Mesa has unveiled an ambitious plan to bring fiber-optic technology to every address in the city.
“We’ve decided that the best way to get the Internet everywhere is through fiber,” Ian Linssen, an assistant to the city manager, told the City Council on Jan. 13.
The technology, though more than 50 years
old, is still rather amazing: A strand of glass or clear plastic about the size of a human hair, covered in a plastic case, carries data in the form of – and at the speed of – light. Hundreds of fibers can be bundled together for various users.
Deploying fiber across the city “gives us a huge amount of new benefits for the foreseeable future,” Linssen said. “Fiber futureproofs Mesa.”
His point: Fiber is flexible enough to handle
activities and programs. Read about him on page 12. (Srianthi Perera/Tribune Contributor)
whatever new technologies may emerge in coming decades.
The benefits include attracting tech-dependent businesses, more efficient government operations, and greater opportunities for residents to access the Internet, Linssen said. With fiber in every street, there would be no worries about some neighborhoods lacking access to an Internet provider.
BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer
Almost a year after Mesa City Council approved the 1,131-acre Hawes Crossing, the first residential community in the massive master planned community is one step closer to breaking ground.
The City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board earlier this month unanimously approved rezoning 80.66-acre for what the developers call “charming and desirable” Hawes Crossing Village One around Hawes and Elliott roads and 80th Street.
The approval only changes minor development standards to allow for specific homes and townhomes by homebuilder Lennar, which must also get approval of the Specific
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Further, having fiber available to every home would enable smaller internet service providers to compete with major companies, driving prices down for consumers.
Running cable to every address in Mesa would be no piece of cake. The still-growing city has some 264,000 homes and businesses and 2,470 street miles spread across almost 140 square miles.
The project would take years, at an untold cost. Because of the scale and expense, the city can’t tackle the project on its own, Linssen said. A public-private partnership now looks like the best bet.
Mayor John Giles said other cities, such as Chattanooga, Tennessee, have installed citywide fiber, but they have borne the entire initial expense with public money.
“There are other models out there like Chattanooga,” he said, “but it’s this model where the city invests a billion dollars. That is, I think, scary for all of us.”
Tennessee public power utility EPB last year reported that new independent research revealed $2.69 billion in community benefits during the first 10 years since it built the country’s first Gig-speed community-wide network in Chattanooga and used it to establish what EPB said is the nation’s most advanced smart grid power distribution system.
Linssen said the best solution for Mesa appears to be what is called openaccess fiber.
“What that is,” he explained. “is fiber everywhere that allows multiple tenants, multiple service providers to be on that network at the same time. So you don’t just have one internet service provider, you could have unlimited, frankly.”
One way to limit the cost would be “micro-trenching,” which produces a hole about 2 inches wide and a foot deep, rather than the large holes required for other forms of infrastructure.
“It’s been done in other cities,” City Manager Chris Brady said. “There’s been mixed results. But you look at the cost differential and the time to deliver, it’s significant. It’s materially different.”
That will help, he said, because when a city looks at a project like this “you get into numbers that start with B’s.”
Brady said Mesa won’t let any private cable providers start digging until they demonstrate they have the money to finish. In response to a question from Council-
see WIRED page 6
Mesa, AZ — The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your chronic pain and/or neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects.
Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.
As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects.
(See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article)
In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined.
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The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals.
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The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT!
In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers!
The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy.
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determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!
Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.
Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until January 31, 2022. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated.
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Mesa shells out $$ to keep employees on payroll
BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor
Good help is hard to find these days. Plus, it’s expensive.
As employers nationwide clamor for qualified workers, Mesa is finding it harder to staff the vital departments that help keep the city healthy and safe.
Teri Overbey, the city’s human resources director, told the City Council on Jan. 13 that despite an aggressive program of pay raises and bonuses, Mesa is finding it harder to keep people on payroll.
“It is a trend that everyone is experiencing,” Overbey said.
Out of about 4,000 positions, Mesa reported 258 vacancies in 2019, 295 in 2020, and 468 in fiscal 2021, Overbey said.
The turnover rate in 2019 was nearly 9 percent and by 2021 climbed to 11.7 percent. Those are not all resignations –retirements, dismissals and deaths are counted, too.
As an example of how the City is trying to recruit, Overbey cited the Mesa Police Department, which offers a $3,500 hir-
ing bonus to new officers. Half of that is payable after 30 days, the other half after completion of field training.
There’s $500 extra if a police recruit has a bachelor’s degree and $1,000 if he or she comes in with a master’s degree.
That’s still lower than the $7,500 the Phoenix Police Department is paying recruits to shore up a staffing level that is now close to the bare minimum officials say they need to maintain patrols.
Mesa also offers a $5,000 hiring bonus for offers who come laterally in from other cities’ departments. And detention officers are getting a $2,000 hiring bonus.
The problem of keeping employees extends even to seasonal workers in the Parks and Recreation Department, which is offering a $500 bonus to those who stay on board through the season for which they were hired. Lifeguards and swimming instructors also are now reimbursed for the cost of their training.
City Manager Chris Brady said the private sector has lured away some of the city’s essential water plant operators.
The expanding Intel complex in Chan-
Would your big bank even miss
dler and a new semiconductor plant in north Phoenix require water plant operators. “We lost four of our plant operators and we’re getting ready to lose more,” Brady said.
To fight back, Mesa is offering a $3,500 hiring bonus for water plant operators and $1,000 to any employee who recommends a new hire for that department.
Apart from the bonuses, Mesa has found it necessary to ramp up pay across the board.
Each position comes with a range of salaries, and just to get people on board means the city has to bring them on at a higher step in their position’s pay range than before, rather than at entry level.
And, Overbey said, when employees get job offers from outside, the city must counter those offers with higher pay.
Hoping to keep people on staff, the city gave every employee a $2,000 bonus in January 2021. At the same time, it raised each position pay range 5 percent and gave everyone a 3 percent raise.
Another across-the-board $2,000 bonus is coming on Jan. 31, as well as another 5
percent raise in pay ranges and a 5 percent raise for every employee. Sworn police officers will get an additional $2,500 bonus, and Brady said firefighters also will receive extra compensation. Further raises are projected for July.
Further, Overbey said, “We’ve had to offer performance awards, additional benefits, things like that to try to remain competitive.”
Brady said the raises are necessary in the face of the nation’s worst inflation in 40 years. “What our employees were making six months ago, a year ago, with inflation the net result is less buying power,” Brady said.
On the flip side of that, Brady said, higher prices mean that Mesa is collecting more sales taxes, which help pay for the raises.
“I think this is a good formula to try to keep our employees,” District 5 Councilman David Luna said. “We certainly don’t want to lose them. They have institutional knowledge as well as their expertise. We have to do everything we can to make sure that they stay here.” ■
Plan and preliminary plat.
There are still several other hurdles the developers must clear with the city but it’s one step closer to issuing permits on the 458 single-family homes and 103 townhomes.
While a date has not been set for breaking ground, attorney Jordan Rose, whose Rose Law Group represents the developers and put together the initial assembly of land for Hawes Crossing, said, “They are eager to break ground, so they will continue to move through the City processes as quickly as possible.”
“Hawes Crossing has become the hottest new master planned community in the East Valley,” she said. “This area of Mesa is tremendously desirable for the accessibility to jobs, good schools and nearby recreational.”
Rose said almost all of Villages One, Two and Three are in the process of moving forward and include single-family residential, multifamily complexes, and commercial and mixed-use facilities.
A well-balanced mix of low, medium and high-density districts was part of the discussions by stakeholders with the common goal of planning a residential neighborhood that would complement the existing neighborhood to the north while honoring the agricultural heritage of the area, according to the developer’s vision statement.
Hawes Crossing had comprised the last remnants of Mesa’s agricultural past and had been home for decades to at least six dairy farms whose owners pulled up stakes for other areas in the state.
The initial rezoning a year ago climaxed lengthy negotiations over how the land uses would be divided.
Those negotiations ended with a compromise that devoted 56 percent of the
WIRED from page 3
man Kevin Thompson, Brady said Mesa does not intend for its fiber network to become another city-owned utility requiring a large staff and maintenance operations.
“We’re willing to let the private sector take that risk on,” Brady said. Mesa already is laying some groundwork, literally, for citywide fiber.
Crossing master planned community is surrounded by Air Operations Areas that are shaded in three different colors based on the impact of flights to and from PHX Mesa Gateway Airport. (Tribune file photo)
land to job development and 44 percent residences after the initial plan called for 83 percent devoted to homes four years ago. As it stands, Hawes Crossing will include 4,500 residential units of various types as well as commercial and industrial development.
Mayor John Giles said at the time that Hawes Crossing would generate an estimated 55,000 new jobs and reserve certain strategic areas for housing.
Describing Village One as a “proposed single-family detached and attached residential subdivision with the unique opportunity to offer contemporary homes and lifestyles among a diverse product offering within, what will be, a vibrant community in the City of Mesa,” Lennar’s vision statement outlined the reason for the most recent zoning amendment.
It said a portion of the property was zoned in a way that required multifamily development with a minimum density of
City Engineer Beth Huning told the Council that fiber conduit is now a part of every street construction project, but the city hasn’t actually put fiber there.
That has worked to the advantage of internet service providers, who are encouraged to use those conduits, and it prevents them from having to rip up streets to lay their own infrastructure, Huning said. The city gets some return on the investment in
homes included “projected window sills with decorative sculpted cap, sculpted trim details, wrought iron, gable pipe details, angled wall detailing, colonial shutters on the A elevations and decorative window tile window surrounds on the B elevations along with more rustic shutters that are appropriate for these Spanish Colonial and Spanish Hacienda styles.”
Lennar said an HOA would encompass both the north and south Village One components and that 20.39 acres, or about a quarter of the community, “is open space/common area – far exceeding the 15% open-space requirement” – and will include three pocket parks and a larger neighborhood park.
20 units per acre and that “this size would require parking garages, elevator construction and more that would price the resulting apartments out of the market and fail to fill the current need for a diversity of housing options in southeast Mesa.”
“From site planning to open space and circulation elements, great forethought went into developing a diverse but interconnected neighborhood with diverse housing product, ample open space, and common theming that would identify it as a part of the larger Hawes Crossing community,” Lennar said.
Lennar will offer 12 different floor plans ranging in size from 1,724 to 2,524 square feet, with all plans including a two-car garage, full length driveway and covered porch/entry.
It said the community will offer “a true village experience with similar, yet varied homes in a unifying architectural style” and said architectural details for the
the form of leasing fees.
Now the city is looking for potential partners for the citywide project.
“We need to get the word out, everywhere, that Mesa is interested in this,” Linssen said. A consultant is helping the city craft a nationwide search for qualified providers, and Mesa hopes to have some prospects by early spring.
“Village One has been designed to create a pedestrian friendly and connected experience, both in the site planning and home designs,” Lennar said. “The alley-loaded lots all front onto landscaped yards and sidewalks either facing a local street or the fronts of other alley-loaded lots.
“The lots are all connected to the open space, amenities, and other lots via a network of attached and detached sidewalks and greenbelts. The Townhomes in Village One South similarly front onto landscaped and amenitized paseos that are connected to the larger open space and pedestrian circulation systems.”
In all, Lennar said, “The variety of housing styles, floor plans, elevations, amenities, and open space provide opportunities for its residents to recreate and commune in a neighborhood that promotes social interaction while preserving a quiet peaceful way of life.”
Hawes Crossing’s ability to attract the best retail and restaurant businesses will depend on getting the residences built first, Rose said.
“I believe all or almost all of the nonresidential is under contract or close to it,” she added. ■
The idea met with favorable council response.
“Absolutely, I think this is the way we’ve got to go,” said Councilman David Luna.
“Mesa really is on the cutting edge of this,” Giles said. “We talk about what other models can we look to and steal these ideas from other communities. I think we’re the ones that are going to be speaking at the National League of Cities conferences about how we did this.” ■
The entire 1,131-acre Hawes
Mesa pondering use of remaining pandemic funds
BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer
With over $96.2 million already committed, Mesa City Council is deciding how to spend the last $9.3 million of its third round of federal pandemic relief money.
And the last of those funds under the American Recovery Plan Act that Congress passed last year could cover everything from additional services for people experiencing homelessness to body scanners used by police.
During a recent study session, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Director Andrea Moore proposed a Mesa Recreation Scholarship for Youth Programs for low/moderate income families. Current estimates put cost at $447,000 for recreational programming for children in kindergarten through 6th grade, but Moore said the scholarship program will be open to all qualified youth.
The funds would help cover half of youth sports fees for qualified families through 2023.
Families could qualify by verifying residence in a low/moderate income area as defined by federal guidelines or if their household income met that threshold.
“We found in 2019, about 18% of all of our program participants would’ve resided within a low/moderate income census tract,” Moore said. “There are many more than that who have participated and requested fee assistance from us in prior years.”
The city plans to open to program this month and qualified participants would have access with their discount code through 2023, she said.
Moore also presented a proposal for replacement flooring for the Convention Center Main Hall at a cost of about $145,000.
The current stained concrete sustained “pretty significant damage” from the food distribution and COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations that were held at the Convention Center over the past year, she said.
She said the new carpet product would not only improve the floor’s look and feel, but dampen the sound compared to what the current concrete floor creates.
Chief Financial Officer Michael Kennington also updated some estimates of already allocated ARPA funds, including an estimated $2 million in renovations to the Mesa Family Advocacy Center.
He said this additional money was not part of the original estimate, stating, “We’ve realized there are more needs than we anticipated.”
The system, with a thermal scanner to read body temperatures, will help in the booking and processing of inmates at the Mesa Police holding facility. The facility booked an average of 18,855 inmates from 2017-2020.
“Detention personnel process a variety of people that have concealed items in their clothing or have medical issues like lice, bed bugs, MRSA and COVID-19,” Trapani said. “It will also assist in the discovery of illegal contraband on prisoners.”
We want to be less transactional with our families and more relational with the people we serve to truly understand their needs in order to not need the food bank in the future.
The city began using $224,000 of the estimated $6 million it set aside for the WiFi and Mobile Broadband Program in and around downtown and spent $1.4 million to purchase five new ambulances and equipment including heart monitors, gurneys, medication refrigerators and radios.
a new $3 million allotment for the Restaurant and Food Business Incubator Program that will go to the 2,500-squarefoot Local First Community Kitchen in west Mesa. The program directly addresses the economic impact of COVID-19 on local food businesses and restaurants.
Kennington also said the city is “continually working with United Food Bank” on its food distribution center, for which estimates were cut from $10 million to $5 million.
Dave Richins, president and CEO of United Food Bank said the reduction was made possible by his nonprofit’s this is because his organization purchased a new facility adjacent to their current facility without ARPA funds.
Though they can’t utilize the facility for more than year, Richins said they’re planning to utilize the facility for a “new style of distribution.”
Mesa Police spokesman Sgt. Chuck Trapani said major renovations are needed in 28,500 square feet of two police buildings that share the property with the center at 225 East First St. Those renovations include upgrading the HVAC system, replacing ceilings, installing LED lights and correcting handicap doorway clearance.
Kennington also estimated the city will need $189,000 for a new body scanner for the Police Department.
The city plans to test a citizen broadband radio system tower at Country Club Drive and Broadway Road. In-home router/hotspots that Mesa Public Schools will purchase will take that mobile signal and turn it into a Wi-Fi network for homes in the area.
“CBRS is a 4G LTE cell technology that the City will own and will be operated by Motorola,” he said. “The hope is to have 21 towers deployed this summer 2022, in time for MPS to distribute routers for the 2022-2023 school year.”
Kennington said the city planned for
“We want to be less transactional with our families and more relational with the people we serve to truly understand their needs in order to not need the food bank in the future,” he said.
United Food Bank served more than five million pounds of food over to 81,000 families from March 2020 to 2021, along with 4,000 prepared meals per week to the homeless.
Homeless solutions estimate increased from $20 million to $25 million, but this is still under review, according to the ARPA Update.
“Budgeting is a planning tool and the estimated allocation amount may change as we develop the potential programs with our partners,” Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis said. ■
Mesa mayor calls immigration reform ‘long overdue’
BY EMILY SACIA Cronkite News
WASHINGTON – Mayors of Tucson and Mesa agreed last Wednesday that immigration reform is badly needed to address the current situation at the border, but they are not confident it can get done in the current fractured political climate.
The comments from Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, a Democrat, and Mesa Mayor John Giles, a Republican, who took part in an immigration forum at the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington.
“It’s been 30-plus years since we’ve had meaningful legislation related to immigration reform,” Giles said after the session. “We’re hopeful that the people will put partisan politics aside and address this like a bipartisan issue.”
But he and Romero both acknowledged that the climate in Washington will most likely stifle any chance for change.
“I think the major issue facing immigration policy is that it’s not based on facts, the conversation in our country is polar-
ized,” Romero said.
The meeting comes as the number of migrants at the southern border continues to surge, after hitting an all-time high of 1.7 million encounters with immigrants in fiscal 2021, according to Customs and Border Protection data.
The numbers have fallen slightly since July, but still stood at more than 338,000 in October and November, the first two months of fiscal 2022, and the latest data available from CBP.
CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus –who until last month was Tucson’s chief of police – told the panel that his agency is struggling to keep pace with the challenges, which include handling asylumseekers and immigrants, trying to keep trade flowing through ports of entry and fighting a surge in illicit drug trafficking.
He said CBP intercepted 1,000 pounds of fentanyl at the border in fiscal 2021, “really a massive increase of what we saw in 2019.”
Magnus said current resources at the border are stretched thin and workers are inundated.
“It’s a frequently changing legal land-
scape that requires our personnel to take on additional responsibilities or new skills, interact with larger numbers of people, and frankly have to adjust to increasingly complex expectations,” Magnus said.
The agency is still operating under two Trump-era policies: Title 42, a healthsafety measure that allows officers to turn migrants back at the border in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the “remain in Mexico” policy.
Under the latter policy, border agents will accept asylum requests from migrants who present themselves at the border, but they are required to go back to Mexico and await a hearing date in U.S. courts.
Critics say both policies expose immigrants to disease, crime and violence in the makeshift camps that have sprung up south of the border.
Despite that, the Biden administration has extended the Title 42 restrictions, tweaking them only to exempt unaccompanied children. It tried to do away with MPP, but courts subsequently ordered the program reinstated, saying Homeland
Security Alejandro Mayorkas has not followed proper procedures to end the program. DHS grudgingly reinstated MPP, even as Mayorkas announced new plans to do away with it.
Magnus said his agency is “realistic about the impact of Title 42 going away at some point. We’re working really for a whole-government approach to achieve a safe and orderly process.”
He said state and local agencies as well as federal departments need to be part of the solution.
“I know it’s easy to say we’re seeking an equal partnership but I’m really committed to doing this so that actions speak louder than words,” Magnus said.
That was echoed by Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, who said the U.S. and Mexico will need to work together to address the root of the migration problem.
“Migration is one of the greatest issues that lies at the core of the U.S. and Mexico’s shared priorities,” he told the mayors. “We
see GILES page 11
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Mesa rep leads charge on racism teaching bill
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
AHouse panel voted 6-4 Tuesday along party lines on a Mesa legislator’s bill that would make teaching about racism illegal if it is done in certain ways.
Rep. Michelle Udall, RMesa, said her proposal is not an effort to block students from being told about the history of racism in this country, whether it be slavery or how Native Americans were forced from their homes.
“It simply means that judging others by their race, ethnicity or sex is unacceptable,’’ she told members of the House Education Committee which she chairs.
“It will not be tolerated in our schools in any way, shape or form, even if it is introduced to combat racism,’’ Udall continued. “We cannot combat racism with more racism.’’
Udall cited some real-world examples of what she is trying to prevent, like a seventh grade English class in Chandler reading an essay entitled “Black Men in Public Places.’’ That dealt with a 6-foot 2-inch Black man walking at night in a military style jacket with his hands in his pockets.
“A woman out walking was frightened and sought to put distance between them,’’ Udall said. “The essay fully attributes her fear to his skin color rather than considering a woman walking alone at night might be afraid of anyone of that size.’’
But the wording of the measure drew questions about exactly what teachers could and could not say about the legacy of racism and what could result in the loss of their teaching certificates.
As crafted, HB 2112 would make it illegal for schools to teach that one race, ethnic group or sex is “inherently morally or intellectually superior to another race, ethic group or sex.’’
Also illegal would be teaching that someone, by virtue of the race, ethnicity
or sex is “inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.’’ And it would ban any instruction that someone’s individual moral character is determined by that person’s race, ethnicity or sex.
But the potentially more problematic language goes to whether teaching about the history of racism in this country would cross a line that forbids teaching that individuals, based on race, ethnicity or sex, should “feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress because of that race, ethnicity or sex.’’ And there is similar language saying that students cannot be taught that, based on race, ethnicity or sex, bear responsibility for actions committed by others from the same group.
Teachers who violate the law could have their teaching certificate suspended or revoked. And school districts would face $5,000 fines for each violation.
Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, D-Chandler, a primary school teacher, said she worries what will happen if a history lesson happens to make a student uncomfortable.
“That wasn’t my intent,’’ she said. “But if somebody has a feeling like, ‘Oh my goodness, I didn’t know it happens,’ it makes a first grader sad, will the teacher
Mesa state Rep. Michell Udall said teaching about racism in schools can’t be designed to intentionally make children feel guilty. (Tribune file photo)
Food truck park owners throw in the towel
BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor
The owners of a controversial East Mesa food truck park have given up trying to secure city permission to continue its operation.
But Ted Sparks, a spokesman for the neighbors who opposed it, said he doesn’t think the fight wore them out.
“Their business is down 50 percent from what it was a year ago,” said Sparks, who with neighbors has been counting the number of patrons’ cars and the food trucks on the premises virtually every recent weekend.
In a Jan. 20 letter to Dr. Nana Appiah, city development services director, attorney Sean Lake wrote a terse note, stating “Power Road Park LLC respectfully withdraws above-referenced case. The property owners are going to evaluate and explore alternative uses for the property.”
The “above-referenced case” involved the owners’ request for a zoning change that would allow them to operate the food truck park on a 2-acre lot on North Power Road just south of East McKellips Road that a year ago was drawing far
RACE from page 10
lose their teaching credentials, will the school be fined?’’
Udall, however, said it comes down to intent.
“If you read it closely, it says that a teacher should not be teaching that an individual should feel discomfort, feel anguish or other form of psychological distress because of the individual’s race, ethnicity or sex,’’ she said. More to the point, Udall said, teachers should teach that students are responsible for their own actions, “not for what happened in history.’’
Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen, said it isn’t that simple.
For example, he said, there might be a discussion of the Fair Housing Act, the
GILES from page 9
really need each other.”
Despite the partisan gridlock in Washington, both Giles and Romero credited the Biden administration with trying to reform border policy. But they said advo-
more cars and trucks than what neighbors have been seeing lately.
City Council was to vote Feb. 7 on the zoning change, but only if the park owners reached two agreements beforehand.
One was a development agreement with the city to address a variety of improvements to the site that addressed a variety of complaints about its current operation and a “good neighbor policy” that homeowners would buy into. The development agreement would be enforceable by the city.
At a Jan. 10 council meeting, Sparks decried the “invasion and chaos caused by the ongoing unauthorized food truck operation.” He also said the neighbors’ complaints are not about food trucks per se but “about preserving the integrity and nature of our neighborhood.”
He said the neighborhood first galvanized in opposition to a proposed selfstorage facility on the corner of Power Road and Halifax Avenue, eventually winning a two-year fight to stop the project. But he said that when the property owners proposed an office park on that corner, neighbors were supportive. That project never came to fruition.
1968 federal law designed to prevent discrimination in the ability of people to be able to buy and rent homes and apartments, something that can be taught as a matter of history. But Bolding said lessons go beyond those bare facts.
“A student might ask, ‘Why?’ or ‘How?’ ‘’ he said. “And that’s when you start to have deeper discussion of why did you need a Fair Housing Act of 1968.’’
Ditto, Bolding said, of what happens when children seek to know about the treatment of Native Americans.
“Udall, however, insisted that nothing in her measure would interfere with that.
“You can’t say, for example, that Blacks weren’t allowed housing and say, ‘All white people are this or that.’ ‘’ Udall continued. “It is the difference between talking about the actions versus talking about
cates must continue to fight.
“I’m happy that the Biden administration is listening to border communities like Tucson and Nogales,” Romero said.
“We just have to keep fighting and making sure that we can get some movement on immigration policies with the House, the
Sparks said that a year ago, when most restaurants were closed, the park drew as many as 265 cars at a time and likely twice that much over one evening’s operation.
Now, the tally is 50 percent down from,” Sparks told the Tribune, adding that recent weekends he has seen only four food trucks while even last fall more than a dozen would be parked on the lot.
Sparks said he was delighted to hear about the letter withdrawing the park owners’ request. “Now we can all sleep at night,” he said.
Traffic, noise and the smell of cooking grease plagued the homeowners when the park was in operation, according to numerous complaints made to the city.
The park owners had been cited for unauthorized uses of the lot but had managed to keep operating while they fought to get city approval for their operation.
Matters began coming to a head in September, when Appiah declared, “The current activities on the property do not conform" to zoning regulations.
The Board of Adjustments upheld his decision on appeal while the Planning & Zoning Board a few weeks later not only
them as a whole race.’’
Rep. Judy Schwiebert, D-Phoenix, said the lines are not as clear as Udall and her legislation make them out to be.
Consider, she said, the story of Ruby Bridges who was the first African-American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in Louisiana in 1960
“The book depicts a lot of white people screaming and yelling at her and being mean to her,’’ Schwiebert said. “A whole group of people want to say that shouldn’t be taught in classrooms.’’
But Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction said there’s a larger issue that is being lost while lawmakers debate exactly how certain history can be taught.
“We’ve lost all semblance of intellect and reality when we’re teaching our kids about social issues and things of that na-
Senate and President Biden.”
Giles said a conversation on immigration reform is “long overdue.” But given the current relations between the House, the Senate and the White House, the chance of such a conversation are slim.
“We’re all very hopeful that there will
gave preliminary approval to let the food truck park continue but to expand.
City Council still had to sign off on the latter action, but made clear earlier this month that the owners had to reach an agreement with both Mesa staffers and neighbors.
The owners' withdrawl also comes six weeks before new city regulations governing food trucks.
In past years the allowable distance for food trucks from a single-family home in Mesa was just 25 feet. Council members voted on Dec. 1 to increase that distance to 250 feet in order to bring the city into alignment with state law once that ordinance takes effect on March 1.
Exemptions may be granted if trucks operate on private property with Council approval, three or fewer trucks operate at one time but not more than four days per year, operate at a special event, or are parked next to private property not more than four days per year.
"They would have never been in compliance anyway," Sparks said.
He said that as for what will happen at the site now, “We don't know but we’ll be watching closely.” ■
ture and not the things that are going to make them a value to the state of Arizona and the workforce,’’ he said.
In fact, Fillmore said he doesn’t think the bill goes far enough.
He said that there should be mandatory penalties against teachers who violate the law, not some punishment left up to the state Board of Education. And Fillmore sniffed at the $5,000 fines for school districts “is not even a nickel, it’s a penny in comparison to their budgets.’’
And he even took a bit of a slap at Udall, who is running for state school superintendent.
“This is nothing more than a get-elected bill under someone’s name for any office that they might be running,’’ Fillmore said. “And it really doesn’t accomplish anything.’ ■’
be some comprehensive immigration reform that makes it through Congress this year, but right now it’s not looking great,” he said. “It’s like a lot of other issues, it’s subject to the same impediments that is holding back a lot of the other parts of President Biden’s agenda.” ■
Local lawmaker to run for Congress far from Mesa
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
AMesa lawmaker who continues to question the outcome of the 2020 presidential race now wants to represent southeast Arizona in Congress.
“Anybody who knows me know that my heart has been down in the southern part of the state anyway,’’ Republican state Sen. Kelly Townsend told Capitol Media Services last week. “That’s where I go for leisure and that’s where I go to work.’’
And that, she said, means politically, pointing out that she has been involved in southern Arizona issues, like efforts to get the attorney general to overturn a mandate by Pima County that its employees get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The move comes two days after Townsend spoke at the Trump rally in Florence where she got a shout-out by the former president. Townsend also led the crowd in a cheer, saying “What do we want? Indictments. When do we want them? Now.”
But Townsend insisted she is not in the same camp as some other Republicans, like gubernatorial hopeful Kari Lake, who claim without any evidence that the election was stolen and that Biden was not legitimately elected.
Instead, she said, it’s a matter of answering a bunch of questions about how the election was conducted despite the fact that various reviews and lawsuits to date all have affirmed the Trump loss.
“We have reports, still waiting for the final, and the attorney general is investigating, that there were (ballot) envelopes with zero signatures on there, and it got approved as a signature,’’ Townsend said. “You can’t tell me that wasn’t with intent to defraud by saying, ‘Yeah, it did’ and just clicking the ‘Yes’ box and sending it on and counting the votes.’’
Townsend acknowledged she crafted a proposal a year ago – even after the tally was certified and even after the state’s 11 electors cast their ballots for Biden – to actually allow the legislature to override the results and instead transfer those
votes to Trump.
She said, though, that wasn’t to disregard the public vote but simply to provide a mechanism to for lawmakers to void the results if an audit demanded by Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, showed problems.
Townsend never got to pursue the measure because that audit is still ongoing. The Senate is waiting for an analysis of Maricopa County computer files even though a hand count by Cyber Ninjas, the firm it hired for the review, showed the race did, in fact, go to Biden.
The newly redrawn congressional district runs from Casa Grande through midtown Tucson into Green Valley, then east picking up Sierra Vista and most of Cochise County and then north into Safford and Morenci.
It is considered a possible pickup for the GOP, what with incumbent Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick having announced her retirement. It already has attracted several Republican contenders.
Some, like Juan Ciscomani, a former aide to Gov. Doug Ducey, have roots in southern Arizona.
On paper, the newly redrawn district leans slightly Republican based on voter registration figures.
But the area has proven to be fertile ground for both parties.
Before Kirkpatrick it was represented by Republican Martha McSally. But it also is the area that elected Democrat Gabrielle Giffords.
And an analysis of the 2020 election using the current district lines shows that it went for both Biden and Democratic Sen.
Mark Kelly. Townsend said she remains undeterred.
“My challenge is to win the hearts and the minds of the voters and I think I can do that,’’ she said, saying that people in southern Arizona know her.
“My No. 1 goal is the rights and the health of the district,’’ Townsend said. “I have proven that I’m willing to do that regardless of a person’s party.’’
But she still sits on the fence when asked whether she believes Biden or Trump actually won the 2020 election.
“I don’t know because we haven’t finished this audit,’’ Townsend said.
“We have reports that have come to us about irregularities,’’ she continued. “Until we have an answer from the attorney general, who is currently investigating the claims, it would be irresponsible for me to make a claim, one way or the other.’’
Townsend also has been at the center of various debates over COVID and vaccines.
She has decried the push to get people vaccinated, stating “I am afraid for our society.’’ She also has equated efforts to mandate vaccination with Communism. And just last month she introduced legislation that would punish pharmacists who refuse to fill prescriptions for drugs for purposes that have not been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. That is specifically aimed at allowing patients to get ivermectin, a drug normally used to parasites, particularly in animals. There are claims that it can be used to prevent COVID-19.
In some ways the decision to pursue a congressional bid was forced on Townsend.
The new legislative lines put her in the same district as fellow Senate Republican Wendy Rogers from Flagstaff who has created a national name for herself -- and gathered nearly $2.5 million so far in her reelection bid -- over her claims of election fraud. Townsend, who had only $13,000 in her campaign fund, said she did not want to run against a fellow Republican.
She also said a congressional bid in her home district also was not an option as she would have to try to unseat Republican Andy Biggs. ■
Mesa Rep. Kelly Townsend would run for Congress in the yellow area marked “6,” which is the newly defined congressional district approved by the Afrizona Redistricting Commission.
3 MPS employees nominated for national awards
TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
Three Mesa Public Schools employees have been nominated for the 2021-2022 national LifeChanger of the Year award, which carries prizes worth between $3,000 and $10,000.
Nominated are Lincoln Elementary School nurse Tammy Franklin; Gary Ingle, a counselor at Mendoza-Bush and Crismon elementary schools; and Laura Weinbrenner, a nurse at Whittier and Redbird elementary schools.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundationthe award recognizes the best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprising former winners and education professional, although people can leave comments and share stories about the nominees on their profiles at: lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit.
Here’s a look at the three nominees
Tammy Franklin
Tammy Franklin has been with MPS
for six years. Her role as the school nurse in a Title I school with a diverse population calls for ingenuity and flexibility in care, resources and approach. Franklin advocates for her students and families by making sure they can take advantage of all community and district-based resources that become available to them.
In addition to the day-to-day care she provides to her students, families and staff, she mentors student nurses and supports newly hired nurses with her knowledge and experience and recently she helped make a training film.
“As busy as Tammy is, she is always the first to jump in when it comes to opportunities that could improve school nursing and access to care for our kids,” said her nominator, Christine Mahoney. “We would love to recognize her, not just for her everyday accomplishments, but for everything she does to better the profession of school nursing in Arizona.”
Gary Ingle
Gary Ingle was nominated for going above and beyond to support students throughout his 45 years in education.
“What a remarkable time it has been to share my life with so many generations,”
he reflected.
Ingle urges students to find their passion and use it in life. His own passion and reward come from seeing the students he works with leading successful lives. His former students say that the greatest lessons they learned from him were about dealing with diversity, keeping calm, controlling their behavior and taking the chance to help someone else.
One of the things Ingle has enjoyed the most during his career is being able to help students and families during difficult times. For the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, he makes sure any family in need is given food and more. He has worked with a local church to collect toys for kids who would not be getting presents for the holidays.
He has takes 25 students to the local senior citizen center to sing, make cards and dance with the residents.
As a social worker and then director at the Christian children’s home Sunshine Acres, he developed a program to keep at risk children from dropping out of school, and he advocated for kids to be able to continue living in the home after high school so they could have the support they needed to complete a college degree. After 16
years, he left Sunshine Acres to become a school counselor for Mesa Public Schools, but continued his work as a board member for the organization.
Laura Weinbrenner
Although Laura Weinbrenner, a school nurse at, is new to the district, she has already made a reputation for going above and beyond for her students and colleagues. Weinbrenner puts together wellness plans for the school’s students and parents, and she engages students in health with creative ideas, such as using silly glasses for vision screenings and giving out stickers to students who completed their eye exams.
Her caring personality has won the hearts of her students, and when she is gone, allocating her time between two schools, the students miss her and ask for her by name every day.
“If I can describe Laura in any way, it’s that she is a giver,” said her anonymous nominator. “Laura loves to give to those around her, and she does it well. She’s a strong-minded person, and she doesn’t let her bad days interfere with her work. In a short period of time, she has done more than most would do in years.” ■
TAMMY FRANKLIN
GARY INGLE
LAURA WEINBRENNER
audio/video
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New director has big ideas for i.d.e.a. Museum
BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor
Jarrad Bittner seems to be tailor-made to run Mesa’s i.d.e.a. Museum.
His informal and formal education is a happy blend of the arts and entrepreneurship. He has family ties to Arizona. His personality is youthful and upbeat.
In Wisconsin, where he headed that state’s oldest children museum, he took over its reins during a challenging time with a negative cash balance and declining membership but managed to turn things around admirably and even spearhead a renovation.
“It’s just like what the next phases are for the i.d.e.a. Museum. It’s really exciting to be a part of this project,” said Bittner, who became director of Arizona’s foremost children’s art museum last August, replacing Sunnee O’Rork.
The i.d.e.a. Museum is a hands-on art museum for children and families to experience art, creativity and imagination. Its exhibitions and activities support early learning, nurture creative thinking, and engage families in quality time together.
Founded in 1978, it’s owned by the City of Mesa and supported by the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation.
During the 2018 general election, a proposed bond of $5 million passed to benefit the museum. With a goal to renovate and build out the facility, it’s in the middle of a quiet phase of a capital campaign.
Some parts of the planned renovations,
see IDEA page 16
Jarrad Bittner was raised with the arts and is happy to direct i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa.
(Srianthi Perera/Tribune Contributor)
5 Mesa seniors vying for Flinn Scholarships
BY DANA TRUMBULL Tribune Staff Writer
Five Mesa students are among the 39 finalists who are in the final round of interviews as they vie for 20 prestigious Flinn Scholarships valued at more than $120,000 each.
Emily Delabarra, Autumn Fairbanks, Natasha Kiriluk, Lydia Pastore and Bradley Reese will interview with the selection committee in March and the Flinn Foundation will announce the 2022 Flinn Scholars in April.
A record-breaking 1,095 applications were submitted this year.
Criteria for selecting Flinn Scholars go beyond grade-point averages and class ranking, though applicants should be in the top 5% of the class. Evaluators look for students who are highly motivated and deeply involved in extracurricular activities and community service, assuming
leadership roles at school and beyond.
“All of the 39 Flinn Finalists are very deserving of the Flinn Scholarship. We are impressed with this diverse group of extremely bright and talented students who are working to better their schools, local communities and the state of Arizona,” said Anne Lassen, Flinn Foundation vice president of scholarship and education initiatives. “A difficult choice lies ahead for our selection committee.”
Scholarships include funding for full tuition at one of Arizona’s three public state universities, plus housing, meals and two tours abroad for study.
Four other Mesa students were selected as semi-finalists, but did not move on to the final round of interviews. In this competition, though, even the runners up are recognized for their achievements.
So, Sara Enright, Roosevelt Moore, Elisabeth Pendergrass and Danica Rauch are eligible to receive specially designated
scholarships from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or the University of Arizona.
Here’s a look at the Mesa residents vying to become a Flinn Scholar and what they told the Tribune about their activities.
Emily Delabarra
The daughter of Elizabeth Arndt, Emily attends Gilbert High School and wants to study biomedical engineering or pediatrics in college.
“In my free time I love to bake. I even run my own small baking business. I also teach kids to play bass guitar. I volunteer with Special Olympics through my church, and I am a part of multiple clubs, but president of two clubs that organize freshman orientation and community service opportunities.”
She recently organized a fundraiser Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s bio-behavioral unit. She’s on the varsity badminton team and placed second in state finals in the doubles category.
“Honestly, my biggest motivation, is the people around me,” she said, crediting her mother as her role model.
“But the people that I find most motivat-
such as improvements to the atrium and creation of ADA accessibility, are already in process. A new exhibition – “Imagine, Design, Build!” – focuses on the art and science of designing buildings and structures and is due to open soon.
Asked if he is happy in his new role, Bittner said: “I love it.”
“Every day I get more energy coming into the museum,” he said. “We have this phenomenal team here. Downtown, the institution, the bond, the campaign, how we really have to rethink and transform ourselves with COVID happening and how we can support families and schools.
“There’s a lot going on and it’s really energizing to be a part of all that,” he added.
Bittner is here with his wife Kate, who left an administrative position in a university in Wisconsin to move to Arizona. They are temporarily living in Chandler but have plans to move closer to Mesa’s hub.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Bittner has a background in visual arts and music.
“My father passed away the year I was born,” he said. “Mom made this decision to quit everything that she was doing to focus on us kids. She was an artist herself and she used art as a healing tool for us kids. I was constantly surrounded by
ing, are the people that I haven’t met yet. I am able to find peace telling myself, ‘You have to keep going, because there is still someone out there who hasn’t met you, and you will make a positive impact on their life.’”
Autumn Fairbanks
paints, by markers, crayons, we had a kiln, so we were working with ceramics, so the arts were really how I grew up.”
At college in Wisconsin later, he studied for a degree in music. Upon completion, he worked in administration and taught in the music education department. He taught brass techniques, a course where college students learn the fundamentals of different brass instruments. He also gave lessons in tuba – his main instrument – and piano.
“That experience as a musician and all that I learned as a musician is so critical to what I’ve been able to do in my career. It’s brought so many skills that are relevant to the business industry,” he said.
At Arizona State University, he was on a trajectory to lead an arts-based institution and the goal was to pursue a three-pronged master’s program: music performance, how to lead an arts-based institution and entrepreneurship. He participated in a program with League of American Orchestras and was also working with The Phoenix Symphony.
But during the last semester of his music degree, he left Arizona as he accepted a position to run the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin.
“It was a challenging time for the institution: we had a negative cash balance
A senior at Skyline High School and daughter of Kristie and Jeff Fairbanks, Autumn has her sights set on ASU to study special education.
At school she is in honors band, cross country, track, National Honor Society and Film Critique Club and is also part of Skyline’s Coyote Connection Leaders group, which provides freshmen tours, peer mentoring and food drives.
“My most rewarding activity was being an aid for a special education class at my school,” Autumn said. “This class increased my communication skills and taught me a lot about compassion. Additionally, it opened my eyes to my current career goal: being a special education teacher.”
She credits her math teacher Jesse Ruiz as being the most influential teacher, but added, “My teachers and peers at school help motivate me. I can always find cheerful encouragement from them, along with academic support. Without the amazing friends I have made, I wouldn’t be half as motivated as I am today.”
and we continually dropped the impact and the number of individuals that we served,” he said.
Bittner oversaw a several million-dollar campaign, renovated a 3,000-squarefoot facility and expanded it. During his six-year tenure, he transformed the organization for the better.
Thus, when he heard of the vacancy at the i.d.e.a. museum, he found it opportune.
“From being a part of this city that’s even bigger than just this institution, to being a part of this city, to being able to play into the city goals and to support different departments,” he said his position’s overall goals, “it’s really incredible what we get to do here.”
The interview process for the coveted job was extensive. After applying for the position in March, he went through five rounds of interviews with multiple panels – and flew to Mesa for the final meeting with the team. This was during a difficult phase of the pandemic, and hence unique, also.
Bittner acknowledges the challenges inevitable to any new job.
The pandemic looms as one. The museum prides itself in being a hands-on experience. It’s aimed at young kids who are not vaccinated due to their age group. The kids also may not understand the concept of social distancing.
A Westwood High student and daughter of Radmila Stojanovic and Christopher Kiriluk, Natasha wants to study political science to prepare for a career in public policy or law.
“From some of the local government experience I’ve had, it’s been a lot of fun and I want to keep pursuing that,” she said. “Politics and government are an
“How can we create safe environments that are fun, unique, educational for our visitors and our staff? That’s definitely a challenge,” Bittner said.
Retaining staff is also a challenge in this environment.
A number of policies and procedures have been created to create the most healthy, friendly, family-oriented environment, including an updated filtration system and nightly electro sanitizing of the entire museum.
He also has to oversee many construction projects during a time of rising building material costs and supply chain issues.
Fundraising for the projects is not complete either, and he is pursuing some foundational gifts with long term donors before the public process and community involvement begins.
The basic legwork for all these areas were in place when he took over.
Bittner is struck by the longevity of the i.d.e.a. museum and its particular focus on the arts.
“It’s really exciting to have that history and to be a part of the first children’s museum that had a focus on the arts,” he said.
“I was raised on the arts and arts was used to engage my family and to build my family. To see it happening here and to be a part of it here, that’s really meaningful to me.” ■
outlet for me to help my community on issues that affect them, and I find it really satisfying.”
She is involved in the National Honor Society and INTERACT (a Rotary youth organization) and the Governor’s Youth Commission, where she is working in a group to address substance abuse among youth and Academic Decathlon. She is the president of the school’s Model United Nations chapter and organized a conference for Westwood.
Natasha said she also loves playing music. “I’ve been playing piano since I was 4 and violin since I was 9. It’s such a huge part of my life and usually where I go to relax from a hectic schedule.”
Overall, she added, “others motivate me greatly to succeed, mainly because I want to succeed for others and not really myself. Knowing that I can help my community, my family, or friends is more than enough motivation to push me down the path I want to go.”
Natasha Kiriluk
FINN from page 15
Lydia Pastore
A senior at Red Mountain High and daughter of Delphine and John Pastore, Lydia is ranked first in her class and plans to major in neuroscience and cognitive science “with an emphasis in philosophy of mind” and a minor in public health with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician. She is involved in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and is president of that
group's Red Mountain chapter and vice president of the state organization. She recently placed second internationally for the Biomedical Laboratory Science Competition and first in the state.
“To further explore my passion for medicine, I have participated in various shadowing experiences, in addition to completing the Summer and Saturday Scrubs programs twice at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix,” she said.
For the majority of her junior year, she said, I was afflicted with post-viral syndrome as a result of Long Haul COVID-19.
To extend care and compassion to others suffering from the illness. I created the platform Chronic Connections, an international support group that has reached kids in over 12 countries. (chronicconnections.org).
"As the CEO of this organization, I have partnered with various media organizations in England (The Lancet Medical Journal), South Africa, France and Italy to promote the implementation of safer public health measures in middle and high schools.”
As a youth advisor for the AizonaCommunity Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities, she has partnered with the Center for Health Equity research
at Northern Arizona University and board members from the Mayo Clinic and NIH “to advocate for the forgotten patient population of chronically ill adolescents.”
“These experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue a career in medicine alongside an education in public policy, as I hope to help continue to dismantle the stigma surrounding chronic illness in teens,” she added.
A senior at Faith Christian High School, Bradley hopes to major in political science
and governor.
The president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, he also is founder and president of Engaged Arizona (engagedaz.org), a voter registration-related nonprofit and has been active in various political campaigns and with the Democratic Party. ■
Bradley Reece
AZ residents scramble to get last Walking Liberty Rolls
ARIZONA - Once Arizona residents got wind that Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls filled with Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s were being handed over, there was a mad dash to get them. That’s because some of these U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins are already worth hundreds in collector value.
“It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook. That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders.
In fact, they had to impose a strict limit of 4 Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls you better hurry because hundreds of Arizona residents already have and you don’t want to miss out. You see, the U.S. Gov’t stopped minting
these Silver Walking Liberties in 1947 and there can never be any more which makes them extremely collectible.
And here’s the best part. The rolls are unsearched so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value.
That’s why at just the $39 state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury it’s a deal too good to pass up.
But you better hurry because these Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls are the only ones known to exist and Arizona residents are grabbing them up as fast as they can.
That’s because they make amazing gifts for children, grandchildren and loved ones. Just imagine the look on their face when you hand them one of the State Restricted Rolls — they’ll tell everyone they know what you did for them.
And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued
some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.
Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to Arizona residents
Arizona residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days
STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per AZ resident has been imposed
ARIZONA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for the National Mint and Treasury.
For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to Arizona residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.
“National Mint and Treasury recently spoke with its Chief Professional Numismatist who said ‘Very few people have ever actually seen one of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.
“Now that the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we
(Continued on next page)
SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation
LAST REMAINING: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco
RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947
■ GOT ‘EM: Residents all across Arizona who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist.
Silver Walking Liberty coins
(Continued from previous page)
won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.
“That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.
And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.
The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends.
“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.
“We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued.
“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said.
The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■
HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS
If you are a Arizona State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-
Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:
Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.
How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:
Why are so many Arizona residents claiming them:
It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday
How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:
Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Arizona residents are guaranteed to get them for the s tate minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.
Arizona residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800- 979 - 3771 Ext. RWB3645 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Arizona State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain.
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With our new ownership comes a new name. By referencing Skyline Park, our new name pays homage to our local Mesa community and the beauty that surrounds us. Rest assured that while our name has changed, our people and passionate approach remain the same. With over 30 years of experience and a portfolio of 34 locations in 6 different states, MBK has utilized its unmatched experience to develop innovative programming that focuses on high-quality service, enrichment, and a culture of genuine care. Experience the MBK difference today.
HEALTH WELLNESS
Winter 2022
Your Local Guide to Better Living
Clarendale of Chandler offers total health, wellness
BY CLARENDALE OF CHANDLER
Seniors move to retirement communities for lots of different reasons. At Clarendale of Chandler, residents love the way the community helps them set a course for total health and wellness.
In fact, Clarendale offers a program uniquely designed to help residents maintain a healthy lifestyle and navigate any medical challenges that lie ahead.
“We’re clear-eyed about our focus. From our dedicated management to the
residents and staff who live and work here, it’s not just a one-time new year’s resolution but a tenet of daily living. We’re committed to ensuring overall physical, psychological and social well-being,” says Executive Director Ryan Duve.
With Health & Wellness Navigation, Clarendale’s trained wellness Navigation team helps residents anticipate health needs and address them – from day-to-day nutrition, fitness and life-enriching activities to preparation and follow-up for hospital care if needed. It provides peace of mind for residents
and their families.
“Even in the best of times, helping seniors stay involved can be tricky,” says Duve. “But at Clarendale of Chandler, we believe maintaining connections with others and participating in favorite pastimes is critical. So we make it easy.”
Clarendale understands quality of life is multi-dimensional, so the focus is on all eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, spiritual, vocational and health wellness.
Residents have access to a full cal-
endar of activities and events to keep minds and bodies active. From arts, crafts and exercise classes to lectures, movies and happy hours, Clarendale of Chandler finds creative ways to keep everyone safely engaged and connected. To learn more about Clarendale of Chandler, interested seniors and their families may schedule a virtual visit by calling 480-571-2407. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care under one roof. Information: ClarendaleOfChandler. com. ■
Kelly Jorn Cook’s dentistry has 3 decades of service Healthcare company rebrands
TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
Dr. Kelly Jorn Cook, D.D.S., offers a wide range of dentistry services to suit almost any dental need.
Located at 3800 W. Ray Road, Chandler, his practice includes the most recent dental technologies to make a patient’s visit safe, convenient, painless and positive.
“We offer full-service dentistry, including dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic restorations,” Cook said. “The entire team strives to provide the highest quality personalized dental care for patients of all ages in a stress-free, fun environment. Our unique approach to dentistry is in the office atmosphere.”
While providing “the highest quality of dentistry,” he said he creates an environment of more fun and less fear. Cook said
he balances “being the ‘doc that rocks’ and with keeping it simple” and is continually upgrading his ability and knowledge through continuing dental education and encourages and supports his staff to do the same.
“What you see with the doc is what you get: great dentistry and a really good time,” he said.
When not practicing dentistry, he is golfing with his wife or hanging out with their 12 dogs.
“The health and well-being of our patients and team members continues to be our top priority,” Cook added. “We practice all COVID-19 safety protocols and are seeing patients by appointment only. Many of these safeguards have always been a part of our practice, but we have taken additional precautions to ensure your protection for your appointment.”
Information: kellyjorncook.com ■
APinal County healthcare company that is expanding into Maricopa County with several centers, including one in Chandler, has rebranded.
Sun Life Family Health Center is now Sun Life Health.
“As we transition to our new brand over the next two years, we plan to continuously innovate our healthcare, expand our footprint, and above all else, focus on our patient’s health,” said Dr. Eddie Estrada, CEO at Sun Life Health.
Sun Life Health started in 1976 with one doctor’s office and two physicians into one of Pinal County’s largest primary care providers. It now has clinics as well in Apache Junction, Maricopa and at 655 S. Dobson Road, Chandler.
It serves 42,000 patients, 25% of whom are children.
The new branding, which includes a new logo, stresses Sun Health’s patient-centered care and emphasizes that “anyone
who walks through the door is empowered and supported to start their health journey at Sun Life Health,” the company said in a release.
Sun Life Health has coordinated care, where doctors create a personalized health care plan that meets individual needs. It offers pediatrics and dentistry to women’s health to onsite lab testing, pharmacies, telehealth, and more. They offer sameday visits and same-day appointments as well as integrated care that focuses on the whole person, including education on prevention and chronic condition support.
A coordinated team of medical, dental, and integrated behavioral health providers addresses the whole person, empowering their patients to live their healthiest lives.
Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Sun Life offers primary and walk-in care, pediatrics, dentistry, obstetrics and gynecology, in-house laboratories, x-ray, and pharmacy services.
Information: sunlifehealth.org ■
TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed
BY REISHA ZANG
PHOENIX –Neuropathy is a condition that involves damage to the nerves in your hands and feet. “Muscle cramping, difficulty walking, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms people living with neuropathy experience on a daily basis,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is these symptoms are very similar to those of PAD. They are so similar that in many cases, people are given a diagnosis of neuropathy when in reality it isn’t.”
With a diagnosis of neuropathy often comes a prescription for neurotropic medication. “Medicine isn’t a cure, it’s a way to suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “The concern with that is if it’s not neuropathy causing the symp-
medication is not working, your symptoms may be an indication of another condition.
toms, the medication may be masking developing, progressive vascular insufficiency allowing PAD, if that’s the root of the problem, to get worse.”
It’s important to determine the cause of these neuropathy symptoms, oftentimes it’s PAD (peripheral artery disease). PAD is caused by the buildup of fatty material inside the arteries which hardens into plaque. When this occurs, it limits the amount of blood that passes through the arteries.
“Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t getting an adequate supply, they start sending signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping.
The good news is that PAD is treatable. Specialists are able to perform an angiogram which lets them see if disease is present. This minimally invasive procedure is done through a
tiny nick in the skin in an office setting. “So, what we do,” explains Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist, “is go into the bloodstream to find the blockage with imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore that blood flow without surgery, without scalpels, without stitches.”
Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen. In fact, if you are experiencing any type of discomfort or things just don’t seem right, tell your doctor. The only way we can help is if you let us know you need it.”
Heel Pain Is On The
Rise
Neuropathy symptoms are very similar to those of PAD. It’s a circulation disorder which can be easily treated in our office without the need for general anesthesia. If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the questions above, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.
The weather has a big impact on heel pain. As the days cool down, our activity levels heat up. Going for a walk, playing a round of golf, and hiking are all possible again with the temperature below 100 degrees. But you need to pay attention to your feet. “Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet, especially to your heels,” says Dr. Shah Askari of CIC Foot & Ankle.
More than two million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, a sharp, stabbing, sometimes burning pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It’s anticipated this number will rise as people start taking advantage of better weather.
It typically hurts when first getting up, may lessen after a few steps but always returns. In the past, a cortisone injection was the treatment of choice.
“Cortisone manages the pain, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the pain,” explains Askari. Now, treatment focuses on the condition, not just the symptom.
“Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising ways to deal with pain, because it triggers the body to heal,” he explains. “Prolotherapy is an option that uses a natural irritant which starts the healing process.” Growth factor therapy also jump starts and maintains regeneration of new tissues.
In addition, the FDA recently approved cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis. “Laser treatment is another way to treat heel pain, because it increases circulation, which promotes healing,” says Askari. “It’s all about healing.”
DR. JOEL RAINWATER / DR. MICHAEL SWITZER / DR. HASSAN MAKKI / DR. KERRY ZANG
DR. SHAH ASKARI / DR. DAN SCHULMAN / DR. KIM LEACH / DR. BARRY KAPLAN / DR. JEFF WEISS
Fifty percent of all men over the age of 60 and as many as 90% in their 70s have some symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate.
Symptoms include difficulty urinating, a feeling of urgency, and getting up frequently at night to go to the bathroom. Fatigue and frustration set in when these symptoms progress.
“These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored or written off as just part of getting older as it might not be something you have to learn to live with,” said Dr. Joel Rainwater,
chief medical officer of Comprehensive Integrated Care, which has offices in Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix and Gilbert. “And while in many cases it’s BPH, the same symptoms can be an indication of more serious conditions, like prostate
Mastering proper weight takes time, several steps
BY KIMBERLY KLATT, DO Tribune Guest Writer
Many Americans are struggling with pandemic weight gain, sometimes termed “The COVID-19.” The good news is there are a lot of ways to maintain a healthy weight while we wait for life to get back to normal.
Less is more. When it comes to diet, keep it simple. Make small changes that are going to be sustainable long-term. Start by minimizing processed foods and added sugar. This will help keep your weight in a healthy range, with the added benefit of increasing your energy levels. When combined with a consistent, healthy workout regimen, a balanced diet will also increase muscle mass and, therefore, overall metabolism.
Focus on consuming lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Lean protein sources such as fish and poultry will also help keep you full for longer periods of time. Try making healthy snack substitutions as well. Move it to lose it. You can have a great workout using just your bodyweight without even having to leave your home. Check out one of the many free exercise apps or free workout videos online. Aim for 15-30 minutes of structured exercise per day. A good workout should be intense enough to get your heart rate up. If you can still
cancer, that’s why it’s important to be seen by a doctor.”
One way to measure the impact of BPH is to take the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) which is used to help measure the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms.
First-line therapy starts with medication. Unfortunately, not all men find relief from this alone. At that point, surgery may be recommended. However, traditional surgery comes with a list of side effects and complications.
One breakthrough for treating BPH is Prostate Artery Embolism. “Embolization reduces the blood flow in a targeted area, which causes the target, in this case
the prostate, to shrink,” Rainwater said.” It has been used for years to treat other conditions and has made a significant impact on treating this condition.”
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure and one of its big benefits is that it is not known to create complications like impotence or incontinence comparable to conventional surgery. It’s done in an office setting and patients go home the same day.
PAE can reduce the prostate up to 40%. Rainwater encourages men living with this condition to reach out and asks questions about all treatment available to them.
Information: ciccenters.com ■
comfortably have a conversation during your workout, it’s time to step it up a notch.
Make sure you combine cardio activities with regular resistance training to help build muscle and increase that metabolism.
Don’t forget to rest. Get a good night’s sleep. Your body needs quality sleep for proper muscle repair and nutrient processing. The days of “getting your full 8 hours” are long gone. Everyone has different sleep needs, depending on age, activity level and a host of other factors. If you find yourself feeling fatigued or falling asleep easily throughout the day, you may not be getting enough quality sleep. Get into a healthy nighttime routine by avoiding caffeine after noon and blue light (laptops, television, phones, tablets) at least two hours before bed.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a complex process and it’s important to remember that big changes don’t happen overnight. If you need some extra guidance or accountability, be sure to check in with your doctor. ■
Fynes Audiology LLC, a locally owned and operated audiology practice in Mesa, specializes in hearing evaluations, hearing protection and hearing aids. Audiologists Cassandra Fynes, AuD, CCC-A, and Roger Knighton, M.N.S, CCC-A, each have over 20 years of experience at Fynes, located at 2058 S. Dobson Road. Fynes said it works with multiple manufacturer’s hearing aids “so that we can find what is best for your hearing needs and lifestyle” since hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all device.
“There are many factors that go into deciding what will work best for each individual,” the company noted. “Along with hearing aids we do work with many types of hearing protection. So, if hunting, shooting, loud music or heavy equipment noises are part of your everyday life, we can help find the right kind of protection to preserve your hearing as long as possible.” Because many people today also suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, Fynes’ full evaluation can help in determining possible options of treatment to help manage the unwanted sounds.
Information: fynesaudiology.com. ■
DR. JOEL RAINWATER
TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
Audiologists Cassandra Fynes and Roger Knighton each bring more than two decades of experience in their field. (Courtesy of Fynes Audiology)
If you are looking for an excellent place to reside, or if you are looking for a place where your loved one will receive the best possible care, visit Clarendale of Chandler. You won’t be disappointed.
—Ana, Resident
Arroyo Family Dental offers snoring solution
BY MARK ARROYO, DDS. Tribune Guest Writer
Does your partner snore? Do you have to nudge them to get them to get them to roll over? Happens all the time. I get the push from time to time.
It is estimated that 25% snore on a regular basis. Besides keeping your partner awake, those who snore also are not getting the quality of sleep they should. Poor sleep can lead to other health problems including obesity, diabetes and heart disease, not to mention a lack of mental clarity for those who are sleep deprived.
Snoring accompanied with pauses in breathing are a tell-tale sign of a disorder called sleep apnea. This is a serious life-threatening disorder and requires a sleep study to correctly diagnose.
So what to do about your neighbor who is keeping you up with the earth rattling snoring?
You could suggest they sleep on their side, use an extra pillow or try nasal strips. Another effective treatment is the use of oral appliances, called Snore Guards, that keep the jaw forward and thus maintain the air passage.
Your dentist should be able to see if this is a good option. Other more invasive treatments include a CPAP or airway surgery.
Snoring is a common event that may be a sign of something more serious, but most of the time, it is an annoyance to your partner and keeping you from the sleep you deserve. It’s worth taking some time to look for an effective solution.
Arroyo Family Dental is having a Snore Guard special. Call today make an appointment at 480-660-7111. A good night’s sleep could be coming your way. ■
Dinosaur store offers fossils, activities for kids
BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor
Walk into Christian Kaleta’s Mesa store, and you’ll be greeted by a sight you won’t find anywhere else in the retail world: Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex, aka T. Rex, a $20,000 dinosaur skull replica.
“That’s our most popular attraction,” said Kaleta, who owns Tyrannostorus at 1816 W. Baseline Road, adding a skull that big takes about four-to-six months to produce.
“When you find a dinosaur or a cast, it’s a piece of art,” Kaleta said. “Whoever made that cast, owns the rights to that cast.”
T. Rex is one of many imitation and real skulls of hippopotamuses, giraffes, warthogs, polar bears, grazing animals from Africa, alligators and other creatures that range in price from $99 to as much as $2,000.
“I struggled with getting some of these (skulls) because we’re not a museum or university,” explained Kaleta. “I was told ‘no’ on some – that it’s not for the retail world but for education. Well, this is educational.”
Skulls aren’t the only things for sale at Tyrannosaurus.
“We have a full collection of dinosaur replicas such claws, teeth, thumb spikes, triceratops horn, raptor claws - all kinds of stuff kids go wild for as well as the full toy section with different species of dinosaur and prehistoric reptiles and mammals,” said manager Bryan Troglia.
The store even carries a big basket of coprolite, also known as dinosaur poo. “Very fun for the kids,” Troglia said. “You can buy as much poo as you like.”
“We also have different pieces of animals like their teeth and tusk,” said Troglia. “We have real warthog tusks, real alligator teeth and alligator tooth jewelry.”
The most popular activity is the sluice, according to Kaleta. Kids can dig for fossils and sift for treasure with purchased bags of sand.
They pour the sand into the sifting trays, excavate it and then pull out stones and gems. There are nine varieties of dirt for purchase ranging from $4.99 to $40. Some bags have gems and minerals. Other bags have arrowheads, seashells and fossils and even real emeralds.
“You can grab a $10 bag and the kids can come to play for a half-hour to an hour and learn,” said Kaleta, calling it an economical way to learn for families with several children.
“I have a 12-year-old son and we’re always looking for something different to do,” Kaleta said. “During the summer, we went to a fossil safari in Wyoming. We had so much fun. We brainstormed on the way
back home.”
That’s what gave Kaleta the idea for the store. He wanted kids here to have a similar experience.
“I’ve always had an interest in dinosaur bones and fossils,” Kaleta added. “And, of course, my 12-year-old son has a major interest in this kind of stuff.”
Kaleta also owns the Predators Reptile Center in the same shopping center. Since his background is in exotic animals, he thought opening a store Tyrannostorus would be a great fit.
“We have a lot of educational stuff,” said Kaleta. “One of the biggest things with my son is everywhere we go, he loves museums and likes touching everything. That’s what kids do – they touch.
“I wanted to build a place for him to not get yelled at. We encourage kids to come in to play and touch even the expensive
stuff. That’s fine. I want them to get close and personal with T. Rex to bring that imagination together.”
Another area of the store features some extinct mammals from the Ice Age and many of the relics were found in Arizona, including remnants of cave bears, dire wolves, the American lion and saber-tooth cat.
The store also carries fossils such as ammonites, trilobites and shark teeth. A shark tooth runs around $19.99. Some are still in the stone they were excavated from and retail for about $49.99.
“The interesting thing about sharks is they don’t have skeletons; they’re all cartilage,” explained Troglia. “The only thing you find is their teeth.”
The store’s sea life section contains shark jaws, corals, seashells, barnacles, replicas of a big 16-foot great white shark as well as its teeth. You can buy just a tooth or the whole jaw.
“We also have a wide variety of fossil plates that have been excavated out of quarries up in Wyoming, South Dakota,” said Troglia. “Shrimp, little fish like mackerelsized fish, little squid, all kinds of cool stuff.”
Another section has model kits and authentic Arizona candies.
“It’s the kind of stuff you remember getting at your elementary school field trips. We have all of that along with a Geo table and gem bag.”
And there’s a wide selection of gemstones and precious metals such as bismuth, amethyst, citrine, agates and quartz.
“But probably one of our most popular specimen collections are our shadow box insects,” said Troglia. “They literally fly off the shelves but they’re also done by local artists which makes them unique to our store.”
Tyrannostorus manager Bryan Troglia, left, and owner Christian Kaleta, flank Stan the T. Tex, a replica of a tyrannosaurus skull. (Melody Birkett/Tribune Contributor)
Shadow boxes start at $79.99 and go up to about $250. The butterfly palettes are done by a separate artist and range from $400-$500.
“It’s fun not just for kids but for the entire family,” added Troglia. “When you come into our store, you always leave with something whether it’s something you purchase in the store or just a new piece of knowledge about natural history.”
Kaleta notices that parents are just as excited as their kids when entering the store. “It’s interesting to watch because the
kids start to do the activities such as the sluice or the digging but then the parents make their way in,” said Kaleta.
“And it’s interesting to watch the parents and kids interact,” he added. “Everything these days is electronic and hands-off. Kids are playing video games and parents are working. This is a chance to come in, get together and learn together and that’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Store hours are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: tyrannostorus.com, 480597-4467 ■
Skulls and parts of various prehistoric and other animals abound in Tyrannostorus in Mesa.
(Melody Birkett/Tribune Contributor)
T-REX from page 27
TheMesaTribune.com | @EVTNow /EVTNow Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com
resolving to give up cussing
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist
My 2022 New Year’s resolution made it a startling four days before I lapsed. The occasion was a hooked golf drive that hit a cart path and ricocheted out of bounds. My response was something like, “Are you #@%^&*ing $**^%& kidding me.
$#%^$ )*()* #^&*(.”
So much for eliminating profanity in 2022.
The truth is, I’ve always had something of a situational potty mouth. As a former talk radio host, I learned early on that speaking in public requires some degree of subtlety. You can get away with the occasional “damn” – provided the Lord’s name is not in front of that mild cussword – but you can only the major offenders one time.
After which, the big bosses will summon you and you’ll be unemployed.
For the most part, I only curse around my closest guy friends, while playing golf, or when signing my federal tax r eturns. Still, as a gentleman of a certain age who appreciates words, I’ve been determined for a long while to clean up my act. Especially after happening across a Wall Street Journal piece headlined, “We’re Cursing More. Blame the #%$ Pandemic.”
As the story put it: “Pandemic stress, the melding of personal and professional spheres, and an exhausted slide toward casualness are making many of us swear more. ‘It is a perfect swearing storm,’ says Michael Adams, a linguist at Indiana University Bloomington.”
According to the Journal, CleanSpeak’s profanity-filtering software, used by companies to moderate online communities and discussion forums, has experi-
enced a 300 percent increase in filtered profanity over the last year and a half.
As someone who does multiple Zoom meetings a week, I can vouch for that.
And it’s somewhat predictable: In an environment where people resemble the cast of the old “Hollywood Squares” sitting in little digital boxes and most of us are wearing sweatpants, Lululemon garb or a dress shirt and manties, it’s only natural for the occasional “f bomb” to make its way into what was once polite conversation.
Or, as one of my friends described it, “Why wouldn’t you say bull***t in the middle of yet another bull***t meeting.”
Growing up on the playgrounds of Queens, New York, swearing was a way of fitting in. Later, on the basketball court and in the gym, it was an expression of machismo – surely frowned upon in today’s woke culture. Fast forward another decade, to professional life, and the occa-
Ex-Mesa chief and the ‘Tale
BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist
In 2001, the theme for the inaugural of the 43rd President was “From George W. to George W: A Celebration of the Presidency.” With both George Washington and George W. Bush now part of history, current events demand closer scrutiny of another pair of men named George.
Though neither will live in the White House, both are positioned to play important roles in an uncertain future.
George Soros has no need to reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; he has enjoyed unsurpassed influence upon recent Democrat administrations. It should also be noted that he has donated over $32 billion to the “Open Society Foundations,” (his own foundation) with some $15 billion already distributed, totaling almost 65 per cent of his original for-
tune. “Though progressive publications portray his generous contributions as “philanthropic,” it is also true that several million dollars have been donated to political causes of dubious worth.
Does George Soros have a right to contribute to causes on the Left? Undoubtedly, as long as such donations conform to current law.
While a sympathetic press seeks to demean any scrutiny of Soros’ actions as the stuff of “conspiracy theories,” there’s no denying the historical record. During the United Kingdom’s 1992 currency crisis, Soros became known as the “man who broke the Bank of England” for the tidy $1 billion dollar profit he made through his “short sale” of $10 billion worth of pounds sterling.
There are suspicions that Soros relies on more than economic theory to profit from political turmoil and currency manipulation. His millions (if not billions)
have contributed to profound changes in the United States.
The grossly misnamed “Safety and Justice” Political Action Committee has provided neither through the causes and candidates it has supported.
One candidate is another George with an Arizona connection: George Gascon.
In 2006, George Gascon’s selection as Mesa’s Police Chief proved to be an event from “central casting.” One of his official photos conveys the image—fully clothed in his blue uniform, his right arm bent at the elbow, his fist tightly clinched, his face wearing a “tough guy scowl,” surely, this wise man would lead the way to a better tomorrow!
Not exactly.
While his stewardship of the post prompted pro-open borders publications to level snarky attacks on Joe Arpaio for having the temerity to enforce immigration law—even within Mesa city
sional curse word was an act of rebellion, a verbal statement that one understood the rules of the workplace, but remained unafraid of bending them.
The thing is, I’m not much for going along with the crowd. So if everyone’s cursing, I’d like to stop. But that’s tougher than it sounds.
In 2009, Richard Stephens, a researcher at Keele University in the UK, tested 67 students by having them stick their arms in freezing water meanwhile swearing like a sailor. The result?
“People withstood a moderately to strongly painful stimulus for significantly longer if they repeated a swear word rather than a non-swear word,” wrote Stephens. “Swearing also lowered pain perception and was accompanied by increased heart rate. We interpret these data as indicating that swearing … actu-
limits – in a short three years, Gascon had worn out his welcome in Mesa. His open borders advocacy had grown tiresome. Worse, he tried to play city officials for a bunch of “April fools.” In April 2009, Gascon went to Washington to testify before a congressional committee. An “immigration activist group” paid for the trip and the chief didn’t disappoint his patrons. He not only testified that local law enforcement agencies should not enforce immigration law, he attacked Sheriff Arpaio when responding to the question of a congressman, though City Manager Chris Brady had urged Gascon not to gaslight the county sheriff. Brady found out about the immigration activist group picking up the tab and said he “had a strong conversation about how inappropriate it was,” but added he was okay once the Chief agreed to reimburse
LEIBOWITZ from page 29
ally produces a hypoalgesic (pain lessening) effect.”
Who knew? And swearing is way cheaper than Tylenol.
Despite the biological and social reasons for cursing, I’m going to stick with this year’s resolution, even if my perfect
HAYWORTH from page 29
the group.
The tough-guy-turned-victim avoided termination, courtesy of Gavin Newsom, then the mayor of San Francisco, who made Gascon police chief.
Following the election of Kamala Harris as California attorney general, Newsom named Gascon, who had earned his law degree in 1996 while part of the LAPD, the successor to Harris as district attorney. Soros spent eight years in that office, then announced he was headed home to Los Angeles, to care for his ailing mother.
If only.
Instead, at the behest of Soros and other wealthy donors, Gascon plunged headlong into a 2020 campaign to un-
record isn’t intact. Part of it is wanting to seem more sophisticated as I get older. The other reason is, for once I’d like to actually succeed at keeping a resolution. Toning down my penchant for profanity feels somewhat doable. Especially compared to my other option for a resolution. No way am I going on another $%^&# low carb diet this year. ■
seat Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey.
Gascon won with 53.7 per cent of the vote, but it didn’t take long for concerned citizens to mount a recall effort. Recall organizers explained their rationale: “Gascon has disregarded the rule of law and weakened lawful sentencing requirements for the most violent criminals…(his) new policies treat career and repeat violent offenders as if they never committed a crime.”
The first recall attempt failed for a lack of signatures; a second is underway. As violent crime increases, so will dissatisfaction with Gascon…and not even Soros’ billions will be able to keep him in office.
Call it what it is: Power to the people, “By George!” ■
Mesa Wrestling coach embraces farewell campaign
BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor
One piece of advice David DiDomenico remembers most from his mentors as he rose through the ranks as a wrestling coach is that he would know when it was time to walk away from the sport.
He always envisioned it would be under his own terms instead of being pushed out by a school. He wanted to do it his own way. As he began to prepare for the 2021-22 wrestling season — one that was still at the mercy of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with the highly contagious Omicron variant wreaking havoc on high school sports in Arizona, he started to get that feeling. It was a feeling of contempt. A feeling that he knew it was time to step away from coaching and teaching.
It wasn’t an easy decision by any means. But it was one he knew he could uphold in his own way. This season, DiDomenico’s 32nd as a wrestling coach, will be his last. But there’s still plenty he aims to accomplish.
“It’s just time. I know when I know,” DiDomenico said. “It didn’t really hit me until this past weekend in Winslow. They sort of awarded me as a way to thank me. Now they’re going to name an award the DiDomenico Intensity Award. Before then it was business as usual. I’m still working toward having a better team next year.”
DiDomenico began his coaching career at Amphitheater High School in Tucson. He remained there for six years before taking a job at Arizona Boys Ranch, a school in Queen Creek for troubled youth that no longer exists. Canyon State Academy has since taken over its facilities.
DiDomenico later began teaching at Greenfield Junior High and was an assistant coach at Highland under former Hawks coach Abel Figueroa. He later began teaching and coaching at Powell Junior High and was an assistant at Mesa under Bobby Williams where they coached the Jackrabbits to three straight state titles from 2006-08.
He departed for nearby Red Mountain where he served as head coach for six years before returning to Mesa as an assistant for a year before taking over the program. Now
with the Jackrabbits for seven years, he’s created special bonds with each wrestler that has come through his program.
“I really believe all my wrestlers knew I cared about them,” DiDomenico said. “I took them as people first and wrestlers second.”
DiDomenico values himself on being able to build relationships with his athletes.
He’s been responsible for several wrestlers’ growth into young men and women who go on to accomplish great things in life. His classroom at Mesa is filled with memorabilia from former wrestlers who
enlisted in the military and defended the country all over the world.
Other wrestlers have gone on to compete in college and became successful in their respective careers. One — Anthony Robles — became an icon in the sport as he wrestled with one leg at Mesa and became a national champion at Arizona State. He now is an assistant for the lower-level wrestling program at Mesa under DiDomenico.
DiDomenico also enjoyed creating opportunities for wrestlers in and out of his program.
He created four tournaments during his tenure with the Jackrabbits, including the first-ever Arizona Interscholastic Association sanctioned event for girls.
“If coach wasn’t here, the girls’ team wouldn’t be here either,” senior wrestler Neve Barragan said. “He’s put a lot of effort into making sure we do well. So, I think it’s important we put in a lot of effort we put out there on the mat to show how much he means to us.
“To me, he’s became another father figure.” Barragan, along with Kaiden Cisneros and the rest of the senior class, take pride in sharing their final year with DiDomenico. He’s become a father figure to them. He’s become a mentor and someone they can go to with any problems they are facing. They are sad to see him go but know he will leave the program at the pinnacle of Arizona high school wrestling when he does. Currently, the Jackrabbits are 28-4 heading into some of their final duals of the regular season. One of them, senior night for Mesa on Feb. 3, happens to be against Amphitheater, who is coached by two of his former wrestlers. DiDomenico said he “has a reason for everything” he does.
His senior wrestlers feel honored they are the class he decided to play out his final season with.
“We knew it was coming but it’s special he wants to end it with us,” Cisneros said. “He could’ve come back, or he could’ve ended it a year or two ago. But he decided for our senior year he wants it to be the last one he has. It means a lot.”
While the end of his coaching and teaching career is drawing near, DiDomenico isn’t thinking much about the final time he steps onto the mat with his team. He knows it will be special but hasn’t come up with any final words to his team or how he will handle realizing it is all over.
He expects to be emotional but knows the time has come to step away.
As for his plan after he retires, it involves what he refers to as the “five ‘Bs.’”
“Baseball, books, beach, my babe, my wife Pauline, and beverages,” DiDomenico said. “I’m pleased we’ve been able to achieve success. That’ll be the last taste for me. But we aren’t done yet.” ■
Mesa senior Kaiden Cisneros said it’s special DiDomenico chose his class to end his career with. DiDomenico has become a father figure to him, Neve Barragan and the rest of the seniors on the roster. (David Minton/Tribune Staff)
Mesa wrestling coach David DiDomenico announced this would be his last season leading the Jackrabbits, a decision he is content with after 27 years coaching the sport between Tucson, Gilbert and Mesa. (David Minton/Tribune Staff)
Festival celebrates Arizona’s wine country
BY ALLISON BROWN GetOut Staff Writer
The Willcox Wine Country Partnership is traveling north to Downtown Phoenix to celebrate the Grand Canyon State’s vino with the Arizona Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29-30.
The event with the party atmosphere will feature 20 Arizona wineries and more than 150 wines.
“This is the biggest celebration of Arizona wine in the state,” said Rod Keeling, president of the Willcox Wine Country Partnership and owner of Keeling Schaefer Vineyards.
“Two years ago, we had a record number of wine tasters attend the festival. We are excited that festivals are once again being produced and we will have a chance to share our wines with everyone. This is our biggest event of the year and it’s wonderful to be able to share the story and evolution of the Willcox, Arizona, wine industry with so many people.”
Experience Arizona Wine owner
Mike Barnacastle said the state has 122 wineries and more than 65 vineyards that produce 1 million bottles an-
In 2020, the festival attracted over 4,000 people, and Barnacastle said he expects to meet or succeed that this year. Tickets are $30 to $45 and include admission, 10 tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass. The tasting tickets can be used for a 1-ounce sample at any of the participating wineries.
Whether you’re a wine expert or just someone starting to learn, you’ll find som,ething to capture your attention and your taste buds at the Arizona Wine Festival. (Special to GetOut)
Additional tickets can be purchased onsite and bottles will be for sale.
Winery representatives will educate Arizona Wine Festival attendees and provide samples, Barnacastle said, adding:
“In many cases, this is the premier Arizona wine festival of the year and the winemakers make it a point to be here for this weekend. So, you’ll get to meet the winemakers and wine ambassadors and learn about each of the wineries’ operations, what their philosophy is for making wine and what they’re trying to do with their brands.”
Barnacastle said there will be four or five food trucks, 10 to 15 artisan craft vendors and dozens of artists. Vendors will include cheesemakers, chocolatiers and artisan crafters with soaps and candles.
“I’ve got somebody who takes wine bottles, smashes them, melts them and makes things out of them,” Barnacastle said. “I’ve got a guy from Double Barrel AZ who creates furniture and things out of old wine barrels.”
Barnacastle has been involved in the Arizona wine industry for the last 20
years and recalls when the state had about six wineries.
Arizona’s wine grapes are grown at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 feet.
There are only three American viticultural areas (AVAs) in Arizona, which are designated wine-growing regions defined by a variety of factors like the proper soil, temperature and weather conditions. The largest is Willcox, where 75% of Arizona’s wine grapes are grown, Barnacastle said.
Willcox’s Carlson Creek Vineyard will appear at the festival. Owner Robert Carlson said his winery was established in 2009 and is now the third-largest vineyard in Arizona at 320 acres.
Carlson said the winery benefits from the festival.
“It attracts a lot of attention and a lot of traffic,” Carlson explains. “We have a tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale, so we usually consider it — other than a good sales day —good marketing year-round. People who weren’t aware that we have a tasting room usually follow up and go check it out. You really can’t try everyone’s wine at the festival. You wouldn’t be walk-
ing out afterward.”
Carlson suggested tasting his Rule of Three blend and their first sweet rose.
Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial winery in Arizona, having opened in 1983. In the Sonoita Appellation AVA region, the vineyard will have a booth at the festival. According to Lori Reynolds, the third-generation winemaker for Sonoita Vineyards and granddaughter of the company’s founder. She is “so excited” to return to the wine festival.
Cella Winery will make its wine festival debut, according to owner Micah Spencer. Founded in 2007, the winery changed ownership near the end of 2020. Cella Winery stands out because, for one reason, it’s in Kingman.
“We’re at around 3,200 feet elevation and a little bit warmer,” Spencer said. “So, you know, it gets over 100 degrees in the summertime, so it’s good for growing red varietals in this area.”
He suggests trying Cella Winery’s zinfandel and malbec.
Whether a wine connoisseur or just trying it out, Barnacastle said there’s something for everyone.
“Come out and have fun,” he said. “We have a whole world of wines to expose people to and teach people about. The wineries are excited to get back out and share what they’ve been working on. So, we have a lot of new vintages, blends and wineries that are going to be there that are excited to get to meet the residents of Phoenix.” ■
If You Go...
What: The Arizona Wine Festival
Where: Rosson House at Historic Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street Phoenix
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29-30.
Cost: Tickets start at $39.90 Info: chandlercenter.org
Yippee ki yay! Western Week is back
BY ALEX GALLAGHER GetOut Staff Writer
The World’s Most Western Town is getting ready to saddle up, COVID be damned.
After minimizing last year’s events, Western Week is ready to return to Scottsdale at a scale of pre-pandemic attendance numbers and events, beginning on Saturday, Jan. 29.
This year, the celebration not only returns to its normal time slot between January and February but will see the return of historic events like the Parada Del Sol and free admission days to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
“This is a long-standing event that many people who grew up here remember but because these events are authentic and part of our history, however there’s something that’s very appealing to our visitors,” said Karen Churchard, the director of tourism and events for the City of Scottsdale.
While the event now falls closer to its traditional time, long-time attendees of the week-long festivities may have noticed that this year’s events are taking place a week earlier than usual.
That’s because the National Football League changed its schedule, extending playoffs deeper into January.
“It’s a long-standing tradition that the event has been held anywhere between the end of January to mid-February,” Churchard said.
“Six years ago, we landed on the second weekend of February as our date so that we weren’t moving it around as much. However, with the Super Bowl now being held on the second Sunday of February and the Waste Management Open falling at the same time, we had to be mindful of that.”
The City also was mindful of safety with regard to the large crowds that converge on Scottsdale this time of year.
“We met with our Police Department, Fire Department and public safety officers and determined that the best scenario was to move Western Week and its historic event to the first weekend of February,” Churchard said.
Upon the success of events like Canal Convergence and Scottsdazzle, which both drew record crowds, Churchard expects large attendance at each of the signature
events that make up Western Week.
“Canal Convergence was bigger and better this year than it was in 2019 and our Scottsdazzle tree lighting sing along event saw record crowds so we anticipate that we will have strong crowds at all of these events,” she said.
The date is not the only change for this year.
Due to the current construction at the Civic Center, the famed Arizona Indian Festival will be held at the Old Town Parking Corral near First Street and Brown Avenue Feb. 5-6.
Still, Arizona Indian Festival organizers hope see attendance rocket back to prepandemic numbers.
“Last year we didn’t know what attendance was going to be or what the general energy was going to be from participants and attendees,” said Jeffrey Lazos-Ferns, a spokesman for the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association and producer for the Native Edible Experience. “We were pleasantly surprised.”
“The Native Edible Experience is a contemporary piece where we work with native chefs from Arizona tribes to curate four chefs working with ancestral food ingredients to create contemporary dishes,” said Lazos-Fern. “This offers a very contemporary and native feel in a museum setting to complement the traditional stuff going on at the Arizona Indian Festival.”
The American Indian Festival and Native Edible Experience are just a small sampling of the festivities for guests to enjoy during western week.
“The Old Town Rodeo Museum is a cute little venue that has some wonderful artifacts that support the rodeo dating back to the 1950s,” Churchard said.
Puzzle Rides has also conjured up an interactive tour around the city, the Gold Palette Artwalk and the Farmers Market is also expected to generate a buzz around Old Town.
“It’s a lot of really great activities going on throughout OldTown that we promote along with our signature events,” Churchard said.
While the events are set to see large audiences, there has been an added onus on safety as the pandemic continues to surge.
Lazos-Ferns also hopes the artists who display their work at the festival share in the event’s success.
“With the pandemic, the majority of the 40-plus artists who showcase at the festival lost their income since they were not able to travel the circuits selling their crafts,” he said. “A lot of them were glad to be back out in public and we received continuous feedback from guests that it felt good to be back around humans.”
Lazos-Fern noted that the festival offers guests an excellent opportunity to obtain collectable artwork.
“A lot of our native artists, especially our higher tired ones that are collectible have a following where people collect their stuff,” “This allows local collectors to see their new work.”
The Indian Festival will also feature a special and exclusive event hosted at the Museum of the West on Feb. 5 titled the Native Edible Experience, where up to 150 guests will have the opportunity to taste native cuisine and beverages.
“Almost all of the events are fully outdoors or partially indoors so it’s fair to say that it›s safe for people to come out as long as they adhere to the guidance of the CDC,” Churchard said.
Additionally, the Arizona Indian Festival will feature safety protocols like social distancing markers, sanitizers, masks on hand and handled items will be cleaned after each use.
With these safety measures in place, Lazos-Fern hopes that the week reminds guests of Scottsdale’s history.
“What intrigues me and excites me every year is the educational component,” Lazos-Fern said. “A lot of people that aren’t familiar with the history of this great state do not realize it is these Western Week style events that bring the historical and entertaining pieces.”
He also hopes this serves as a way for the community to regroup.
“I hope that everyone is safe and has a great experience,” Lazos-Fern said. “I also hope that we can celebrate each other as a community.”
Info: scottsdalewesternweek.com ■
Free admission to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West will give guests a chance to see the stunning exhibition of Edward S. Curtis’ photographs of Native American people. (GetOut file photo)
King Crossword
This week the word is Brrrrr!
That means it’s time to pull out your favorite chili recipe, grab a Dutch oven and get cooking. This yummy dish makes the cold weather almost welcome, and there isn’t a finer bowl of winter comfort food than homemade chili.
This particular recipe has a fabulous twist: cinnamon sticks, which adds a subtle earthiness to the dish. You’ll find many award-winning chili recipes have added cinnamon to the mix.
With JAN D’ATRI GetOut
Contributor
Chase the chill out of the air with this chili
I’ve partnered with La Mesa RV to travel our great state, looking for fun adventures and cooking delicious dishes in all sorts of RV’s, and this week,
Ingredients:
2 cups sweet yellow onion, chopped fine
1 ½ cups (approx. 10 oz) Poblano chile peppers, seeded and chopped fine
8 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 small bulb)
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs. beef chuck roast, cubed (or pre-cut “beef for stew”)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
2 ½ cups beef bone broth or beef stock
2 tablespoons paprika (smoked or regular)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the sweet yellow onion, garlic, poblano chile and (optional) jalapeño pepper. Pull the leaves off the oregano stems, chop and set aside in a small dish.
In a Dutch oven or chili pot, heat the oil on mediumhigh heat.
Add the beef and cook for about 8 minutes or until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. When done, remove beef with slotted spoon and set aside.
In the hot pan with the beef juices and oil, add the onion, garlic and peppers.
Cook for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
Add the oregano, tomato paste and ground cumin,
it was time for a hot bowl of spicy beef and chiles. Grab a bowl full and devour. ■
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Kosher or sea salt
3 cinnamon sticks
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Add-Ins:
1 fresh Jalapeño pepper, chopped (add with poblano chile peppers)
Sriracha Sauce, to taste (add with Worcestershire sauce)
and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the bone broth or stock, paprika, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and cinnamon sticks. Stir ingredients until well combined and bring the pot to a boil on high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the reserved, browned beef.
Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 45 minutes, or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally. When the chili has finished cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks. Drain and rinse the black beans and add to the pot, gently stirring to combine.
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of cheese and chives. If desired, you can serve this Cincinnati-style chili over spaghetti or other noodles. ■
Robert passed away peacefully at ACOYA Retirement Homes in Mesa, AZ on January 6th 2022, at age 80. He underwent cancer surgery in May of 2021 from which he never fully recovered.
Bob was born on November 7, 1941 in Es-tevan, Canada and became a Naturalized US Citizen in 1957. He graduated Crosby High School in 1959, later attended North Dakota State University and became a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity.
Bob married Susan Francis Stenger in Moor-head Minnesota on June 12, 1963 and on December 12, 1964 his son Thomas John Jacobson was born.
Bob’s greatest passion was airplanes. He re-ceived his private pilot license, his commercial pilot license and his instructor’s certification throughout his career. Bob started his flying career as a crop sprayer in Divide County, ND, which lasted for over 20 years. He moved his family to Arizona in 1975 and was employed by Grand Canyon Airlines and West Wind Airlines. He will be remembered for piloting a WWII B-17 Bomber and a WWII T-6 Trainer for the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) at Falcon Field Airport, Mesa, AZ. In 2013 he decided to end his 50 year flying career.
Bob lived his dream: flying aircrafts! He loved sharing his knowledge, encouraged and trained others to fly. Bob was fun loving and touched so many lives with his wit, his spirit and his timeless stories!
Bob Jacobson is survived by his former wife, Susan Jacobson Witzeman of Tempe, AZ, his son Thomas John Jacobson, ND and his sister Deborah Melby of Crosby, ND. His family in-cludes Nieces, Nephews, a Granddaughter, two great Grandchildren and a host of extended relatives still living across the United States. It was Bob’s wish to refrain from public funeral services. A small memory gathering is planned at the CAF to be announced at a later date. Bob’s life story is being produced and will be available online at QR Memory Markers in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arizona Humane Society and/or to www.QRMemoryMarkers.com
Obituaries
Boyd Kenneth Williams W illams 79, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away Monday January 17, 2022 from complications o f a recent stroke. Funeral Services will be h eld in Nampa, ID on Sat. January 29th.
To view the full obituary go to https://www.zeyerfuneralchapel.com/
Deadline for obituaries is Thursday at 10am for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays. Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 for assistance.
HEADSTONES
Warner Aaron Thomson III
Thomson, 75 of Idaho Falls, passed away January 8, 2022, at The Gables of Ammon Assisted Living Center. He was under the care of Encompass Hospice.
Warner was born May 9, 1946, in Shropshire, England, to Warner Aaron Thomson II and Helen Hester Woolf Thomson. He grew up and attended schools in Arizona and graduated from Arcadia High School. He also attended the University of Arizona.
Warner and Linda Gayle Johnson were married in April 1967, and were the proud parents of five children together: David, Sarah, Amy, Rebecca and Katie. They were later divorced in 1989.
On August 4, 1990, he married Peggy Ellen Rasmussen in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. Peggy had 7 children from a previous marriage (Russ, Francine, Suzette, Karla, Katie, Jacob and Ellen), which brought their blended family to a combined total of 12 children. Warner and Peggy made their home in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, where Warner worked as a Construction Superintendent. He had a special love and gift for landscaping and architecture.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed country music, driving the wagon for hay rides, collecting and reloading guns, as well as collecting coins and stamps. He loved the outdoors and spending time with family.
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IntraEdge has multiple openings for Sr. Programmer Analyst in Chandler, AZ. Reqs US Bachelor degree/foreign (3 or 4 yr degree) equiv in Commerce/BusAdm/STEM field. Will accept combination of IT training/education/experience for equiv to ed req. Analyze/resolve/test/monitor/report on IT related projects using skills in HTML,CSS,C#,.Net, Unix,API. Email resume to jobs@intraedge.com w/ ref no 2022-2121 directly on resume & ref ad in EVT
MetaSoftTech Solutions has openings for Software Engineers in Chandler, AZ area. Reqs US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach degree + 5 yrs experience w/ skills in Java/Salesforce/HTML/Oracle/SQL to analyze/design/develop/implement/test systems & applications. Email resume to applymst@gmail.com with ref # 2022-19 & ref EVT ad
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www.everlastingmonumentco.com info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com Make your choice Everlasting
Warner is survived by his wife, Peggy Ellen Thomson of Idaho Falls, ID; children, David (Lori) Thomson of Rathdrum, ID, Sarah (Michael) Deakins of Nine Mile Falls, WA, Amy (Jacob) Deakins of Nine Mile Falls, WA, Rebecca (Jeff) Burghardt of Kennewick, WA, Kathryn (Jason) Scott of Spokane, WA, Russ (Melissa) Meyers, Jr. of Pocatello, ID, Francine (Wesley) Meyers of Pocatello, ID, Suzette Meyers of Post Falls, ID, Karla (Nicholas) Frey of Ammon, ID, Katie Meyers of Pocatello, ID, Jacob (Rachael) Meyers of Santaquin, UT, and Ellen (Louis) Adamson of Pocatello, ID; siblings, Eleanor (Jon) Beck of St. Augustine, FL, Laura Thomson of Sacramento, CA, Christopher (Kathie) Thomson of Peoria, AZ, and Mary (J oe) Thomson of Rancho Murieta, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Warner and Peggy shared a combined total of 43 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Cottonwood Ward, 2200 Stafford Drive, with Bishop Jared Randall officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
inside | sales
Join our experienced inside sales team!
Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be looking for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway curve area) includes lots of out-bound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need!
Great team environment
Our small team wants to grow with you! Do you get excited when you sell? Do you talk louder when you are selling something you believe in? We get it—it’s exciting to sell! Do you learn quickly, like to stay organized, multi-task, are you familiar with Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets/Voice, Word, Excel, internet browsing and other software programs?
This is a full time job with benefits. 8:305pm Mon-Fri. If you think you are the missing puzzle piece, please apply!
Wait, did I mention we are a FUN team? Send your resume with cover letter to Elaine: ecota@timespublications.com
Robert A. Jacobson
Business Analyst : con-
d uct analysis of busin ess strategies; BA i n
B usiness, Economics , Mathematics, Statistics ,
o r related; All Abou t S peech, LLC 22424 S E llsworth Loop Rd , Unit 464, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Flexi-Van Leasing LLC
l ocated in Scottsdale , A Z seeks a Manager , A pplication Integratio n
t o manage WebMeth -
o ds Integ’n proj. N o
t rvl. No telecomm. T o Apply: https://app.trinethire .com/companies /31696-flexi-vanleasing-llc/jobs /50515-managerapplication-integration
Employment General
IntraEdge has multiple openings for Software Engineer (SE) positions in Chandler, AZ. SE candidates req US Masters degree/foreign equiv or bachelors degree + 5 yrs exp, w/ skills in Java,J2EE,JSP,SQL,Jav aScript,Oracle to analyze/dsgn/dev/implement/test systems & applics. Email resume to jobs@intraedge.com w/ ref no 2022-1919 directly on resume/cover & ref ad in EVT
Correctional Education Site Director, Lewis Correctional Complex (AZ)
The Correctional Education Program at Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) invites applications for full-time Site Director at the Lewis Correctional Complex, located in Buckeye, AZ. For requirements and qualifications and to apply online, go to: https://jobs.ashland.edu/hr/postings/416.
Ashland University meets fully its obligation of nondiscrimination under federal and state laws and is actively committed to diversity in its workplace. Employment will require a criminal background check
LEGAL NOTICES
Deadline for Sunday’s Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.
NOW HIRING
Peter Piper Pizza Location: McDowell and Miller Road
We are now hiring Full Time / Part Time, Team Members for Day, Evenings and Night positions. Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, Az. 85257 (480) 947-9901
Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.
Earn Extra Income For The Holidays!
Gannett Publishing Services wants to contract you to deliver newspapers and magazine products in the early morning hours in the Phoenix metro area.
$400 per week
Work just 2-3 hours a day between 12:00AM - 6:00AM All routes are 7 days a week
POOL REPAIR
The Flood Control District (FCD) of Maricopa County has conducted a floodplain delineation study (FDS) for the previously unstudied Zone D area within the City of Mesa. The FCD conducts floodplain delineation studies to identify and refine areas that are subject to f looding by a 100-year flood. These floods have a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. The FCD also proposes to establish areas subject to a 500-year flood. These floods have a 0.2% chance of occurring in any given year.
The Zone D area is approximately 10.2 square miles and roughly bounded by Meridian Road to the east, Baseline Road to the north, Ellsworth Road to the west, and Ray Road to the south. Phase 1 studied the portion north of Elliot Road, approximately 4.1 square miles.
As a result of this revision, this study proposes to establish Zone AE and Zone AO 100-year floodplains and Base Flood Elevations (BFE’s), and Shaded-X Zone 500-year floodplains along several watercourses and within several Regional Detention Basins.
Specifically, these floodplains and BFE’s are proposed along Crismon Channel and Crismon Channel Breakouts #1 and #2 extending from the US 60 to Elliot Road; Eastridge Channel extending from Baseline Road to near Guadalupe Road; Sunland Springs Channel extending from Baseline Road to Signal Butte Road; Guadalupe Channel extending from Santa Rita Road to Crismon Road; Siphon Draw extending from Meridian Road to Elliot Road; and the Elliot Road Regional Detention Basins EA, WA, and WB located along the north side of Elliot Road between Signal Butte Road and Ellsworth Road. Remaining areas within the study that are not one of these watercourses or Basins, are proposed to become Unshaded-X Zones, which are not Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
Study Documentation is pending finalization. Once it is finalized, impacted property owners will be notified. In the interim, they can review information about the study and proposed floodplains on the FCD website: https://apps.fcd.maricopa.gov/ fcdprojects/Details/71
The results will be used by the City of Mesa and the District to regulate development within the floodplains. Technical documentation for the study will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for updating FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps whi ch are used to determine federal flood insurance requirements and rates.
Any relevant technical information or comments can be sent to Richard Harris at 2801 W. Durango Street, Phoenix, AZ 85009 or Richard.Harris@maricopa.gov.
Published: East Valley Tribune, Jan. 16, 2022 / 43991
JAMES MADISON PREPARATORY SCHOOL, INC
5815 S MCCLINTOCK DR. TEMPE, AZ 85283 480-345-2306 480-345-0059 (FAX) www.madisonprep.org Announces open enrollment for grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 for the 2022-2023 school year. The open enrollment period is February 7-28, 2022.
OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN
RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE!
If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund.
Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemp tion must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips.
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:
TRANSPORTATION JOB ORDER CONTRACT
PROJECT NO. JOC-T22
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Contractor to provide Job Order Transportation 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 Transportation Job Order Contract will require a variety of tasks to be completed, including but not limited to roads, streets, sidewalks, curb and gutter, utilities located in transportatio n Right of Way (ROW), paving, striping, landscaping associated with roadway ROW, lighting, traffic signals, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and other work as deemed necessary.
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on January 26, 2022 at 8:00 am through Microsoft Teams Parties interested in attending should request an invitation from Stephanie Gishey at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the presubmittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.
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-contracting-opportunities.
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and 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 one (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by February10,2022at2pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications . The City is an equal opportunity employer.
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 Job Order selection process or contract issues should be directed to Stephanie Gishey of the Engineering Department at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov.
BETH HUNING City Engineer
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: GENERAL BUILDING JOB ORDER CONTRACT
PROJECT NO. JOC-G22
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Contractor to provide Job Order General Building 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 scope of this contract is to provide general contracting pre-construction and construction services for maintenance, repair, minor and major new construction services, including minor associated incidental design services, for a broad range of City facility related projects.
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on February 3, 2022 at 9:00 am through Microsoft Teams. Parties interested in attending should request an invitation from Donna Horn at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the PreSubmittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.
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-contracting-opportunities.
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and 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 one (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by February 17, 2022 at 2 pm. The City reserves the right to acc ept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.
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 Job Order selection process or contract issues should be directed to Donna Horn of the Engineering Department at donna.horn@mesaaz.gov.
BETH HUNING City Engineer
ATTEST:
DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
Published in: East Valley Tribune January 23, 30, 2022/ 44081
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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 Construction Manager at Risk for the following:
PUBLIC SAFTEY CAMPUS MICROGRID
245 W 2ND STREET
PROJECT NO. CP1032
The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to provide Pre-Construction Services assis tance and complete Construction Services as the CMAR for the City Of Mesa Public Safety Campus Microgrid Project. 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 City of Mesa will construct a new microgrid station at the Public Safety Campus (Microgrid.) The Microgrid will include the installation and commissioning of natural gas generators totaling approximately three (3) to four (4) megawatts (MW) in nominal capacity, 15 kilovolt (kV) switchgear, system protection relays, distribution source-transfer equipment, controls, communications equipment, modularized control room, transformers, ductbank, cabling and facility security. Site improvements include installation of a security wall, site grading, landscaping, and drainage. The project includes off-site system upgrades to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) as well as communication infrastructure, as needed to support the project.
The estimated construction cost is $8,000,000. The city anticipates completing construction by June 2023.
A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on January26,2022at9:00am through Microsoft Teams. If you would like to participate, please send an email to Stephanie Gishey (stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov) and request an invitation. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees. Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference. All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the Pre-Submittal Conference.
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, to 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-contracting-opportunities.
The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding PPVF’s and 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 one (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications in an unencrypted PDF format to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by February10,2022at2 pm. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.
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 Stephanie Gishey of the Engineering Department at stephanie.gishey@mesaaz.gov.
