West Valley View - March 1, 2017 by Times Media Group

BOWLS OF HOPE

ALL DRESSED UP

Dog Days of Buckeye returning this weekend — Page 11.

GONE FISHING

Tres Rios Festival set for Saturday, Sunday in Avondale — Page 9.

JENNIFER CLAY and her son, Izaiah, 10, of Goodyear look over uniquely painted bowls at the Bowls of Hope charity event Feb. 25 in Goodyear. Each attendee picked out a bowl painted by a local artist to serve as a reminder of someone else’s empty bowl, and was then fed a typical meal that All Faith Community Services provides for someone in need. Proceeds from the annual event benefitted All Faith’s Buckeye and Goodyear food banks.

Leading the way in water

Goodyear strikes deal with SRP for CAP canal water

by Kourtney Balsan special to the View

The Salt River Project and the city of Goodyear recently proposed and passed an agreement that won’t leave a salty taste in residents’ mouths.

The Goodyear City Council voted to approve a unique West Valley deal with SRP at its Jan. 23 City Council meeting to have Central Arizona Project water delivered through SRP’s system.

“This is truly a landmark agreement for the city of Goodyear and the entire West Valley, because this is the first agreement that Salt River has entered into, that it’s agreeing to deliver water for 100 years outside of the service area,” said Mark Holmes, Goodyear’s water resource manager. “SRP is a regional partner I think the West Valley can look to for the future.”

SRP will provide Goodyear with water from its CAP canals for the next 100 years in two phases,

Holmes said, adding that Phase I will provide Goodyear with 8 million gallons a day and Phase II will double to 16 million gallons a day.

“We’ll have a combination of CAP water, which will be a predominant water supply, and a very small portion of ground water,” Holmes said.

The agreement sprouted after the city realized its aquifers may reach limitations for pumping ground water in the near future, and integrating transferred water will not only save the aquifers, but may save money, Holmes said, adding that the project will cost around $150 million, but may save money because it could replace the previous water pumping system.

“These are costs we are already incurring when we pump a well and when we transport water to a treatment facility, so these cost differences are irrelevant because we are already paying very

(See Water on Page 3)

owners

by Kourtney Balsan

special to the View

To raise, or not to raise the minimum wage, that is the question ...

That was one of the questions, anyway, on Election Day when Valley voters decided to raise the minimum wage by voting yes on Proposition 206. In 2016, Arizona’s minimum wage was $8.05 an hour, 80 cents more than the federal minimum wage at $7.25. On Jan. 1, Arizona’s minimum wage increased to $10. Gradual increases will raise it to $12 an hour by 2020. Employers who have employees who earn tips can continue paying them up to $3 less than the minimum wage. Tip earners will go from $5.05 an hour to $7 an hour and eventually $9 an hour, plus tips.

Proposition 206 not only raised the minimum wage, but also required businesses to provide paid sick time for all employees. Beginning in July, employers are required to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave if they have 15 or more employees or 24 hours if they have fewer than 15 employees. Employees will accrue one hour of sick time per every 30 hours worked.

“The word that we’ve received by our membership and other businesses is that it’s a great concern,” said John Safin, president and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Because of Proposition 206, West Valley small businesses are going to have to make changes to survive, said Deanna Kupcik, president and CEO of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“It affects my members, every one of them, on some level,” Kupcik said. “The cost of doing business is going to go up dramatically and the record-keeping nightmare is going to be a big burden on a small business person to keep track of.”

On Dec. 15, 2016, chambers of commerce throughout Arizona, along with various organizations, filed litigation to overturn Proposition 206 because it was not a singlesubject initiative as it included paid sick time and because it will increase the amount the state pays companies for contracted services. The court ruled in favor of the proposition. The plaintiffs appealed the ruling and the Arizona Supreme Court agreed to a hearing.

“I’m not going to make a prediction, I’d have a better chance predicting lottery numbers,” Safin said.

(See Wage on Page 2)

View photo by Ray Thomas

(From Page 1)

“It’s going to be in the hands of the courts and everyone involved in that litigation.”

Raising the minimum wage by $4 gradually and providing required sick leave doesn’t sound like much, but in the scheme of things, it could break local businesses that have given the West Valley its charm, Safin said.

Where some may see just a few extra dollars, businesses see thousands.

For example, a part-time minimum wage employee who works 25 hours a week made $10,465 in 2016. That same worker will make $13,000 plus a possible $400 for unused sick time in 2017. That worker will make up to $14,070 in 2018, $14,740 in 2019 and $16,080 in 2020.

The company will spend an extra $16,430 per employee over the next four years. A company with 15 employees will spend an extra $246,450 in the same time span.

“The money has to come from somewhere,” Safin said. “Based on the information we received from our membership, there are a lot of businesses who have either raised prices or had to make a change in their hours, and some are still trying to figure out what they want to do.”

State Rep. César Chávez, a first-term Democrat from District 29, said Proposition 206 is a solution, not a problem.

“First and foremost, it is important that we honor the will of the people,” Chávez said. “Proposition 206 is part of the solution to a panoramic picture that needs to be addressed. We are seeing prices, due to inflation, sky rocket, and the individuals that are struggling to make ends meet have not received any type of wage increments. Prop. 206 provides them with some relief to be able to provide their family a better living lifestyle.”

Breaking local businesses

A few local businesses have already made changes. A West Valley staple for 35 years, TJ’s Restaurant, 310 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, is one of the first to suffer, part owner Don Holmes said, adding that because the restaurant suffers, its customers suffer, too.

“I don’t even know how to say it. I’m just very disappointed,” Holmes said. “When minimum wage goes up, everything goes up. It affects everybody.”

The restaurant hung signs at the beginning of the year announcing it would have to reduce weekend hours because of Proposition 206, but later removed them because of the arguments the signs provoked.

“So far, I’ve had to cut my staff by four people, I’ve had to terminate them, and we’ve reduced our business hours to save on labor costs,” Holmes said.

The future is only going to get more expensive with the new sick pay requirement, Holmes said.

“We’ve got to play it by ear. We’re waiting for the dust to settle for the first part of the prop,” he said. “A lot will tell what happens on July 1st when the sick pay starts.”

Holmes reflected back on when he first earned minimum wage, then worked up through life and became owner of a restaurant. Sixteen-year-olds in high school who don’t typically need to provide for a family are getting paid $10 an hour, soon to $12, with sick pay, and Holmes said he is confused by the whole thing.

“When I went to school, minimum wage meant ‘I want to do better,’” he said.

“If I didn’t have the goals in my life to do better, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

According to statistics by the Bureau of Labor, in 2015 more than half of those who earned minimum wage were younger than 25 and most likely were not married with a family to provide for.

“Of those paid an hourly wage, nevermarried workers, who tend to be young, were more likely (5 percent) than married workers (2 percent) to earn the federal minimum wage or less,” the Bureau of Labor stated.

Another issue is the question of how a business makes the pay fair with employees who were already making $10 to $12 an hour before the proposition was put into place, Safin said.

“Raising the minimum wage itself puts many businesses in a bit of dilemma because they have employees who have been part of their organization for years who at the time made more, then minimum wage is raised, and anyone who starts new is making the same as someone who has been there for five years. Some businesses are trying to figure out what to do,” he said.

The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Waddell was already paying employees above the minimum wage, owner Mickey Ollson said.

“We’ve always started people above minimum wage, for the entire 32 years the zoo has been here,” he said. “With Prop 206, obviously anyone who wasn’t making $10 is now making $10. Then we gave a small raise to all of our employees. Regardless of how much they were making before, we gave them all a raise, too, because that is only fair.”

The zoo will still have to explore changes, such as pricing, the number of employees and the timeliness to finish new projects, Ollson said, adding that he would never cut anyone or anything dealing with the animals to ensure their health, happiness and security.

“We built up the reputation that you can come to the zoo every couple of years and you’ll always see something new or something improved,” he said. “We are going to continue that business plan, but it may not be as aggressive as it was before and we may not be able to do as many improvements.”

Proposition 206 will also impact businesses that pay well over the minimum wage because of the new paid sick leave requirement.

“Prop 206 is a blanketed change to a business’ model and plan,” said Joanne Osborne, owner of Osborne Jewelers in Goodyear and a Goodyear city councilwoman. “For a small business, I feel we have a robust benefit package and know our employees are the backbone of our company. On top of a good wage, including bonuses, full-time employees receive paid vacation depending on the years with the company, paid holidays, paid sick days, longevity pay once they’re with the company for 10 years and 100 percent health insurance with a term life insurance piece. I believe our model has worked very well for us in 26 years, but now I am being told that this isn’t good enough.”

Before Proposition 206, Osborne Jewelers provided three accumulated paid sick days a year, but now it will have to provide more, Osborne said.

“The voters of Arizona voted the mandate into play. I will respect that as an Arizonan; however, as we all know, some actions will garner a reaction,” she said.

Osborne said the minimum wage is for those starting out in the working world with no where to go, but up.

“Minimum wage will enable an individual to be at a livable wage, this in my opinion is inaccurate. When I first started in the job market as a teenager, I was paid minimum wage,” she said. “I knew then, as I still believe today, you start somewhere in life, you work hard, you learn to advance your skills whether in college or a trade, and you have an ambition for higher standards and exceptionalism.”

If businesses have the means to pay their employees over the minimum wage, then they were probably already doing so, Osborne said, adding that the minimum wage exists to ensure employees aren’t abused; however, the proposition forces those who couldn’t afford to pay extra to pay extra.

“America was built with a can-do attitude and want to succeed,” she said. “There may be businesses out there who take advantage of their employees, but I would hope, with all the laws we have in place, that this would be corrected.”

In the classroom

Proposition 206 may make an impact inside the classrooms, as well, said Julianne Lein, superintendent of the Litchfield Elementary School District.

“Mandatory pay increase without an increase in funding will require the district to continue making difficult decisions,” Lein said. “We are currently exploring all options to increase pay for hundreds of employees and give them five days paid sick time. Further reducing the size of our staff is one thing we may be forced to consider.”

The district employs more than 1,500 people and just less than half are instructional assistants, custodial and maintenance, food service employees and bus monitors who make around minimum wage, Lein said, adding that the new law will cost the district around $1.2 million in addition to the $250,000 needed for five paid sick days.

“We will have no choice but to make gut-wrenching decisions about how to pivot into compliance with this new law,” she said.

Kourtney Balsan can be reached at Kbalsan@westvalleyview.com.

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Avondale lands Vitamin Shoppe distribution center

Coldwater Depot Center project to open this summer with more than 100 jobs

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

A new distribution center for a national vitamin supplement company is expected to employ more than 100 workers when it becomes operational in Avondale by the middle of the year.

The Vitamin Shoppe recently closed a deal for a 10-year lease on a 187,000-square-foot building in Avondale’s Coldwater Depot Center at Van Buren Street and 127th Avenue, according to Dan Davis, economic development director for the city.

The building will serve as the West Coast distribution center for the New Jersey-based company that offers 26,000 supplements and operates 700 stores in 45 states, including 12 in Arizona.

“It’s a good fit for our community,” Davis said. “It’s a good win all around.”

The building was recently constructed on spec by Trammel Crow.

Davis said the Vitamin Shoppe has started work on $12 million to $15 million in renovations it’s making to the structure, including installing air conditioning and conveyor belts.

“We know with that kind of investment, they’re going to be here a long time,” Davis said.

The distribution center is expected to be operational by July with a staff of 110 full-time employees and an annual payroll of $4.4 million, Davis said.

He said a variety of wages will be offered for jobs that will include office, information

technology and warehouse workers.

The Avondale City Council approved an economic development agreement for the project that includes up to $66,000, based on $600 per employee, to assist with recruitment and other costs to support the job creation, Davis said.

The incentive package also includes up to $20,000 to assist with the city’s plan reviews, inspections and permitting fees, he said.

Davis said the city worked on landing the project for four to six months as Vitamin Shoppe officials considered other sites in the Valley, including neighboring cities and Reno, Nev.

The company was attracted to the location, access to major transportation lanes and the availability of warehouse labor, said Richard Tannenbaum, Vitamin Shoppe senior vice president, in a news release.

Davis said the project complements other developments at Coldwater Depot Center.

“It really makes the area an employment cluster,” he said. “We’ve got great things happening there.”

Across the street from the Vitamin Shoppe distribution center, the SanMar building is being expanded with a 400,000-square-foot addition, Davis said.

SanMar, an online apparel company, will use half the space, with the rest available for other tenants, he said.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com

similar or higher costs for our pumping and energy and moving water,” Holmes said. “We don’t want to impact our rate payers. We want to keep our rates reasonable, fair and consistent to all of our rate payers and I think we have a good financial model that will not impact them.”

Goodyear residents don’t need to worry, because the integrated transition will be seamless, Holmes said.

“Residents won’t know anything, other than probably the water quality improving because CAP water is much cleaner than our poor quality ground water,” he said. “Residents won’t feel any differences; it’s just a different water source being treated.”

SRP leased 25 acre feet per year for 100 years to Goodyear to operate the water delivery system, and Goodyear will transfer that water to the water treatment plants to be cleaned and blended into the other water, Holmes said, adding that the deal will limit and possibly halt ground pumping and replenish the aquifers.

“This water will not impact any residents, for a number of reasons,” he said. “It’s going right into the water distribution system. At that point, we will have the ability to turn down or turn off wells and more CAP water being directly treated and delivered to our distribution system.”

SRP considers the agreement to be historic, and is open to expand further in the West Valley, said Christa McJunkin, director of water rights and contracts at SRP.

“About seven months ago [Goodyear and SRP] began discussing how SRP’s existing infrastructure could be leveraged to transport Goodyear’s Central Arizona Project water from the CAP Canal to Goodyear’s service area, some 36 miles as the crow flies,” McJunkin said. “Those discussions were fruitful and led to this historic agreement. This agreement with Goodyear is another example of how SRP seeks cooperative solutions for regional problems.”

The reason the agreement has historic significance is because it is the first time

SRP will transfer CAP water to a city entirely outside of the company’s water service area, McJunkin said.

“SRP’s boundaries mark the lands with historic rights to water from the Salt and Verde Rivers and groundwater,” she said. “SRP’s water delivery infrastructure was designed to deliver that water to those lands.”

As the land was urbanized, it retained its water rights, but instead of receiving direct delivery of water from SRP, the water was sent to water treatment plants owned and operated by the 10 cities with SRP land: Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tolleson, and then delivered to residents within SRP’s boundaries, McJunkin said.

“This same arrangement cannot be made with a city outside of our boundaries, because the land doesn’t hold rights to SRP water,” she said. “In Goodyear’s case, they have contracts for 17,742 acre feet per year of CAP water. It is this water that SRP will be delivering to Goodyear. SRP’s system is already interconnected with the CAP system and we routinely deliver CAP water transported through it.”

Through the agreement, Goodyear will collect water around Avondale Boulevard and Broadway Road. A few miles east is Goodyear’s Water Reclamation Facility, where the city will build a wastewater treatment plant, Holmes said.

“That location has three SRP canals that come to a single point,” he said.

SRP approved the deal at its Feb. 6 board meeting, which allows planning to begin in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, and Phase I should be implemented by 2020, Holmes said, adding that Phase II will take place in about 15 years.

“SRP has opened the door for the West Valley as a regional innovative partner to solve real water challenges, and SRP’s goal is to ensure the economic vitality of the Phoenix Metropolitan area,” he said. “They are visionaries, and the city has had some stiff challenges and we are trying to be visionaries. We have some really outstanding projects.”

Kourtney Balsan can be reached at Kbalsan@westvalleyview.com.

Business Briefcase

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Welcome to the Business Briefcase, everyone!

Don’t look now, but it’s March 1! Time sure does fly. It’s hard to tell in Arizona, because time doesn’t seem linear. How else can you explain the end of February being colder than some of the days in the middle of January?

The space-time continuum is a conspiracy, I tell you.

Hold on, let me take the tinfoil hat off my head. How’d that get there?

On a serious note, the Briefcase would like to wish Buckeye Economic Development Director Len Becker good luck on his new journey. Briefcase Headquarters tips its hat (not the tinfoil kind) to you for all the help over the years.

Let’s get to business.

First up, Elevate Trampoline Park is now open for business in Goodyear at 701 N. 137th Ave.

Elevate opened Feb. 25, but is celebrating the occasion Friday with discounted rates for its open jump sessions.

The indoor trampoline park has 23,000 square feet of activity space, featuring trampolines, dodge ball, foam pits, a rock wall and various other options.

If you’re planning on going, make sure you visit the website to download waiver forms in advance to make the visit that much easier.

For information, visit elevatetrampolinepark.com or call 602-795-0755.

The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a grand opening ribbon-cutting celebration for Little Caesars at 13760 W. Camelback Road in Litchfield Park. That’s in the new (no longer brand new) Fry’s shopping center at the northeast corner of Camelback and Litchfield roads.

Little Caesars is famous for its “Hot and Ready” pizzas, where it normally takes no more than a few minutes to stop in and pick up your pie, with payment of course. Did you know Little Caesars is the third-largest

pizza chain in the United States? I didn’t! Only Domino’s and Pizza Hut have more stores across the country.

In other news, Cafe Royale at 809 N. Dysart Road in Avondale has closed after only a year in business.

The shop sold coffee, tea, sandwiches, crepes and other pastry items, and heavily promoted its Nitro Brew process, a cold coffee brew technique using nitrogen.

There’s no word yet on the status of the JCPenney store in Goodyear. The company announced that up to 140 stores will be closing nationwide, but details on specific locations are still to come.

The Briefcase will be on the case when more information becomes available.

That’s all for this week, folks. I’ve received a few emails about some construction projects happening in Goodyear, so be on the look out for those in next week’s issue.

If you have a different question, or would like to just say hello, send an email to smcowen@westvalleyview.com or contact me via Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

Thanks for tuning in. Have a great start to March, and see you all next week!

MCSO investigating armed robbery carjacking, kidnapping in Tonopah

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a kidnapping, carjacking and armed robbery Monday in Tonopah that caused a nearby school to stay on lockdown until 5:30 p.m., officials said.

At about 2 p.m., deputies responded to a reported robbery at the Wintersburg General Store near Wintersburg Road and Salome Highway in Tonopah, said Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez, a spokesman with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

The man reportedly had a rifle, but nobody was hurt during the robbery, Enriquez said.

After he left the store, deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description from the robbery and attempted to stop it, but the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued, Enriquez said.

The vehicle came to a stop near 337th Avenue and Old U.S. Highway 80 after a minor single-vehicle accident, and the driver fled the scene on foot, Enriquez said.

Deputies found a woman restrained inside the vehicle, who said she was the victim of a carjacking and kidnapping earlier in the day near Johnson Road and Southern Avenue, Enriquez said.

A perimeter was set up and MCSO K9, SWAT, Air Unit detectives and personnel from the Arizona Department of Public Safety searched for the man, he said.

Pupils at Palo Verde Elementary were kept at the school hours after their normal release time as a precaution, Enriquez said.

“Due to the close proximity of our three scenes, we had to keep them on lockdown,” he said. “Once it was lifted, we had extra patrol for safety.”

Avondale brothers accused of having child porn

by Emily Toepfer

assistant editor

Two Avondale brothers are facing 10 counts each of sexual exploitation of a minor after child pornography was allegedly found on a computer in their home, according to court records.

Ignacio Molina, 37, and David Molina, 28, were arrested Feb. 15 at their house near Central Avenue and Buckeye Road in Avondale, records state.

During an investigation, the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found an IP address allegedly registered to Ignacio Molina that was distributing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, records state.

A search warrant was executed Feb. 15 at the house, where a laptop and external hard drive were found that allegedly contained numerous images and videos of children as young as infants, records state.

The pornography was downloaded using peer to peer software installed on the laptop and saved in folders on the desktop, records state.

Ignacio Molina allegedly admitted to police that he had been obtaining the images and video for several years, but denied ever touching children, records state.

Police state they are a danger to children in the community, because they live along a bus route for an elementary school, records state.

Teen’s car shot after alleged drug deal in W. Valley

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after an early morning drug deal led to a shooting on county land near Germann and Tuthill roads, officials said.

The shooting was first reported to the Arizona Department of Public Safety at about 1 a.m. Feb. 22 after a 17-year-old reported he had been shot on Interstate 10, said Sgt.

Joaquin Enriquez, an MCSO spokesman.

The teen changed his mind several times, and the investigation was turned over to Goodyear police after he said the shooting occurred near Litchfield Road and I-10 in Goodyear, Enriquez said.

He then admitted being in the area of Germann and Tuthill for an alleged drug deal, and MCSO took over the case, Enriquez said.

The teen allegedly told deputies the

drug transaction was complete and he was driving away when his driver’s side window was shot with what appears to be bird shot from a shotgun, Enriquez said.

He had non-life-threatening injuries to his face and torso from the bird shot projectiles, Enriquez said.

Two young men fled the scene after the shooting, he said.

The incident is under investigation.

Woman dead in shooting at Best Buy in Avondale

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

Avondale police are investigating a shooting Monday at a Best Buy in Avondale that left one woman dead and the alleged shooter critically injured, officials said.

Police officers responded at about noon to the store at 99th Avenue and McDowell Road for reports of shots fired, said Officer Jaret Redfearn, a spokesman with the Avondale Police Department.

Upon their arrival, officers found a man and woman inside the store with apparent gunshot wounds, and both were transported to local hospitals, Redfearn said.

The woman was later pronounced dead by medical personnel, he said.

Her identity has not been released pending next of kin notification.

The man, who has not yet been identified by police, is in critical condition, Redfearn said.

Evidence suggests he was the shooter in the case, Redfearn said.

“Information gathered by the criminal investigations bureau has revealed the two subjects knew each other,” he said. “The exact circumstances of what led up to the shooting is still under investigation.”

The gun believed to have been used in the shooting was located at the scene, Redfearn said.

Emily Toepfer can be reached at etoepfer@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @EmilyToepfer.

Erica McLaughlin, M.D.

David Molina Ignacio Molina

Gema Fernandez, M.D.

Maria R. DiLeo, M.D.

Kim Roberts, W.H.N.P.

Cari L. Cowling, M.D.

James M. Johnson, M.D.

Briggs J. Geier, D.O.

Raymond D. Suarez, M.D.

We support bill to leave 9th Circuit

Whoever said “it’s too big to fail” wasn’t talking about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

The court has made international news of late. That’s the court that rejected an appeal from the Department of Justice to restore President Donald Trump’s executive order signed Jan. 27 banning travelers from seven nations — Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — with ties to terrorism from entering the U.S.

That same court is receiving more local attention now as Gov. Doug Ducey and Sen. Jeff Flake campaign to abandon the overburdened district and join a newly formed one.

House Resolution 250 — the Judicial Administration and Improvement Act — was introduced Jan. 4 by U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-District 5. Cosponsors include Reps. Trent Franks, R-District 8, David Schweikert, R-District 6, Paul Gosar, R-District 4, and Martha McSally, R-District 2.

The bill would essentially split the 9th District into two districts by creating new 9th and 12th districts. The new 9th District would keep California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands; and the new 12th District would get Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana and Nevada.

You’re probably thinking this red state just wants to sever ties with the ultra liberal court, and that could have something to do with it, but it’s more about expediency.

According to a guest commentary in the Feb. 21 Arizona Republic, Ducey and Flake cite the 9th Circuit’s overburdened caseload as the impetus for H.R. 250. They say the 9th circuit hears about 12,000 appeals every year, which is 30 percent more than the next most active court. They state that it takes more than 15 months for most appeals to be decided.

Another reason they list is that the 9th Circuit’s rulings are overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court 77 percent of the time. And that the 9th is so large — it comprises 29 judges — that it never sits as a single body. “Whereas every other circuit regularly meets as one court to clarify inconsistencies in law, the 9th Circuit selects 11 of its 29 judges to set circuit-wide precedent,” the guest column reads. So about a third of the 9th Circuit’s judges decide law for the entire court.

This wouldn’t be the ﬁrst time a new circuit was created for the same reasons. An 11th Circuit was created in 1980 to alleviate the overburdened 5th Circuit. By the early 1960s, that court was the busiest federal appeals court. It took 20 years of debate, but the court was ﬁnally divided and the new 5th Circuit kept Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi; and the new 11th Circuit got Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

So where do we stand on the 9th Circuit’s ruling on Trump’s travel ban? Who cares? We care that it takes more than 15 months to decide a case. We care that 77 percent of the time, that decision is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. We care that only a third of the court sets precedent. We care that the court is failing because it is too big.

We endorse H.R. 250 and urge you to contact your congressmen to let them know you do, too.

To ﬁnd out who your congressman is, go to www.house.gov and enter your ZIP code under “Find Your Representative.”

Our Viewpoint editorials represent the opinions of the West Valley View editorial board, which is composed of Publisher Elliott Freireich and Managing Editor Cary Hines. 1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323 (623) 535-8439 [535-VIEW] • FAX (623) 935-2103

“The noblest motive is the public good.’’ — Richard Steele

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Subscriptions: Home delivery of West Valley View is free within Avondale, Buckeye*, Goodyear, Litchfield Park & Tolleson* as well as select portions of Glendale*, Waddell* & West Phoenix*, generally, west of State Route 101, east of Johnson Rd., north of Pecos Rd. and south of Northern Ave. (*certain exceptions/exclusions apply). Free vending machines are available in the communities of Arlington, Palo Verde & Tonopah. Requested mail subscriptions within Maricopa County: $75 per year, $40 for 6 months. Out of county & state: $88 per year, $45 for 6 months.

to be is this: there are two symbols both called swastikas. The first one was found in ancient europe as well as American Indian tribes. The second one was done by the Nazi party in Germany.

Pizzillo helps city ﬂourish

Editor:

I am voting for Joe Pizzillo for Goodyear City Council. I have had the good fortune of knowing Joe for many years. He is hard working and dedicated. His ﬁnancial background has helped Goodyear get through the hard times. Most of all, Joe can be counted on to help anyone in need

Goodyear is consistently run well enough to be high on Americas most livable cities. Dedicated council people like Joe will continue to allow Goodyear to ﬂourish for years to come.

Lucretia Agostarola Goodyear

All swastikas are not the same

Editor:

Graffiti by minors should be treated as such! Of course, if the perpetrator is an adult then throw the “book” at them! What am I refereeing to? The graffiti by the Paradise Valley school had swastikas painted by it.

The reason I’m not as bent out of shape as some seem

From what was shown on TV looked more like the ﬁrst one to me. But the interviewed person immediately said, “Nazi”! People should know there is a difference. Because of the two teenagers in Colorado years back, seeing swastikas immediately think danger for their children, it doen’t need to be.

I remember at 9 or 10 years old playing war. Someone would be the American soldier and the other the German soldier. We never got into the ideas of Nazi and swastikas. We just knew the whoever was playing the German, he lost!

Bernard Oviatt Salome

What’s wrong, city planners?

Editor: Chandler gets a 5 billion dollar deal with Intel. Goodyear gets a great ballpark, a great movie house and a lot of good restaurants.

Buckeye gets a car wash to go along with 4 tire & brake stores. Great job Buckeye. Well whoop dee do

Larry Ruvido Buckeye

Snowbirds, take note

Editor:

There are over 1,000 winter visitors in Buckeye that are directly affected by what you’re about to read.

One: If you’re gone for 3 months; up to 6 months you can sign up for a vacation hold, on trash pickup.

Two: There’s a “Fair Share” program you can sign up for. With this program they come and count all the plants in your yard. So they can determine how much water your plants and pools require.

Sounds good right? Well it took 2 years to get them to inact the vacation hold on trash. “If we do not use it for 3-6 month, should not have to pay for it.” Wrong say our city. They say you pay $11.00 instead of $18 p/m. Better than nothing right? No, we say better than nothing is $8 p/m. Remember we don’t use the service, what so ever!

Now back to this “Fareshare” program they devised after much, prompting. They came and counted all my plants and sign up for a sewer relief program also. They’re still charging for six months for all the water that goes on the yard, that it is going into their sewer.

Don’t get us wrong, this is not about the money. This is about common since and the principal.

I was told by the utility billing dept. “if you can afford two homes you can afford to pay for something, you are not using.”

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

How would you grade President Donald Trump’s job performance so far? • A • B • C • D • F

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

Should Congress investigate what President Trump knew about former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s contact with the Russians? 82 total Votes • Yes — 46% • No — 54%

Take the View’s online poll at the home page of our Website, www.WestValleyView.com Join the conversation! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook! Or mention @WestValleyView and

L etters to the editor are published without any editing. Any errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar are those of the author. Two online reader polls have indicated that a majority of View readers prefer that the letters not be edited.

Letters

(From Page 6)

The city of Buckeye is raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars on these two policies. Let all ﬂock together and peck away at the city. Until this is corrected for all snowbirds. Winter visitors bring a large amount of revenue into the city of Buckeye. We do not want to be their bank account. We just want to pay our fare share.

Charles Burton

Buckeye

Trump is Russian puppet

Editor:

The reports came out today confirming parts of the dossier that surfaced a month ago. They haven’t yet confirmed the direct interaction between Trump or his team and the Russians, but it’s only a matter of time. This man has money tied up in Russia. He focuses his energy on protecting his brand, using his office to threaten private companies like Nordstrom’s for not selling his family’s merchandise. And now it seems likely that he had some deals with Russia before he was inaugurated.

We are trouble, folks. This man is dangerous. If you don’t see it, you’re blind. I’m not saying progressive ideolgy is the answer. I’m just saying that Donald Trump is a Russian puppet who is more interested in calling Meryl Streep “sad!” than actually governing.

Join me in calling/e-mailing

Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake and urging them put pressure on this president to step aside and allow Mike Pence to take ofﬁce. I don’t like Pence, but at least he’s not dangerous.

Tony Cass Buckeye

Trump should ﬁre staffers

Editor: “Alternative facts”, lies, lack of ethics, are all clearly a challenge for this new administration. If Mr. Trump’s staff, in particular National Security Advisor Flynn and spokesperson and advisor Kellyanne Conway are this careless and questionable in their behavior then perhaps it’s time for him to look these people in the eye and tell them “you’re ﬁred”. While he’s at it, he should tell the same to Steve Bannon. Claiming ignorance of, denying knowledge of, or condoning such actions is not acceptable Mr. Trump.

Don Rerick Litchﬁeld Park

Seeking understanding

Editor:

I was listening to Mr. Steven Miller, one of Presidents Trump’s many advisors on TV and heard him repeat several times “the President intends and will deport all illegal residents who commit violent crimes here in the United States”. Being a veteran, having served proudly and honorably

in the United States Air Force for 26 years, supporting the United States Government and the Constitution of the United States, can someone please help me understand what “violent crime” Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos committed to warrant her deportation and being torn away from her two “United States citizen children” after living here in the US for almost two decades, working hard as a cleaning lady to support and raise her kids, striving and working hard to live the “American Dream”! I am not an history buff but it’s my understanding our great country was and still is made up of immigrants or descendants thereof, mine being from Italy & Mexico. I do not want to engage in a political argument, I just want to understand better “why”!

Joe Fuller Litchﬁeld Park

Crimes have consequences

Editor:

Recently a woman was deported to Mexico from Arizona because years ago she committed a crime by stealing someone’s SSN. I feel bad for her being separated from her family, but she willingly committed this fraud that she knew had consequences which she was willing to risk. Just because it was not a “violent” crime shouldn’t change the facts. I have had my info stolen in the past and feel that to be excused for this crime is unacceptable. I realize that the news media don’t always tell the whole story but I wonder if she has paid for

this crime in any way? If our government allows her back in the U.S. then make her serve jail time and her kids can visit her there!

Deb Hewitt Goodyear

Let women decide

Editor:

Since abortion continues to be a major topic, I thought I would include my opinion as well.

I will admit, that at 72, I am not going to be getting an abortion any time soon. But I do have a terrible aversion to people telling me (or anyone) what to do with our bodies or how we should live our lives. Whether it is your religion or personal beliefs, you really should keep them to yourselves and respect other peoples alternate choices.

However, what really, truly offends me is that the vast majority of pro-lifers are the very same people that do not want to pay taxes for this child once born, to be fed, educated, medicated or clothed. They would rather see the child born, but to slowly starve to death, be abused or ignored.

Just how many of you prolifers have adopted a child? How many of you have seen(forget held) a child addicted to cocaine or having AIDS? I won’t say 0%, but that is a lot closer than 100%.

The vast majority of pro-lifers are cowards. Let women make the choices that are important to them, not to you.

Sue Coady Goodyear

FLAT FEE LISTING

Voters, check out the facts

Editor:

There are two sides to everything and voters need to know some differences between Jim Cavanaugh and Georgia Lord. While it is true that Lord’s administration has brought new business growth to Goodyear, the types of business primarily employ semi-skilled and lower paying jobs; jobs that would not support a worker being able to buy a home in Goodyear. Lord’s administration has increased the City’s tax rates to the highest levels in three categories. Goodyear’s city tax rates are higher than the cities of: Scottsdale, Chandler, Surprise, and Avondale, to name a few.

The Cavanaugh administration is responsible for bringing the ballpark to Goodyear, which results in supporting local businesses. Cavanaugh attempted to bring a West Valley campus of ASU to Goodyear but the effort was blocked by Lord; as such, more than 100 acres of land remains unused which would have been used for higher education development and professional level jobs. Cavanaugh also brought SUNTEC, SUBZERO, and CTCA to Goodyear. Cavanaugh wants to reduce the cost of government and cut taxes. Cavanaugh is anything but a quitter, serving 30 years in the Air Force, retired as a Colonel, and has both a BS and MBA degree! Do some fact checking. Go to Jim’s website: jimcavanaughformayor.com. Be a responsible voter.

(See Letters on Page 8)

Gail Quillen Goodyear

7 West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 1,

(From Page 7)

A vote for Mayor Lord

Editor:

In 2009, during the height of the recession, I had the honor to sit on The Citizen Budget Committee in Goodyear. While on that committee my fellow citizens and I made several tough choices. One of these choices was to make adjustments to the primary and secondary tax rates (increase property tax rates) to offset the loss in assessed evaluation ( #11 in the CBC Recommendations). This recommendation was done to try and maintain levels of service since we were eliminating positions and recommending furloughs as well as several other cost saving measures. You can imagine my disappointment when the former mayor, Jim Cavanaugh, decided to try and raise the property tax from $1.60 to $2.10, not to maintain essential city services, as the committee recommended, but to build an unnecessary city center that cost $88 million. He seems to forget that fact when he criticizes the current council for raising the property tax to $1.86. When he did not get his tax

increase or his city center he quit. Now that times are good and the current mayor and council have led us out of the Great Recession he wants to come back. That wasn’t the kind of leadership we needed then and Cavanaugh deﬁnitely isn’t the kind of leader we need now. My vote is for Georgia Lord.

Rayne Gray Goodyear

3-week wreck

Editor:

As a long time Republican and Trump voter, in just three weeks time I’ve become ashamed of my vote for president. It seems like each day we hear about something new and totally ridiculous that surpasses the previous days’ ugliness made by this inexperienced group of buffoons.

Without needing to go into details of what’s transpired, this joke of an administration hasn’t done one thing to “Make America Great Again”. Instead, it’s made us look like complete fools to the rest of the world and Trump supporters out to be the old, senile, rascist, fanatics that we are. It’s hard to watch and shameful to have bought into.

Arthur Richarelli Litchﬁeld Park

PebbleCreek vs. Goodyear

Editor:

Well it looks like it’s time for the Pebble Creek popularity contest once again (also known as the Goodyear city election). I think for the health of our city going forward it would be better for Goodyear’s government to have less Pebble Creek biased members. It’s hard to compete with a large population of old retired people. With far too much time on their hands, complaining about and participating in city government becomes a full time job for the Pebble Creek crowd. They influence Goodyear city government for Pebble Creek. From expensive art work for Pebble Creeks own fire department, to new traffic lights at their entrances. Pebble Creek gets what Pebble Creek wants! Too bad the rest of the city doesn’t get similar treatment. While it doesn’t look like we’ll have a choice for mayor, it appears a few younger people have stepped up to run for council. I will vote for them even though beating Pebble Creek will be hard to do. Let’s make Goodyear a city that rivals cities on the east side and not a sleepy retirement community just west of the ghetto. Maybe Pebble Creek should be spun off into its own city?

Harry

Callahan Goodyear

Leaks were necessary

Editor:

What a great combination, necessary leaks and dogged journalists. They can force someone to make a right decision even when they are not inclined to do so. Would General Flynn still be on the job had such revelations not been made? Unfortunately when we are dealing with someone who praises Russia and compares this great country to that evil empire, I believe the answer to be yes. As Mr. Trump would say “sad, so sad.”

Don Rerick Litchﬁeld Park

History repeats itself

Editor:

Now that Betsy DeVos is the Secretary of Education, I am hopeful that high school graduation percentages will significantly increase. Students will be able to WRITE , as well as print their names. Soon a diploma will signify a level of achievement, rather than simply signify attendance Hopefully greater student achievement will be recognized and rewarded , without worrying about hurting anyone’s feelings. School vouchers should be given to parents of needy students . These vouchers will benefit minority students the most, since many are stuck in hopeless deficient inner city schools

empowered to chase the American dream, the Democratic voting base would begin to evaporate. Yes Democrats have a self sustaining need to keep minorities in the ghetto . Democrats exploit minorities . Nikita Khrushchev once boasted that he could destroy the United States from within, by corrupting our young people. “Yes from within ” is exactly what Progressive educators have been doing to our country. Look at the violence at UCBerkeley. More and more the uber left does not just protest. They try to shut down opposing views. Their legal protests frequently deteriorate into unlawful violent events . This is what happened to Germany in the 1930’s. Today it is happening to us. Is America now being threatened by modern day “left wing Nazis ” I believe there is a well funded organized cadre of educators , Hollywood elite, politicians and main stream media who are acting, either willingly, or as “fellow travelers as a subversive group . This ﬁfth column is a real threat to our way of life . Their actions frequently border on anarchy, and are not spontaneous, but well planned.

Roy Azzarello Goodyear

The reason why Democrats and their union lackeys have traditionally opposed the voucher system is because, if minorities become better educated and

Event combines nature, music

Sunset concert added to Tres Rios Festival in Avondale

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

An “after hours” outdoor concert will be a new feature at an annual event that celebrates nature in Avondale.

The 14th annual Tres Rios Nature Festival will be Saturday and Sunday at the Meridian Wildlife Area, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. Admission is free.

While the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, entertainment will continue on the first day with a concert until 7 p.m.

“It’s beautiful down at Tres Rios in the evening at sunset. People can sit and enjoy the music,” said Christina Underhill, who is coordinating the event as part of her job as assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries in Avondale.

Performing will be Sugar and the Mint, a bluegrass and indie-folk band from Prescott, and Chuck E. Baby and the All Stars, a Valley rock, blues, swing band.

Entertainment will also come from bluegrass, folk and country musicians during the festival.

But the centerpiece of the event is fishing, canoeing, archery, hiking and bird watching in the area at the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers.

Anglers can take their own fishing gear or equipment will be provided, with volunteers available to assist novices. No license is required.

Underhill said sunfish, catfish and bass can be pulled from the water.

“A lot of people catch fish down there,” she said.

For those who want to get closer to the water, canoes and kayaks will be available, complete with paddles and life jackets.

The Sonoran Audubon Society will provide a bird

kiosk and offer guided bird watching tours, where osprey, red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon and orange-crowned warblers may be spotted.

Personnel from the Arizona Game & Fish Department will give instructions on how to use a bow and arrow.

“It’s any easy way to learn how to do archery,” Underhill said.

A fashion show at noon Saturday will feature children modeling outfits they’ve made from recycled materials.

“We’re encouraging the kids to be really creative,” Underhill said. “Some kids spend a lot of time on it.”

To participate in the fashion show, children need to sign up by 11 a.m. Saturday.

Other festival highlights will include exhibits presented by outdoor, nature and history organizations.

Wildlife exhibits will include live birds and desert animals, including venomous reptiles.

There will be demonstrations by K9 search and rescue dogs on Saturday and golden retrievers on Sunday. Since it features science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, the event has been designated as an Arizona ScieTech Festival.

Food trucks will offer burgers, barbecue, fry bread and shaved ice.

For the first time, this year the festival will include a beer garden.

The festival that attracted about 7,000 people last year is being promoted around the Valley and beyond, Underhill said.

“We’re trying to expand our outreach,” she said. “We’re trying to get a good draw from the state of Arizona.”

The event benefits the Friends of Avondale Parks, Recreation and Libraries.

For information, visit tresriosfestival.com or call 623333-2400.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

Litchfield Park to host annual art & wine fest

View report

About 200 artists and craftsmen will be showing and selling their work at an arts festival this weekend in Litchfield Park.

The 19th annual Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the streets in downtown Litchfield Park. Admission and parking are free.

Art will include paintings, sculptures, fine photography, pottery, jewelry and home décor, according to event organizer Candy Vermillion.

Vermillion said she mixes returning artists with new exhibitors, who work in southwestern, western and contemporary styles.

Entertaining at the festival will be singer-songwriter Mary Hoffman, bluesman Mike Anderson and the Blues Review Band and Native American flutist and guitarists Inka Gold.

Vermillion said the event’s wine garden is being expanded to include seven wineries. For $10, those attending will receive tickets for six tastings and an engraved souvenir wine glass.

Three breweries will also participate.

Among the culinary demonstrations will be ice sculpting.

A food court area will include the addition of Cousin’s Maine Lobster, a food truck serving clam chowder, lobster rolls and seafood tacos, and Tri Tip Man, with Santa Maria-style barbecue.

Other offerings will include homemade ice cream, chocolate, ribs, Italian sausage, burgers, crepes and Asian, Mexican and Greek food.

For information, visit vermillionpromotions.com.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

LOGAN YOUNG of Glendale fishes with his father, Jeff, during last year’s Tres Rios Nature Festival in Avondale. This year’s festival is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Meridian Wildlife Area.

Street party

Tolleson hosting Latin Jazz and Mariachi Festival

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

The streets in Tolleson will be alive with the sound of music this weekend as the city hosts its Latin Jazz and Mariachi Festival for the second year.

The free event will be from 1 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Tolleson’s Paseo de Luces downtown area along Van Buren Street from 91st to 94th avenues.

“Everybody loved the mariachis last year,” said Ruth Espinoza, recreation programmer of special events for the city. “I think it went really well and I expect it to get bigger this year.”

Multiple entertainers will be featured, including a special performance at 4:30 p.m. Saturday by Grammy award-winning musician Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band. Also on Saturday, Bohemian Insurgence will play at 1:30 p.m. and Jaleo Band is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Sunday’s lineup calls for a variety of mariachi bands and ballet folkloricos throughout the day, and also a Show N’ Shine car show from 1 to 7 p.m.

Proceeds from the car show will go to the Tolleson Union High School auto club. The cost is $10 per vehicle, and trophies will be awarded in a variety of categories. About 50 to 60 cars, including roadsters, low riders and hot rods, are expected to participate, Espinoza said.

To register, call 623-474-4992 or 623-936-2705. Registration will be accepted the day of the event if space allows.

The festival will also include food trucks, a beer garden and a Musical Kid’s Zone, where children can make their own musical instruments and win prizes from 2 to 4 p.m. both days.

“They’ll be doing tambourines and bongos and harmonicas,” Espinoza said.

Van Buren will be closed from 91st to 94th avenues starting at 4 a.m. Saturday until midnight March 6.

Free parking will be available at the northeast and southeast corners of 91st Avenue and Van Buren, and ADA parking will be available at the southwest corner.

Emily Toepfer can be reached at etoepfer@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @EmilyToepfer.

Avondale considering Festival Fields upgrades

Project could add splash pad, ball fields, lake to city park

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

A splash pad, additional ball fields and even a lake are part of concepts under consideration for improvements at Avondale’s Festival Fields Park, 101 E. Lower Buckeye Road.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department has been working on alternatives for improvements at the park, which were recently reviewed by the Avondale City Council.

The budget for the project that could be constructed in 2020 is $7.5 million to $11 million, according to Christina Underhill, assistant director of parks, recreation and libraries.

Festival Fields opened in 2008 in south Avondale with a first phase that included four ball fields, a multi-use area and restroom.

But the recession delayed further development of the park that Underhill said hosts 25 baseball and softball tournaments annually, as well as an adult softball league and youth and adult sports.

“We know there is a need to implement Phase 2,” Underhill said.

Avondale Little League has requested the addition of two youth ball fields, she said.

According to feedback from the public, a splash pad is the most desired feature to be added to the park.

The popularity of the city’s first splash pad, which opened last fall at Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, is an indication that the public wants an additional water feature, according to Kirk Haines, director of parks, recreation and libraries.

Four alternatives for park improvements developed by J2 Engineering and Environmental Design of Phoenix show either additional youth ball fields or a lake of two to three acres that would provide fishing and irrigation.

Members of the City Council asked the design team to come up with a plan that would incorporate both ball fields and a lake.

Plans also show space for a dog park, skate park, playground, amphitheater, picnic ramadas, additional parking and open lawn space.

The council also expressed support for courts that could be used for tennis and pickleball.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

The improvements would be made on 32 acres on the west and southwest side of the park. Haines indicated that the park could be expanded if the owner of a 4.4-acre vacant parcel next to the park is interested in selling the land.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

FESTIVAL FIELDS PARK at 101 E. Lower Buckeye Road is being looked at by the Avondale Parks and Recreation Department for improvements including a splash pad and more ball fields.

Dog Days organizers pushing adoption

4th annual Buckeye event set for Saturday in Sundance

by Kourtney Balsan

special to the View

The need for dog adoptions in the West Valley is huge. That need is evidenced by local nonprofit rescues’ abundance of canines in need of homes.

The Dog Days of Buckeye event encourages dog adoptions and provides people with the proper tools, resources and information to adopt or foster Fido.

“The more people know about these animals, the more we can get adopted,” said Lilia Mutka, owner of Buckeye Animal Rescue and Kennel, B.A.R.K., which is one of the founding rescues of Dog Days of Buckeye. “There’s so many senior dogs that are out to be euthanized, and unfortunately, there’s not enough resources for people to get out and adopt them.”

The fourth annual Dog Days of Buckeye is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye.

“Come out, bring your dog and meet some new friends,” Mutka said.

From a fashion show and pooch pie eating contest to a Chihuahua race and police K9 demonstration, the Dog Days of Buckeye will leave you feeling anything but bored, unless you’re a cat person.

“Some of the dogs will be dressed up and doing the fashion show, which is going to be awesome. We also have Chihuahua races. They’re Chihuahua and dachshund races, so they can be chihweenies, Chihuahua mixes,” Mutka said. “One of our dogs last year won and she was adopted about a month later. It was awesome. It was wonderful. There’s also a pie eating contest, so the dogs get to sign up to eat pies and whoever wins gets a prize. We also have a raffle. The money that is going to be raised will go toward a Caliber jacket for one of the dogs for the Buckeye P.D., so a bullet-proof jacket. Not enough of them have them and [the jackets] are very expensive.”

Mutka prepares her pooches to participate in the event’s activities in hopes someone will adopt one of them, she said, adding that this year, she will take 20 to 30 dogs as around 10 get adopted each year at the event.

“Like Squidgy, our French bulldog, they love being dressed up; it makes them shine. When she has clothes on, she will strut around. She really enjoys it,” Mutka said. “The majority of the costumes are donated from PetSmart. Either that or we have people who make them. We’ll actually have some costumes available to purchase for a donation.”

The Dog Days of Buckeye brings awareness of local strays and the local nonprofits that house them, Mutka said.

“[Dog Days of Buckeye] helps the community realize we are actually out here and we do take in quite a few strays from the community, we just can’t take in all of them,” Mutka said. “We are here to help the community and give them public awareness. We also help with dog food quite often, so if there is someone out there that needs dog food, they contact us, then we usually are able to bring them a bag to hold them over.”

Kim Porter of No Paws Left Behind Senior Rescue and Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, rescues senior Chihuahuas whose previous owners most likely couldn’t care for them anymore or have died, she said, adding that some of her Chihuahuas will be walking in the fashion show.

“I love senior [dogs]. They don’t dig or chew, they only want to bask in the sun,” Porter said. “I started No Paws Left Behind four years ago, but I’ve been rescuing all my life.” Porter’s main advice for adopting a dog is to plan ahead, she said.

“If you get a dog, it’s for at least 15 years and you need to make arrangements of, if you pass who is going to take care of the dog,” Porter said.

Judy Bassett of Rainbow Valley Animal Search and Rescue, another 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is going to the Dog Days of Buckeye for the first time to raise awareness for the need to adopt.

“We take in any breed, any age. I have a boatload full of puppies at home,” Bassett said. “My husband is worse than I am. We had six dogs of our own. Now our home is a dumping ground for dogs. Every time we leave the driveway, there’s another dog.”

Mutka, Porter and Bassett agreed that if you’re in the market for a dog, adopt a rescue dog rather than shop for one at the mall.

“Adopt, don’t shop, because they’ll end up with us anyway. There are a lot of beautiful purebred dogs in rescue,” Mutka said.

LITCHFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

View photo by Jordan Christopher

LEFTY, a 4-year-old Chihuahua, smiles for the camera as he struts in a pink costume Feb. 21 in Goodyear. Lefty was abandoned in a shopping cart and is one of several dogs ready for adoption through No Paws Left Behind Senior Rescue and Sanctuary, which will be at the fourth annual Dog Days of Buckeye event Saturday.

Agua Fria, La Joya, Tolleson and Verrado all kick off baseball seasons; Desert Edge softball goes 1-2-1 in tourney

River Arena in Glendale. Phillips scored a game-high 24 points for the Lady Tigers, who moved on to Tuesday’s state championship game. Results were unavailable at press time, but read the story on www.westvalleyview.com.

Lady Tigers advance to finals

Millennium knocks

by Shane McOwen

sports writer

Millennium girls basketball secured its place in the 6A conference state championship game by beating No. 1 Gilbert, 52-47, Feb. 23 at Gila River Arena in Glendale.

The Lady Tigers earned a date with Southwest Region foe Surprise Valley Vista Tuesday at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. The result was unavailable at press time. For a recap of the state championship game, visit westvalleyview.com.

Millennium pushed through the semifinals against Gilbert on the backs of freshman Ali Zelaya and sophomore Dominique Phillips. Zelaya contributed a double-double, 22 points and 12 rebounds. Phillips scored 19 of her game-high 24 points in the second half, including the icing free throws to put the game away.

“Dom hit some big shots in the second half,” Millennium coach Cory Rojeck said. “Ali, after the first quarter, we gave her a two-minute breather to let her settle, [and] after that, the last three quarters when she got back out there, she was a monster.”

The Lady Tigers’ defensive focus was stopping Gilbert’s talented sophomore sister duo Haley and Hanna Cavinder. The twins combined for 33.8 points per game this season going into the semifinal matchup. Rojeck said his team did a nice job handling the two guards, keeping them both under their season averages.

“The Cavinder twins are two of the better players in the state,” he said. “The game plan was [to make sure] if we were going to lose, it was going to be because someone else on their team steps up. When you look at their box scores over the year, they scored more than 60 percent of their [team’s] points. I kept thinking as we were watching game film, I don’t care what happens, but we’re not going to let those two just run free.

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Spring training started last weekend, but it seems West Valley residents have forgotten about it.

Or, maybe, they still just don’t care.

Attendance for Goodyear Ballpark during the Feb. 25 opener, which featured both Goodyear teams — the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds — was 6,357. The Feb. 26 attendance, when the Reds hosted the San Francisco Giants, was 4,348.

Now, compare that with some of the East Valley parks and there is a world of difference.

The Giants drew 9,531 for their opener, which was Feb. 24, a weekday, at Scottsdale Stadium.

The Arizona Diamondbacks had 9,795 for their opener Feb. 25 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, while the Chicago Cubs had a whopping 14,929 Feb. 25 at Sloan Field in Mesa.

Granted, the Cubs are World Series champions after a title drought that lasted more than a century, but it was a split-squad game, meaning half the team wasn’t even there. The Indians went to the World Series against the Cubs, one of the greatest Fall Classics in recent years, and drew less than half the amount of fans as the Cubs for their spring opener.

This isn’t a new trend, either. In 2016, the Indians were 25th out of 30 teams (Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues combined) for spring training attendance, while the Reds were 29th. In 2015, the Indians were 26th and the Reds were 30th. If you look at just Cactus League numbers, the Indians and Reds, in one order or the other, have been last and second to last in attendance every single year since the ballpark opened in 2010.

It’s really a shame, too, because the stadium is one of the nicest, and for the value, it can’t be beat. The Cubs have lawns seats that go as high as $43. Forty-three dollars to sit on grass! The Indians and Reds charge $8 for lawn seats, and the price doesn’t fluctuate on a gameby-game basis.

Goodyear Ballpark is also very family-friendly, with two huge lawn areas along the concourse. One boasts rows of corn hole games, while the other has childfriendly activities, including a mini baseball diamond to play on, a rock-climbing wall and some inflatable games that are free of charge.

I’m sorry if this comes off sounding like an advertisement — I have no stock in Goodyear Ballpark — but what I do have stock in is baseball. I love America’s favorite pastime, and as such a huge baseball fan, it saddens me greatly to go to the stadium time after

View photo by Mike Rincon

Casey Pritchard

The following four pages of West Valley View are zoned for the 03/01/2017 edition.

Each zone pages 13, 14, 15 & 16 (13N=North, 13E=East, 13S=South, 13W=West) appears in its designated geographical zone within the West Valley View circulation boundaries. For the purpose of the online edition, all zone pages appear.

Desert Edge has mixed results in tourney

Lady Scorpions finish 1-2-1 in Sunrise Mountain Invitational

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Desert Edge softball had some up-anddown moments in its season-opening tournament Feb. 23-25, finishing with one

and one

SOFTBALL

The Lady Scorpions, led by new head coach Bret Marchese, made the bracket portion of the tournament, but ran into a buzz saw in Phoenix Pinnacle and lost 6-0 Feb. 25 to get eliminated from the tournament.

Pinnacle went on to win the event 8-2 against Glendale Cactus.

“Overall, it was a great weekend for our kids,” Marchese said. “Coming together after just a couple weeks of practice and putting it all together, coming here and playing some of the state’s best teams — Pinnacle is going to be No. 1 or 2 all year in 6A — but the kids competed, played hard. So, all in all, I thought it was a great weekend for us, good experience, got to see where we measure up.”

Pinnacle’s C.C. Cook was nearly unhittable against Desert Edge. In six innings, she struck out 16 batters, allowing just one hit, a bloop single. Otherwise, the only contact against Cook was a foul out and ground out back to her in the circle.

“C.C. is one of best pitchers around, they have two that are top notch,” Marchese said. “She was the best pitcher we’ve seen.”

Marchese tried to have his girls focus on shortening up their swings and staying on top of the ball against Cook, he said.

“When a kid is throwing that hard, you don’t have a lot of time to take a big, long swing, so we try to teach them to stay

CAMILA DEMERS of Desert Edge looks toward first base Feb. 23 before delivering a throw

Harris in the fourth inning. The Lady Scorpions won once and tied once during four games of the

short, through the ball,” he said. “But, when you’re facing a good kid like that who moves it up and down, it’s easier said than done.”

Jessica Marchese had one of the best at bats of the game against Cook, fouling off five pitches and working the count full before finally succumbing to Cook on a change up.

“Jessica battled at the plate, fouled several off in the sixth — Jessica has been playing really well for us this tournament,” Bret Marchese said. “She’s coming out on fire, playing hard. This is

her senior year, so she’s really working her butt off.”

Jessica also made a nice catch in left field, twisting as she went back on a deep fly ball to put it away.

“She’s really covering ground out there,” Bret Marchese said.

Pinnacle’s six runs were its lowest output of the tournament, and the Lady Pioneers should have only scored four. An infield error caused two unearned runs to score for Pinnacle in the second inning.

“Subtract those two runs on that routine ground ball, and one of the best teams

in 6A, we’re right there with them,” Bret Marchese said. “We’ve got some things to work on going into power-points next week, but all in all, I’m really happy. That’s what a tournament like this is for, you go out, measure up and work for the regular season. We made the tournament, which is one of our goals, we wanted to play in the bracket tournament, and we did. Against a really good team, I thought they played well and fought.”

Desert Edge nearly won its first game

(See Mixed on Page 17)

View photo by Mike Rincon

to retire Ironwood’s Amanda

Sunrise Mountain Invitational.

Desert Edge has mixed results in tourney

Lady Scorpions finish 1-2-1 in Sunrise

Mountain Invitational

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Desert Edge softball had some up-anddown moments in its season-opening tournament Feb. 23-25, finishing with one win and one tie in four contests during the Sunrise Mountain Invitational.

“C.C. is one of best pitchers around, they have two that are top notch,” Marchese said. “She was the best pitcher we’ve seen.”

Marchese tried to have his girls focus on shortening up their swings and staying on top of the ball against Cook, he said.

“When a kid is throwing that hard, you don’t have a lot of time to take a big, long swing, so we try to teach them to stay

CAMILA DEMERS of Desert Edge looks toward first base Feb. 23 before delivering a throw

Harris in the fourth inning. The Lady Scorpions won once and tied once during four games of the Sunrise Mountain Invitational. short, through the ball,” he said. “But, when you’re facing a good kid like that who moves it up and down, it’s easier said than done.”

Jessica Marchese had one of the best at bats of the game against Cook, fouling off five pitches and working the count full before finally succumbing to Cook on a change up.

her senior year, so she’s really working her butt off.”

Jessica also made a nice catch in left field, twisting as she went back on a deep fly ball to put it away.

“She’s really covering ground out there,” Bret Marchese said.

“Subtract those two runs on that routine ground ball, and one of the best teams

in 6A, we’re right there with them,” Bret Marchese said. “We’ve got some things to work on going into power-points next week, but all in all, I’m really happy.

That’s what a tournament like this is for, you go out, measure up and work for the regular season. We made the tournament, which is one of our goals, we wanted to play in the bracket tournament, and we did. Against a really good team, I thought they played well and fought.”

Desert Edge nearly won its first game

(See Mixed on Page 17)

View photo by Mike Rincon

to retire Ironwood’s Amanda

Desert Edge has mixed results in tourney

Lady Scorpions finish 1-2-1 in Sunrise

Mountain Invitational

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Desert Edge softball had some up-anddown moments in its season-opening tournament Feb. 23-25, finishing with one win and one tie in four contests during the Sunrise Mountain Invitational.

“C.C. is one of best pitchers around, they have two that are top notch,” Marchese said. “She was the best pitcher we’ve seen.”

Marchese tried to have his girls focus on shortening up their swings and staying on top of the ball against Cook, he said.

“When a kid is throwing that hard, you don’t have a lot of time to take a big, long swing, so we try to teach them to stay

CAMILA DEMERS of Desert Edge looks toward first base Feb. 23 before delivering a throw

Jessica Marchese had one of the best at bats of the game against Cook, fouling off five pitches and working the count full before finally succumbing to Cook on a change up.

her senior year, so she’s really working her butt off.”

Jessica also made a nice catch in left field, twisting as she went back on a deep fly ball to put it away.

“She’s really covering ground out there,” Bret Marchese said.

“Subtract those two runs on that routine ground ball, and one of the best teams

in 6A, we’re right there with them,” Bret Marchese said. “We’ve got some things to work on going into power-points next week, but all in all, I’m really happy.

Desert Edge nearly won its first game

(See Mixed on Page 17)

View photo by Mike Rincon

to retire Ironwood’s Amanda

Desert Edge has mixed results in tourney

Lady Scorpions finish 1-2-1 in Sunrise

Mountain Invitational

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Desert Edge softball had some up-anddown moments in its season-opening tournament Feb. 23-25, finishing with one win and one tie in four contests during the Sunrise Mountain Invitational.

“C.C. is one of best pitchers around, they have two that are top notch,” Marchese said. “She was the best pitcher we’ve seen.”

Marchese tried to have his girls focus on shortening up their swings and staying on top of the ball against Cook, he said.

“When a kid is throwing that hard, you don’t have a lot of time to take a big, long swing, so we try to teach them to stay

CAMILA DEMERS of Desert Edge looks toward first base Feb. 23 before delivering a throw

Jessica Marchese had one of the best at bats of the game against Cook, fouling off five pitches and working the count full before finally succumbing to Cook on a change up.

her senior year, so she’s really working her butt off.”

Jessica also made a nice catch in left field, twisting as she went back on a deep fly ball to put it away.

“She’s really covering ground out there,” Bret Marchese said.

“Subtract those two runs on that routine ground ball, and one of the best teams

in 6A, we’re right there with them,” Bret Marchese said. “We’ve got some things to work on going into power-points next week, but all in all, I’m really happy.

Desert Edge nearly won its first game

(See Mixed on Page 17)

View photo by Mike Rincon

to retire Ironwood’s Amanda

Verrado goes 3-1 in DesCombes tourney

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Verrado baseball ripped the cover off the ball for three games Feb. 22-25 in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational, but when the big hit was needed during the semifinals against Tolleson, it eluded the Vipers. They lost 2-1, finishing the tournament 3-1.

BASEBALL

“We couldn’t do anything wrong at the plate for three games, and today we couldn’t get even one of those hits we were getting several of,” Verrado coach Mark Flatten said. “We were 1 for 11 with guys in scoring position, and that’s not going to work, no matter what.”

Verrado’s critical at bats came in the fourth and sixth innings, when the Vipers got rallies going but only managed to plate one run.

In the fourth, it was Gabe Rios and Maddox Pfaff who got it started with backto-back walks to lead off the inning. After a strikeout, Andrew Coleman ripped a double down the left field line, plating Rios and putting runners at second and third with just one out. Unfortunately for Verrado, a popout and flyout were sandwiched around an intentional walk, ending the Vipers’ threat and keeping them behind, 2-1.

Two innings later, Verrado got a leadoff double from Pfaff, but couldn’t capitalize on it. The Vipers popped a bunt in the air for the first out, before Coleman was hit by a pitch to put two runners on base. Jarryd Samsing then scorched a ball between second and third that hit Pfaff while he was running, which caused the second out. A groundout to second ended the inning.

Flatten said struggling offensively was a good learning experience for his team early in the season, especially with so many young players on the Vipers’ roster. Verrado has just four seniors.

“Things are going really well, and then all of a sudden it gets hard,” Flatten said. “Those are good things to learn early with

BRADY BULGER of Verrado backhands a ball against Tucson Magnet during last year’s playoffs. The Vipers went 3-0 during pool play of the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational, but lost to Tolleson in the semifinals.

young guys because we didn’t need to bunt a lot, we didn’t need to do stuff like that in the first couple games, and today the execution on our bunts wasn’t very good. So, that’s something where that might put us in a better position when you’re struggling offensively. It’s things we can do better down the road.”

The Vipers failed to mount a threat in the seventh inning, going down 1-2-3 against Tolleson reliever Joseph Chavira. Despite losing, Verrado outhit Tolleson 5-4.

“What I was really happy with was we gave up two [runs] in the first inning and then we hold them the rest of the game, at least gave ourselves a chance,” Flatten said.

Verrado’s pitching fared well throughout the tournament, allowing just 12 runs in four games. Flatten said he used about eight pitchers over the course of the week.

“We were really good on the mound; we did a great job,” he said. “We have some young guys that need some time, that some of them got. It’s always easier to pitch with

Does walking make your legs hurt worse?

Do you know the 4 major causes of

Pain and or numbness in the legs and feet are common complaints. But to find relief for this often debilitating condition, you must first know the cause of the symptoms. It is important to remember that pain or numbness in the legs and feet are the symptoms of some other problems. And to find long-lasting relief of these symptoms, it is absolutely essential to identify the cause of the problem producing these symptoms. There are four major conditions that commonly produce pain and or numbness in the lower extremities. While the symptoms for all of these conditions are similar, the conditions must be treated quite differently. In fact, it is quite common for doctors to prescribe medications to treat the symptoms without ever looking into what is causing them in the first place. There’s virtually no chance of obtaining long-term relief from leg symptoms unless or until you identify and correct the cause. The nerves in the legs start in the lower back and travel all the way down to the tips of the toes. When these nerves become irritated, they produce various combinations of pain and or numbness in the legs or feet. But, the irritation may be in the lower back even though the patient complains of symptoms in the legs and feet. And in fact, you can also have no back pain at all, yet still have back-related symptoms in your legs or feet. If your treatment focuses on the legs and feet, there is very little chance of obtaining long[term relief of a problem that starts in the lower back. The three main causes of pain the legs that are actually associated with the lower back are spinal stenosis, sciatica and pinched lumber nerves. No amount of treatment aimed at the legs and feet will reduce the symptoms, if the problem truly is starting in the lower spine. Likewise, neuropathy are in the upper leg, doctors will misdiagnose the patient as having a problem in their lower back. If treatment of neuropathy is directed at the lower back there’s very little chance of a successful outcome and relief of symptoms in the feet. All four of these major causes have very different treatments. So it should be obvious to you, the most important step of finding relief of the symptoms is finding which condition is causing them. That is why I created the comprehensive Neuropathy and Spinal Stenosis Symptom Relief Project If you’ve been suffering from debilitating low back, leg and or foot pain, I invite you to schedule a free consultation to review your MRIs and medical records. I believe it’s your best opportunity to find real relief of your foot, leg or lower back symptoms. So take advantage of this special offer!

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a little bit of a lead, and we had a lead in the other games, which makes it easier for some of our guys that need some of those crucial innings early in the season to feel a little bit more comfortable; there wasn’t a lot of high stress.”

Hit parade

Although Verrado struggled to hit against Tolleson, that was not the case for the rest of the week. The Vipers managed double-digit runs in each of the first three games of the tournament, beating Agua Fria 12-3, Surprise Valley Vista 14-5 and La Joya 13-2. Rios hit a home run in the opening game, while Hayden Brown went 4 for 4 with two doubles and a triple.

“I felt really good where we were offensively with our approach and everything we were doing,” Flatten said of the first three games. “Obviously, at times, you’re going to see better pitching. Day in, day out, sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s not, but what we were doing [with our approach] was helping us be effective, which I saw today — we just didn’t get the results.”

Junior Kyle Wellman pitched and won the opener, giving up three hits and three runs in five innings, striking out three. Verrado returned to the diamond Tuesday at Peoria Centennial. The result was unavailable at press time. The Vipers host Glendale Raymond S. Kellis at 3:45 p.m. Friday, looking to build off of a successful tournament.

“I think it’s great,” Flatten said of the tournament. “You play games in the fall and winter, but the score doesn’t matter — situations don’t come back and haunt you, mistakes can get covered up or you can play your three innings, get your couple at bats and move on. What’s great for this setting is that at the end of the game, there is a winner and loser, and we need to find out how to win. Or, if we lose, which happens in baseball, how do you deal with that? These are good games for us to play and learn, despite the outcome, and I thought we played well enough to win all four of our games. So, when you leave the tournament, you’re feeling pretty good.”

View photo by Ray Thomas

Verrado goes 3-1 in DesCombes tourney

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

BASEBALL

Verrado’s critical at bats came in the fourth and sixth innings, when the Vipers got rallies going but only managed to plate one run.

Flatten said struggling offensively was a good learning experience for his team early in the season, especially with so many young players on the Vipers’ roster. Verrado has just four seniors.

“Things are going really well, and then all of a sudden it gets hard,” Flatten said. “Those are good things to learn early with

The Vipers failed to mount a threat in the seventh inning, going down 1-2-3 against Tolleson reliever Joseph Chavira. Despite losing, Verrado outhit Tolleson 5-4.

“What I was really happy with was we gave up two [runs] in the first inning and then we hold them the rest of the game, at least gave ourselves a chance,” Flatten said.

Verrado’s pitching fared well throughout the tournament, allowing just 12 runs in four games. Flatten said he used about eight pitchers over the course of the week.

“We were really good on the mound; we did a great job,” he said. “We have some young guys that need some time, that some of them got. It’s always easier to pitch with

Hit parade

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View photo by Ray Thomas

Verrado goes 3-1 in DesCombes tourney

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

BASEBALL

Verrado’s critical at bats came in the fourth and sixth innings, when the Vipers got rallies going but only managed to plate one run.

Flatten said struggling offensively was a good learning experience for his team early in the season, especially with so many young players on the Vipers’ roster. Verrado has just four seniors.

“Things are going really well, and then all of a sudden it gets hard,” Flatten said. “Those are good things to learn early with

The Vipers failed to mount a threat in the seventh inning, going down 1-2-3 against Tolleson reliever Joseph Chavira. Despite losing, Verrado outhit Tolleson 5-4.

“What I was really happy with was we gave up two [runs] in the first inning and then we hold them the rest of the game, at least gave ourselves a chance,” Flatten said.

Verrado’s pitching fared well throughout the tournament, allowing just 12 runs in four games. Flatten said he used about eight pitchers over the course of the week.

“We were really good on the mound; we did a great job,” he said. “We have some young guys that need some time, that some of them got. It’s always easier to pitch with

Hit parade

Junior Kyle Wellman pitched and won the opener, giving up three hits and three runs in five innings, striking out three.

Verrado returned to the diamond Tuesday at Peoria Centennial. The result was unavailable at press time. The Vipers host Glendale Raymond S. Kellis at 3:45 p.m. Friday, looking to build off of a successful tournament.

View photo by Ray Thomas

Verrado goes 3-1 in DesCombes tourney

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

BASEBALL

Verrado’s critical at bats came in the fourth and sixth innings, when the Vipers got rallies going but only managed to plate one run.

Flatten said struggling offensively was a good learning experience for his team early in the season, especially with so many young players on the Vipers’ roster. Verrado has just four seniors.

“Things are going really well, and then all of a sudden it gets hard,” Flatten said. “Those are good things to learn early with

The Vipers failed to mount a threat in the seventh inning, going down 1-2-3 against Tolleson reliever Joseph Chavira. Despite losing, Verrado outhit Tolleson 5-4.

“What I was really happy with was we gave up two [runs] in the first inning and then we hold them the rest of the game, at least gave ourselves a chance,” Flatten said.

Verrado’s pitching fared well throughout the tournament, allowing just 12 runs in four games. Flatten said he used about eight pitchers over the course of the week.

“We were really good on the mound; we did a great job,” he said. “We have some young guys that need some time, that some of them got. It’s always easier to pitch with

Hit parade

Where children are encouraged to explore and discover through hands-on learning and socialization.

and four day programs

View photo by Ray Thomas

Lobos look to learn from early season losses

La Joya coming off 1st winning season in school history

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Despite a rough end to the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational tournament, La Joya baseball coach Gerry Violette said he’s optimistic about his team’s heading into the 2017 baseball season.

BASEBALL

The Lobos opened the Feb. 22-25 tournament by beating Agua Fria 6-3, but then lost 9-3 to Surprise Valley Vista and 13-2 to Verrado. Violette said he hopes the team can take some lessons from the Verrado loss.

“I have high hopes,” he said. “This game beats those hopes up a little bit. We did a lot of things that were not expected. The last two games outside of this one, we played good ball and did a lot of things right.

“This might be a really good experience for them. Playing a great team, making mistakes and getting beat up. Let’s see how they come back. Now’s the time to find out.”

After compiling the first winning season (11-10) in school history in 2016, La Joya will try to navigate the waters of the 6A conference for the first time. Violette said the team hasn’t concerned itself with the top-level schedule, and is instead focused on controlling what can be controlled: its own play on the diamond.

“I don’t even talk to them about it, we just go out and play baseball,” he said. “We’ve always been in a challenging division and section. It wasn’t until the last couple of years we really started to develop a program. It’s come a long ways. Last year was the first time La Joya had a winning season. It’s coming, and these guys can continue it.”

A lot of the Lobos’ wounds against Verrado were selfinflicted. Violette said the Lobos still have work to do in bringing their A-game each time they suit up and take the field.

“It’s the mental mistakes that were killing us in the game,” he said. “Not so much physical. Wrong place to be, not thinking, not reacting … We’ve got to be able to play well when we’ve got an opponent that’s staring down our throats. At least play ball, and not let them take that out of your game.”

Violette said he’s confident the Lobos can do just that.

“It’s a head thing. It’s a decision we’ve got to make,”

HUNTER OLDER of La Joya throws a pitch last season. Older is one of the Lobos’ top returning players, and was 7 for 11 with seven RBI in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational last week.

he said. “It’s the will, not the ability. These are things we can work out. It’s a young team, but I’m really excited about them.”

The Lobos will look to a familiar core to lead their young roster. Senior Hunter Older is the team’s top returning pitcher and hitter. Older is currently 7 for 11 at the plate (.636) and has knocked in seven runs.

“He’s a great leader,” Violette said. “He’s the foundation of the team right now.”

Third baseman Mario Alonzo will share captain duties with Older, Violette said.

Anthony Orlosky will look to make a difference as a brick wall at first base.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” Violette said. “He’s

developed real well over the past couple of years. He rarely makes a mistake over there.”

Violette said Orlosky has been improving at the plate as well.

“He’s really determined and he’s starting to make good contact,” Violette said. “He’s starting to do good things.”

La Joya played Anthem Boulder Creek Tuesday. The result was unavailable at press time. The Lobos travel to Millennium Thursday for an early season region contest, and finish the week Friday at home against Mesa Dobson.

Shane McOwen can be reached at smcowen@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

View photo by Mike Rincon

Lobos look to learn from early season losses

La Joya coming off 1st winning season in school history

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Despite a rough end to the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational tournament, La Joya baseball coach Gerry Violette said he’s optimistic about his team’s heading into the 2017 baseball season.

BASEBALL

“This might be a really good experience for them. Playing a great team, making mistakes and getting beat up. Let’s see how they come back. Now’s the time to find out.”

A lot of the Lobos’ wounds against Verrado were selfinflicted. Violette said the Lobos still have work to do in bringing their A-game each time they suit up and take the field.

Violette said he’s confident the Lobos can do just that.

“It’s a head thing. It’s a decision we’ve got to make,”

HUNTER OLDER of La Joya throws a pitch last season. Older is one of the Lobos’ top returning players, and was 7 for 11 with seven RBI in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational last week.

he said. “It’s the will, not the ability. These are things we can work out. It’s a young team, but I’m really excited about them.”

“He’s a great leader,” Violette said. “He’s the foundation of the team right now.”

Third baseman Mario Alonzo will share captain duties with Older, Violette said.

Anthony Orlosky will look to make a difference as a brick wall at first base.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” Violette said. “He’s

developed real well over the past couple of years. He rarely makes a mistake over there.”

Violette said Orlosky has been improving at the plate as well.

“He’s really determined and he’s starting to make good contact,” Violette said. “He’s starting to do good things.”

Shane McOwen can be reached at smcowen@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

View photo by Mike Rincon

Lobos look to learn from early season losses

La Joya coming off 1st winning season in school history

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Despite a rough end to the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational tournament, La Joya baseball coach Gerry Violette said he’s optimistic about his team’s heading into the 2017 baseball season.

BASEBALL

“This might be a really good experience for them. Playing a great team, making mistakes and getting beat up. Let’s see how they come back. Now’s the time to find out.”

A lot of the Lobos’ wounds against Verrado were selfinflicted. Violette said the Lobos still have work to do in bringing their A-game each time they suit up and take the field.

Violette said he’s confident the Lobos can do just that.

“It’s a head thing. It’s a decision we’ve got to make,”

HUNTER OLDER of La Joya throws a pitch last season. Older is one of the Lobos’ top returning players, and was 7 for 11 with seven RBI in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational last week.

he said. “It’s the will, not the ability. These are things we can work out. It’s a young team, but I’m really excited about them.”

“He’s a great leader,” Violette said. “He’s the foundation of the team right now.”

Third baseman Mario Alonzo will share captain duties with Older, Violette said.

Anthony Orlosky will look to make a difference as a brick wall at first base.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” Violette said. “He’s

developed real well over the past couple of years. He rarely makes a mistake over there.”

Violette said Orlosky has been improving at the plate as well.

“He’s really determined and he’s starting to make good contact,” Violette said. “He’s starting to do good things.”

Shane McOwen can be reached at smcowen@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

complaints. But to find relief for this often debilitating condition, you must first know the cause of the symptoms. It is important to remember that pain or numbness in the legs and feet are the symptoms of some other problems. And to find long-lasting relief of these symptoms, it is absolutely essential to identify the cause of the problem producing these symptoms. There are four major conditions that commonly produce pain and or numbness in the lower extremities. While the symptoms for all of these conditions are similar, the conditions must be treated quite differently. In fact, it is quite common for doctors to prescribe medications to treat the symptoms without ever looking into what is causing them in the first place. There’s virtually no chance of obtaining long-term relief from leg symptoms unless or until you identify and correct the cause. The nerves in the legs start in the lower back and travel all the way down to the tips of the toes. When these nerves become irritated, they produce various combinations of pain and or numbness in the legs or feet. But, the irritation may be in the lower back even though the patient complains of symptoms in the legs and feet. And in fact, you can also have no back pain at all, yet still have back-related symptoms in your legs or feet. If your treatment focuses on the legs and feet, there is very little chance of obtaining long[term relief of a problem that starts in the lower back. The three main causes of pain the legs that are actually associated with the lower back are spinal stenosis, sciatica and pinched lumber nerves. No amount of treatment aimed at the legs and feet will reduce the symptoms, if the problem truly is starting in the lower spine. Likewise, neuropathy are in the upper leg, doctors will misdiagnose the patient as having a problem in their lower back. If treatment of neuropathy is directed at the lower back there’s very little chance of a successful outcome and relief of symptoms in the feet. All four of these major causes have very different treatments. So it should be obvious to you, the most important step of finding relief of the symptoms is finding which condition is causing them. That is why I created the comprehensive Neuropathy and Spinal Stenosis Symptom Relief Project If you’ve been suffering from debilitating low back, leg and or foot pain, I invite you to schedule a free consultation to review your MRIs and medical records. I believe it’s your best opportunity

or lower back symptoms. So take advantage of

View photo by Mike Rincon

Lobos look to learn from early season losses

La Joya coming off 1st winning season in school history

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Despite a rough end to the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational tournament, La Joya baseball coach Gerry Violette said he’s optimistic about his team’s heading into the 2017 baseball season.

BASEBALL

“This might be a really good experience for them. Playing a great team, making mistakes and getting beat up. Let’s see how they come back. Now’s the time to find out.”

A lot of the Lobos’ wounds against Verrado were selfinflicted. Violette said the Lobos still have work to do in bringing their A-game each time they suit up and take the field.

Violette said he’s confident the Lobos can do just that.

“It’s a head thing. It’s a decision we’ve got to make,”

HUNTER OLDER of La Joya throws a pitch last season. Older is one of the Lobos’ top returning players, and was 7 for 11 with seven RBI in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational last week.

he said. “It’s the will, not the ability. These are things we can work out. It’s a young team, but I’m really excited about them.”

“He’s a great leader,” Violette said. “He’s the foundation of the team right now.”

Third baseman Mario Alonzo will share captain duties with Older, Violette said.

Anthony Orlosky will look to make a difference as a brick wall at first base.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” Violette said. “He’s

developed real well over the past couple of years. He rarely makes a mistake over there.”

Violette said Orlosky has been improving at the plate as well.

“He’s really determined and he’s starting to make good contact,” Violette said. “He’s starting to do good things.”

Shane McOwen can be reached at smcowen@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

View photo by Mike Rincon

Young Owls charging into 2017 season

Agua Fria starts 6 underclassmen in field

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Agua Fria baseball has a young team for 2017, and it showed in the season’s opening tournament. The Owls went winless in three tries in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational, making a few small mistakes that put each game out of reach.

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Agua Fria coach Marcos Garcia said he understands the team will battle growing pains early, but feels the squad has the talent to make a splash once the season gets rolling.

“We have talent, but we’re young,” he said. “They just need to start believing in themselves. We’re coming together, but it’s going to take a while.”

The Owls field six freshmen and sophomores in the eight fielding positions. Garcia said he expects seniors Jose Urbina and Julian Pedroza, and junior Antonio Brito — who’s currently out with an injury — to lead the team, but also realizes the season’s successes will hinge on the play of the young athletes.

“Overall, the young guys are who’s making this team,” he said. “This is the first year since I’ve been here that these are my guys, meaning a kind of clean slate. They’ve only had me [as a coach]. They’ll learn from here. Those growing pains are going to turn into good little players.”

Garcia said he used the DesCombes tournament as a measuring stick to see where the team is without having to sacrifice power-points games to do so.

“The good thing about preseason, and it’s the reason I always have a preseason tournament, is to get all those kinks out,” he said. “The stats matter, it counts [on the record], but really, this doesn’t count.”

Garcia used the tournament as a chance to get everyone on the field, including a few JV players who were dressing with varsity before the regular season starts.

“Everybody played, I’m happy about that,” he said. “I got to see all the young guys. I know we’ll be better by the end. We’re way better than what we’ve shown, and I’m missing a couple of guys here, too. We’re going to be OK.”

Garcia said he was most proud of how the team ended the tournament. The Owls got down early against

Surprise Valley Vista Feb. 24, but battled back in the late innings to avoid a run-rule.

“I love how we ended the game,” Garcia said. “Even though it was 11-4, the kids had energy. The bats got going, we got a nice double play, a couple of other nice defensive plays. Those things are all right. We’re still making the little mistakes, but we’re going to be OK. I believe in this team, and I want them to believe in themselves, [then] they’re going to take off.”

The Owls’ other tournament losses were 12-3 to Verrado and 6-2 to La Joya.

Agua Fria kicked off its power-points season Tuesday at Glendale Independence. The result was unavailable at press time.

The Owls will host Glendale Apollo at 4 p.m. Thursday and Glendale at 3:45 p.m. Friday, before opening region play with a series starting March 6 against Phoenix Barry Goldwater.

Shane McOwen can be reached at smcowen@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

View photo by Ray Thomas

ANGEL VILLALOBOS of Agua Fria lays down a bunt last season against Estrella Foothills. The Owls started the year winless in the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational, but have a young team.