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Swanky hotel downtown / P. 16

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Record fentanyl seizure by Scottsdale cops, DEA INSIDE

NEIGHBORS ............20 There are lots of places to find Santa in Scottsdale.

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

cottsdale Police, joined by state and federal officials, last week announced a record seizure of fentanyl. Police and the DEA said the Dec. 14 bust yielded of 1.7 million pills of fentanyl that

weighed a total 360 pounds, 10 kilos of powdered fentanyl that could have produced an additional four million pills and 1 pound of methamphetamine. The total stash had an estimated value of $9 million. The pills are believed to belong to the Sinaloa cartel, whose members Scottsdale

Police and the DEA kept under close surveillance over the past few months. “Over the past few months, the Scottsdale DEA task force has undertaken an investigation related to the Sinaloa cartel, which has been operating within the Phoenix metropol-

These are Scottsdale's champions!

see DRUGS page 4

ARTS...............................34 Christmas classic open at full throttle

NEIGHBORS .........................................20 BUSINESS .............................................. 24 OPINION ................................................ 28 SPORTS ..................................................30 ARTS ...........................................34 FOOD...........................................36 CLASSIFIEDS............................... 37

Scottsdale is home to two Arizona high school football division champions after Saguaro, left, knocked off Chandler last weekend for the Open Division title and Horizon captured the 5A trophy. For details, see page 30. (David Minton/Progress Staff)

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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 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 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 Kathy Sgambelluri | 480-898-6500 | ksgambelluri@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Alex Gallagher | 843-696-6442 | agallagher@timespublications.com John Graber | 480-898-5682 | jgraber@timespublications.com Photographers Dave Minton | dminton@timespublications.com Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

DRUGS from front

itan area,” said Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther. “That investigation uncovered a currier that ultimately led to this seizure.” The pills were stored in a number of storage lockers and residences throughout the Valley, though police declined to disclose those locations. It is believed the drugs were set to be distributed throughout the country. Ever since the pandemic broke, fentanyl has been linked to a soaring number of drug overdoses, many fatal. The Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics last month reported that there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5 percent from a year earlier. The new data estimated overdose deaths from opioids increased to 75,673 in the 12-month period ending in April 2021, up from 56,064 the year before. Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine also increased in the

“A few months ago, using a multi-prong approach, the DEA launched its one pill can kill campaign in conjunction with the public safety surge. Over the last two months, DEA and our partners nationwide initiated a second public safety surge targeting those responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl.”

Scottsdale police displayed some of the haul; in illegal drugs they and the DEA confiscated over a two-month investigation that yield 40 arrests. (Alex Gallagher/Progress Staff)

12-month period ending in April 2021. “The Sinaloa cartel primarily uses the trafficking routes that run through Arizona,” said Cheri Oz, the DEA special agent in charge of the Phoenix field division. “We are confident this is Sinaloa cartel narcotics.” Oz called the Valley a hub for drug shipments across the nation, stating, “Phoenix is historically known as a repackaging and distribution area. Most of these drugs were destined for other parts of the country.” Police feel last week’s seizure is part of a

bigger issue. So far this year, the DEA has seized over 20 million fake pills laced with fentanyl, which is more pills than the last two years combined and enough to provide a lethal dose to every American. “A few months ago, using a multi-prong approach, the DEA launched its one pill can kill campaign in conjunction with the public safety surge,” Oz said. “Over the last two months, DEA and our partners nationwide initiated a second public safety surge

man, Vice President Julie Cieniawski and member Dr. Libby Hart-Wells approved the goals Tuesday night. Board member Zack Lindsay was initially at the meeting but left about halfway through to attend his daughter’s school concert, according to Cieniawski. District acting spokeswoman Nancy Norman said she did

not know where member Jann-Michael Greenberg was, but did say the absence had been planned for a while. Menzel’s performance pay goals are: • Complete the district’s strategic plan by June 30.

see DRUGS page 13

Menzel gets marching orders for bonus pay BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

cottsdale Unified Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel has been given some performance pay goals for the coming year. Governing Board President Patty Beck-

see SCHOOL page 6

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

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• Finalize and launch a data dashboard tracking academic achievement per student by March 31. • Demonstrate by June 30 statistically significant growth in academic achievement gains in 3rd and 5th grade reading and 6th and 8th grade math and median ACT scores for high school students. • Submit by June 30 a draft of revised organizational structure designed to improve academic achievement outcomes for students. The bonus pay will be split into 15 percent for the first two and fourth goal each and the bonus pay incentive for the third goal will be 55 percent. “I believe the revisions here reflect the conversation we’ve had, the intent of the governing board to focus on important areas related to achievement for the next six months and performance pay is really tied to things that are also priorities of the governing board as well,” Menzel said. Hart-Wells reminded Menzel, “Performance pay is a carrot, not a stick – so they were developed with that in mind.” In other business, Menzel rolled out Phase II of the strategic plan. “Back in June you approved the vision mission values, that was the end of Phase I,” he told the board. “Phase II includes focusing on our goal areas, the goal statements themselves as well as specific commitments or in other language, people often refer to them as subjective and finally key performance indicators.” The five goal areas identified under the plan are: “Challenge and inspire students to reach high levels of achievement so they thrive as confident, dynamic, future ready learners equipped to pursue their passions and ambitions.” “Cultivate positive relationships to build an inclusive, equitable nurturing environment that creates conditions for highly effective teaching, learning and leading.” “Attract, hire, develop, support and retain highly qualified passionate, talented professionals.” “Foster relationships with mentors, volunteers and business partners to provide real world-opportunities for students that enhance and strengthen our community.” Generate and utilize resources to maxi-

mize educational opportunities in order to ensure organizational health.” “If you think about phase one of strategic planning, it’s really setting the vision direction we’re going,” Menzel said. “It’s the high level, 30,000-foot view. “Phase II, if you’re framing a house, it’s the bones, it’s the shell of what we’re doing. Phase III is how we’re going to put meat on the bones by how we are actually going to operationalize and make happen what needs to happen to accomplish these commitments. “This is an absolutely critical part of the process when you think where we’re going as a district, what we hope to have and achieve for every one of our students.” Cieniawski wanted to ensure goal number one is included in the district’s course planning guides, noting, “When we talk about this particular goal, I really want us to make sure that this is reflected in our course planning guide because that is what is giving our students the course opportunities to learn.” In terms of the third goal, Cieniawski said, “I don’t want to see us get in the easy rut of saying the only pathway to improve as a professional is for our best teachers to become administrators … the reason we’re here is for our students and we have to have the best teachers in the classroom for our students to succeed and achieve academic excellence.” She would like teachers to try different things and even get administrators involved in education to some degree. “I don’t want us to think, we’re in this silo, we need to stay in our lane,” She said. “I would like us to practice zig-zagging a little bit.” Beckman wanted to ensure family engagement is part of every goal. “I would really like to have those committed ways to really involve family members … getting that buy in and help in the home and teaching our families what we have to offer in the district is quite significant,” Beckman said. Meanwhile, the board approved purchasing three 84-seat, rear-engine buses from RWC Group for $559,638. The district is looking to purchase four more similar buses in the next year. The money comes from a 2016 bond that has also been used to purchase 11 wheelchair buses, 6 passenger vans (two of which have lifts), 15 84-passenger buses and 10 special need buses.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

Nonprofit names 2022 Diversity Champions PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

ommunity Celebrating Diversity has picked the three people it will honor at its 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. dinner. Hailed as the 2022 Diversity Champions by the Scottsdale nonprofit are: Chris Haines, interim president of Scottsdale Community College; Angela Hughey, cofounder and president of ONE Community & ONE Community Foundation; and Alan “AP” Powell, chairman and CEO of AP & Associates. They will be feted at a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort. Diversity Champions are individuals who exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have enriched the community by empowering others. Individuals can be nominated by anyone in the community. Eligible nominees must work, live or volunteer in Scottsdale. Chris Haines With 38 years in higher education,

Chris Haines

Alan “AP” Powell

Angela Hughey

Haines “has led educational initiatives designed to support marginalized and at-risk populations to reduce barriers to access, such as the Hannelly Center One Stop Enrollment Center at Phoenix

College and launching scholarships for DACA/Dreamer students,” the nonprofit said. While coaching women’s sports at South Mountain Community College, she

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

Experience Scottsdale postpones Canadian travel campaign BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

xperience Scottsdale’s efforts to lure Canadians back to Scottsdale for a winter reprieve have been put on

hold. The tourism agency postponed its “Loonie Love” campaign after the Canadian government last week advised its citizens against all non-essential international travel because of the new surge in COVID-19 cases. The tourism agency was set to roll out its campaign, which plays off the nickname for Canadian dollars – “loonies” – next month. The campaign began in 2016 but was canceled in 2020 as the pandemic raged. “If the advisory is lifted sometime in January, we may be able to launch the campaign,” Experience Scottsdale’s spokeswoman Stephanie Pressler said. “However, if the advisory stays into February and the spring (our high tourism season), we may not run the campaign in 2022. Many flights from Canada are seasonal and it’s important that we time our promotions when they’ll be most impactful. Of course,

that could change as the situation evolves.” Canada did not issue an actual ban on such travel, including to the United States. That advisory will be reviewed in four weeks and some observers speculated that it perhaps is setting the stage for more definite action. They also said even the advisory may cause some Canadians to think twice about coming to the United States. Canadian news media also was reporting last week that provincial governments are considering sterner measures to control a spike in COVID-19 while some already have them in place. Only fully vaccinated people are allowed to fly in and out of Canada. Experience Scottsdale’s campaign, which was set to run from Jan. 3 through April 29, capitalizes on Scottsdale’s comparatively balmy weather. Experience Scottsdale was going to run television spots on Canada’s Weather Network (the Great White North’s version of the Weather Channel), but that, along with all other marketing and advertising efforts, have been frozen. Canadians are an important group to Scottsdale’s tourism efforts. They are the

H C N RA T Y L A E R 1974

second largest group of international travelers to visit Arizona every year, second only to Mexicans, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism. And it’s not just enviable winter weather that Experience Scottsdale pitches with the campaign. There are Scottsdale’s world-class amenities, resorts, restaurants and outdoor activities. The tourism agency even pitches the ability to catch a professional hockey game via the Phoenix Coyotes … in case our northern neighbors miss a spot of home a little too much while away. It’s difficult to predict how many Canadians would have come Pressler said, but at least people in the U.S. want to travel. “According to Longwoods International (tourism research company), nine in 10 Americans have plans to travel in the next six months,” Pressler said. In 2019, before the pandemic hit, 964,000 Canadians visited all of Arizona according to the Arizona Office of Tourism. In 2020, that number fell to 257,000 before all travel to the United States ceased with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Even with travel restrictions eased, Canadians would have faced some hurdles to getting down here to the land of sun and sand. First, they would need to be fully vaccinated for two full weeks before traveling. They would also need a negative COVID test within one day of traveling. And then there’s the monetary exchange rate. One U.S. dollar will get you roughly .781 Canadian dollars. Experience Scottsdale has in the past looked to create discounts for Canadians. Those discounts have included things like reduced costs to spa and resort stays and savings on sight seeing packages. Loonie Love was to be promoted via Experience Scottsdale’s website. There was also to be television and radio commercials and digital efforts to target the markets of Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver. Experience Scottsdale also intended to send dedicated email blasts to Canadian residents. In 2019, the Loonie Love page of the Experience Scottsdale’s website received over 55,000 page views with 11,000 to the special offers page.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

Scottsdale lawmaker’s remarks figure in voting suit BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ttorney General Mark Brnovich is asking a federal court to throw out a lawsuit challenging a new law that will kick some people off what has been the “permanent early voting list’’ and is discounting a Scottsdale lawmaker’s remarks suggesting a racial motive in its passage. In new court filings, Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign argues that the new law, approved earlier this year, imposes only a “minimal’’ burden on voters. Ensign does not specifically address statistics presented by challengers that the change will have a disparate impact on minorities. Instead, he told U.S. District Court Judge Dominic Lanza that these claims are irrelevant, saying there is no proof that was the intent of the Republican-controlled legislature – even if that is what the numbers may show. And Ensign said even if the comments of Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Scottsdale,

could be seen as showing racial intent – a point Ensign is not conceding – he said that is irrelevant. “The question is not the purpose of Rep. Kavanagh but the purpose of the legislature as a whole,’’ he wrote. And he said the challengers offer “essentially nothing’’ to prove that point. Until now, anyone who has signed up for the permanent early voting list automatically gets a ballot in the mail ahead of all elections. Only when a person is removed from the list of registered voters does that end. The new law spells out that if someone does not return an early ballot in at least one of four prior elections – meaning a primary and a general election in two successive years – that person is dropped from what would no longer be called the permanent early voting list. They still could sign up again to get early ballots. And they could still go directly to the polls on Election Day. “The Voter Purge Law imposes a severe burden on Arizona voters attempt-

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ing to exercise their right to vote, particularly the elderly, indigent Arizonans, students, and people of color,’’ wrote attorney Rodney Ott when he filed suit. He represents a coalition challenging the state. Ott cited a study that shows that Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be “intermittent or rare voters compared to white voters.’’ Ditto, he said, of people with lower income. Using figures from the 2020 election, Ott said about 71 percent of all registered voters are white. But if this law had been in effect, they would have constituted just 54 percent of those removed from the permanent early voting list. “By contrast, Latinos are 19 percent of registered voters, but would be 33 percent of removals,’’ Ott wrote. “Black Arizonans are 4 percent of registered voters but would be 5 percent of removals,’’ he continued. “And Native Americans are 0.9 percent of registered voters but would be 1.3 percent of removals.’’ Ensign told Lanza that none of this creates significant hurdles. He said even if people don’t use their mail-in ballot once every four years, they can still remain on the permanent early voting list simply by returning a mailed notice asking if that’s what they want. And even if they miss that notice, Ensign said, they can sign up again, either on a county website or returning a form by mail. “None of this is remotely burdensome,’’ he said. Ensign also said that, even with the new law, it still remains easier to vote in Arizona than most other states. Then there’s that issue of what Ensign says is the lack of legislative intent to discriminate, even if the numbers cited by Ott bear out.

In filing suit, challengers cite a statement made by Kavanagh, a supporter of the legislative changes, made to CNN. “Quantity is important, but we have to look at the quality of votes as well,’’ he said earlier this year. But Ensign said none of that suggests a discriminatory purpose. “In fact, a straightforward reading of Rep. Kavanagh’s statement suggests a non-racially discriminatory motive,’’ he said, saying the lawmaker clarified his comments to say that he was speaking about a lack of informed voters. And even if Kavanagh’s comments could be taken as showing a discriminatory purpose, Ensign said that cannot be extrapolated out to show that was the motive of all the lawmakers who voted to make the change. In filing suit, Ott contends that lawmakers enacted the changes because they were unhappy with the results of the 2020 election. “Arizonans of color were able to elect candidates of choice for president and vice president,’’ he said, with 59 percent of voters of color voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, including 61 percent of Latinos. And Ott said 80 percent of the votes cast in the Arizona portion of the Navajo and Hopi tribes were for the Biden-Harris ticket. “The historic turnout in 2020 ought to have been cause for celebration,’’ he said. “However, some officials in Arizona and around the country chose instead to weaponize these figures, spreading false and discredited theories that the 2020 elections were affected by widespread voter fraud.’’ The plaintiffs in the case include Mi Familia Vota, Arizona Coalition for Change, Living United for Change in Arizona, and League of Conservation Voters. No date has been set for a hearing.

Know anything interesting going on in Scottsdale? Send your news to agallagher@timespublications.com

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DRUGS from page 4

targeting those responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl.” In just two months, the DEA was able to make a staggering number of arrests and seize millions of pills. “In total, during the two-month surge, we seized 3 million pills, 45 kilos of fentanyl powder, over 35 firearms and arrested over 40 drug traffickers,” Oz said. Arizona itself has also accounted for a considerable number of the whopping amount of fentanyl seized by the DEA this year. “Since January, the DEA has seized over 9.5 million pills in Arizona,” Oz said. State Attorney General Mark Brnovich blamed the influx of fentanyl partially on the border crisis but mainly on the demand of the drug. “When the price of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine fall in our communities, that’s a result of demand,” he said. Because of this, Oz underscored the importance of educating loved ones about how these pills that make it into the homes and ultimately into the bodies of our loved ones. “It is more important now than ever before that we continue to work together to turn this epidemic around,” Oz said. “Talk to your children, friends, neighbors and loved ones about the dangers of these deadly pills. The only pills safe are the pills prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy.” Oz also alerted that drug traffickers are utilizing technology and social media to market their products. “Drug trafficking is evolving and drug traffickers are using technology to get into homes to sell pills,” she said. “Traffickers are using social media platforms, posting emojis and code lingo that has specific meanings.” What was most glaring to Oz was how many lives were spared in this seizure. “What is alarming is that four out of every ten of those pills contain a potentially lethal dose,” Oz said. “ The seizure was a victory for Scottsdale Police, the DEA and for the city as it was a record one-time seizure for DEA in Arizona. “This is an example of federal, state and local officials working together to keep our community safe,” said Brnovich. “This is law enforcement cooperation at its very best.”

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PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

centers, orphanages and volunteer dormitories along Arizona’s southern border. The organization has distributed several tons of medical supplies, sponsored many medical procedures and dispensed more than 400 tons of food to provide 4.6 million meals to the hungry. It also funded over 2,000 scholarships and even created a spay and neuter dog program. “This infrastructure has provided the foundation for entire families to lift themselves from extreme poverty into the global middle class,” said the award committee. Gillenwater’s real estate career began in 1976. He and his partners structured limited partnerships that purchased, zoned and sold over 10,000 acres of land in Arizona. In 2007, he wound down his real estate career and focused on travel and philanthropy. Gillenwater is a recipient of the Hon Kachina Award, Arizona’s highest honor for volunteerism in addition to receiving the National Association of Realtors annual “Good Neighbor Award,” likewise honoring volunteerism. Information: ranchofeliz.com

Mexican state honors Scottsdale philanthropist

ecognizing his “decades of tireless volunteer work and leadership with Scottsdale-based Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation,” local philanthropist Gil Gillenwater is the first non-Mexican to receive the Premio a la Sonora Filantropia (Sonora Award for Philanthropy) from the Mexican state of Sonora. The award was established in 2005 order to develop awareness and social responsibility among altruistic individuals, companies and institutions. Gillenwater formed Rancho Feliz in 1987 with “the goal of addressing both sides of poverty, from Mexico’s material poverty to America’s spiritual poverty,” a spokeswoman said. In addition to providing food, housing, medical care, and education to Mexico’s underprivileged, the organization offers a cross-border venue where American and Canadian volunteers travel to Mexico and find meaningful connections by helping those not born into privileged circumstances. “We feed their stomachs, they feed our souls,” Gillenwater said. “We call this ‘Reciprocal Giving’ and to date over

DIVERSITY from page 8

everybody. “During the summer of 2020, the campus community was hurting from the tragic death of George Floyd,” CDC said. “She held multiple town halls, and encouraged everyone to share their experiences. She quickly launched an extensive diversity, equity and inclusion committee to engage and support the campus community.” She serves on the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Community Celebrating Diversity, East Valley Think Tank, City of Scottsdale Education Committee, Scottsdale Coalition of Today and Tomorrow (SCOTT) and Arizona Happy Tails Dog Rescue. Angela Hughey CDC said Hughey “exemplifies leadership through her work within the LGBTQ+ community and the broader business and political communities in

Scottsdale philanthropist Gil Gillenwater is the first non-Mexican to win the Sonora Award for Philanthropy for his work with Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation. (Special to the Progress)

25,000 volunteers, mostly students, have improved their own lives by helping the less-fortunate. The volunteers bring this new-found awareness home, helping to reweave the moral fabric of our own communities. Everyone wins under our volunteer model.” “I am truly honored to receive this Arizona.” She co-founded ONE Community in 2008 with the goal of engaging socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support and promote diversity, inclusion, equity and equality for all Arizonans. In 2013, Hughey and the ONE Community team launched the UNITY Pledge to advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) individuals and their allies. More than 3,300 businesses and 20,000 Arizonans have taken the UNITY Pledge, the largest equality pledge in the nation. Hughey has won multiple awards for her work on inclusion and awareness including the Human Rights Campaign Individual Equality Award, Echo Magazine’s Woman of the Year and the AntiDefamation League’s Al Brooks Community Leadership Award. Angela is a 2021

award and grateful to the many volunteers who’ve devoted so much of their time and support to Rancho Feliz,” said Gillenwater, who is president of Rancho Feliz. Rancho Feliz has raised and invested over $16 million dollars to build homes, education centers, childcare

Phoenix Business Journal Most Admired Leader. Alan “AP” Powell Powell is an entrepreneur, Gulf War veteran, philanthropist and a renowned strategic consultant developing relationships for Fortune 500 companies. He founded the HeroZona Foundation, which serves students and veterans by giving them access to educational opportunities to ensure they get to cross the “finish line.” The foundation’s programs include HeroZona National Veteran Summit, Veterans Reach to Teach, Phoenix Tools 4 Schools, the Bridge Forum, Play It Forward, among many others. In addition, his foundation is working on a series of bridge forums to understand different perspectives, attitudes and beliefs about community policing. Previous topics discussed ways to better support veterans with recruitment, hiring, opportunities in service, veterans in crisis and support systems. Another one

of his more recent projects includes the Play It Forward program, which exposes students to the arts at an early age with opportunities to learn, create and grow. Pat Russell-McCloud is the featured speaker for the dinner, which has become the signature MLK celebration across the Valley of the Sun. Tickets can be purchased online at CCDArizona.org. The cost is $75 per person and sponsorships are available. CCD hosts the event with APS, the title sponsor. CCD is a Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization that sponsors educational and community events to celebrate and create a greater awareness of our community’s diversity. Its mission is “to enhance the perception and understanding of diversity, provide opportunities for citizens to recognize our similarities and to acknowledge our differences, and to seek respect for the values of others and the oneness of humanity.”

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Plush Senna House opens its doors to guests BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

early three years after its conception, Senna House opened its doors with an official ribbon cutting ceremony last week. The six-story complex, containing 169 rooms along with unique amenities, sits on the former site of the former Don & Charlie’s restaurant and was developed by the Phoenix-based investment and development firm Opwest Partners. “We’ve developed all over the country and this is the first property we’ve done in our backyard,” said Tyler Kent, managing principal at Opwest Partners. “It’s special to do what we’ve done across the country here in our backyard.” Kent felt even more fortunate to be able to build on a property that had a rich history in Scottsdale as one of the premier spring training restaurants with walls covered in sports memorabilia and autographs. When the restaurant closed its doors in April 2019, a lengthy process ensued to transform the grounds of the celebrated sports restaurant into a six-story hotel. “We were fortunate enough to acquire Don & Charlie’s and the city supported a redevelopment here to turn the restaurant into a hotel,” said Kent. One of the site’s major selling points is its location along Camelback Road. “It’s very unique to have a Camelback Road address,” Kent said, calling it “arguably the most notorious thoroughfare in Scottsdale and our hope is that guests and

Tyler Kent, managing principal at Opwest Partners, said, “It’s special to do what we’ve done across the country here in our backyard.” (Alex Gallagher/Progress Staff)

locals come to the property and feel a connection to Scottsdale through our design which will translate to loyalty.” With the land cleared, Kent and his team got to the drawing board to devise a plan for the hotel. “Our vision was originally to create a high-end lifestyle boutique hotel in the entertainment district,” Kent said. “We saw a market opportunity to add to Scottsdale’s hospitality stock while creating an authentic product.” The hotel has a “soft brand,” one attached to large hotel company distribution systems that still allows the owners to create a unique name brand and design for the hotel. Senna is part of Hilton Hotels Curio Collection. “Launched in 2014, the purpose for Curio Collection by Hilton was to have an eclectic, high design and extremely special

Guests at Senna House can experience unique views of Scottsdale while cooling off at the Sonoran Swim Club at Senna House. (Alex Gallagher/Progress Staff)

Cutting the ribbon to open the Senna Hotel were, from left, Corey Mitchell of Hotels, Tyler Kent, managing principal at Opwest Partners; Mayor David Ortega, Don Carson, owner of Don & Charlie’s; and Rachel Sacco, president and CEO of Experience Scottsdale. (Alex Gallagher/Progress Staff)

collection of hotels for a growing number of guests telling Hilton that ‘we want a different type of experience in certain cities,’” said Corey Mitchell, a Hilton spokesman. Because of this, there are only a handful of hotels around the world that are part of this collection. “Curio has only 110 properties globally,” Mitchell said. “We really do handpick unique markets where people can have a cool experience like they can at Senna House.” For Kent and the developers, it was important that the hotel encapsulate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. “To us, the Sonoran Desert is such a beautiful and special place and when people come here, we hope that people connect our property to that,” he said. The interior is decorated with desert plants and the walls feature Sonoran art, pottery and urban western furnishings. “The limewash that we have in our restaurant and some of the textures and materials that we used are a tip of the hat to what you’ve seen in desert modern over the years,” Kent said. Even the name “Senna” refers to one of the natural beauties of the Sonoran Desert. “Senna House’s name came from the senna desert flower and is representative of our desert modern design,” Kent explained. Kent also believes that the resort’s amenities take the concept to the next level. “We’ve created a true lifestyle offering,” he said. “Whether it’s our Sonora Swim

Club on the pool deck, Calla restaurant – which opens in early 2022 – our patio or our lobby.” The pool also provides breathtaking views of the city. “The Sonora Swim Club is unbelievable with the views we have to the McDowell’s, Camelback and Four Peaks are gorgeous views,” said Kent. The swim club is not the only way guests can get a one-of-a-kind view of Scottsdale, he added, stating, “The views from our guest rooms are top of class for the market.” Senna House has made its mark as part of an eclectic collection of hotels. “Senna House fits perfectly in the collection. Its incredible location on the nationally recognized Camelback Road offers guests walkability to world class shopping, a one-of-a-kind entertainment district and so many diverse restaurants and bars,” Mitchell said. Even with the gorgeous views and aesthetics, Kent and the staff at Senna House are intent on ensuring that guests have the best experience they can during their stay. “The guest experience is our number one priority,” he said. “If you come into Scottsdale and you’re looking for a high-end hotel with great amenities and great lifestyle offerings then we should be one of your top options. We think that after you stay with us once you will come back again.” As the building neared its final stages of

see SENNA page 18

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SCC starts community health worker program PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

cottsdale Community College is starting a new healthcare program and Mercy Care wants to help 10 students with their tuition for it. The college is offering a Community Health Worker program “to create new career opportunities and forge stronger connections between people and their healthcare providers.” For 10 students enrolling in the spring semester, Mercy Care is offering $1,000 scholarships. Mercy Care, a nonprofit managed-care health plan serving AHCCCS members, provides access to physical and behavioral health care services for Medicaideligible families, children, seniors, and individuals with developmental/cogni-

SENNA from page 16

competition, Kent found it hard to describe how impressed he was with the product. “A lot of what we do as developers is on paper and to finally see the vision and all of the things that go into building a property

tive disabilities. Since 2016, Mercy C.A.R.E.S., the company’s community reinvestment program, has provided more than $9.5 million across Arizona, including more than $3.5 million in the past year alone to organizations that address the company’s comprehensive health focus areas of addiction, housing, schoolbased services, women’s health and food insecurity. C.A.R.E.S. stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service. Community health workers serve as an intermediary between a community and its members. “This frontline public health worker knows the community they serve; they are acutely aware of their community’s culture, and often engage in areas with come to life is surreal,” he said. Senna House’s opening could not have come at a better time as the city’s hospitality industry appears to be recovering nicely after being dealt a heavy blow by the pandemic. “This couldn’t come at a better time as we

more challenging health concerns,” the college said in an announcement. “A community health worker provides expertise to those they serve by navigating, accessing, and advocating within the complex healthcare system. They help address barriers and facilitate connection or referrals to available social support services including food, housing, education, mental health, among other needs.” Interim SCC President Chris Haines praised Mercy Care for its scholarships, saying they will help “prepare students for future employment opportunities and without having to accrue debt associated with the pursuit of educational training.” Added Mercy Care Deputy CEO Tad Gary, “Creating pathways and opportuare leading the nation in our recovery in the hospitality industry,” said Experience Scottsdale President/CEO Rachel Sacco. “We are so fortunate that we are inviting Senna House as part of our community and part of the family of our hospitality industry.” Kent reported that the hotel had nearly

nities to increase the number of trained health care professionals is important for our Arizona communities.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, community health worker roles are projected to be a rapidly growing field over the next decade, with a median annual wage of $42,000. The expected 17 percent growth rate in Arizona is more than double the national average, “suggesting this position will be a lucrative entry point into a healthcare career,” the college noted. The Community Health Worker classes are eight weeks long to accommodate diverse schedules and the program includes an internship. Information: scottsdalecc.edu/community/community-health-workerprogram 60 guests booked to spend the night at Senna House on opening night and that the hotel has already seen strong bookings. He expects the bookings to grow after the turn of the calendar year, when tourism season reaches its peak. Info: Thesennahouse.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

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Santa returns to Scottsdale for photo ops BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

fter having to can Santa Claus from last year’s celebrations or having jolly St. Nick sitting at a distance from kids, several venues around the city have brought back the star of the show this year. Most places around the city offer a oneon-one experience with Santa but with the options to remain distant. Here are places to find Santa around Scottsdale prior to Christmas Day. Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields After providing a drive-thru only experience last holiday season where Santa sat and waved at vehicles passing by, Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields has expanded Santa’s Village. “This year, we decided to build an entire

The Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields is more than willing to accommodate kids’ wishes on how close they want to be. (Special to the Progress)

village around him so people could park their cars, meet Mrs. Claus and visit her

workshop, eat some food, roast marshmallows and meet Santa,” said Kerry Dunne, a

spokesman for Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields. Santa’s Village guests can purchase S’more kits with marshmallows they can roast over a fire, enjoy a myriad of foods ranging from lobster and sushi to pizza to cotton candy and ice cream, take family photos in one of twenty 20-foot-tall presents around the site and enjoy the 12-minute film presented on a 40 x 17-foot projection screen. “We wanted an extension for the families,” said Dunne. “We wanted them to be able to get out of their cars, drink some hot chocolate, roam around and provide a lot of family activities while people wait for Santa.” However, the main attraction is the opportunity to get a meet and greet with Santa. “Last year, we did not allow anybody to

see SANTA page 23

3 Scottsdale women earn degrees, honors at ASU

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

hree Scottsdale residents last week earned degrees and big honors at Arizona State University’s winter graduation ceremonies. Abby Pellino Hawthorne, Hayley Steiner and Alma Astassi were among scores of grads who were awarded a variety of bachelor’s and higher degrees.

ABBY HAWTHORNE After earning dual bachelor’s degrees and working for two years in program management post-graduation, Abby Hawthorne knew she wanted to return to ASU to pursue her JD from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and now looks forward to a career in international arbitration.

Abby Hawthorne Focusing on international and business law and alternative dispute resolution, Hawthorne was a member of ASU Law’s

Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vis Moot) court team – a role she says provided the most defining moments of her legal studies. She was recognized as the top oralist at the University of San Diego Vis International Commercial Arbitration pre-moot event and one of the top 32 oralists globally at the Vis Moot Vienna competition during her final year at ASU Law. “Though time intensive and challenging, my role on the Vis Moot team helped grow my advocacy and legal research skills in a way that was fun, interesting and will surely pay off in my career,” said Hawthorne, who was recognized for her advocacy skills as one of 10 ASU Law students honored with The Order of Barristers. Hawthorne, who holds bachelor’s de-

grees in global studies and sociology as well as certificates in international studies, and religion and conflict, studied abroad twice: a summer studying European Union law and policy at ASU Law’s partner program in Prato, Italy, and a semester in Melbourne, Australia, working on an independent study paper examining female representation on the federal courts of Australia and the U.S. “When discussing my non-traditional law school path with ASU Law professors and administration, the answer to my many questions was never ‘no’ – it was: ‘If you’re willing to put in the effort, we can find a way to make that work,’” Hawthorne said. Hawthorne served as a U.S. Depart-

see GRADS page 22

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GRADS from page 20

ment of State Title VIII fellow studying the Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian language and culture. Having completed the fellowship, she has turned her attention to preparing for the bar exam and starting her legal career.

HAYLEY STEINER Hayley Steiner has already created one business and is now laying the groundwork for another company. “I have so many business ideas already thought out,” said Steiner, who received a master’s degree in digital

Haley Steiner culture from the School of Arts, Media and Engineering. “I actually already have started one company so far that is called The Protein Lab, which is a company that is only aimed at finding ways to turn certain types of food into high protein foods.” Steiner describes the company on its Instagram account as a “one woman owned business” that “aims to find new solutions for high protein nutritional meals.” For the Arizona-based business, she makes protein balls in different flavors and with high amounts of collagen, the main structural protein found in the body. “With this company, I hope to open storefronts in the future and eventually keep introducing new products with high amounts of protein,” Steiner said. She already has a new idea for a fu-

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

ture business. “Many people buy clothes from clothing brands like Nike and Adidas without even realizing that these companies are using a technology that allows them to use plastics in their products,” she said. “There is also another clothing company called Girlfriend Collective that uses plastic to create thread which they then use to create all their workout products. “My idea would be not only to use plastic, but to find technology to be able to break down all types of trash. Then with all the new textiles created from all the different types of trash, the textiles would be combined with other materials like wood or bamboo to make furniture. This would help solve a huge problem but also be a company that creates sustainable furniture.” With the help of the ASU Venture Devils program, Steiner is taking the first steps toward this new venture. “I have been accepted into this program and now have access to mentors, which is a huge blessing,” she said. “This idea would take a very long time to create, as there needs to be research done to see if this is even a possibility to break down all types of trash into new textiles. “There would need to be prototypes made to see if it is possible to use these textiles to create furniture. Right now, I am working with one mentor who has given me advice on how to start this research. I am hoping that in the future I will be able to create a company that would be able to achieve this.” She said her “aha moment” in deciding her latest academic achievement came from studying graphic design. “I graduated with my bachelor’s in 2016. I worked for a few years in the field and then decided to make a huge life decision. I decided to completely change my career and teach English abroad for a year. In 2018, I moved to Japan and was an English teacher in an after-school program. It was an amazing experience.” “It definitely hit me harder when I went to the Team Lab Borderless Mori Digital Art Museum in Tokyo. In this museum, they have huge installations with projections and some with motion capture. It was very interactive, and this is also how I got inspired to find a graduate school program where I could get the skills for this kind of design. Asked about her ASU experience, she said, “I really enjoyed being in a graduate

program where everyone seemed like they were collaborating. Being part of the digital culture master’s program was very interesting because there were not that many students in the program. I was able to interact with mostly the same students. “It was really interesting to see everyone evolve and especially receive feedback from them on my ideas. It showed me that we are all in this together when it comes to accomplishing our goals and gaining new knowledge. It was also beneficial to see that everyone has been working on their goals for a while and nothing just comes instantly.” And she said she chose ASU because “most universities only offered programs for motion capture that were aimed for filmmaking. I also knew I did not want to only specialize in artificial intelligence. I was really hoping to have a new experience and live somewhere else besides Arizona. However, I remembered some of my friends were in the digital culture bachelor’s program when I was an undergraduate. I looked into the program, and it ended up that ASU was also offering a masters program for it as well… The digital culture program offered many paths of study, including motion capture, artificial intelligence, mobile development, software engineering and more. This is exactly what I was looking for.” “While a lot of the skills I learned in this program, like motion capture and augmented and virtual reality, are way more advanced than software engineering, I feel that it will be beneficial for me to start there. However, I do want to eventually get into a career where I can use those skills as well.”

ALMA ATASSI Alma Atassi has been named The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences fall 2021 Dean’s Medalist for the School of Politics and Global Studies and received a degree in global studies and a certificate in cross-sector leadership. For Alma Atassi, participating in the Arizona Legislative and Government Internship Program was the highlight of her college experience. She was 11 when the Syrian revolution kicked off. From her home across the globe in Scottsdale, Arizona, Atassi watched the country her family was originally from change. The events sparked her interest in the

Alma Atassi world of politics and international relations. “So when I found out about a major called ‘global studies’ from friends who were attending ASU at the time, I immediately researched it and realized it was the perfect fit for me to continue learning about world cultures and international issues more deeply,” she said. Beyond her interest in global studies, Atassi was also accepted into the Next Generation Service Corps, a cross-sector leadership scholarship program. Through a global experience or an internationally focused internship, global studies majors put their learning to work to address real-world challenges. To fulfill her global experience, Atassi wanted to embed herself in a new culture so she went to Spain for a summer semester. “I learned a lot about myself and increased my cultural competency skills, and even felt more confident and independent by the end of the trip,” she said. “Figuring out how to live and maneuver on my own in a new country has allowed me to feel like I can go anywhere without fearing the unknown.” She went on to intern for the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives and was assigned to the educa-

see GRADS page 23

NEIGHBORS

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SANTA from page 20

get out of their cars and even approach him,” Dunne said. “This year, with where we’re at in the history of the pandemic, we felt that it is safe to let people out of their cars and explore this village that we hope to expand every year.” The Santa on site is more than willing to accommodate the wishes of families. “Most people have just stood next to St. Nick, but we do allow people to sit on his lap as long as the parents and kids are comfortable with that,” said Dunne. Dunne has also seen families smiling and taking their photos with Santa and hopes that these families are creating treasured memories. “Judging by all the pictures we see of kids with Santa, this gives a great opportunity for a photo for scrapbooks and to keep as a treasured memory of their time at Salt River Fields,” he said. Though there has been a “Santa shortage” this holiday season that has plagued the nation, Dunne was happy to report that the Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields did not experience one. “We were fortunate enough to not have to experience the Santa shortage like so many other people did,” Dunne said. “We have such an outgoing and hip Santa who has so many one-liners and loves his job.” Overall, Dunne believes that Santa’s Village will become a tradition as part of the Holiday Light Experience at Salt River Fields for years to come. “This is the beginning of a tradition that we’re trying to bring to Scottsdale where families can see the lights, see Santa, experience crafts and experience things from a different Era,” he said. “This is a safe environment and it has been so much fun starting it this year that is going to grow in the years to come.” If you go: What: Holiday Light Experience at Salt

GRADS from page 22

tion committee. She was able to brief representatives on bills, present bills in caucus and sit through various meetings all while gaining 12 credits. “The internship also confirmed my decision to go into a future career as a policy analyst, specifically focusing on education-related issues,” she said, who

River Fields When: 6-9 p.m. until Dec. 24. Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road Cost: Santa’s Village is a free experience, the Holiday Light Experience costs between $35 to $65. Tickets are per carload. Info: holidaylightexperience.com/srf

Scottsdale Fashion Square This year masks are optional and kids can get closer to Kris Kringle. “Masks are optional and we have the same setup as last year so that kids have the option of sitting next to Santa or on his lap or on a holiday bench in front,” said Scottsdale Fashion Square senior marketing manager Melanie Sutton. However, Santa does his part to ensure that he is providing a safe experience for patrons. “This year, we have a partnership with Abbott Laboratories who does rapid testing and we are able to utilize this to prove that Santa is evaluated every day and has tested negative,” Sutton said. Guests who wish to get a meeting with Santa can either make a reservation online or wait in the walk-up line. However, those who make a reservation get to go ahead when their time comes. “We heavily recommend reservations that people can make online but there is another line for walk-up kids,” Sutton said. “We do accommodate both parties but there is an understanding that those who made a reservation, they get to go ahead.” Sutton hopes that this offers the children a sense of normalcy. “The kids are loving it and I think they are feeling a sense of normalcy for this holiday season,” she said. If you go: What: Photos with Santa at Scottsdale Fashion Square When: Santa is at the shopping destination until Dec. 24 on Sunday from 11 a.m. also wrote policy memos through the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence. “All of these experiences, as well as the classes that I took, gave me the necessary skills, confidence and credibility to solve complex issues in the future through the avenue of public policy,” she said. Atassi hopes to one day be a legislative policy analyst or adviser where she can

to 7 p.m., Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road Cost: $19.99- $49.99. Info: fashionsquare.com Scottsdale Quarter Scottsdale Quarter offered a socially distant Santa experience last year and has adopted a flexible system this year. “Last year looked a bit different than years past,” said Scottsdale Quarter marketing director Christina Calhoun. “We had a modified experience where those taking photos were seated in a separate bench in front of Santa and Santa wore a face shield.” “This year we’re essentially back to normal but we’re offering a flexible experience for people,” Calhoun said. “If they feel safe and comfortable next to Santa, they are allowed to sit next to him, however, we do have alternate seating and Santa can put on a mask at the request of the children and parents.” Shoppers can also reserve a time to meet Santa or wait in line. “People are embracing the opportunity to have a sense of normalcy this year,” Calhoun said. “I’m sure that last year’s photo was a nice novelty, but most of the guests that we have seen come through are excited to have their children sit next to Santa and have that traditional Santa photo experience.” Scottsdale Quarter also offers a unique backdrop for the photos and a fun video it shows customers before meeting Santa. “In addition to us being an outdoor venue, we have a classic red Chevy truck as the backdrop for Santa,” Calhoun said. “As you enter through Santa City, there’s a video that explains how Santa arrived at the Quarter and how he’s using his truck to deliver presents this year.” If you go: What: Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillmake an impact and improve the state of education locally and nationally. She shared that she was grateful for the support provided by ASU and the School of Politics and Global Studies (SPGS) during her time in college. “SPGS has truly created an amazing school that supports its students and helps them become their most successful selves,” she said.

man Railroad Park When: Santa is at the quarter until Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road Cost: $19.99 - $49.99 Info: scottsdalequarter.com

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park After being absent from last year’s festivities, Santa has returned to McCormickStillman Railroad Park as part of its “Holiday Lights” festivities. “Due to the pandemic and the structure of the event, it didn’t allow for us to have Santa,” said Darryl Grimes, director of special events for McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. “I also didn’t want to have Santa behind plexiglass with people sitting next to him, it didn’t feel right.” As people venture through the park during their hour and a half time slot there will be plenty of ways for kids and guests to interact with Mr. Claus. “Kids can sit on Santa’s lap, next to him, take pictures with him and we’ve even had kids give him hi-fives and hugs,” Grimes said. Information: see story on page 34 in today’s Progress.

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Coldwell Banker exec sees home sales staying strong BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor

ooking back at 2021, Realtors might be tempted to paraphrase Charles Dickens: It was the best of times and the craziest of times. Just ask Greg Hollman, the Scottsdalebased president of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona, a position he has held the last seven of his 25 years in home sales for one of the nation’s largest and oldest full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. As he looks back not just at this year but the Age of COVID, he marvels at how the economic uncertainty of the first couple months gave way to one of the hottest housing markets ever – and one that defies most conventional real estate wisdom by showing no end in sight. “It definitely has been an interesting year,” Hollman said. “When you go back to COVID originally coming on to the news media and not knowing the effects that it would have and how it actually ended up in many ways outliving predictions of doom and gloom and has actually excelled ever since, I think that is a very interesting fact.” And surprising, he added. “I think it took most of us by surprise – not knowing how people would react to a situation during a pandemic,” Hollman said. “But if you think about it in hindsight, it makes sense. “I mean, we’ve had an historically low interest rate. And you had a situation where people were seeking homes that worked better in their current situation – homes where they could work from home. And there were those who wanted to make sure that they weren’t

Greg Hollman waiting longer to achieve their dreams and just decided to pull the trigger and get it done. So, I think it's surprised most everybody.” “I haven’t seen a market like this, certainly, at this kind of sustained clip that we have seen… Just when we think it might be cooling a little bit, the market picks up again.” Fueled by high demand, a historically low inventory and a huge migration of people to Arizona, “it’s just been a very, very strong market this past year,” Hollman said. “A lot of people are looking to move up, a lot of people are looking to move into areas that they desired for a long time but couldn’t do so because of their job location and now they’re able to. And cer-

see COLDWELL page 26

Increased crowds and sales noted at Fashion Square BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

cottsdale Fashion Square is rounding out its holiday season with increased foot traffic and by providing a whimsical holiday experience for shoppers. After scaling back much of last year’s holiday activity and witnessing the bulk of retail shift to online shopping, this year has seen busier stores and high spirits than even before the pandemic. “It’s definitely more festive and busier this year than last year,” said Scotts-

dale Fashion Square’s marketing manager Melanie Sutton. “In comparison to 2019, we are even exceeding those numbers foot traffic wise.” Sutton believes that this is because families are celebrating being able to safely congregate in addition to celebrating the holidays “I think that people are realizing that life is valuable and that it is important to spend as much time as you can with your family and friends,” she said. “People are definitely making the extra step

see FASHIONSQUARE page 25

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to bring in the holiday spirit.” While shoppers have been spreading holiday cheer, Scottsdale Fashion Square has tried to match the spirit by decorating the mall with poinsettias, offering a Santa experience with fewer guidelines than last year, providing live music and story time Fridays and bringing back the Salvation Army for its annual “Angel Tree” toy drive. “We were able to roll with the punches and spread holiday cheer last year while limiting a lot of our activities,” said Sutton. “This year we are very excited to have the chance to add more festivities.” In addition to shoppers enjoying the increase in activities, Sutton has seen shoppers make the most out of the mall’s decorations. “Our customers are appreciating the environment and the holiday decor,” she said. “We have seen several family photos taken in front of the Christmas trees and we have seen families walking around with their lists out.” However, the thing that has warmed Sutton’s heart the most has been seeing

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shoppers taking a tag off the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” and shopping for the child whose name is on it. “It’s great to see that families are generous enough to come by and pick up angel tags while doing holiday shopping for themselves,” Sutton said. “There is a sense of generosity still happening here.” With all the generosity and high spirits throughout the Scottsdale Fashion Square, Sutton admits there have been some trials and tribulations this holiday season. “It’s been a challenge not only here but at our sister centers – finding staffing. But what is nice is that people are putting in the extra time to help each other out,” she said. Because of this, Sutton has made sure to extend her appreciation to the staffers who have shown up to work this holiday season. “We want to extend our great appreciation and thanks to the dedication of those who have worked through this holiday season to create the best experience for all of our shoppers,” she said. “We are grateful for our team members, retail associates, managers and every-

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“We want to extend our great appreciation and thanks to the dedication of those who have worked through this holiday season to create the best experience for all of our shoppers. We are grateful for our team members, retail associates, managers and everyone as a whole.” one as a whole.” To accommodate the influx of shoppers, Scottsdale Fashion Square has extended its closing hours until 10 p.m. until Dec. 23 and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Sutton is also proud to report that amid supply chain disruptions, most stores in the Scottsdale Fashion Square were able to secure items ahead of time. “As for inventory, some of our retailers prepared for inventory concerns and have had the ability to adapt inventory to fulfill customers’ wish lists,” she said.

However, as the calendar grows closer to Christmas Day, Sutton expects there will be longer lines at the checkout and more items flying off the shelves, especially at toy stores. “Toys have been one of the top items this season, which is why Macy’s partnered with Toys R Us to have a toy department,” she said. “Go! Calendars Go! Games Go! Toys also has a great selection of various toys, Legos and playsets.” Because of this, Sutton has one tip for shoppers looking to get a last-minute gift. “I recommend that shoppers make a list of who they need to shop for and of the stores that they need to hit,” she said. Overall, Sutton has been pleased with how the season has gone at Scottsdale Fashion Square and hopes that shoppers are staying safe while shopping. “I believe that shoppers are ready to venture out,” she said. “We also have seen a lot of shoppers that have masks on and are taking their precautionary steps. We also have the plethora of health and wellness with our sanitization stations around the shopping center, which creates a safe environment that makes our shoppers feel positive.” Info: Fashionsquare.com

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tainly, it’s been a more difficult market for first-time buyers and people trying to get into the market because they’ve been worried about the increasing prices.” The market also has put new demands on Realtors, Hollman said. “It’s caused us to concentrate on making sure that we were representing” their clients in “the best possible way,” he said, explaining that “the hot market has increased the need for agent expertise as an advisor and that’s something that we have worked hard and definitely fulfilled.” He noted that the market has “been particularly more difficult for buyers because of the number of offers that are out there. We’ve made sure that we have the proper …continuing education for agents to make sure that they were able to get the best possible situation for their buyers.” Even so, “it’s been difficult for entry level buyers,” Hollman said. “And of course, you have situations where people need to sell in order to move up and buy a house, which can cause some difficulties. So, you have to navigate around that process and we’ve worked very diligently to make sure that that is the best possible scenario for everybody involved.” He said Coldwell Banker during much of the pandemic “also brought tech to the forefront to help with what was going on during that time period, such as remote closings and things that we had to do in order to help the transaction close and the safety of those involved in the transaction.” Turning to next year, Hollman said, “They are predicting price increases on a national basis for markets across the country and I believe that we’re going to have a lot of buyers out there.” You still have people who were sitting on the sidelines waiting in their perception for the market to slow little bit because some of them had put in multiple offers multiple times and had not won the property.” In addition, the new-home market can barely keep pace, partly because of demand and a worker shortage and also because supply chain disruptions are “delaying getting homes from breaking ground all the way to the marketplace.” And while he wouldn’t call the state recession-proof, he noted, “Arizona has

had a lot of people desiring to move here from other states. And even in relation to many places, while the prices have been increased significantly, when you compare them to some other metro areas, we’re still a good value. “I think long term with the companies that are moving here, the jobs that come with that, and the level of livability you have here in Arizona, I think it bodes well, for the future.” “I think it could continue to be a tight market for the foreseeable future here,”

“You have people moving in from other areas, you have people who want to retire here. And the good news is that more jobs bring increased buying power for consumers. So that’s an absolute positive in this whole scenario.”

he added. “You have people moving in from other areas, you have people who want to retire here. And the good news is that more jobs bring increased buying power for consumers. So that’s an absolute positive in this whole scenario.” But one possible not-so-positive scenario confronts first-time buyers, he suggested – at least for those who don’t want a long commute. Given rising prices in the markets close to Phoenix, they might have to look farther for an affordable home. “I tell people within my own family who are first-time buyers: start where you can,” Hollwell explained, calling it a “stepping stone process.” “I think that you need to be prepared as a first-time buyer and working with a very, very strong agent and know that you might not get the first home you want,” he said. “You’ve been on even the second or third, but be tenacious about it don’t give up and have faith in the process.” He also expects Realtors will be busy next year. “Our Coldwell Banker stats show us the first time buyers are putting other milestone situations on hold – like weddings and other things – in order to buy a home and homeownership is being prioritized with millennial buyers. So they’re kind of working on what’s important to them.”

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Congress must turn tide in war on cancer BY SIDNEY M. ROSEN Progress Guest Writer

his year, as we mark the 50th anniversary of the “war on cancer,” Congress has an opportunity to enact another transformational step in the �ight against this deadly disease. Over the past several decades, we have seen important progress in the way we screen for and treat cancer, but there is still much work to be done to beat the number two killer in the country. It starts with catching the disease sooner. At the start of this war, President Nixon had high hopes, stating, “The time has come in America when the same kind of concentrated effort that split the atom and took man to the

moon should be turned toward conquering this dread disease. Let us make a total national commitment to achieve this goal.” Half a century after Congress passed the National Cancer Act in 1971, we can look back with pride on areas of progress where cancer treatment and care has progressed by leaps and bounds. Mortality from all cancers has been reduced by 25 percent since 1971, including a reduction in breast cancer deaths by 38 percent, and lung cancer by 13 percent. Some cancers have been effectively cured. Others have been turned into chronic, but manageable conditions. Still others now have greatly increased life expectancy compared to 50 years ago. Additionally, we have made great strides

in the area of preventative education, public health campaigns, and science: smoking cessation and tests like pap smears, colonoscopies, and mammograms have saved millions of lives by catching cancer in its early stages. At the moment, there is perhaps no better offense in the war on cancer than a strong defense. Early detection helps ensure the �iveyear survival rate for certain cancers stays as high as 89 percent. The converse, of course, is also true. If cancer spreads throughout the body before detection, the same �ive-year survival rate drops precipitously to 21 percent. The problem we face now is our inability to screen for more cancer types. There are currently early screening tests for only �ive out of the more than 100 cancers in existence. But

that is changing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon be reviewing technologies that will greatly expand our early screening abilities. Called multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, these simple blood draws will test for more than a dozen cancers and, in a real sense, are the kind of cancer “moonshot” that we have sought for half a century. Millions of Americans could now �ind cancer care sooner than any previous generation in history, dramatically changing the trajectory of how we combat this awful disease. In order for that to happen, patients need to be able to access these life-saving technologies and that requires a change to current law. As it stands, once MCED tests are approved by the FDA, it could still take ten years or longer for seniors to be able to access them through Medicare. Congress acted in the past to allow access for mammograms and colonoscopies, and it has the opportunity to do so again and play an enormous role in the continuing war on cancer. The Multi-Cancer Screening Coverage Act would update Medicare to ensure that seniors have access to MCED tests upon FDA approval. The bill is already a bipartisan success story, including support from members of the Arizona delegation: Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Representatives Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) and David Schweikert (R-AZ). It is also supported by hundreds of cancer advocacy organizations. This is exactly the kind of legislation that members of Congress can and should come together to advance. This year, Arizona will have just shy of 40,000 new cancer cases with too many diagnosed in the later stages. Around 12,000 of our loved ones will die at the hands of this disease. We can and must do better. MCED tests can help us get there. Now is the time for Congress to de�ine the next breakthrough phase in the war on cancer. Sidney M. Rosen, JD, is the Founding Chairman of ICAN, International Cancer Advocacy Network, a nonpro�it serving advanced cancer patients throughout the world.

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Saguaro dethrones Chandler in Open Division BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

railing 15-14 with just over 4 minutes remaining in the Open Division state championship game, Saguaro coach Jason Mohns knew his team needed a spark if it wanted to knock off Chandler. He said he wanted to go to a play with switch vertical routes all night but wanted to wait until his team needed it. He felt they did in the fourth quarter. And junior quarterback Devon Dampier found sophomore athlete Jaedon Matthews. “I knew that play was coming,” Matthews said with a smile. “We worked on it all week. Me and Devon had a connection. Looking back on it, I knew we had won.” Matthews caught the pass from Dampier in stride and took it the rest of the way for the 40-yard score. On Chandler’s next possession, senior quarterback Blaine Hipa was picked off by Saguaro senior defensive back Junius Mars. One first down run from there and the

Saguaro junior quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball against Chandler, in the AIA Open Class Football State Championship game, Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

celebration was on for the Sabercats as they became the first team since 2015 to beat Chandler in the playoffs. The 20-15

win over the Wolves at Sun Devil Stadium to win the Open Division state title also avenged their loss in the same game on

the same field two seasons ago. “I told our guys that they’ve won five in a row, and we weren’t supposed to be here,” Mohns said. “All the pressure was on them. I told them if we just keep hanging around, they were going to make a mistake. We make a play, pressure is on them and finally we pull one out.” Saguaro, despite being one of the top programs in the state over the course of the last decade, was routinely counted out throughout the season and as it entered into the Open Division playoffs. The fifthranked Sabercats took care of 4A Cactus, the team ranked ahead of them, with ease in the quarterfinals. And behind the legs of Dampier, stunned No. 11 nationally ranked Hamilton in the semifinals. Dampier’s legs once again kept many Saguaro drives alive against Chandler on Saturday night, rushing for 129 yards on 22 carries. But his two touchdowns both came through the air as he fin-

see SAGUARO page 31

Horizon captures first title in 27 years BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

orizon head coach Andy Litten turned to face the home crowd as his offense entered victory formation. With both hands in the air, he screamed with excitement. The crowd and his players both responded. Both groups welcomed him with open arms before the start of the 2021 season. Some players referred to his arrival to the program as a “blessing.” Some claimed they knew they would be a special team with him leading the way. And on Friday night at Sun Devil Stadium, Litten and the Huskies proved that to be true in their 38-28 win over Salpointe Catholic in the 5A Conference champion-

Horizon senior quarterback Skyler Partridge (3) cruises into the end zone for the winning touchdown against Salpointe Catholic, in the Conference 5A Arizona State Football Championship game, Friday, December 10, 2021, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

ship game. “I’ve had people reach out to me … I bet you we had people from the 70s here tonight,” Litten said. “They’ve been the nicest people since day one. The community is huge in support. We probably had 400 people lined up when we left today. To see them do that … it was amazing.” Both teams had a slow start to the game, trading punts throughout most of the first quarter. It wasn’t until just 22 seconds remained in the opening quarter that Horizon finally found the end zone. Senior quarterback Skyler Partridge found senior wideout Ethan Tinsley on a back-shoulder fade from 17 yards out. That

see HORIZON page 31

SPORTS & RECREATION

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SAGUARO �� page 30

ished 12-of-17 for 156 yards, including the most important one at the end of the game. “I knew we had it,” Dampier said. “I knew we would win after that, we just had to trust our defense.” Saguaro’s drive stalled on several occasions at the hands of the Wolves’ front seven. Chandler had just two sacks overall but had six tackles for loss on the night. Saguaro was flagged six times on the night, most of which came during the first half of play. Penalties hurt Saguaro, but Sabercats’ fought through them. Senior athlete Javen Jacobs took a jet sweep around the left side for 12 yards and dove to the pylon for the Sabercats’ first score of the game. At the time, it gave them their first lead after a missed point, after an attempt stemming from their opening-drive touchdown – a 4-yard run by Jeremiah Moore. Chandler capitalized on its next drive after a long pass from Hipa to senior wideout Kyion Grayes. Senior quarterback Kenneth Cooper, who has been used by the Wolves in short-yardage goal line situations, punched it in to re-take the lead. Saguaro’s defense was challenged again right away as Dampier’s pass was

Saguaro senior wide receiver Javen Jacobs (8) hauls in a touchdown catch against Chandler, in the AIA Open Class Football State Championship game, Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

tipped and picked off by Chandler defensive back Blaine Mourning. But the Sabercats dug in and forced a turnover on downs.

That defensive stop allowed Saguaro to make its way down the field. Dampier connected with Javen Jacobs from 24 yards out. Chandler could only muster a field goal in the second half as it was held to just 110 yards. Saguaro’s only secondhalf score came in the closing minutes. “They were better than us tonight,” Chandler coach Rick Garretson said. “We just couldn’t finish it off. Jason (Mohns) did. That’s the end of it.” Mohns was overcome with excitement following the win. He credited his team for their “grittiness” all season. The Open Division was arguably created to pin Saguaro, a consistent champion at the 4A level, against teams of Chandler’s caliber. In 2019 when the Wolves won the first championship, Saguaro was written off. Now two years later, the Sabercats proved they can hang, and beat, the top teams in the state. “We figured if we were going to win this game it wouldn’t be pretty,” Mohns said. “It feels surreal. I asked if this really happened. We beat Chandler and Hamilton back-to-back. We took down the blue bloods of Arizona in back-to-back weeks. I’m pretty damn proud.”

HORIZON �� page 30

pass opened the floodgates for Partridge and the Horizon offense, as it went on to gouge the Salpointe Catholic secondary throughout the rest of the half. Following another Lancer punt, Partridge found senior receiver Cole Linyard who made a couple of tacklers miss before breaking free down the sideline for a 66-yard touchdown. Horizon’s next drive ended with another touchdown, this time on the ground from junior running back Wesley Lambert. Horizon took a 21-point lead into the locker room and never looked back. Even as Salpointe threatened to diminish the Husky lead. “Wesley ran like a champ today and I’ll tell you what, there was a lot of leadup with him in how he was going to play,” Litten said. “He ran like a man today.” Salpointe found a new wave of momentum out of the locker room. The Lancers went to the ground with standout running back Anthony Wilhite. After a pair of strong runs, which involved him lowering his shoulder for extra yards, the senior put his

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team on the board with a 17-yard touchdown run. Four plays later, Salpointe blocked and recovered a Horizon punt in the end zone for its second touchdown in two minutes of play. Even with their lead quickly reduced to just one score, the Huskies remained calm. Partridge said they knew Salpointe would land some punches of their own. They just stayed with their game plan. And it worked. “We took what they gave us and we were really dialed in on what they would be running,” Partridge said. “Coming out here … it’s business. I took what the defense gave me. They came back but we always felt like we could win.” Partridge ended the third quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Chase Jung. With 4 minutes remaining, Partridge called his own number and took it 40 yards for Horizon’s final score of the game. The senior had one of the best performances of his career on the biggest stage, completing 25 of 33 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed five times for 44 yards and the game-clinching

Horizon junior wide receiver Cole Linyard (15) speeds away from Salpointe Catholic junior linebacker Conner Raetzman (2) on the way to a touchdown, in the Conference 5A Arizona State Football Championship game, Friday, December 10, 2021, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

touchdown. Lambert, who was key to Horizon’s success in earning the top seed in the 5A playoffs, finished with 147 rushing yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. Linyard, Partridge’s top wideout, caught 15 passes for 189 yards and a momentum-building touchdown in the first quarter.

“They were playing a lot of zone, so the little quick screens and short passes were open,” Linyard said. “When they started to bite and play, man, we went deep. Ever since this week started, I knew we were going to win this game. When I made that big play … it was awesome.” Despite Salpointe’s second-half success,

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Litten credited his defense for its play in the first two quarters holding the Lancer offense scoreless. “Our defense was incredible the first half and late when we held them to a field goal,” Litten said. “We knew they were going to score. They’re a good football team. But for us to end it on offense was fitting.” A year ago, Litten was the offensive coordinator at Hamilton High School. He and the Huskies were coming off a heartbreaking loss to Chandler in the Open Division finals that was settled with a missed field goal. Two seasons ago, he and Hamilton fell in the semifinals. But now, as head coach of a Horizon team two years removed from an Open Division playoff berth, he led them to their first title since 1994. “A year ago … it was one of the most defeating, horrible feeling, gut wrenching things of my life,” Litten said. “These kids just had the roughest year. I mean, they had a rough year just like everybody. I’m so proud for them that hard work pays off. “I guarantee my wife is going to have to make room. It will probably be in our bed. My son will probably eat breakfast with it tomorrow morning. It’s a wonderful thing for sure.”

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McCormick-Stillman Railroad rolling full throttle BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

fter scaling back much of last year’s festivities, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park organizers have brought back crowd favorites and given guests longer exploration times during the Holiday Lights celebration. They re-opened the park’s model train building, which was closed last December amid the pandemic. Santa has also returned and guests now have two 1-1/2 hour time slots to explore the park. “Overall, the event structure is similar to what we did last year but with added time,” said Darryl Grimes, the special events coordinator for McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. “This gives customers another 30 minutes to get into the event space and have free reign for people to go ride the train and carousel as many times as you can, go into the model train building, visit Santa or take pictures all over the park.” Grimes said the longer time slots have been a hit with guests and something he plans to keep in the future. “We plan to stick with this format structure as it gives guests a better overall experience,” he said. The longer slots have also increased the park’s capacity of the park as 600 people can be allowed in per time slot, and Grimes expects to sell out most nights leading up to Christmas Day. “The closer we get to Christmas, the later slot will likely sell out as the earlier slot has already sold out for the most part,” Grimes said. He feels guests will be dazzled by the array of shining lights scattered around the park. “You will experience a magical train ride and be dazzled by a lot of lights,” he said. “From the moment people come into the park and are greeted by a large train deco-

Mary Hays, Emily Robertson, Megan Holden, Michael Holden take photos of Emma Holden, Rylee Holden, Oliver Holden and Reagan Hays sitting with Santa (Eric Watson) at the Holiday Lights event at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

The Paradise & Paciﬁc Railroad rolls through the lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

rated with lights, people will be wowed with lights everywhere.” The vast array of lights also are synchronized to music for a unique experience. “We have two separate zones that are linked to RGB lights with color changing lights that are synced to music as well as a 40-foot tall RGB tree and �ive smaller trees that are also synced to music,” said Grimes.

The park has added an elf village equipped with �iberglass elves and reindeer and decorated the bathroom to light up like the home from the 1989 �ilm “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” “There’s a lot of little scenes going on that tell a story,” Grimes said. Families can create their own stories by taking their photos in front of the struc-

tures around the park. “We have giant ornaments that people can take pictures in and we have custom made props that are unique to the park. We also see people taking family photos for their Christmas cards in front of our tree or in a sleigh we have at the park,” said Grimes. “With how everyone is cognizant of taking photos and sel�ies for social media, having the photo opportunity at the park is next to none.” Along with the new attractions, an old one has garnered a large amount of fanfare upon its return. “The model train exhibit offers something for everyone and was missed heavily last year,” Grimes said. “Now that it’s back open, people are thrilled.” Still, the main attraction is the train ride. “What separates us is the fact that we offer the opportunity to ride on a classic steam locomotive that has been doing this for over 35 years,” said Grimes. “It brings a sense of tradition since people come back every year with their family.” Overall, Grimes is happy to be back to providing a fun time for the family and lighting up the park for the holidays. “People are leaving happy and it’s a great overall event this year,” he said. “I hope that people have a good time and this was worth it for their family. As long as people had a good time, we’re happy.”

If you go

What: Holiday Lights at McCormickStillman Railroad Park Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 7301 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. When: Now through Jan. 2 with 6-7:30 p.m. 8-9:30 p.m. time slots. Cost: $15 per 90-minute slot, tickets must be purchased online. Info: Therailroadpark.com/holidaylights

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021

This woman makes ArtWalk joy partiers feel like royalty

Plenty of people headed over to the gallery district on Dec. 9 for the Gold Pallet ArtWalk. Sherstin Sutherland took photos while Jay and Desmond Sutherland

BY DANA TRUMBULL Progress Staff Writer

hen planning your career choices, did you ever consider Fairy Godmother? Gretchen Landin did. And with her background in theatrical set design – she interned with the Walt Disney Company – and professional event planning, she has achieved that goal. On Dec. 1, the Royal Soirée opened the castle gates on a new boutique event décor rental company. Based in Mesa, the team of three fairy godmothers deliver elaborately themed event packages designed to make your child’s dreams come true. “My goal is to take on the task of building the perfect setting for your celebration,” Landin explained, “so that you can focus on being present in those special, priceless moments.” Every event features hand-painted and custom-embellished props to truly make guests feel that they have entered a magical world of celebration. The fairy godmothers, dressed in brocade, lace and rhinestones, handle delivery, set up and removal of the fully designed set. All the client adds are food and guests. Although the themes are magical, Landin designs with the reality of sustainability in mind. Rather than using mass-produced, non-recyclable party decorations to create the desired ambience, the unique decor pieces are sourced from antique stores and vintage resellers, or handmade and intricately embellished so that the items can be reused. Even the dinnerware is reusable: elegant melamine plates and metal cutlery. All linens, napkins, and chair covers are washed between uses with eco-friendly detergent. “The Royal Soirée is dedicated to bringing sustainability to the world of event planning,” Landin said. “The event industry creates countless amounts of waste per year, and we

Gretchen Landin is the owner and founder of The Royal Soirée in Mesa. (Courtesy The Royal Soirée)

want to change that!” A few of the available themes include “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and the “Frog and the Princess.” Landin anticipates launching a new theme each month. Currently, the company has more than 40 themes planned, including a pirate theme, a wizarding academy – and “elegant, yet fun” adult themes. In fact, they are currently working on their first bridal shower theme and anticipate adding small wedding packages as well. “Due to the detailed and curated nature of our events, we are not currently offering custom themes,” she said, “but we absolutely welcome suggestions for new themes.” Events can be set up indoors or outdoors. Although seating can be adjusted to work with the available space and floor plan, Landin recommends a space that is approximately 20’ x 15’ for the ideal layout. Event services for 12 to 16 guests by The Royal Soirée LLC are available starting at the introductory cost of $900. For more information, email info@theroyalsoiree.com, or visit theroyalsoiree.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

watched Ailyn take her turn using a pottery wheel with help from artist Daina Meyer at The Sacred Heart Gallery as painter Dusty Kinman worked on a live painting in the front window at Mainview Gallery while carolers sang outside The Signature Gallery. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

FOOD & DRINK

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Food & Drink

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Chic new eatery offers regenerative foods BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

ico Doniele has always been frustrated with the lack of attention restaurants paid to where the food comes from. Many restaurants in California source meat and produce from regenerative farms, which, among other things, seek to reverse climate change by improving soil health through practices that increase soil organic matter. Doniele had an idea. She met with her good friend Nick Neuman, who has had success as the owner of EVO in Old Town, to pitch a unique idea and mission. “The idea is to look at food and its sourcing in a different way along with how we use it to heal the body,” said Doniele. “And my mission statement is, ‘let us eat to live and live longer to eat.’” Neuman loved the idea and decided to go into business with Doniele, giving birth to the new Scottsdale restaurant, Santé. The �irst step was �inding a location, and the two feel they could not have found a better location on Scottsdale Road and Tierra Buena Lane across the street from the Optima Kierland apartments. After months of renovating the space, they feel they created a chic atmosphere that is comfortable for diners of all diets and tastes to enjoy food that comes from farms that do not harm the environment. “This allows people to learn how to eat properly through well-sourced food in a fun and chic atmosphere,” said Doniele. Doniele describes the interior of the restaurant as “bohemian chic meets 20’s and 30’s glam Hollywood regency” as evidenced by the 6-foot pink feather chandelier, �loral decorations and art covered walls. While the two knew how they wanted the restaurant to look, the renovation work proved to be a larger challenge than Don-

Nico Doniele and Nick Neuman opened Santé in Scottsdale with an eye toward sourcing meat and produce from farms dedicated to saving the planet. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

iele or Neuman had anticipated due to supply chain disruptions. “We had issues sourcing materials,” said Neuman. “Our tiles were ordered ahead of time from Turkey. We also had trouble �inding chairs and �looring as those items were either out of stock or on a backorder.” They confronted a bigger challenge sourcing food. “One of the hardest things we’ve dealt with has been sourcing our food,” said Neuman. “Because of how particular we are about where the food is sourced from, it has been more challenging to source food.” Santé prides itself on its ability to source food from regenerative farms and local produce purveyors. “We source our food from regenerative farms that work with nature by creating a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative atmosphere,” said Doniele. “We also go beyond organically grown. We look into how the animals are raised, how the earth and soil is treated and how the farm works on a dayto-day process.”

Santé in Scottsdale provides a chic atmosphere for diners to enjoy meals for all diets. (Special for the Progress)

Because some menu items are harder to come by, the pair plans to adapt their menu around the items they can obtain. “Because we know exactly what we want, we are creating our menu around that,” said Neuman. “If we can’t get a particular item, we will change our menu to match what we are able to bring in.” Oddly, the two had almost no trouble at all �inding a staff that believed in the mission of the restaurant and were excited to open the doors on Dec. 14. “Our staff has to have a good attitude,” said Doniele. “You can train people how to pour coffee and wait tables, but they have to have a good attitude and believe in what we’re doing for the earth.” Additionally, Doniele made it a point to train staff on educating diners on the options that the restaurant offers to complement any dietary needs. “We have all these great opportunities for people to eat together and be inclusive,” she said. “We want to create inclusivity with really beautiful vegan dishes and really beautiful meat dishes.” However, the restaurant’s signature dishes are buttermilk brined chicken with pickled spaghetti squash, brown rice chich-

arron, olive and cherry gastrique and bison �ilet with onion puree, roasted yellow tomatoes, red wine and hemp reduction. On the sweeter side of the menu, the restaurant offers items like cheesecake and cornbread. It also has a full bar inside equipped with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including non-alcoholic cocktails and wines. Guests can also reserve the restaurant’s private dining room for high-tea parties or to show a �ilm on its projection screen. For those who may not have time to sit down at the restaurant, it also has a grab and go gourmet marketplace that sells salads, juices and breads as well as a coffee bar. Neuman believes the restaurant will not only cater to a plethora of diners but will become a destination in the state. “I believe in building a restaurant for the area that you’re in and I think this is an amazing area that will become a destination spot,” he said. “This is a one-ofa-kind restaurant that is going to draw in people who didn’t know that this was possible to do.” Information: lovesante.com

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ANDREW BLOOM, HOUSING EXPERT HE BVO LUXURY GROU P CEO AND FOUNDER OF T K e l l e r W I l l i a m s N o r t h e a s t R e a l t y :, L u 0x u r y D i v i s i o n V o t e d # 1 S c o t t s d a l e R e a l E s t a t e T e a m 2 0 1 8 :, 2 0 1 9 & 2020 Andrew Bloom is the CEO and co-Founder of BVO LUXURY GROUP GROU at Keller Williams Arizona Ari2ona Realty. Collectively Keller Williams Arizona $1.5 billion in 2020 and Year to date Keller Williams Ari2ona Realty sold over 1.7 Internationally has sold 25,000 $1M. KW continues to expand 27:000 homes over 1M. e0pand globally and remains the number one real estate company in the world as ranked by Realtrends. The BVO Luxury Lu0ury Group is now in it’s 3rd generation, generation: now being run by Austin Bloom who just is a recent graduate of Scottsdale Leadership. BVO Luxury Lu0ury Group was voted Maricopa County’s #1 Real Estate Team of the year in 2018, 2018: 2019, 2019: and 2020. The team has grown significantly to make 2021 the best year ever serving our clients right here in Scottsdale.

DID WE HIT THE PEAK? NOW WHAT? Top 3 factors affecting the market. 1. Inventory Shortages have caused buyer fatigue. 2. Bidding on multiple houses has caused buyer e0haustion exhaustion 3. Discount commissions on both the buyer side and seller side have resulted in more transactional fall out. E0perience Experience matters most in this market; market!

TOP 3 reasons to SELL your home NOW!!! This is the best time we have to get you the highest price possible 1. Stay nimble. Get ahead of any downturn the market takes. We are already seeing days on market increase as well as price reductions. 2. You never lose money taking chips off the table. We’ve had a great market for over 10 years. Equity in your home may mean now might be the best time to cash out and sit on the sidelines. 3. Downsize or upsize. Sure why not. Interest rates are low. Inventory is low. Only serious buyers are buying. The market is not as competitive today for buyers or sellers. There is a nice balance in today’s market. Take advantage of the equilibrium in the market after the fren2y. frenzy. The pendulum is near a stand still (but for how long)? “Anyone who dreams of an uncommon life eventually discovers there is no choice but to seek an uncommon approach to living it.” - Gary Keller, The ONE Thing

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