to ensure it’s available to families.

“We’re being careful about making sure we’re assessing folks’ needs and trying to meet those needs as much as possible,” Navarro-Hernandez said. She acknowledged her staff and volunteers. Casa de los Niños will celebrate its 50th anniversary in

November, and the CEO organized a committee to commemorate its efforts now and in the past.

Even before festivities, Navarro-Hernandez will recognize the importance of the nonprofit’s community every day.

“Casa is a great organization, and I’m really honored to be here,” Navarro-Hernandez said. “They are such dedicated staff, and they really want to help our community and do everything to make Tucson families healthier.”

The new CEO will step into the position with knowledge in the field, experience with the community and passion to change

Tucson lives. Navarro-Hernandez recognizes the impact of crises and strategically moves to help those in need.

Most of all, she’s joined Casa de los Niños with a vision for the future. To her, it’s the focus on community that gives the nonprofit strength to make a difference.

“We’re all a part of this, and we make Tucson better,” Navarro-Hernandez said. “My hope is to be able to contribute to that … to highlight the great work that our staff and our volunteers are doing, to make sure we are continuing to be responsive to the community.”

Inside Tucson Business Staff

Navarro-Hernandez grew up in Illinois and was determined to help others after seeing her mother’s behavior.

Saguaro Aquatics celebrates anniversary with new pool

By Grey Gartin Inside Tucson Business Staff

For almost two decades, Saguaro Aquatics has stuck to its mission of increasing water safety knowledge through a variety of swimming lessons and other aquatic activities for all ages.

On Saturday, March 11, Saguaro Aquatics celebrated its 18th year of aquatic programming with a grand opening of its indoor pool at 9260 N. Thornydale Road.

The event included games, food truck vendors, shaved ice and the Golder Ranch Fire Truck.

Admission was ee, and attendees won prizes such as ee swimming lessons and Saguaro Aquatics swag bags.

“We want to offer swim lessons and drowning prevention to all of Tucson,” said Sarah Franklin, a member of the management team and wife of Saguaro Aquatics owner Josh Franklin. “These are very important life skills, and we want to make sure that all kids in Tucson have the opportunity to learn those skills anytime.”

Located near Craycro Road and Pima Street, Saguaro Aquatics will have its slate full of swimming lessons for all age groups.

Saguaro Aquatics has water safety lessons for toddlers 6 months and younger. These come in the form of 30-minute parent-tot classes that encourage parent-child bonding and teach first-time

submersion, back float and socialization skills.

“Our instructors’ student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1, so it’s super low,” Franklin said.

Kids’ private and group swim lessons are also available for enrollment at Saguaro Aquatics. For those who are 3 and older, there are three learn-to-swim-focused groups and four stroke technique groups, totaling seven “team” experiences for prospective swimmers.

For more advanced swimmers, Franklin said Saguaro Aquatis has a higher-level intensive group.

“We do have what we call a junior swim team, and it’s basically for the older kids that already know how to swim. They’re going to do more of

a workout type of lesson similar to what they would get at a competitive swim team practice.”

Additionally, Saguaro Aquatics offers group, private and semi-private swimming lessons for adults of all skill levels. Some of these lessons are taught in a warm saltwater pool to offer swimmers a comfortable experience in the water.

Wellness aquatics are held in the saltwater pool as well. These classes are designed with heart and lung health in

mind and are for those who want to better their mobility and health. The programs include lap swim, core fusion, aqua aerobics, aquachi and theraquatics — a meditation and breathing activity.

Saguaro Aquatics’ pools are available to rent for parties

Saguaro Aquatics

9260 N. Thornydale Road, Tucson

saguaroaquatics.com

and events. Lifeguards are included in the rental, and additional activities like pool games can be added on a la carte style.

Residents can register for classes year-round on its website, as spots are always opening.

Village Medical fetes 1-year anniversary

By Inside Tucson Business Staff

Doctors and patients om Tucson Village Medical at Walgreens celebrated the practice’s one-year anniversary in Southern Arizona on Feb. 28.

The company boasts six Village Medical at Walgreens in Tucson and two in Oro Valley. The celebration was

held at the location at 5525 E. River Road, Tucson.

They are full-fledged practices with a separate entrance, eight exam rooms and a door in the back of the practice that leads to the pharmacy so the doctors and pharmacist can communicate efficiently.

Village Medical provides health care services for in-

dividuals and communities across the United States, with primary, multispecialty and urgent care providers serving patients in traditional clinic settings, in patients’ homes and online appointments. Its workforce of more than 20,000 operates om 680 practice locations in 26 markets.

Info: villagemd.com ITB

TUCSON BUSINESS BRIEFS

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Inside Tucson Business Staff

Serenity Home Watch at Dove Mountain has earned accreditation

Serenity Home Watch at Dove Mountain earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the third year.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada.

Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence. All principals of NHWA Accredited Member companies are background-checked, insured and bonded.

Owners Donna and Brent Adams are full-time residents who moved to the Del Webb community in 2019 after visiting Tucson on their honeymoon in 2018. Donna retired from United Airlines after 24 years as a flight attendant. She has owned many small businesses throughout her career.

Brent retired from the city and county of Denver in 2019, working at Denver International Airport in the information technology sector. They can be reached

at 720-982-7231 or at serenityhomewatchllc@ gmail.com.

Info: serenityhomewatchllc.com

The Tower at 5151 installs EV charging stations

Two level-three 50kW DC fast-charging stations are now at 5151 E. Broadway.

The building participated in Tucson Electric Power’s Smart EV Charging Program, researched equipment, and focused on rapid-charging options to best benefit EV drivers on the east side. TEP provided engineering and framework, along with a financial incentive.

“5151 E. Broadway is proud to contribute to fast-charging infrastructure in the Central Tucson area, which is currently underserved,” property manager Mark Isenberger said.

“DCFC chargers feature dramatically reduced charging times, so important in today’s fast-paced world.”

The level-three DCFC stations are located off Broadway on the east driveway and are compatible with all electric vehicles, including Tesla, which requires a CCS Combo 1 adaptor. Each station has a Combo CCS1 and CHAdeMO plug. A Tesla adaptor is available for check out in the property management office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

The commercial office

tower plans to install additional charging units to accommodate tenant requests.

Info: Mark Isenberger at misenberger@picor.com

LGI Homes opens new community near Tucson

LGI Homes Inc. unveiled the grand opening of Red Rock Village.

LGI Homes offers a variety of open-concept floor plan options at Red Rock Village, with new homes ranging from efficient three-bedroom plans with large living areas to five-bedroom homes with designer kitchens and upstairs lofts.

Each home is outfitted with the incredible LGI Homes CompleteHome package, including new stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops and espresso wood cabinets. Every home has covered entryways and low-maintenance frontyard landscaping.

Residents will have private access to multiple swimming pools with water slides, a basketball court, baseball fields, skate park, children’s playground, a picnic area and sand volleyball courts.

In addition, there’s an on-site elementary school, and nearby are hiking and biking trails, as well as the Tucson Premium Outlets.

New homes start in the low $300,000s.

Info: 1-855-608-5200, ext. 463, lgihomes.com/ redrockvillage. ITB

(LGI Homes/Submitted)

LGI Homes at Red Rock Village offers new, move-in ready homes and many amenities in Red Rock. Pricing starts from the $300,000s.

Broker offers tips for preparing a home for sale

By Gregory Richman HomeSmart Advantage Group Associate Broker

Which items will add value to your home and help with resale when the time comes to sell?

The answer is: “The ones that future buyers also want and are willing to pay for.”

So which updates will add the most value to your home?

1. Updates that increase usable space: an extra bathroom; larger and/or upgraded kitchen; master bedroom suite; more closet space; conversion of unused space to a home office.

2. Updates that will lighten and brighten your rooms: White or light color paint and floor coverings, light woods, skylights, larger windows and French doors all work excellently.

3. Updates that will increase privacy and security: Things like fencing and landscaping are fantastic improvements.

Again, think to yourself which items will add value to your home and help with resale when the time comes to sell?

The answer always is: “The ones that future buyers also want and are willing to pay for.”

Here are simple ideas to keep in mind.

1. Make a good first impression

The Tucson-area real estate market is competitive, and buyers have myriad potential homes om which to choose. As such, on average, a prospective buyer decides on if they’ve found “the house” within the first seven seconds of viewing your home. A

big part of selling for top dollar is proactively removing potential excuses om the buyer’s mind before they even arise, and your house’s appearance is pivotal. One doesn’t want a bad first impression.

Make it bright. Open drapes, turn on lights, add neutral colors, and clean floors and surfaces so that they shine and reflect the light. Bright equates with clean, open and inviting. Spruce up the exterior. Make over the landscaping, add potted plants and improve the overall curb appeal. A cluttered or ill-manicured yard taints the “dream home” illusion in the mind and will virtually guarantee that your “For sale” sign remains up much longer than you hoped. Show storage space. Take half of the stuff out of your closet

and neatly organize what’s le in there. Buyers will snoop, and when they do, you’ll want to impress them with how much space they’re getting.

2. Highlight selling features

The buyer’s Realtor will surely point out your home’s best features, but you’ll want those areas to stand out such that the buyer can’t miss them even if they were viewing your house on their own. Do you have a pool? Accentuate it by thoroughly cleaning the exterior cement and tiles, adding decorative plants, even putting up nice pool chairs (or leaving yours up if they are clean, in good shape and of a neutral color). Fireplace? Add (or keep) nice fire stoking tools, a stack of esh firewood, an attractive fireplace screen, and neutral artwork over the mantel. Gourmet or otherwise upgraded kitchen? Don’t stop at merely scouring the countertops and polishing the appliance exteriors. Organize the pantry and inside cupboards; update the light fixtures (a dimmer switch adds a nice effect); add flowers and uit; display attractive and neatly organized kitchen utensils; and, if you have the time and budget, paint and/or add glass doors to your cabinets.

3. Get routine and deferred maintenance done

No one is immune to the procrastination bug, and as a homeowner, it’s natural to get complacent about fixing seemingly minor issues in your house that you’ve grown accustomed to over the years.

But as you get ready to put your home on the market, this is one area that you won’t want to skimp on. Spend the money to show that you’ve taken care of your home (even if you did everything a week before inviting buyers to see the house). Plus, even if you

don’t turn off a buyer by leaving these undone, upon noticing items needing maintenance seeds of doubt will be placed in potential buyers’ minds.

“What else may I not be noticing?” Plus, a home inspection will reveal most items, and a lengthy litany of repair requests will be presented to you at the end of the inspection period.

Examples include touching up old paint, patching holes and cracks in the walls and ceilings, repairing leaky faucets, replacing broken window glass, and fixing broken appliances and HVAC systems.

4. Make yourself scarce

It may seem insignificant, but you’ll want to keep engagements with prospective buyers to a minimum. Ideally, you’ll stage your home and have your Realtor show it to buyers virtually before they physically come onsite, which will hopefully weed out nonserious buyers and limit in-person exposure.

When a buyer comes to view your house, leave if you can. If you can’t leave, be polite and introduce yourself, and then allow the potential buyers their space to examine everything and let prospective buyers discuss things among themselves. Your presence (or simply knowing that you are in close proximity) can create a tense atmosphere that doesn’t allow the buyer to feel 100% comfortable in being candid in their internal conversations, which can adversely affect the chances of them buying.

5. Get the right real estate broker/agent

Having a great Realtor on your team can literally mean the difference between a quick, successful sale and a house that stays on the market forever and/or sells way underpriced. Too many

sellers think they can come out ahead by doing the work themselves and not paying commission to an agent, but this strategy backfires o en for several reasons:

• Pricing. Invariably, a homeowner who tries to sell his or her own house overprices it because the perceived value is much higher in their eyes. This mistake can lead to extended days on the market, which indicates to potential buyers that something is either wrong with your house or that the price will drop out of desperation, so there’s no urgency. A good Realtor has an experienced, objective eye, is familiar with the local market, can perform comparable market analyses to determine the best price in your area, and knows what aspects of your house are most important to buyers and what they are worth.

• House preparation. Even for those who think they have enough experience to sell their own house, the preparation process is daunting. We mentioned in tips Nos. 2 and 3 the importance of proactively highlighting features and doing minor repairs in your house, but without a good realtor, you’ll either neglect important aspects or overpay fixing/ accentuating things that won’t affect the listing price. A Realtor will also help you properly stage your house.

• Time. Let’s face it — selling a house requires a ton of discretionary time, between holding open houses, scheduling and conducting virtual and live showings, negotiating with buyers and their Realtor, and a host of other aspects of the transaction. Letting your experienced Realtor handle these tasks allows you to focus your time and energy on what’s truly important to you.

Anyone with questions or comments may call 520-248-1239 or visit richmantucsonhomes.com.

Time features BATA in annual destinations list

By Inside Tucson Business Staff

Downtown Tucson’s BATA has been named by Time as one of the World’s Greatest Places, just after its first anniversary.

To compile this list, Time solicited nominations of places — including countries, regions, cities and towns — from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

BATA was featured as one of the exciting new experiences in Tucson, which earned a spot on this year’s list alongside other destinations including Washington, D.C.; Dijon, France; and Naples, Italy.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our first anniversary than to be recognized by Time in this way and for Tucson to share this honor with such renowned

and remarkable destinations worldwide,” said Tyler Fenton, BATA’s co-owner and executive chef.

“We’re grateful for our patrons, our suppliers and our community, who have each played a significant role in this achievement and recognition. It’s truly an honor for our team to service both our local and global guests alike.”

Other Tucson area landmarks making this year’s list include Barrio Bread, Boca Tacos y Tequila, Borderlands Brewing, Citizen Hotel, Maynards, the tour company Borderlandia, and the upcoming Leo Kent Hotel.

The full Time World’s Greatest Places list will be featured in the April 10/April 17 double issue of Time, available on newsstands on Friday, March 17. To access the full list, visit time.com/ worldsgreatestplaces.

BATA is located at 35 E. Toole Avenue, in Downtown Tucson’s Warehouse Arts District. The Fenton family concept draws from the legends and lore of fire, with each item on the menu touched by fire in a distinct way. It occupies a 1930s historic warehouse that has been reimagined, with original wood and metal bow truss ceilings contrasted with contemporary touches like a shou sugi ban soffit made from heavily charred wood.

In addition to BATA, the Fentons also own and operate Barbata, a European-inspired lounge in BATA’s basement; Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink at 101 E. Pennington Street; and Fentonelli’s Pizzeria & Bar at 7262 N. Oracle Road. For additional information and reservations, visit batatucson.com and @BataTucson on Instagram and Facebook. ITB

BATA occupies a 1930s historic warehouse that has been reimagined, with original wood and metal bow truss ceilings contrasted with contemporary touches like a shou sugi ban soffit made from heavily charred wood.

Specialty & Technical Schools

Ranked by the total spring enrollment.

Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings. N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided

Private Elementary Schools

theater, Spanish, technology labs, physical development, library

The Academy is an award winning school founded to provide an inclusive positive teaching environment for children based on the belief that all children are capable of learning, thriving, and being challenged in meaningful ways. Intermountain Academy uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy which is proven to be most effective for children with ASD.

Ranked by number of

information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings.

provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided

School Districts in Southern Arizona

Ranked by number of

Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings. N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided

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