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QC park gets new one / P. 14

Hoffman kills budget plan / P. 4

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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Sunday, April 24, 2022

Queen Creek growth barreling along

WELCOME............. 3 Tribune Publisher Steve Strickbine welcomes you to the Queen Creek Tribune.

Queen Creek’s population has soared by more than 125% in the past decade and there’s no sign growth will be slowing down any time soon. (Tom Sanﬁlippo/Inside Out Aerial)

REAL ESTATE ...... 22 Hundreds of houses on the horizon for QC.

BY KATHLEEN STINSON Tribune Staff Writer

he population of Queen Creek grew faster than any other municipality in the metro area from 2010 to 2020 and continues to grow at a rapid rate but

Town Manager John Kross said the town can handle it. “Despite this rapid growth projection, averaging 8-10 percent over the next five years or so, this is actually a very manageable rate for Queen Creek,” said Kross, who has been one of the longest local witnesses

to that growth since he came to the town as planning director in 1996 and became manager in 2007. He said the community has matured in both its residential and commercial sec-

LG Energy Solution Ltd won the State Land Department auction, prompting local and state officials to hail the deal – which they said would bring thousands of jobs to the northeast corner of Ironwood and Germann roads near Zimmerman Dairy Farm and CMC Steel Arizona, southeast of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Town Council last Dec. 1 approved the site’s rezoning to urban employment after

residents in the area nearby were given the opportunity to provide comment, town spokeswoman Constance Halonen-Wilson told the Tribune last week. But residents who spoke at the April 20 council meeting – echoing complaints made by others at another council session two weeks earlier – accused officials of ig-

see GROWTH page 10

Officials hail, residents condemn QC land deal

SPORTS ............... 24 Casteel girls basketball coach ready for challenge

COMMUNITY ........................14 BUSINESS ..............................17 OPINION .................................20 REAL ESTATE ........................22 SPORTS ...................................24 GET OUT .................................26 CLASSIFIEDS ........................27

BY KATHLEEN STINSON Tribune Staff Writer

he day after a South Korean energy company cast the sole bid of $84.44 million for 650.5 acres of state land in Queen Creek for a lithium battery manufacturing plant, nearly a dozen angry citizens confronted Town Council to oppose the $1.4 billion project.

Central Arizona College www.centralaz.edu

see LITHIUM page 6

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The good old days are here and now! BY STEVE T. STRICKBINE Tribune Publisher

s a kid growing up in the Valley I had a morning paper route. Every Sunday, my counterparts and I would embark on the toughest assignment of the week: tossing that massive brick of Sunday news onto neighborhood driveways. To say the Sunday paper was big back then is an understatement along the lines of saying the Phoenix Suns are pretty good. That monstrosity was so fat, I could only lug about 18 at a time on my bike. Every Sunday was a guaranteed five-trip morning. The Sunday paper was chock full of ads – and, more importantly, great stories. That’s always been the best part of journalism for me: The stories we get to tell about our neighbors and leaders, about those making a difference, those

suffering and those just enjoying life. In detailing the who, what, when, where and why of daily life in the place we call home, newspapers have always seemed to me like the glue holding the community together. Years later, I find myself still convinced that the community newspaper is a marvel, because of all the things newspapers can do that other forms of media cannot. Don’t get me wrong – as a newspaper publisher, I’m far too aware of the challenges newspapers face as an industry. The days of five-pound Sunday newspapers are long past, and every week there’s another survey or story about the impending death of local news. As you might suspect, I firmly disagree. If you’ll pardon my pun, I think there’s a bigger story here – a good news story about the state of journalism that’s rarely being told.

Community stories and news about our local areas have never been more important or in greater demand. We crave local news – interesting information, tales about people making a difference, and notification of what’s going on around us and why it’s important. The biggest difference is the way this news reaches end users. I’ve witnessed changes in the way we gather and report the news. As I pen this column, a news reporter is hosting an interview with a source via Zoom in a meeting room next to me, saving gas, the frustration of traffic snarls, and our most important resource, time. Back in the day, it came delivered only on our driveway in print. Now, in addition to driveway delivery, it comes to us digitally, on laptops, phones and iPads. My company, Times Media Group, welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to our websites every week. And more than 350,000 homes have requested

to receive our digital flip-book edition, which happily arrives every Tuesday with a ding instead of a thud. That’s all in addition to the 300,000 that hit driveways and racks throughout the Valley. And starting today, and every Sunday hereafter, 20,000 copies will hit driveways right here in Queen Creek. All of which brings me to why I had the crazy idea of starting a newspaper in one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona. Frankly, I don’t think it’s crazy at all. Every day, Queen Creek continues to grow up and make news – and every day from now on, the Queen Creek Tribune will be there to cover it. If you see something you like, let us know. If there’s something you’d like to see or something we could do better, please drop me a line. We’re here to serve you. As this is a free publication, we encourage you to be good patrons of our adver-

see OLD DAYS page 7

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NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

Hoffman helps scuttle state budget with $5B surplus An edition of the East Valley Tribune Queen Creek Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Queen Creek CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 480-898-6500 | Fax: 480-898-562 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Sales Executive: Jane Meyer | 480-898-5633 | jane@timespublications.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 pmaryniak@timespublications.com Managing Editor: Cecilia Chan | 480-898-5613 |cchan@timespublications.com Reporters: Kathleen Stinson | 480-898-5639 | kstinson@ timespublications.com Ken Sain | 928-420-5341 | ksain@timespublications.com Photographer: Dave Minton | dminton@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@timespublications.com

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ueen Creek Rep. Jake Hoffman uncharacteristically sided with Democrats and one other Republican lawmaker on the House Appropriations Committee to scuttle the first attempt at a state spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1. Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, sided with the Democrats on the committee in concluding there was no reason for the state, with what could be a $5plus billion surplus, to leave all that money sitting around while priorities are not being funded. “This is not paying attention to the revenues, not paying attention to what the needs of this state are,” she said. “There are a lot of things missing from this budget that are vital to our state in the coming year: water, border security and immigration, some education matters,” Udall said. Also left out, she said, are smaller priorities like an operating shortfall at the Arizona State Hospital. Udall’s defection by itself would not have killed the plan. That still left seven Republicans on the 15-member panel. But Hoffman also refused to go along, albeit for vastly different reasons. He derided the claim that the $13 billion plan to simply continue existing state programs is somehow a “skinny budget.”

(Tribune ﬁle photo)

“We have a $5.3 billion surplus,” Hoffman said. “That doesn’t mean we’re doing a great job,” he continued. “That means that we’re overtaxing the people that we represent.” And Hoffman said he was afraid that the $13 billion plan would not be the last word. “I don’t want a ‘shadow budget’ where we pretend like we’re passing a ‘skinny budget,’ doing our constitutional obligation, then we come through (later) and we pass a bunch of garbage spending bills,” he said, inflating that skinny budget to something much larger. And without a commitment not to

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Mesa Rep. Michelle Udall joined Republican colleague Hoffman to vote against the proposed budget deal. She said it ignored too many of the state’s pressing needs.

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Queen Creek Rep. Jake Hoffman, joined by fellow Republican Rep. Michelle Udall joined Democrats in voting down a “basic” state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. (Courtesy Tucson Daily Star)

do that, Hoffman said he was unwilling to approve even this baseline. But Hoffman, by holding out his vote and preventing the measure from advancing to the full House, may have effectively dealt himself out of future negotiations. “We offered an opportunity for the cheapest budget we can get,” House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, told Capitol Media Services after the April 20 vote. “And so, we’ll just have to go by ear now and see what we can come up with.” Rep. Regina Cobb, R-Kingman, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, said doing nothing is not an option. She pointed out that the Arizona Constitution gives the Legislature just one mandatory duty: adopt a spending plan for the next fiscal year. More to the point, this isn’t like Congress where a voice vote can approve a “continuing resolution” to keep government operating. If there is not a final budget approved by the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Doug Ducey by July 1, state agencies shut down. Cobb said Wednesday’s vote gave

see BUDGET page 8

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NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

Chandler firefighters battle lithium battery blaze BY KEN SAIN Tribune Staff Writer

handler Fire Battalion Chief Keith Welch says there is still a whole lot they don’t know about lithium battery fires – which explains why they are proceeding with care to one underway in the city’s southwestern area that has been burning since April 18 and wasn’t disclosed until four days later. “I wish I had all kinds of experience to give you, if you want to ask about a house fire I could tell you more,” he said on April 21. A lot of what they do know came after eight Peoria firefighters were injured in a lithium explosion at an Arizona Public Service substation in Surprise in April 2019. That is why Chandler officials wait-

see FIRE page 8

Water has accumulated around an APS substation in Chandler because sprinklers have been running 24/7 since April 18 after fire broke out in a lithium battery storage area. Fire officials have waited more than four days to enter the structure because they have feared an explosion from opening a door and fueling the blaze with more air. (Ken Sain/Tribune Staff)

LITHIUM from page 1

noring their questions about the deal and giving their blessing to an operation that posed environmental and health dangers to the community. Because the comments were made on a matter not on the agenda, council members were forbidden by law from responding to their complaints. The town as of April 19 has not received or approved any site plans for a lithium battery plant, Halonen-Wilson said. “The site has been in the Town’s planning area since 2008, originally identified as an employment use and then designated as a special district in the 2018 General Plan Update,” Halonen-Wilson said. “The area includes the extension of the State Route 24 and is envisioned to be a hub for employment, with the Town’s Economic Development Strategic Plan specifically highlighting the target sector of advanced manufacturing. The area had an initial zoning of residential and urban,” she added, ex-

The red-bordered area shows the location of the LG site, which went up for auction by the state Land Department on April 19. (Arizona Land Department)

plaining: “Due to market demands, the State Land Department requested a rezone of some portions to urban employment, including this site. A neighborhood meeting was held prior to the re-

zoning going to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Town Council – residents within nearly a quarter mile of the site were notified of the neighborhood meeting.” Several people who spoke in oppo-

sition of the plant said they only just heard about the plant, though it was unclear whether they lived within the notification radius. Hours before the council meeting, the Arizona Commerce Authority issued a release that said construction of North America’s first ever cylindrical-type battery facility will start this summer with production commencing in 2024. “Global technology leaders like LG are choosing Arizona because of our world-class business environment, advanced workforce, unbeatable quality of life, and culture of innovation – one that’s delivering unparalleled opportunity for current and future generations,” Gov. Doug Ducey said. In welcoming LG to Queen Creek, Mayor Gail Barney in the release said, “The announcement of LG Energy Solution is the culmination of years of strategic planning. It will bring thousands of local jobs to our highly skilled workforce – enhancing the quality of

see LITHIUM page 7

NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

OLD DAYS from page 3

tisers, who are the reason we can provide this great and important service. Please visit us online at QueenCreekTribune.com where, like 350,000 other Valley residents, you can opt in to receive your own community weekly edi-

LITHIUM from page 6

life our residents experience, additional infrastructure and major capital investment. “This isn’t just a win for Queen Creek, it will positively impact our region. Advanced manufacturing is a targeted sector and will be located adjacent to State Route 24. The area is planned for mixed use and will further the employment opportunities for Queen Creek, Pinal County, the greater East Valley and the state.” Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, said the plant “solidifies the market’s position as a hub for battery technology and energy storage and is significant for Greater Phoenix as it continues to attract global leaders in emerging industries.” LG Energy Solution did not respond to the Tribune’s request for comment. Queen Creek resident Thomas Utka said at the April 20 meeting that he couldn’t believe a battery factory was going to be built across the street from two schools and vowed to vote against any incumbent seeking re-election. He said he will vote against the council members in the next election. San Tan Valley resident Shanda Newsom said these types of battery factories can catch fire and the fumes are poisonous. Lauri Butka said she lives within a mile of the proposed plant and said it should be located around other industrial buildings and not in her neighborhood, where residents are living a rural lifestyle. “This is unsafe and has the potential of hurting many people,” Butka said. Queen Creek resident Daniel Taylor said he will now be worried about

tion in your email inbox. Finally, thank you for the opportunity to provide this important community service. Back in the day, I used to deliver the first Sunday paper every week to my mom – in part to let her know I hadn’t overslept and to give her a chance to read the news hot off the press.

I still get a tremendous kick out of our role in the news process, and making sure that great stories find their way to readers across the community. There’s truly nothing else I’d rather be doing. Enjoy, and we’ll see you next week! Steve Strickbine is a Valley native

The barren 650.5 acre site at Ironwood and Germann roads in Queen Creek sold last week at a state Land Department auction for $84.4 million to a South Korean energy company that cast the sole bid for the property. (Arizona Land Department) drinking the Queen Creek water. Diane McCollum of San Tan Valley said she spoke at the zoning meeting for the site and alleged, “It was not explained this would be heavy industrial.” McCollum said she has farm animals and she has to decide if she will have to move. Jared McGowan of San Tan Valley said: “Why won’t the town answer questions about this?” She said LG would not have spent $84 million on the land if they “weren’t guaranteed they could build on there.” Katrina Pint said 140,000 of LG’s batteries have been recalled by GM because they can catch on fire, stating, “No one is going to want to live in a

contaminated area.” Queen Creek resident Heather Mohart said she is concerned about a fire hazard and if she can get to safety should that occur. “Is this what I bought into for my kids? This should not be,” Mohart said. Queen Creek resident Alex Taylor said he practiced pediatrics for years and lived in another state where a battery plant had to be closed down. “I don’t know if anyone has considered the potential down the road,” he said, adding that like a book, “you might not like the ending.” A few people asked if the Queen Creek Fire Department had the equipment to put out such a fire. Another asked for better setbacks

and renegade entrepreneur who refuses to let the rhetoric of a negative world tamp his ambition or spoil his day. Steve believes in the power of the economic freedom in our great country, and he thanks you from the bottom of his heart for reading! You can reach him via email at: Steve@TimesLocalMedia.com.

and a buffer from the plant to the residential area. Tiffany Nedrow, a resident of San Tan Valley, asked: “If this was such a great idea, why isn’t it in your backyard?” At the April 6 council meeting, several women spoke against locating a lithium battery plant in the town. They said they wondered why the town did not give them a chance to provide input on the plant during the planning process. “Put this back on the agenda,” said San Tan Valley resident Lisa Horne. “The plant will reek of chemicals.” Queen Creek resident Ellen Gross said some council members have disappointed her by not living up to the vision of the town to provide a high quality of life to residents. Another Queen Creek resident, Linda Manning, said she did not read anything about the plant “prior to this. How did this plant get here?” “Nobody had a chance to make any decisions as far as the residents...not been told a thing about this,” Manning said. Linda Doty of Queen Creek said, “Nobody here has seen the environmental impact statement…This is a dire situation…Where was all the input from the citizens?” The environmental site assessment provided to the state Land Department states that Ninyo & Moore was retained to perform an environmental site assessment of the parcel. “Based on the information compiled during the preparation of this report, this assessment has revealed no evidence of RECs, historical RECs (HRECs) or controlled RECs (CRECs) in connection with the site,” the report states. REC is an acronym for “recognized environmental concern.”

NEWS

BUDGET �� 4

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

her some “insight” into what has to happen next. What that means, she told Capitol Media Services, is starting again with what was in that baseline budget “and put in what we need to put in.” There are only 31 Republicans in the 60-member House. So without Hoffman – and potentially other Republicans her only choice is to seek Democratic support to come up with a majority. And Democrats on the panel made it clear Wednesday they have things they need added to the spending plan to get their votes. “I would call it a woefully inadequate budget,” said Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley. And with some $5 billion in excess funds, she said keeping spending at current levels is

“austerity being continued absolutely needlessly.” She cited for example, funding needs for the developmentally disabled, those needing long-term care. And Butler said it adds no money to the Department of Environmental Quality despite a �inding last year by the state Auditor General’s Of�ice that the agency has �iled to perform many required tasks in monitoring groundwater for pollution -- in some cases, for 29 years. It’s not just the Democrats and some Republican lawmakers who want more spending. The governor himself made it clear Wednesday he was not interested in signing a spending plan in his last year in of�ice that simply keeps things the way they are. “Nobody’s talked to me about a skinny budget,” he told Capitol Media Services.

“We have a $5.2 billion surplus,” Ducey said. “And we have real needs right now, including our border, wild�ires that are happening across the state, and the Arizona state water commission.” The creation of what would be called the Arizona Water Authority has been a top priority of the governor as the state, in the middle of a historic drought, looks for ways to supplement its water supply and not be forced to curtail growth. It would have the unique right to obtain and even own water, with the possibility of desalinating water from the Gulf of California. It also would need $1 billion to get off the ground -- money that was not in the proposed skinny budget. And that, he said, made it veto bait. “I presented the budget that I wanted the week after the State of the

State,” he said. “And I still want that budget.” Hoffman for his part, defended torpedoing the skinny budget plan. He told Capitol Media Services that Wednesday’s vote was “little more than a ruse to strip transparency out of the budget process,” saying it appears it was always the intent to later add “billions in wasteful spending.” “Leadership and Cobb have known for weeks that unless they committed to not doing a ‘shadow budget’ many Republican members would not be on board,” Hoffman said. “Unfortunately, they refused to make that commitment.” Cobb said the goal now likely becomes �inding that middle ground that adds enough to the spending plan to pull in the necessary votes from Democrats without losing more Republicans.

ed four days to disclose a fire inside the AES Salt River Project battery storage facility on 54th Street, just south of the Loop 202 freeway, that started around 11 a.m. April 18. On April 21, they sent a robot to open the door to the facility to start ventilating the space. And that only came after they asked all businesses in the area to voluntarily evacuate the area. “We learned a lot from that incident,” Welch said. “This is one of the reasons that we had such an approach to this, really, safety one to the community, but safety to us.” In between, the start of the fire and a robot opening the door, the building’s sprinkler system ran continuously, keeping more than 3,200 batteries inside the facility cool. “The sprinkler system is doing its job,” Welch said. “It’s designed to

keep the batteries cool, but water is not going to put [a fire] out. We’re developing a plan to mitigate the issue.” The voluntary evacuation period ended after two hours. Welch said on April 21 that they would reconvene the following morning to discuss next steps – after the Tribune’s print deadline. The reason for the wide evacuation area, he said, is that they were being very careful just in case of wind changes and a buildup of toxic gases. Welch said lithium fires are different, and they can react in a number of different ways. It is mostly plastic and metals that are burning, and if someone were to open a door to enter the building, the rush of air could change what’s happening inside in volatile ways. That was one of the lessons learned from the Peoria firefighters. He said they hope to resolve the is-

sue by this weekend. “We have crews still on the scene,” he said. “Right now, it’s a defensive strategy. We’ve had some experience in the Valley with these battery storage facilities. There’s not a predictability that it’s going to behave in a certain way.” He said the best way to put out a lithium battery fire is with time and cutting off the power to the building. “It’s a very complicated situation,” Welch said. Lithium batteries have become more popular in everyday use, but have been known to catch fire. The cause is usually a manufacturing defect or the device took some damage. Those types of fires remain rare. Consumers are warned that a Class D fire extinguisher will not put out a lithium-ion blaze. Residents should get a Class B fire extinguisher as lithium batteries become more prevalent in their homes.

SRP announced in 2018 it was partnering with The AES Corporation on the 10 megawatt battery storage facility. It was SRP’s first standalone facility of its kind and is designed to provide more power during peak usage periods. According to a news release at the time, they expected the facility to be able to power up to 2,400 homes in the Valley for up to four hours. An AES spokesperson said that the building is usually unmanned and it was their automated systems that first detected the fire. Scott Harelson with SRP said they are taking steps to ensure power will remain available to the area even if they have to completely shut down the substation. He said their biggest concern is the rest of the substation next to the battery storage facility, where they have transformers and lines they want to protect.

FIRE �� 6

Know anything interesting going on in Queen Creek? Send your news to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

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NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

GROWTH from page 1

tors creating a diversified revenue stream that helps makes this growth a lot more manageable and the town’s finances secure. “This expansion pays for itself,” he said. Kross attributes the residential growth to the increasingly popular perception that “Queen Creek is an appealing place for families to live. You get a little bit more property for your investment.” And, he noted, “Queen Creek has a lot of amenities and open spaces around the area as well as recreational opportunities.” According to Scott Wilken, a planner for the Maricopa Association of Governments, Queen Creek grew at a rate of 125.8% over the past decade, calling that “the highest growth rate in the region.” “The Census Bureau declaration that Buckeye was the fastest growing city in the nation was because they were only looking at municipalities that had

Town Manager John Kross may be one of the longest witnesses to Queen Creek’s growth since he started with the town as planning director in 1996 before assuming his current title in 2007.

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at least 50,000 population in 2010,” Wilken said. “Queen Creek grew at a faster rate than Buckeye, but did not have a population of 50,000 or more in 2010, so they were left out of the Census Bureau’s declaration.” The population projection for the current year is 72,000, according to the town. By 2030, the population of Queen Creek is projected to increase by 63 percent. The Town continues to see interest in residential and commercial investment, said Brett Burningham, town development services director. “For example, we have multiple residential projects underway including Madera (near Queen Creek Road and 220th Street), Barney Farms (near Signal Butte and Queen Creek) and Legado (near Sossaman and Power),” he said. “Vineyard Towne Center, located at Combs and Gantzel, will be anchored by Sprouts; Queen Creek Crossing, lo-

cated at Queen Creek and Ellsworth, will be anchored by Costco; and the Acero Apartments at Queen Creek Station will be located near Queen Creek and Ellsworth.” The business sector of Queen Creek has also grown at a faster pace. The trade area for Queen Creek “stretches to serve a population of 250,000, including the whole of San Tan Valley,” Kross said. “Queen Creek is the hub for a lot of that region.” All that growth also means increased investment by the town in infrastructure, especially for roads and recreation facilities.. Town Finance Director Scott McCarty said the $138 million bond sale that Council approved on April 6 will pay for an expansion to Mansell-Carter Park at Sossaman Road north of Ocotillo Road. The money will also make it pos-

see GROWTH page 11

NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

GROWTH from page 10

sible for the town to build the new Frontier Family Park at Signal Butte and Queen Creek roads. The park will contain softball and soccer fields, a lake, a recreational center and an aquatics center. The bond will provide money to buy future park land as well, McCarty said. The bond sale will cover the bulk of the park improvements’ total $159 million cost. The remaining $21 million will come from fees the town levies on new homes and businesses in the form of a park fee. “This (bond) will not increase property taxes or any other taxes,” McCarty said. The town recently got a bond rating increase from AA to AA+. It means with a higher credit rating, the town was able to lower the interest rate it pays on the debt. “This improved rating is a validation of the policies and practices the town has in place,” he said. “My responsibility is to make sure

we have the infrastructure and can provide the services the town needs for growth,” McCarty added. “That’s why we spent so much money over the past few years on new roads, started a police station and built five new fire stations in the last three years. “This is to accommodate the people who are already here and the people we see coming in the next five to 10 years.” “A couple of years ago, we issued (these types of excise bonds) to pay for new roads and fire stations and we will also issue additional bonds for water and sewer infrastructure improvements,” he said. “I want to emphasize it has been the priority of the town council over the last five years to build new roads and public safety facilities, such as the fire

stations,” he said. “Now we are at the point where we can make the same types of investments in parks,” he said. “All this infrastructure is the result of a lot of planning and forethought at the staff level and also at the council level.” Chris Clark, president/CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, welcomes that infrastructure investment. “I think it is wonderful and I think about all the plans we worked on for so many years that have finally come to fruition,” Clark said. “Realistically, we are still at the beginning of this surge of everything that is to come,” he said. “Our retail and restaurants have filled in nicely. We’re beginning to see (developers show an) interest in office space and more flex industrial construction. We are begin-

ning to see large employers look at Queen Creek as well.” “We are one of those smaller municipalities geographically, but the town has done a good job of planning over the years and reserving space for those employment uses,” he said, so the town does not become all houses. “The biggest challenge now is a lack of office space for businesses that have grown and need it,” he said. “We don’t want to have these (growing) businesses leave” and look elsewhere. And they want to stay and be a part of Queen Creek.” “I think one aspect of this development of roadways and infrastructure improvements” is the town cannot fund all of this alone,” Clark said, adding that developers have to pay towards the infrastructure. “Growth pays for growth,” he said.“

Know anything interesting going on in Queen Creek? Send your news to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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Mesa flights to Mexico in the offing for next year BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer

llegiant, the largest commercial airline at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, might start offering flights from Mesa to Mexico starting next January. Michael Graci, Allegiant’s manager of airport affairs, told Gateway Airport’s board of directors that the company had formed a partnership with Mexican airline Viva Aerobus. Graci described Aerobus as “kind of the Allegiant of Mexico. They’re a leisure travel company that flies leisure travel-

ers rather than business travelers,” similar to Allegiant’s model. He said Allegiant is waiting for approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation before announcing more details of the deal, but he said the two airlines would combine their networks of destinations. “In January of 2023, the actual aircraft will begin service,” Graci said, “so we will look at seeing Viva Aerobus flying into different destinations into the U.S. and then we will start seeing Allegiant aircraft flying south of the border.” Allegiant currently has 12 planes based at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Air-

port. Graci said that number is likely to grow in the coming years as the company had signed a deal to purchase 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which will begin delivery next year. While Allegiant is waiting for DOT approval to disclose which of its hubs will connect with Mexico, he and Phoenix-Mesa Executive Director J. Brian O’Neill hinted that Mesa was a likely candidate. “We have had preliminary discussions with Allegiant since their investment in Viva Aerobus, working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to see if the possibility exists for some sort of a hy-

brid operation here where we can have a proof of concept and meet the needs of our largest airline,” O’Neill told the board. Allegiant currently flies to over 130 cities, Graci said, but has no international flights. The Viva deal would bring the company back into the international market. Graci said another benefit of working with Viva Aerobus is the two airlines’ busy seasons complement each other, with Viva seeing high demand in September when Allegiant’s business slows down with the end of summer. “A lot of people are anxiously working on this,” Graci said of the deal.

the House. But Kaiser, to get that prior House approval, had removed one provision that had given some lawmakers heartburn. It would have required teachers to share with parents a student’s purported gender identity or requested transition if the child identifies in a way that is “incongruous with the student’s biological sex.” Kaiser, in proposing the measure, told members of the House Education Committee that what is in HB 2161 simply underlines and gives teeth to existing requirements that ensure that parents have access to various records, grades and test scores. The bigger problem, he said, is when students are given various assessments and surveys. The legislation spells out that these would first need to be sent to parents at least seven days ahead. Kaiser said some of these get into personal areas, like whether there are firearms at home and whether their parents get along. By that same 16-12 party-line vote, the Republican-controlled Senate also approved HB 2439. It spells out that beginning in 2023,

school boards must adopt procedures for parents to access the school’s library collection of available books and materials. And the same measure spells out that parents are entitled to get a list of all books and materials that their child borrows from the library. Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, said there’s a simpler way to deal with this other than passing another law that could penalize school staff. “The best way to find out what your kid is reading in school or what they’re checking out from the library is just to talk to them,” he said. “If you can’t establish that relationship with your own child and they don’t want to tell you what they’re reading, then that’s emblematic of a bigger problem, not the fact that the school isn’t telling you,” Quezada said. “That’s a problem between you and your child.” And Sen. Raquel Teran, D-Phoenix, said the measure is overkill and will just create additional work. She pointed out that there already are various laws protecting the rights of parents to access information about their children. That same concern resulted in the

defeat of a related measure April 18 in the House. SB 1211 sought to mandate that each school district and charter school post on its website a list of learning materials and activities used for student instruction. Several Democrats spoke against the measure, including Rep. Jennifer Pawlik, D-Chandler, who spoke about the burden. “You need to understand that this bill will require the teachers to post every single item that they use in every single lesson every single day,” she told colleagues. But what resulted in its defeat was the decision of Rep. Joel John, R-Arlington, to part way with all other House Republicans who voted in support. “I’ve got a laundry list of statutes” on the rights that parents already have,” he said, ranging from the ability to publicly review courses of studies and textbooks to public access to school policies and curriculum. “I think this bill frankly goes too far and puts too many extra burdens” on teachers, said John who has

State Legislature passes parental rights bill BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate senators voted April 19 to allow parents to sue teachers and other government officials if they “usurp” their “fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of their children.” The 16-12 vote came over the objections of several Democrats who worried what kind of legal troubles could result. “The language is not clear at all,” said Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, who also is a teacher, quoting from HB 2161. “That entire quotation is so incredibly vague that anything could potentially qualify for it, meaning that we might have a whole bunch of teachers going to court over this,” she said. And Marsh pointed out that this new restriction comes even as the state faces a teacher shortage, with about 2,000 classrooms across the state headed by someone who is not a certified educator. No one spoke in favor of the measure, which was crafted by Rep. Steve Kaiser, R-Phoenix and approved by

see LEGISLATURE page 13

NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

QC moving to its own ambulance service BY KATHLEEN STINSON Tribune Staff Writer

ueen Creek is transitioning away from a private company and expanding its own ambulance service, making it the last of the East Valley communities to do so. Town Council voted earlier this month to purchase five ambulances and related equipment for a maximum cost of $1,975,527. The town has been using American Medical Response but a staff report cited “a decline in the level of service provided by the private provider” as the rationale for the move. “The decline in the level of service is evidenced by a reduced number of AMR ambulances located in the region (Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Mesa) and staffing shortages,” the staff report explained. “This has led to AMR not being able to cover Queen Creek and in some cases, not being able to respond to emergency incidents.” Vance Gray, chief of the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department, also told the Tribune he sought the ambulance and equipment because of “some oper-

ational deficiencies with AMR.” “Some other municipalities have recently transitioned or are transitioning to their own ambulance services” causing a reduction in the number of ambulances provided by AMR in the area around Queen Creek, Gray said. When Gilbert started to provide its own ambulance services, this reduced the number of ambulances AMR supplied to Queen Creek, he said. AMR had six ambulances in Gilbert prior to the change. “It’s not just Gilbert,” he said. “A number of agencies have fully transitioned or are transitioning away from using AMR.” Apache Junction transitioned to providing its own service a “number of years ago,” he noted. “Mesa is beginning to transition but has not completed that. Gilbert completely transitioned last July.” Before these transitions, the neighboring jurisdictions could be called upon to send ambulances to Queen Creek, he said. “When there is a reduction of ambulances in these jurisdictions, it causes a reduction in the ability for Queen Creek to have AMR ambulances sent to Queen Creek,” he said.

been a teacher. “Teaching already is a low-paying, thankless job, lots of work, lots of worry. How do I know? I’ve been there.” Other Republicans, however, didn’t see it that way. “It does take extra work,” conceded Rep. Michelle Udall, D-Mesa, who also is a teacher. And she suggested that lawmakers might want to consider an additional stipend for educators to do the posting. But Udall said she does not consider what’s in the measure “overly burdensome.” Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, argued that the disclosure is necessary. She said students are presented with lesson plans and ques-

tions about whether they believe they are “normal” if they have sexual fantasies or even whether they masturbate. “I do not require these schools in the state of Arizona to teach sexuality to my child,” Martinez said. “I need them to teach reading, writing, science and history,” she continued. “Children belong to their parents and their parents are responsible for the morality that they choose for their child.” After the measure fell one vote short of the majority -- that of John -- another lawmaker made a procedural motion to allow it to be reconsidered at a future date. But that would require John to change his mind unless one of the House Democrats agrees to go along.

LEGISLATURE from page 12

“Queen Creek is the last (municipality) in the East Valley that has not transitioned,” he said. Prior to the vote, Mayor Gail Barney said the town has been working diligently with AMR for many years but that now “it’s time to move on like it was time to have a new police department, it’s time to have our own ambulance (service).” Council members Emilena Turley and Leah Martineau voted against the motion to purchase the ambulances. Turley said the vote on this matter “came forward extremely quickly” and that she would like to take a little more time to look at the issue. Martineau said the town “does not have enough data – so many things we have not done before making a huge financial decision for our town.” Although the Council has approved the purchase, it will take 12 to 18 months before the town can take possession of

the ambulances due to procedural processes the town has in place, the chief said. There are currently no changes to the existing contract with AMR, he said, adding, “Once we are able to start our service, we will transition with AMR and end the contract.” The Tribune asked the fire department for the town’s estimate of the cost of hiring personnel to operate its ambulance service. Public Safety public information officer Sonu Wasu said: “In terms of cost, the approximate operational costs per year is estimated at $2.9 Million, but we expect to see about $2.2 million in reimbursements through insurance services, which leaves the residual operating costs at about $700,000 a year.” David Tantone, regional director of AMR, told the Tribune “I don’t feel we have been given that opportunity” to work with the town on the issues.

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East Park gets new name after Council vote BY KATHLEEN STINSON Queen Creek Tribune staff

ast Park is being renamed Frontier Family Park after Queen Creek Town Council earlier this month passed on two names that echoed the town’s history. Council voted unanimously to adopt “that name for the 102-acre site, which had been named “East Park” because it was located in the east part of town. Now, however, a staff report said, “Due to State Land annexation, it is more central geographically.” Prior to the vote, there were two suggestions for names that echoed Queen Creek’s early history. Council member Robin Benning and Vice Mayor Jeff Brown suggested the name “Doodlebug,” which historically was the name of a train that used to go through town, Brown said. A doodlebug or hoodlebug was a type of self-propelled Doodlebugs were popular from the early 1900s through the 1940s, mostly along routes that provided served smaller towns. The idea traces back to 1904 when engineers at General Electric decided there might be a market for a self-propelled rail car that could carry both passengers and freight, often dedicated baggage, mail or express. Benning said the name “doodlebug” was “unique” and “simple.” Mayor Gail Barney and council members Emilena Turley and Leah Martineau favored the name Frontier Family Park. The council also discussed the name Picket Post, the former name of Queen Creek, but no one knew the historical significance of that reference. The town website gives a history of the name, explaining: “At the base of the Silver Queen Mine

Doodlebugs were self-propelled railcars commonly configured to carry both passengers and freight and used to run through Queen Creek and became popular in the early 20th century. (Special to the Tribune)

there was a creek known as the Picket Post Creek. It was named after the oddly shaped mountain above it (the one you can see today above the State Arboretum). When the Silver Queen Mine opened for production, the name of the Picket Post Creek was changed to Queen Creek. That creek runs down from the mountains, past the mine, through the Queen Creek Canyon, into

the area surrounding the present day Town of Queen Creek.” Beyond that, however, a staff member said the town already named Picket Post Square, the pocket park with the fountain. Town staff also advised Council against renaming the site the “Queen Creek Sports Complex.” It said the “name may be too similar

BY QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE STAFF

“Its purpose was to gather all DECA seniors together to share their favorite memories from high school and their membership with DECA as well as distributing awards/cords/stoles and acknowledging every senior’s contributions and sending off a sort of ‘goodbye’ message,” explained QCHS alumna and former DECA member Hannah Cohrs, who now works for the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. Also attending were DECA advisor Nikki Micale, former member Celeste Garcia and freshman Lennan Kelly.

The renamed East Park got its name from its eastern location in Queen Creek, but State Land annexation’s impact on the town’s boundaries made it more a centrally located site. (Town of Queen Creek) to other facilities in the vicinity, potentially causing confusion between the facilities. “Renaming the park site to something more distinctive will reduce confusion based on the names of the other facilities,” it added.

DECA students gather for a fond farewell brunch

t was a somewhat bittersweet gathering for Queen Creek High School seniors eyeing careers in business as they met for what is slated to become an annual spring brunch at the Henhouse Café in Gilbert to reminisce. The brunch was attended by seniors who participate in the school’s DECA chapter, one of a national nonprofit’s many campus-based organizations across the country for Career and Technical Education students.

Highlighting the event was a slideshow featuring a slide for each senior, with a photo, and a “goodbye message.” Every senior received a decorative DECA tassel with the DECA diamond on it. Seniors Andy Martinez-Torres, Gloria Felix, and Hailey Parker received stoles. DECA is designed to strengthen the marketing education curriculum and give members a better understanding of the business world, prepare

�� DECA �� 16

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DECA �� 14

them for the workforce and enhance their leadership skills & ability. The club has various activities and events such as a fall leadership development conference – which Hannah called “favorite event of all time – as well as district, state and international competitions. In the competitions, members are competing against other members for medals through 100-question tests and 15 minute in-person role-playing with a judge in their field of study. “I studied business management and administration my first year and human resources my second year,” Hannah said, adding there are also competitions for other fields such as hospitality and tourism, management and accounting, among others. DECA teaches students about entrepreneurship, business management, project planning and networking in a business setting. Students

Queen Creek High School DECA members who gathered for the recent senior breakfast included, from left Nikki Micale, alumna Hannah Cohrs, freshman Lennan Kelly, Andy Martinez-Torres, Hailey Parker, Celeste Garcia, Raylee Rascon, Gloria Felix and Kyler Sears. (Courtesy of QCHS DECA) earn scholarship opportunities as well as opportunities to travel. The school also has its own Spirit Store with DECA students handling all aspects of the store under Micale’s guidance. “It is an organization that helps students gain many skills such as leadership, communication, creativ-

ity, problem solving, and social responsibility,” Hannah said. The DECA chapter at Queen Creek High comprises about 25 students this year. “There has been great momentum and growth to the program in this school year,” Hannah said. The national organization was founded in 1946 and since then, an

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New gym promises end to QC’s ‘fitness desert’ BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

new gym gives Queen Creek residents relief from what the owners call a “fitness desert.” The Foundry Gym, at 18625 South 187th Place, will have its grand opening 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 30. Co-owners Will O’Connell and Brittany Kohnke said are excited to show off a fitness studio that focuses on time-tested workouts and techniques over “trends and fads.” “Trends and fads are a huge part of the fitness industry but there’s a lack of transparency in terms of just how effective most of them are,” Kohnke said. “The Foundry Method” offers three different plans for attaining an individual’s fitness goals, including their own six-week introductory course called The Forge. “They say the hardest part about your fitness journey is getting started,” according to their website. “Not here.” The program starts patrons off with an in-depth consultation and assessment with one of the Foundry Gym coaches. Throughout the six weeks, patrons will have unlimited group training sessions and a weekly accountability check with their coach. Kohnke said the chance to open a small business at a time when Queen Creek stands to experience so much growth became too good to pass up. “We wanted to be able to bring our knowledge of fitness and expertise to a community that was growing and aligned with the same values that we have,” she said. The “intimate” 1,400-square-foot setting of the gym specializes in small group fitness classes and personal training to “meet you where you’re at.” “There’s no judgment, expectation or standard for you to meet,” she said.

This smaller setting allows them to accomplish their primary goal of building a person’s health and creating a like-minded community t through a maximum class size of nine. “Some people get more out of group classes, where they get encouragement, accountability and a sense of community from their peers,” O’Connell explained. They said this allows people to enjoy the motivation and encouraging environment of the group but still have the professional attention and detail of on-onone training. This unique approach combines their total 30 years of experience in the fitness industry and their belief that discipline, persistence and “a little bit of patience” can help anyone achieve their fitness goals.

“I hope it brings a different perspective of what fitness really is,” she said The Foundry has protocols in place to regularly clean their equipment but doesn’t require masks for its patrons. Kohnke said her and O’Connell got started in the fitness industry through coach youth sports and teaching physical education. Kohnke spent 12 years teaching physical education in Illinois and originally moved to Arizona in 2015. Last year, she moved back to take advantage of this opportunity. “We knew the power of fitness, specifically strength and conditioning, and we loved helping people see that power,” she said. Now, they bring that inspiration to Queen Creek for monthly prices that range from $149 to $199 per month, which in-

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

“The Valley is just an awesome restaurant market.” He said while most chain pizza brand use the terms “better ingredients, better pizza,” Mici’s delivers on this. The brand offers traditional dine-in service with options for carry-out and delivery of its family recipe dishes. Lucas said Mici makes pizza sauce from scratch with healthier ingredients such as hormone-free cheese and nitrate-free pepperoni. With such a small family-brand operation, he said, they can deliver on the promise of making terrific pizza. “It is a chain but it’s hard to call it a chain when you have two handfuls of locations,” he said. The restaurant will also offer other dishes, including salads, pasta and locally sourced gelato. In the age of mega chains where most

Will O’Connell and Brittany Kohnke recently opened The Foundry Gym in Queen Creek. (Special to the Tribune)

cludes nutrition coaching as well. They also offer military discounts. Info: TheFoundryGymQC.com.

Colorado Italian restaurant branching out to QC

here are no direct flights from Italy to Arizona but you can connect via Denver, Colorado. Mici Handcrafted Italian restaurants will begin a 30-unit expansion across the Valley starting with one located at 24750 South Ellsworth Road in Queen Creek this August. The Colorado-based family brand has built seven locations in 17 years in that state and plans to open three more in the Grand Canyon State in the next year-and-a-half. For franchisee Lucas Farnham, who has more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, it’s the best option to expand a new brand. “I just think Queen Creek is an absolute home run for our brand,” he said.

of the time “pizza sounds like pizza,” he said Mici offers a “better pizza at a reasonable price.” “I think the people of Queen Creek deserve better pizza than what’s largely available from the mega chains,” he said. This process hasn’t stood without its troubles, he said, because they’ve faced the same uphill battles as other restaurants in the post-pandemic age with various supply chain issues. But he said it’s a part of the new normal. “You just got to expect the unexpected all the time,” he said. Overall, he said, he believes Queen Creek residents will like Mici’s menu options when it opens in August. “It’s just the perfect town for us and we’re really excited to have people give us a shot and earn their business,” he said. Information: miciitalian.com

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

San Tan Village business helps scores of entrepreneurs BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE Tribune Contributor

hile COVID-19 has shut down many businesses, some were actually born from the pan-

demic. One of them is Sip & Shop, A Local Collection. Located in SanTan Village Mall, Sip & Shop supports more than 55 small businesses inside the store and sells everything under the sun. “We have something for everyone when it comes to products,” said Tiffany Shultz, owner of Sip & Shop. Sip & Shop offers local foods, jewelry, clothes, home décor, seasonal and holiday items and even a variety of classes. For the “sip” portion of the business, the shop also supports local wineries and distilleries by rotating their products each weekend. “We can pretty much do anything,” Shultz said. “We have people who come in looking for custom orders and we’ll say ‘let me check’ and most of the time we can do the personalized order for them because there are so many talented people inside.” With a background in journalism, Shultz originally worked in PR and marketing. After organizing festivals for an array of clients for so long, she was inspired to host events of her own. Shultz then formed a partnership with the town of Queen Creek to bring events there and has been doing festivals since 2014. When the pandemic started, events stopped. Until Shultz could get back to doing festivals, she decided to start Sip & Shop as a pop up in SanTan mall in November 2020. “I never thought that I wanted to own a store,” Shultz said. “COVID made it happen.” Many vendors who had partnered with Shultz on previous festivals were also out of work due to the pandemic. So, those vendors joined Sip & Shop. What was just supposed to be a six week pop-up turned into a nearly year and a half business. “Everyone was so

Located in SanTan Village Mall, Sip & Shop supports more than 55 small businesses inside the store and sells everything under the sun. (Special to GSN)

happy and excited about it that we decided to continue on,” Shultz said. Now, Sip & Shop actually has a waitlist for vendors wanting to get into the store. “We’ve kind of all become a little family inside,” Shultz said. “Everyone is very supportive of each other, very supportive of the sales, and very helpful inside the store. Vendors work inside the store so you’ll get to meet the makers of the products.” Shultz, who calls herself a “serial entrepreneur,” aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs, young and old. “We wanted to also make Sip & Shop a place where kids, who are great creators and makers but might not have a place to show their items or might not be able to do festivals on the weekends, can come in and sell their things in a place where they can grow their business from a young age,” she explained. Shultz started out with showcasing her daughter’s sticker company inside the store, then expanded by inviting other kids to be a part of Sip & Shop. Now, the store sells everything from resin keychains to cactus pin cushions

made by 7-year-olds to 16-year-olds. “It’s really fun to have them come in and see what they sell and how they grow and change their products,” Shultz added. The transition from festival producer to store owner has fun, Shultz said. “My favorite part is just watching businesses grow,” she said. “Being a part of this community and having their support has been great. When people come into the store they say it makes them so happy. That’s what I enjoy a lot – the people.” Sip & Shop itself is growing as Shultz is looking for a second location in the Queen Creek area. “We’re looking at putting around 50 businesses inside the store,” she said. “We want to expand our food area so that we have more food from local vendors and do more of a patio area, make

it more of an experience when you’re coming to shop and hang out with friends.” To reserve your space for Sip & Shop classes or to apply for the store, visit sipandshoparizona.com The store is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also available on the shop’s website are tickets to the Vintage & Vino Mother’s Day Sip & Shop Market. The shopping showcase is slated for 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at the arena located at the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, 20464 E. Riggs Road, Queen Creek, where more than 100 vendors, feature live acoustic music, make-and-takes and more will be featured.

QC woman’s business watches homes in owner’s absence TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

Queen Creek woman’s new business protects homes when people are away. Debbie Rochester recently opened Home Watch, which caters to part-time residents, snowbirds, and those scheduling extended vacations. “When leaving your home, it’s not worth putting that responsibility into a neighbor’s hands,” she explained. Rochester said her service prevents problems even from well-intentioned neighbors. She recalled one homeowner’s neighbor watching a house left the hose running, causing a pool to overflow. “Many things can go wrong while an owner is away,” she said. “It’s not a matter of whether it will happen; it’s when.” As a business owner, Debbie knows the value of education; she invested in

Debbie Rochester of Queen Creek recently opened Home Watch. (Special to the Tribune) professional training and is a graduate of the Home Watch Academy. All Good Home Watch is an approved member of the International Home Watch Alliance and is an IHWA Certified Home Watch Reporter, bonded and insured. Information: 480-764-6337.

BUSINESS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

Bill ends safety checks for Uber vehicles here BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

requirement for regular safety inspections of rideshare vehicles could soon be a thing of the past. A measure headed to Gov. Doug Ducey would carve out an exception from existing laws that require anyone driving for a “transportation network company’’ to get their brakes and tires inspected at least once a year. HB 2273 says that would no longer apply to vehicles that are less than 10 years old. Instead, it would be replaced by the owner simply attesting once a year that the vehicle meets safety standards. The proposal would affect all companies that have online platforms linking vehicle owners with riders. But the measure, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler, is being pushed solely by Uber. At a hearing in February, company lobbyist Shaun Rieve told lawmakers that the cost of having a mechanic check the brakes or tire tread could deter some people from signing up to become Uber drivers. “The cumbersome TNC (transportation network company) inspection requirements are cumbersome and create bottlenecks for Arizonans who want to earn more money on Uber’s platform,’’ he said. Rieve said that Uber has fewer drivers on the road in comparison to states “without such onerous requirements.’’ Not everyone was convinced that scrapping the annual checks was the best thing for safety. “We have bad ideas, very bad ideas, and Uber-bad ideas,’’ said Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, during floor debate when the House gave the measure final approval earlier this week. “I worry very much about the safety of consumers.’’ Rieve said it’s not like it would just be the vehicle owners who would be saying the car is safe. He pointed out that the app gives cus-

tomers the option to comment on the ride, including not just the driver but also the vehicle. And Rieve said if someone reports an unsafe condition, the company will take that vehicle out of rotation for new riders. Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, scoffed at the idea that was a substitute for inspections by a mechanic. “I want you to picture yourself leaving a bar at night,’’ she told colleagues. “How many of you walk all the way around the car, check all the tires, make sure there’s enough tread,’’ Butler continued. “You don’t know anything about the brakes till you’re in the car and they’re not stopping.’’ That sentiment was echoed by Aaron Flannery who said he has driven for Uber for seven years. He told lawmakers that in all those years no customer has checked the tread on the tires of his vehicle, the one visible thing they could see. Flannery said the need for annual safety checks is important, given the wearand-tear on these vehicles. He told lawmakers he averages about 50,000 miles a year driving for Uber, more than three times what a typical motorist will rack up. Rieve told lawmakers there appears to be no difference in accident rates between states like Arizona with annual inspection requirements and those which do not have them. Rieve put the figure at anywhere between $50 and $150. But Flannery said it costs him about $30 to take the vehicle to a mechanic to have the safety check performed. But he also said – and Rieve did not dispute – that once people are driving for Uber they can get the annual check performed for free by the company. Flannery also worried that if a driver does a self-certification and then the brakes or tires fail, that would shift the liability for an accident from the company to the vehicle owner. Rieve, however, said the insurance coverage that Uber has for its drivers remains the same.

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April 27 is Stop Food Waste Day BY HILLARY BRYANT Tribune Guest Writer

ood takes up more space in U.S. landfills than anything else. Waste Not’s primary mission is to reduce food waste from local businesses and use this rescued food to feed people in need. But we also care about the impact of home food waste on our environment and household food budgets. The average American family of four throws out $1,600 each year in produce alone and 43% of annual food waste happens right at home. As we celebrate Earth Day and strive to be better stewards of our resources, let’s

all pledge to participate in Stop Food Waste Day on April 27. Here are some simple ways Waste Not suggests that every household can use to cut back on food waste: • Plan your meals and buy groceries accordingly! Don’t buy perishable things you don’t have scheduled to eat that week – even if they’re on sale. Stick to your shopping list. Take a quick inventory of your pantry and fridge before you head to the store so you don’t make the mistake of duplicating items you already have. • Use clear food storage containers in your fridge so that you can actually see what leftovers are waiting to be eaten. Try to put the things that need to be eaten first at eye level. Factor using dinner leftovers for

lunches into your meal plan. • Control your portions. Take a smaller portion to start with and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. Extras then become left-overs instead you can store or freeze instead of waste that’s scraped off plates into the trash. If you have extras you don’t plan to eat soon, freeze them in a reusable container and label with a description and date so you remember to use it for a future meal. • Choose one dinner each week as a “use-itup” meal. Check your fridge and cupboards for leftover ingredients that can be turned into tasty meals. There are even free apps that can help you come up with ideas based on your list of ingredients.

• Understand food product dates. Confusion over them account for about 20 % of consumer food waste. “Best if Used By” is a standard phrase manufacturers use to indicate when a product will be at its best flavor and quality – but the product is still safe to consume after that date. “Use Buy” is generally reserved for things that are highly perishable or have food safety concerns over time. Hilary Bryant is executive director of Waste Not, a nonprofit that for 35 years, has been matching nutritious prepared and perishable foods from local food business like caterers, resorts and event foodservice that would otherwise go to landfills with nonprofits that feed people in need of food. Last year, Waste Not rescued nearly 3.5 million meals.

toll. When exhausted and frustrated parents are holding a crying baby, they run the risk of becoming too rough in trying to calm them down. This can cause Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), a completely avoidable, yet highly prevalent, condition that affects as many as 3,000 children in the U.S. each year. Importantly, many parents who shake their babies don’t fit the stereotype for child abuse. They don’t have a history of violence and never intended to hurt their children. In these cases, SBS is a result of uncontrolled stress, which compromises parents’ abilities to think clearly and remain calm. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (American SPCC), “Babies, newborn to 1 year, are at greatest risk of injury from shaking. Shaking them with force can trigger a ‘whiplash’ effect that can lead to internal injuries — including bleeding in the brain or in the eyes. Often there are no obvious

external physical signs, such as bruising or bleeding, to indicate an injury.” Sadly, 80% of infants who experience SBS suffer permanent damage, and as many as 25% do not survive. By and large, parents only want the best for their children – and that includes staying calm and giving their children their best, even amid significant stress. What can you do when you feel your temperature rising? Here are three tips: 10-minute talk: Pick up the phone and call someone who will help you calm down. In fact, keep a list of three or more people you can call when your stress levels are climbing. Often, a 10-minute conversation with a calm and loving friend or family member can make all the difference for you – and your baby. 10-foot rule: When you need a break, put your baby in a safe place and give yourself some distance. Ten feet is far enough to allow you to calm down, yet

close enough to keeping your baby in your line of sight. Use this time to focus on your breathing, think calm thoughts or use other meditative techniques that will allow you to lower your stress level and restore peace and control. 10-minute break: If you need time alone, put your baby on their back in an empty crib, then close the door and check on them in 10 minutes. Take a brief pause and focus on something else knowing your baby is in a safe place. Just be sure there are no loose blankets or stuffed animals in the crib. Stress is part and parcel to parenthood – and so are feelings of exhaustion, burnout and even desperation. Use these simple tips to stay cool and calm and to keep your little one safe. For additional support, visit dcs.az.gov/take10. Tené Marion, is program administrator for the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s Office of Prevention.

How parents can restore calm, regain patience BY TENÉ MARION Tribune Guest Writer

aving a baby changes everything. And while most moms and dads report that parenthood is the most gratifying job in the world, it’s also the most challenging. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Arizona Department of Child Safety is sharing tips to help parents stay calm with their children – even when their stress levels hit the ceiling. When it comes to parenting a baby, the physical and emotional demands are off the charts. Parents must learn to balance their regular household and work responsibilities with middle-of-the-night feedings, colic, endless piles of laundry and extra expenses. The learning curve is steep — and the stress and frustration can be difficult to bear. Unfortunately, this stress can take a real

OPINION

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

Disney’s world is looking more like Goofy BY JD HAYWORTH Tribune Columnist

ickey Mouse has turned Leftist Louse…due to circumstances beyond his control, and the long love affair that Disney has enjoyed with almost every American family appears headed for the rocks. The company has chosen to go “woke,” and that decision could conceivably leave the entertainment giant broke. Television helped make the biggest Disney dream a reality. Walt worked out a deal with ABC to finance his Orange County, California, theme park in exchange for a Disney-produced program. Television made Walt Disney himself a “star.” For 12 years, first on ABC, then on NBC— as the Disney anthology series made the move in 1961 to become “The Wonderful World of Color”—Walt was a weekly presence in American homes. Baby Boom kids came to regard him as a virtual “member of the family.” The Disney brand, “post-Walt,” was in some ways initially even “more Walt.” His older brother Roy O. Disney, co-founder of the company, worked to maintain a “Main Street” perspective, demonstrating his own allegiance to family values by insisting that the new theme park in Florida, carry the name of his late brother. Company leadership remained in the family, but inevitably there was a “family feud.” Walt’s son-in-law, xx-Southern Cal and LA Rams football player Ron Miller, was initially part of a “management trio,” then became Disney president and CEO in 1980.

Disagreements with Roy’s son, Roy E. Disney, prompted Smith’s ouster in 1984 in favor of yet another management trio, but this troika consisted of non-Disney Executives, and the first-among-equals who eventually emerged was Michael Eisner. Eisner led Disney for 21 years. Most notable during his tenure was Disney’s merger with ABC. Bob Iger succeeded Eisner, and enjoyed 15 years at Disney’s helm. Iger led Disney’s acquisition of most of the studio film operations and assets of 21st Century Fox in 2019. In late February 2020, Disney announced that Iger would be succeeded as CEO by Bob Chapek. Chapek now runs things – and seems intent on running the studio right into the ground. With each executive transition, Disney itself has transitioned. The “House of Mouse,” primarily offering family entertainment for much of its history and has finally “gone Hollywood,” both politically and culturally. What began under Eisner and grew under Iger has now blossomed under Chapek. Disney is in the process of discovering that it has a bumper crop of “stinkweed” American families will avoid. Journalist Christopher Rufo obtained several clips of Disney’s “Reimagine Tomorrow” video conference in late March, which was convened as “all-hands meeting” for the company concerning the Florida parental rights bill. Not only did Disney Execs falsely characterize the legislation as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, many spoke in favor of propagating the LGBTQ+ agenda, expressing

the goal that future Disney productions should strive to insure that at least half the characters are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or something other than heterosexual. Our nation’s founders rallied around the cry “no taxation without representation.” Today, American families are calling for “no sexualization without maturation!” Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the parental rights Bill into law and substantial majorities of both Florida Republicans and Democrats support it. They do not want children from kindergarten through third

grade introduced to sexual subject matter in their schools. Moreover, a Trafalgar Group national poll, conducted the first week of April, found that nearly 70 percent of likely voters are less likely to do business with Disney upon hearing of its focus “on creating content to expose young children to sexual ideas.” Memo to the new Disney CEO: if you continue down this wayward woke path, at least change your company logo. Spare our memories of Mickey. Replace him with Goofy.

How to get a letter published E-mail: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Queen Creek Tribune welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. Queen Creek Tribune will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not Queen Creek Tribune, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

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$60M land deals bringing 1,195 homes to area BY TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

hree land deals in the last month totaling almost $60 million are bringing a projected 1,195 in and next to Queen Creek. The biggest of the three deals was Tri Pointe Homes Arizona’s acquisition of 252 acres of San Tan Valley land bordered by East Combs, East Hash Knife, North Kenworthy and North Schnepf roads for $27.7 million for the 774-home Ware Farms planned community. Shea Homes’ purchased 38.5 acres of vacant farm land on the southwest corner of Germann and Crismon roads for $8.53 million for the 176-home phase 2 of Jorde Farms, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com. And Mattamy Homes shelled out $23.45 million for a 254-home called The Quarters of Queen Creek on 88 acres at Gantzel and Combs roads. According to vizzda, the March 28 Mattamy purchase from Montage Acquisitions occurred on the same day Montage had acquired the site for 13.78 million. Scottsdale-based Mattamy, which describes itself as “North America’s largest privately owned homebuilder,” said The Quarters lots will primarily be 50’x120’ and 60’x120’ though some will be 70’x120.’ The homebuilder said it will offer both single- and two-story houses with 40foot and 50-foot plans and that the latter will include three-car garages. Planned amenities include a 1.8-acre park centrally located within the community with open-turf areas, shaded ramadas, picnic tables, play structures and sports courts. There is also a 1.5 mile-pedestrian trail encircling the community. The Queen Creek Wash runs along the community’s northern edge and Mat-

Tri Pointe Homes Arizona plans to build 774 homes on this 252-acre site next to Queen Creek. (vizzda.com) tamy said it expects to start offering lots for sale in early 2022.

“Our latest acquisition in Queen Creek will be highly appealing to those looking for open, spacious �loorplans, a wealth of outdoor amenities and a highly desirable location, joining our Pinnacle at San Tan Heights and Empire Pointe communities in the east valley, with more to come,” Mattamy said. Tri Pointe, previously known as Maracay Homes, said its purchase its “strategy of building quality, innovative homes in locations with convenient access to major transportation and employment corridors,” It said it will offer four designs with

homesites ranging from 48 to 65 feet. It plans a large clubhouse pool, event lawns, a two-acre lake, sports courts and �ields. It also will develop 10 of 15 park acres. “We’re thrilled to be kicking off things with the development of Phase 1 at Ware Farms, which will be a signi�icant planned community for years to come, said Tri Pointe Arizona Division President James Atwood. Earlier last month, Taylor Morrison bought nearly 91 acres for $10.8 million at Schnepf and Combs roads for a projected 309 homes, vizzda reported.

standing regarding the property, that could impact the outcome of the dispute. Even in the absence of a written agreement, the parties may claim an implied agreement existed. Placing John on title may create a rebuttable presumption of ownership. When a deed is unambiguous, a court might decide not to look at other evidence outside of the actual deed instrument. On the other hand, evidence outside the deed could be considered by the court and could alter the outcome of the dispute. Further, in this type of factual scenario, it is not entirely clear whether John paid any consideration for the property. Even assuming John did not pay any consideration, that fact by itself does not necessarily warrant a court invalidating the property transfer. Barbara, on her end, could claim fraud or duress, but she would be required to prove that John duped and/or forced her into transferring the property.

Barbara may also claim that John was unjustly enriched and that it would be inequitable for him to retain title. Barbara also could claim contribution or reimbursement for the monies expended towards the property after the parties became co-tenants. It is important to understand the parties’ legal rights because the prevailing party in a quiet title dispute has the right to request reimbursement of lawyer fees. Of course, the above title dispute is not limited to engaged couples; oftentimes friends living together, business partners, or family members, could own property jointly. The situation can get messy quickly when one co-tenant wants to sell their interest. In all cases it is important to be as strategic as possible before taking action. Co-tenants on title together also generally have other �inancial ties that may get brought into the title dispute. Patrick MacQueen and Ben Gottlieb are founders of MacQueen & Gottlieb PLC. Contact Ben Gottlieb at ben@mandglawgroup.com or call 602-533-2840.

Seek legal help in cases of property title disputes BY BEN GOTTLIEB Tribune Guest Writer

he following situation is not uncommon: John and Barbara get engaged and live together. The home the couple lives in is titled in Barbara’s name. Before the wedding, Barbara conveys the property to John and Barbara as tenants in common. John does not contribute any money to the property and Barbara is still the sole mortgagor making the monthly mortgage payments. Several months after the title transfer, John and Barbara call off the wedding. To Barbara’s chagrin, when she asks John to convey back his 50% interest in the property to Barbara, John requests to be “bought out” for fair market value. Can John legally make this request, and will John prevail in court? In these types of property disputes, the court is going to review the facts carefully. If the parties had a written agreement or memorandum of under-

REAL ESTATE

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | APRIL 24, 2022

Queen Creek housing market attractive to buyers BY MELANIE NEMETZ Tribune Guest Writer

ueen Creek, once a population of 2,500, is now a thriving town buyers are eager to call home. The retail and restaurant industries grew at a moderate yet steady pace over the course of the years. Where Queen Creek once offered minimal shopping and dining choices, there now is a vibrant and bustling selection. Queen Creek was already an ideal place to call home and had been for many years. Yet the completion of Queen Creek Marketplace along with the addition of numerous nearby restaurants, positioned the area for growth and helped draw buyers in. Assured their needs could be met within close proximity of their home, Queen Creek became an even more desirable place to call home. Poised to welcome, the buyers arrived. The addition of State Route 24, also

known as Gateway Freeway, is helping to ease the traf�ic connecting to major arteries like the 60 freeway and the Loop 202. For those who still work in an of�ice, there is hope as State Route 24 continues to work its way through Queen Creek. Although waiting for additional funding, there is an interim phase II planned, from Ellsworth to Ironwood. What has all this growth and demand done to the local housing market? It’s gone bananas! Queen Creek started with cotton, corn and potatoes, and has grown into a thriving residential area. The recent housing growth, at times, has felt hard to grasp as it all seemed to happen in a blink of an eye. Queen Creek’s annual median sale price peaked in 2021 at $420,000. That number has risen to $445,000 in March 2022. December 2021 there were less than 300 active listings throughout Queen Creek.

March of 2022 brought only 200 active listings, although these numbers are not indicative of the inventory that is starting to rise throughout the valley, albeit slowly. Demand is also beginning to fall as the inventory rises. Inventory remains extremely low, relatively speaking. We are currently at .77 months’ worth of inventory when a balanced market would have us at four months. This means that it would currently take .77 months to sell the current inventory, if no new listings came to market. Our historically balanced market would take four months to sell the inventory, if no new listings came to market. Recent interest rate increases in 2022 as well as the anticipated hikes by the end of the year, will likely weaken sales prices in the third quarter. The high prices combined with �ierce competition to get an accepted contract on a home has been hard enough for buyers to experience, leading to buyer fatigue. Add rising interest rates and buyers are

near their breaking point. Some already reached that point and had to pull out of the market for a new home as they can simply no longer afford a home. Rentals seemed to have peaked late last summer with inventory almost doubling, dropping the asking price for a rental. This is some light at the end of the tunnel for those priced out of home buying as they will have more options to rent for the time being. As we eventually, and ever so slowly, head towards a balanced market, it’s important to focus on the health a balanced market provides. Buyers and seller will once again work together to get a home under contract, without one side favoring the other. Melanie Nemetz, the owner and founder of The Melanie Nemetz Team with Keller Williams Integrity First can be reached at (480) 221-3034, melanie@fosteringre.com or www.fosteringre.com Data provided by 2022 Cromford Associates LLC & Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.

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Ryan Whitehorse embracing challenge at Casteel BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

asketball was the way of life for Ryan Whitehorse growing up in Page, a small northern Arizona town near Lake Powell and the Utah border. He grew up playing in youth leagues before enrolling at Page High School where he excelled on the court. He would routinely play in front of thousands, as high school basketball in northern Arizona and its reservations draw large crowds for just about every game. He grew up with a winning culture and carried that on when he began coaching the girls team at Page once his playing career was over. Whitehorse found success in that position, too. But now, after five years leading the Lady Sand Devils and a year away to work toward a degree in nursing while living in the Valley, he’s ready to share that culture with Casteel High School as the new girls’ basketball coach. “Going into Page, the program’s success and culture was already built,” Whitehorse said. “My job was to continue it. Casteel is a newer school. I want to be able to build that same culture we had from Page. “It’s starting already with the coaching staff. We want to expose the girls to that style of basketball by incorporating the fundamentals.” Whitehorse has been living in Phoenix for a year while attending the University of Arizona. While his primary focus was his education, he quickly began to miss coaching. He thought about routes he could take to get back in the game but wasn’t sure which was best for him.

Then the job at Casteel opened. He admits it was a “let’s go for it” moment. He didn’t expect much but hoped to at least land an interview to get a chance at impressing school Athletic Director Ryan Ridenour and the rest of the hiring committee. He did that, and more. He was publicly named head coach April 4. “We started this process two months ago. I’ve met with multiple candidates and each of them multiple times,” Ridenour said. “Each time, he’s shown why he has been successful, and I think it is going to translate. It’s a different culture, here versus there, but at the same time, the things he speaks about all translate to our kids.” Whitehorse’s time at Page was filled with triumph and continuing to build a culture that thrives off community involvement and fast-paced play. “Rez ball,” as it’s referred to often, involves pushing the ball up the court at a fast pace and most importantly, wearing down an opponent with a high-scoring affair. It’s something Page and other schools in northern Arizona have mastered as they routinely win or compete for state titles in the smallschool conferences. While leading his former high school, Whitehorse coached the Lady Sand Devils to a 117-23 record in five seasons. He was named Region Coach of the Year four times during his tenure and 3A Conference Coach of the Year three times. Under his direction, Page made the state title game all five years, winning three times. The most recent title came in his final season in 2020. Ridenour believes Whitehorse can find similar success at Casteel. Just four years ago, the Colts made a run

to the semifinals. Two years ago, they were the No. 1 seed in the 5A tournament but were forced to forfeit their opening round game after a self-reported violation involving the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s prior contact rule. “We’ve heard ‘family,’ we’ve heard ‘commitment,’ all the words that mean, ‘I’m all in,’” Ridenour said. “He is all in. There’s no doubt. One big thing I’ve always known in coaches is that winners win. It’s a different style of basketball but he will find a way. I think the brand of ball will be a change, but it will be a change for everyone that sees us. “There’re some exciting times ahead. I think Ryan Whitehorse, who led the Page girls’ basketball team to three he is the guy that takes state championships and five total appearances in the big game, has been hired to lead the Casteel girls’ basketball program. (Courus to another level.” tesy Ryan Ridenour) While just recently announced as the new head coach, Whitehorse already has nual holiday tournament in the winter. plans for Casteel. He knows making the jump from 3A He aims to establish a similar cul- to the 5A Conference will be a learning ture and style of play with the Lady curve with a slew of talented teams in Colts. He said he is bringing down a the field every season. But it’s a chalfew of his assistants from Page to join lenge he feels he is ready for and one him at the school. that he wants to face head on. Summer games, including tourna“There was some success in the ments, are already being planned. beginning with Casteel,” Whitehorse Whitehorse said he will try to take said. “I want to build on that. I want Casteel take a tournament in the to have that same type of success four-corners region of the state. He and culture we had at Page now at also hopes to take them to Page’s an- Casteel.”

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Ingredients: • 1 cup vegetable oil • 3 eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla • 2 cups sugar • 1 small can (or 1 cup) crushed pineapple, not drained • 2 cups shredded carrots (2 large carrots) • 1 cup golden raisins, marinated for one hour in Grand Marnier or orange liqueur • 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted • 1 cup coconut, toasted until golden brown • 2 cups flour • 2 teaspoons cinnamon • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt Directions: In a small bowl, cover the raisins with liqueur and let them soak for one hour, and then drain. In a dry skillet on medium high heat, toast the walnuts and set aside. In the same skillet, toast the coconut until golden brown. (Be careful not to burn the coconut!) In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well. Pour batter into cupcake liners. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes up clean. Remove from oven and immediately pour carrot cake glaze over the top of the cupcakes. Place the cupcakes in the freezer until cool, and then frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

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Carrot cupcake glaze - Ingredients: • 4 tablespoons butter • ½ cup buttermilk* • ½ cup sugar • ½ teaspoon baking soda (*For homemade buttermilk, mix 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice into ½ cup milk or cream. Stir and let sit for 10-15 minutes.) Directions: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup of buttermilk, ½ cup of sugar and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Bring to a boil (Mixture will bubble up and triple in size.) Pierce cupcakes with skewer or toothpick and pour glaze over cupcakes. Cream cheese frosting - Ingredients: • 8 oz cream cheese • 4 teaspoons butter, softened • 3 cups powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Juice of ½ lemon Directions: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Mix until well incorporated. Put in piping bag and frost top of cupcakes.

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