Worries galore in school budget / P. 8
Crackdown on bars / P. 16
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
INSIDE
NEWS ............................. 14
Some support for lawmaker's deadly force call.
BUSINESS .................. 23 Tariffs threaten wine industry, locals fear.
FOOD............................. 29 Francine slates debut in Scottsdale.
NEIGHBORS .......................................... 21 BUSINESS .............................................. 23 OPINION ................................................ 26 FOOD ....................................................... 29 CLASSIFIEDS .......................................30
FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF SCOTTSDALE) | scottsdale.org
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Mask protest puts Phillips on the hot seat BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor
“
I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!” Scottsdale Councilman Guy Phillips’ spoke those words as he removed his mask at his protest against the city’s mask mandate last week. The comments drew swift condemnation from many locals – and others across the country – with some calling for Phillips to resign from office and drop out of the ongoing council election. The anger stems from allegations that Phillips mocked the last words spoken by George Floyd, a Black man whose death
Scottsdale Councilman Guy Phillips has created a storm with the protest he organized against the city’s mask mandate, reaping criticism for opening up his speech by saying “I can’t breathe” while removing his mask. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)
sparked nationwide protests against police brutality. In videos recorded at the time, Floyd can be heard saying “I can’t breathe” as a Minneapolis police knelt on his neck.
Those words have been a rallying cry at the protests, including the 1,000-person one that took place in downtown
concerns that district leadership’s rush to “hand pick” committee members could undermine its mission. Outgoing Superintendent John Kriekard announced the district’s plans to develop an inclusion and equity model June 9, stating committee members would be “people who have been active and people who have voiced their opinion,” including some
teachers and students already engaged in related issues. As it turns out, the district was soliciting members for that committee before it presented the initiative to the board and public. According to emails obtained by the
see MASKS page 10
SUSD rushed to form equity panel, emails show BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor
W
hen Scottsdale Unified School District announced the formation of an inclusion and equity committee earlier this month, it won unanimous praise from the Governing Board, but emails show behind-the-scenes
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An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 4301 N 75th St., Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@scottsdale.org Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Managing Editor Wayne Schutsky | 480-898-6533 | wschutsky@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@scottsdale.org Photographers Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.
The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Scottsdale Progress assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement. © 2020 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Modest Fourth of July celebration planned BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
R
eturning for its seventh year, Scottsdale 4th will feature its traditional fireworks show on Independence Day but in a very untraditional setting. This year’s fireworks show at WestWorld has been transformed into a driveup-only, physically distanced event. “It’s just got a completely different experience: It’s a pure fireworks show this year,” said Kerry Dunne, principal of R Entertainment and organizer of the event. According to Dunne, Scottsdale 4th has the space to host about 1,000 guests safely, compared to the 15,000 people who attended last year’s fireworks show. “Unlike some of the other cities, we have the opportunity to do it safely,” Dunne said. “If we couldn’t do it sociallydistance safe with people in their cars and creating a safe area for every one of the cars that are coming to this, we would have never done it.” Southern Scottsdale residents who might be thinking of going to Tempe’s annual bash can forget that: It’s been
The Scottsdale 4th fireworks show, set against the McDowell Mountains, will begin approximately 9 p.m. Lots will open at 7 p.m., and each car will be charged $25. (Scottsdale 4th)
canceled altogether. Mesa’s fireworksonly celebration is identical to WestWorld’s in terms of social distancing measures – and will be held at the much smaller Fiesta Mall. Each vehicle at WestWorld will be assigned a 16-by-20-foot space, and
attendees must remain within their assigned space, save for using the restroom or purchasing concessions. Concessions include hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spiked selt-
is playing and stop feeding the treats as soon as the recording is over. Gradually increase the volume of recording over several sessions – if your pet shows fear or anxiety during training, stop immediately and start the next session at a lower volume. ThunderShirts are a calming wrap that applies gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso to help them feel safe and calm. It is best to have a pet test the ThunderShirt a few times prior to the holiday. Proper identification. Ensure pets have current ID tags and updated microchips. This will greatly increase the chances that a lost pet will be reunited with their owner. Keep cool. The Fourth of July occurs during one of the hottest months, and panicked pets are subjected to heat stroke. Be sure pets have plenty of shade, fresh water, and keep pets off the hot pavement.
Keep indoors, distracted. Fireworks and bursts of bright flashing lights can frighten pets and trigger them to flee or escape the yard. This can be disastrous on busy streets, especially in the extreme summer heat. Keep pets away from firework displays and avoid taking pets to firework shows. Turn on the radio or TV to distract pets with severe anxiety. Know their whereabouts. Do not leave pets unattended in the backyard as the sound of fireworks can send them over the fence or digging to get out. Additionally, unattended food attracts curious pets onto counter tops or in trash cans. Alcohol and many foods found on your dinner plate can be poisonous for pets. Report pets in distress. To report signs of animals in distress this summer, call AHS’ emergency animal medical technicians at 602-997-7585 ext. 2073Information: azhumane.org/lost-a-pet.
see FIREWORKS page 8
How to protect pets from �ireworks' noise PROGRESS NEWS STAFF
T
he 5th of July is the busiest day of the year for shelters across the country and many pets, frightened by the fireworks, end up wandering away from home. More pets go missing around and on the Fourth of July than any other holiday. The Arizona Humane Society offers tips to help desensitize pets to fireworks. Behavior Modification. Pet owners can use a combination of desensitization and counter-conditioning to help reduce a pet’s anxiety, however AHS’ Behavior Specialists say it needs to be done gradually, during times when you can control the trigger. Play a recording with the sound that your pet fears at a very low level where they show no fear. Feed your pet high=value treats like hot dogs or chicken while the recording
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
City gives businesses a break on fees, regulations
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor
T
he City of Scottsdale has modified local regulations and waived fees to provide relief to businesses affected by the recent cornavirus business shutdowns and encourage social distancing. The changes allow City Council to temporarily suspend ordinances and contracts and give City Manager Jim Thompson authority to execute “specified actions” to promote an economic recovery. The changes, approved unanimously on consent by Council June 16, include waiving fees to set up outdoor patios and lifting restrictions limiting the length of special event permits needed for businesses to set up outdoors on city property. Council also waived a $30 permit fee for businesses that want to post temporary banners and also allowing businesses the ability to request an extension beyond the typical 35-day usage period.
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Council also approved providing a retroactive credit to businesses that paid in-lieu parking fees from March 21 to May 10, because they were closed and did not utilize the spaces. In-lieu parking is a system in which smaller property owners downtown can pay into a fund when they cannot meet city parking requirements on site. Some changes are similar to those suggested by Council candidate Betty Janik in May. Janik asked the police and transportation departments to consider the feasibility of temporarily shutting down some streets downtown on nights and weekends to create pedestrian malls that enable businesses to expand operations outdoors. Janik said she was inspired by successful annual festivals like Parada del Sol and the Pearl Street Mall in Denver where she used to live. She said she met with Thompson and he was supportive of the idea. “We have a lot of festivals downtown in Scottsdale and they close up a lot of
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the streets… it’s been very successful,” Janik said. “It’s kind of an extension of things that we’ve already seen.” The city did not go as far as Janik suggested – shutting down streets on its own – but did make it easier for local businesses to request those shutdowns or expand outdoor operations on their own property. In May, city spokesman Kelly Corsette said the street shutdowns could be requested by local businesses via a special events permit. “To do that there needs to be concurrence from the other businesses in the area in addition to the restaurants,” Corsette said. The temporary changes will make it easier for businesses to receive those permits by removing the requirement that a special event provide a “unique organized, civic, cultural, educational, entertainment or recreational activity or experience.” Council also lifted rules restricting special events to no more than 10 consecutive days or 24 total days during the calendar year and limiting sidewalk sales to no more than two sales a year or more than 10 consecutive days. In effect, the changes allow for “business extension for retail sales, added dining areas, or added service areas through December 31, 2020,” according to a city memo. Council also waived the outdoor dining permit fees – which restaurants pay to set up a patio – paid by restaurants during the shutdown. Because restaurants already paid the fee for that timeframe, the waiver will be expressed as a reimbursement for upcoming fees for the period beginning July 1, according to the city. When asked about Janik’s initial proposal, a handful of downtown restaurant owners – who decreased their capacity by up to around 50 percent – told the Progress they support any idea that helps local businesses serve more people safely. “I think this is a great idea until the end of August,” said Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality, parent company of the Farm and Craft restaurant. “It would allow for an increased patio type space to increase the amount of din-
ing tables in an open-air environment so we can pay our expenses and keep more staff employed,” Hibbert said. “Arizona is a perfect climate for this.” Not everyone agreed with Hibbert’s take on Arizona’s climate, arguing it is already difficult for restaurants and businesses to take advantage of expanded outdoor dining as temperatures hit 100 degrees and higher well into the evening hours. “I see it happening in other states and cities; only problem here is the heat,” said Joe Ieraci, owner of The House Brasserie. He wasn’t alone. “We’re for anything that’s helps small businesses, particularly restaurants, but don’t feel that’s it’s a viable option as the temperature outside rises consistently above 100 degrees,” said M. Dana Mule, owner of Hula’s Modern Tiki. “Maybe at a different time of year?” Janik acknowledged that weather could be an issue and asked the city to be flexible to allow businesses to take advantage of the occasional cooler evening early in the summer “hopefully through June or the 4th of July weekend, which would be nice.” Still, with the rules in effect through at least Dec. 31, businesses can still take advantage when the weather cools off. But then there is a question of cost. Janik’s initial proposal asked the city to shut down streets to give businesses places to open up outdoors. Though the new rules ease requirements placed on businesses, they still require owners to expand on their own property or pay for the use of city space. For instance, downtown restaurant The Drunk Munk has an application before the city to amend an existing agreement with the city to expand its patio from 314 square feet to 1,694 square feet. Under the proposal, which will go before Council on July 1, the restaurant will pay the city $12,857 for using city land – up from the $2,327 it paid for the smaller area. A few other downtown restaurants and bars, including Diego Pops and Coach House, have already expanded outdoor service on their own properties. -Kristine Cannon contributed to this report.
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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CITY NEWS
FIREWORKS from page 4
zers, as well as meat and vegan tacos from the Original AZ Taco Festival Truck. The event will also encourage attendees keep a six-foot distance from other attendees while standing in line. Dunne said while they’ll have social distancing markings for guests to follow and they’ll have security on-hand, they aren’t concerned about guests not honoring physical distancing. “In doing all the pop-up movies that we’ve done so far, we’ve never had one problem at all,” Dunne said. “People are pretty responsible.” “It’s a lot of self-policing,” Dunne added. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane issued an emergency proclamation on June 18 requiring people cover their nose and mouth in most public areas – like Scottsdale 4th. While the Scottsdale 4th website and the event’s press release did not make mention at the time of publication of requiring guests wear masks, Dunne told the Progress that they “will follow the guidelines from the city of Scottsdale.” “We will add it [masks] to our website; we just haven’t at this point,” he added.
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
In addition to fireworks, the Scottsdale 4th event initially offered live music by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, but the band has canceled all summer 2020 tour dates. Also on the docket, preceding the concert, was a “Parade of Heroes” featuring nurses, doctors, police, fire, EMTs, restaurants workers, and more essential workers. That, however, was also canceled. Set against the McDowell Mountains, the WestWorld lot opens at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin approximately 9 p.m. The event charges $25 per carload. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to notMYkid, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring youth to make positive life choices. “We have been on the frontlines of a growing mental health pandemic that has evolved from COVID-19, and this gives us a platform to make sure families know we are still here and available to provide support and guidance,” said notMYkid CEO Kristen Polin. The money raised will benefit notMYkid’s Urgent Mental Health Rx Initiative, which supports youth and families
in need of prevention, early intervention and behavioral health services. “Since schools closed in March, we have moved at breathless speed to shift programs online and remain available to mentor families and help navigate their mental health needs,” Polin said. “Youth need our support now more than ever, and we’re grateful for this platform to continue to educate and eliminate the stigma that often comes alongside substance abuse and mental health challenges,” Polin added. Those forgoing Scottsdale 4th in favor of hosting their own fireworks show should take note of the fireworks restrictions the city has set in place. While use of some consumer fireworks is premised by state law in Scottsdale, their use in and near many sensitive desert areas – including McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and all properties located within one mile of these lands, remain illegal – and violators are subject to substantial fines. The use of fireworks is also prohibited on all publicly owned properties, including city buildings, city parking lots, city parks, public schools, city streets, and
more. Violations are a civil offense punishable by citations and fines. Aquatic centers are off-limits this Fourth of July, too. While lap swim is open on July 4 at three of Scottsdale’s four aquatic centers — Cactus, Eldorado, and McDowell Mountain Ranch — pools are not yet open for public swim. And those interested in spending the Fourth outdoors can do so at McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park, but only during certain hours. The Preserve closes at noon on July 4, and Pinnacle Peak Park will be open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. “We’ve had some folks that don’t feel comfortable about [Scottsdale 4th], and we get it. This is an unusual time,” Dunne said. “But we felt it was something that we wanted to do. We wanted to keep a little bit of the tradition going and provide a little bit of entertainment for families during this time in a safe way.” “People are going to remember where they were on July 4th, 2020 — that’s for sure.” Information: Scottsdale4th.com
Crosier said. The budget includes a 5 percent raise for salary increase for all employees, including teachers. That increase led to a significant increase in funding for student support services within the M&O over the previous year – 16.5 percent, or about $1.2 million. Instructional spending also rose 5.2 percent, or $3.4 million, with most of the increase coming from salaries and benefits. Overall, the M&O budget increased by about $8.5 million. The district’s budget for student transportation also continues to rise. The $9 million budgeted for transportation is 6.2 percent higher than last year’s total, which was itself a 10.8 percent increase over the prior year. The rising transportation costs are the result of a statewide bus driver shortage that has forced the district – and others around the state – to rely on more expensive contractors, outgoing Superintendent John Kriekard said.
Board President Allyson Beckham suggested staff study whether increasing pay even more would help the district fill the positions while still saving money compared to the contractors currently used. CFO Jeff Gadd addressed another possible solution to the problem: adding a third school start time in the district, which would “save about 10 drivers.” He also noted that most districts of a similar size already have three start times. But that is not a short-term solution, Gadd said, noting that the district would have to study the possibility of adding a third start time over the next year. Though SUSD’s new budget increased over the prior year, it does account for an anticipated loss of enrollment – an issue the district has fought for the past decade. The new budget accounts for a loss of 275 ADM, or average daily membership, based on projections in a recent demographic study performed by Applied Economics, though the district has contingen-
cies in place for a loss of upward of 500 students. Overall, the district had enrollment of 21,543 on the 100th day of this school year, well above the anticipated enrollment of 21,083, though it still marked a loss of 60 students over the previous year. Additionally, Crosier said money allocated to the district from the federal pandemic relief package – could be used to offset the loss of an additional 200 students. The district is grappling with how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic will affect enrollment. Gadd said the picture is still largely unclear. “The impact of COVID is obviously very difficult to know what will happen with that,” Gadd said, noting that the district has contingencies in place for a loss of up to 525 students this year, which well exceeds projections. On June 24, the state stepped in and
SUSD approves budget amid virus challenges
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor
T
he Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board approved a $373 million budget for the next school year, though there are still some financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bulk of that budget – about 44 percent, or $174 million – is allocated to the district’s maintenance and operations budget, which pays for most day-to-day expenditures in a school district. About 55 percent of the M&O budget will be spent on in-classroom instructional costs with another 10 percent allocated to student support like nurses and guidance counselors. Another four percent is allocated to instructional services, including librarians and curriculum development. “Those three together total 69 percent, so that’s a healthy part of our budget is directly in the classroom or supports for the classroom,” Director of Finance Shannon
see BUDGET page 12
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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CITY NEWS
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
MASKS from front
Scottsdale. Phillips’ stunt had the appearance of an orchestrated bit. He was not wearing a mask earlier in the protest, put the mask on moments before taking the microphone and then took it off seconds later. Armonee Jackson, who organized the earlier police brutality protest in Scottsdale, said Phillips’ words were a clear allusion to Floyd – though Phillips has denied that allegation. “I thought that it was very insensitive to use that language,” Jackson said. “That just goes to show, one, how he feels about the black community; two, how he feels about the black lives matter movement; and, three, where he stands as far as things that are happening to the black community in regards to police brutality.” Local officials, including Mayor Jim Lane, criticized Phillips. Lane said the comments “do not represent the values of our Scottsdale community.” “I share the profound disappointment expressed by many residents at the words Mr. Phillips chose – to use the phrase 'I can’t breathe' during this moment in time was callous and insensitive,” Lane wrote in a statement. Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp said Phillips should “look inward and his conscience will dictate that he resign from the council.” “I am appalled by Councilman Guy Phillips’ use of the term “I can’t breathe” to illustrate his disdain for wearing a mask as ordered by the city recently,” Klapp said. “He knows well the protesting occurring here and across the country and the use of the “I can’t breathe” term by protestors to condemn the strangulation killing by police of George Floyd.” Councilmember Virginia Korte said she “gasped” when he used the phrase. “Phillips use of those three words is irresponsible, insensitive, disrespectful, reprehensible and dangerous,” Korte said. “Phillips does not represent me nor what I believe are the values and principles of our city.” Phillips later apologized and stated he did not intend to make light of Floyd’s death. “To the Family of George Floyd – I am sorry about a comment I made today
Around 200 people gathered outside Scottsdale City Hall on June 24 to protest the city’s mask mandate. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)
that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made,” Phillips said in an email to the Progress. “He didn’t deserve what happened to him and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I can’t breathe in a mask.” “Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended,” Phillips said. The comments also drew condemnation from Governor Doug Ducey and Senator Martha McSally, who both called the comments “despicable” on their official social media accounts. “Just flat out wrong. Despicable doesn’t go far enough,” Ducey wrote. “The final words of George Floyd should NEVER be invoked like this. Anyone who mocks the murder of a fellow human has no place in public office. Period.” The controversy could have implications for Phillips, who is seeking a third term. A number of his fellow candidates criticized his comments, including John Little, Tammy Caputi and Kevin Maxwell. Even one-time allies running for office spoke out against Phillips, including Tom Durham and Betty Janik. Janik called the words “inexcusable” and criticized the protest against the mask mandate itself as “an offense to my very being.” Emily Austin, a local activist and former vocal Phillips supporter, has pulled her support – but for different reasons. Austin said she believed Phillips’ apology and that he did not intend to mock
Floyd, but said she was disheartened by the partisan nature of the rally, stating the non-partisan City Council race is not a place to play party politics. “He’s too partisan now to be on the City Council,” Austin said “It’s supposed to be the safe space for people to just focus on issues like scooters, buildings heights and density and traffic.” The comments could hurt the city’s reputation nationally and with communities of color as Phillips’ words went viral on social media and ended up in national outlets like the Washington Post and Good Morning America by the next day. “To have our community represented in this manner, on a national platform, is a disgrace and does long-term damage to Scottsdale’s reputation,” Korte said. Jackson said Phillips’ words “just solidified exactly how we felt as a Black community as a whole; you don’t feel welcomed and that just solidifies that.” Phillips’ early comment largely overshadowed the protest he organized against Mayor Lane’s June 18 emergency proclamation that requires masks be worn in most public places in Scottsdale. Around 200 people gathered at Scottsdale City Hall on June 24 to join the protest, which featured a number of speakers, including Scottsdale State Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, former Graham County Sheriff Richard Mack, U.S. Senate candidate Daniel McCarthy and Dr. Peter Steinmetz. Protestors carried signs decrying
Scottsdale’s mandate with messages like “Free people choose,” “My choice, not yours,” and “Land of the free, home of the brave.” The stated goal of the event was not to discourage mask usage, according to a Facebook post, but to show it should be a “personal choice.” But few people in the crowd made the personal choice to wear a mask and many even yelled “take the mask off” when Phillips first took the stage. At the event, Phillips said he was willing to wear a mask but said it was not the government’s place to mandate one. “I’d happily wear a mask out of respect for my fellow citizens,” Phillips said. “But when government threatens me with a fine or possible arrest if I don’t conform, I protest.” Scottsdale Police did not issue any citations during the protest although hundreds of people gathered without masks in violation of the mandate. “Our practice throughout the COVID-19 crisis has been to encourage compliance through education,” Officer Kevin Watts said. “As a department we will continue to encourage all members of the community to follow CDC and Arizona Department of Health Services recommendations as well as city and state orders.” He added that “a safe environment for those exercising their rights will be our main priority, not directed enforcement.” Ugenti-Rita argued that residents were “cut out of the process” and that mandates should have been discussed in public meetings but were instead issued mostly unilaterally. Scottsdale’s mandate was issued by Lane without a council meeting. “The outcome may not be what you like and may be what other people like, but you didn’t have an opportunity to express yourself,” Ugenti-Rita said. “Was this decision made in the legislature in committee…Did they post a meeting requirement and invite the public? No, they did not.” Lane was one of the first mayors in the Valley to take advantage of Ducey’s June 17 announcement that he was giving cities and counties the power to require people to wear masks in public. But it was criticized by Phillips, who
see MASKS page 12
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Medicines that are out of date or no longer used and are kept at home are highly susceptible to misuse, and abuse. Keeping medications after they are no longer needed creates a health risk for children and others. One in six older adults regularly uses a potentially dangerous combination of prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
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\I I I
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CITY NEWS
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
BUDGET from page 8
provided some stability for districts concerned about enrollment. Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced $270 million in funding for schools coping with the pandemic, including $200 million “to increase funding for remote learning and to protect schools against budget shortfalls due to declining enrollment.” Ducey also announced that districts will receive equal funding whether a student learns online or in the classroom – a change from the previous policy in which districts received more money for students who learn in the classroom. The district announced via a letter to parents in June that it is considering offering multiple options next year, including online, hybrid and traditional in-person learning with increased cleaning and safety measures. According to a survey put out by the district, around 60 percent of families indicated they planned to send their children back to the classroom while
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perienced a teacher shortage for years. Under Ducey’s plan, $6 million will go to the Arizona Teachers Academy in an attempt to attract more potential teachers into the profession. Increased expenditures for cleaning, protective equipment and other precautions totaled $160,000 in the current school year and the same amount has been budgeted for 2020-21. Gadd, the CFO, On June 24, Governor Doug Ducey announced a $270-million package to aid schools reopening during the coronavi- said the district rus pandemic. (Capital Media Services) spent $160,000 on corona virus-relataround 20 percent would opt for the ed expenses last online-only option, Kriekard said. year and budgeted the same amount Kriekard said around 50 percent of this year in the district’s M&O budget. teachers responded that they would Ducey also announced on June 24 that come back to the classroom. That the state had suspended procurement could exacerbate already short-staffed rules for districts to purchase protecclassrooms in Arizona, which has ex- tive gear and related expenses.
MASKS from page 10
said, “We don’t need the government to tell us COVID is real. We know it is. Most people are okay. Some get real sick. Sadly, some died, but the government giving out tickets isn’t going to help, education is.” “I say education, not subjugation,” Phillips said. Many of the other candidates running for office support Lane’s mandate, though. Council candidates Caputi, Durham, Janik, Little, Maxwell and Bill Crawford told the Progress they support the mask mandate. Mayoral candidates Klapp, Korte and David Ortega told the Progress they supported the mask rule. Former Councilwoman Lisa Borowsky said she did not support the mandate, stating Scottsdale citizens were smart enough to follow health guidelines and that “criminalizing non-compliance demonstrates an unfortunate lack of trust in our citizens.” Bob Littlefield, another mayoral candidate, said he had an alternate mask proposal in the works, but did not provide it to the Progress as of press time. Much of the hour-long protest focused on
the alleged illegality of the mask mandates, with speakers alleging they violated various Constitutional rights, including those in the 1st, 9th and 14th Amendments. Phillips said he believed the mask mandate violated the First Amendment right to free expression. Legal experts have largely disagreed, though, arguing mask mandates are legal. “Under the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment and U.S. Supreme Court decisions over nearly 200 years, state governments have the primary authority to control the spread of dangerous diseases within their jurisdictions,” according to the American Bar Association. “The 10th Amendment, which gives states all powers not specifically given to the federal government, allows them the authority to take public health emergency actions, such as setting quarantines and business restrictions.” Phillips did not respond to a request for comment on whether he thinks masks are a viable option to slow virus spread or if he thinks protesting the mandate is more important than abiding by measures designed to protect public health.
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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CITY NEWS
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Deadly force proposal draws some candidates’ support
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor
F
ollowing the riot at Scottsdale Fashion Square in May, Scottsdale Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita called for new legislation allowing business owners to shoot – and possibly kill – in defense of their property, drawing mostly lukewarm reactions from local politicians. But one Scottsdale City Council member and mayoral candidate – and two hopefuls running to represent the city in the Legislature – offered more firm rebukes of the proposal, arguing it could result in more injuries or loss of life if another riot occurred in the future. The riot May 30 saw 700 people descend on the area around Scottsdale Fashion Square, causing millions of dollars in damage to the mall and surrounding businesses. There were no serious injuries or deaths, according to police. But for weeks following the event, some business owners south of the mall in the 5th Avenue and Arts districts – which were largely untouched by the riot – boarded up windows and slept in their stores with firearms. Armed members of an Arizona militia group were also seen roaming the streets downtown. On June 5, Ugenti-Rita proposed on her Facebook page to expand existing laws to allow business owners to use deadly force to prevent vandalism or looting. “I believe we need to strengthen our laws so businesses owners will have a legal justification for using physical force or deadly physical force when defending their property,” Ugenti-Rita wrote in the now-deleted post. Ugenti-Rita did not respond to a request for comment. Republican Alexander Kolodin, who is running against Ugenti-Rita in the Aug. 4 primary, has alleged that she stole the idea from him, citing a Facebook post from May 31 in which he wrote “If you think that the state ought to have police and citizens’ backs if they use force in defense of Scottsdale homes and businesses let me know.” Still, he said he supported the proposal. “I am very glad Senator Ugenti is running with the bill, because at the end of
the day, we run for public office so we can get good legislation introduced and not vice versa,” Kolodin said. “And I’m glad she’s doing it for me.” Ugenti-Rita wrote that she already contacted Gov. Doug Ducey, asking that he include the proposal for consideration in a special legislative session. Existing Arizona law allows individuals to use deadly force to prevent arson of an occupied building, armed robbery, burglary, kidnapping, murder, assault, sexual assault and molestation. Ugenti-Rita’s proposal would expand upon the existing law to allow for physical force or deadly force if a person believes it is needed to stop criminal damage to their property. She specified that criminal damage includes “intentionally defacing or damaging property while knowingly possessing explosives, a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument.” Unlike the current law, there is no requirement the building be occupied. Locally, Mayor Jim Lane declined to address Ugenti-Rita’s proposal. “Even though I have some sympathy for this thinking, because I’ve watched our citizens arm themselves and stand in front of their property, whether that’s their business or their homes, and they have a right to do that…” Lane said. He said there are many complicating factors like defining when deadly force is allowable versus just physical force. “I know that’s not an answer because I’m not sure that I am really comfortable with the idea of getting into this at this time,” Lane said. But Council member and mayoral candidate Virginia Korte was directly critical of Ugenti-Rita’s proposal. Korte said she is a 2nd Amendment supporter, but said the state’s existing law already allows for the use of force in extreme circumstance. “However, extending a legal ruling allowing the use of deadly force by business owners or managers to defend their commercial properties will only result in more lives lost, not safer communities,” Korte said. “I believe lives are more important than property or tangible items – property can be repaired, stolen items can be replaced, lives cannot,” she added.
Scottsdale Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita's proposal that business owners should be allowed to use deadly force to protect their property has backers and critics. (Capital Media Services)
Other candidates said it was too soon to comment on Ugenti-Rita’s proposal because it was not yet an actual bill. “I appreciate Senator Ugenti-Rita’s attempt to examine this problem and find potential solutions,” Klapp said. “It is premature to weigh in on her proposal without all of the details on the planned definitions and provisions.” Former Councilman David Ortega, also a mayoral candidate, called it “premature” to speculate on the specifics of Ugenti-Rita’s proposal because the legislature is out of session and likely won’t take up a bill anytime soon. “As the head of the Commerce Committee, I’m sure Senator Ugenti-Rita will use good judgment,” Ortega said. Lisa Borowsky, a former council member running for mayor, initially agreed with the premise but criticized UgentiRita’s proposal as too broad, saying it would potentially allow for deadly force to be used to prevent even minor property damage. She has since spoken with the senator and given her support to the proposal. “I believe Senator Ugenti-Rita’s is on the right track with strengthening a business owner’s ability to protect their business and commercial property,” Borowsky said. “I have offered to assist her with her proposed legislation and provide support for achieving this goal.”
Ugenti-Rita’s plan has also drawn mixed reviews from local lawmakers and candidates for the Legislature. Fountain Hills Republican Rep. John Kavanagh, who is running for re-election in LD23, said he supports the existing law and allowing property owners to display firearms in defense of their property but stopped short of endorsing Ugenti-Rita’s proposal. He said he would like to see specifics of a bill and how exactly it differed from the existing law before commenting further. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t have any problem with people being able to display weapons or firearms as a show… I think that’s fair warning to demonstrate that to the rioters,” said Kavanagh, a former police officer. “I have to see the exact language where she goes beyond that because it does get tricky there.” But Scottsdale Democrat Eric Kurland, who is running for the Arizona Legislature against incumbents Kavanagh and Rep. Jay Lawrence, called Ugenti-Rita’s proposal dangerous. “Her proposal will not only endanger innocent citizens, but also the police,” Kurland said. “Given that Arizona already allows for people to defend themselves with lethal force if necessary, this is a ready, aim, shoot kind of reaction that has no place in our government.…” Democrat Seth Blattman, who is running for Ugenti-Rita’s senate seat, lives near Fashion Square and said UgentiRita’s proposal would have resulted in bloodshed. “There was property damage, there was theft and that’s a terrible thing and those people deserve to be arrested,” Blattman said. “But the fact that there was no loss of life or no major injury is a very good thing, and the law proposed would have resulted in something different.” Kolodin pushed back on criticisms of the proposal, arguing that police failed to protect businesses in Scottsdale and put the livelihood of owners at risk. “We always have this sort of hope to this expectation that if a mob comes to threaten our business, the police will protect it,” Kolodin said. “But as we’ve found out, sometimes for political reasons that doesn’t always happen and the frontline
see UGENTI page 15
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Local lawmaker must decide State House probe BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
A
Scottsdale lawmaker who heads the House Ethics Committee is weighing whether to have fullblown hearings into the panel’s investigation of a fellow Republican legislator over allegations of an alleged love affair with a lobbyist. Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, said last week he is still reviewing the evidence presented by outside investigators as well as the response to the charges submitted by attorneys for the Globe Rep. David Cook. Allen acknowledged there are issues to be resolved about how to handle what are the two basic complaints against Cook – one involving allegations of an affair with a lobbyist and the other about efforts to intervene on her behalf to halt the sale of some property in a tax sale. The first charge against Cook stems from allegations that he had a romantic relationship with AnnaMarie Knorr who was a lobbyist with the Western Growers Association, a relationship he did not disclose. The second is that Cook called Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb to discuss a pending sale of property in which Knorr had an interest due to unpaid taxes. There also were allegations that Cook promised to arrange campaign contribution for Lamb, but the investigative report makes no such finding. Cook subsequently sponsored more generic legislation making it easier for owners of agricultural property, like that owned by Knorr, to get a tax exemption. Allen noted, a full hearing is “the right to the fundamental protections every citizen of our country would reasonably expect to have.’’ “If you don’t, then you will make the
UGENTI from page 14
officers aren’t authorized to do that.” On June 16, Councilman Guy Phillips asked city staff to conduct an investigation of the police response to the riot, citing an alleged stand-down order. “Unfortunately, on May 30 there appeared to be a call during a publicized riot downtown for our officers to stand
Scottsdale Rep. John Allen oversees an inquiry into a fellow Republican lawmaker. (Capital Media Services)
House a country club, where only those who are in the majority get to determine who sits and who doesn’t,’’ wrote attorneys Dennis Wilenchik and Carmen Chenal Horne. And that, they said, would override the votes of those who put Cook into office. But Allen said, “You take either of these complaints on a stand-alone, they probably wouldn’t have rose to an investigation at all.” So why proceed? “If you take them as conjoined twins and you said, OK, there’s a real question here,’’ he explained. “How do we prove that question?’’ Even if the Ethics Committee decides neither charge merits further pursuit, Allen told Capitol Media Services there’s something else: Cook’s cooperation – or lack thereof – with the inquiry. Wilenchik and Horne said Cook was “fully cooperative in the investigation.’’ But Allen said the evidence suggests otherwise.
down,” Phillips said. But Lane told the Progress he has seen no evidence that such an order was issued. “I have no evidence that that’s what’s happened, and, in fact, it’s been explained to me vastly different,” Lane said. The Police Department has admitted its initial response to the riot was overwhelmed after the drastically underestimating the number of people that would
For example, he said other parties in the investigation provided texts and emails they received from him. But none of them, Allen said, came from Cook himself despite the subpoena. “That’s a terrible precedent to have in the House, to say, ‘hey, lookit, you don’t have to, when subpoenaed, do anything,’’’ he said. Allen said he’s not trying to build a case against Cook based solely on that issue. “But there has to be some accounting for it,’’ he said. All that leads back to the decision Allen and the Ethics Committee have to make, if they decide to go ahead with any charges, about what sort of defense Cook should be allowed to make. Allen said there is precedent for proceeding without giving Cook the right to call witnesses or cross examine those who spoke to investigators. That involved Rep. Daniel Patterson, DTucson, accused in 2012 of multiple incidents of intimidating female lawmakers. The issue of how and whether Cook gets to defend himself also has raised questions from Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa. In a Twitter post last week, Townsend said she is not condoning any behavior that is unbecoming of a legislator. “But regardless, every legislator has the right to a fair investigation,’’ she wrote. “This is setting a most dangerous precedent for future political execution,’’ Townsend continued. “I cannot stay silent.’’ Complicating matters is that at least part of the case against Cook is based on information provided by Bas Aja, himself a long-time Capitol lobbyist and Knorr’s father – who apparently has had some sort of falling-out with his daughter. “There’s a judgment call to be made in here about the level of evidence towards these allegations,’’ Allen said.
converge on the mall. The department prioritized protecting occupied residential buildings in the area over the empty mall and nearby stores, according to statements by Lane and police. The Council voted 6-1 on June 16 to direct city staff to prepare a report on police response to the riot, including whether or not a stand down order was issued.
CITY NEWS
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CITY NEWS
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Ducey OK with unmasked rallies, not bar patrons
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ov. Doug Ducey is defending indoor political rallies with thousands of people without masks even as he admitted the only way Arizona will stop the upward trend of infections is if people mask up and stay home and the state began taking action against bars for violating social distancing requirements. “People’s rights to assemble are not going to be infringed,’’ the governor said Thursday when asked about his attendance at a Trump rally earlier this week at a packed north Phoenix church with about 3,000 people, the majority of who did not have face coverings. Ducey is expected to attend two events this week with Vice President Pence, one in Tucson that has been billed as a campaign stop. At the same time, however, the governor announced the state Department of Liquor Licenses and Control had sent notices to eight Scottsdale bars which he said were not complying with the new “guidance’’ he issued last week to ensure protection of employees and patrons. One Scottsdale bar, the Riot House, was charged with failing to enforce their own safety and health policy, required under Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Orders. Scottsdale Police said officers “observed staff and patrons at this establishment not practicing physical distancing, not wearing face coverings and not complying with their plan.” Riot House, as well as El Hefe and Whiskey Row, closed Thursday at least through today in response to rising virus cases among young people, reports said. The state agency is empowered to take away the right of any of these establishments to serve alcohol. “The crowded social gatherings that we’ve seen must be minimized,’’ Ducey said. But the governor brushed aside questions about how requiring people to wear masks – now the law in Scottsdale – interferes with their right to assemble. “It’s in the First Amendment,’’ he said.
State Health Director Dr. Cara Christ conceded virus cases are on the rise in Arizona. (File photo)
All this is occurring as Ducey announced that the rate of COVID-19 infection in Arizona will continue to rise. “I don’t want there to be illusion or sugar-coated expectations,’’ he said. “We expect that our numbers will be worse next week and the week following, in terms of cases and hospitalizations.’’ Arizona added 3,056 new cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 63,030. There also were another 27 deaths reported, with that tally now at 1,490. Health officials reported a record 2,453 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 611 in intensive-care beds, just shy of the record of 614 set a few days earlier. And hospitals are now using 85 percent of their beds for all kinds of patients and 88 percent of ICU beds. Finally, more than one out of every five tests for the virus is coming back positive. What eventually will turn that around, Ducey said, is the fact that he agreed a week ago to allow cities and counties to impose face mask requirements. He has refused to do this on a statewide basis. But the governor said the fact that 75 percent of the state now is under such a local mandate should finally result in
see DUCEY page 19
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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CITY NEWS
SUSD from front
Progress, Assistant Superintendent Milissa Sackos emailed high school principals June 7 requesting nominees for the committee and Kriekard invited at least one student to join on June 8. Community member Stuart Rhoden, an Arizona State University instructor, also invited Sackos to join the committee shortly after the June 9 meeting began. Sackos is leading the committee, emails show. The committee’s composition – and the speed at which the district was moving – concerned multiple board members, who said the district should spend more time reaching out to the community to find members. On June 12, Board President Allyson Beckham wrote Kriekard: “I know you spoke to me about talking with some current administrators and teachers who would add value to this committee, however, I didn’t think every committee member would be handpicked or that you would be having the first committee meeting next week.” Beckham wrote that she thought Kriekard intended to convene a small group of people to talk about the logistics of forming the committee. “Please reassess the direction you are taking on this hand-picked committee,” she wrote. Beckham did not respond to a request for comment. Board Member Jann-Michael Greenburg was unaware the district was already selecting members, according to
“In my view that in order for such a committee to function properly and be representative of our diversity we must use a well-publicized, application process that is sent to all parents, students, teachers, etc. to fill out and return if interested in participating.”
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
a June 11 email to Kriekard, but was already receiving calls from the community criticizing the process. “I am only flagging this as I am continuing to get berated by people saying this whole thing is a sham,” he wrote. Greenburg told Kriekard on June 11 that the district should open up the selection process to all interested community members and not handpick members. “In my view that in order for such a committee to function properly and be representative of our diversity we must use a well-publicized, application process that is sent to all parents, students, teachers, etc. to fill out and return if interested in participating,” Greenburg wrote. The next day, Greenburg wrote that “Diversity and inclusion is not just about diversity in race, religion, special needs, nationality, etc. It is also about diversity of viewpoint and opinions.” In an email to the board, Kriekard defended the process. “Some of you may have heard that members of this committee have already been recruited. That is correct. We, the cabinet, feel a sense of urgency on this project,” Kriekard wrote. “Like we find math experts when we put together the team for a math adoption, we have sought out experts on this issue.…” Kriekard made a similar statement at the June 9 board meeting, stating the community expected quicker action on these issues in light of recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests it sparked around the country.. A district spokesperson said members “were selected to represent district administration and staff who are leading current District initiatives, Support Services staff who will assist in developing Student Assistance Programming (SAP) and school site representatives…high school principals were asked to assist in the selection of students and staff who are passionate about equity and inclusion.” Parents will be picked based on volunteers and recommendations from schools, the spokesperson said. In addition to Sackos, the committee also includes Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ibi Haghighat; SUSD General Counsel Michelle Marshall; Director of Sup-
Scottsdale Unified Superintendent John Kriekard will be retiring Tuesday. (Progress file photo)
port Services Shannon Cronn; Chief Security Officer James Dorer; and Executive Director of Title 1 Margaret Serna. Kriekard will also serve on the committee until he retires on June 30, at which point new Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel will replace him. Additionally, a handful of school administrator are on the committee, including Cain Jagodzinski, Arcadia High School principal; Nick Noonan, Cocopah Middle School principal; Stephen Cervantez, Desert Mountain High School assistant principal; and Kat Hughes, Principal, Echo Canyon School principal. Greenburg, who attended the committee’s first virtual meeting a week later, said the panel’s composition is diverse but he is still concerned that there is not a “diversity of viewpoints”. “The main criticism of the first meeting was that we did not elevate student voices the way that many of us had hoped, because ultimately this is to serve them,” Greenburg said. There is also the possibility that more members could be added later. “As the committee’s work moves forward, and goals, objectives and activities are established, we anticipate that more committee members will be sought and added,” a district spokesperson said. Kriekard also pointed out that the district enlisted the help of the Scottsdale Parent Council to nominate parents and principals to nominate teachers and
students. But even that engagement appeared rushed and ill-timed, with Parents Council President Lara Palles stating that the group was not asked to help identify parents until after the June 9 board meeting – just a week before the committee’s first meeting. The district declined to name the non-SUSD staff on the committee because it had not yet received permission from those individuals to release their names. The district confirmed the committee will include four social workers, two school psychologists, two counselors, two school resource officers, three students from all five high schools, and two parents from each learning community. Greenburg emphasized that he thinks the formation of the committee is a positive step for the district, but said his concerns about the speed at which district leadership is moving remain. “I don’t agree with that,” Greenburg said. “I think that our community does want us to take action, but they don’t want us to just fling stuff on the wall; they want something that’s open, transparent and well thought through.” Greenburg said he thinks the community would have preferred the district had taken a more methodical approach. “I did not receive any complaints from anyone that we were not moving fast enough,” Greenburg said. “I had received a lot of complaints of we’re moving too fast.” Though Kriekard said district leadership felt the need to act quickly, the timing is strange considering he announced the new initiative and began forming the committee just weeks before he was scheduled to retire rather than leave those tasks to Menzel, who has a professional background in equity and social justice issues. Menzel told the Progress that Washtenaw County included schools in both predominantly white, wealthy communities and those in more diverse, low-income neighborhoods and that he focused on leveraging the resources of the entire community to benefit all students. “And so, we’ve been working and dealing with different parts of our community that have access to resources
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CITY NEWS
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the state turning the corner – for the moment. “What we’re going to deal with now over the next 30 or 40 days, I believe will slow the spread of this virus,’’ the governor said. “And then we will have a period of time,’’ he explained. “And then we will head into a second wave.’’ Ducey, who dissolved his stay-at-home order in the middle of last month after six weeks, said he is not prepared to reinstate it. But the governor did say that, mandate or not, people should stay at home when they don’t need to be out. “Go out and get a haircut,’’ he said. “Get something to eat. And go home.’’ Dr. Cara Christ, his health director, echoed that message. “You are safer at home with your household contacts,’’ she said. And Christ said there are things people need to consider if and when they do go out. “Indoor spaces are riskier than being outdoors,’’ she said. And the more people there are, Christ said, the greater the risk of infection. But the governor said none of that convinces him that gatherings should be restricted -- or that those in attendance should be required to wear personal protective equipment. “In terms of the rights of people to peacefully assemble, those rights are not going to be infringed,’’ Ducey said. “It is an election year in the United States,’’ he said. “And people’s constitutional rights will be protected.’’ Instead, he said, it’s up to those who go to protect themselves, just as he is now doing. “Wearing a mask is a huge part of avoiding contracting this virus,’’ Ducey said. “Also physically distancing from people,’’ he continued. “And I’m going to continue to do that going forward.’’ Ducey said Trump and Pence are focused on places like Arizona and “states that are having issues to address that in its turn.’’ Pence is going to Yuma this coming week to meet with Ducey to discuss the state’s response to COVID-19. The vice president’s planned visit to Tucson is billed as part of his “Faith in America’’ tour and not as official business.
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and some that don’t and working to leverage the resources that we do have,” Menzel said. “Because just like Scottsdale, we’ve got a community overall that supports public education.” During his time at WISD, Menzel oversaw collaborations with United Way, the adoption of an Educational Equity Policy and an “opportunity mapping” project with Ohio State University to identify conditions impacting learning and quality of life in the district’s neighborhoods. Menzel told the Progress he plans a hands-on presence in the committee. “I intend to be very involved in the process,” Menzel said. “Establishing a committee with diverse representation, both within the school system and in the larger community is important and a necessary first step but a committee by itself doesn’t represent action.” Multiple parents who spoke to the Progress also expressed excitement about working with Menzel on the committee and other initiatives. “I’m very excited about Dr. Scott Men-
“I would welcome the chance to talk about this since we’ve spent the last four years at my current district going deep into this work. It is a personal passion and I would like to be involved as an active participant. Thank you for agreeing to chair the committee to make sure we begin to pull this together ASAP.” zel joining SUSD with his proven experience with equity, inclusion, belonging, and diversity, and I look forward to assisting him as a parent and a community member activist,” said parent Susan Hughes, a committee member. But emails show no one from district leadership even communicated with Menzel about the committee until
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the day after the board meeting where Kriekard announced the initiative. “I would welcome the chance to talk about this since we’ve spent the last four years at my current district going deep into this work. It is a personal passion and I would like to be involved as an active participant. Thank you for agreeing to chair the committee to make sure we begin to pull this together ASAP,” Menzel wrote in response to an email from Sackos. Palles indicated the Parents Council was only asked to help recruit parents after the board meeting. Palles said the SPC board decided it should not handpick nominees and would seek interested parents. But by the time the SPC was able to put together a form for parents and get it to principals, there was not much time to actually push the info out before the first meeting on June 17. “We felt that the principals were best situated to get it out to their communities…but, unfortunately, the reality of the timeframe wasn’t enough to really get to the principals to get the word out,” she said.
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John Little donated a case of bottled water at the first-ever One Stop Giving donation drive last Saturday. (John Little/Facebook) Sisters Acacia Wastchak, 17, and Lauryl Wastchak, 15, are both members of Saguaro High School’s Rotary Interact Club. They volunteered to load medical supplies this month alongside several Valley Rotary Clubs, including the Rotary Club of Scottsdale. (Bob Rink)
Scottsdale Rotarians help virus-ravaged Mexico BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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ecent Saguaro High School graduate Acacia Wastchak never met her grandfather, David Wastchak, who died before she was born. But that didn’t stop the 17-year-old from continuing his legacy as an impassioned, accomplished Rotarian. “My grandfather was actually a pioneer Rotarian in Arizona and was very big into everything Rotary,” Acacia said. “I feel very connected to him whenever I do things
with Rotary.” Acacia’s accomplishments as a teenage Rotarian run long. She joined the Rotary Interact District 5495 Council’s executive board as assistance district governor and also embarked on a short-term Rotary youth exchange to Ecuador for six weeks. High school may now be behind her, but Acacia’s work as a Rotarian is far from over. This month, Acacia, along with her 15-year-old sister Lauryl, helped the Rotary Club of Scottsdale load a truck full of
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Scottsdale citizens open hearts for needy students BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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ista Del Camino and Scottsdale United Methodist Church joined efforts to host a no-contact, drive-through donation drive called One Stop Giving at the church June 20. The drive not only amassed school supplies and bottled water, but also raised about $1,500 in online donations and $400 in cash and gift cards the day of the event. The money raised will go toward purchasing clothing for students in need. “Anytime you can help Scottsdale citizens become more aware of programs benefiting less fortunate citizens, I would call that a success,” said Scottsdale Human Services Commissioner Denny Brown, one of the or-
ganizers of the One Stop Giving Day donation drive. Brown said that they collected a “massive amount” of school supplies, including new backpacks and hundreds of bottles of water for Operation Hydration, a water collection drive benefiting the Valley’s homeless population. “And I cannot forget the phone call from the Charros, indicating they were prepared to offer major assistance,” Brown added. “One phone call from the Charros really helps.” Scottsdale UMC Reverend Ann Lyter said the One Stop Giving event allowed the church to do two things: continue the work of the congregation in supporting their
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$400,000 worth of medical supplies for five hospitals in Sonora, Mexico – the location of one of Scottsdale’s long-time sister cities, Alamos. “It was really fun and I got to connect with some other Rotarians. It’s always fun to meet Rotarians,” Acacia said. Members of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale were joined by members of the Club Rotario de Phoenix, Rotary Club of Tempe South and Rotary Club of Prescott, as well as other Rotarians, to pack the 53-foot long SWIFT commercial truck with supplies donated by Tempe-based Project C.U.R.E. Donated items include hospital beds, examination beds, walkers, crutches and bandages to meet the immediate needs of the COVID crisis. “This donation of medical supplies, beds, and support equipment is perfectly timed for the immediate needs that have been caused by the COVID 19 crisis,” said Rotarian Dale Gray of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale. Gray led the project with the support of fellow Rotarians, David Pastor and Max Rumbaugh. “Mexico in general and Sonora specifically have a battle going on and the addition of more beds and supplies will make it better for the hospital and the patients impacted
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community and continue to be a resource to the community by providing a safe location and means for others to help. “We need to remember that those in our community who need supplies and even something as basic as water still need that support, perhaps more now than ever,” Lyter said. “We hoped to continue to support our community while maintaining good practices to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus. It is important for faith communities to work with community organizations like Vista Del Camino to care for our community,” Lyter added. Brown attributed the drive’s success to word-of-mouth and social media promotion by local organizations such as the Scottsdale Parent Council and Yes to Children. “Our citizens are ready to help,” Brown said. “As the former SUSD superintendent once said, ‘If you want to raise the bar, you need to raise the floor.’ This activity reflects the Scottsdale level of caring for citizens in need.”
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
by this virus,” Gray said. Seven Rotary Clubs in Arizona District 5495 and Club Rotarios in Sonora, Mexico donated money to pay for the transportation and cross-border expenses. Once the medical supplies were loaded, the truck headed straight to Hermosillo Mexico for inspection and acceptance, with supply drop-offs in San Luis Río Colorado, Puerto Peñasco, Ciudad Obregón, Navajoa, and Alamos, which received a used ambulance donated by Phoenix’s American Medical Response. “Rotarians and medical professionals went and did a survey of the five most needy hospitals in Sonora, and those are going to be the beneficiaries of the trucks that we’re sending down there,” Acacia explained. A second truck will be loaded with more medical equipment, including surgical equipment, anesthesia machines, incubators and baby warmers, more consumable supplies and more PPE, and shipped off in about two more weeks. “Our goal, with the Ministry of Health Sonora, is to improve the ability of the hospitals to provide new services locally consistent the Ministry’s goals and training programs,” Gray said. The Rotary Club of Scottsdale is also working alongside other Clubs to assist the Navajo Tribe with getting water into their
homes. “[It’s] so critical in proper hygiene for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Gray said of the Navajo Tribe water project. “This is the third year of this project, and it is funded for over $400,000, involving our District 5495 and multiple clubs.” The Rotary Club of Scottsdale is also working on a wheelchair project in central Mexico; expanding their multi-year Crutches for Africa to Crutches for Mexico; supporting a water project in South Sudan, as well as Hepatitis prevention in Mongolia; and supporting a recently completed a water project in Nicaragua that provided water to 3,000 people. “We gave out over $65,000 in scholarships to Scottsdale high school students last week, donated $10,000 to a Food Bank, painted houses of elderly, and other local efforts,” Gray said, noting:. “Our club and our district are very active in helping people in need across the city, state, country, and across the world.” In the fall, Acacia will pursue a degree in international trade at ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. She’ll also join the collegiate-level Rotary club, Rotaract, as well join the state council. But in the meantime, Acacia will volunteer at least one more time for the Rotary Club of Scottsdale to help load more medi-
One Stop Giving, a back-to-school supplies and bottled water donation drive, was held at Scottsdale UMC on June 20. (John Little/Facebook)
John Little, Scottsdale resident and City Council hopeful, was one of about 25 people at the drive. “Scottsdale United Methodist Church does such great things for our community and Denny Brown’s dedication to helping children and schools is legendary,” he said, adding: “Considering those two forces of compassion and knowing a team of volunteers would be working in 107-degree temps,
well, there was just nothing that was going to get in my way of contributing in some small way.” Those who were unable to attend the drive can still purchase and donate items from nonprofit organization Scottsdale Community Partner’s Amazon wish list. It includes back-to-school items, like composition notebooks, loose leaf paper, folders, highlighters, backpacks, pencils, erasers as well as essential clothing, like
cal supplies to Sonora, an effort that’s especially important to her. “I had the opportunity to be a youth ambassador to our sister city of Alamos, which is one of the cities that is benefiting from this project,” she said. “Since I went to Alamos, it was really important to me to be a part of this. That is benefiting people that I came in contact with.” The Rotary Club of Scottsdale writes “love notes” on the boxes to let the recipients know they’re thinking of them and wish them well, Gray said. “Rotary’s theme is ‘people of action.’ With this said, we encourage more volunteers to join us in making a difference,” he added. Acacia also encourages people to join the Rotary Club. “Arizona is definitely a hot-spot for Rotary Clubs. We have one of the strongest Rotary districts in the country,” she said. “There’s just so many opportunities, and there’s a space for everyone to get involved and help.” “If people want things to change, they have to participate. We can change the way people think by becoming friends in communities,” Gray added. “This is the way out of this crisis. Get involved in something that you are passionate about!” Information: scottsdalerotary.org socks and undergarments. While school supplies are collected yearround, SCP’s Back to School event, where more than 6,500 low-income SUSD students come to pick up new backpacks filled with school supplies and clothing, takes place July 22. And Operation Hydration can use water all summer, Brown said. “This importance of caring for our community cannot be overstated. These are difficult and troubling times,” Lyter said. “For a child to have the supplies he or she needs for school, for a family to not have to worry about where the money is going to come from for school supplies, especially when the parents may be facing reduced hours, is critically important.” Donations can be dropped off either at Vista Del Camino or Scottsdale UMC. “Even though we are not worshipping in person and on campus, church is not closed and the work of the church is more important than ever. We need to remember that need continues,” Lyter said. Information: scottsdalecommunity partners.org.
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Tariffs threaten wine industry, experts warn BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
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he wine industry as we know it is in danger, experts fear. Last fall, the Trump administration levied a 25 percent tariff on wine imported from France, Spain, England, and Germany – a tax that U.S.-owned importers, distributors and retailers and not European companies have to pay. And this fall, that tariff could increase to 100 percent – prompting Ben Aneff, president of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance and managing director of New-York based retail wine store Tribeca Wine Merchants to make a dire prediction. Calling the prospect “the greatest threat to the wine industry since Prohibition,” Abrams warned: “Without a doubt, if you put a 100 percent tariff on all imported wines, it would cause a staggering, cascading number of job losses across the U.S. wine industry. Added Elizabeth Gerlach, general man-
Todd Sawyer is the owner of Atlas Bistro, a BYOB restaurant with an attached wine shop called Arizona Wine Company, in Scottsdale. He is just one of many wine business owners impacted by the 25 percent wine tariff passed in the fall. (Pablo Robles/ Progress Staff Photographer)
ager of Chandler-based wine and spirits purveyor, Quench Fine Wines: “The entire wine industry would be at risk.”
“The impact of a 100 percent tariff would be devastating to the wine industry, resulting in loss of jobs, folding of
companies and a combination of higher prices and less of a selection to consumers,” Gerlach said. Quench’s business is made up of roughly 70 percent imports, so their business would be “severely threatened,” she added. Both Shepherd and Todd Sawyer, owner of Scottsdale wine shop AZ Wine Company – which is attached to his BYOB restaurant, Atlas Bistro – are already feeling the effects of the 25 percent tariff, including increased wine prices. About 40 percent of the wines sold at AZ Wine Company are imported from France, Spain, England, and Germany. “These are really key products for us. Consumers demand them,” Aneff said. “You couldn’t pick a worst time to do it, in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, when these companies are absolutely reeling.” During the first month since the 25 per-
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Two win big as Spencer’s 4 millionth customers BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Progress Staff Writer
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wo Spencer’s TV & Appliance customers were awarded major shopping sprees at its original location in Mesa recently. Patti Everts of Scottsdale and Richard Holmes of Peoria each won $10,000 to spend at the store for being its 4 millionth transaction. John Polainer, the Scottsdale location’s general manager, gave them certificates. He also served as the salesperson who sold Everts her appliances at the Scottsdale store. Everts’ prize-winning trip was her first visit to Spencer’s.
Scottsdale Spencer’s TV & Appliances General Manager John Polainer, center, awards the 4 millionth transaction winners Richard Holmes, left, and Patti Everts, right. (Annika Tomlin/Progress Staff)
“I bought a whole new kitchen,” Everts said gleefully. “I bought everything that a kitchen should be—a washer and dryer, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher, the whole kitchen.” Everts said she’s never won anything like this. At first, she thought she thought the phone call from Spencer’s was a trick. “I received a phone call in the afternoon, and I thought I was punked; I really did,” Everts said matter of factly. “I didn’t know the person calling me. I didn’t recognize the number on my cellphone. I was trying to be excited
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cent tariff was implemented, U.S. imports from France alone fell $35 million compared to the same month in 2018 — “resulting in nearly $30 million loss in profit and taxes in the U.S.,” Gerlach said. Overall, Aneff said the tariffs on European wines are expected to cost about $10 billion in lost revenue and 78,000 job losses across the nation’s 47,000 wine retailers and more than 6,500 importers and distributors. “There’s tremendous struggle,” Aneff said of wine businesses already in deep water due to the COVID-19 crisis. “Large numbers of U.S. distributors have laid off staff, [and] some have furloughed huge percentages of their staff – upwards of 50, 60, 70 percent.” It’s these distributors, in particular, that would be most at risk should tariffs continue or increase. “All these wine teams are getting destroyed, as far as the distributors,” Sawyer said. “If you couple that with a 100 percent increase in pricing, we’re going to have a serious amount of consolidation. I think all the small distributors are not going to survive this.” For now, the 25 percent levy remains until August, when it is set for review. Until then, Aneff encourages the public to comment on the issue in emails to the U.S. Trade Representative. “They should tell the U.S. Trade Representative: 'Scrap the tariffs on wine products because they disproportionately harm American businesses. They should put the tariffs on products that ensure the damage stays in the EU, where it should be,'” Aneff said. Gerlach and Sawyer also recommend writing letters to Arizona Senators Martha McSally and Kyrsten Sinema. “All voices in opposition to wine tariffs
count,” Gerlach said. “Ask them to stand up against retaliatory wine tariffs.” Ryan Shepherd, managing partner at Phoenix-based Action Wine & Spirits, said, “The public should be concerned about any trade policy that stifles free markets, limits consumer choice, favors establishment over fledgling, and misses the intended target altogether by landing the financial impacts of said policies squarely in the laps of American businesses and American consumers.” The 25 percent tariff originated over a dispute regarding aircraft manufacturing subsidies. At the time, a separate 10 percent tariff was levied against Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer that competes directly with Boeing. “We completely appreciate the position the U.S. Trade Representative is in terms of needing to resolve this Airbus issue, but they will be significantly more successful doing so if they put the targets on the source of the problem, which is Air-
bus,” Aneff said. Shepherd describes the impact of the tariffs as having a ripple effect. “If we as U.S. consumers refuse purchase of these products at their new price points – and we will – other global markets will gladly absorb them, along with dissolving the decades-long relationships forged between U.S. importers and EU wineries that make it possible for us to
have access to these historic wineries,” Shepherd said. “To many, these relationships are like family.” This, in turn, puts hundreds of thousands of import, wholesale, retail and restaurant jobs at risk. “These are low-margin, passion-driven professions. Tariffs in this sector aren’t sticking it to the man, and tightening the belt isn’t really an option — especially with how COVID has devastated our industry,” Shepherd continued. Domestic wineries are then negatively affected by the tariffs on EU imports, “and wineries across the U.S., many of whom are farmers, are also dependent on a healthy, robust network of wholesalers across the country to market their products for them,” Shepherd added. Shortly after the tax implementation, Sawyer, Gerlach and Shepherd, among other representatives from several locally based, mid-sized distributors, met with McSally and Sinema in January to raise awareness of the tariff’s impact on Arizona businesses. “Our hope is for them to understand the negative effect the tariffs will have on our local economy and support this nonpartisan issue by carrying the message to their fellow policy makers in Washington D.C.,” Gerlach said. McSally and Sinema can be reached at 602-952-2410 and 602-598-7327, respectively. Or, to email them, visit their websites at mcsally.senate.gov and sinema.senate.gov. “Quench is passionate about fine wine, and we have worked diligently for nearly two decades to curate a vibrant selection of wines to the Arizona market,” Gerlach said. “It would be a shame to forfeit that hard work because of a dispute that has nothing to do with our industry.”
for him, but I didn’t want to be super excited and be wrong. “Then John (Polainer), my salesperson, calls me about an hour later and congratulated me and then I knew it was real.” Everts is not sure how she will spend her $10,000, but she’s excited to return to Spencer’s when she is ready. Holmes is a long-time customer of
Spencer’s and was also surprised that he had won. “One of the managers let me know,” Holmes said. “I was surprised and right after that the salesman called me.” To enter into the competition, Holmes bought a new stove and refrigerator. He bought all of his appliances at Spencer’s in the last 15 years. Holmes had also never won something to the magnitude of this prize. “My first experience with them was
really good and every experience since has been great so I just keep coming back,” Holmes said. He already used most of the gift on more appliances and will finish + using the winnings and continue to be “a Spencer’s customer forever.” “We got another new stove and another new refrigerator, and a deep freezer and a TV. Now we’re just waiting to get some more stuff,” Holmes said.
After buying a new stove, Holmes sold his other one but now has three refrigerators and a freezer in his house. Spencer’s has 10 Valleywide locations that are practicing social distancing during the pandemic and offers virtual listings of its appliances on its website. Polainer was happy to award the winners and is hopeful that by next year the company will have reached the 5 millionth transaction mark.
SPENCERS ���� page 23
Wines from these countries are at risk of being subjected to a huge tariff by the U.S. this fall. (Special to the Progress)
“If we as U.S. consumers refuse purchase [of] these products at their new price points – and we will – other global markets will gladly absorb them, along with dissolving the decades-long relationships forged between U.S. importers and EU wineries that make it possible for us to have access to these historic wineries.”
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26
OPINION
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Opinion
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I don’t like wearing a mask, but I am now BY MAYOR W.J. "JIM" LANE Progress Guest Writer
I
recently issued an emergency proclamation that mandated masks to be worn in public places in our community. This proclamation’s impact on our COVID-19 medical situation will be reviewed weekly and run through July 20. This is to an effort to keep Scottsdale open, healthy and safe. We need to understand that COVID-19 is with us and we have a personal responsibility to protect ourselves from any viral infection. As good people and a “Golden Rule” community, we have the additional re-
sponsibility to respect the needs and fears of our fellow citizens. As many of you know, Arizona is a designated COVID-19 contagion hotspot, with the positive test infection rate going from 5 percent on May 17 to a rate of 20 percent on June 14. It has had the understandable corresponding effect of a continuing increasing trend in hospitalization numbers and the increasing draw down of their healthcare resources. These facts are clearly set out on the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services website and are supported independently in conversations I have had with the CEO’s of our major local healthcare providers: HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic
and Banner. Nearly 60 percent of all COVID-19 infections reported have been among those under 45 years old. A group that runs between being asymptomatic to hospital cases. They can easily infect people without knowing it. We need to adjust and know that COVID-19 will be with us for a while yet. Our first responsibility is to keep ourselves and our families safe and keeping our city’s economy on the recovery path is part of that effort. I would never take an action like this lightly. I study our county’s numbers and considered Scottsdale’s unique tourist industry when I weighed the prospectively positive impact this proclamation would
have on our COVID-19 hotbed status versus staying the course. Your city government has no desire to run your life. The city’s only real mission is to move us all forward together again in a working and sustainable city. I don’t like wearing a mask. I will now. I know it is important. This isn’t a flawed projection. This is in real time. We are making an effort to address it now so we can continue to rebuild our city’s community and economy. This is not intended to be a long-term situation. We need, for the sake of Scottsdale, to put aside any anger that may divide us, and let’s make this work. Let us work together like the community I know we can be.
like in the past. Almost everyone relishes a night on the town at our favorite establishment and the chance to interact with the public. As we return to our cherished old ways, we should try to patronize restaurants which practice social distancing and prudent prophylactic policies. For a number of understandable reasons, many restaurants have chosen not to do so. They are desperately trying to make up for the debilitating loss of income and are not required to do so under either local or state law. They may insinuate they are practicing prudent policies, but look the other way when advantageous to do so. Requiring staff to wear masks, implementing stringent cleaning practices, and limiting diners to ensure proper distancing all hurt the bottom line. As restaurants try to make up for what can only be a stag-
gering amount of lost revenue, ignoring all of these practices is tempting. It is especially attractive when a surprising percentage of the local population does not seem to care either way. Unfortunately, it is a bit disconcerting to have your server wearing a mask, which does take away from an otherwise festive atmosphere. Furthermore, it is easier to simply find an excuse or justification for returning to the previous norm. As you can well imagine, this is extremely frustrating to restaurateurs who are committed to protecting both their employees and their customers and who recognize the seriousness of the pandemic. Sadly, many of them have endured complaints by their patrons who do not like to see their serving staff don masks and are displeased they cannot get a table because space is limited. Even more surprisingly, in certain in-
stances, the customers accuse such businesses of “overreacting” to a state of affairs that they believe is “overstated” or “exaggerated.” Even worse are individuals who believe the pandemic is only a political myth. Under the circumstances, if you really want to help truly deserving businesses, try to frequent restaurants which have implemented protective strategies and let them know you appreciate it. Remember, they are not doing so for their own financial benefit. These restaurants have decided that protecting the public is more important than increasing the bottom line, and such conduct should be condoned and recognized. The reality that they may also be saving lives should not be minimized.
Restaurants get bum rap for protecting lives BY RANDY NUSSBAUM Progress Guest Writer
T
he pandemic has totally disrupted the restaurant business. Many restaurants will not survive and the ones that do will struggle in the face of operational changes. The public is understandably nervous about patronizing businesses, which by their very nature, especially in an Arizona summer, require you to sit in a closed environment surrounded by a fellow citizen who may be infected by COVID-19. Furthermore, all of us have become conditioned to eating at home, preparing our own meals and, in most instances, enjoying the experience. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that most Scottsdale residents and its visitors will once again become restaurant frequenters
-Randy Nussbaum is a long-time resident of Scottsdale and a Shareholder with the Scottsdale law �irm Sacks Tierney.
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
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28
OPINION
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Letters
Time for Guy Phillips to resign, drop out of race First, thank you, Mayor Lane, for your quick and sharp statement condemning Guy Phillips’ outrageous actions this morning. With a Confederate Flag in the foreground and hoots and hollers of approval from an equally bigoted crowd, Phillips had the audacity to mock the dying words of George Floyd while standing on the Civic Center grounds. National television audiences will watch tonight. Once again Scottsdale will be shamed on the global stage. It is time for Guy Phillips to step down from our City Council – withdraw his candidacy and resign from office.
It is also time for Phillips’ running mate, Bob Littlefield, to step forward. Throughout their careers, Phillips and Littlefield have been tied tightly to each other. They run on joint tickets. They opposed bonds. They voted in sync. They share homophobic jokes with each other. They’re a team. Littlefield wants us to choose him to be the city leader. His next steps concerning Phillips will tell us what kind of leader Littlefield will be. Phillips’ litany of misdeeds is undeniable: • Homophobic jokes about stoning gay men (shared with Littlefield);
• Outlandish claims that global warming is a concocted hoax; • Racist statements about Asians (for which he quickly apologized); • Xenophobic claims about Jewish Globalists stealing from U.S. business; • Anti-science demands that COVID 19 is a farce; • Using City assets to promote his campaign rally (city email system) This morning it was determined that donations to his campaign fund are run through the PayPal account of “Budget Mechanical, LLC” – his business. And we thought that would be the worst, but no. Phillips topped all that off at 10:45
a.m. by mocking George Floyd. “I can’t breathe,” he said to the laughs and applause of his bigoted nation. “I can’t breathe” he shouted while the Confederate Flag holder waved it wildly. If Littlefield does not join in the call for Phillips to step down, Littlefield is equally complicit. The same challenge must be made of every elected official and candidate. No one holding office or running for office can stand quietly by. Silence is complicity. Silence condones racism. Phillips must go. And those who support Phillips through silence must also go with him. -Mike Norton
I am shocked and saddened at what I have seen in Scottsdale today. The “unmask” demonstration is an offense to my very being. The ridicule of the death of George Floyd at the hands of an out of control policeman is inexcusable. Seeing a Confederate flag in front of our City Hall is appalling. What makes it even worse? It was organized by a sitting City Council member. I know I speak for the vast majority of Scottsdale residents that we will not condone this type of behavior.
It was just reported that Arizona has the highest test positivity rate in the United States for COVID-19. I value human life. I believe the primary responsibility of government is to keep us safe. With the spike of COVID-19 victims flooding our hospital emergency rooms, hospital beds and ICU beds are in short supply. We are also low on hospital staff. The requirement by our mayor and Maricopa County to wear a mask when in public is perfectly reasonable and in our best interest. Studies have shown this is
very effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19. What do the people who attended this rally stand for? Do they believe it is their right to put us all at risk because they don’t want anyone telling them what to do? Let’s show some common sense. I say grow up, start thinking about the rest of us. I believe in equality for all. I believe that the Black Lives Matter movement will usher in changes that are long overdue. I hope the changes go far enough to level the playing field for African Americans.
I also applaud the vote by the Supreme Court to uphold the rights of LGBTQ in the workplace. It is a step in the right direction. The Dreamers are a valuable part of our society and they know just how lucky we are to live in America. What happened today exposed the dark underbelly of our community. Let us work together to show that this is not who we are, it does not define us as a people. We are better than this. We are Scottsdale. -Betty Janik
Gov. Ducey, I have extensive experience in analyzing technical data for risk analysis for semiconductor manufacturing this data does not show significant correlation between the increase in COVID-19 cases and increased testing. The uptick in the confirmed cases and fatalities appears to represent a real in-
crease beginning on or about May 28. As an Arizona senior citizen, I understand the desire to reopen the economy, but I note two very serious issues. First, the lack of a mandatorily requirement for face masks for everyone in business reopening. Second, there is no process in place to verify businesses and customers follow the
recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID19. I have seen stores, restraints and bars in Scottsdale and Phoenix packed without face covering and physical distancing. In the absence if these protections, I for one, will not participate in the opening economy until a vaccine is available. I applaud the efforts to prepare re-
gional hospitals for cases, but it appears to me that the current response does not address the root cause of the infection spread and at the exponential growth risk is worrisome. Finally, what is the state doing to pay homage to those Arizonans who have succumbed to the virus -Gerald Lamb
‘Shocked and saddened’ by anti-mask protest
I will not participate in economy’s reopening
FOOD & DRINK
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 28, 2020
Food & Drink
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Long-delayed Francine sets opening date
BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer
B
ack in February, just weeks before the coronavirus pandemic hit the nation, acclaimed restaurateur Laurent Halasz gave Scottsdale residents a taste of what they could expect at his latest restaurant, Francine, now slated to open mid-August. Located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, this French Mediterranean restaurant inspired by his mother, Francine Halasz, would serve Laurent’s new take on classic French Mediterranean cuisine. Laurent also teased that his executive chef was an Arizona native and a “very nice fellow.” “It’s going to be a great combination with me with the French �lavors and his Mediterranean �lavors that he’s good at,” Laurent said. Now, we �inally have a name – Brian Archibald – and Laurent couldn’t have chosen a more �itting executive chef to help execute his menu. “The food itself speaking to the Mediterranean, the cuisine of South France as well, that style of cooking has been in a lot of my restaurants that I’ve ran over the years, and they’re ingredients that I’ve always gravitated toward,” Archibald said. An “ingredients-driven chef,” Archibald brings nearly three decades of culinary leadership experience to Francine, including tenures at the Phoenician, Boulders Resort, JW Marriott Resort and Spa. Archibald’s goal is to represent French Riviera cuisine in Scottsdale in a way no other restaurant has. “I’m a native here, born and raised, and I’ve worked all over. Arizona is my home,” said Archibald said, who lives two miles from Francine.
Scottsdale native Brian Archibald was named executive chef of Francine, now opening mid-August at the Luxury Wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. (Jill Richards Photography)
“When we looked at the market and what we would benchmark ourselves with, to be honest, I can’t think of one restaurant really going after this style of cuisine – and at a high-bar level as well.” Francine’s cuisine will not only feature seasonal �lavors found in the Mediterranean, but the restaurant will also prepare them in a “very soulful way,” Archibald described. The menu will include signature dishes such as zucchini carpaccio, Seared Duck a la Provencal, ratatouille tart, mushroom and taleggio and grilled octopus. “There’s a lot of octopus in that coastal region; my version that I did for Laurent was merging a couple of techniques, one from Arizona,” Archibald said. For the dish, Archibald slow-braises Spanish octopus in red wine and serves it with a chorizo verde. “What we’re doing is a green version, so we’re grinding with the pork shoul-
der green pablano, coriander, a little bit of fresh serrano chilies, cilantro, herbs. What it does is it partakes a very fresh �lavor on the chorizo and very bright and has a little spice to it,” Archibald explained. To pull the dish together, Archibald paired it with a romesco made from piquillo peppers, Marcona almonds and sherry vinegar. “It’s de�initely a new spin on a dish that is traditionally done all over the French Riviera,” Archibald said. And it’s a dish Laurent had never had before. “To quote him – and you can imagine his accent – ‘it was delicious,’” Archibald said with a laugh. Archibald joined Francine in January and has learned dishes from Laurent’s mother as well. “Normally, I’m the one doing all the teaching or inventing or �inding, so it’s been a great partnership that I’ve gotten
from the Halasz family – and then doing my spin on other dishes,” Archibald said. Francine will of�icially open for dinner on Aug. 14 at 5 p.m., located near other notable restaurants in the Luxury Wing, including Nobu, Toca Madera, and Ocean 44. Originally, the restaurant was slated to open in April but was pushed to July due to COVID-19. And while Francine was not affected by the Scottsdale Fashion Square riot in May, it forced the postponement of the restaurant’s opening another month. “What’s happening with dining now in Arizona and the restrictions, we’re trying to learn everything we can before we open to be there for our guests and have the safest environment possible,” Archibald said. Working alongside Archibald is sous chef Josh Winters, who previously worked as Chef De Cuisine at Hotel Valley Ho. “We’re very excited to open,” Archibald said, adding: “It’s something that’s been a dream for Laurent for many years; his plans go back to 2018. For myself, I’ve been working on it since the beginning of the year. To be able to add something to the Scottsdale market that we’re both in love with, our love and passion is really in depth into the restaurant.” A job fair will be held July 7-8 to �ill approximately 60 positions. Those interested can email their resume to jobs@ francinerestaurant.com.
If You Go
Francine job fair Where: 4712 N. Goldwater Blvd. When: July 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call: 480-690-6180 Website: francinerestaurant.com
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Obituaries William (Bill) M. Maule
William (Bill) M. Maule passed away on June 2, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bill was born on December 23, 1943, the second child of 13. He attended Saint Rose Parochial School and attended Crofton High School. In 1960, Bill moved with his family from Nebraska to Scottsdale, Arizona where he finished his senior year at Scottsdale High School. Bill attended Arizona State University (ASU) and graduated as an electrical engineer. He joined Motorola where he made a lifetime career out of completing critical projects and managing company personnel. Bill married Sherrie Coyle on June 25, 1978. They celebrated 39 years together. Bill and Sherrie were members of the Arizona Classic Thunderbird Club, the Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club and the Sun Country Model T Club. They were avid fans of ASU football and attended nearly every game. They loved skiing, boating and camping in their motorhome; and they collected vintage cars. Family was incredibly important to Bill — as a young adult, he held multiple jobs to contribute toward his parents’ and siblings’ wellbeing, and he later worked to research and document the Maule family tree. He is preceded in death by his wonderful wife Sherrie, parents, Bill and Ramona Maule and his grandparents. He is survived by his brothers, Donn, Joseph, Kenneth, Patrick and Robert; sisters, Norma, Nancy, Nanette, Nevis, Noreen, Nichelle, and Nisa. Bill’s determined spirit and commitment to others will be greatly missed. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be scheduled close to December 23, which would have been Bill’s 77th birthday.
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** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.
MESA SHOWROOM & CLEARANCE CENTER 115 W. First Ave. | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE 4601 E. Ray Rd. | Phoenix | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD RANCH 7346 W. Bell Road | 623-487-7700 EAST MESA/GILBERT Gateway Towne Center | 4630 E. Ray Rd. | South End by Target | 480-988-1917 GILBERT Santan Village | 2711 S. Santan Village Pkwy | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE 10220 N. 43rd Ave | (602) 504-2122 GOODYEAR 1707 N. Litchfield Rd | 623-930-0770 RECONDITION CENTER 160 EAST BROADWAY | 480-615-1763 SCOTTSDALE 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX 13820 N. Tatum Blvd. | (602) 494-0100
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HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.