Scottsdale Progress 09-29-2019

Arizona State Fair starts next weekend / P. 26

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF SCOTTSDALE) | scottsdale.org

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS............................ 16 Scandal costs city transportation director his job.

Scottstoberfest celebrates German heritage / P. 28

Sunday, September 29, 2019

School board’s decision cost taxpayers $112K

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

A

recently-released internal letter shows the Scottsdale Unified School District could have settled a public records lawsuit two years ago for under $7,000 – a fraction of the $119,000 a judge awarded in the case earlier this month.

John and Mary McCarthy brought a lawsuit against the district in September 2017 to force the district to turn over public records related to the alleged mistreatment and abuse of their son while he was a student at

Desert Mountain High School.

The family and district agreed to a settlement in April 2019 in which the district agreed to provide the records and cover the family’s legal costs. A judge awarded the family $119,353 on Aug. 30 to cover those costs.

The district, not its insurance provider, is responsible for paying the $119,000, SUSD district spokeswoman Amy Bolton said.

“The settlement will be paid by the district,” Bolton said.

The financial cost to the district could have been much less had it settled with the McCarthys two years ago, according to a letter writ-

ten by board member Jann-Michael Greenburg to Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard in April 2019.

On Nov. 21, 2017, the family offered to settle if the district provided an index of all records that were the subject of the suit and pay the family $6,602 to cover its legal costs up to that point, Greenburg’s letter states.

“It took much longer and more money than it ever should have,” Mary McCarthy told the Progress before the details of the first settlement offer became public.

see MCCARTHY page 12

Putting aside differences to preserve the Preserve NEIGHBORS .......... 18 Mexican families document landmark's origins.

ARTS ............................. 26 Scottsdale man's prized collection goes on display

NEIGHBORS .........................18 BUSINESS ............................. 23

OPINION ..............................24

ARTS .....................................26 FOOD & DRINK...................28 CLASSIFIEDS ........................31

BY MIKE PHILLIPS Progress Contributor

V

isitors have been awed and inspired by Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve since its creation 25 years ago.

Nearly all those experiences share a common thread – they were shaped by a network of trails serving one of the nation’s largest urban wildernesses.

If the preserve is the wild heart of Scottsdale, the trails are the arteries that feed its soul.

The preserve’s 225 miles of trails provide entry into otherwise inaccessible areas; they shape our understanding of the desert and serve as the portal to adventure and memories.

It’s no wonder, then, that the creation of trails in the preserve is serious business – at times contentious, emotional and fraught with legal and environmental challenges.

see PRESERVE page 6

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CITY NEWS

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 Copy Editor April Morganroth | 480-656-9667 | amorganroth@ timespublications.com Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@scottsdale.org Photographers Kimberly Carrillo | KCarrillo@scottsdale.org 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 Marketing Director Lynette Carrington | 480-898-5621 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. © 2019 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Scottsdale OKs �ines for raucous parties

BY ANTHONY WALLACE Progress Contributor

S

tarting Oct. 24, a raucous Airbnb party could result in fees and fines as high as $4,000 for property owners and renters in Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale City Council unanimously passed two measures intended to address mounting complaints of bothersome parties taking place in the growing number of short-term rental properties.

The message from the residents who spoke at the meeting was unambiguous.

“Airbnbs, short term rentals are ridiculous,” longtime Scottsdale resident Terry Westfall said. “They are ruining these neighborhoods.”

The new ordinance subjects renters and owners to fines for unlawful and nuisance parties held on their property.

Because state law prevents special regulations on short-term rentals, the ordinance will apply to all Scottsdale properties – rental or not.

Nuisance parties are defined as those which result in a “substantial disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property.”

A party can be qualified as a nuisance when it features fighting, public drunkenness, the blockage of traffic, or excessive noise.

An unlawful gathering is any which includes drug use or underage drinking.

Offenders may be subjected to both a “police service fee” and a “civil penalty.”

The service fee is $500 for a first police visit. That jumps to $1,250 and then $2,500 for those facing their second and third violations, respectively, within a 180-day period.

The civil penalty is $750 for firsttimers and $1,500 for any additional unlawful or nuisance party within a year of a previous violation.

Owners will not face a fee or a fine for a first problem party under the

zona Legislature in May that further regulates short-term rentals.

The bill requires owners to provide authorities with contact information so they can respond to complaints from their properties. It also prohibits the use of short-term rental properties for “nonresidential purposes” like weddings, banquets, or other special events.

Ben Burke is the owner of three local vacation rental properties and though he was “Airbnbs, short term rentals are ridiculous. They not at the meeting, he said via are ruining these neighborhoods,” Scottsdale res- email that when it comes to ident Terry Westfall said. (Progress file photo) regulating short-term rentals, “neighbors should be careful ordinance; they start facing penalwhat they wish for.” ties with their second offending party He said that the boom in vacation within 180 days. rentals has helped turn Phoenix into If a short-term rental owner has four “one of the most robust real estate tenants that attract police responses economies in the country,” and he worfor disruptive parties within a 180 pe- ried that increased regulation would riod, their combined service fees and discourage their positive growth. fines could be $4,000.

He pointed to one of his south ScottsCity staff originally proposed a 90- dale properties into which he invested day window in which fines would es- $80,000 to transform from “a place for calate before resetting, but council derelicts” into “one of the nicest housincreased that window to 180 days at es on the street.” the behest of Councilwoman Virginia The debate over short-term rental Korte. regulations will continue.

Senior Assistant City Attorney Luis Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Santaella said the new ordinance was said she hopes to see the city compile modeled after a similar one adopted by a database of short-term rentals and the City of Tempe in 2013. Scottsdale’s implement an ordinance that restricts fines are twice as high as Tempe’s. the number of people allowed to stay Santaella said that as far as he knows, at a given property.

Scottsdale now has the strictest party “I’m definitely not trying to elimipenalties of any city in the state. Still, nate short-term rentals. I want qualsome residents feel they may not go far ity short-term rentals. I am sure we enough. can be pro-business and pro-resident,” “That fine is cheap because of the in- Whitehead said. come that is coming in,” resident SonScottsdale already prohibits more nie Kirtley said. She said she hopes for than six adults from staying in a shorteven more regulations on short-term term rental at a time, though that rule rentals, which she calls “the in-n-out can be difficult to enforce, said Raun hotels in our neighborhood.

Keagy, Scottsdale’s planning and deIn addition to the fines, City Code velopment area director. will be amended to implement changHarry Croton contributed to this rees specified in a bill passed by the Ari- port.

Tell Scottsdale about your events.

Tell our readers about your opinions.

Send your information to: rhagerman@scottsdale.org

Send letters to the editor to: opinions@scottsdale.org

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CITY NEWS

PRESERVE from front

As the recent Desert Edge debate proved, Scottsdale’s ties to its undeveloped lands remain passionate.

Those combustible elements were in play recently as Scottsdale moved to plan a series of trails and trailheads in a historically heavily-used area of the preserve northeast of Pima Road and Dynamite Boulevard.

“We thought it was going to be impossible,” said Scott Hamilton, the city’s natural resources manager.

The challenge, Hamilton explained, was restructuring the area’s hodgepodge of old trails that were “unplanned and unmanageable.”

The city had been down that road before.

Greg Woodall began hiking the McDowell Mountains while in high school in the 1970s. They were far from Scottsdale’s city limits and untamed.

His sister would drop him off at one end of the mountains on a Friday afternoon and pick him up two days later on the other end.

“You could be out there a long time and not see anybody,” Woodall said.

Both Woodall and his sister, the activist who would come to be known simply as

MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE MARKS 25

Honoring Preserve Pioneers – 3 p.m. Oct. 1 The public is invited to the premiere of a video tribute highlighting the foresight and vision to permanently protect the McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert. The free event takes place at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. A reception follows with an exhibit of items highlighting the history of the preserve. There will also be a meetand-greet with preserve pioneers.

Mayor Jim Lane will present an official proclamation celebrating October as McDowell Sonoran Preserve Month.

Trailhead Dedications - Friday, Oct. 18 Join Mayor Lane and other dignitaries to dedicate the preserve’s two newest access facilities - the Fraesfield and Granite Mountain trailheads. The event will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive. These two trailheads provide public access to the northern region of the preserve for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Light refreshments will be provided.

Get a list of other Preserve Month activities at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/preserve

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Carla, developed a deep love for the McDowells and the adjoining northern desert.

They were among the first citizens to push for a preserve.

Their strategy was simple.

“How do you make people converts? You get them on the trails,” said Carla. “We ran people up there every day of the week.”

In the McDowells, however, there were few trails and no real trailheads. Preserve advocates led prospective supporters on tours that included bushwhacking through sandy washes and boulder-strewn thickets.

Once the preserve was established, advocates pressed the city to create formal trails so the general public could reach areas without guides – or destroying archeological deposits and sensitive animal habitats. “‘No taxes without access’ became the community rallying cry,” said Hamilton, who joined the city in 1998 as its first trails planner. “The directive came down to staff that we had to get access into the preserve.”

Woodall and the handful of other early advocates joined city staff in plotting and designing the trails.

Even back then, planners faced a balancing act between providing access and protecting sensitive habitat and fragile archeological sites.

“We had to figure out how to get people into the preserve and have them enjoy it without destroying the place,” Woodall said.

There were also lawsuits to contend with and other legal hurdles, such as the successful effort to reform state land sale practices.

If trail building in the mountains was challenging, controlling access in the flatter northern deserts was a minefield of special interests and politics.

The area had been used by off-roaders, dirt bikers, hunters and others for decades.

The region had become scarred and environmentally stressed.

The city’s first step upon acquiring the land was banning motor vehicles. It was like telling scuba divers they could no longer explore the Great Barrier Reef.

“They were super angry,” Hamilton said of the moto crowd and the expert mountain bikers who liked the wild and extreme conditions.

One of those was Jace McKeighan, a mountain biker who had ridden the area since the mid-1990s. He didn’t like the changes made by Scottsdale to create safer and more accessible trails. “(The city) took out all the character that made them fun to ride,” he said. But McKeighan, a lawyer by trade, didn’t just vent.

He went to the city with other users and urged officials to be more inclusive when it came to planning and designing trails.

The working group for the Preserve's trail system works on mapping the proposed trails corridor plan. (Special for the Progress)

The open house for the trails corridor plan drew interested people to check out the planners' work. (Special for the Progress)

“We said there were betters ways to do this,” said McKeighan. “The nice part was the city listened.”

Scottsdale put together what it called “working groups.” Officials invited hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to not only provide feedback on plans, but to actually design trails and use corridors.

McKeighan participated in the groups.

He also joined the private, non-profit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and was appointed to the city’s Preserve Commission.

Last year he served as its chairman.

The working group concept was put to the test when the city began planning ways to contain the chaos that was the trails mishmash northeast of Pima and Dynamite – unceremoniously dubbed the Phase 3 area.

“We targeted people who knew the area and used it,” Hamilton said. “We needed to consider everyone. If you don’t provide enough of what people want, you are going to run into problems. People will create what they want.”

Those area stakeholders assembled for

a series of seven meetings. They were split into four teams, with each team consisting of different users – hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.

They were given detailed maps of the area and told to identify the best corridors for trails. The teams also walked the area with city staff and professional trail builders.

City officials stepped back, anticipating emotional fireworks as users lobbied for their preferred corridor.

But something unexpected happened – every team eventually found consensus on where trails should be preserved or created and where old trails should be eliminated.

And when the teams came together, their individual findings were surprisingly similar.

“There was so much compatibility it was remarkably easy,” said Hamilton.

The reason? McKeighan thinks most users now realize that the preserve is more

see PRESERVE page 14

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

New parking deal posed for Museum Square

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

T

he developer behind Museum Square continues to work with local gallery owners to address concerns over the project’s impact on parking downtown.

Developer ARC Scottsdale Holdings and the City of Scottsdale recently agreed in principle to have the city pay for an extra level of underground public parking with 151-168 spots in the garage planned beneath the hotel at Museum Square.

That deal initially appeased gallery owners, but they became concerned when they learned the length of time the developer has to build the hotel and parking, gallery owner Bob Pejman said.

Under the agreement, the developer must begin construction on the public parking project within 10 years of signing or risk losing the land.

That 10-year timeline led to concerns that the developer would build the four residential buildings pitched for the development first and hold off on the hotel indefinitely, meaning the new public

parking promised by the city and developer would also be delayed, Pejman said.

However, at a recent meeting between the two parties, gallery owner French Thompson suggested a pragmatic interim solution until the hotel is built and the developer appears on board with the plan.

Thompson suggested that the developer turn the land northwest of the intersection of Marshall Way and Second Street – the eventual hotel site – into a temporary parking lot until construction on the hotel begins.

Jason Rose, spokesman for the developer, called it an “elegant solution.”

The idea makes sense, according to Thompson, because the developer already plans to clear the future hotel site to stage construction for the apartment building on the east side of Marshall Way that is also part of the larger Museum Square development.

Once the apartment building is built, the future hotel site would then easily convert to temporary parking, Thompson said.

According to Thompson, the developer plans to build the apartment first and

then start construction on the hotel immediately following.

When the hotel will actually go up is unclear, though.

Rose, the developer’s spokesman, confirmed that the hotel cannot be built without the parking and called the 10year stipulation “the Great Recession one” – or a safeguard put in place in the event of an economic downturn.

The site has a history of projects going belly up during economic crises.

A previous plan to develop residential buildings on the city-owned land now slated for Museum Square cratered in the 2000s due to the recession and collapsed housing market.

“In the event the hotel does not get built, as happened with many a decade ago the parking discussed would not be necessary,” Rose told the Progress. “Is that anticipated?

No. But it is there in the event of a severe economic downturn to prevent bad circumstances for the city, project and area.”

The 10-year timeline includes protections for the city, too.”

If the developer does not build the hotel within 10 years, the city can retake pos-

If the developer does not build the hotel within 10 years, the city can retake possession of the North Parcel – the site of the hotel – for just $10, according to the proposed amendment to the purchase agreement. session of the North Parcel – the site of the hotel – for just $10, according to the proposed amendment to the purchase agreement.

“And the 12 year (stipulation) actually is to protect and help the city meaning if the developer does not perform, (the city) can get the property back like a foreclosure,” Rose said in an email. “And consider this would oc-

see MUSEUM SQUARE page 11

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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MUSEUM SQUARE from page 8

cur AFTER it had already received the proceeds from the sale.”

The developer already owns the land for the apartment building and is in the process for purchasing the rest of the land for the development from the city for the hotel and condominiums.

The new temporary parking proposal would deal with gallery owners’ concerns that initial phases of Museum Square would eat away at public parking until the hotel – and its underground parking garage – is built, Pejman said.

The more permanent solution, the proposed underground public parking at the hotel, still needs approval from the City Council.

That parking deal is included in a planned fourth amendment to the land sale deal between the city and developer that was scheduled to go before the City Council on Sept. 24 before being delayed at the request of city staff.

“Staff asked for the amendment to be pulled so the purchase and sale agreement amendment can be brought forth in tandem with the development agreement, and the zoning case,” Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell said.

The Museum Square zoning case is

scheduled to go before City Council on Oct. 15.

According to a proposed amendment, the parking spaces paid for by the city would be valued at $45,000 per stall, and the city would pay for the spots by knocking $7,177,500 off the original $27.75 million sale price for the Museum Square land.

That price would then be adjusted postconstruction to reflect the actual number of spaces built.

The agreement included also included a $1 million price cut on the land if the developer can successfully terminate deed restrictions standing in the way of the development.

Stockwell said the city is still working on terms of the amendment before it goes to Council and that it is considering comments made by Pejman and others about how the city will pay the developer for the future underground parking spaces.

Pejman suggested the city put the $7 million payment in escrow until the spots are built instead of paying the developer upfront.

“I can say that we are planning on amending the language in the agreement, and also continuing to negotiate the terms in the development agreement,” Stockwell said.

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CITY NEWS

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12

CITY NEWS

MCCARTHY from front

Mary McCarthy had previously declined to provide the specific amount of the first settlement offer; however, she has since confirmed the numbers in Greenburg’s letter are accurate.

Bolton indicated the district declined the first settlement offer because it would have included dismissing the case without prejudice.

“A dismissal without prejudice would have allowed them to raise the same issues, based on the same allegations, in a subsequent lawsuit which is essence did not resolve the matter for the district,” Bolton said. “Until the most recent offer received by the district, the district did not receive an offer that would have conclusively concluded the dispute.”

It does not appear the district’s lawyer consulted the governing board before doing so.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

According to the Greenburg letter, SUSD’s counsel responded to the offer “within an hour” of receiving it, declining the settlement and countering with an offer that was unlikely to be accepted.

“The only material difference between the 2017 settlement offer and the district’s counteroffer is that the counteroffer excluded the requested documents index,” according to the letter.

SUSD records show the board did not meet publicly or in an executive session on Nov. 21, 2017 – an indication the board was not consulted on how the district should respond.

Board Members Sandy Kravetz, Barbara Perleberg and Allyson Beckham, who were all on the board in 2017, did not return a request for comment. Greenburg and Beckman were not on the board in 2017.

Greenburg’s letter is critical of SUSD General Counsel Michelle Marshall’s performance, citing the McCarthy case as

one example.

Greenburg, who was not on the board in 2017, said he received documentation of the original settlement from the McCarthy family after Marshall failed to provide it for him.

“Not only was this exceptionally embarrassing, it was simply unacceptable that I was forced to ask the parties suing the district to share these documents because the district’s own counsel refused to do so,” Greenburg wrote.

Greenburg also accurately predicted that SUSD’s decision to turn down the 2017 offer, and a later offer to settle case for $88,000, would likely result in increased costs for the district.

“Given how the court has ruled previously, I am fairly confident that the plaintiffs will be awarded legal fees in excess of $6,602, if not the $88, 000 requested in the 2019 settlement offer.”

As part of the 2019 settlement, the Mc-

Carthys had requested $88,000 from the district to cover legal expenses.

However, the SUSD Governing Board on a 4-0 vote opted to have the judge decide the award instead, according to minutes from a special governing board meeting on April 16.

At the April 16 meeting, board President Patty Beckman said the decision to settle and leave the question of attorney’s fees to the court was made “on the terms recommended by counsel.”

Greenburg recused himself from that vote.

“The district believed it was in its best interest at the time it accepted the offer to allow the court to determine the reasonable attorney’s fee rather than accept the figure offered by the plaintiff’s so that an objective party could make the assessment based on review of records,” Bolton said.

“Allowing the court to decide the matter gave the parties the opportunity to brief the issues.”

the judgment, noted that the district had the opportunity to settle the case for under $7,000 in 2017 and would likely pay much more now.

Greenburg wrote, “Since my colleagues are hyper-focus (sic) on District expenditures, I am unsure what their reaction would be upon learning of these facts, especially if the courts award legal fees in excess of $6,602.”

Greenburg also wrote that Marshall blocked his attempts to find out more about the original settlement offer, which was presented to the district in 2017 before he was on the board.

He wrote that Marshall declined to give him information about the settlement at the behest of the district’s outside counsel that was working on the case.

“I find Ms. Marshall’s and our outside counsel’s refusal to provide such documents as falling close to violating an attorney’s ethical responsibilities to his or her client,” Greenburg wrote.

Outside of the McCarthy case, Greenburg also raised concerns about Marshall’s inaction regarding changes he proposed to Governing Board Policy BEDH, which governs public participation at board meetings.

Greenburg had expressed concern that pieces of the policy may be unconstitutional and was used by previous boards to silence criticism from the public.

Greenburg wrote that his concerns were shared by the Arizona School Boards Association but that counsel was slow to bring proposed changed language

before the board.

The board on Aug. 6 ultimately approved changes to rule brought forward by Marshall months after Greenburg’s letter.

Greenburg also cited community concerns about corruption in the district in years past and wondered why the general counsel did not follow up on concerns brought by community members about former CFO Laura Smith.

Smith was indicted by a grand jury and is on trial on fraud and conflicts of interest charges stemming from her district job.

“While I do not believe Ms. Marshall was directly involved in any way in the perpetration of wrongful acts during that time, many are unclear as to how Ms. Marshall failed to investigate…the allegations made by community members far sooner,” Greenburg wrote.

Greenburg declined to say if he still has concerns about Marshall’s performance.

In supporting Marshall, Kriekard cited the fact that successive governing boards have continued to renew her contract.

“Ms. Marshall has received positive performance evaluations, including in 2019, and each Board has voted to retain her services. We appreciate her dedication to the District and look forward to her continued service,” according to Kriekard’s statement.

The governing board most recently voted 4-1 to renew Marshall’s contract on June 11. Greenburg was the only board member who voted against the renewal.

SUSD chief stands by district’s lawyer

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

A

freshman member of the Scottsdale Unified School District has questioned the competency of its attorney.

Board member Jann-Michael Greenburg wrote Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard last April, asking him to examine the job performance of SUSD General Counsel Michelle Marshall and her department.

Greenburg’s father Mark Greenburg is currently suing board member Barbara Perleberg in a case related to a parody site he set up last year. The district is not directly involved in the case as plaintiff or defendant, and Jann-Michael’s letter does not mention that case.

In his letter, Greenburg cited Marshall’s handling of an ongoing lawsuit against the district as well as community concerns over her failure to investigate allegations of misconduct levied against district personnel in the past.

The letter was recently turned over by the district as part of a public information request and shared with the Progress.

In a statement to the Progress, Kriekard confirmed he received the letter on April 24 and expressed support for Marshall.

“This matter was given my full attention and careful consideration. According to Scottsdale Unified School District policy BDG, ‘School Attorney,’ the duties of the General Counsel for the District include representing, advising and assisting the District’s administration and representing

A previously unreleased letter from SUSD Board Member Jann-Michael Greenburg (pictured) to Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard raised concerns about the performance of General Counsel Michelle Marshall.

the organization’s best interests,” according to the statement.

“Our General Counsel, Ms. Michelle Marshall, is a Stanford Law School graduate, with 23 years as a licensed attorney in the state of Arizona, the past eleven of which have been dedicated to representing the Scottsdale Unified School District. Ms. Marshall has expertly served the District during the tenure of five Superintendents, three interim/acting Superintendents and five Governing Boards.”

Among the issues raised by Greenburg was Marshall’s involvement in a public records lawsuit brought against the district by the McCarthy family in 2017.

The district and family settled the case earlier this year and a judge awarded the family about $119,000 in attorney’s fees.

Greenburg, who wrote the letter before

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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CITY NEWS

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

School start pushed to Aug. 10 in Scottsdale PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

T

he City of Tempe and Scottsdale Uni�ied School District worked together to open a new crosswalk at Tonalea K-8 School.

The crosswalk, located on Continental Drive near Myrtle Avenue, opened on Sept.

17 and provides a convenient crossing route for families living in the neighborhood directly to the south of the school.

Tonalea Principal David Priniski said the school identi�ied the need for a crosswalk in the area, because many students walk and bike to the school from that neighborhood.

Prior to the new crosswalk’s opening, students in that area would have to walk east – in the opposite direction of the campus’ entrance – to the intersection at College Avenue and Continental Drive to �ind the nearest crosswalk.

SUSD and Tempe had to agree to an intergovernmental agreement to create the crosswalk, because the roadway falls within the city’s jurisdiction.

The Tonalea campus itself is within the southernmost boundary of City of Scottsdale, but Continental Drive and the neigh-

Coming Soon!

approved the crosswalk at the meeting.

“We are very excited for the new crosswalk at Tonalea,” Priniski said. “Student safety is our number one priority. Providing this new crosswalk ensures our students enter and exit campus safely. I want to thank the City of Tempe for their help in making it possible and continued enforcement in the area.”

According to Tempe City Council documents, the city paid $5,800 to install the new crosswalk.

SUSD Governing Board President Patty Beckman spoke to the Tempe City Council on Sept. 12, asking The district will be the city to install a crosswalk on Continental Drive at Tonalea K-8 School. (Special to the Progress) responsible for operatborhood to the south of the school are Tempe residents. ing the crosswalk during “This crosswalk is essential for our chil- school arrival and dismissal times. within Tempe city limits.

Records show SUSD Superintendent Dr. dren and their families to feel calm and Beckman said the crosswalk will imJohn Kriekard �iled an application with the secure as they begin their school day,” prove safety for students. city on August 29.

Beckman told the Tempe City Council on “This crosswalk is essential for our chilAccording to SUSD Governing Board September 12 when she asked to vote in dren and their families to feel calm and sePresident Patty Beckman, Tonalea K-8 favor of the crosswalk. cure as they begin their school day,” BeckThe Tempe City Council unanimously man told the Tempe City Council. serves 923 students, 108 of whom are

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PRESERVE ���� ���� 6

than an individual’s playground; it’s a resource that needs to be protected and understood from a variety of perspectives.

“Everyone who complains should be in a working group so they can see all the things that go into (trails planning),” he said. “It really is a complex process.”

The list of considerations is long and often technical: maintaining plant and wildlife habitat; preserving scenic views; protecting archeological resources; supporting a variety of users, but keeping access safe and sustainable.

It’s also a process that includes public outreach.

After the working groups submitted their ideas, a draft plan was created. The city held three open houses and launched a website so citizens could review the draft and submit comments.

More than 90 people attended the open houses and the web site generated 572 unique views. In all, 27 comments were received. The corridor plan was adopted by the city in November 2016. Trail construction and rehab launched soon after and continues today.

Plans call for the completion of a new trailhead in the area in early 2021. With it,

major infrastructure within the preserve will be completed.

And then the city will begin another chapter in its preserve story. How many trails are enough? And how much access is too much?

“In a park, you want to attract as many people as possible,” said Hamilton. “In a preserve, you want to protect the environment as much as possible, but still have people enjoy it.”

McKeighan said that means the grassroot working groups might inherit a new task – devising ways to keep people out of parts of the preserve.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have a trail in an area at all,” he said. “That might be the best question of all. Some of these places should stay in their natural state and wild.”

Carla and her brother, Greg Woodall, agree. They’ve seen the Preserve evolve from day one – and they give the city good marks for walking the balance between access and exploitation.

“Places can get loved to death pretty easily,” said Woodall, now an archeologist with the U.S. Forest Service. “It’s easy for a chucklehead to tear up terrain.

“That’s the beauty of watching the preserve come together. It’s a special place and Scottsdale did a pretty good thing.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

City director resigns, aide �ired in Scottsdale

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

S

cottsdale’s transportation director resigned and a subordinate was fired after a city investigation found they had violated policies regarding conflict of interest.

An investigation by the city’s human resources department found the Transportation Director Paul Basha and Transportation Planning and Transit Programs Manager Lisa Johnson had failed to properly administer a contract awarded to Jerry Johnson, Lisa Johnson’s husband.

The Progress obtained a copy of the report through a public records request.

According to a report sent by Human Resources Executive Director Donna Brown to Assistant City Manager Bill Murphy, the city was aware a contract for Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Transit Administration compliance was issued to Jerry Johnson, but both Basha and Lisa Johnson failed to follow the agreed-upon terms meant to address conflict of interest issues.

administer this type of contract otherwise, she and Basha agreed Johnson “would not be involved in direct decision making and items for the contract should go through Paul (Basha) as the supervisor and contract administrator,” according to the HR report.

However, the HR investigation found Basha and Johnson later disregarded those guidelines.

The report said Johnson had significant inFormer Scottsdale Transportation Director Paul Basha volvement in adminisabruptly resigned on September 13. A recent HR investering the contract that tigation found Basha had violated city rules regarding was eventually awarded conflict of interest. (Progress file photo). to her husband, including “developing the Purchasing Director Robert Schoepe took steps to avoid potential violations scope of work and forms for use by the of city rules prior to awarding the con- contractor, identifying and conducting tract by having both Basha and Lisa outreach to potential contractors, and Johnson sign non-conflict of interest making decisions and communicating once the contractor was selected caused statements.

Though Lisa Johnson would typically an appearance of impropriety.”

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Brown found Basha and Johnson violated city policies and ethical standards, including Administrative Regulation AR 320, which sets ethical standards for city employees.

Basha submitted a resignation letter to Brown on September 13, two weeks before the investigation report was submitted to Assistant City Attorney Bill Murphy on Sept. 25.

“I apologize for this abrupt, impersonal and unprofessional notification. However, very recent events have created the need for my immediate resignation,” according to the letter.

Basha was the city’s transportation director since 2013 and had previously worked for the city for nearly 16 years from 1984 to 2000.

The city fired Lisa Johnson, said city spokesperson Kelly Corsette.

Corsette declined to comment further on the situation surrounding Johnson’s firing.

The HR investigation indicates Basha found the rules meant to prevent a conflict of interest “burdensome without benefit.”

According to the HR report, Basha said he had Johnson respond to emails from her husband about the contract because the rules were “silly and unnecessary and time-consuming for me to interact with Jerry and then interact with Lisa – then the interaction with Jerry was twice for every topic and then to Lisa twice,” according to the report.

Basha took responsibility for flouting the agreed-upon stipulations and acknowledged “It was done intentionally and on a very solid basis.”

According to Basha’s testimony, Lisa Johnson initially made it clear she intended to remove herself from any contract her husband had an interest in.

“Lisa maintains that she was ‘completely assured’ by Paul that ‘everything was handled,’ however looking back she expressed that she should have brought this (information that Jerry Johnson was her husband) to the attention of the Executive Director of Public Works (Dan Worth), to which the Transportation Department reports,” according to the report.

While Basha acknowledged he violated directions provided to prevent conflict, he insisted no actual impropriety occurred.

According to the report, Basha said, “No impropriety at all, but there was a perception and in government work, perception is reality.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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Book on making of Old Adobe Mission in the making

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

I

n Los Olivos Mexican Patio’s early days, brothers Alvaro, Emilio and Claudio Corral would gather around an old, dark mahogany table.

At this table – which they associated with the “crisol,” or melting pot of ideas – the men would discuss their plans, future projects and their lives.

Now, over 70 years since the first iteration of the restaurant opened as a beer and wine bar and exactly 100 years since the Tomas Corral family arrived in Scottsdale from Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, members of the Corral family continue the tradition of “el crisol.”

The meetings have moved to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Main Street a mile from the restaurant – with a newer mahogany table, to boot.

The topic of discussion? The family’s plan to release a book on the history of the Old Adobe Mission and the Mexican families who helped build it, including their own.

Brothers Jay, Ernie and Alex Corral were seated in the bar area of Los Olivos on a recent afternoon.

Paradise Valley resident, librarian and family friend Sally Thompson just arrived.

“We, along with another group, are putting together a book about the Old Adobe Mission and the contribution of the Mexican community in building the Mission and the people involved who pushed for the Mission to be started,” Jay said.

Members of the Corral family, along with Thompson and members of Scottsdale’s other original Mexican families, have worked on the book for 10 years.

Now nearly 300 pages long, the book is complete – save for a title, further proofing and a publisher.

“It’s about the architects who contributed their time, the masons who had the knowledge of the adobe coming in and showing their expertise, the gentleman who did the tin work inside that took up making the stained glass,” Jay said. “All of that is in our book, and this was all done back in the 1930s.”

Jay, Ernie and Alex Corral take a break from lunch at Los Olivos for a photo. This year happens to be the Corral family’s 100-year anniversary since arriving in Scottsdale. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer)

The group began the project shortly after the Old Adobe Mission’s 75th anniversary in 2008.

“We all volunteered as docents at the Old Adobe Mission,” said Thompson, who moved from Chicago to Scottsdale in 1971. “At that point, we realized people don’t know a whole lot about the history here.”

The group of six then volunteered to serve on a history committee and after hosting several well-attended programs, they came up with the idea to write the book.

“The people that came into the Mission, for the majority, knew nothing about the beginnings of Scottsdale – and God forbid you mention a Mexican because they didn’t know there were Mexicans here at the time; they have no idea who was here,” Thompson said.

She added: “I decided that it was about time that somebody say something about who built that gorgeous church over there and what life was really like out here because people would come in

from all over the world.”

The group conducted about 40 interviews, including former Scottsdale Mayor William “Bill” Schrader; Whitey’s Auto Repair owner Paul “Whitey” Almhjell, who also worked all through high school for J. Chew’s Mexican Imports in Scottsdale; and historian Paul Messinger of Messinger Mortuary.

The group also spoke with current Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane.

“He’s fascinated with history; he loves what’s going on,” Thompson said. “He said, ‘There hasn’t been a lot written about the beginnings that’s easily out there.’ He said, ‘You fill in all the blanks.’”

Most importantly, though, the group spoke with descendants of about 35 families who helped build the church.

“In our collection of records, we have the original property names and the people that were there,” Ernie said.

In addition to over 100 photos, the collection also includes birth certificates and land deeds.

Siblings Reuben and Margie Gardella –

who met up with Thompson, Ernie and the rest of the group, including Raquel Leva, Nellie Ulloa and Juan Alvarez, during one of the weekly meetings – are among Scottsdale’s original families.

“I got really interested in [the book] because it was all of us from the same neighborhood. We all had stories to tell,” Margie said.

It’s believed Rueben’s and Margie’s grandfather was Scottsdale’s first cowboy.

Their grandmother was among a handful of women who arrived in Scottsdale as single mothers. “[They] came only with five kids. No men. 1919,” Thompson said, adding the other women included Ulloa’s mother and Leva’s mother.

“Moving everything to come up here with not knowing what’s going to happen and no man to help you, they were tough women. They were strong women.

They didn’t take a back seat to anybody,” she said.

see CORRAL page 21

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

19

Bridging To The Best Future For Scottsdale Seniors, Literally The whole gang playing bridge Paula, Jean, Martha, Mary Lee, and Tracy talk a lot about what they like about Scottsdale, and what could be improved. Lately, they have been talking about something that’s never been here before: adult day care at senior centers.

Because of Scottsdale’s high quality of life and low taxes, the city has become a haven for more seniors. This is a wonderful thing. But with more retirees comes more responsibility to do right by them.

That’s where the three questions on Scottsdale’s November 5th ballot come in. Each upgrades key community infrastructure and even provides for new and better service facilities that will help families caring for a mom, dad or a relative.

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NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Little libros

Learn fun songs, stories and rhymes in English and Spanish 10-10:30 a.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Days SEPTEMBER

Sunday

29 Baby and Me storytime

Children through age 2 can enjoy storytime activities and a reading of “Dinosaur Dance!” at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, 10500 N. 90th St. Attendance includes a free Starbucks tall hot or iced coffee from the Barnes & Noble Café. Information: 480-3910048.

Monday

30 New Faces AA meeting

Find recovery from alcohol addiction alongside this support group at 7:45 a.m. at North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 10427 N. Scottsdale Road Club membership is not required to attend meetings.

Breakfast Babies

Parents and their babies can enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast 9 a.m. Mondays at Brunch Café, 15507 N. Scottsdale Road. Families will meet in the large, private dining room and will receive complimentary coffee and a chocolate-covered strawberry with the purchase of any meal. Grandparents are also welcome to join in on the dining, socializing and read-aloud story time. Information: 480-398-7174.

Tiny tot time

Develop babies’ literacy with songs, rhymes, movement and board books 1111:20 a.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

ESL class

All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language with experienced teachers and other students 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

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Friday

4 Let’s Talk group

Bring ideas and questions for a stimulating discussion led

by Bill Adler 2-3:30 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Information: 480-481-7033.

Morning Joe with TED

Explore creativity, great ideas, mindfulness and better living 9-11 a.m. at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B. Information: www. azfcf.org.

Walkin’ Wednesdays

Let’s knit

Learn or practice knitting with others 1:30-4 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Free. Information: 480-483-7121.

Stay and play

Give children up to 5 an opportunity to explore, create and investigate with a playbased learning environment program 10:30 a.m.-noon at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. While children play, caregivers can learn about a variety of early childhood topics from local resource professionals. Information: 480312-7323.

Arabian Nights discussion

Join others in discussing Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” 5:30-7 p.m. at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312-7323.

Wednesday

2 Speedy bridge

Join others in a fast round of bridge at 10:30 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Registration is required. Information: 480312-5810.

Make friends while exercising during a brisk 1.5 mile walk through The J neighborhood 9-10 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Bring water and walking shoes and meet at the campus’ flagpole. Strollers, dogs and all walking paces are welcomed.

Information: 480-481-1797.

Thursday

3 Tai Chi

Everyone is welcome to join a class that focuses on gentle and controlled movements that center the mind, body and spirit for health benefits 3-3:45 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Ave. Information: 480-314-6660.

Bingo

Play Bingo 1:30-4 p.m. at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B. Information: www.azfcf.org.

In stitches knitters

Gather with other knitters to work on individual projects, share advice and talk with others 1-3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Advanced beginner bridge

Join others in playing a fun game of bridge 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-3127323.

Chair Pilates

Pilates improves the cardio system, eases back pain, improves bone density and boosts heart rate. Join a class to better physical health 1-2 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Ave. Information: 480-314-6660.

Art, coffee and conversation

Start the morning off right with a monthly art critique of the current art show 10 a.m.noon at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B. Information: www.azfcf. org.

Friends and Facility CPR

Learn CPR 10 a.m.-noon at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B. Information: www.azfcf.org.

Saturday

5

Introductory English

This class is designed for students with no prior experience in English and takes place 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Pearl Ridge

With cooler temperatures around the corner, Scottsdale Quarter is holding another free fall concert 5-7 p.m. featuring Pearl Ridge, a high-energy cover band who will play

the best of rock, pop, funk and country hits. After shopping or dining this Saturday, be sure to stop for music at The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road

Books 2 boogie

Children up to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in music, movement and song 10:30-11 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480312-7323.

Family story time

Children up to 5 and their caregivers can listen to stories and music and participate in rhyming activities 10:30-11 a.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

Citizenship workshop

This workshop provides an opportunity to study for the civics portion of the USCIS Naturalization Test 10:30 a.m.-noon at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480312-7323.

Sunday

6 Story stop

Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program 2-2:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Cooking class at the J

Learn to make sweet potato soufflé, apple crisp and peach cobbler from noon to 3 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Cost is $50 to $60. RSVP: 480-481-7040.

“Timeless Dance”

Phoenix author Karen Shiffman Lateiner shares her journey as the mother of a beloved son who at age 22, who faced a life-long struggle with his gender identity and had begun the process of transitioning to a beautiful young woman, only to be killed in an automobile accident. Open discussion about gender diversity and coping with the death of a child encouraged.

Discussion 10-11:30 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Cost is $5 to $10. Information: 480481-7024.

In Your Face art exhibit

Appreciate bold, brave, colorful self-portraits on display 1-5 p.m. in the front lobby Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-3127323.

Monday

7 Business Energizer

Learn about setting weekly goals and generate business ideas with fellow business owners 9-10 a.m. This group meets virtually. To join, meet the group online through the “Monday Business Energizer” group LinkedIn page. Free. Information: edgar@compasscbs.com

Baby dance classes

Every Monday morning 9:159:45 a.m., parents and grandparents are invited to bring in their babies who are walking up to age 2 ½ to enjoy a wonderful and fun introduction to music, movement, and dancing at the Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics and Dance Center, 15801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix.

Babies will love dancing to the music while using all kinds of different props and toys.

Parent or grandparent participation is required. This is a “drop in” class but it’s limited to the first 20 children. Information: 602-992-5790.

‘A Touch of the Desert’

Participate in a Desert Awareness Committee seminar 6-8 p.m. at Holland Community Center, Black Mountain Campus, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B. Information: www.azfcf. org.

Twos and threes together

Young children can learn social and literacy skills 1111:30 a.m. with short stories, finger-plays and action rhymes at the Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-3127323.

Tail waggin’ tales

Children 6 to 10 can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog 3:304:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

21

Scottsdale doc keeps on learning Plus, the therapies do not include injections of any kind.

“None of it’s drugorthern Scottsdale Sco ttsdale related,” Burdorf chiropractic neusaid. “What we’re rologist Dr. Mark B. doing is we’re tryBurdorf is a self-proclaimed ing to activate nerve history nerd. pathways with differSo, it comes as no surprise the southent types of physical ern Scottsdale resident is always in exercises – that may search of continuing his education in be a balance exercise his line of work.

– and a lot of stuff we “I’m well over 2,000 hours of postdo with eye exercises. grad for neurology,” said Burdorf, who It’s all about trying to has been in practice for 32 years and is create stability into one of only seven board-certified chian area that’s inropractic neurologists in the state. jured.”

And the most recent course he comBurdorf was one of pleted combined his love for both 60 physicians in athistory and education: an intensive tendance, with most Functional Neuro-Orthopedic Rehaof them based out of bilitation (FNOR) course taught at the Australia, Tasmania Quest NewQuay Center in Melbourne, and New Zealand.

Australia.

The course was The 25-hour continuing education taught by the top course is approved by the American physical therapist Chiropractic Association Council of Stuart Fife, sports Neurology.

Dr. Mark B. Burdorf, a Scottsdale chiropractic neurologist, The FNOR course blended orthope- recently returned from an intensive course. (Dr. Mark B. Burdorf/ chiropractor Nicholas Studholme, and dic testing with functional neurology Special to the Progress) chiropractic neurolotreatments such as eye exercises to strengthen the core – important in the get from this is the ability to offer ther- gist Brett Jarosz.

“To give a sense of how unique this treatment of whiplash, migraines, ver- apy that is faster and more efficient in the healing process. is, consider that the top doctors in tigo and other movement disorders.

“We see changes in symptoms and physical medicine rehabilitation join “Basically, it had to do with rehabilitation of injuries of the cervical spine, objective measures in weeks rather together to share more efficient perwhich is your neck, your upper back than months, compared to traditional son-centered rehabilitation,” Burdorf and your shoulder,” Burdorf explained. therapies currently being offered,” he said.

The people who largely benefit from Burdorf said the benefit his patients added.

this type of therapy are those injured in car accidents and injured athletes.

“I have five new patients this week: two are from high school sports and three from car accidents. They’re all concussions,” Burdorf said. “These are the people I see.”

Burdorf ’s practice, which was established in Scottsdale in 1991, emphasizes on migraine, vertigo, soft tissue and pain-related conditions.

What sets his practice apart is his use of modern technology – laser – for acute and chronic pain management, inflammation and natural healing.

This low-level laser therapy, which has been FDA-approved in the United States since 2002, not only expedites the healing process, but it also reduces pain, swelling, and spasms in patients.

“It’s a light frequency that helps anything injured to heal, and I’ve got several different types of lasers in my office. I’ve got lasers for pain, I got lasers for dealing with inflammation,” Burdorf said. “It’s cutting-edge therapy.”

Burdorf was one of 10 doctors who took part in the pilot study program in Phoenix four years ago, and now the 4-Module FNOR course is taught in Melbourne and Chicago.

He has taken part in the ongoing course since – and he has no plans on slowing down.

“I do a lot of different seminar work,” he said. “We need 12 hours of continued education a year; I, on average, do 50 to 100 a year.”

Information: drburdorf.com

and Burian families and Los Olivos when it was a pool hall. “[Los Olivos] was many things before: It was a bakery. It was a pool hall. There was a church in that other room,” said Ruby Corral, Tomas Corral’s granddaughter and sister to Jay, Ernie and Alex.

The family used to dismantle the billiard tables to make room for masses, and Ernie remembers sitting atop the tables and watching on as people danced.

“They stacked a couple of pool tables on top of the other, and I was very little, and they put me on the top. I remember looking over the edge while they were dancing. I remember that so well,” he recalled.

A church club then raised funds for the construction of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Brown and First streets – a structure that is now known as the Old

say, ‘We’re going to be there in a few minutes. Do we need to make a reservation?’”

The untitled book includes an introduction by Monsignor Thomas Hever.

The book then dives into the arrival of Catholics in the southwest, the first settlers into Scottsdale; the arrival of the families from Cananea, a chapter dedicated to Father Eugene Maguire and Scottsdale’s spiritual growth and much more.

Jay said they’d like to publish their book as soon as they can, but they’re currently in need of a publisher and funding.

The goal is to publish 5,000 hardback copies and proceeds from sales would go directly to a Scottsdale-area nonprofit that benefits Hispanic children, Thompson said.

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

N

CORRAL ���� page 18

North

The group has brainstormed around 25 different titles for their book about the Mission.

“The first chapter is the building of the Mission,” said Thompson, who has five manuscripts of the book.

“You can see by the chapters how I go back in history to how religion came,” she added, as she flipped to the table of contents page.

Before the Mission was built, Mexican and American Catholics attended mass at St. Mary’s in Phoenix or Mt. Carmel in Tempe.

In Scottsdale, however, masses were celebrated in the basement of the Little Red Schoolhouse, at J. Chew’s Mexican Imports, inside the homes of the Lopez

Adobe Mission. The church moved to Miller Road in 1956.

In 1933, the Corral family not only helped build the church but also laid adobe in homes around Camelback Mountain.

Following the construction of the church, the pool hall was transformed into a beer and wine tavern in 1946. And in 1948, when the population of Scottsdale was a mere 2,500, Alvaro and his two brothers added a restaurant to the tavern. It closed for lack of business.

In 1953, however, Alvaro and his wife, Elena, gave the restaurant a second shot and it still stands to this day.

“The legacy of Los Olivos is worldwide and part of it is because of the Corral family,” Ruby said. “It is unique. Some people arrive at the airport and call and

22

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Scottsdale program helps addicts’ recovery “I came in here with mental health issues, too,” Scarlet said, “and they provide rances Scarlet was liv- Sc great doctors and great psyottsdale ing on the streets of chiatrists. The therapy that Mesa for six months – I’m getting inside of sober the nadir of spending 16 years living, I get to see a theraof her life using methamphetamine, pist once a week. You can’t heroin and pain pills and getting her get that any other place.” first drug charge.

Scarlet said she plans to Then she was court-ordered to check stay in the program anyinto A Better Today Recovery Services’ where from six months to independent living program in Scottsone year – whenever she dale at the end of May. completes the 12-step proInitially hesitant, scared and unsure, gram.

Scarlet is now one of the program’s In the meantime, the prosuccess stories. gram has helped her rebuild “Since I’ve been here, it saved my and strengthen her relationlife,” she said. ship with her family.

ABTRS’s independent living program “My relationship with is relatively new. my mom was completely Launched on May 30, it offers a sober torn severed for the last community designed to help recover16 years. We weren’t talking addicts not only get back on their ing. Since I’ve been able to feet but also help them stay sober and get clean and sober, I have avoid returning to rehab. my life back. I have my “As a company, we see a lot of pa- Frances Scarlet, left, and Justin Shields stand outside one of A Better Today Recovery mom back, I have my best Services independent living program with COO Jorn LeBlanc, right. Scarlet and Shields tients and our goal – our mantra – is are both recovering addicts. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) friend,” Scarlet said, her saving lives and healing families,” said eyes welling. “It’s been a ABTRS’ CEO Jorn LeBlanc. certainly not a money-maker, but it’s a and an outdoor fireplace. raw process, but it’s been “We would have patients who went life-changer.”

“We all hang out with each other as a well worth it.” through our program and they did reABTRS spent about a year renovat- community. We’ll spend time together.

LeBlanc said he hopes the program markably well in support – in the bub- ing a dilapidated southern Scottsdale We watch movies together; we do kara- helps change the stigma attached to ble if you will,” he continued. “Then we apartment complex to provide fully oke. We do a lot of stuff together. This is recovering addicts. would graduate them and they would furnished apartments for recovering my home. This is my family. I couldn’t As part of the program, participants go out and then we’d see them come addicts, who pay $165 a week that cov- see it any other way,” Scarlet said. volunteer their time to give back to the back.” ers not only rent, running water and According to the National Institute community.

To help recovering addicts success- electricity but also their food, trans- on Drug Abuse, relapse rates for drug “We need to show that example to fully transition back into society after portation and other resources. addiction vary between 40 and 60 the rest of the world, certainly to this treatment, the center supplies clients In addition to job-training and re- percent, and relapse rates among re- community. And currently we do it by with fully furnished, reduced-rate liv- sume-building programs, ABTRS also covering alcoholics are between 50 doing outreach,” LeBlanc explained, ing arrangements, food, transporta- provides life skills-developing pro- and 90 percent in the first four years noting: tion, life skills classes, sober social grams, like cooking classes and edu- after rehab.

“We feed underserved members of events and activities, career and edu- cation-related resources, like aptitude “We know, statistically, that the lon- our community on Tuesdays because cation resources and more. tests, GED training and more. ger you spend in the recovery envi- there’s so much value in that. Seeing “When they go back to their homes “We have every single thing that ronment and supportive recovery en- outside of yourself, it’s so helpful to us or society or even other sober livings, someone would need the resources for vironment, the greater your chances and to me as an addict; it lets me keep they don’t have the support. They don’t while still staying safe and surround- are of success,” LeBlanc said. “What things in perspective.” have the resources available to them to ing themselves with like-minded peo- we believed was – and this was over a The program and its mission is so reestablish themselves in that in life,” ple – and it’s working,” LeBlanc said. period of two years that this conversa- close to LeBlanc’s heart because he, LeBlanc explained, adding: “You’re supporting one another and tion kept happening – what if we could too, was a recovering addict; he used “When folks come here, they have you’re realizing that you are not the provide more support for a longer pe- methamphetamine for 22 years. access to all of our support staff. You’re sum of your prior actions.” riod of time?”

“It wasn’t that long ago that I would held to a higher level of accountability.”

ABTRS’ Independent Living Program ABTRS took it upon themselves to have qualified to go in and get free Currently, 32 people are enrolled in takes a more long-term, residential ap- extended treatment up to one year – meals because of my situation and my the program LeBlanc describes as the proach to treatment – one that heavily “because we know that works,” LeB- addiction had me in a spot where I was “next step after treatment.” focused on community. lanc said. in need,” he said.

“What we’ve done here is broken the And it’s this community aspect that Primary causes of relapse include “And quite frankly, I can’t imagine mold as far as what treatment and so- has kept Scarlet in the program. lack of support, issues with family not having this addiction in my past ber living looks like,” he said. “[They On-site, participants have access to a members and friends, job issues or lack because I am a better man today than can] come stay with us for up to one ping-pong table, billiard table, barbe- of employment, medical problems and I ever was, ever was. And that’s a win.” year and the rents are so reduced. It’s cue patio, a theater-style movie lounge mental health issues, among others.

Information: abtrs.com

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

F

South

BUSINESS

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Business

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

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/ScottsdaleProgress

Blink Fitness eyes 2 gyms in Scottsdale

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

T

his has been a transformational year for Blink Fitness.

The premium-quality, value-based �itness concept cannonballed into the technology world with its proprietary personalized mobile companion, among other consumer-facing innovations.

It set its sights on increasing its number of locations 300 percent over the next three years – with two new gyms located in Scottsdale.

Phoenix is one of six target key U.S. markets, alongside Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Raleigh, Las Vegas and Kansas City.

The �irst of two Scottsdale locations is slated to open sometime next fall and will be among 13 other new locations in the Valley.

“The Phoenix-Scottsdale area is de�initely one that has been high on our list, and we believe that our proposition would do very well there, both from an economic standpoint as well as creating jobs and, from a pure consumer standpoint, our ability to enter the market in a way that would make a big difference,” said Todd Magazine, CEO of Blink Fitness.

Blink Fitness reports a local investment upwards of $2.4 million, the creation of more than 40 jobs and will occupy 32,000 square-feet of commercial real estate.

In total, however, the 15 total locations

Premium-quality, value-based fitness concept Blink Fitness will open two gyms like this New Jersey facility in Scottsdale. (Blink Fitness/Special to the Progress)

are expected to represent an investment of $18 million in the Valley, more than 300 jobs and 240,000 square-feet of commercial real estate.

“We’re in the phase right now of �inding the right franchise partners who can really know the market, have a passion for the kind of business that we’re in and can ultimately help us bring Blink to the Scottsdale area,” Magazine said.

Founded in 2011, Blink has more than 100 locations open or in development and plans to expand to more than 300 company- and franchised-owned gyms in the

next three years.

“We’re opening up in many cities throughout the country, and we’ve identi�ied locations where we think the Blink proposition would do well and places where we believe that we can disrupt the market where we have a disrupted in other places,” Magazine said.

Blink Fitness, a $15 to $25-per-month gym, prides itself on the quality of its product and experience, its “mood above muscle” mantra that embraces real people and real bodies, especially in its marketing, and its technology.

at 3.7 percent.

But Doug Walls, the labor market information director for the state’s Of�ice of Economic Opportunity said the overall economic situation remains good in Arizona, with the number of people in the labor force here up by 2.8 percent in the past year compared to a 1.3 percent increase for the rest of the country.

As has been the pattern now for some time, retail trade remains weak, shedding another 1,100 jobs between July and August. At the same time, though, employment in transportation and warehousing – including the e-commerce �irms – is up by 1,900.

Aside from the shift in consumer buy-

ing patterns, there may be another factor at work, particularly in the Tucson area: Stepped-up security at ports of entry have increased waiting times to get across the border, discouraging Mexican shoppers from coming to Arizona.

“We are seeing weak retail job growth here in Pima County,’’ said George Hammond, director of the Economic and Business Research Center at the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona.

Mexican shoppers aside, Hammond said the fact remains that the growth rate in the Phoenix area, where three-fourths of the jobs are located, has historically been faster, driven by a more diverse economy.

“We don’t believe that just because you’re paying a lower price that you have to have that lower-price experience, which is typically what you get in this category,” Magazine said.

Notably, Blink’s mobile app offers personalized content included in its membership.

Content includes hundreds of workout videos, guided meditations, healthy recipes and nutrition advice.

“It’s really, really great content that you could use, which is part of your membership,” Magazine said.

“What we’re really trying to do,” he continued, “is help people and inspire people and give them access to things that they might not have access to today. And, you also could do it in your home.”

After two years of research and development, Blink Fitness launched the personalized mobile companion in January.

Inside Blink Fitness gyms, members have access to touchscreen Vengo vending machines, a high-tech towel tracking system called Towel Tracker, kiosks that simplify and expedite the sign-up and membership process, and some locations are even equipped with Amazon Lockers.

“We’re using technology to enable more people to get inspired and access to information to help them on their �itness journey,” Magazine said.

Information: blink�itness.com

Jobless rate ticked up a notch in Arizona last month

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

rizona’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate ticked up a tenth of a point last month, to 5.0 percent, driven by weaker than normal growth in the private sector.

Companies added 10,300 jobs in August.

That compares with an average gain of 15,600 during the past decade at this time of year.

The new numbers increase the difference between what’s happening in Arizona versus the rest of the country, where the unemployment rate for August remained

The latest monthly report produced few surprises, with growth in most major economic sectors.

One outlier is construction which lost 1,300 jobs between July and August.

That, however, could be a statistical aberration, as the industry has been showing strong and steady growth now for a while.

The number of people working in construction is up 9.5 percent from a year ago.

Manufacturing employment is up by another 300 in August, with a 5.4 percent year-over-year increase.

The new report also found that wages in Arizona in the past quarter are up 3.3 percent from the same time a year earlier.

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OPINION

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Opinion

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Saying yes to school override bene�its city, kids

BY MELINDA GULICK Progress Guest Writer

A

s a graduate of Chaparral High School, I remember my days as a “Firebird” fondly. I had great teachers and made wonderful friends, many of whom I still see regularly today.

When it came time to enroll my two young sons in school, I didn’t have to think twice about where to send them.

I wanted them to attend Scottsdale Uni�ied School District schools.

In fact, we moved to the school district so that our family could have the bene�its of neighborhood schools. It’s important to me that my boys have the diversi�ied learning opportunities that quality public schools like the ones in SUSD offer.

I’m a working mom and I do my best to stay active in our community, just like I did before I had children.

I have served as a volunteer on several Yes To Children bond and override

campaigns. I worked with outstanding people, including teachers, parents and even grandparents.

Our grassroots efforts were remarkably successful, thanks to voters who understood the importance of continuing to invest in our local public schools.

Earlier this year, when I was asked to serve as co-chair of the 2019 Yes To Children campaign to renew the maintenance & operations budget override, it was easy for me to say “yes,” knowing that I would have the chance to work with Denny Brown as co-chair.

For those who don’t know what a budget override is, it’s simple: The override must be approved by voters every �ive years for SUSD to continue receiving above state funding.

If voters renew the override this fall, SUSD will receive approximately $19 million a year without raising the property tax rate.

Will renewing the budget override bene�it residents? Yes. Maintaining quality schools helps in-

Continuing the budget override is an investment in our schools and students. Renewing the override will help keep teachers’ salaries competitive – and that allows SUSD to continue attracting and retaining the most highly qualified educators. crease property values and enhance our neighborhoods, not to mention boosting Scottsdale’s economy. Businesses and families move here every day.

Quality SUSD schools often factor into those decisions to relocate here, which makes the school district one of the primary economic engines in our

city. That, by the way, helps keep our taxes some of the lowest in the Valley.

Continuing the budget override is an investment in our schools and students.

Renewing the override will help keep teachers’ salaries competitive – and that allows SUSD to continue attracting and retaining the most highly quali�ied educators.

Besides contributing to the strong academic performance of SUSD students with top-notch teachers, one of the most appealing aspects of renewing the budget override is how it will continue creating well-rounded students.

The override will help retain music, arts, world languages, athletic programs and maintain an emphasis on using technology as a teaching tool.

I will vote YES on renewing the SUSD budget override in early October when my ballot arrives. Remember, this is an all-mail ballot election – and I hope you vote yes as well.

–Melinda Gulick is a Scottsdale resident and co-chair of the Yes to Children campaign.

Letters

You don’t have to like City Council to support bonds

W

e have been �looded with articles, opinions, signs, and other communications asking us to vote for the bonds. A lot of this information is generated by people who support, and/or pro�it, from development in Scottsdale in some way.

So naturally, these people think the city is headed in the right direction. Most of these communications are short on facts and just ask you to vote for the bonds. So, what should you do?

First, let me say that I am not one of those people. In my mind, the city is not only headed in the wrong direction, it is on a path that is not sustainable, and further is also destroying our quality of life.

Both are of great concern to me.

Scottsdale’s strength and appeal was its small laid-back western town look and

feel that appealed to visitors and also attracted high-end residents, both of whom spent money in our city thus supporting the city �inancially.

However, our current council majority is driving us away from this sustainable path with all the density and height increases they are allowing that do not generate enough income for the city to justify their presence.

All this development is also driving away many of our downtown merchants by chasing away their customers, the customers that did generate a lot of income for our city.

However, despite my disappointment and anger about where our city is going, I am in favor of the bonds and intend to vote for them.

Scottsdale is our city and we need to in-

vest in it to at least maintain the amenities and infrastructure we all need and enjoy.

I looked into some of the high dollar items and discovered they provide more bene�its than are being publicized, including attracting more visitors that really do contribute income to the city.

I also looked at all the projects that improve our residents’ quality of life and/or are necessary to support our police and �ire departments and personnel and believe they are necessary.

I do not think the city has done a good job of selling the projects, and the bonds to pay for them, to the public – which puts questions in the minds of voters, including me.

So, in addition to researching them, I have asked the city to put project details up on the city web site including a cost

breakdown and implementation details on each project. That information is now up there and can be accessed at: scottsdaleaz.gov/construction/unfunded-cipprojects.

We can educate ourselves on all the projects and make our own decision based on facts, not hype.

In the end, I hope that, regardless of how you feel about the current direction this city is taking, you will look at the projects and come to the conclusion that we need them to keep what we do like about Scottsdale.

Voting for these bonds is a vote for us, not a vote of support for our city council. This is our home, we need to invest in keeping it desirable and an enjoyable place to live.

–Howard Myers

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Arts & Entertainment Scottsdale.org l

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Part of Gil Waldman’s Western collection on view

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

I

n 1988, Scottsdale resident and Western art collector Gil Waldman strolled through Old Town Scottsdale when a Joseph Henry Sharp painting of the Crow Reservation in the winter of 1904 stopped him in his tracks.

“When I saw it, I immediately thought, ‘That painting would certainly have a great cooling effect on a hot day in Arizona,’” Waldman recalled.

This Sharp piece, “Moonlight & Firelight,” was the first major painting Waldman acquired – and it’ll be on display at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West’s (SMoW) exhibition called “By Beauty Obsessed: Gilbert Waldman Collects the West.”

“By Beauty Obsessed,” which will run through Aug. 23, features more than 50 Western artworks collected by Waldman since the ‘80s, when he and his late wife, Nancy Waldman, purchased a winter home in Scottsdale.

The Western art collection includes artwork that dates back as early as the 1860s to about 1950 and depicts New Mexico, Arizona, Northern Great Plains

This piece by Taos Society Artist Eanger Irving Couse is called “Tumbling Water” and will be on display as part of SMoW’s “By Beauty Obessed” exhibition, which opened Sept. 10. (Loren Anderson Photography/Special to the Progress)

and Mountain West landscapes, wildlife, ceremonies and more.

“It’s exciting and rewarding to share a part of my collection with visitors and fellow supporters of this remarkable in-

stitution,” said Gil, who became an early patron and founding member of the SMoW Board of Trustees.

“It is my hope that visitors will take from the exhibit an understanding that

Western art can be as important as any other genre of American art, with complex themes and unique perspectives,” Gil added.

Located in the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Fine Arts Gallery, “By Beauty Obsessed” was co-curated by Dr. Tricia Loscher, Assistant Director – Collections, Exhibitions and Research at SMoW, and Gil’s wife, Christy Vezolles, who is also an avid art collector, appraiser and writer, and Trustee at the Heard Museum.

“The happy challenge in curating this exhibit was that there are so many significant compelling works in the Waldman collection, spread between the homes in north Scottsdale, Santa Fe and our mid-town Phoenix high-rise,” Vezolles said. “Tricia and I were like kids in a candy store.”

In the collection, Gil has a particular affinity for the paintings by the Taos Society Artists, including Eanger Irving Couse, Joseph Henry Sharp and Walter Ufer.

Gil also considers the 1917 Robert Henri portrait of the young Julianita

see WALDMAN page 27

State Fair returns with The Cult, fried Oreos

BY SAMANTHA MOLINA Progress Contributor

T

he scent of mouthwatering fried foods, heart-stopping rides and concert performances by awardwinning artists like rapper Lil’ Pump and country’s Trace Adkins.

Visitors can experience these things and more at the Arizona State Fair from Friday, Oct. 4, to Sunday, Oct. 27.

“We have some truly amazing things lined up for this year’s fair,” said Jen Yee, Arizona State Fair assistant executive director. “You’re not going to want to miss this.”

Fair foodies can expect the classics like Indian fry bread, deep-fried Oreos and turkey legs along with additions like the doughnut tower stick and a

2-foot-long mega corndog.

However, one of the most anticipated treats to be served this year is the Flaming Hot Cheetos pickle – a pickle hollowed out and stuffed with the fiery red snack.

“I remember my family and I going to the fair every year, just for the food,” said Yee, who lives in Ahwatukee. “It was like having a Thanksgiving dinner every time we went.”

Thrill-seekers will get their kicks with a new ride called The Titan, a pendulum-style ride deemed the “the largest portable aerial thrill ride in the United States.” Riders are propelled 180 feet at 60 miles per hour.

Not an adrenaline junkie? Be sure to

see FAIR page 27

As October rolls in, so will the Arizona State Fair next weekend, bringing a wide assortment of rides, games and other attractions. (Special to the Progress)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

WALDMAN ���� page 26

called “Indian Girl of New Mexico (a.k.a.

Julianita)” a favorite.

“Also, I am especially attracted to landscapes depicting autumn foliage or snow – perhaps because they remind me of my childhood in Albany,” Gil said. “I hope the viewers will each find pieces to which they feel a connection.”

Gil grew up in Albany, New York, but he was always fascinated with the West – so much so that, in college, he wrote his master’s thesis on the Colorado River and the allocation of water rights.

It was a trip to the Grand Canyon that “lit the fuse” on Gil’s passion for the West, though.

Gil became interested in Western art after moving to Tulsa, OK in the 1950s with Nancy.

They spent their summers in New Mexico and attended seminars on the Taos Society of Artists; they then purchased their winter home in Scottsdale and began amassing a collection of historic paintings of the American West.

FAIR ���� page 26

check out the all-new Esports Gaming World—a must-visit for all gamers. The 18-day event is equipped with more than 100 gaming stations and will include virtual reality pods, tournaments, gaming demos, professional teams and celebrity streamers.

Another new attraction to the fairground includes a retro arcade, stocked with ’80s classics such as Ms. Pac-Man and pinball.

The “Monster Museum” will debut just in time for the Halloween season.

Fairgoers can take selfies with their favorite horror characters –Michael Myers, Chucky, Frankenstein and his Bride – for $5.

The Arizona State Fair will continue to host crowd favorites like rodeos and monster truck. Livestock competitions take up a large portion of the space at the fairgrounds.

Yee said spending time with animals like sheep, pigs and goats and has always been a favorite pastime among women and children.

“While we are an urban fair, we still try to incorporate our agricultural roots throughout the grounds,” she said.

Gate admission ranges from $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.

However, Yee mentions that there are quite a few ways to save when visiting the fair. For the first time, the fair will feature “College Day” on Oct. 11. Stu-

“‘By Beauty Obsessed’ captures the essence of Gil’s collection,” Vezolles said.

In addition to artworks by Bierstadt and Moran, Western artists Olaf Seltzer and Charles M. Russell and the aforementioned Taos Society Artists, “By Beauty Obsessed” includes paintings by notable women artists of the West, including Barbara Latham, Olive Rush, Gene Kloss, Dorothy Brett and Ila Mae McAfee.

“This exhibition is a true showcase of Gil Waldman’s point of view and his obsession with the beauty of the American West,” Loscher said, adding: “Gil is passionate about the West – its people, history and environment – and this exhibition is intended to reveal the poignant spirit of these places through the distinctive vision of the collector as he selectively acquired these works throughout several decades.”

According to Vezolles, Gil has been a tremendous supporter of museums across the country and has loaned works to many local and national exhibitions.

For example, Gil contributed to the

MAIN STAGE MUSIC A slew of great performers will be featured at this year’s Arizona State Fair, starting Friday, Oct. 4. Showtime is 7 p.m. and reserved seating is $40 to $60, unless otherwise noted, and that includes fair admission, too.

General admission seating is free with a fair ticket.

Billy Currington, Friday, Oct. 4 The Cult, Saturday, Oct. 5 Stryper, Wednesday, Oct. 9 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Thursday, Oct. 10 Fiesta Friday, Friday, Oct. 11 Lee Brice, Saturday, Oct. 12 Matthew West and Zach Williams, Wednesday, Oct. 16 Trace Adkins, Thursday, Oct. 17 Becky G., Friday, Oct. 18 Lil Pump, Saturday, Oct. 19 Awolnation, Wednesday, Oct. 23 Chase Rice, Thursday, Oct. 24 MC Hammer’s House Party with C + C Music Factory Featuring Freedom Williams, Friday, Oct. 25

dents will receive free admission from noon to 6 p.m., with a valid school ID. Popular deals are “We Care Wednesdays,” when attendees can bring in cans of food in exchange for free admission, and “Free Fry’s Fridays,” when Fry’s customers can bring their grocery re-

2018 exhibition of Southwest landscapes at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa.

And more locally, Gil has had two exhibits at the Phoenix Art Museum, including his collection of Gustav Baumann prints and paintings in 2012, and his collection of Gene Kloss prints and paintings in 2014.

“It’s not simply about the personal acquisition of art; it’s about appreciation and enjoyment,” Vezolles said. “We travel throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Europe, visiting dozens of art museums and galleries each year; we joke that we are ‘museum nerds.’”

Vezolles added that the SMoW exhibition, specifically, is a wonderful opportunity for visitors of the museum to share Gil’s excitement for the American West.

“It’s important to him to share with others the beauty and spirit that he finds so captivating,” Vezolles said.

SMoW’s next exhibition, “Maynard Dixon’s American West,” will open to the public Oct. 15 and is described as the world’s most comprehensive retrospective showcasing Dixon’s life and artistic career.

27

The exhibition will feature more than 250 artworks from the iconic Western artist – including works from Gil’s personal collection of Dixon artwork.

“Gil’s leadership, scholarship and philanthropic support shared with our institution since its opening in 2015 has greatly contributed to its many achievements leading to recognition as a bona fide new museum of the 21st Century,” said SMoW CEO and Director Mike Fox.

If You Go

“By Beauty Obsessed” Where: 3830 N. Marshall Way Tickets: $15 adults, $13 seniors (65+) and active military, $8 students (full-time with ID) and children (6-17 years), free for members and children under 5 Call: 480-686-9539 Website: scottsdalemuseumwest. org

ceipts showing purchases of more than $50 and get two free admission tickets.

“The Taste of the Fair” package will return on Fridays.

This offer includes $3 rides, games and select food favorites from noon to 6 p.m.

“It is so important for the fair to be affordable for the community,” Yee said.

“We want anyone and everyone to come Along with traditional fare like hamburgers and hotdogs, here and enjoy them- the State Fair brings some rare treats like this baconwrapped sausage. (Special to the Progress) selves.”

The Arizona State else,” Yee said.

Fair is known for being inclusive to the “It’s more than just a carnival. It’s a community. Every fall, local artists and great representation of our state.” creators are showcased and judged as competitive entries, from almost every county in the state.

This year, Yee said visitors can experience a multitude of contests from “best Where: Arizona State Fair, 1826 W. pie” and “best chalk art” to “best world McDowell Road, Phoenix. carvings.”

Info: 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.

“We even have an Arizona landscape When: noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays photography contest,” Yee said. and Thursdays; noon-10 p.m. FriYee stresses the community makes days; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays; and the state fair what it is today.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. Oct 4-27 “Seeing the locals come out every Cost: $12 general admission; $8 year to support one another and make kids 5 to 13 and seniors 55 and memories together. That’s what makes older. the state fair different from anything

If You Go

28

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

Food & Drink

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

/ScottsdaleProgress

Latin restaurant aims for authenticity

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO Progress Staff Writer

W

hen Chef Matt Carter formulates his restaurant ideas, he asks himself, “What do I like that I can’t eat here?”

The Mission’s chef/co-owner did just that when he was creating the eatery’s second location at Kierland Commons. Both restaurants bring authentic Latin food, especially from Peru, to the Valley with a wealth of knowledge of its roots.

Carter recently named Zachery Riddell the executive chef for both Mission restaurants after working together for about 10 years.

Together, they want to keep breaking the rules of traditional cuisine and deliver authentic food with their own twist.

“Once they eat, they say, ‘Wait, this is Mexican food maybe, but this is different,’” Carter said. “Breaking expectations is probably the biggest thing we do.”

The Mission on East Greenway Parkway and N. 71st Avenue resembles a traditional Latin church.

The two-story restaurant seats cus-

The shrimp anticuchos are served skewered, with aji panca, oregano, soy and black pepper. (Photo courtesy The Mission)

tomers on a balcony to enjoy their meals, and in a VIP room for private events or work meetings.

On the first floor, a large cross illuminates the bar, giving it an authentic “mission” feel.

“The idea was to make it look like an old mission in Mexico that had been built by Spaniards a hundred years before,” Carter said.

Its intricate decor, however, is

not the only reason customers will make the trip to The Mission.

The Mission doesn’t shy away from creating a menu that may seem foreign to Americans.

For lunch, The Mission offers crispy rock shrimp tacos that are battered with Tecate, rocoto crema, cortija and shaved cabbage ($14),

see MISSION page 29

Matt Carter opened The Mission’s second location nearly three years ago and will focus on creating a menu that stays true to the traditional roots of Latin cuisine. (Michael Mertz/Special to the Progress)

Scottstoberfest is Boston Beer’s salute to the city

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

A

new Oktoberfest event debuts in Scottsdale this year, hosted by none other than Boston Beer Company.

The company brews more than 60 styles of Samuel Adams beer – among other nationally recognized brands – including OctoberFest.

The inaugural, over-21 Oktoberfest event – dubbed Scottstoberfest – will take place at Scottsdale Fashion Square, on the north side of the mall on Scottsdale Road, on Oct. 5, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Four peaks has Tempe [and] San Tan has Chandler, as far as Oktoberfest,” said Dave Molite, Boston Beer Company regional manager.

Boston Beer Company, purveyor of Samuel Adams’ ever-popular Oktoberfest beer, will host Scottstoberfest on Oct. 5, a five-hour Oktoberfest event at Scottsdale Fashion Square. (Boston Beer Company/Special to the Progress)

“We’re the No. 1 OctoberFest, and we have nothing, and it got us thinking. We originally looked at Gilbert, but then Scottsdale fell into our lap and then we called it Scottstoberfest, which made perfect sense.”

Molite is responsible for managing six wholesalers across Arizona and New Mexico.

At Scottstoberfest, the first 2,000 attendees will receive a commemorative 32-ounce, plastic Scottstoberfest stein.

The event will include live entertainment from Valley-based DJ Soul Man and Oktoberfest band, Melina, who will be traveling straight from Oktoberfest in Germany.

Local food trucks and vendors will also be on-site serving classic German food and

see SCOTTSTOBERFEST page 29

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

MISSION ���� page 28

and the pollo a la brasa ($12) comes with aji rocoto, oregano, lime, white bean puree, cabbage, avocado and cojita cheese.

If customers would prefer something more filling, The Mission’s “tortas” will hit the spot. The black bean torta ($12) comes with Oaxaca cheese, and a fried egg, and the Cubano ($12) is served with pork belly, smoked ham, swiss cheese, pickle and dijonnaise.

The dinner menu is diverse, featuring the New Bedford diver scallops ($32) with gigante beans, merquen mussel broth, pepita butter and charred scallions. The green chile duck confit ($30) is served with Oaxaca cheese, grilled mushrooms, sultanas, serrano peanut mole, apple and radish.

Although Carter is passionate about Latin cuisine now, there was a time where he knew nothing about food, until he found himself at a crossroads.

“I kind of fell into cooking back in 1988.

I was in San Diego and I got a job washing dishes at a breakfast restaurant,” Carter said.

He returned to Arizona, ready for his next semester at ASU. He quickly realized it was the wrong move.

“I went to ASU for three or two days and said, ‘This isn’t it.’”

He worked at a small French bistro in Old Town and he was hooked. He was exhilarated.

“I fell in love with the cuisine and the food and the chef that was yelling at me every day,” Carter said. “It was awesome. Within

didn’t realize Mexican food went beyond what he saw in the Valley. That is until he dined at a Latin restaurant helmed by Douglas Rodriguez in New York. His restaurant ideas were then shaped.

“Growing up here and only been exposed to Sonoran/ Mexican food, I didn’t know there was anything besides that,” Carter said. “I ate at his restaurant and I was like, ‘Whoa, there is a whole other world out there that I didn’t know about.’”

Carter debuted The Mission on Brown Avenue and First Street in Old Town. A connoisseur of Latin cuisine, Carter expects his staff to be as coachable and passionate about the food as he is.

It is this kind of attention Carter gives his staff the reason he is excited to have brought Riddell as an execuZachery Riddell graduated from the Culinary Institute tive chef. of American and has been with The Mission for nearly “He (Riddell) knows as a decade. (Courtesy The Mission) much or more about everything on the menu than I do,” six months, I packed up and I moved to Carter said.

France and lived in Paris for two years.”

Riddell’s time in the kitchen began when While in France, he worked at restau- he was in his teens. rants and soaked up knowledge about “When I was in the kitchen, I was 14 French cuisine. However, when he re- years old, getting paid under the table and turned to America, he found himself torn washing dishes,” Riddell said. “I loved the once again. speed, I love the energy, I love the craziness He’s schooled in French cuisine, but he of it all.”

The Minnesota native graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and eventually made his way into The Mission.

“I went looking for the best restaurants in town and read about Matt Carter online and I was blown away from the food because it was so different than anything I’d seen,” Riddell said.

He started as a line cook and worked through the ranks and learning as much as possible about Latin cuisine. He and Carter share the same passion for food.

“When you learn about the food, you start learning about the cultures of different countries,” Riddell said.

Although Riddell said he will stay true to the roots of The Mission, he is excited to add his own twist. He stays at the top of his game by continuing his education about Central American food.

“I am learning about ingredients from Peru constantly,” Riddell said. “There is just so much history there. Corn comes from there, potatoes come from there and that’s in most of our dishes.

“I want everything to come together.

Cooking techniques really elevate every single ingredient that we’re using.”

“My brother’s a firefighter. He’s been a firefighter in Arizona for 13 years. So, I’ve always had a soft spot for firefighters. It’s part of who I am, personally,” he said. “I know how much these guys do beyond their typical shifts and how much they do for the community and that they really rely on a lot of incremental funds to support things like that.

“I just felt that this was a way for us to kind of give back,” he added.

Scottsdale Fire Fighters Charities is a nonprofit comprised of professional firefighters, EMTs and paramedics from Scottsdale dedicated to bettering the community via charitable works.

“We’re really honored that Sam Adams chose us to be the charity. We’d like to help them grow it to get bigger and bigger each

year,” said Pete Tocco, director of Scottsdale Fire Fighters Charities.

Scottsdale Fire Fighters, a 20-year-old nonprofit, has been heavily involved in the community, including donating to Vista del Camino’s Turkey Drive and helping Coronado High School’s JAG (Jobs for Arizona Graduates) program.

“What we’re able to do is be a bridge between individuals or organizations that need help,” Tocco said. “We want to be good neighbors and give back to the community as much as we can.”

SCOTTSTOBERFEST ���� page 28

dishes, including bratwurst, sauerkraut and spaetzle.

And, of course, Scottstoberfest will feature all the Samuel Adams OctoberFest beer attendees could ever want.

This year just so happens to be the 30th anniversary of Samuel Adams’ OctoberFest, the No. 1-selling fall seasonal, märzen-style beer that has racked up an unprecedented 125 international awards in its decades-long history.

“No one holds a candle to it as far as sales and brand recognition,” Molite said.

With a cold OctoberFest in hand, attendees can play giant interactive games, watch a cornhole tournament and take part in stein-hoisting contests throughout the day.

The winner of the stein-hoisting contest will win a trip to Boston for a two-night stay and tour of the Samuel Adams brewery.

The idea for Scottstoberfest was conceived last September, originally as a Samuel Adams OctoberFest festival.

29

Molite said Boston Beer Company chose Scottsdale Fashion Square as the location due its high visibility and proximity to Old Town.

“Scottsdale’s a great drinking town and, it really supports all kind of local events,” he said.

A portion of Scottstoberfest’s proceeds will benefit Scottsdale Fire Fighters Charities – a nonprofit close to Molite’s heart.

If You Go

The Mission (Old Town) 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, 480-636-5005, themissionaz.com The Mission (Kierland Commons) 7122 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, 480-292-7800, themissionaz.com.

If You Go

Scottstoberfest When: Oct. 5, 12-5 p.m.

Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Rd. Tickets: $5 at the door, no pre-sale Social media: @scottstoberfest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

30

FOOD & DRINK

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Chicken with baked apples is a one-skillet fall gem

T

his is the sort of one-skillet deliciousness that you would expect when you visit grandma’s house. Pan-grilled chicken and glazed baked apples. Plus, it’s the perfect meal to bring us into the fall.

Normally when apples are served with chicken or pork, they are softly sautéed and served on the side.

I love the way these apples look and taste. They are called Hasselback apples – referring to the

Ingredients for the apples: 4 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg, optional 2 teaspoons flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 large firm apples, peeled, cored, and halved (vertically) Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour and salt. Whisk to combine.

Slice each half of an apple into thin slices three quarters of the way down, leaving the bottom of the halved apple intact.

Place apple halves flat side down in a baking dish. Spoon or brush half of the brown sugar/ butter mixture over the apples. Cover and bake for 25 minutes or until apples are cooked but still slightly firm. Meanwhile, make chicken.

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Ingredients for the chicken: 8 boneless skinless boneless chicken thighs 2 tablespoons cooking oil

method of making lots of thin slices three quarters of the way down the fruit.

The result is a baked apple that has lots of hidden places for the glaze to go and each slice is just the right size for each piece of chicken. Since you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen cabinets, I say pick up some fresh skinless boneless chicken thighs and make this comfort food meal for dinner this week.

Salt and pepper Ingredients for the glaze: 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1½ tablespoons soy sauce 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup, honey or agave nectar ½ teaspoon pepper Directions: Combine the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, honey or agave nectar and ground pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine and then set aside. Wash and pat the chicken thighs dry.

Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. In a cast iron or heavy skillet, heat oil. When hot, add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides.

When the second side is browned, spoon the glaze over the thighs. Reduce heat to medium high and cook until chicken is done and sauce is slightly thickened. Spoon remainder of the apple glaze over the baked apples and return to oven, uncovered for five minutes.

Serve two pieces of chicken thighs and one apple half per serving.

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/ skillet-chicken-with-baked-apples.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET DOESN’T DICTATE YOUR RESULTS, THE REAL ESTATE TEAM YOU HIRE DOES!

Prado Estates 24066 N 90th Way Scottsdale AZ 85255 6 Bedroom | 7.5 Bath | 8,561 Sqft | MLS 5833403 | Offered at $4,495,000 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

Santa Catalina Estates 7723 E Santa Catalina Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 5 Bedroom | 6 Bath | 6,601 Sqft | MLS 5880556 | Offered at $2,099,000 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

Boulder Mountain Estates 11701 E Desert Holly Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 4 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 4,407 Sqft | MLS 5933872 | Offered at $2,165,500 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

Vista Monterey 23518 N 78th Street Scottsdale AZ 85255 4 Bedroom | 3.5 Bath | 3,933 Sqft | MLS 5978078 | Offered at $1,100,000 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

ANDREW BLOOM

BABS BLOOM

AUSTIN BLOOM

Senior Partner REALTOR® Andrew@BVOLuxury.com

Director of Marketing Director of Client Care Barbara@BVOLuxury.com

Chief Technology Officer REALTOR® Austin@BVOLuxury.com

Desert Highlands 10040 E Happy Valley Road 601 Scottsdale AZ 85255 4 Bedroom | 6 Bath | 6,564 Sqft | MLS 5921241 | Offered at $2,599,999 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

Sundown Ranchos 8707 E Cholla Street Scottsdale AZ 86260 6 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 7,664 Sqft | MLS 5971370 | Offered at $2,188,888 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

Pinnacle Canyon at Troon North 10710 E Mark Lane Scottsdale AZ 85262 3 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath | 5,233 Sqft | MLS 5955721 | Offered at $1,875,000 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

Scottsdale Ranch 10235 E Cochise Drive Scottsdale AZ 85258 4 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 3,300 Sqft | MLS 5912064 | SOLD for $970,000 CALL BVO at (480) 400-1985

(480) 400-1985 | www.BVOLuxuryGroup.com