The federal government pumped a staggering amount of money into 5,804 Mesa businesses, nonpro�its and other entities to hold on to 78,492 jobs as the economy began reeling during the �irst few months
of the pandemic.
Records released by the U.S. Small Business Administration last week show that the agency gave Mesa entities at least $482.2 million and as much as $894.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans – most of which likely won’t have to be repaid.
The loans to Mesa entities – including some
churches and private schools – ranged from as little as $34,000 to as much as $10 million.
The number of jobs the borrowers said they were saving didn’t necessarily re�lect the size of the loan they received, with some entities obtaining seven-�igure loans despite listing no
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
After decades of big plans followed by bigger disappointments, the foundations of new downtown Mesa are emerging as city leaders and developers look past the COVID-19 pandemic towards a brighter day.
Piece by piece, a new downtown is starting to come into focus, with the ASU@mesacitycenter as the epicenter and a constellation of large and
small developments swirling around it. Eventually, the new, high-tech, trendy downtown may make the present sleepy one virtually unrecognizable.
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AMesa mother’s petition voicing concern over delaying the opening of Arizona campuses is gaining traction.
Laura Crandell launched the petition drive after Gov. Doug Ducey delayed inclassroom learning until at least Aug. 17 due to the surge in coronavirus cases in the state.
Crandell, whose 5-year-old daughter is set to attend Sousa Elementary School in the fall, believes parents should be able to decide whether or not to send their kids to schools without any further delays.
“I understand COVID is a concern for all of us,” Crandell said. “But I feel like the decisions that are being made are out of an abundance of fear. Anyone who has been around kids knows they are going to bene�it from being in person.”
Nearly 1,500 people have signed Crandell’s petition to Ducey as of Wednesday at change.org/p/governor-doug-duceyno-more-postponement-of-az-in-personlearning-school-start-date.
Crandell said delaying the opening of schools could negatively affect work schedules for both parents and teachers. Luckily, she already works from home on a consistent basis and is able to keep an eye on her daughter in a limited fashion.
However, she said she has many friends who work outside the home and who
struggled in the spring to make online schooling work.
“I don’t understand how people are supposed to make this happen and it creates a disparity between low and high-income families,” Crandell said. “If you are in a comfortable situation �inancially, you likely have resources available to make this work. But if you aren’t, it could create a disparity in the education they kids are receiving.”
Crandell, who is a local youth leader for teenage girls through church, highlighted
in her petition many of the concerns she heard from her group about online learning in the �inal quarter of last school year. From mental health concerns – including depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation– to the quality of online lessons, Crandell said it was enough for her to advocate for reopening campuses.
“My petition is not to open schools and let us all in,” Crandell said. “It’s asking whether or not there are enough teachers and students that feel comfortable being in schools and if there are, is the expectation that we could go to schools even if it isn’t at max capacity.” Crandell isn’t alone in her �ight to reopen schools.
President Donald Trump and his administration ramped up their campaign to “pressure” governors to reopen schools in
Survey: teachers hesitant about classroom return
BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Staff Writer
Asurvey by the Arizona Education Association released last week found an overwhelming number of educators believe schools should only reopen when it is deemed safe to do so.
Of 7,651 educators surveyed by the association, 68 percent opposed returning to classrooms at this point.
The survey also showed 60 percent of the respondents believed their districts were not prepared to reopen schools.
More than 90 percent of the respondents also expressed concerns about themselves, colleagues and even students
contracting COVID-19.
“While most respondents supported an online or distance learning model rather than traditional brick and mortar school learning environment, just under half of respondents felt schools had enough teachers and resources to implement an online learning model,” the AEA survey said.
“Many respondents left comments with concerns about how to engage students, meet the needs of students with special needs and how to ensure students with little or no access to technology will have the opportunity to learn,” it added.
The vast majority, 93 percent, of respondents also believe standardized testing should be suspended until campuses
are opened.
As far as what social distancing measures districts should enact, smaller class sizes were the most popular, with 96 percent in favor.
Also ranked high were spreading out students at lunch and recess and staggering arrival and departure times.
But most respondents believed there aren’t enough teachers to achieve social distancing in classrooms or even employees to provide food service and adequate cleaning of facilities.
In a related move, Expect More Arizona released the second part of a May survey of 11,000 teachers on their observations
The Mesa Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the East Valley.
Laura Crandell, a Mesa mom to a 5-year-old daughter, created a petition that now has nearly 1,500 signatures to allow parents and students to make the decision to attend school in the fall and not delay in-person learning any further. (Courtesy Laura Crandell)
More apartments coming to downtown Mesa
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
An expensive obstacle won’t halt the construction of Eco Mesa, a high-end sustainable apartment complex that will rise over a downtown Mesa parking lot, attracting a higher-income clientele.
City of�icials anxious to see the trendy six- or seven-story apartment complex have agreed to move an antiquated electric duct bank that otherwise would block the development at a cost of nearly $600,000 to move the $30 million project into high gear.
They also agreed to a tax incentive program, realizing the city derives no property tax or other income from the project site – a free parking lot at Pepper Place and Robson Street across the IDEA Museum.
City Manager Chris Brady said the antiquated electrical line would eventually
PETITION ���� ���� 3
the fall.
“We’re very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools, to get them open,” Trump said, adding that once schools are open, they would not be closed again.
While it is not yet clear how Ducey will respond to the Trump effort, he said that while in-person learning is delayed until Aug. 17, there’s no reason online learning can begin sooner.
According to a letter to parents on Thursday, July 2, Mesa Public Schools will do just that.
The district announced all students would begin remote learning on Aug. 4, the original start date for the new school year.
Mesa Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis said during a Governing Board study session July 1 that the district would allow students to transition to in-person learning when schools are given the go-ahead to open their doors.
“Knowing what we know today, we are recommending we begin remote instruction on Aug. 4, the regular �irst day of school,” Fourlis said. “We also know making a decision like that requires a lot of planning and a lot of details. We are anxious to share with all of you how we col-
Eco Mesa will be added to what is now a free city-owned parking place downtown near the i.d.e.a. Museum. (City of Mesa)
need to be upgraded anyway because it lacks the capacity to support more intensive uses than retail shops require.
“I can’t remember the last time, if ever, I
laborate on these conversations to guide our path forward.”
Fourlis acknowledged the outcry from parents expressing their discontent with remote learning last spring.
That feedback, along with more from online sessions in June where students, parents and staff were surveyed about different options for students to resume school, helped the district come up with three options for the 2020-21 school year: full-time remote learning, full-time in-person learning and a combination of the two.
Now, however, those plans may undergo modi�ications.
Fourlis said it’s possible the district will bring a limited number of students back to schools when Ducey’s executive order expires, followed by more until a full inperson setting can be achieved.
“We anticipate when we move to an in-person model we would be very strategic and only bring back students based on very speci�ic needs,” Fourlis said, adding the �irst group would likely be special-needs students. those who require modi�ied-learning environments and preschoolers.
“All the while, we would always have an option for remote learning environment,” she said.
Online learning to start the new school
the tax incentive “a non-issue.’’
“Our electrical system downtown is antiquated and out of date. That infrastructure needs to be dug up and replaced. It’s something we would have been doing anyway,’’ Giles said.
Downtown Councilwoman Jen Duff also strongly supported the project, but asked that downtown businesses receive consideration from the city and the developer during construction.
She said parking spaces need to be available for customers during Eco Mesa’s construction.
“I think it’s a remarkable project that will put downtown Mesa on the map. It stands above the others in high density living,’’ Duff said. “We need to take care of our merchants through the development agreement.’’
was excited about an apartment complex,’’ Mayor John Giles said.
“This is a public parking lot. It’s generating no income to the city,’’ he said, calling
year, she added, will have several improvements over last spring’s.
Daily attendance will be taken. Additionally, teachers will be made available for students to interact with in a variety of different ways. The district also implemented a new online curriculum for elementary students as well as more training for teachers. Special-needs students will receive instruction specially designed to �it their needs.
But obstacles remain even for all-online learning in Mesa.
At least 7,000 students are currently without devices. David Sanders, the district’s chief technology of�icer, said he and his team are currently conducting an inventory on devices.
Initially, the district had planned to refresh devices in two high schools and seven junior high schools.
Now, Sanders believes the project at the high schools will be paused in order to potentially have enough for all students.
Part of that decision stems from most high school students already having devices.
Even then, however, the challenge of loading adequate software and distributing them by Aug. 4 remains.
“We might have enough for every student K-6, key word ‘might,’” Sanders said. “The dilemma is prepping and distribut-
Eco Mesa will have 102 units, catering to renters who are likely will to spend more
ECO ���� 11
ing the 45,000 devices we might have to distribute. To say that I’m con�ident we will be able to prep and distribute 45,000 devices by Aug. 4 would be a �ib. I’m not saying we can’t distribute that many but I’m not 100 percent con�ident that we can. I think we can get really close.”
Thanks to a $7 million city grant, the district will be obtaining new devices for students. However, those are not expected to arrive until September and not be prepped and ready for distribution until October.
Helen Hollands, Mesa’s executive director of technology and communication, said the district may resort to distributing devices for K-6 students in a limited manner, noting if families have more than one elementary student only one device will be provided until more become available.
“We would also probably prioritize from grades down, making sure our high schoolers and junior high kiddos get those and then to the elementary schools,” Hollands said. “We would love to do it all at the same time but if we need to do that type of prioritization, we may do a grade band prioritization as well.”
The district expects to solidify its plans for the upcoming fall semester during its July 14 governing board meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting can be viewed at mpsaz.org/live.
“The development is happening despite COVID-19,’’ Mesa Mayor John Giles said. When the pandemic subsides, he added, “I think you will see Mesa at the front of the line and regain momentum.”
Despite the continuing controversy revolving around asu@mesacity center, even during the upcoming election, “I think the wisdom of that project will be evident to everyone’’ once the new campus opens, Giles said.
“It’s not a hole, it’s a ladder out of a hole,’’ he said.
But Councilman Jeremy Whittaker continues to criticize city subsidies for ASU through a favorable lease and Giles’ efforts to repackage the campus into a smaller project with a different funding source than the plan previously rejected by voters.
With the COVID-19 pandemic overshadowing the city’s economic forecasts, Whittaker contends, “I think it’s foolish to continue spending money on this downtown ASU campus.”
But the council approved funding for
The Studios@mesacitycenter project, to convert a vacant former Information Technology building into meeting space and conference rooms.
While the ASU project progresses, plans for Site 17, Mesa’s eternal albatross to the northeast part of downtown, are expected to start taking shape as early as August, when the city signs a memorandum of understanding with a developer for the 27acre site.
Giles said the city believes it needs more people downtown and that’s why Site 17’s master plan is oriented toward residential.
City of�icials say there are already approvals in place for 1,500 units of housing downtown.
They include The Groves, a project by the development arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and The Grid, a unique development nearby that wraps around the underused Pomeroy Parking Garage.
But Site 17 also will include retail – even a possible grocery store – as well as of�ices that might contribute to job growth.
“Site 17 is absolutely a big factor’’ in the newly revamped downtown’s future, Giles
SURVEY
���� ���� 3
and experiences related to online learning that districts began when schools were shut down for the fourth quarter of the last school year.
According to the survey, 41 percent of teachers felt they were “somewhat” prepared for the transition to an online setting last spring while 35 percent of teachers felt they were not prepared at all.
said. “The easy thing for us to do was to sell off that piece. We want to have some in�luence over how it’s going to develop.’’
Jeff McVay, Mesa’s manager of downtown transformation, said one key is to connect Site 17 to downtown through walkways and bicycle paths.
“We need a mixture of daytime and nighttime’ attractions to establish downtown as a center of activity built around ASU, he said.
“Even during this time of COVID, we have a lot of things happening. There are a lot of positive things happening,’’ McVay said. “We do expect it to transform, not just evolve.’’
The next step is negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Mira Vista Holdings and Sunbelt Investments, allowing the developer to market Site 17, McVay said. The agreement may come before the council as early as August.
Of�icials are hoping a zoning change approved by the council will assist in the redevelopment of another large, glaring vacation site downtown, the 10acre former home of Brown and Brown Chevrolet.
Opus, a major developer based in Minneapolis, would build 340 units in the �irst phase of the Mesa Arts District Lofts, with room for two additional phases.
Mesa development of�icials are awaiting a third version of the project after the zoning change reduced commercial space on the ground �loor to 50 percent from a 100 percent requirement as an incentive to obtain �inancing.
The cutting edge, but also highly controversial, ASU building has been under construction for months and should start sprouting from the ground soon behind
���
DOWNTOWN ���� 10
Only 14 percent of teachers felt threequarters or more of their students were fully engaged in online work.
“Teachers shared that parent and family involvement, internet and device accessibility, work not counting toward �inal grades per a statewide policy, student motivation, and constant contact from teachers all played a role in whether or not students were engaged,” Expect More Arizona said in a release.
Of the survey respondents, it said 69 percent reported that students had an adult or sibling at home to help them with online schoolwork.
The survey also showed 39 percent of teachers felt that few special education students had their educational needs met during online learning.
Mesa Public Schools of�icials said during a July 1 governing board study session that the online curriculum has undergone
rigorous changes that will bene�it and teachers alike.
They expect it to be a much smoother transition to online learning than what took place in the spring, when schools were forced to implement emergency plans on a moment’s notice.
The district also hopes to have most of its 45,000 devices ready for students by Aug. 4, putting off refresh projects in two high schools in order to do so.
The Groves, located near the eastern end of downtown, will include 243 apartment units in four buildings of varying height. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Sta Photographer)
Within the next 12 months, the area around the Mesa Arizona Temple will be transformed into a tranquil garden. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Sta Photographer)
jobs to save, according to the SBA data.
The SBA did not identify the 4,936 Mesa entities that each borrowed less than $150,000.
And while it did provide names and addresses for another 867 Mesa entities that obtained loans of at least $150,000, the agency did not disclose the speci�ic amount they got.
The incomplete data was released by the SBA after weeks of pressure from Congressional Democrats and government watchdogs about the lack of transparency in 4.9 million loans totaling $520.6 billion that it has approved so far nationwide. Congress last week also extended the deadline for applying for some of the estimated $130 billion that remains unspent.
The PPP loan funds – described by the SBA as “a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll” – are part of the $2 trillion pandemic relief package approved by Congress in March that also included other assistance to individuals, businesses and local and state governments.
The loans comprised the largest portion of the multi-aid effort, accounting for $670 billion, or 26 percent, of the total package.
Arizona’s share of the PPP money totaled between 6.5 billion and $12.5 billion.
If you’re wondering why the loan amounts aren’t more precise for large borrowers and why the identities of thousands of smaller ones remain a secret, it’s because the SBA wanted it that way.
For weeks, the SBA and the Treasury Department squabbled with Congress and others over the paucity of data it had been releasing about the way it was doling out public money as the economy buckled beneath the weight of business shutdowns.
Treasury and the SBA said they were protecting the borrowers’ privacy.
Lobbyists for organizations like the National Federation of Independent Business were reported to be concerned that businesses would be hurt competitively or subjected to “public shaming” if identities were disclosed.
While refusing to list much information beyond an itemization of the amount of each loan below $150,000 and the number of jobs being saved, the SBA included the names and addresses of those that borrowed $150,000 or more but only listed them within one of �ive categories of loan ranges: $150,000-350,000, $350,000-1
million, $1-2 million, $2-5 million and $510 million.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the way the loan data was released “strikes the appropriate balance of providing the American people with transparency, while protecting sensitive payroll and personal income information of small businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors.”
But in a June 25 report, other problems with the program were cited by the federal U.S. Government Accountability Of�ice, the federal government’s primary auditing agency.
“SBA moved quickly to establish a new nationwide program, but the pace contributed to confusion and questions about the program and raised program integrity concerns,” the GAO said.
It said borrowers and lenders “raised a number of questions about the program and eligibility criteria” and noted that the agency issued multiple rules to address confusion among prospective borrowers.
Moreover, the GAO warned, “to help quickly disburse funds, SBA allowed lenders to rely on borrower certi�ications to determine borrowers’ eligibility, raising the potential for fraud.”
The data related to Mesa PPP recipients lists three recipients of loans in the $1-million-$2-million range with no jobs listed.
At least one borrower in that same category was identi�ied only with four initials that is not listed in Arizona Corporation Commission records.
According to the data released last week by the SBA, �ive Mesa companies each re-
which reported 222 jobs.
Two restaurant groups representing a combined reported total of 1,000 jobs also were listed in the same bracket: Kind Hospitality, the umbrella for eight airport restaurant brands Panera Bread and Macayo’s, and Rucker Restaurant Holdings, which runs Jack in the Box eateries.
Among the 51 Mesa recipients in the $1 million-$2 million bracket were two of the city’s most prominent law �irms, Udall Shumway and Jackson White, as well as Central Christian Church.
Another recipient in that bracket was an apparent rap music production company that listed its principal address as an apartment and claimed 29 jobs.
ceived loans between $5 million and $10 million. One listed two jobs.
The PPP loans were available not to just businesses but to nonpro�its, schools and even churches on the premise since the money not only could save jobs but also help them cover rent or mortgages, utilities and other costs so they could provide services.
“The SBA Paycheck Protection Program has helped stabilize many nonpro�it organizations with critical funding that enables them to retain and compensate their workers, many of whom are providing essential services during this public health crisis,” said Alliance for Strong Families and Communities president and CEO Susan N. Dreyfus in an interview with Philanthropy News Digest.
“Organizations of all sizes need clarity on funding, forgivable loans,” she said in the April 30 interview, “and a dedicated funding stream so they aren’t competing with for-pro�it entities for the funding that enables them to run homeless shelters, residential centers for foster youth, emergency child care centers, homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities, food banks, and more in this time of crisis.”
Of the 22 recipients of Mesa loans between $2 million and $5 million, four were nonpro�its: Child Crisis Arizona, A New Leaf and two interconnected agencies, Marc Community Resources and Partners in Recovery. The latter two are now under the umbrella name of Copa Health.
The remaining 18 recipients in the $2-5-million bracket included Mesa companies such as Gol�land, the water park,
Still another recipient was identi�ied by only four initials and appeared related to a wedding venue in Mesa. It claimed 450 jobs – the second highest number of employees behind the 500 associated with Pulmonary Associates, which runs six clinics across the Valley.
According to the SBA’s data, the �ive Mesa recipients that received a total amount of money between $25 million and $50,000 represented 1,671 employees. The 42 recipients of loans ranging between $2 million and $5 million represented a total 6,165 jobs while the 51 Mesa companies that each received $1 million to $2 million accounted for 6,451 jobs.
The 262 Mesa recipients of loans ranging between $350,000 and $1 million accounted for the most jobs at 15,350 while the 548 entities that received loans between $150,000 and $350,000 had the second highest number of jobs at 13,714.
The 4,936 Mesa recipients of loans under 150,000 for a total $194 million reported 35,394 jobs.
It's unclear how SBA will verify that the jobs were actually saved, although the agency has said they will be forgiven if 60 percent of the amount goes to payroll.
"Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels," it said in a recent memorandum. "Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines or if salaries and wages decrease.
The loans carry a 1 percent interest rate and required no collaterol.
There also has been con�licting statements as to whether the loans will be audited, as the Treasury Department initially stated that all loans under $2 million would be assumed forgiven and later said all were "subject" to audit.
When signs like this started popping up in March because of business closures and stay-at-home orders in Mesa and throughout the country, Congress responded with a massive aid program, over a quarter of which was aimed at companies. (Tribune file photo)
DPS sues to ground Chandler tutor with shaky past
BY KEVIN REAGAN Tribune Staff Writer
State law enforcement of�icials are attempting to stop a Chandler teacher who has been arrested 10 times on suspicion of inappropriately touching children from being able to work in local schools.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Heston Silbert �iled a civil complaint in court on June 24 aimed at thwarting other state agencies from granting a �ingerprint clearance card to 37-year-old Brett James Smith, who has been criminally convicted in other states for touching the backs of children.
Smith, who changed his name from Brett Zagorac, had been tutoring children in the Chandler area and was waiting to receive a �ingerprint card in Arizona – which would grant him the ability to be hired in most school districts.
But then DPS stepped in and exposed his lengthy criminal history.
In his 27-page complaint, Silbert outlines the sordid details of Smith’s 10 prior arrests and his recent interactions around Chandler that have raised the suspicions of some local residents.
His suit alleges that it would be a mistake for Smith to be given a �ingerprint card.
DPS had denied Smith’s applications for a card in the past but he appealed to the courts to obtain a “good cause exception” – a legal remedy offenders can be given if they’re found to be rehabilitated from their prior misbehavior.
The DPS director condemned an unidenti�ied judge and the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting for thinking Smith had reformed himself and ultimately recommending he be given the “good cause exception” to obtain a �ingerprint card.
The board was “arbitrary” and “capricious” in voting to give Smith a �ingerprint clearance in January, Silbert’s suit states, and should hold another hearing to review evidence demonstrating Smith’s pattern of behavior.
“Smith has engaged in a prolonged series of inappropriate acts against children -- even twice violating his probation conditions,” Silbert’s complaint states.
Smith’s repeated contacts with Chandler Police and “pushy” tactics to tutor local school children should further disqualify
BRETT JAMES SMITH
him from obtaining a �ingerprint card and prove his inability to change his behavior, Silbert’s complaint argues.
Lawyers representing Smith have accused DPS of creating a “false narrative” in order to smear Smith’s reputation.
In a statement, his attorneys claimed DPS’ portrayal of Smith’s arrest record is “false and misleading” and characterized his prior interactions with children as not being “sex crimes.” He’s never been convicted or accused of touching a child’s genitals, the lawyers stated.
Smith was �irst arrested in 2002 after a fourth-grader in Indiana accused the thenteacher of sliding his hand under the student’s shirt and rubbing their back. More students then came forward with similar allegations but the charges were later dropped due to uncooperative witnesses.
Over the next 13 years, Smith was arrested several more times for similar incidents involving rubbing the backs of girls and boys. He was convicted at least three times for misdemeanor offenses and spent some time in jail, court records show.
During one arrest in 2010, police in northern Indiana uncovered numerous school badges and teaching certi�icates that had been altered to display a fake name. Local authorities warned Smith to stop trying to tutor children in the area by advertising his services online.
In 2015, an Indiana court granted Smith’s request to have one of his arrest records expunged after prosecutors dropped the charges after a former student declined to testify against him out of fear of being in the defendant’s presence.
Smith eventually relocated to Arizona, changed his last name and started looking for new tutoring clients.
None of his prior arrests were known by
Kim Kriesel when she hired Smith earlier this year to tutor her 11-year-old son at their Chandler home.
The mother was looking for someone who could help supplement her son’s education while the local schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kriesel saw Smith’s advertisements on Facebook a few times and decided to contact him.
Smith seemed to have an impressive resume, the mother recalled, and claimed to have earned several college degrees.
She hired Smith to come to their house a few times per week and the arrangement seemed to work out well in the beginning.
Smith and Kriesel’s son got along well, she said, adding they could often be heard laughing and joking from the family’s dining room table.
But then Kriesel saw a post on social media that suddenly changed her opinion of Smith.
Another local parent had published Smith’s mugshot and warned other parents not to hire him. Kriesel then did some internet sleuthing and con�irmed Smith’s extensive criminal history.
“I was in total shock,” Kriesel recalled, “I was disgusted.”
She asked her son if anything strange had ever happened between him and Smith. There had been some touching on his back, the son told his mother.
Kriesel said she immediately called the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Of�ice and claimed an of�icer told her the touching was not enough to count as a crime in Arizona.
A Sheriff’s Of�ice representative said it currently has an open investigation involving Smith and did not elaborate on the details of the case.
Not feeling satis�ied with the actions of law enforcement, Kriesel did some more digging and came across Director Silbert’s recent complaint against the Board of Fingerprinting.
In the document, she found out there were other people in Chandler who have known about Smith’s behavior since 2018.
According to Silbert’s complaint, a woman contacted Chandler Police in 2018 after �inding Smith’s tutoring advertisements online. They seemed suspicious to the mother who then unearthed Smith’s criminal history online.
The ads also mischaracterized Smith as
a special needs teacher in the Phoenix Uni�ied School District, which was not true.
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce reportedly interacted with Smith around this same time and staff felt there was something “not right” with him. The Chamber told Chandler Police that Smith was “pushy” about staff introducing him to local businesses and school administrators.
The Chandler Uni�ied School District also told local authorities Smith had asked for permission to place �lyers advertising his tutoring service in the backpacks of the district’s students.
“The school district reported that Smith was persistent about being allowed to put �lyers in the backpacks and became upset that he was unable to do so,” Silbert’s complaint states.
Kriesel said she was disappointed to learn so many institutions around Chandler had encountered Smith and did nothing to warn parents about his behavior or criminal history.
“I don’t even know who to trust now,” she said. “I’m guessing I will rely more on moms in the area.”
Smith is not listed on Arizona’s registery of sex offenders and has never been arrested nor convicted of a sex crime in the state, court records show.
Kriesel said she’s hopeful the Board of Fingerprinting will reconsider its previous decision and not recommend a clearance card to Smith.
In a recent letter written to the board, Kriesel accused its members of failing to protect Chandler’s children by not carefully reviewing Smith’s history.
“It is my opinion that the AZ Board of Fingerprinting has been extremely neglectful in their role and share complete responsibility along with (Smith) for the assault on my son in what should have been the safety of his own home,” Kriesel wrote.
The Board has not yet �iled a response to the DPS complaint in court.
Regardless of what happens between DPS and the Board, Krisel thinks there’s a good chance the Chandler community won’t be encountering Smith again. His tutoring website is down, his online advertisements removed, and he was quick to cancel his upcoming sessions with Kriesel’s son.
“I have a feeling this guy is long gone,” the mother said.
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Learn how to turn your “story” into sales with FREE Mesa CARES Marketing Training Webinars for Small Businesses.
The City of Mesa is hosting seven FREE Mesa CARES Marketing Training Webinars for Mesa small businesses affected by COVID-19. The webinars will cover the following topics through a mix of lectures, guest speakers, discussion, and student activities:
• Google for Business, Part 1: Tues., July 21, 8-10AM
• Public Relations 101: An Introduction to the Power of Media Outreach: Wed., July 29, 8-10AM
• Power of Social Media, Digital Marketing Best Practices, Strategies & Trends: Tues., Aug. 4, 8-10AM
• Introduction to Facebook Ads Manager: Thurs., Aug. 13, 9-11AM
• Google for Business, Part 2: Tues., Aug. 18, 8-10AM
• User-Generated Content and How Customer Photos Boost Your Bottom Line: Wed., Aug. 26, 8-9AM
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DOWNTOWN
the Mesa City Council Chambers.
“I feel everything is coming together,’’ said council member Jen Duff, who represents downtown. “I see an avalanche of successful development along the light rail.’’
“When it’s �inished in 2022,’’ Duff said about the ASU building, “we’re going to be on an upswing by then.’’
“The foundation of our economy is �ine. We just need to work through this virus. We are all trying to �igure out how to become more resilient,’’ Duff said.
Caliber, a Scottsdale-based investment �irm that specializes in the use of federal Opportunity Zones, anticipates announcing this week the addition of a national entrepreneurship company that might contribute substantially to Mesa realizing its dream of creating a downtown innovation district.
Chris Loef�ler, CEO and co-founder of Caliber, and Rodney Riley, vice president of acquisition and development, believe enough in downtown Mesa to have spent $15 million to acquire 160,000 square feet of property.
Loef�ler said the company’s specialty is Opportunity Zones, a long-term deferred tax investment in which capital gains taxes are forgiven if the investor holds the investment for at least 10 years.
This approach allows Caliber to take a big-picture approach, hoping to maximize a building’s beauty and �ind its best use, he said.
Loef�ler and Riley view downtown Mesa as the next downtown Phoenix or Gilbert.
“I think it’s inevitable. I think anyone who doesn’t see it is missing something,’’ Loef�ler said. “I think downtown Mesa will surprise people in a meaningful way.’’
Riley said the elements of downtown Mesa that make it perfect for Opportunity Zone investments include the Mesa Arizona Temple, a pro-business government, the light rail and a low census tract that backs up the slum and blighted designation that has been in effect for years.
“We like the authentic past’’ of downtown Mesa, with a 1950s and 1960s vibe, Riley said. “But we want to see tenants that not only take a step forward, but a leap forward.’’
“Pre-COVID, things were incredibly active. COVID changed the world,’’ Riley said.
One of Loef�ler’s ideas is for a community market, almost an indoor version of
The bungalos being built as part of The Groves are replacing World War II houses that city o cials decided had no historical value and weren't worth preserving. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Photographer)
a farmer’s market, featuring locally grown produce and other healthy food, similar to another market in the Kensington neighborhood of San Diego.
“We have to make sure that when you come to downtown Mesa, you experience something unique,’’ Loef�ler said.
Surrounding streets also are being renovated as 1st Avenue is being turned into a “grand avenue” to the temple. A new memorial sign already has been installed at the First Avenue entrance.
At least four major construction companies and scores of subcontractors have
“ The foundation of our economy is fine. We just need to work through this virus. We are all trying to figure out how to become more resilient ”
Also underway downtown is the renovation of the Mormon Temple, its grounds and construction of a new Family Resource Center for genealogy research.
The temple passed the second anniversary of its closing on May 19.
Mesa resident Jeremy Kerrigan has been documenting the project on a Facebook page and has said the “very extensive project” has included replacement of all mechanical systems such as lighting and heating and air-conditioning as well as the roof, windows and doors.
Parts of the temple have been gutted and revamped and the entire exterior is undergoing signi�icant renovation as well as the grounds, Kerrigan noted.
temples.
“The church proceeds very carefully. Our congregations have not resumed having services,’’ Wheeler said, noting that other temples in the region remain closed, creating a backlog of of�icial church wedding ceremonies.
Whenever the grand reopening happens, perhaps sometime in 2021, it represents a natural hook for Mesa’s new downtown coming out party, with the church project the �irst of several to open.
Wheeler expects large crowds, with people visiting from out of state, because of the Mesa temple’s historical signi�icance to the church.
“I am thrilled with the amount of progress our contractors and subcontractors have made,’’ said Carl Duke, vice president of City Creek Reserve, the real estate and investment arm of the church.
Duke estimated the large apartment building at the southwest corner of Main Street and Mesa Drive will be �inished by the end of October.
“For the average person who walks through the development, it will look complete by Jan. 1. The whole thing should be operational,’’ Duke said.
He said City Creek is happy to serve as one of the bookends to the redevelopment of downtown Mesa.
“ASU’s Mesa campus will be very helpful in driving renters to our property,’’ Duke said.
It’s clear that Duke takes special pride in the Family Discovery Center near Main Street, a steel and concrete building with a stone �inish, that will work in tandem with the newly renovated temple.
“The quality of that facility is something that is going to stand out,’’ he said.
been involved in the overall project – its second major renovation since it opened in 1927.
The Groves is on target for completion late this year or early next year, while the church has not yet set a reopening date despite obvious progress to the newly refurbished grounds and a new memorial sign at the entrance on First Avenue.
“There won’t be any Christmas lights in 2020. We don’t have a �inal date,’’ said Jennifer Wheeler, a church spokeswoman.
The pandemic presents a major unresolved issue for the church as it formulates a rededication, which will be preceded by grand-opening tours, a practice followed at the much newer Gilbert and Phoenix
Ducey adds new dining-in rules as virus cases rise
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
Gov. Doug Ducey refused Thursday to reimpose his stay-at-home order even after conceding that his own data shows how effective that was in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Instead, he is putting new rules in place on how many people can sit in restaurants.
The governor acknowledged that the number of new cases each day pretty much stayed the same from the time he issued the directive in late March through the middle of May, when he allowed it to expire.
In fact, he said, the rate remained steady for about two weeks afterwards, the period of incubation and the time to get test results.
Only then was there an explosion.
Ducey’s decision to stay the course – at least as far as individual activity – comes as the state added 75 new deaths on Thursday due to the virus, bringing the total now to 2,038.
There were also 4,057 new cases of COVID-19; the statewide tally since the out-
for the location and to live in a sustainable building, said Jeff McVay, downtown transformation manager.
He said the new building will be 85 percent sustainable, thanks to a solar panel array on the roof. A rainwater catchment system will recycle water that otherwise would have been wasted to water the landscaping.
“We will not lose the bene�it of that site as it is used today,’’ he said, because Eco Mesa will deed over the 76 new, covered parking spaces to the city.
McVay said the city will sell the acre of land to the developer, Eco Habitat, for the market price of $325,000 and receive another $320,000 in construction sales taxes off the project, compensating for the cost of moving the electrical line.
A development agreement being negotiated with Eco Habitat, a developer with a lofty reputation, would include a Government Property Lease Excise Tax, which saves Eco Habitat about $205,000 in property taxes.
break of those affected is now 112,671.
Hospitalizations of those with positive or suspected cases also continues to set records, with the �igure on Thursday at 3,471. ICU bed usage was at 861, just 10 off the record set a day earlier.
Overall, the Department of Health Services reported 89 percent of ICU beds in use by patients of all types with 87 percent of in-patient beds in use.
And more than 28 percent of the tests for the virus reported on Thursday came back positive.
“I always look at the different options of where we are and what the possibilities are,’’ Ducey said when asked about re-imposing that stay-at-home order. “We want to do what would allow us to navigate out of the situation we are in right now.’’
The governor said Arizona is seeing “some results’’ in the last 10 days since he ordered gyms, �itness centers and bars to once again close. At the same time, he gave local of�icials the power to mandate the use of masks but declined to make that a statewide requirement.
But Ducey said there’s also a reality that Arizonans are going to have to recognize.
“No matter what happens, we’re going
to be dealing with this for some time,’’ he said. That, the governor said, makes education a better alternative than mandates, which is why his but push has been his message that “you’re safer at home.’’
“So, the better way to do this, if possible, to have public buy-in to what is the more responsible decision, not from Mount Olympus or some government entity, but by people in a positive peer-pressure type of situation.’’
Still, Ducey is willing to impose some new rules on dine-in services for which he said he got the blessing from the Arizona Restaurant Association.
The governor said dine-in facilities are now limited to half the number of people that �ire inspectors have listed as capacity.
Ducey said that both building of�icials and law enforcement can enforce a hard and fast number based on maximum occupancy as determined by �ire departments. That limit does not affect outdoor dining, where the risk of spreading the virus is less.
The latest order stresses that any area beneath a roof counts as indoor dining, even if the entire side of the restaurant is open to the outdoors.
The order also has a speci�ic requirement on patrons, requiring them to be wearing a mask any time they are not seated at their table. It also prohibits people from standing around in groups, whether to wait for a table or simply go to the bathroom, and encourages the use of reservations.
One thing that remains to be decided is when schools will resume – and in what form.
The governor last month said schools can begin instruction next month according to their regular schedule, but at this point only online. He set an “aspirational’’ start-up date of kids actually being back in seats of Aug. 17.
Earlier this week the president threatened to cut federal funding for schools that refused to accede to his demand to resume in-person instruction.
At the same time, President Trump criticized the guidelines put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for safely reopening schools, saying they were too tough and expensive.
Ducey said he shares the president’s goal, but added, “It’s going to happen when it’s safe.”
The GPLET replaces a property tax with an excise tax, which would be waived for eight years. The property is technically owned by the city during this period and deeded back to the developer when it expires.
McVay said Mesa anticipated about $32,000 a year in revenue after the GPLET expires.
Mesa granted a similar deal to the WM Grace Construction Company for The
Landing at Fiesta Village, an apartment complex planned to replace the crumbling Fiesta Village shopping center, a longtime eyesore across from Fiesta Mall.
He said the developer, Eco Habitat of Phoenix, has a top reputation based upon two projects near Margaret T. Hance Park in central Phoenix, Portland on the Park and Portland Place.
McVay said the developer has �inancing arranged through an Opportunity Zone
investor, but that all approvals must be in place by Sept. 15. He said he will bring the development agreement before the council when it returns from a summer break in late August.
“I love this project. I love the sustainable part,’’ said council member Kevin Thompson, adding that he would welcome such a development in his southeast Mesa district. “We are taking an underperforming piece of property and selling it for $325,000.’’
He said the renters at Eco Mesa would have disposable income to support area businesses.
“That’s more people downtown, more business, a more viable downtown,’’ Councilman Dave Luna said. “I’m happy to have this developer come to Mesa.’’
Eco Mesa will be a sustainable apartment complex with solar panels and a special water recycling feature. (City of Mesa)
City Council OKs major southeast Mesa project
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
City Council has paved the way for Mountain Vista, a large mixed-use development with a four-story hotel, is expected to serve as a new gateway to East Mesa.
A zoning change allowing for development of an 81-acre parcel at Signal Butte Road and Southern Avenue just north of U.S 60 won unanimous approval last week.
Mountain Vista includes 132,000 square feet of commercial space, a key consideration for Mesa as it hopes to attract jobs and produce more sales tax revenue.
“This is going to be a quality product. It’s kind of a gateway entry into Mesa from the east,’’ said Councilman Kevin Thompson.
Thompson praised a group of developers, property owners and zoning attorneys for working together on an attractive master plan for the community.
Although Mountain Vista also will in-
clude some signi�icant multi-family housing, the developers agreed that there would be no housing inside a key parcel
along Signal Butte closest to U.S 60. That will be the location for the hotel, of�ice space, �itness center and drive-thru restaurants.
“We want to very much preserve commercial areas from being converted into residential,’’ Planning Director Nana Appiah said.
“When it �irst came in, the staff had a major issue. We were able to come to a resolution.’’
A development agreement bars the developers from converting commercial and retail space to residential for 20 years, according to a presentation to the council.
Instead, the high and medium density multi-family housing will be located in central areas of Mountain Vista along Hampton Avenue and Southern Avenue will be reserved for retail and commercial.
The residential component is far from minimal, even if Appiah described it as ancillary to the development’s overall focus. It includes three and four-story apartment buildings, including one with 345 units.
A series of walking and bicycling paths will allow people to circulate the area without driving.
“The end result will be to establish Mountain Vista as a bright example of the bene�its a master planned project can provide to any site and especially this important gateway into the City of Mesa,’’ according to documents submitted by zoning attorney Reese Anderson.
Southeast Mesa is seeing an explosion of planned development that will include a couple car dealerships, a hotel and commercial and retail space. (Special to the Tribune)
Felony Diversion program is offered by SAGE Counseling
BY ALLEN AWFE Tribune Staff Writer
Even though its launch was delayed by the pandemic, more than 1,000 people have utilized the Maricopa County Attorney’s Of�ice new Felony Diversion Program based in Mesa.
The program provides an alternative to prosecution and potential incarceration for individuals charged with possession of controlled substances and other non-violent offenses that meet eligibility criteria.
Administered through SAGE Counseling, the new program combines the former Drug Diversion Program and Felony PreTrial Intervention Program (FPIP). Its aim is to present a more vigorous treatment option that addresses speci�ic underlying behaviors.
Steven Grams is the founder of SAGE, which administers the Maricopa County Attorney’s O ce new Felony Diversion Program. (Courtesy of SAGE)
Placement and treatment in the program is distinctive for each individual; curriculum, dosage (hours per week) and program intensity vary per individual, ex-
plained Stephen Grams, executive director of SAGE Counseling.
“It’s a very individualized program, based on the initial assessment,” Grams said.
He said the program’s main goal is to reduce recidivism by rehabilitating each individual offender through treating their unique underlying problems with cognitive behavioral intervention and skill development.
Although this program is not mandatory for individuals facing prosecution, over 1,300 have been processed through the new Felony Diversion Program from May to June of this year.
The program was initially planned to start in April but was delayed until May because of the stay at home orders.
Depending on the individual’s risk to reoffend, they are placed into one of six “tracks.” These “tracks” include provisions like drug screenings and relapse preven-
tion programs.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Of�ice, “each track provides a unique evidence-based curriculum, with consideration for the appropriate intensity and duration based upon risk level and speci�ic requirements for successful completion.”
The program length is 10-12 sessions, once a week for low-risk offenders; 20-34 sessions, twice a week for moderate-risk; 25 sessions, twice a week for moderate to very high risk and 50 sessions for high to very high risk offenders.
The charges are then dropped for offenders who successfully complete the program. Though prosecution will be reinstated for unsuccessful offenders.
The COVID-19 pandemic considerably affected the program, Grams explained.
Children’s Cancer Network day camp goes virtual
BY KATY SPRING AFN Guest Writer
When Sharon Wozny realized that kids with cancer were missing out on important learning opportunities – a result of cancer-related school absences – she went to work on a solution.
The Mesa resident and program manager for Children’s Cancer Network has a special eye for education – she spent 30 years teaching elementary school for Mesa Public Schools.
It wasn’t long before Wozny, in partnership with CCN’s executive director, Patti Luttrell, created and launched a summer STEM camp for kids �ighting cancer.
“Kids with cancer miss out on so much,” said Wozny, who started volunteering for CCN in 2013 and joined the staff in 2016. “They’re stuck in the hospital or stuck at home, too sick from the cancer and chemo to go to school, and often are isolated from friends. We wanted to give them back a
piece of their childhood.”
CCN’s day camp, which launched in 2018, is offered at no cost to kids with cancer and their siblings. It focuses primarily on immersive, hands-on STEM projects and experiences to �ill the gaps for kids who missed out on such learning at school.
“The camp has been a huge hit among our families,” said Luttrell. “In addition to doing really cool projects and learning new and interesting things, it’s a chance for them to spend time with other kids and forget about cancer for just a little while.”
Wozny began planning this year’s summer camp in early 2020, but she shifted gears when it became clear that COVID-19 wasn’t going anywhere.
Since children with cancer are at high risk for serious illness, she began brain-
storming virtual options that would provide the same level of enjoyment, engagement and learning – without compromising kids’ safety.
“Kids are pretty Zoomed out right now,
so we worked hard to come up with lessons and projects that were truly fun and engaging,” said Wozny.
The Arizona Coyotes sponsored this year’s virtual camp the week of June 15. CCN delivered boxes of materials to campers’ families in advance, providing all needed items – like nuts, bolts, transistors and aluminum foil – for the week’s learning activities.
Gilbert mom Laura Groth sent her young daughters to CCN’s in-person camp last summer. Her 12-year-old daughter Lizzie is in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
She and her younger sisters – 10-year old Lily, 9-year-old Leilani and 7-year-old Lexi – participated in the camp again this year, this time via Zoom.
“Last year’s camp was such an amazing experience,” said Groth. “I cried with gratitude for the opportunity it provided my girls. I wasn’t sure how a virtual camp
Aaron and Makenna Carroll were thrilled with the Chandler-based Children's Cancer Network virtual summer camp. (Children's Cancer Network)
Arizona zip codes turn up silver for residents
Sealed Vault Bags full of state silver bars are actually being handed over to the first Arizona residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 48 hour order deadline ends to claim the bags full of pure silver
NATIONWIDE – Operators
at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.
That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with pure .999 State Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the 2-day order deadline.
“That’s why Arizona residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on for the next 2 days. This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Federated Mint dropped to the lowest ever for everyone who gets the Silver Vault Bags making them a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.
“As executive advisor to the private Federated Mint, I get paid to deliver breaking news. And here’s the best part. This is great news for Arizona residents because it’s the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint,” said Withrow.
The only thing residents need to do is find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they just need to call the National Silver Hotline before the 2-day order deadline ends.
And here’s the good news. Residents who do are getting the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each Arizona Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline at; 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM3800 before the deadline ends.
Phone lines open at precisely 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be flooded
(Continued on next page)
■ ARIZONA RESIDENTS CASH IN : Calls are pouring in from state residents who are trying to get their hands on the
Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before the deadline ends. That’s because residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the lowest ever State Minimum price set for the next 2 days by the Federated Mint.
by Arizona to cash State Minimum erated why area the first code on day are Since ing announcement anyone the new
the that contain ver Vault one who they did
“Residents in on the Minimum Federated That’s because line ends, for these Arizona by the Federated up to $50 how many Withrow
“We’re calls and we can, before the dents who its of their day’s publication the National Withrow
SILVER It’s good who get loaded
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State Silver their hands Mint has many Jumbo Bags residents are
(Continued from previous page)
by Arizona residents looking to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint to date. That’s why area residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call.
Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2020 Edition Arizona State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Federated Mint has not set a limit of how many Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured above that contain 10 individual Silver Vault Bags each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did.
“Residents who want to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint better hurry. That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine half ounce Arizona State Silver Bars set by the Federated Mint will go up to $50 per bar no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said.
“We’re bracing for all the calls and we’re doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said. ■
■ SILVER HITS ROCK BOTTOM: It’s good news for state residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure Silver State Bars. That’s because residents are getting the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint as long as they call before the deadline ends.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION: If you find your zip code on the distribution list printed in today’s publication read below then call: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM3800
I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the lowest State Minimum ever set by the Federated Mint. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint has been slashed to the lowest ever at just $29 for each silver half ounce bar for the next 2 days for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $290 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes up to $500 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying.
How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes up to $500 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $290 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline.
Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $29 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the 2-day deadline and all non-state residents must pay the $50 per silver half ounce bar.
Why is the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint. Now all residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List above are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set at $500 which is $50 per bar, but residents who beat the 2-day deadline only cover the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM3800. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M.
INDEPENDENCE: 1776 signifies the year America declared independence proclaiming inalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
HISTORIC 13 STARS: Each star represents one of the original 13 Colonies arranged in a circle to symbolize the perpetuity of the union as depicted in the “Betsy Ross” flag.
LOWEST EVER: State Minimum set by the Federated Mint drops to the lowest ever for State Residents.
SIGNIFICANT: Numbered in the order of which the state ratified the Constitution and was admitted into the Union. ONLY EXISTING: Silver bars struck with the double forged state proclamation.
VALUABLE: Solid .999 pure fine silver.
Jumbo
PHOTO ENLARGEMENT SHOWS ENGRAVING DETAI L OF SOLID HALF OUNCE STATE SILVER BARS
“First, it delayed the whole start and that was primarily because the courts did not want to have face-to-face, in-person court hearings,” Grams said.
“And in the traditional setup, the diversion was offered or accepted partly through that court process, so when they weren’t doing face-to-face, they just put all referrals for all the diversion programs we have on hold.”
The Attorney’s Of�ice currently offers eight different diversion programs with SAGE administering four of them.
Grams, who has been working with the criminal justice populations in 1985 and
CANCER ���� ����
13
would turn out, but Sharon kept them engaged from the moment they logged on to the moment camp ended. She also provided cool ideas to extend the learning throughout the afternoon.”
The camp’s theme – “Imagine That” –was threaded throughout the week’s projects and activities. Tuesday was all about “Imagine with STEM” and included a tiedye experiment using Sharpie markers,
was a psychotherapist in a maximum security prison in Pittsburgh, founded SAGE in 1998.
“Diversion is a really smart public policy,” said Grams. “It really helps the community to get people out of the criminal justice system much quicker, it gives them treatment that helps them avoid getting in trouble again. It’s very cost-effective and it increases public safety.”
Headquartered in Mesa, SAGE has of�ices around the Valley, including a Glendale branch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Glendale of�ice is not currently open.
For more information, visit sagecounseling.net.
self-portraits using nuts and bolts, and an afternoon robot-building project.
Friday’s “Imagine Just Me” gave campers a chance to study strawberry DNA and get creative by decorating large wood initials.
Kids across Arizona joined the camp, building pool noodle monsters, making aluminum foil art, and completing a project with local artist and guest instructor, Christy Puetz.
“The camp was so much cooler than any other virtual experience my girls have
Mesa sailor serves
Master-at-Arms 1st Class George Paddleford of Mesa conducted weapons training recently aboard the USS Nimitz, an aircraft carrier and the flagship of a fleet of Navy ships in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy)
taken part in,” added Groth. “We are just so thankful. CCN has touched our lives in so many ways.”
CCN continues to modify programs and create new options for delivering services and programs amid the pandemic.
The Chandler-based nonpro�it organization serves families across Arizona, providing gas and grocery gift cards, hospital admission kits to help new families navigate the road ahead and adopt-a-family programs for back-to-school and the holidays.
The organization also hosts activities to boost self-con�idence in young cancer �ighters, programs to help siblings cope with cancer, and provide a multitude of other services and resources.
“Our focus right now is adapting our programs for the world we’re living in today,” said Luttrell.
For more information, to make a donation, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit childrenscancernetwork.org.
Peruvian restaurant overcomes the pandemic shutdown
TRIBUNE NEW STAFF
Douglas Sanguino and his wife Clara took the big step of starting their own restaurant last January.
They opened A Taste of Peru in the strip mall on the southwest corner of Guadalupe and Alma School roads in Mesa in January, less than a year after moving here from New York City where he had been involved in a Mexican restaurant for two years.
The timing seemed great, Sanguino said, especially since he didn’t see much competition when it came to genuine Peruvian cuisine.
“I wanted to show people how delicious and �lavorful it is,” he said, explaining different regions of the country are known for different cuisine and he didn’t see anything in the East Valley with the kind he wanted to serve.
Like most new businesses, start-up was challenging but moving along – until mid-
March when the pandemic prompted the governor to close in-house dining.
“I decided to shut down the restaurant,”
he explained. “I didn’t want to expose anybody in the restaurant so we decided to shut down,”
G.O.A.T. Grill in Mesa aims to be ‘greatest of
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer
Known for its Mexican cantinas, the Matta family is exploring American food this time with The G.O.A.T. Sports Grill at Power and McDowell roads in Northeast Mesa.
The airy space at the west end of Red Mountain Promenade is peppered with a scoreboard, sports memorabilia and more than 10 televisions to make watching sporting events easy – when they return.
Owners Peter Matta and Scott McKay bring dishes like New Orleans shrimp scampi ($14); shrimp cucumber bites ($12); poor man’s steak (topped with gravy, mushrooms and caramelized onions and served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, $14); and a variety of sliders (four for $12).
The G.O.A.T., which stands for the
Greatest of All Time, thrives with its unique dishes like its spin on traditional
he recalled. “We kept reading the news and watching how people were reacting to the crisis and decided not to go back to work. We were a new restaurant so we didn’t have the demand for takeout anyway.”
Now that a Taste of Peru has reopened, the Sanguinos are hopeful that people will venture out to taste what he describes as a full Peruvian experience where food is concerned, though they also are now offering takeout and delivery.
Their menu re�lects both Asian, Mexican and Spanish in�luences, such as four Peruvian fried rice combos a number of dishes laced with noodles, a variety of stir-fried items and a special paella with a Peruvian twist.
There also are native dishes like the salchipapas appetizer, thinly sliced golden crisp sausage and French fries sprinkled with ketchup, mustard and mayo; the Pe-
��� PERU ���� 18
all time’
becue, chili cheese and buffalo chicken – or its grilled cheese varieties (French onion, cheese n’ mac, portabella, cheese BLT, burger, hot dog).
“Peter, speci�ically, really likes grilled cheese,” said Dominic Matta, his son and general manager. “Growing up, he would always make fun grilled cheese. He would sauté ham or onions and make them with different ingredients and a variety of cheeses. It was just something he’s always done and always wanted to play with as far as a concept in a restaurant.” Peter pays tribute to his family’s roots with the G.O.A.T. Cantina’s quesadilla, loaded nachos, tacos, skinny bean burrito, shrimp and green chile burrito, lobster tacos and �ish tacos ($4 to $14).
“I can say with con�idence that food is something we do really well,” said Dominic, a 2013 Red Mountain High School
Douglas and Clara Sanguino opened a Taste of Peru at 1245
W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa, in January. (Pablo Robles/ Tribune Sta Photographer).
Dominic Matta and Ryelle Rogers are serving up some tasty menu items at the new G.O.A.T. Grill in northeast Mesa. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Sta Photographer)
ruvian rotisserie chicken that marinates for at least 12 hours in a secret sauce; and lomo saltado, a popular Peruvian specialty combining beef sirloin marinated in soy sauce and other spices and sautéed with red onions, cilantro and tomatoes.
Seafood holds a special place in the kitchen – so much so that some reviews on Yelp call A Taste of Peru the best seafood restaurant in the region, citing a seafood tower, several variations of ceviche and even a whole �ish served head and all.
Both husband and wife work in the restaurant and Douglas at times said he helps out in the kitchen when things get busy, though he prefers to work the room with his wife to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere for guests.
And they are committed to keeping their guests safe as the pandemic wears on. All employees wear masks, social distancing among tables is maintained and frequent sanitizing is the order of the day.
Taste of Peru also offers a wide selection of beers and other alcoholic beverag-
���� ���� 17
graduate. “We thought we might as well bring a little bit of a twist of something different, like with our specialty G.O.A.T. recipes.”
Dominic is quick to recommend his father’s meatball appetizer, served with a choice of marinara, moonshine barbecue or gravy ($8).
“Peter has always had a vision of presenting a family-friendly restaurant, with a sports restaurant bar feel,” Dominic said.
“He wanted to branch out of Mexican food. He and Scott had a really good idea and they brought it to life.”
Dominic is just as passionate as his family about the restaurant business, having worked with his father for more than 10 years.
“I just really enjoy what I do,” he said. “I grew up doing this. I started at Matta’s when I was 15 years old.”
He added it was important to open the
Taste of Peru
es, including pisco, a traditional Peruvian brandy made from muscat grapes, and an oyster shooter, a shot of tequila with an oyster at the bottom.
Sanguino also brags about his restau-
rant’s low prices, hoping that they will help lure customers as the post-shutdown period has been a little slow.
Taste of Peru is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, They are on Face-
restaurant in Northeast Mesa, which is near Matta’s at Higley and Brown roads.
The G.O.A.T. made its debut in late June.
“I love all the businesses around here. Everyone’s so friendly,” Dominic added. “Like What’s Crackin’. I’ve been going
1245 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa, 480-935-0924 mytasteofperu.com
book and can aWlso be viewed at mytasteofperu.com.
there since they opened, and Peter still goes there regularly. Same with the cigar shop, Echo 5 and Dvine.”
When sports resume, The G.O.A.T. will adjust its hours to �it the events.
“It’s going to be very sports forward,” he said. “If there’s going to be a football game that starts at 8 a.m., we’re going to be open that early.
“When football comes on, we’re going to have specials on Sundays. Sports surrounds everything we do here.”
But food makes this restaurant the tops.
“Peter has cooked his entire life,” Dominic said. “He was just so excited to play with new recipes and something that was beyond the norm. You can taste the passion behind our food.”
The G.O.A.T. Sports Grill 6655 E. McDowell Road, Suite 101, Mesa 480-654-4628, thegoatsportsgrill.com
Camaron Saltado is a Peruvian stir-fried shrimp dish. (Taste of Peru)
Among the G.O.A.T. Grill’s specialties is Poutine Gravy’d Meatballs. (Special to the Tribune)
Causa limena is a soft spicy mashed potato tower sandwiching seasoned shredded chicken. (Taste of Peru).
Pride Fest request discriminates against police
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist
In the stiff competition for The Dumbest Thing I’ve Heard Lately, we now have a clear winner.
Phoenix Pride – the LGBTQ+ group whose vision is to build “a uni�ied community where diverse individuals are celebrated and able to thrive as their authentic selves” – has banned uniformed police of�icers from participating in this year’s 40th annual Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade.
The ban, enacted “in solidarity with LGBTQ Black and Indigenous People of Color,” includes two requests made of the Phoenix Police Department.
One is that PPD “use only unarmed, nonuniformed of�icers to manage required
street closures and traf�ic restrictions” around the event, which draws tens of thousands of people to the area around Steele Indian School Park in midtown.
Additionally, Phoenix Pride has committed to hiring “only the minimum mandated number of hand-selected off-duty of�icers” to provide security at the Festival Nov. 7-8.
Law enforcement members who still want to participate in or attend Pride have been asked to do so “without badges, �irearms, non-lethal weapons, or any other identifying gear or equipment present.”
Well, I guess that rules out the cop in the Village People showing up this year, huh?
The ironies here are multiple and absurd.
After 40 years of battling against discrimination and for diversity in the Valley, an organization whose P.R.O.U.D. values
statement literally includes the phrase, “We celebrate and respect the fundamental values and differences in all individuals” has itself discriminated against an entire profession – a profession which itself has gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer persons among its ranks.
We’ve all heard the phrase “in the closet.” It’s a phrase that has become politically incorrect over the years, in part due to the hard work of groups like Phoenix Pride, whose messages of inclusiveness and openness have resonated far beyond the communities they serve – even as far as straight old white guys like me.
That’s one more reason why this decision sticks in my craw: Doesn’t it effectively stuff police of�icers in the closet, telling them not only are their services not wanted, but that they can only be seen and
heard if they agree to dress a certain way and, oh by the way, leave the police vehicles at home?
You have to wonder what sponsors like Budweiser, Bank of America, Circle K Target and Wal-Mart will think about this decision, given that they sell to police of�icers en masse.
And I also have to wonder how the taxpayers of Phoenix will feel, given that the City of Phoenix is a sponsor, too, and the event takes place on city streets and in a city park.
Most importantly, I wonder at the phrase that Phoenix Pride used to close their press release: That this decision has been made to “continue to proclaim that Black lives matter.”
Black lives absolutely do matter.
As a community, we must do everything we can to end systemic racism and to end violence against Black men and women, boys and girls committed by rogue police of�icers and anyone who intends to oppress.
But personally, I draw the line at discrimination intended to end discrimination.
For 40 years now, Phoenix Pride and their allies have rallied beneath the rainbow �lag for a reason: The rainbow embraces all colors and, thus, all people. That’s the beauty of the metaphor.
No matter who you are, no matter your gender, religion, creed or race, your career or your uniform, no matter who you love and who loves you, everyone has a place beneath that gorgeous arch of every color. Until this year, until this parade and festival. My take? A rainbow without police blue is no rainbow at all.
Armour aims to further build Skyline basketball
BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor
Mitch Armour, who was hired in early May to be the next head boys basketball coach at Skyline High School, was only able to meet with players for a few weeks before he decided to shut down the camp.
The decision came after coronavirus cases began to surge in Arizona. But even with the limited time, he believes he was able to make progress with many of his new players.
“I have a great feeling about this team and this school,” Armour said. “I’m glad I made the decision to go here. It’s one of those things where you do your research and it turns out to be exactly what you expected it to be.”
Armour was approved by the Mesa Public Schools governing board to become the new head boys basketball coach and a teacher at Skyline on May 8. He spent the last three seasons as head coach at Coronado High School in Scottsdale, where he helped turn around a struggling program.
Before his arrival, Coronado’s last playoff appearance came a decade prior in 2007. In his �irst season, he led the Don’s to an 11-13 record, followed by a 9-16 record in the 2018-19 season.
This past season, however, Armour led Coronado to a 17-9 record and an appearance in the 3A Conference tournament. He was also named the 3A Metro East Region Coach of the Year.
Before Coronado, he served in a variety of different roles coaching high school basketball in Nebraska.
“I asked him what he could bring to Skyline,” now retired Skyline Athletic Director Greg Schultz said in May, “and he said he would be the hardest worker in
the room and do the little things right. He built a program at Coronado. It reminded me a lot of what (James) Capriotti did here at Skyline. That’s what we were looking for.”
Capriotti stepped down as head coach following the 2019-20 season to pursue a role as a co-head coach for Phoenix Prep’s two national teams. Capriotti served as head coach for �ive seasons, turning around a basketball program that had never made it to the playoffs. He led the Coyotes to the 6A semi�inals and a 27-3 overall record. His half-son Dayton Harris, Skyline point guard, became the �irst-ever Division I player to come out of the program. Harris signed to play for former Mesa High coach Shane Burcar at Northern Arizona University.
Capriotti’s other son, Dominic, transferred to play for Phoenix Prep alongside his father after his sophomore season.
Armour inherits a team that has several junior varsity players moving up to play alongside Patrick Herrera, who surpassed the 1,000-career point mark as a junior last season for Skyline.
“I still don’t think I’ve seen all the players who will be trying out in the winter,” Armour said, “but from those I have seen, there have been a lot of good things. I’m really looking forward to tailoring our system to their abilities.
“The kids here want to work, which makes me happy from a coaching standpoint.”
Schultz sees Armour as the coach who can continue to build the Skyline pro-
gram and maintain its success.
“There is nobody like coach Capriotti and there won’t ever be anyone like him,” Schultz said, “but coach Armour is going to come in and I have the utmost con�idence in him to take the program and continue to raise it to even higher heights.”
There were a number of reasons Armour was drawn to Skyline when looking to further his coaching career. Part of that centered around the school’s reputation for having a solid administration backing its coaches. He also admired the ability to work with students in similar demographics as those he was accustomed to at Coronado.
Of course, there was also the lure of coaching at the 6A level.
“Doing my research, I heard nothing but great things about the administration at Skyline and the Mesa school district,” Armour said. “The kids are similar to those at Coronado I enjoy working with.
“Coaching at 6A was a challenge I wanted to face. It’s all about challenging yourself and I want to see if I am able to thrive in dif�icult situations being at this level.”
Armour said he admired what Capriotti was able to do in short order at Skyline, taking the program from being the doormat of the East Valley to a state title contender and one arguably the most exciting teams to watch.
He aims to carry on the legacy Capriotti left on the Skyline basketball program while also establishing a new culture that will challenge players to be at their best both on and off the court.
“What Capriotti did for this program is unprecedented. He established a winning culture,” Armour said. “I can only hope to carry on some of that he created while also helping to develop these young men.”
Mitch Armour, who spent the last three seasons coaching at Coronado High School in Scottsdale, said he is excited for the opportunity to continue Skyline boys basketball’s winning tradition as head coach. (Photo courtesy Skyline High School)
King Crossword
Obituaries
CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants for the following:
ON-CALL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER PIPELINE DESIGN
The City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants to provide design services and/or construction administration services on an on-call basis in the following area/category: Water and Wastewater Pipeline Design 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).
From this solicitation, the Engineering Department will establish a list of on-call consultants for Water and Wastewater Pipeli ne Design Services. This category is further defined below:
Water and Wastewater Pipeline Design project category is defined to generally include horizontal construction projects whose primary purpose is to provide, convey or otherwise directly support the provision of water and/or wastewater service to the City of Mesa’s utility customers. Projects might involve studies, new construction, extension, rehabilitation, or other modifications. Typical projects include (but are not limited to) waterlines and wastewater lines and their associated infrastructure. These projects may include any or all of the other discipline design areas and services included under other categories.
A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be held.
Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this RFQ (including th e 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, assu re 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. This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz.gov/business/engineering/architectural-engineering-design-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 10point. Please provide one (1) electronic copy in an unencrypted PDF format of the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov by 2:00pm on Thursday, July 30, 2020. Maximum file size shall not exceed 20Mb. SOQ’s that are unable to be opened by City staff will not be considered for award. Submitters may request a single opportunity to verify that a test email and attachment are received and can be opened by City staff. Test emails must be sent to Engineering-RFQ@mesaaz.gov. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualifications. The City is an equal opportunity employer.
Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package. On the submittal package, please display: Firm name and On-Call Mechanical Engineering.
Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz.gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service).
Questions. Questions pertaining to the Consultant selection process or contract issues should be directed to Heather Sneddon of the Engineering Department at heath er.sneddon@mesaaz.gov.
BETH HUNING City Engineer
Obituaries
WarrenJ.Merriman
ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk
Published: East Valley Tribune, July 12, 19, 2020 / 31864
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: The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.
What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.
Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.
Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.
As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC status at: http://www.azroc .gov/
POOL REPAIR
Public Notices
FAMILY COURT FIRST CIRCUIT STATE OF HAWAl'I NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE OF HEARING (By Publication) CASE NUMBER FC-A. 20-1-6009 In the Matter of the Adoption of female child born October 29, 2008 by Steven Patrick Sabat, legal spouse of Prana Jetamia (Lackey-Macfield) Sabat, the child(ren)'s legal parent, Petitioner(s). THE STATE OF HAWAI'I TO: DAVID ANDREW PROVOST, Name of Non-Consenting Parent/Legal Guardian/Legal Custodian, 7726 Baseline Road #207, Mesa, AZ 85209, Address of Non-Consenting Parent/Legal Guardian/Legal Custodian YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the attached Petition of the above-identified child(ren) born to Prana Jetamia Sabat, the child(ren)'s mother, has been filed in the Family Court, First Circuit, State of Hawai'i. THE PETITION ALLEGES that your consent to the adoption of the abovenamed child(ren) by the above -named Petitioner(s) is not required and may be dispensed with pursuant to Section 578-2(c) of the Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS), as amended. A hearing on the Petitioner will be held on August 11, 2020 at 1:30 pm at the Family Court of the First Circuit located at the Ronald T.Y. Moon Kapolei Courthouse , 4675 Kapolei Courthouse, 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Third Floor , K apolei, Hawai'i, 96707. IF YOU FAIL to appear at the hearing noted above or if you fail to file a writt en response to the allegations stated in the Petition for Petition, further action be taken , including the granting of the adoptio n, without further notice to you. Your written response should be addressed to the : Presiding Judge, Family Court, First Circuit , 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, Hawai'i, 96707, ATTN: SPECIAL DIVIS ION CALENDAR CLERK. FAILURE TO OBEY this Notice may result in an entry of default and default judgment against you. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the child(ren), the adoptive parent(s) , and the natural parents have rights under HRS Section 578-15 regarding confidentiality of adoption records after the child(ren) reach/reaches age 18. DATE: June 23, 2020, CLERK'S SIGNATU RE: /s/ R. Sabagala THIS NOTICE SHALL NOT BE PERSONALLY DELIVERED BETWEEN 10:00 P.M. AND 6:00 A.M. ON PREMISES NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC , UNLESS A JUDGE OF THIS COURT PERMITS, IN WRITING ON THIS NOTICE, PERSONAL DELIVERY DURING THOSE HOURS. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and other applicab le state and federal laws, if you require accommodation for a disability, please contact the ADA Coordinator at the First Circuit Family Court office by telephone at 9548200, fax 954-8308, or via email at adarequest@ courts.hawaii.gov at least ten (10) days prior to your hearing or appointment date. Please call the Family Court Service Center at 954-8290 if you have any questions about forms or procedures. Published: East Valley Tribune, June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 2020 / 31 543
