Peoria introduces $783M budget proposal
BY LAUREN SANDERS
Peoria Times Contributing Writer
New capital improvement projects and 24 new full-time positions contribute to a $783 million proposed operating and capital budget for the city of Peoria.
It marks a 12.7% increase from the prior year.
“We always have funding sources for everything here, and I’m always really proud of that,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat.
“I know that a lot of places have these big books full of wonderful projects, and they are not funded.”
Peoria City Council reviewed the proposed budget plan for the fiscal year 2023 on March 30. The budget focuses on seven livability initiatives.
“We wanted goals that were not going to continue to change but also were mean-
ingful that you could live with that made sense,” said Jeff Tyne, Peoria city manager. The seven livability initiatives are: Superior public safety: The majority of Peoria’s general fund is dedicated to public safety and the FY 2023 budget reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety.
The city will continue to invest in new technologies to preserve life and property. Examples include a new command vehicle for high-stress public safety incidents, additional body-worn cameras, vehicle technology equipment, investigative equipment for crimes against children, specialized software for background investigations, training supplies, and surveillance devices. New vehicles, contract staff and crime predictive technology will allow sworn police officers to engage in proactive policing activities more effectively.
The fire-medical budget continues to invest in critical equipment, including a utility task vehicle and trailer to support emergency response at Lake Pleasant, operational equipment, medical supplies, and extrication equipment.
A new, four-person medical response unit will be added to lower response times and alleviate pressure from Peoria’s three busiest fire stations.
A medical billing specialist will support the addition of a sixth ambulance.
The CIP also includes two new fire stations to accommodate the growing North Peoria area.
Economic prosperity: The recommended budget includes investments in many economic development initiatives and
Peoria Fire offering free mobile vaccines
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
The Peoria Fire-Medical Department is offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines to Peoria residents in their homes.
“We’re scheduling them from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, based on demand,” said Peoria Fire-Medical Department engineer Jenn Schroeder.
“As soon as we get a small handful of
people, we’ll start going out. The plan is to do this every Wednesday and just schedule people as they call in.”
Schroeder said the Peoria Fire-Medical Department recommends the program for individuals who are homebound for medical reasons, or people who face transportation issues and can’t travel to the pharmacy or a clinic.
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BUDGET FROM PAGE 1
projects to support small business development and entrepreneurial growth, such as public-private partnerships like Pop-Up Peoria and the Smart City/Region Consortium.
The budget includes funding to continue to support business development through the Small Business Development Center and a new program to help interested home-based businesses scale and transition to brick-and-mortar locations.
Healthy neighborhoods: To promote healthy and safe communities, the budget continues neighborhood-focused initiatives.
The longtime neighborhood grant program offers financial support to residents seeking to enhance their neighborhoods.
The budget provides a new community engagement coordinator position and a second community engagement vehicle to enhance the successful neighborhood services program. This ensures more residents can be reached and connected in beneficial ways to each other, city programs, resources and services.
With a focus on helping those in need, the department is continuing its homeless navigation and shelter services.
An additional contract code compliance officer will allow the city to extend its services to Peoria residents from five days to six days by including service on Saturdays.
team. To improve connectivity for Peoria residents, a Sunday bus service will be added to Route 106 on Peoria Avenue, and two, part-time transit operators will be converted to full-time, allowing for more capacity for Dial-aRide and Americans with Disabilities Act service.
Arts, Culture and Recreation: This department continues the city’s long history of providing family-friendly and culturally diverse events.
The budget provides funding for new library technology, StoryWalks to promote literacy, and the expansion of the library’s popular passport acceptance program.
In terms of parks and recreation, the budget supports a number of requests to enhance and maintain key amenities at various parks and community facilities throughout the city. To provide a higher level of oversight and community engagement at city parks, another park ranger position as been added to the budget.
The city will continue its support of the arts and special events with funding for art grants, art acquisitions, and free public events such as Second Saturdays, Old Town Holiday Festival, the All-American Festival, the Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration, Parkfests, Somos Peoria, and musical performances at community parks.
Peoria’s exceptional quality of life. To assist with the city’s continued growth, the FY 2023 budget funds an additional principal planner position, an impact fee coordinator position, and a utility coordinator position. In addition, the CIP continues to fund the infrastructure necessary to support new growth.
The proposed budget has four major categories: the operating budget at $370.4 million represents the day-today operations of the city; the capital budget at $286.5 million entails large, one-time capital projects; the debt service payments at $46.9 million; and the contingency reserve at $79.2 million. Concurrently, the city is proposing a 10-year capital improvement plan (CIP) of $1.1 billion.
The council will meet May 3, 2022, for the formal adoption of the capital improvement plan and tentative budget adoption.
The proposed budget includes a 3.2% increase in health insurance, which came in much lower than expected, according to Peter Christensen, the budget manager.
Integrated transportation: To develop and maintain the city’s vital roadway network, the budget provides a robust capital program for streets and traffic control. The operating budget, meanwhile, provides the staffing and other resources needed to maintain the infrastructure as well as the transit options that link people to their community. Under the proposed budget, two transportation-related positions are added: a public works project manager to coordinate the pavement management program and a street maintenance supervisor to provide focused supervision to the street maintenance
The CIP includes $7 million for improvements at the Peoria Sports Complex to construct two full fields and replace existing parking that will be lost with the Stadium Point development.
Superior public services: Peoria prides itself on providing high-quality water, sewer and solid waste services to its residents at an affordable price. The proposed budget funds five new water services positions to support Peoria’s safe and assured water supply. Also, funding for two new bulk trash positions and an additional articulated tractor allows Peoria’s bulk trash program to meet community needs.
Smart growth: Strategic, long-term planning is essential to maintaining
“We were pleasantly surprised. It’s lower than that state and national averages which speaks to how well those self-insured programs are being managed by HR and by the consultants that help us with that,” Christensen said. State Farm Stadium will host the Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. The Super Bowl Host Committee, a nonprofit corporation acting as a catalyst between the NFL and stakeholders, approached the city to become an official partner.
“It provides inclusion and community outreach for the city, and the city will be looked at as a venue for committee events as well as potential private events for the super bowl events,” said Andy Granger, deputy city manager.
Peoria proposed a cash investment of $64,980 and provided the use of the Peoria Sports Complex as the Official Super Bowl LVII Operations Hub. In exchange, the committee will include
Soldier’s Best Friend fundraising event scheduled
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
One of the major sources of revenue for Soldier’s Best Friend, the annual sporting clay event, will be held at Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
There are opportunities available to be a co-sponsor of the event, to donate items for a silent auction or to sign up as a team to participate.
Soldier’s Best Friend is a Peoria-based nonprofit that provides U.S.
military veterans living with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury with service or therapeutic companion dogs, most of which are rescued from Arizona shelters.
The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives at once and inspires countless others. Soldier’s Best Friend’s services are free to the veterans, but it costs approximately $7,500 per veteran/dog team for the nearly year-long training program.
Mayor sets State of the City tour
BY JORDAN ROGERS
Peoria Times Staff Writer
Mayor Cathy Carlat is taking her State of the City address on tour again with four community events throughout the month of April.
Carlat will visit the Peoria Community Center at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19; Copper Hills Church at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 23; Westbrook Village’s Lakes Ballroom at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 28; and the Rio Vista Recreation
Center at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 30.
“I am thrilled to take my State of the City on the road again,” Carlat said.
“This year’s video is a wonderful recognition of Peoria’s journey, and I hope residents join me as we celebrate our vibrant and dynamic community.”
Carlat’s State of the City video will be available on Cox Channel 11 and the city of Peoria’s Facebook and YouTube pages beginning Sunday, May 1.
For additional information, visit peoriaaz.gov/stateofthecity. PT
the city’s logo on the website and allow the official partner designation in advertising and communications.
“We’ve been notified that we need to fund the project before the end of the fiscal year, so next Tuesday, we are going to come to council for formal action to approve the funding for that,” Granger said.
The developmental department requested positions to aid in strengthening capacity in long-term and strategic planning. Carlat raised concerns about whether these additions would suffice because of the different work needed with state land.
“I just hope that just two people are going to be able to fulfill all of these goals. It’s a tremendous amount of work that is going to have to go into all of this,” Carlat said.
Strong support for this event in the past has provided direct funding of equipment and training for veteran/dog teams.
The annual sporting clay event will help the nonprofit continue to provide this life-changing service for veterans and their canine partners, while also helping to increase our visibility and encourage veterans to stay engaged in their community.
Circle K is the title sponsor of the event, but other sponsorship opportunities range from $750 to $7,500. Spon-
sorships for individual SBF graduates are available for $150. Members of the public can also sign up to participate in the sporting clay event for $150 per person or $550 for a four-person shooting squad. Each participant receives 50 clay pigeons, 50 shotgun shells, a T-shirt and lunch.
For more information, call 623-2186486 or visit soldiersbestfriend.org.
Since its inception in 2011, Soldier’s Best Friend has graduated 331 veteran/ dog teams and rescued more than 200 dogs. PT
“We’re trying to eliminate those obstacles,” Schroeder said. “Our goal is to vaccinate as many people as possible.
“It’s part of a bigger vaccination project that the department has been working on. We’ve participated in clinics at the community center. It’s free. This is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The city received money from ARPA funding.”
The Peoria Fire-Medical Department is focused on COVID-19 vaccinations, but flu shots are available, too.
If good economic development prospects and a need to meet certain time frames presents itself, then the need for additional staff may arise, according to Katie Gregory, deputy city manager.
“It would behoove of us to bring in some contract work from somebody who is familiar with state lands, and somebody who really understands that process,” Gregory said.
For the first time, the Arts, Cultural and Library Services department appeared in the budget, comprising arts, special events, library services and a few new elements, according to deputy city manager, Erik Strunk.
“We’re a big enough city that we need to start chronicling that we don’t want to lose sight of our history,” Strunk said.
According to Carlat, sometimes as
“We’ll go to anyone home, but we want to focus on people genuinely homebound or facing transportation issues. Our target is Peoria residents. When we shot up, it’ll be two or three members of the fire department, administer the vaccine and wait with that individual for 15 minutes to make sure there are no adverse reactions.”
To schedule an appointment, call the Community Paramedicine Program at 623-773-7909 or communityparamedicine@peoriaaz.gov. PT
cities grow, the city government does directly interact with the residents and can feel removed from the needs of the community.
“But with this department, we have been able to do the exact opposite. Even though we are growing and there are almost 200,000 people, we are still as close to our neighbors as we’ve ever been,” Carlat said.
Police and fire-medical departments added 15 full-time employees during the midyear budget review.
“The reason that we are not adding any new positions right now is primarily because we need to hire the 15 new positions in each of these departments and train them. And they probably won’t be on board and functioning their full responsibilities for six months,” Granger said. PT
VACCINES FROM PAGE 1
News Briefs
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
There are two Second Saturdays left
The city of Peoria will host its second-to-last Second Saturday event until the fall on Saturday, April 9. The family-friendly, free event will feature Earth Day activities, including a shredding truck, flowerpot planting activity, succulent vendors, Easter egg coloring and tethered hot air balloon rides.
For more information, visit peoriaaz. gov/events.
Peoria adds inclusive elements to Easter celebration
The 46th Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration is set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16, at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Families and children of all ages can have pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, visit the flower-growing kit station, get goodies, climb a rock wall, see the Dino Crew, and listen to a live band. This year, there will be accommodations for children with sensory processing needs, food intolerances and physical disabilities by usage of a sensory room, a first Teal Egg Program, and sport wheelchair and hand cycle demonstrations.
For more information, visit peoriaaz. gov/events.
The utility box art wrap contest closes April 10
Artists can enter to showcase their art on Peoria utility boxes through Sunday, April 10. The city will choose up
to 15 artists.
For more information, visit https:// tinyurl.com/ywjnjym5.
April is National Safe Digging Month
Whether it is a large-scale project or a simple do-it-yourself job, safety needs to be a top priority when attempting any digging project. Natural gas, electricity, sewer, and water are vital services for the community and pipes for those services can be buried anywhere. Striking a utility line could cause a service disruption and/or injury.
Homeowners and contractors are encouraged to call 811 or visit call811. com to request a utility line locate before beginning a project.
Police awarded grant for DUI/ aggressive driver vehicle
The Peoria Police Department was awarded a $68,600 grant by The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to purchase a DUI/aggressive driver vehicle to support the department’s efforts to combat aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding and drunken driving.
Education and enforcement will continue to be high points of focus underneath the partnership between the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Peoria Police Department. The focus of these programs is to lessen the number of collisions on the roadways and to keep the public safe.
The new vehicle will be utilized on roadways throughout the city, where there were trafficrelated issues have been identified. PT
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Televised Will Smith incident a slap in the face
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist
My initial response to witnessing Will Smith’s “Slap Heard Around the World” at the Academy Awards was embarrassment for Smith. Not for his absurd display of machismo and profane tirade against comedian Chris Rock but for how woefully ineffective the slap was.
All those boxing lessons to play Muhammad Ali and Smith couldn’t even knock out Marty the Zebra from “Madagascar”? Sad, dude. Very sad.
As the week trundled on and I listened to pundits and my friends obsess over each new development — Smith’s March 28 apology to Rock; the Acad-
emy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ March 30 announcement that it was “initiating disciplinary proceedings” against its Best Actor — I began to fret I wasn’t taking this international incident seriously enough.
“White outrage about Will Smith’s slap is rooted in anti-Blackness. It’s inequality in plain sight,” opined London’s Guardian newspaper. The Orlando Sentinel took it the other way: “Will Smith’s slap shamed Black America.” Comedian Kathy Griffin sprung to the defense of comedians, tweeting that “it’s a very bad practice to walk up on stage and physically assault a Comedian. Now we all have to worry about who wants to be the next Will Smith in comedy clubs and theaters.” Fox News polled educators and parents clutching their pearls “about the
messages sent to children.” And USA Today did no fewer than five pieces explaining alopecia, the hair-loss condition Rock joked about in poor taste, provoking Smith’s open-handed right to the kisser.
As a newspaper columnist for decades, I should have been thrilled by this food fight and immediately ready to take a side: On Team Rock, defending the right to free speech or advocating for assault charges and Smith’s prosecution. Or, hey, why not join the minority on Team Smith? After all, 21% of 1,319 U.S. adults flash-polled by YouGov a day after the Oscars said Smith was right to slap Rock versus 61% who said he was wrong. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans surveyed said they were unsure.
And one — me — reported that sci-
ence has yet to invent a device capable of measuring how little I cared about the whole thing.
Ultimately, that’s my takeaway regarding Smith v. Rock. It’s not a defining moment for manhood or racial perception, nor is it a cautionary tale about inappropriate violence. It’s not a “teachable moment,” as I read in 10 different headlines concerning 10 different teachings. Nor is it a referendum on Hollywood’s woke hypocrisy, damning Smith on the one hand while giving him a standing ovation 45 minutes later as he accepted his award. This slapfight is merely another media nothing burger, more din and fake debate over a schoolyard moment you could witness any afternoon at your
SEE TELEVISED PAGE 11
Infamous Oscar moment should be no surprise
BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist
“You like me! You really like me!” The above utterance, attributed to Sally Field during her acceptance speech for the 1985 Academy Award as Best Actress, ranks as one of the most inane observations ever made by a motion picture star.
How bad was it?
So bad that Ms. Field, with the help of two major media outlets, mounted a campaign to “correct the record” some 37 years later. Featured on the cover of this year’s Oscar preview edition of “Variety” in late March and on the small screen via NBC’s “Today,” she insisted that she actually said, “I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!”
Lest you think that her clarification offers a distinction without a difference, beware of incurring “The Wrath of Sally.” Said Ms. Field about those who refuse to accurately quote her, “Sometimes I want to punch them in the nose.”
Talk about foreshadowing!
It wasn’t a punch in the nose from Field but a slap across the face of emcee Chris Rock, delivered suddenly, dramatically and loudly by actor Will Smith, that will ensure that the 94th Academy Awards ceremony will rank as the most infamous such gathering in motion picture history.
Unless you’ve deliberately gone “off the grid,” you’ve probably seen replays of the scene. Smith, enraged at a joke that included his wife’s name, rushed the stage and assaulted the comedian. Remarkably, Rock maintained his equipoise — though
he voiced his surprise in street language: “Wow! Wow! Will Smith just smacked the (expletive) out of me!”
Smith, returning to his seat, responded in obscene outrage, twice shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out your (expletive) mouth!”
It was shocking — even by Hollywood standards.
But in retrospect, it is not surprising.
The entertainment industry has worked overtime to erode basic American values, while its trade association spokesmen and legions of well-compensated public relations experts have insisted that the “artists” for whom they work are, in fact, exemplars of our First Amendment freedoms.
But it goes beyond the oft-repeated concern that liberty is being confused with licentiousness. Now it gives license to criminally violent conduct, permitted at a public event, provided
that the individual engaged in that conduct is one of the “beautiful people.”
Make no mistake: That is what we witnessed at the Oscars, and it was exceedingly ugly. Compounding the ugliness was the subsequent announcement of Smith winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. Undoubtedly, Smith was not acting when he apologized to the collective “creative community” — but not Rock personally — for his violent reaction to the joke. By the next day’s news cycle, social media served as the conduit for remorse and repentance. Smith apologized to Rock, writing in an Instagram post that “I was out of line and I was wrong.” Rock responded by recognizing that his joke “had crossed a line I shouldn’t have.”
AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN
Award spat reminds us to act with decency
BY JUDY BLUHM Peoria Times Columnist
Did you watch the fight last week? Oops, I meant the punch (more like a slap) that Will Smith planted on Chris Rock during the Oscars. While I don’t really care too much about award shows, it was a doozy of an altercation between two very big stars. Yikes, then there was the profanity and screaming. Not the best time for guests after getting all gussied up, going to a ritzy shindig and then having a brawl break out. It seems like too many folks are going bonkers lately. Can we just calm down?
There is something surreal about an active assault taking place at a highly televised event, no lights dimmed
or commercial break taken, no police called. And then let’s hand Smith an award. It’s no wonder why people are sick of celebrities. They live by different rules.
Smith apologized after the outburst. He was evidently pushed to the edge when Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife’s baldness, a result of alopecia.
Then Smith goes on to say that “love makes you do crazy things.” Well, not really. That is the rallying cry of abusers. The “love made me do it” excuse is unacceptable in a civilized society. No, unchecked anger and rage are more likely reasons to race up on a stage and haul off and hit someone. Hey, Will, you were wearing a tuxedo! Aren’t we supposed to “act better” when we are all dressed up? Geez.
Athletes (mostly in baseball and hockey) get into fights quite frequent-
ly. So what else is new? And we have read about too many meltdowns on airplanes lately that seem to suggest that Americans are collectively losing their cool. Not just on planes but in restaurants, school board meetings, any place where people gather. Hey, it’s good to have strong feelings and passion. But decency still matters.
So, there in a swanky venue, a millionaire slapped another millionaire and then proceeded to spew the F-word a few times. People were shocked. Oh, the horror. And in the end, it was just another moment in the life and times of movie stars.
My daughter thinks the whole altercation was staged to boost ratings. Perhaps. My neighbor thinks it was the highlight of the night because it is the only thing that people are talking about. Let the lawyers, pundits, politicians and
psychologists analyze it until the end of time. It was one heck of a freak show, and regardless of people’s opinions about who was right, wrong or deserving, the way we act out in public can be a snapshot of our society. Can’t we do better? Children are watching!
A great philosopher once said, “As we are… the world is. To bring about order and peace, we must begin with ourselves.” My minister says we can only pray for inspiration and guidance in being our best selves. Well spoken. Words to live by. Still, pass the popcorn, take a front-row seat and watch the world’s craziness unfold. But some days, we have seen too much. PT
Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@ judybluhm.com.
TELEVISED FROM PAGE 8
local day care center or anywhere else little boys gather in groups of two or more.
My questions: Why do we care so much about something so slight? Why do we derive lessons from insignificant moments while ignoring the larg-
MOMENT FROM PAGE 8
Meantime, the aforementioned PR experts maintained a familiar line to explain why the Academy and the telecast producers continued the program with no intervention by law enforcement: “The Show Must Go On!”
Don’t expect a collective “change in conscience” from Tinseltown. Predictable political pronouncements, praising the left and criticizing the right, remain the currency of the reel-related realm. Not only did they pop up with regularity during the slap-marred Oscars telecast; so too were they supplemented by Field in her “Variety” cover story.
Field returned to a martially themed
er travails around us?
Last night in America, a half-million homeless people slept in our streets. More than 90,000 people died last year from a drug overdose. A week before the Big Slap, an 18-year-old girl was shot to death in a South Phoe-
nix park. Her family’s loss generated hardly a blip.
Rock? He was uninjured, and sales spiked for his upcoming gigs. The Academy Awards? Suddenly interesting again after two decades of irrelevance. Smith lost a few fans and
maybe his Oscar trophy, nothing an apology tour won’t cure. Meanwhile, the big blue marble spins on, and we gobble controversy like junk food. That slap in the face was quite a slap in the face for anyone who likes their news to mean something. PT
message directed at Republican Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas. “If you see them coming toward me, those two governors specifically, lead me out of the way, because I cannot be responsible for what I would do,” Field said.
Florida and Texas authorities may conduct a “threat assessment,” but more likely some B-movie magnate will concoct a new screenplay for the aging starlet. Evoking TV memories of over a half-century ago combined with the 2001 Oscar winner for Best Picture, get ready for “Gidget goes for a Gladiator!”
Just don’t expect to like it. PT
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Developer acquires 5,200-acre master-planned site
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
Castle Hill Partners, an Austin-based community developer, purchased the 5,261-acre master planned community project known as Saddleback Heights. The parcel is the largest remaining undeveloped master planned community project site in the city of Peoria.
Saddleback Heights was initially planned in the 1990s. Castle Hill Partners has immediate plans to commence development of the site. The purchase marks the developer’s first master planned community development in Arizona.
Land Advisors Organization professionals Greg Vogel, Ryan Semro, Bret Rinehart, Mike Schwab and Wes Campbell represented Vandon Partners LLC, a partnership between Diamond Ventures and VT LandGroup, the seller in the transaction.
“This is one of the highest quality sites for a new master planned community we have seen in our search of the major U.S. growth markets,” said John McKinnerney, principal with Castle Hill Partners.
“We are excited to begin our development journey with the city of Peoria and create a lineup of high-quality builders that will allow us to provide a variety of new home options and de-
sirable community amenities for future residents.”
Vandon Partners representatives David Goldstein, president of Diamond Ventures, and Chris Haines, president
of VT LandGroup, expressed their support of the new community developer stating.
Saddleback Heights is set among the natural Sonoran Desert foothills in the northwest Valley, providing panoramic mountain views, excelling schools, parks, trails, significant open space and only minutes to the popular Lake Pleasant recreational area.
Located in the immediate path of growth along Highway 74, the development is adjacent to Vistancia and only 15 minutes from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s $12 billion computer chip fabrication plant, which is expected to open in 2024.
“Saddleback Heights is one of the last remaining development opportunities of its size in the Phoenix MSA,” Vogel said. “Castle Hill’s development expertise and ability to execute a project of this scale will certainly ensure its success and provide much-needed new residential options to accommodate the West Valley’s growing employment base.” PT
Saddleback Heights, which was purchased by Castle Hill Partners, is the largest remaining undeveloped master-planned community project site in Peoria. (Castle Hill Partners/Submitted)
Mayor honors the The Grand Project Shoppe
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat recently awarded The Grand Project Shoppe as her business of the month.
Located in Old Town Peoria, The Grand Project Shoppe is a treasure trove of creative gifts and décor, handmade jewelry and apparel, artist paintings and vintage furniture. Owner Tracey Bentley opened the storefront in 2019 as a gathering place for creativity and local artists.
“We love Peoria, we love Old Town, we love the history, and we wanted to be part of what’s going on down here,” Bentley said.
“We want to bring art and the value of that to Peoria, as we believe that it really makes a city vibrant and helps with its growth.”
Arizona’s desert landscape and bohemian décor is on full display, offering visitors distinct finds from more than 60 local creators.
“Our shop is full of local artists and makers, and we support each other’s businesses,
which is one of the unique things about us,” Bentley said.
“Everybody collaborates together to help each other’s business succeed.”
Grand Project serves as a venue for numerous classes and events, including the spring coil bracelet, Easter bunny garland and fusion paint transfer classes. The space may also be rented for private events and group parties.
On the second weekend of each month, the shoppe unveils a three-day, rotating showcase customized to a specific theme.
The March Grand Project Showcase, called Making Waves, infused jewel tones and oceanic themes in celebration of local, handmade and women’s creations. PT
The Grand Project Shoppe 8217 W. Grand Avenue, Peoria 623-248-6042, thegpshoppe.com
Aracely Scott, Hello Sparrow
and Mari Landreth, art instructor. (City of Peoria/Submitted)
Don’t Let Your Legs Slow You Down.
Have you noticed cramping in your hips, thighs or calves when walking or exercising? Does it resolve when you rest? If so, this may be a sign that your blood flow is blocked by plaque buildup in your arteries. This condition, known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) should be evaluated by a physician promptly. Untreated, it can lead to loss of limb, heart attack or stroke.
Stay on top of your heart health by having regular heart check ups and seeking medical attention when you experience new symptoms. Give us a call today – our team is here to help you at every step of your heart health journey.
Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, third from left, stopped by The Grand Project Shoppe. Visiting with her are, from left, Samantha Hamblin, Shirts by Sam; Erin Willoby, Buffalo Gals; Carlat; Tracey Bentley, owner of The Grand Project Shoppe and Showcase; Beth DeLaPiedra, Let’s Dough Cookies;
Studio
Vinyl shopping trips on deck for Noé Ramirez
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
Sitting near his Salt River Fields locker, D-backs reliever Noé Ramirez is chill. His legs stretched out and his head down as he looks at his phone. It’s a stark contrast to the Noé Ramirez who punches his mitt and shouts when he gets the third out.
His off-the-mound demeanor aligns with his love of music — in particular, laidback reggae/roots reggae. He is also an avid vinyl collector who’s so obsessed that he’s heading to San Francisco on an off day to pick the brain — and collection — of a longtime enthusiast.
“Old reggae has always been No. 1,” he said with a smile. “I love collecting original vinyl. So, I’m trying to make connections in that scene, too. Older DJs are really helping me with my collection.”
Ramirez recently purchased rarities by the reggae singer Rising Son. He said he could feel the vibes of previous listeners on the record, which was made in 1978.
He and his friends scour music calendars to see who’s performing a particular night.
“We find someone who looks interesting and listen to their music,” Ramirez said. “It could be any genre. We just go.”
Music is in Ramirez’s blood. His father is a drummer who plays classic rock covers ranging from Led Zeppelin to the Bee Gees. Ramirez’s dad taught him to have a good ear for music.
“I’ve always been a sound guy,” he said. “I was just talking to one of our strength coaches about earbuds. I lost my AirPods. I think it’s a good thing. I want good quality sounding earbuds.”
Charitable endeavors
Charity work is equally as important to Ramirez, who was born in East Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents. He, his two brothers and three sisters were raised in the Ramona Gardens public housing development in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.
An alumnus of Alhambra High School and Cal State Fullerton, Ramirez was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. He made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2015 and was claimed by the Angels on waivers in 2017. Three years later, on December 7, 2020, he was traded to the Reds
for Raisel Iglesias, and was released on March 27, 2021.
The following day, he joined the Angels again. On May 22, 2021, he signed a minor league contract with the D-backs, and was called up on June 18.
During his first stint with the Angels, Ramirez was honored with a Los Angeles City Council resolution for his accomplishments on and off the field.
Earlier this year, he started the foundation BRICKS, a reflection of the bricks in the projects. Ramirez further aids his hometown with baseball clinics for the Ramona Gardens Boys and Girls Club during the off season.
“I’m just going back to my roots
and helping as many kids in the area as I possibly can,” said Ramirez, who donned a Boyle Heights shirt during an interview with Bally Sports while on the Angels. “Boyle Heights will always be in my heart for sure.
“I remember as a kid, good people would come out to us. The Dodgers were constantly coming in town. The Lakers would help out. I remember that feeling when I was a kid and I know how important it was.”
He tries to impart to children and fans that being in the big leagues is tough — not everyone can make it.
“The message we send is if you don’t make it in baseball, there are so many other fields you could be successful in.
“It’s all about mentality and seeking help when you need it. Some of these kids are hard headed and they don’t want to ask for help. We say it’s OK to ask for help.”
Stepping foot in the desert
A former Downtown LA resident, Ramirez wasn’t “a big desert guy” before he joined the D-backs. Spending Spring Training in Tempe with the Angels changed his tune.
“I was out here a bunch and I just started to really appreciate Arizona and I started to like it more,” he said. “Being here with these guys is great. The team takes care of us well. It’s definitely a good vibe. I like it.”
Ramirez, who recently took up golf, is looking forward to exploring the Valley’s restaurants.
“I don’t consider myself a foodie,” he said. “But Los Angeles has so many gems and I’m constantly going out there. I’m hoping to do the same out here. I just got here late last season. I’m sure there are some restaurants and gems out here. I’ll have to start asking around.” PT
Noé Ramirez signed a minor league contract with the D-backs on May 22. He was called up on June 18. (Arizona Diamondbacks/Courtesy)
Wade Cota promises festival set will be his best show
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
“American Idol” alumnus Wade Cota saw momentum building for his career during his 2019 tour.
Soon, however, the pandemic hit, and the excitement stalled.
“I curled up in a ball and died a little bit,” he said, laughing, before adding he took a mortgage job during the lockdown.
“It did put me down a lot, but I made a promise to myself that I was going to quit that job and play again.”
Cota did, and the former Moon Valley High School and Glendale Community College student is hitting stages once again. He is headlining the Goodyear Lakeside Music Festival on Saturday, April 9.
Back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event celebrates the state’s talent. Cota will be joined by Marble Heart, Swainn, the Sugar Thieves and Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra.
The family-friendly festival also includes a kids zone, food trucks, a large beer and wine garden (for those over 21), and free parking.
Cota’s set list may include tracks from his forthcoming debut full-length LP. Cota said he doesn’t have a specific release date, but he narrowed it down to summer.
“I have the album already,” he said.
“It’s beautiful. I love it. It’s probably my favorite writing that I’ve ever done in my life.”
He chalked that up to being in a healthy relationship with fellow musician Abby Walker, who performed
at the same local artist showcases in Downtown Phoenix.
“She is an absolute sweetheart,” he said. “I adore her. She’s a musician, too.
“One night, a year ago, I just stayed
and I listened to her. I made it a point to talk to her that night. I don’t have any moves. I’m not smooth at all. I just made up something as she was walking past me. I said, ‘Do you hate me or something?’ She said, ‘What? No!’ I told her I was talking to her friend earlier in the night and she glared at me.” Walker apologized and impressed Cota.
“She — being the sweetest creature on the planet — says, ‘I’m not going to stand for that. I’m sorry if I did. Here’s my phone number. Let’s get coffee. I want to be friends.’ It was that easy, and it grew from there.”
The as-of-yet unnamed album is a cross-section of genres, including easy listening, hard rock, light rock, dark pop, and a poem set to music with Walker.
“It’s just me and the guitar and her doing harmonies with me for 2 minutes,” he said. “It’s literally based on a poem I wrote. I’ve never written a poem in my life, at least not since I had to for class. That was never meant to be a song. I love it a lot now.”
In Goodyear, Cota will be joined by his band — bassist Juju Stone, keyboardist Amy Devora, lead guitarist Tommy Gibbons and drummer Cameron Laforest.
“It’s going to be an hour of what I think is going to be the best show I’ve ever put on,” he said. “I feel like we finally have the right group of guys. It’s going to be great.”
Wade Cot will headline the Goodyear Lakeside Music Festival on Saturday, April 9. (David Majure/Submitted)
The Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.
Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Times’ coverage area, which is Peoria.
Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.
Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timespublications.com.
Card/Board Game Afternoon
THURSDAYS IN APRIL
Play various card and board games with the community every Thursday afternoon. Card games include Phase 10, UNO, Old Maid, Hearts and Rummikub.
Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, free admission, 2 to 3 p.m., peoriaaz.gov
After Dark: The Superhero Ultraferno
TO APRIL 10
Following the success of “grown-up” theater offerings in 2020-2021 including the immersive “Curiouser” series created in response to the pandemic restrictions of last season, Theater Works debuted its After Dark series for audiences 16 and older on March 18 with “The Superhero Ultraferno.”
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 7:30 p.m., $40, theaterworks.org
“Flashdance the Musical”
TO APRIL 24
Like the film, “Flashdance the Musical” tells the story of Alex, a welder by day and “flashdancer” at night.
Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, times vary, tickets starting at $20, azbroadway.org
A 2 Z Christian Life Music Festival
APRIL 9 TO APRIL 10
Worship with fellow Christians this April during the first A 2 Z Christian Life Music Festival at Lake Pleasant. Headlining the event will be Todd Dulaney. Lake Pleasant, 8708 W. Harbor Boulevard,
Peoria, tickets start at $35, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a2zchristianlife.com
Seeing Stars in Peoria
APRIL 11
In conclusion of National Library Week, the Peoria Library is hosting an after-hours program in partnership with the West Valley Astronomical Club. People will learn how to use a telescope and get to look at the stars and moon through high-powered telescopes.
Peoria Public Library Main Branch, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 7 to 8 p.m.; free; 623-773-7137 for registration; peoriaaz.gov
Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration
APRIL 16
Take the kids to Peoria Sports Complex to meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny this April. Events include a flower growing kit station, collecting eggs and a rock-climbing wall. This event will also provide a sensory room for individuals with sensory processing needs.
Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, free admission, 8 a.m. to noon, peoriaaz.gov
Easter Egg Hunt for All the Little Bunnies
APRIL 16
Hunt for Easter Eggs around Apache Park with the kids this Easter weekend. Enjoy
food trucks and raffles during the Easter Egg hunt.
Apache Park, 8631 W. John Cabot Road, Peoria, free admission, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., eventbrite.com
Ask a Master Gardener
APRIL 16
Volunteers from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County will be available to answer questions about desert gardening, including things like plant selection, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, plant identification and more.
Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, free, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., peoriaaz.gov
Tuesday Night Jam
APRIL 19
Join local musicals in a free jam session held in the Willow Room at the Main Library. Guests can listen or join in. Peoria Public Library Main Branch, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 5 to 7 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov
Poker for Paws
APRIL 23
This charity event has a poker tournament, bingo, craps and roulette as well as dinner, desserts, drinks and tons of prizes. Proceeds go to the Araiza family for their
Peoria’s Second Saturdays fetes Earth Day
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
The city of Peoria and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations will host their seventh installment of Peoria’s Second Saturdays on April 9.
This is a free, family-friendly event that will feature Earth Day activities, including a night market with a mix of creative vendors, outdoor games, art installations, live music and a variety of performers. Second Saturdays will take place on the second Saturday of each month until May 14.
This month’s Second Saturday features activities fo cused on the environment and spring season, including a shred-a-thon truck, flowerpot planting activity, succulent vendors, Easter egg coloring and tethered hot air balloon rides.
Second Saturday’s Earth Day will feature live musical entertainment by Jam Pak Neighborhood Band from the local nonprofit,
Preserving Hometown Experiences Music Fund. Ken Koshio is also performing as part of the West Valley Arts Council’s Imprint: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in The Arts program. Both acts will be performing on the Iron Key Stage.
The Axiom Stage will feature live musical entertainment by local artists Cry Night, Celebration
Guns, and Sloan Dylan. The Driftwood Patio will feature a performance by Israel Solomon. PT
IF YOU GO
Second Saturdays
WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 9 WHERE: Old Town Peoria, on 83rd Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets COST: Free INFO: peoriaaz.gov
CALENDAR FROM PAGE 18
son Levi’s service dog. Araiza Residence, 9854 W. JJ Ranch Road, Peoria, 5 to 11 p.m., tickets start at $50. eventbrite.com
Downtown Teen Art Night
APRIL 25
Teens in the community can join the What’s Happening Art Movement (WHAM) in monthly art classes granted by the Peoria Art Commission. April’s project is creating a painted rock picture holder for Mother’s Day.
Peoria Public Library Main Branch, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 5 to 7 p.m., free, 623-773-7556, peoriaaz.gov
Arts Commission Meeting
APRIL 26
Discuss the arts and the community every
fourth Tuesday of the month, not including holidays.
Development and Community Services Building, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, free, 5 to 6 p.m., peoriaaz.gov
Peoria Recycles Day: Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding
APRIL 30
In celebration of Earth Day, the city of Peoria’s Solid Waste Division is offering a free event to recycle outdated electronics and appliances as well as a secure way to shred documents.
Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, free admission, 8 a.m. to noon, peoriaaz.gov
No Time for Romance Movies!
These romance movies lie somewhere between time and destiny...
Given the year, an actor and a plot clue, can you guess the title?
Hugh Jackman 2001
You know, bringing back your great, great grandpappy to fall in love with your ex isn’t as simple as it sounds.
Rachael McAdams 2009
Sad tale about a librarian with a paranormal genetic disorder, and no, I’m not making that up
Malcolm McDowell 1979
H.G. Wells chases down Jack the Ripper to the 1970s and they didn’t even stop in Lake Havasu to look at their old bridge!
Christopher Reeve 1980
Make sure your clothes are out of date and leave your present day objects at home before traveling back in time.
Leslie Odom Jr. 2021
Your girlfriend’s ex wants her back, so he’s going to go back in time and erase your memories.
Two of a kind, similar plot line movies...
Neither snow, nor rain, nor time, shall keep my letters from going to another year...
Jennifer Jason Leigh 1998
Keanu Reeves 2006 Your news 24/7 www.peoriatimes.com
"INVEST TO GROW" PROMOTION
GROW
Mention code GROW for a 13-month membership at our 12-month rate!
For more information on joining The Peoria Chamber of Commerce, please email memberservices@peoriachamber.com or call (602) 979.3601. peoriachamber.com
PeoriaProgress PeoriaProgress
How to find careers in the West Valley
BY YNNA MENDOZA
Peoria Chamber of Commerce
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce supports the West Valley business community by connecting organizations with career opportunities.
As cited by the Peoria Economic Development Profile, AZ Big Media reported that Peoria is the No. 1 city to live, work and play, as of 2021. We are lucky to have it all, but in a world where there is a dire need for workers, we are here to find ways to fill the gap.
For the employers
Looking for the local workforce requires being a part of the community.
Advertising open positions on trusted job boards that are backed by community organizations will separate yourself from the hoard of other businesses suffering from the workers shortage.
Look into local business associations who host their own job board or attend their events to network. Many organizations host job fairs and have
plenty of members who are looking to advance their careers.
Despite the larger perception, associations like a chamber of commerce work for business-to-business or business-to-consumer networking. They also connect those looking for work with trusted businesses. By teaming with the Peoria chamber, businesses become a member of a credible association of 400 businesses in the Valley.
For the future employee
Finding a locally based job is easy but finding a career in a world filled with “Now hiring” signs can be overwhelming. The key is finding an organization that cares for its employees and gives back to its community.
The Peoria chamber and similar businesses associations are a great place to start. Attending one of the Peoria chamber’s monthly events introduces businesses and members to a room full of people who love their jobs. They also represent companies who have chosen to support the cham-
Winners of a giveaway at the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast at Haymaker Thunderbird. (Left to right): Rentha Person, A.B. Your Choice Insur-
ber and the business community.
Networking at Peoria chamber events are great ways to find a diverse group of professionals, or those who have similar experiences. Others may find jobs that pique their interest or find a career that they previously hadn’t considered.
For more information about joining the chamber or attending networking events, call the Peoria Chamber of Commerce at 623-979-3601 or email memberservices@peoriachamber. com. The calendar of events is available at peoriachamber.com/events.
mjpccr@pritchardgroupinsurance.com www.pritchardgroupinsurance.com
|
Make a difference in your day in 5 seconds
CHURCH-COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Pastor Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist
Sometimes the problem is not the problem. Consider this case: Diner: “I can’t eat this soup.” Waiter: “Sorry, sir, I’ll call the manager.” Diner: “Mr. Manager, I can’t eat this soup.” Manager: “I’ll call the Chef.” Diner: “Mr. Chef, I can’t eat this soup.” Chef: “What’s wrong with it?” Diner: “Nothing. I haven’t got a spoon.”
Years ago, I discovered a principle about life that I knew was real but didn’t understand it clearly. Then I found out
Stephen Covey wrote about it. It’s called the 90/10 Principle.
Dr. Covey said, “10% of life is made up of what happens to you. The other 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We have no control over ten percent of what happens to us. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? By your reactions. You cannot control a red light. However, you can control your reaction to the red light. Don’t let people fool you. You can control how you react. Here’s an example of how this works. You are having breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what has just happened. What happens next will be deter-
mined by how you react.
You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your wife and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the table’s edge. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish her breakfast and getting ready to go to school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles per hour in a 30-mph speed limit zone. After a 15-minute delay and throwing the $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school.
Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you realize you forgot your briefcase.
Your day has started terribly. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home. But, when you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with your wife and daughter. Why? It’s because of how you reacted in the morning.
Why did you have a bad day? A) Did the coffee cause it? B) Did your daughter cause it? C) Did the policeman cause it? D) Did you cause it? The answer is D.
You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and probably should have happened.
The coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say: “It’s OK, honey, you just need to be more careful next time.” Then, grabbing a towel, you go upstairs and change your shirt. You grab your briefcase, and you come back down in time to look through the window. You see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early a cheerfully greet the staff.
Notice the difference? Two different scenarios started the same. Both ended differently. Why? Because of how you reacted. You have no control over 10% of what happens in your life. Your reaction determined the other 90%.”
Once I was speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I stayed up late writing this weekly column for you to make my deadline. When I finished the article, I thought, “Time to go to bed. I have a big day tomorrow. The article came out well. People will like it.”
When I pressed the send key on my laptop, my weekly article disappeared. I tried everything I knew to find it, but it was gone, joining myriads of other emails in the graveyard of cyberspace. Remember, I had just written this article about controlling our emotions and not reacting emotionally. And how 90% of what happens to us in life is determined by “Yours Truly.” The thing that I had feared came upon me. The last two-plus hours were wasted. It’s late at night, I’m tired, and now I must write the entire article again.
My reaction? Well, let’s say that I’m glad that you, my reading audience, were not in my hotel room at that moment. I know you would never react the way I did, which was not good. Right?
Let’s take that test again. A) Was it the computer’s fault? B) Was it the internet’s fault? C) Was it the hotel’s fault? D) Was it my fault? The answer probably is D, but if you give me enough time, it might be answer C).
Isn’t it interesting how something happens and goes BOOM when we
think we have it together? Now, I have more compassion for the man whose coffee spilled on him.
Our takeaway: When you write an article, speak on a subject, or present yourself as the answer person, get ready because you will be tested on it. A Scripture verse says: “Let him who stands, take heed lest he falls.” In other words, 90% of experts become ex-spurts. Caution, never say you have it all together in golf. That’s like the Titanic backing up and running over the iceberg again. PT
Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com. For more info, see nationstrategy.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 9 AT 5:00 PM SUNDAY, APRIL 10 AT 9:00 & 10:30 AM
www.fsbcg.org 10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216
Sunday Services:
Bible Study (All ages) 9:15 am Morning Worship 10:30 am Youth Discipleship 4:45 pm
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUNDAYS - 10 AM Music Begins 9:50 AM Live-Streamed at www.scfaith.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 10
Palm Sunday-Hosanna! Revs. Mike and Sheryl Campbell Choir & Bell Choir Piano by Nicole Pesce
Easter Sunday,
Wednesdays:
Adult Bible Study & Prayer 6:00 pm Children/Youth ..............................6:30 pm
Dr. Mark Mucklow, Pastor
Harvest CHurCH
8340 W. Northern Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305
Information 623.334.9482
Dr. Ron G. Rockwell – Pastor
Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
Nursery Provided Wednesday: Family Night 7:00 p.m. www.hcaz.org
Bus - Call for pickup • Worship Saturday 4pm, Sunday 9:30am
Holy Communion both services
Pancake Breakfast 8-10am Last Saturday Every Month Drive-Thru Only
In-Person Bible Study Wed 6pm 11025 N. 111th
623-933-1359
shepherdofthedesertelca.org Email: sodsecretary@qwestoffice.net
10935 W. Olive Ave. Peoria 85345
Phone (623) 972-8479
office@westolive.com www.westolive.com
Everyone Is Welcome! Sunday Bible Study 9 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Classes for all ages - 7:00 p.m.
Peoria Police to host youth citizen academy
BY JORDAN ROGERS Peoria Times Staff Writer
The Peoria Police Department will hold the Youth Citizen Police Academy at four participating high schools in June.
Lisa Hale, school resource officer, has headed up the project for the last nine years.
While it has been going on for over 10 years, the Youth Citizen Police Academy has transformed since she took over, she said. Hale said the classes are more hands on, as opposed to strictly lecture.
of it rather than just sitting and listening,” Hale said. “They’re actually doing things and they’re solving crimes and they were learning the process of how we do that.”
Hale — a former elementary school teacher of 15 years — said she has seen a change in interest level since the format was changed.
“What we found was, especially with the changes, we actually get kids that come through this program and become officers,” she said.
The classes will take place at Peoria High School from May 31 to June 3, Centennial High School from June 6 to June 9, Sunrise Mountain High School from June 20 to June 23, and Liberty
High School from June 27 to June 30.
The Youth Citizen Police Academy courses are four hours. Any incoming seventh- or eighth-grade students can apply to participate.
The topics include fingerprinting, K-9 presentation, SWAT presentation and crime reporting. Kids will also be taught how to handle realistic real-world crises and how to investigate a simulated crime scene.
“On the last day, they investigate crime scenes,” Hale said. “They get fingerprints, and they have to analyze them, and they have to figure out who the person is that made the bad choice and they rock it.”
The classes take kids on the daily du-
ties of an officer. Cultivating relationships with students is important to her.
“Our main thing is building relationships with these kids — it’s our biggest thing,” Hale said. “We have this world where we’re not always seen in a positive light, some of these kids come to us with a background that could be traumatic or have something that we were involved in and the only thing they associate with us is negativity.”
The classes always reach maximum capacity, and this year is expected to be the same. More than 100 students have applied for this year’s program.
While Hale handles the planning and
Park West hosts Easter Egg-stravaganza
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
Park West will host its second spring celebration, Easter Egg-stravaganza, in honor of Easter from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9.
Guests can snap photos with the Easter Bunny, have their faces painted and visit with the Spring Princess. Guests will receive one egg with a mystery prize inside. Prizes will total more than $1,000.
“It is one of our missions as a center to provide added value to the neighborhood beyond the vast array of tenants that we have here at Park West,” said Kelly Price, business development manager for Park West.
“Hosting community events such as our Easter Egg-stravaganza al-
lows us the opportunity to further integrate ourselves into the community and enjoy special occasions together.” PT
IF YOU GO
Park West’s Easter Egg-stravaganza
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9
WHERE: Park West, 9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria COST: Free admission INFO: shopparkwest.com
ACADEMY FROM PAGE 24
curriculum, she said it takes a team to organize it.
“The week before the very first youth academy, we meet as a team and go through everything,” she said. “We actually do a walkthrough of a full day and the full week like with what we are going to do. We walk through and make sure everything is good to go, so it becomes very much a team effort.”
While she recognizes leading the project is a lot of work, she said it’s well worth it. She called it the best time of the year.
“I love this program. I think this is one of the greatest things our city does. It’s just a fun thing to have,” Hale said.
To apply for the Youth Citizen Police Academy, visit peoriaaz.gov/YCPA. PT
Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631or christina@timespublications.com
PUZZLE ANSWERS
to puzzles on page 17
• General & Preventative Dentistry
• Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Invisalign
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Partials
• Dentures
JOBS GET THE JOB
Overcoming Anxiety
Looking for a job can be one of life’s more stressful experiences. Perhaps you tend to worry over how you stack up against other candidates, or can’t stand the endless waits for a call back. Maybe a period of unemployment means that money is especially tight.
Depending on how soon you begin stressing out, negativity could impact how you present in the critical interview process that will decide who gets hired or passed over. Here are a few tips on overcoming anxiety in your job search:
AVOID OVER-ANALYZING
In the absence of concrete information, everyone tends to begin thinking a little too much. You spend a lot of time and effort with the hope of landing a new job, from crafting a resume to preparing to meet a potential new employer, and then the waiting game begins. Perhaps your prospective employer has a long list of fellow candidates, or outside forces like a market downturn or internal
reorganization slows things down. But even a few days can feel excruciating, depending on how excited you are about the opportunity. Take a deep breath and relax. These things always take time. Stay focused on the main objective: presenting as an upbeat, can-do candidate in a new work environment.
MAKE IT A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
If you’re further along in the evaluation process with a new company, these worries can become an important tool for improvement. Do you feel like you could have done a better job with the interview, or tweaked your résumé to more closely fit their objectives? Make constructive changes to your approach now, even while your intended boss is
still deciding, and you’ll be a stronger candidate next time. If discussions
revealed the need for more project experience or special training, focus on identifying those opportunities and get them scheduled.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed because we get stuck in a rut. If you’ve been on an interview merry-goround, consider applying for related but different jobs. A retail customerservice rep, for instance, can leverage the same skill set in other industries. Begin crafting a second resume that indicates an openness to work outside of your current job sector. The key to a more positive attitude about your job search may just come down to flexibility.
JOIN OUR TEAM:
•Forklift Operator
•Mechanic and Electrician
•Production Operator
•Entry Level Positions
• Technical Training Program
Now Hiring in Mesa!
We are hiring immediately for all skilled operator positions to be part of building our new, state of the art micro mill from the ground up.
Ready for a challenge? We also have current openings for our Modern Steelmaker Program, a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking.
If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!
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A Good Candidate Possesses:
• An energetic and upbeat attitude
• A minimum of two years of office experience
• The ability to work well on a team
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional organizational skills
• A desire for hands-on professional growth experience
If you are a hardworking and resourceful individual, please respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe your skill set and experience
Hello? I hear YOU have stuff to Sell! Sell your stuff in the Classifieds! Call Me today! 623-535-8439 Or Email Me! class@times publications.com
TANNER TERRACE
7138 N. 45th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF BID
APARTAMENTOS
Un complejo residencial para no fumadores
7138 N. Avenida 45
Glendale, AZ 85301
TODOS DE UN DORMITORIO
Subvencionado sección 8-202 62 años
Y personas discapacitadas fisicas Lunes-Viernes 8:00 am a 4:30 pm 623-939-9447
SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY O F BERNALILLO SECON D J UDICIAL DISTRICT FIRS T FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION, P laintiff, vs.No. D–202-CV2 021-06066 DAMON SANDOVAL, Defendant. NOTIC E OF PENDENCY OF ACTIO N STATE OF NEW MEXICO to D efendant: Damon Sandova l G REETINGS: Defendant Dam on Sandoval is hereby notif ied that Plaintiff has filed a civil suit against Defendant in the above-entitled cause of action, the general object thereof b eing to recover amounts du e and owing to Plaintiff, First Financial Credit Union. Defendant i s required to serve upo n Plaintiff an Answer or Motion in r esponse to the Complaint o n P romise to Pay within thirt y (30) days and file a copy of the A nswer or Motion with th e Court as provided in Rule 1-005 NMRA 2005. If Defendant fails to file a timely Answer or Motion, a Default Judgment may be entered against Defendant granti ng the relief requested in th e C omplaint on Promise to Pay Name and address of Plaintiff’s attorney: Deborah S. Seligman Attorney at Law PO Box 7806 A lbuquerque NM 87194-7806 ( 505) 247-3030. Published: Peoria Times, April 7, 14, 21, 2022 / 45744
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN T HE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: OYMA B OUTIQUE LLC II The address of the registered office is: 21311 N. 77th Lane, PEORIA, AZ 85382 The name of the Statutory Agent is: Carolyn Odisho III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a m anager or managers. Th e names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greate r interest in the capital o r p rofits of the limited liabilit y company are: MEMBERS: Caro lyn Odisho, 21311 N 77t h L ane, PEORIA, AZ, 85382 ; T ina Youkhana & Trish a Youkhana, 5704 E Aire Libre Unit 1063, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 8 5254; Eden Malki, 18427 N 1 3th Place, PHOENIX, AZ , 85022; and Lilian Odish, 12249 O xnard St, Apt 105, NORT H H OLLYWOOD, CA, 9160 6 Published Peoria Times, Apr 7 14, 21, 2022 / 45769
NOTICE FOR BID *** MAT ERIALS MANAGEMEN T 9 875 N. 85 th Ave., 2 n d Floor Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 Fax: ( 623) 773-7118 BID NOTIF ICATION INFORMATIO N S OLICITATION NUMBER : P 22-0042 TYPE OF SOLIC ITATION: (RFP) Reques t for Proposal BUYER NAME: D rew Ashmun BUYE R P HONE NUMBER: (623 ) 7 73-7116 DESCRIPTION : C ity Hall & Building Camp uses Landscape Maintena nce PRE-BID MEETIN G DATE: April 6, 2022 at 2:00 P M AZ Time. SOLICITATION DUE DATE: April 20, 2 022 at 5:00 PM (Arizon a Time) Solicitation is available for download from our webs ite at: www.peoriaaz.go v Published: The Peoria Times Apr 7, 2022 / 45531
NOTICE OF CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS In t he Matter of the Estate o f Lynn G Short, Deceased NOT ICE IS HEREBY GIVE N t hat the undersigned ha s been appointed as the Personal Representative of this e state. All persons havin g claims against the estate are r equired to present thei r claims within four (4) months after the date of the first pubication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to undersigned Personal Representative at 11523 S Brentwood Dr, Olathe KS 66061 DATED this __23td_ day of March, 2022 /s/ Ryan Keith S hort. Published: Peori a T imes Mar. 31, Apr 7, 14 , 2022 / 45501 / 45507
