West Valley View - March 22, 2017

FLOWER POWER Winter showers bring March wildflowers to West Valley — Page 3.

AND THE BANDS PLAYED ON Goodyear’s free concert series underway — Page 4.

Buckeye recall effort fails to meet goal

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

Buckeye

signatures required to trigger the recall election, Jeff Hancock, organizer of Buckeye Residents Against High Water Bills, acknowledged that his group had fallen short of its goal.

Hancock said the group would have collected about 1,200 signatures if all petitions were

(See Recall on

Lord, Campbell, Pizzillo

by Kourtney Balsan

special to the View

Mayor Georgia Lord and Council members Wally Campbell and Joe Pizzillo were re-elected to the Goodyear City Council March 14, while newcomers Brannon Hampton and Sara Gilligan will move on to a runoff election May 16.

Lord obtained 8,004 votes beating former Mayor Jim Cavanaugh who garnered 4,431.

“It is my honor to earn your trust and look forward to continuing to work hard for the best interest of the residents of Goodyear,” Lord said.

“I would like to say thank you to the voters of Goodyear for recognizing that the city is heading in the right direction and we have made so many good strides over the past few years. I promise to continue to fight for the taxpayers, attract more high quality jobs, and fight to protect Luke Air Force Base.”

Pizzillo received 7,768 votes, and Campbell got 6,908.

“I’m very appreciative of all the support that I’ve received from the residents,” Pizzillo said.

“I’m very honored to be serving again as the city’s council member and I look forward to moving the city forward

(See Re-elected on Page 5)

Georgia Lord

Wally Campbell

Joe Pizzillo

View photo by Jordan Christopher

ZACHARY KOVACH, La Joya Community High School physics teacher, instructs his students March 9 at the Avondale school. Kovach was recently awarded Teacher of the Year by the Physics Teachers Education Coalition. Read the story on Page 4.

‘May all your weeds be wildflowers’

Wet winter brings bountiful blossoms to West Valley

by Kourtney Balsan special

to the View Poppies and lupine and brittlebush, oh my!

Wildflowers are taking over the West Valley and providing hikers with a change of scenery.

“We have an abundance of wildflowers all over the park at this time. I would say the best season in many years,” said Raymond Schell, park supervisor at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell. An array of colors from various plants is filling the mountains’ fields and making outdoor activities that much more enjoyable, Schell said.

“It is so colorful and lush,” he said. “The cactus are in bud ready to burst with colors of yellows and red. Between the brush, it is usually just hard gravel, but now a living carpet of lush green everywhere you look. Among all this green are splashes of bright yellow, violet, orange and blue.”

Wildflowers are also abundant in the Estrella Fantasy Island North Singletrack (F.I.N.S.) Trail System in Goodyear.

Lupine and poppies are some of the most prominent bloomers as the foothills of the Estrella trail system is covered in a gold and purple blanket, said Kim Doud, Estrella Trails Committee chairman.

“They’re all over the place right now,” Doud said. “They’ll be there until it gets hot. Then they burn off.”

To celebrate the wildflower season, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation has launched its annual “Go Wild for Flowers” social media campaign to inform park users about what’s blooming, said Dawna Taylor, Parks and Recreation spokeswoman.

“The ‘Go Wild for Flowers’ campaign was created to help showcase the beautiful spring blooms in Maricopa County’s regional parks in a timely manner,” Taylor said. “Each year, our department receives phone calls from local residents and tourists asking us, ‘What’s blooming in the parks?’ Since the blooms are so stunning, we’d rather show them than tell them, so we developed a campaign to do just that. The ‘Go Wild for Flowers’ campaign focuses around our social media tools to make it easy for everyone to access.”

The campaign highlights pictures with the name of the bloom, the park location and trail where it was found,

CALIFORNIA POPPIES are in full bloom March 11 at Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye. To see all photos from this shoot, go to www.westvalleyview.com/pictures.

the date the photo was taken and a photo byline on social media platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, Taylor said, adding anyone can contribute by providing the information above and tagging #GoWildforFlower or @ GoWildforFlowers on social media.

“We have a lot of out-of-state visitors that like to keep up on their favorite county parks and enjoy viewing the blooms, especially when their states are experiencing heavy snow,” Taylor said.

The parks are also initiating hikes and events for those who are interested in learning more about the wildflowers, Taylor said. To find a hike or event, visit maricopacountyparks.net/events.

“Not only are the wildflower hikes a great way to explore the parks and get exercise, they are also educational,” Taylor said. “The rangers hike the trails regularly, so they know what’s blooming and where. Popular blooms such as the Mexican gold poppies, brittlebush and globe mallow are easy to find because of their size; however, blooms such as the desert hyacinth, desert chicory and wild heliotrope may go unnoticed to the untrained eye.”

Although a trained eye is helpful, it is not necessary to enjoy the radiating beauty from the flowers, said Adam Melle, Buckeye recreation coordinator.

“I am by no means a wildflower expert, but I enjoy the beauty, just as many visitors to [Skyline Regional Park]. At this point, you can easily view flowers from the roadside,” Melle said.

The flowers will last until summer’s

heat kicks in, so until then, it is important to preserve the flowers where they’re planted, Melle said.

“We do ask that the flowers are not picked, so that all can keep enjoying them during this brief season. We do urge folks to take plenty of photos, though,” he said.

Spring not only welcomes new plant life, but also revitalizes wildlife, such as snakes that become more active, Doud said.

“With the rain and then the warmer weather, the flowers will bloom, but keep in mind some other little critters are waking up at the same time, and they’ll be out,” Doud said.

As always, safety should be the priority when participating in outdoor mountain activities, he said.

“Enjoy [the blooms], but don’t go tromping right through it, unless you know what you’re looking for,” Doud said.

People shouldn’t go hiking or biking alone, but if they have to, they should tell someone where they’re going, and take more water than they think they’ll need, he said.

“The earlier you go, the better,” Doud said. “The animals will be less active when it’s cool, especially the cold-blooded ones that haven’t warmed up yet.”

Schell’s piece of advice is to share the trails, offer friendliness to visitors and be attentive, he said.

“Just be aware that the parks are very busy and there are lots of non-regular users on the trails and roads. Many visitors are here for the first time. Be careful and helpful as they may be

West Valley trails a plenty

View report

The West Valley is home to two Maricopa County parks — Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear and White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell. Each offers a slew of trails in varying difficulty for hikers, bikers and equestrians, as does Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye, the West Valley’s newest park. Skyline has about a dozen completed trails with several more in the works.

The Estrella Fantasy Island North Singletrack (F.I.N.S.) Trail System in Goodyear offers more than a dozen mountain biking trails. Wildflowers can be found throughout West Valley parks and trail systems, but they won’t stick around forever, so grab your camera (and plenty of water, good, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, maybe a walking stick) and go check out these wildflower hot spots:

• White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell; 623-9352505 or maricopacountyparks.net.

Park entry fee costs $6 per vehicle.

• Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear; 623-932-3811 or maricopacountyparks.net.

Park entry fee costs $6 per vehicle.

• Estrella F.I.N.S. Trail System — in the Estrella community in Goodyear, go south on Estrella Parkway, turn right on South San Miguel and turn left on West Westar Drive.

F.I.N.S. does not charge an entrance fee, but suggests donations.

• Skyline Regional Park, 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye; 623-3496621 or skylineregionalpark.com. Park entry is free.

taking pictures and not as aware of their surroundings as other trail users,” Schell said. “Now is the time to come out. The best trails seem to be Goat Camp, Mule deer, Black Rock Loop and Ford Canyon, but all the trails have flowers.”

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

View photo by Jordan Christopher

The rhythm is gonna get you

Local bands performing in Goodyear’s Spring Concert

by Kourtney Balsan

special to the View

Music is filling the air in Goodyear since the city’s sixth annual Spring Concert Series started March 11.

“The concerts bring an opportunity for making new friendships at the parks, for enjoying the beautiful weather, listening to live music and bringing the community together,” said Deanna Ortiz, Goodyear’s recreation coordinator.

The bands chosen to perform were selected by a committee, which was looking for specific genres, Ortiz said.

The first band to kick off the series at Goodyear Community Park was the Pebble Rock Band, made up of four PebbleCreek residents who play hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

“We are all retired professionals,” said Steve Jensen, bass player in the Pebble Rock Band. “Two doctors, an engineer and a Coastguard guy, but we’ve all done music throughout our lives.”

Pebble Rock Band has performed at numerous city events, and keeps playing in the West Valley because of the atmosphere, Jensen said.

“They have a nice venue, it’s a nice event, it’s free for the community,” he said about the Spring Concert Series. “The community gets to come out and hear good music, and so it’s something that we enjoy and the community enjoys. It works out well for everybody.”

The Pebble Rock Band members saw their March 11 performance as a great success, Jensen said.

“It was a good show, a good crowd, and I’m real happy about how things went,” he said.

Jensen also offered advice for the bands that will follow in the upcoming concerts.

“Put on the best show. Make sure you’re well prepared. Go out and enjoy it and give

the audience something to enjoy,” he said.

The next band to hit the Goodyear stage on March 25 is SunKissed — three Buckeye sisters who perform past and current hits with instrumental twists, in addition to original music, said Kayli Sundin, 19, the band’s guitarist.

“You’ll have the feeling of wanting to get up, dance and sing along,” Sundin said.

Sundin and her sisters, Kari Sundin, 18, and Kassi Sundin, 14, have been playing together as a band for almost seven years. They all sing, while Kayli plays the guitar, Kari is on the violin and Kassi plays percussion, whether it’s a drum set or the cajón, a box-shaped percussion instrument.

“Music is important to our family because it brings us together. We will always have music,” Kayli said. “Playing music together has helped us become who we are, playing in front of large crowds or even small crowds. Music has given us the confidence to get in front of people and speak out.”

With one sister now attending Arizona State University, the band had to come up with a new style of practicing.

“The first thing we do is make a set list,” Kari said. “We pick out the songs we want to perform for a concert from our repertoire and then we time each song to make sure the songs we have picked will fill up how much time we are set to perform.”

The sisters determine the set lists and songs weeks in advance since rehearsals are limited to weekends only, and they have to practice on their own the rest of the week, Kayli said.

“We are most excited for having the opportunity to share our music with others and having a platform to express ourselves,” Kari said.

Although March 25 is SunKissed’s first time performing at Goodyear’s Spring Concert Series, the band has played other city events.

“Music is important to our community because it’s a universal language,” Kayli said. “We may speak different languages and come from different backgrounds, but everyone can get on the same page when music plays. It helps us create our story, share our experiences, cause certain emotions or speak certain ideas that we can all identify with. We hope that through our music that we will be a part of that story and create that experience — one that we all can share.”

Keeping the beat

The April 1 concert will feature New Destiny Band, which was created in the late 1970s and plays a variety of music, including rock, country and R&B.

“This is our first time to be part of the Goodyear concert series, and we are really looking forward to it,” said Mike Espinoza, the band’s original guitarist. “Concertgoers should plan to be on their feet dancing to the beat. All of us were born and raised in the West Valley, and our roots are deeply planted. We enjoy the opportunity to get out and engage with the community at these types of events. We have been very blessed over the years to have had the support of the community, and we are very grateful for the love they have shown us, which in turn has allowed us to do what we love most — play music and entertain.”

New Destiny has opened for various performers in the past, such as Tower of Power, The Isley Brothers, War and DeBarge and Tierra, Espinoza said, adding that the band’s most recent performance was at the Sundance Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Because we have been together so long and are so in sync, we can literally independently learn new songs and run through them together just a couple of times to put it all together,” Espinoza said. “Back in the day, we met at [drummer]

Series

Gary’s house a couple of times a week and practiced till the wee hours of the morning. Technology has changed all that, but we still enjoy time together to just jam.”

The final performance in the series will be Highway 85 on April 15, which plays a variety of dance music, including popular country and rock hits.

“There’s nothing like performing for a live audience — that is where our real pleasure is at,” drummer Jim Bates said.

The band is made up of four Buckeye multi-instrumentalists, including female and male lead vocalists, Bates said.

Female vocalist Brenda Rhodes is married to bass player Keith Rhodes.

“Having a husband and a wife playing in the same band always makes it fun,” Bates said.

Highway 85 often performs at weddings, so having people get up and dance is the band’s standard, Bates said.

“If they’re not up and dancing, then they’re sitting there singing the songs along with the band and dancing with their hands,” he said.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Parking and admission are free. Take lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

“[The concerts provide] an opportunity for a family-friendly, free concert with beautiful weather in your community where you can enjoy a picnic dinner on a blanket, sit in a lawn chair or dance the night away,” Ortiz said.

For information on the series, visit goodyearaz.gov/rec.

Buckeye and Litchfield Park are also hosting outdoor concerts. For information and a schedule of events, visit buckeyeaz. gov/events and litchfield-park.org.

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

La Joya Community H.S. physics teacher honored

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

It’s not always all about science when Zachary Kovach teaches his physics and environmental sciences classes at La Joya Community High School in Avondale.

For example, Kovach recently appeared in class with his hair dyed pink, orange and yellow to celebrate the fact that his students had exceeded their goal and raised $661 for a leukemia charity.

“It showed the power of what a group can do together,” Kovach said. “Any teachable moment, I will take advantage of.”

Putting that philosophy into practice perhaps contributed to Kovach recently being named one of nine regional Teachers of the Year by the Physics Teachers Education Coalition, or PhysTEC, a national organization that promotes physics education.

Kovach was among those nominated for the award by more than 300 institutions dedicated to improving and promoting physics teacher education.

“I want to be the best teacher I can for my students,” he said. “All I want to do is positively affect the most kids I can.”

In the four years he’s been teaching at La Joya, Kovach said the school has gone from two physics classes to 14, which required hiring two more teachers.

It’s part of an overall expansion of science education at the school, Kovach said.

“We have more science than we can handle,” he said. “Kids understand now that science can be fun.”

Kovach, 35, said he was always attracted to physics for its insights on how the world works, but he came to teaching late.

Originally from Cleveland, he dropped out of Ohio University, then came to Arizona about 11 years ago to help a friend start a skateboard camp, which allowed him to work with children for the first time.

“Teaching, kids, science — I put those words together and it was a lightning bolt.”

— Zachary Kovach La Joya Community High School physics teacher

Other careers followed before he discovered his passion.

“Teaching, kids, science — I put those words together and it was a lightning bolt,” he said. He returned to college at Arizona State University, and in 2013 he was the first graduate of the school’s PhysTEC program, which introduces science students to teaching in a field where there’s a shortage of teachers. His ASU professors nominated him for the award.

Kovach’s students are juniors and seniors who are required to take three years of science in high school, but often take a fourth year even if they aren’t planning to attend college, he said.

“It’s fun and they want to learn more,” he said.

But Kovach said there’s more than science to the lessons, which include critical thinking, problem solving, group dynamics and public speaking.

“If I can help them in those areas, that’s what’s important,” he said.

Kovach said his students’ questions drive what happens in the classroom.

“I call it organized chaos,” he said. “I’m responding to what kids need and what they want. My students are the reason for everything that happens.”

Kovach also serves on an Arizona Department of Education committee that’s working to rewrite the state’s standards for science education.

and improving the lives of all our residents.”

Campbell said she is excited to serve her third consecutive term for Goodyear.

“I am very honored that the voters elected me to another four-year term,” Campbell said. “I really felt that this was a really important election to validate how the current council and mayor are moving Goodyear forward. We are just so grateful.”

Runoff election to be held

A total of 12,562 voters cast ballots, for a potential 37,686 votes for the three council seats.

None of the three newcomers obtained a majority of the votes, or 6,282, to secure the last seat.

Hampton received 6,094, Gilligan captured 5,755 and Jayson Black got 5,653.

“I just want to congratulate the other candidates who won,” Hampton said. “Everyone who ran was a very engaged person who cares about Goodyear.”

Hampton said he didn’t know if he had won the primary once the votes were counted.

“It was really close,” Hampton said. “I’m prepared and I’m ready and excited to see the runoff through and hopefully, the voters will once again choose me to represent the city.”

Sara Gilligan, who will run against Hampton in the runoff, could not be reached for comment by press deadline.

To calculate the majority, all votes, including under votes and over votes, were used.

Under votes are missing votes. They happen when voters don’t vote for as many candidates as they can. If three seats are open but someone only votes for one candidate, two under votes are counted.

Over votes are the opposite. They happen when voters vote for more candidates than they are allowed. If three seats are open and someone votes for five candidates, two over votes are counted, and that portion of the ballot is voided.

Under votes totaled 5,422 and over votes totaled 36 for the three council seats.

Early voting for the May 16 runoff election starts April 19. Ballots may be mailed or dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day at Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, or the Maricopa County Recorder and Elections Office, 111 S. Third Ave., Phoenix.

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

returned as promised.

“It’s not a lost cause,” Hancock said of the controversy that brought attention to water bills for hundreds of dollars for thousands of gallons of water that residents said they didn’t use.

They were angered by the city’s claim that water leaks, theft or billing contractor errors were responsible for the high bills in a fraction of the city’s 20,000 water accounts.

Hancock noted that after complaints hit the news, the city established a hotline for residents to file complaints about water bills and ousted Dave Nigh, who was the face of the water department as the city’s water director.

But Hancock admitted that residents’ passion for the campaign cooled since the group’s first meeting in October 2016 when about 100 people gathered to organize the protest.

By the end of November, the group’s leaders had filed for recall petitions and threatened to target other members of the City Council if they had success in the 120 day period they had to gather signatures against Meck.

“Everyone was gung-ho in the beginning,” Hancock said.

But Hancock said the timing for the effort was bad, as momentum stalled over the holidays.

“We picked the wrong time to do it,” he said.

The group’s last meeting in February attracted about half the turnout of the original meeting as Hancock appealed for help.

He said he faced the reality of the situation over the past couple of weeks, realizing that people who offered help moved on as the city responded to complaints and adjusted accounts.

“I’ve got tons of hours invested in this,” Hancock said. “I tried to do what’s right. It’s hard when everyone doesn’t pitch in.”

Hancock said the effort may have hit a wall with people he said were “scared” to sign the recall petition by saying, “We have to live here, so we cannot sign.”

“I don’t know what that’s about,” he said.

Hancock targeted Meck since he is the city’s top official. But the mayor is practically an institution in Buckeye, elected in August to this third consecutive term, which keeps him at the helm through 2020 in the city of about 60,000 residents.

A Buckeye native, Meck previously served as mayor from 1973 to 1975 and as a member of the council from 1968 to 1975 and 2002 to 2006.

As the water billing complaints grew, the city acknowledged there were problems, but officials also said the recall campaign was a distraction that hurt the city’s image.

According to a report dated March 15, 361 cases reported to the water billing hotline had been closed, with

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

Buckeye’s new city manager said he will work to improve and update the city’s water resources processes and practices to rebuild confidence among customers.

Roger Klingler was named city manager earlier this month.

The water billing controversy erupted in Buckeye during the seven months that Klingler served as interim city manager.

The city manager is responsible for the city’s daily administration and implementing council policy.

Klingler said he will work with the City Council and staff “to provide outstanding service to our residents.”

Other goals include improving the city’s financial status and bond rating and attracting additional commercial and retail businesses to the city, he said.

Klingler was the assistant city manager for two years before Stephen Cleveland resigned in August 2016 after seven years in the job.

He was promoted after the City Council interviewed him and determined it was not necessary to initiate a process to recruit additional candidates.

Klingler said the city is working on a time line to hire an assistant city manager.

Another challenge is filling the economic development director’s job after the departure of Len Becker, he said.

The length of Klingler’s contract is indefinite, but can be terminated by either Klingler or the city with 90 days notice.

adjustments made on 95 accounts.

The report showed 76 complaints remain to be resolved.

Hancock acknowledged that bills have returned to normal, but said his group will continue its Facebook page and “keep tabs on everything.”

“It seems like the city is trying to do what’s best for everyone right now,” he said. “I hope that doesn’t fade away.”

Hancock said he’s among several Buckeye residents who have filed complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

“We can make changes in other ways,” he said. Meck did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

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.

Every under vote counts in Goodyear

Every vote counts, and in Goodyear, every under vote counts, too.

Everyone know what under votes are?

No?

Using Goodyear’s latest City Council election as an example, say you voted for Brannon Hampton but you just didn’t know enough about the other candidates to vote for the remaining two open seats, so you left the rest of your ballot blank. Your ballot would contain two “under votes.” Goodyear considers those votes cast and adds them into the total vote count, which is used to determine majority.

Goodyear, like all of our West Valley cities, requires a candidate to get a majority of the votes (more than 50 percent) to be declared the winner in the primary. If no candidate reaches that figure, the top two vote getters move on to the general election, or more commonly referred to as a runoff.

Y’all pay for those elections.

Runoffs are common when a lot of people are running for multiple seats. It’s tough to get a majority when the vote is so splintered. Goodyear had five candidates running for three seats. Two candidates got a majority, filling two of the three seats outright, but none of the other three did for the remaining seat, hence runoff.

Not a surprise.

Until you do the math.

If the election had happened in Avondale, Buckeye, Litchfield Park or Tolleson, there wouldn’t be a runoff. Hampton would have won and you’d all be spared a second election, saving yourselves lots of money.

That’s because those cities don’t add under votes, or over votes for that matter, into the total vote count. Over votes are votes cast above the maximum allowable amount. Say you voted for both mayoral candidates (before you laugh, three Goodyear residents did), you over voted by one. Say you voted for all five City Council candidates who were running for three seats, you over voted by two. None of the candidates got your vote added to his total if you over voted, but the over votes counted toward the total vote count, that crucial number used to determine majority.

The race for the three City Council seats only saw 36 over votes, but under votes came in at a whopping 5,422! That’s a lot of “votes” added into the total, especially considering candidates’ vote counts only ranged from 5,653 to 6,094. That’s 5,422 “votes” that all counted against your favorite candidates who were striving to reach a majority to win the primary and avoid a runoff.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourselves why Goodyear adds over votes and under votes to the total.

Beats the hell out of us. Doesn’t make any sense to count illegitimate over votes or nonexistent under votes, especially when the city’s charter states: “At the primary election, any candidate who shall receive a majority of all the votes cast at such election shall be declared elected to the office for which he is a candidate, and no further election shall be held as to said candidate.”

All the votes cast.

After several conversations with the city clerk and public information officer, we were assured Goodyear considers over votes and under votes “votes cast.” During our conversations, we focused primarily on under votes since they affected the outcome of the primary and necessitated a costly runoff. The city’s PIO explained that when a voter doesn’t vote for an open seat, or under votes, he is essentially casting a vote to not vote.

Doesn’t make sense to us, either, but we thought you all should know the rules before you vote in another primary in a couple of years. Might as well get to know all the candidates and vote for every seat, because under voting as a strategy to give your candidate a leg up doesn’t really work in Goodyear.

And consider this, under voting in Goodyear could have even caused a runoff between the two candidates running for mayor. Say 100 people turned in ballots, and 50 voted for Georgia Lord, 49 voted for Jim Cavanaugh and one didn’t vote for either. That one under vote would have been added into the total vote count, preventing either candidate from reaching a majority. Under votes count.

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

L

Done with Coyotes

Editor: Recently read an article in the Az Republic, regarding the new arena. The new management team said “ that playing in the west valley is not financially viable because the arena is not close to the majority of its fans and sponsors”. So in other words everyone in the west valley, there money is not worth as much as the people in the east valley. What about the business at Westgate, who will lose money due to the move, and people who will lose their jobs. So since my money and my friends is not worth anything.I have attended my last game and will not drive to the east valley. Maybe they should consider, buying the arena from Glendale and remodeling it to a smaller seating bowl. That’s right Glendale doesn’t want any sports team/activities at Westgate. Hope the people of Glendale, enjoying paying the 13 million until 2033 for an empty arena.

Harvey New Avondale

D.C. out of control

Editor: Our leaders either elected or appointed and their staffs in Washington DC have lost their way. The focus has moved from legislation to litigation. This pitiful path magnified by many in our electronic informational age has made a mockery of the original intentions of our founding fathers. Our flag and the republic for which it stands have unfortunately been besmirched by many in public service and those who put them there!

George F Massey III

Litchfield Park

We are under siege

Editor: The “politically correct” are at it again, determined to send Christians “Underground” or suffer retribution in our armed service. I pray that President Trump will halt this travesty in our military. We are all under siege including our Pastors! In the Legion magazine, recently the article by Nina Shea reports; The United Nations lead agency for aiding refugees, the office of the high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), “Marginalize Christians and

Editorial: Managing editor: Cary Hines editor@westvalleyview.com

Assistant editor: Emily Toepfer etoepfer@westvalleyview.com

Sports editor: Casey Pritchard cpritchard@westvalleyview.com

Sports writer: Shane McOwen

Staff writer: Glenn Gullickson, Kourtney Balsan news1@westvalleyview.com

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Copyright: The entire contents Copyright 2017 by West Valley View, Inc.

others targeted by Isis for eradication.”

Citing state department data, she notes that 12,587 Syrians refugees admitted to the U.S. in fiscal 2016 “only 68 were Christians and 24 of Yazidi Sect though they have long accounted for 10% of Syria’s population. In 2015, among 1,682 Syrians admitted, there were 30 Christians.

Shea also reports that U.N. refugee camps are unsafe for Christians fleeing war-torn parts of Iraq and Syria, U.N. humanitarian aid often bypasses Christians, and the UNHCR has “dismissed” claims that Christians have been targeted for genocide.

It’s time to stop our money going to the U.N. They are not friends of America, nor any of God’s people (no matter their religion). Money is all they understand. The next attack will be on our Pastors.

Pray that the “Cair” group, Hamas or the Brotherhood group are all kept out of our White House. God is love, mercy and peace. ISIS, it is you who are the Infidels!

Analie Maccree Goodyear

I’m no coward

Editor: Re “Let Women Decide” (WVV March 1st): I’m a pro-

(See Letters on Page 7)

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(From Page 6)

lifer and I’m not a coward. My husband’s birth mother was a pro-lifer and she wasn’t a coward either. In fact she was very courageous, a hero really, at least in our eyes. She chose adoption rather than abort him like his birth father wanted to do. He even provided the money then walked away. I don’t believe pro-choice people are cowards either. I simply don’t agree with their stance and never will. As a woman, daughter, mother, grandmother and retired nurse I’ve just never believed a woman’s body is hers alone once conception has occurred and she is carrying a child.

Sara Voorhees Goodyear

When life begins

Editor:

Re: “Let women decide,” March 1, 2017

The writer states she has “ a terrible aversion to people telling me etc,etc, how we should live our lives.”

Ironic, as this is the same person who ranted on about banning so called“assault weapons” and “oversized ammo clips,” virtually instructing law abiding gun owners how we should live our lives. Since 1973 over 60 million unborn children have been murdered in the womb, that’s roughly 3.322 per day.

Would the retired deputy sheriff be happy I wonder, if those figures were doubled?

Researchers Horan,Gorby, and Hilgers wrote “ Individual human life begins at conception... This is a fact so well established that no authority in medicine or biology can be cited to refute this concept.

I personally know many vets who have earned chests full of medals for valor and who are all solidly pro life. According to the former deputy they, and many of her “brothers and sister in law enforcement” who are pro life, are cowards.

No madame the cowards are the “lounge lizards” who pick up women who are usually impaired by alcohol in clubs/bars and impregnate them. They then abdicate any responsibility for their actions.

If a pregnant women carrying a-one-year-old-child entered a doctors office and asked the doctor for an abortion and the doctor said it would be easier for me to kill your one year old, the

woman would say that’s murder.

The Doctor explained that his offer to kill the one-year-old was no worse than her request for the destruction of her unborn child. Either way, it would be murder. The only difference would be in the age of the child.

As always, with respect from a pro-life deplorable vet.

D.J. Hammond Buckeye

Please reread my letter

Editor:

In his March 8 submission, Dennis Wood apparently, and incorrectly, indicates I was referring negatively to President Obama in my February letter to the editor. Quite the contrary, my criticism was of Bush ordering the invasion of Iraq, resulting in the needless loss of over 4400 of our troops. I would ask Mr. Wood to reread my letter, as it was refuting a letter written by Mr.Azzarello criticizing Mr. Obama.

Roger Vallie Goodyear

‘I don’t care’

Editor:

I was talking to my neighbor about Donald Trump.He’s a good guy and I respect his opinion. But no matter what was I said about what Donald Trump had said, or tweeted. His response was the same, “I don’t care”. About how he takes no responsibilities for his own actions, blames the media, gives what he calls alternative facts, on factual issues. Denies this subject even existed, makes that subject a bigger issue than it really is. And it’s always the same response, “I don’t care”. I said to him “this makes no sense”. You hold all Democrats, to one set of rules. How do you not apply those same rules to yourself as Republicans? His response is always the same. You’re missing the point Dave. What’s “your point”I said. As long as he’s not a “Democrat, a woman, or a minority”, “ I Don’t Care”.

David Rice Avondale

Alternatives to border wall

Editor:

According to Steve Berlingers’ letter which appeared in the WVV on March 8th, 2017,

he says “Pres. Trump is a megalomaniac.” This is a mental disorder characterized by delusions of grandeur and power. However, Pres. Trumps’ net worth of $10 Billion Dollars is not a delusion. Neither is he mentally-impaired.

One psychiatrist, Dr. Carole Lieberman said Pres. Trumps’ IQ is 163. This makes him the second smartest president since John Quincy Adams, whose IQ was 169.

Being as smart as Pres. Trump, can he come up with a cheaper alternative to the Border Wall? I contacted him recently and I posed this question to him: “Since the estimate of the wall is going to cost $20 Billion Dollars, what is the cheaper alternative?” One suggestion I have, not too many people will agree with me: “To microchip U.S. citizens.” Or issue a National ID card with a microchip. On the microchip, you can download a Social Security number, a drivers license, your paycheck, etc.,

There was a company in Illinois that microchipped their employees a few years’ ago. They no longer needed badges or time cards.

Another idea is to install a (sensitive) security system, like the one in Area 51. If you use speed cameras — like the ones used to catch speeders on the Freeway, are a good enough deterrent. I recommend the use of cameras at one food distribution warehouse where I used to work at — to prevent (some) employees from stealing merchandise or sabotaging other workers orders.

The idea about the security system would cost a fraction of what it would cost to build the wall. A hundred years ago, people didn’t care who crossed the Border. But, we are living in different times now. As they

said in Ancient Rome: “Spero

Thankful for advancements

Editor:

I know it’s not exactly the exciting topic in the world, but this week is Brain Injury Awareness week. I’ve had several close relatives and friends with brain injuries, mostly due to stroke, and I can say that I am tremendously thankful for the advancements our healthcare has made in treating it. One example is ischemic stroke, which starts in the brain. New treatments like endovascular treatment have done wonders for its patients. It’s easy to be negative given today’s political climate, but advancements in the way we treat stroke patients is one reason to be optimistic. Arizona is continually updating it’s emergency medical protocols, and I hope they continue to do so as our treatment options advance. It’s one of the unrecognized parts of government, but it can be a life-or-death matter for many.

Art Peterson Avondale

Border tax reads bad

Editor:

I just read the letter from Thomas Little titled “Border tax will be bad” and it gave me a whole new insight into what it means when we hear Congressmen say the words

Border Adjustment Tax. Somehow I thought it meant taxes would be implemented on people who crossed the border after purchasing goods in another country. I had no idea it means that everything imported that we buy on the shelves at WalMart would necessarily have a price increase because the importer would be taxed and then pass on the tax increase to the consumer. Mr. Little is certainly right. Somehow this just doesn’t seem like a good idea right now. If we get tax cuts and the job market improves and people get a pay raise it might be acceptable, but as of now it is a very bad idea.

Barry

Valley View, Inc.

Letters to the Editor 1050 E. Riley Dr. Avondale, AZ 85323 or e-mail: editor@westvalleyview.com

The View welcomes letters that express readers’ opinions on current topics. Letters must be 300 words or fewer, include the writer’s

Meliora.”

Laura Rivas Buckeye

Cole Goodyear

Business Briefcase

by Shane McOwen staff writer

It’s business time! Business Briefcase time, that is.

The Spring Equinox came and went Monday at precisely 3:28 a.m. local time.

I didn’t realize it had an exact time, but it does. That’s the moment the plane of the Earth’s equator passes through the center of the sun.

That seems like a lot of math, geometry and educational visualization to go through to discuss it further. So we won’t.

I hope everyone enjoyed their approximately equal duration of day and night on Monday. I know mine was a blast!

Let’s get to the reason everyone is here, the business news.

J.C. Penney finally released the list of the 138 stores it’s closing across the nation. It’s good news for the West Valley, as the J.C. Penney store at 13333 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear survived the ax.

In fact, all but one Arizona store will remain open — the one in Bullhead City. That one, along with the other 137, mostly situated in the eastern portion of the United

Historic aircraft offering rides in Goodyear

View report

Aviation enthusiasts can take a ride on a historic plane when a 1928 Ford Tri-Motor that’s touring the country makes a stop in Goodyear.

The plane known as the “Tin Goose” will be at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport, 1658 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Thursday through Sunday.

It was built in 1928 and is said to be the first luxury airliner available to passengers at the time when commercial air travel began.

The 10-passenger plane was named “City of Wichita” when it inaugurated westbound transcontinental commercial air service in 1929.

The plane was used for sightseeing air tours over the Grand Canyon in the 1930s and later flew in Central America.

It was part of the Harrah’s auto and aircraft collection before it was purchased by Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio, in 2014 and returned to flight status.

It is flown on tour by lease agreement with the Experimental Aircraft Association, a national group of aviation enthusiasts, which has a chapter in Phoenix.

Flights will be offered from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for the flight are $70 in advance. Walk-up tickets are $75 for adults and $50 for children 17 years old and younger.

Reservations may be made at flytheford.org or by calling 877-952-5395.

States, will begin liquidation sales April 17 and close in June.

Capitol Cleaners has cleaned out its locker for good in the Alameda Crossing shopping center at the northeast corner of Dysart and McDowell roads, 1809 N. Dysart Road, Suite C110 in Avondale.

The dry cleaner and laundry service had undergone new management within the last year, but just recently closed its doors. The space has been cleared out, and all signage has been removed.

Cobblestone Auto Spa at 14031 W. Indian School Road on Maricopa County land next to Litchfield Park and Goodyear city limits, has closed for the time being for a remodel. All services are temporarily suspended, including the car wash, convenience store and gas pumps.

Cobblestone has a fleet of locations across the Valley, and the West Valley spot is one of three undergoing a remodel, along with Tempe and Gilbert.

No word yet of a remodel timeline, but once the Briefcase hears of it, you all will be the first to know.

For information, visit cobblestone.com or call the corporate office at 602-788-9274.

Lastly, folks may have noticed construction equipment

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

A Buckeye man was arrested March 15 in connection to an armed robbery and aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to stab a Lowe’s employee with garden clippers, officials said.

Derrick Scott, 29, was booked into Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail, Buckeye police said.

At about 2:10 p.m., Buckeye officers responded to a shoplifting in progress at the Lowe’s, 700 S. Watson Road in Buckeye,

collecting near St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church north of Thomas Road, east of Litchfield Road. That’s the location for the St. John Paul II Catholic High School, set to open in August 2018.

The West Valley View’s own Glenn Gullickson, reporter extraordinaire, had the story back in the Feb. 8 edition of the paper. If you don’t have that edition handy, here’s the link: westvalleyview. com/articles/2017/02/08/ ground-broken-catholichigh-school.

I’ve copied and pasted that into my internet browser multiple times to make sure it’s the correct length. Going above and beyond for the Briefcase readers!

That’s all for this week, thanks for reading.

As always, send questions, comments or tips to smcowen@westvalleyview.com. The Briefcase can also be reached on Twitter under the handle @ShaneMcOwen.

Looking forward to hearing from you! Have a great week, everyone.

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

after Scott allegedly removed several items from the store and attempted to stab an employee, police said.

Scott allegedly fled the scene and ran through the parking lot and across Watson Road toward a Circle K, police said.

Responding officers were able to arrest Scott, who also had several warrants, police said.

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

Buckeye police seek robbery suspect

The Buckeye Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect in a robbery that occurred at about 2:35 a.m. Feb. 20 on Miller Road between Warner Street and Lower Buckeye Road, officials said.

The man is described as white, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 190 pounds and has tattoos on both arms and legs.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Buckeye Police Department at 623-3496492.

Shane McOwen

Derrick Scott

Inside Sports:

Ryan Newman wins NASCAR race at PIR; La Joya’s new softball coach a familiar face

Avondale boy a free-throw shooting machine

Shoot, qualifying him for the national event April 22 in Chicago.

9-year-old Tristen Rhodes heading to national competition in Chicago

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

High school coaches will be vying for the talent of Tristen Rhodes in five years. That’s because the 9-yearold Avondale boy can hit a free throw in his sleep.

The shot has become so routine for Tristen that he’s used the skill to win five free-throw shooting competitions, which qualified him for the Hoop Shoot National Championship April 22 in Chicago.

Hoop Shoot is a free-throw program put on by the Elks National Foundation. Competitors in three different age divisions, girls and boys, shoot 25 free throws to see who can make the most. Winners continue advancing, which Tristen did four different times to get to the West Region final Feb. 25 in Las Vegas. In that event, Tristen had to compete against three other finalists in the 8-9 boys division. The other states in the West Region are California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.

The 25 free-throw attempts are broken up into two sets, the first one consisting of 10 free throws, and the second set is 15. Up to five practice attempts are allowed ahead of the first set, but none before the second. Tristen made 23 of his 25 to advance, needing every single one.

“The kid that got second place shot 22,” he said. “He shot and made all 10 [of the first set], and I missed two of the 10, but he missed two out of 15 and had a technical, and I made all 15. That’s why I won.”

Tristen’s closest competitor received a technical because he dribbled more than four times, which is against the rules. That miscue meant that if Tristen made his last shot, he would win, which he did. Making 23 of 25 shots is a 92 percent clip, and was his highest total of all the competitions.

“He’s a good shooter,” said Lori Rhodes, Tristen’s mother. “He started playing rec league when he was 4, but he’s been playing basketball since birth, basically.”

In addition to basketball, Tristen also plays football at his elementary school, Barbara B. Robey in the Litchfield Elementary District. That’s where he won his first Hoop Shoot competition.

“Our P.E. teacher gave us a paper and I signed up for it and did it at school,” Tristen said.

The first competition had 13-15 participants, he said. After winning, he competed at an event at Western Sky Middle School. From there, Tristen won competitions in Wickenburg and Apache Junction, where the state event was held, to get to Las Vegas.

Practice has been critical to Tristen’s run of success, he said.

“He plays club basketball, so he’s got practice a couple days a week at least, and we’ve got a basketball hoop in the backyard,” Lori said. “So, he’s usually out there after school practicing his free throws.”

Tristen said he doesn’t know how many free throws he shoots per day, but it’s a lot. He works on his follow through and keeping his feet straight toward the hoop — techniques his coaches and his father have taught him.

Tristen has approximately one month to get ready for the national event, which will take place at McGrath Arena at DePaul University. He’ll compete against the winners from all the other regions.

The family will spend five days in Chicago, making a vacation out of the event. Win or lose, the fact that Tristen has gotten so far is pretty special, Lori said.

“It’s awesome; we’re super proud,” she said.

Tristen has high expectations for the finals, he said.

“I think I can win it,” he said. “I’m probably going to have to make all 25 to win.”

Football coach honored at NFL Pro Bowl

Kelly Epley invited to game by Agua Fria grad and Minnesota Viking Everson Griffen

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

of

Epley received the experience of a lifetime from

former players in January.

graduate Everson Griffen, a former Owls football player. Griffen, who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings, was making his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

“It’s a program called Thank You, Coach,” Epley said. “All those guys got to bring one of their high school coaches as a guest.”

Epley said he saw in the paper that Griffen was a Pro Bowl selection, so he sent him a congratulatory text.

“I put my phone up, it was a Saturday, and four hours later, I grabbed my phone to check it and he had texted me back saying they have a program where the NFL will pay for one of their coaches to go, and I’m taking you,” Epley said.

The NFL paid for Epley and his wife to spend four

days in Orlando, Fla.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said.

Epley arrived on a Thursday evening and had a meet and greet with other coaches who were invited, but didn’t get to see any of the NFL players that night.

The next day, there was a practice for the players, where Epley got to watch from a viewing area in the distance. He saw Griffen, but wasn’t able to say hi to him yet.

After practice, Epley was invited to attend a lunch, which is where he was asked to sit down for an interview.

“The Minnesota Vikings NFL people were there and

(See Honored on Page 14)

Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

View photo by Jordan Christopher

TRISTEN RHODES takes a shot from just inside the free-throw line March 16 at Goodyear Community Park. Tristen, 9, of Avondale has won five free-throw competitions for Hoop

Kelly

one

his

Epley was invited to the NFL Pro Bowl by Agua Fria

Newman’s gamble wins at PIR

me, couldn’t be a more fitting symbol for what it means for our company and what our company has gone through to get here today.”

The win was Newman’s 18th on the NASCAR circuit in more than 500 career starts.

by Shane McOwen

sports writer

Ryan Newman and his race team took advantage of a late caution, using a risky pit strategy to forgo new tires for a two-lap overtime run in the NASCAR Camping World 500 Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale.

The gamble paid off with Newman securing the checkered flag, breaking a 127-race winless streak.

“It’s sweet for so many reasons,” Newman said. “This has been the longest drought I’ve ever been in. It was a hard-fought race, a hard-fought battle, a hard-fought four years.”

With five laps remaining, Joey Logano blew a right front tire and went into the wall, causing a caution for the rest of the scheduled race. Newman and his team decided to stay out and forgo new tires, while all but three drivers in the field went in for one last pit stop.

“[Crew Chief Luke Lambert] made the call to stay out and trusted me to make the race car wide,” Newman said. “Heck of a team effort.”

Newman held off Kyle Larson, who finished second for the third race in a row, and Kyle Busch, who finished third and led a race-high 114 laps.

“We put him in a position to guard off a bunch of wolves with fresh tires behind him, and he rose to the occasion and made it happen,” Lambert said. “That, to

“I lost track of how long it’s been … but man, just a gutsy call by Luke,” Newman said. “I called for two tires and he called for none. I’ve won more races with no tires than I ever have before, so I’m just proud of these guys. We had a good car all day, kept it out of trouble and collected in the end.”

It was the first NASCAR victory for Lambert as crew chief.

“It’s really hard to assess the magnitude for it right now,” Lambert said. “I can’t say enough about what it means. I couldn’t be prouder of everybody within the company, everybody in the race team. Ryan has worked very, very hard to get us where we are today. Ryan left it all on the track today.”

Newman started the race in 22nd position. Logano won the pole in qualifiers, but wrecked out with five laps remaining.

This year’s new format split the race into three stages, with the leaders after the first and second segments securing extra points for the playoff. Logano won Stage 1, and Chase Elliott took Stage 2.

Larson moved into the top spot in the NASCAR points standings with 184, overtaking Brad Keselowski, who has 178. Keselowski is also facing a potential points deduction after his car failed the post-race inspection. He finished fifth.

The NASCAR series moves to Fontana, Calif., for the Auto Club 400 at 12:30 p.m. March 26.

View photos by Ray Thomas

(ABOVE) RYAN NEWMAN, 31, races Austin Dillon during the Camping World 500 Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. Newman didn’t pit for tires before the final restart, and the gamble paid off as he won the race. (Bottom) Newman celebrates his win in victory lane. It was his first win in 127 races.

(ABOVE) JOEY LOGANO’S PIT CREW services his car during a caution of the Camping World 500 Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. Logano was penalized for breaking the speed limit on pit road during the stop, which cost him the lead in the race. Logano finished 31st. (Right) Ryan Newman, right, shares a laugh with Kevin Harvick during the pre-race drivers’ parade. Newman went on to win the race. (Bottom right) A crew member from Landon Cassill’s team uses a torch and scraper to clean a tire to assess tire wear. (Bottom) Tire changer Lee Cunningham practices with an air gun before the start of the race. Cunningham is the rear tire changer for Martin Truex Jr.

View photos by Mike Rincon

Lady Lobos move forward with familiar face

Former Estrella state-champion coach takes reins at La Joya

by Shane McOwen sports writer

La Joya’s softball program has struggled to compete on the highest levels in the school’s history. The Lady Lobos have finished above .500 once in the last 10 seasons, going 16-15 in 2010.

The 2016-17 year began without anyone at the helm. Nathan Beachy, who coached the Lady Lobos for three seasons, moved out of state, leaving a vacancy at the top. After some deliberation, La Joya Athletic Director Derek Fahleson reached out to a familiar face, and hired former state-champion winning coach Rick Brungardt.

As the coach for Estrella Foothills, Brungardt won state championships in 2011 and 2013, finished as runner-up in 2010, and won 30-plus games four times over 13 years. Fahleson was the athletic director of Estrella Foothills for much of Brungardt’s tenure as coach.

“I met with [Fahleson] and he said he didn’t have anyone on the inside,” Brungardt said. “The coach from last year moved to Oregon. He said these kids were really starving for somebody right now.”

Brungardt retired from Estrella Foothills in 2015, planning to spend more time traveling with his wife. The current circumstances, however, left the opportunity open to return to the dugout.

“I’d been retired for a year, but she’s still working, and she said as long as she’s still working to go ahead and do it,” Brungardt said. “So, here I am.”

Brungardt didn’t know what to expect going into the position, but has been blown away by the students’ participation, he said.

“I was a little bit concerned because I was walking into a program I’ve never had anything to do with,” Brungardt said. “These kids were really warm and receptive. They were like sponges. They just wanted to learn so much. From

that standpoint, that’s been really good. They’re getting better every practice and every game.”

The Lady Lobos jumped right in to the mix as soon as Brungardt came aboard, he said.

“We started open field and weight training in November, and I remember the first weight training we went into after school, there were 30 kids there,” Brungardt said. “I did weight room two days a week and open field two days a week, and we had 30 to 40 kids there every week. They responded really well, really energetic.”

La Joya had 105 girls come out program-wide for tryouts, a number that was hard for Brungardt to fathom.

“The thing that really amazed me — it’s such a big school with 2,300 kids — I had 105 sign up for three different programs of softball,” he said. “[I thought] how am I going to be able to do this? That’s why I have 14 kids on varsity. It’s too many, really, but they deserve an opportunity to play.”

Season’s greetings

The win-loss record has not been kind to the Lady Lobos in the first portion of the season, but six of the 11 losses have been by three runs or less. Brungardt said the team is still searching for consistency, as well as applying the lessons learned in practice to game action.

“They’ve got to find a way to transition what they’re doing in practice to game situations,” Brungardt said. “That’s the main thing. I think this program has kind of been at a standstill for so long, it’s hard to [get to the next level].”

The Lady Lobos had exceptional showings in their three victories. La Joya has a positive run differential of 38 in the wins, beating Phoenix Central 22-1 and Peoria Raymond S. Kellis twice, 15-3 and 8-3.

Brungardt said the next step is to raise the collective mindset of the team as a whole.

“They need to learn how to win,” he said. “They’re getting there. We’ve got a couple games down the road we feel we have a good shot to get on the winning side of.”

La Joya’s next game is at 4 p.m. Friday at Mesa Skyline.

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

Kellis during the Youngker Roughrider Classic softball

Lobos have a new coach this year, Rick

Youngker gets pair of early wins in home tourney

Lady ‘Riders wallop Sierra Linda, double up Fairfax

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Going into the Youngker Roughrider Softball Classic, the Lady Roughriders had lost six straight games.

Youngker quickly turned that around on its opening day of play March 16. The Lady Roughriders beat Phoenix Sierra Linda 11-1, then topped Glendale Betty H. Fairfax 6-3 in back-to-back games.

“We’ve been kind of flat,” Youngker coach Jackie Garcia said. “We haven’t been able to — we’ve been getting people on, but couldn’t finish, we couldn’t produce anything after that.”

Defense has kept Youngker in games, but an error here or error there would affect the girls, Garcia said. The Lady Roughriders lost by four runs to Chandler Seton Catholic, three to Apache Junction and one to Tempe Marcos de Niza.

“Mentally, we hung our heads and couldn’t pull together as a team,” Garcia said. “Today, they came out, were focused, came out strong against Sierra Linda and kind of carried that momentum over. We got more aggressive. I think we only had maybe one or two errors, nobody hung their head, everybody worked hard and got their bat on the ball. We finally showed up.”

Garcia said she thinks playing a home tournament helped because of the excitement level the girls had. Additionally, Youngker’s girls had to work the opening day of the event, March 15, and got to watch games before starting competition themselves March 16.

“They didn’t play, but got to see a lot of softball,” Garcia said. “It was good for them to see other teams, see other teams make mistakes, see other teams do what they needed to do. We kind of were like, ‘Hey, that’s what we’re talking about, everybody makes mistakes.’ They got to watch some teams come from behind and scrounge a little bit, do what they needed to do. I think they needed to see that.”

In the Fairfax victory, Youngker scored in each of its four times at bat. The game ended after the top of the fifth inning, because the 1 hour, 15 minute time limit had expired. The Lady Roughriders got one in the first, two in the second, one in the third and two in the fourth. Garcia said scoring in every inning is important because that’s always the goal.

“If we score every single inning, that’s a sevenrun ballgame,” Garcia said. “If that’s our goal each inning and we can meet it, great; if we exceed that, it’s even better. It’s kind of nice to be the one where a team is chasing us rather than we’re trying to chase or flatline. We didn’t flatline today, so I was proud of them.”

In the second inning, Youngker went ahead 3-0 on an RBI single from Sophia Gil. The sinking liner fell just off the glove of Fairfax’s center fielder, who made a diving attempt at it.

The Lady Stampede answered with three runs in the top of the third to tie the game, but that didn’t discourage

in their home tournament March 15-18.

the Lady Roughriders. Carlena Orvis had an RBI single to right field that made it 4-3 in the bottom of the third. Youngker escaped a jam in the top of the fourth, as pitcher Kayla Jones got a strikeout to end the inning with runners on second and third.

The Lady Roughriders added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth with a little assistance from the Fairfax defense, which made two errors in the inning and had a mental gaffe that cost it an out. Youngker took advantage though, and used some aggressive baserunning to plate an insurance run.

“I like them to be aggressive, and in a tournament that’s where I want to test their speed, test their knowledge, want to see what they can and can’t do,” Garcia said. “We don’t have a lot of speed, but we have girls who are smart. That always helps and totally makes up for it.”

Jones earned the pitching victory against Fairfax, while Kirstin Williams got the win against Sierra Linda.

“Kirstin does a really good job of staying really composed during the whole game,” Garcia said. “She hits her spots really well. She’s really easy going; nothing

would need to demonstrate he or she is capable of delivering a larger number of papers than new drivers start with. Please email rsellmeyer@westvalleyview.com to request an application and background authorization or stop by the office located at 1050 E. Riley Dr. on the NE corner of Eliseo C. Felix Jr Way and Riley, South of Van Buren, East of Dysart Rd.

West Valley View has openings in the Warehouse for manual inserters and stackers. Inserters assemble sections and advertising supplements into completed newspapers. Pay is $10.00/ hourly or piece-rate, whichever pays more. Stackers supply and stack finished bundles on pallets for distribution. Must be able to lift heavy bundles. $10.00/ hourly. Hours vary from 3 p.m.-11 p.m. every Tuesday night. Apply in person at 1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, 85323 No phone calls please EMPTY 30 gallon steel drums with cap and ring lids. $20 each. See at West Valley View, 1050 E. Riley Drive, Avondale. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Email: Rwestfall@westvalleyview.com SCRAP gold, earrings, chains, bracelets and rings. Gold coins and silver coins. 623-594-4987 Leave phone number please.

YOU CAN STILL GET YOUR AD IN THE PAPER! If you miss our regular deadlines, at the buzzer classified ads are available. Call 623-535-8439 by 11 a.m. on Tuesday Normal Deadline: Friday, 4pm

Offensively, Garcia likes her lineup 1-9, she said. She has a lot of hitters with really good power.

“If they make those little adjustments and get off their front foot, pretty much 95 percent of my lineup is going to hit the ball hard,” Garcia said. “Today, we produced a good amount of runs because everybody put the bat on the ball and hit the ball well.”

Youngker finished up the tournament 5-2. Youngker was 2-8 overall going into the tournament, and is now 7-10.

Garcia is hoping the Lady Roughriders can take their momentum of winning games and use that to their advantage as they move forward into region play, she said. “I think they finally got to see taking the momentum and pushing forward, and if they can take that ride and continue to do that, I think we can be the one in our region that people are going to have to work hard against and play hard against to take that win,” Garcia said.

“I’m kind of done with my girls just handing over a win. Hopefully, if they can learn from this and continue to grow, it won’t be like that, it will be pretty competitive. This is what we like to see, they finally broke out. You never know, it’s softball. It’s anybody’s game.”

Youngker plays Phoenix Shadow Mountain Friday before opening 4A Southwest Region play March 28 at Yuma March 28.

Casey Pritchard can be reached at caseypritchard@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @CaseyonSports.

View photo by Ray Thomas

TAITUM FRARY, left, of Youngker stretches for the ball March 17 while Maricopa runner Bailey Petty runs to second base. The Lady Roughriders went 5-2

(From Page 9)

were making a video they wanted to show during the season,” he said. “They took me to the side and did a little 10-minute interview. My wife was sitting there watching, but what you saw [from the video] was him sneaking up on me toward the end of the interview.”

Griffen came out from behind Epley while he was sitting in a chair doing the interview, put him in a friendly choke hold and then climbed on his back.

“It was our first time interacting [on the trip],” Epley said. “It felt good. It was good times. I needed a little bit of that.”

The next day, Epley went to a USA football conference that was paid for by the NFL. The two met up the day after that, Jan. 29, which was the day of the Pro Bowl, to have lunch.

“Sunday, we had lunch with him, his wife and two kids, which was really nice,” Epley said. “To be honest with you, that was probably the best part of the whole trip, was having lunch with his family.”

Before the start of the game, all of the coaches selected by players to attend the Pro Bowl were able to watch the teams warm up from the field, then gathered at midfield.

“All the coaches lined up on the 50-yard line, and when the players got introduced, they came out and shook our hands,” Epley said.

Griffen played a great game, accumulating three sacks and eight tackles, both of which were game highs.

“To be honest with you, if [the National Football Conference] would have won, I think he would have gotten the MVP,” Epley said. “His whole thing was he wanted the car. He must have told me that about 15 times — ‘I’m going to get the car, coach.’”

Instead, the American Football Conference won 20-13 and the defensive MVP was the Buffalo Bills’ Lorenzo Alexander. He won a Hyundai Genesis.

“The guy who ended up being the MVP was a defensive end who had less sacks than [Griffen] on the AFC, but they won,” Epley said.

Overall, Epley said he had a great time and that he’s really proud of Griffen and the success that he’s had in the NFL. In seven seasons, Griffen has played 106 games. He has 176 total tackles, 48 sacks, nine forced fumbles, six recoveries and one interception.

“It kind of validates some of the things we did,” Epley said. “I was always pretty tough on him, and to see him be as successful as he is, and appreciate it, validates some of the things we had done. It wasn’t always an easy road, but boy, the payout sure was worth it.”

Epley said the older Griffen got, the more driven he became to be successful.

“He’s like anybody else. Kids, early, they kind of take things for granted,” Epley said. “But by the time he became a senior, he kind of figured it out, that not only is he big and can do things himself, but he can also affect those around him. That was nice to watch him develop into that. I’m real proud of him.”

Epley coached 10 years at Agua Fria (2001 to 2010), and spent the last two seasons as Youngker’s head football coach before deciding to step down. The Roughriders went 3-7 in 2015 and 2-9 in 2016.

“I gave it up; it was a personal decision,” Epley said. “Nobody forced me into it. They were a little disappointed I decided to hang that up, but you kind of know when things are working out and things aren’t working out. I’ve been around long enough, and it was time to hang that part of my life up.”

To view the video of Epley and Griffen at the Pro Bowl, visit vikings.com and search “Kelly Epley.”

View photo by Ray Thomas

KELLY EPLEY poses for a picture during pre-season practice at Youngker High School in 2015. Epley, who coached 10 years at Agua Fria and two seasons at

Lady Wolves ready for start of region play

by Shane McOwen sports writer

The Estrella Foothills softball team is still finding its footing in a new conference, but remains confident in a strong showing in region play, coach Randi Isaacs said.

The Lady Wolves sit at 4-7 competing in the 4A Conference, and just snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over Fountain Hills in the Grace Lee Haught Memorial tournament March 16 in Payson.

“We are a very small school in a very large conference,” Isaacs said. “There are definitely some wonderful things going on with our team. We have a great group of girls. We just have some growing pains, so hopefully, we’ll figure that out by region [play].”

Isaacs said the team has talent, and is working toward sharpening its skills at the plate and on the field. The next step is playing solid, fundamental softball on a night-in, night-out basis.

“I told the girls this year, routine softball wins games for us,” she said. “When we play routine softball with no errors and we make every play, we look great.”

While the fielding is generally solid, the bats have some catching up to do in terms of consistency.

“We’re hitting,” Isaacs said. “We’re not hitting enough, but we’re hitting.”

Estrella Foothills sports a large upper class group featuring two seniors and seven juniors, with many of those having previous varsity experience. The Lady

Wolves are counting on that to help them reach the next level, Isaacs said.

“I definitely think we have the talent to be successful,” she said. “We need to work on closing out innings and closing out games. We’ve had two games where we were leading and gave it up.”

Early Schedule

Estrella Foothills began the season with an unbalanced schedule, resulting in the team having to wait two weeks from the beginning of the year for its first home game.

The March 14 home opener proved to be a forgettable night, as Phoenix Greenway smacked 17 hits across five innings, and came out on top, 13-0.

It was a tough outing early on. Greenway scored three runs in the top of the second, six in the top of the third and four in the fourth. Second baseman Gabby Fendrick led the way for the Lady Demons, going 3 for 4 at the plate with a double and five RBIs.

The fifth inning produced a silver lining for the Lady Wolves. Isaacs said she was pleased with her team’s fight until the very last pitch.

“Yeah we lost, but I was really proud of the girls, especially in the last full inning of softball,” she said.

“We played really well.”

Estrella Foothills surrendered no runs in the top of the fifth and eventually had the bases loaded in the bottom of the frame, but wasn’t able to push a run across. The

team is going to need to bring that type of fight for the remainder of the season if it wants to compete for a region title, Isaacs said.

“These schools are big and they have club players that are hitters one through nine in the lineup,” she said. “It is what it is. We had to be a little aggressive, and it just didn’t work out in our favor.”

The Lady Wolves finished their spring break March 16-18 with the Gracie Lee Haught Memorial tournament, going 3-4 and finishing eighth.

Estrella dropped the opener to Winslow, 13-1, then beat Fountain Hills, 14-0. The Lady Wolves also lost 11-1 loss to Safford.

The Lady Wolves began region play Tuesday at home against Yuma Gila Ridge. The result was unavailable at press time.

“I’m excited about region play, because I think that’s really where we’re going to shine and do really well,” Isaacs said. “I think our main goal is the region title. State is a big one. We want to make state.”

Isaacs said the minimum goal for the girls wasn’t concerning wins or losses.

“They’re student athletes, and I really want them to get something out of being a female student athlete,” she said. “That’s really important to me. If we have a successful season in that regard, I’ll be very happy.”

Estrella Foothills will wrap up its region series with Gila Ridge at 4 p.m. Thursday in Yuma, before a stretch of three freedom games against Phoenix St. Mary’s, Tucson Seton Catholic Prep and Phoenix Thunderbird.

View photo by Mike Rincon

CHERISH GONZALEZ of Estrella Foothills

inning

bat against Greenway. The Lady Wolves lost 13-0 and are 6-11 overall.

Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. The club is open to thirdthrough fifth-graders who want to learn about math. To register, visit www.mcldaz.org.

Veteran support group

A veteran and military personnel support group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear. For information, call 623-882-0721.

St. Peter’s RePete Boutique

St. Peter’s RePete Boutique thrift store is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with the exception of holidays, at 400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park.

Al-Anon Stepping Stones

Al-Anon Stepping Stones meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear.

Alcoholics

Anonymous meets

at the Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye.

Saturday

Kickstart Mentorship Academy workshop

The West Valley View publishes on Wednesday.

The 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extends to Estrella on the south and Tonopah on the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside of the View’s circulation area will be considered as there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Fundraisers that are held at restaurants where only a portion of the proceeds benefits the charity or nonprofit will not be considered.

9 Days a Week calendar items print on a spaceavailable basis; the only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Paid Listings for 9 Days

The 9 Days a Week calendar now may contain paid listings which are clearly marked by “Advertisement” across the top and bottom of paid listings and appear in a screened box. Submissions for paid items may be made by calling the classified advertising dept. of the West Valley View at 623-535-8439. Available sizes and prices: 2 inch ad = $80.00, 3 inch ad = $120.00.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Friday to be considered for the Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to news1@westvalleyview.com; faxed to 623-935-2103; or dropped off at the West Valley View, 1050 E. Riley Drive, Avondale AZ 85323.

The Garden Lakes group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Garden Lakes, 2517 N. 107th Ave., Avondale.

Taking Turns Toybrary

The Care1st Avondale Resource Center opens the doors to its Taking Turns Toybrary from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at 328 W. Western Ave., Avondale. Families can check out fun, educational toys for up to two weeks with a photo ID. For information, call 623-333-2703.

In Stitches in Goodyear meets

In Stitches in Goodyear meets at 1:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Goodyear Library, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear. Share ideas, tips and patterns with other crochet, knitting and sewing enthusiasts. Novice to advance needle crafters are welcome. Some basic instruction in needle crafts will be available. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Boy Scout meeting

Boy Scout Troop No. 263 meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at First Southern Baptist Church, 405 Third St., Buckeye. The troop is looking for boys between the ages of 11 and 18 who are interested in outdoor activities, learning new skills and becoming leaders. For information, call Trina Stark at 623-693-8624.

Grief support group

State of City address

Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise will highlight the city’s current state from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Estrella Mountain Community College Performing Arts Center, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale.

Jungle Jill’s

Animal Encounters

Join Jungle Jill and her animals at Jungle Jill’s Animal Encounters at 2 p.m. at the White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.

Estrella Republican Club

The Estrella Republican Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in the lecture room at Estrella Foothills High School, 13033 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear.

Heart disease support group

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease hosts a support group for women living with heart disease from 2:30 to 4 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 830 Plaza Circle in Litchfield Park.

Fitness in the Park Buckeye hosts Fitness in the Park from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye.

Thursday

A grief support group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at Desert Springs Community Church, 14440 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear. The support group is designed to help and encourage those after the death of a loved one. The group is led by facilitators who have experienced loss themselves. For information, call Angela at 623-435-2105.

Friday

23

Burst of Music X

Listen to bands and music from the PebbleCreek community at 7 p.m. at the PebbleCreek Community Renaissance Theater, 3003 N. 164th Ave., Goodyear. Tickets are $15. For information, call 623-536-6660.

School boundaries public meeting

The Agua Fria Union High School District is seeking input on future school boundaries at 4:30 p.m. at the Desert Edge High School Library, 15778 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear.

Ford Trimotor Tour

The public is invited to observe and tour the historic Ford Trimotor plane from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Phoenix Goodyear Airport, 1658 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

Crazy 8s club

The Crazy 8s Math Club meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday through April 27 at the

Ice cream social

The Buckeye Valley Museum, 116 E. MC85 in Buckeye, is holding its seventh annual ice cream social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youths can learn how to make ice cream in a bag.

World Down Syndrome Day

The Down Syndrome Network of Arizona and AZOPT Kids Place are teaming up for a day of music, crafts and food to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rocker 7 Farm Patch, 19601 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye.

Burst of Music X

Listen to bands and music from the PebbleCreek community at 7 p.m. at the PebbleCreek Community Renaissance Theater, 3003 N. 164th Ave., Goodyear. Tickets are $15. For information, call 623-536-6660.

Rain garden creators sought

The city of Avondale is seeking volunteers to help create a rain garden for its Civic Center Complex landscaping at 8 a.m. outside City Hall, 11465 Civic Center Drive, Avondale. A rain garden is a form of “green infrastructure” that uses rainwater to naturally irrigate native and desert-adapted plants. Rain gardens have the added benefit of creating wildlife habitat, providing shade cover and preventing flooding and water pollution. For information, email Drew Bryck of the Development and Engineering Services Department at dbryck@avondaleaz.gov.

Metal Art Expo

Catitude Gallery & Studio, 404 E. Western Ave., Avondale, will host its fourth annual Metal Art Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 623-388-3840.

Blood drive

United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. To make an appointment to donate, call 1-877-UBS-HERO or visit www. bloodhero.com.

Chili cook off

The American Legion Post 53 is holding its annual chili cook off from 5 to 7 p.m. at 402 E. Narramore Ave., Buckeye. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Cooks set up at 4 p.m. and eat free. Chili tasting and voting costs $6. For information, call Trina Stark at 623-693-8624.

Kickstart Mentorship Academy holds a free workshop from noon to 2 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at the American Sports Center, 755 N. 114th Ave., Avondale. The workshop focuses on topical information for guardians and youths and may cover topics such as bullying, law enforcement, social media and entrepreneurship.

Cody’s Reading Pack

Young readers can build confidence by reading to therapy dogs during “Cody’s Reading Pack” at 10 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at Buckeye’s Downtown Library, 310 N. Sixth St., Buckeye. Readings are by appointment for 15-minute sessions. To reserve an appointment, call 623-349-6300.

Goodyear Farmer’s Market

A farmer’s market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through May at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. The market features crafts, fruits, vegetables and other homemade creations. For information, visit goodyearaz. gov/rec.

Sunday

at Westview High School, 10850 W. Garden Lakes, Avondale. To make an appointment to donate, call 1-877-UBS-HERO or visit www.bloodhero.com.

Grandparent support group

A support group for grandparents will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Community Center, 201 E. Centre Ave., Buckeye. For information, call 602-274-5022, Ext. 31.

The art of the puppeteer

Puppeteer Gavin Cummins will share his art at 7 p.m. at Total Wine, 1416 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, as part of the city’s Arts and Culture Lecture Series.

Beginning Word class Newbies can learn how to create and edit a Word document at Beginning Word at 6 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

Tolleson City Council meets

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 22, 2017

26

Adult Children of Alcoholics

The support group Adult Children of Alcoholics meets at 5 p.m. every Sunday at the Litchfield Park First Baptist Church, 901 E. Plaza Circle, Litchfield Park.

Group meditation class

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, hosts a group meditation class from 5 to 6 p.m. Sundays. The class is designed for those desiring to learn meditation or deepen their practice. All faiths are welcome. For information, call the St. Peter’s Office at 623-935-3279 or visit stpetersaz.com.

Monday

27

The Tolleson City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the Park and Recreation Center, 9555 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson.

Tolleson Union High School Board meets The Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the district office, 9801 W.Van Buren St., Tolleson. For information, visit tuhsd.org.

Roadrunner Needlers

The Roadrunner Needlers, a chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, meets at 11 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Sun City West Foundation Building, 14465 R.H. Johnson Blvd.

Sewing for Babies meets in Phoenix

School boundaries public meeting

The Agua Fria Union High School District is seeking input on future school boundaries at 5:30 p.m. at the Agua Fria High School Library, 530 E. Riley Drive, Avondale.

West Valley Human Services Alliance

The Tolleson community sewing group Sewing for Babies meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at JoAnn’s Etc., 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, in the Desert Ridge Marketplace. The group makes preemie hospital clothing, quilts for the isolettes in the hospital and burial layettes. For information, call 623-936-3412.

Gangplank’s Hack Night Collaborate with the nerd community to code, 3D print, and CAD at Gangplank’s Hack Night from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday at 525 N. Central, Avondale.

Wednesday

29

Burst of Music X

Listen to bands and music from the PebbleCreek community at 7 p.m. at the PebbleCreek Community Renaissance Theater, 3003 N. 164th Ave., Goodyear. Tickets are $15. For information, call 623-536-6660.

Ford Trimotor Tour

The public is invited to observe and tour the historic Ford Trimotor plane from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Phoenix Goodyear Airport, 1658 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

Blood drive

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Astara SkinCare, 9950 W. Van Buren St., Suite 118, Avondale. To sign up to donate, visit redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Book sale preview

The Friends of the Buckeye Public Library is holding a members only preview for a spring book sale from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Grandparent support group

A support group for grandparents will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For information, call 602-274-5022, Ext. 31.

Neighborhood Movie Night

Everyone’s invited to watch the film Moana at 7 p.m. with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. at Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School, 2150 N. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Avondale. Popcorn will be provided, but movie goers should take their own chairs and blankets to sit on. For information, visit avondale.org/events or call 623-333-2400.

Goodyear spring concert series

Take in the fresh air and tunes at Goodyear’s free spring concert series at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Sun Kissed, a band of native sisters, will play a variety of music. For information, visit goodyearaz. gov/rec.

Book sale

The Friends of the Buckeye Public Library is holding a spring book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye.

The West Valley Human Services Alliance meets from 9 a.m. to noon the fourth Monday of each month at the Pendergast Learning Center, 3841 N. 91st Ave., Phoenix.

Wednesday Wildflower Walk

28

Tuesday State of the City

Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck will present Buckeye’s State of the City address at 8 a.m. after a complimentary breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Palo Verde Education Center, 600 N. Verrado Way, Buckeye. For infor mation and to register, call 623-349-6955.

Free neuters, spays in Avondale

The Arizona Humane Society’s Healthy Tails Mobile Veterinary Clinic will provide with free spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs at 6:30 a.m. at Avondale Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale. For requirements and information, visit azhumane.org.

Blood drive

United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A ranger-led wildflower walk will begin at 9 a.m. at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. For information, call 623-935-2025.

Free neuters, spays in Avondale

The Arizona Humane Society’s Healthy Tails Mobile Veterinary Clinic will provide free spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs at 6:30 a.m. at Avondale Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale. For requirements and information, visit azhumane.org.

Thursday

Free neuters, spays in Avondale

The Arizona Humane Society’s Healthy Tails Mobile Veterinary Clinic will provide free spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs at 6:30 a.m. at Avondale Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale. For requirements and information, visit azhumane.org.

Brian Ignatius Canavan

Brian Ignatius Canavan, 83, of Litchfield Park died March 11, 2017, in Phoenix.

Mr. Canavan was born July 26, 1933, in Galway, Ireland, to Patrick Canavan and Tess McDermott.

He was a member of Engineers Ireland and the Institution of Civil Engineers for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Canavan.

He is survived by one son, Colin Canavan; four sisters, Angela Cormican, Una Carey, Philomena Curren and Ethra Shryan; one brother, Peadar Canavan; and one grandchild.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. March 29 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, followed by interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 10045 W. Thomas Road, Avondale. Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Albert ‘Al’ Luna

Albert “Al” Luna, 62, of Avondale died March 13, 2017, in Tucson.

Mr. Luna was born Oct. 7, 1954, in Flagstaff to Roberto and Juanita Luna.

He is survived by his wife, Emily Luna; two daughters, Veronica Vargas and Christina Rodriguez; one son, Michael Lopez Jr.; two sisters, Margie Luna and Mary Luna; four brothers, Robert, Mike, Ruben and Tony Luna; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

Condolences may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

David Michael Pascucci

David Michael Pascucci, 64, of Litchfield Park died March 16, 2017.

Mr. Pascucci was born May 15, 1952, in Medford, Mass., to Antonio and Edna Pascucci.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki; two children, Chelsie Schlesinger and Challis Pascucci; one brother, Phil Pascucci; and two grandchildren.

A visitation will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m., with funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 301 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, with interment at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W. Beardsley Road, Phoenix.

William ‘Bill’ Gerveler

William “Bill” Gerveler, 75, of Avondale died March 12, 2017, in Goodyear.

Mr. Gerveler was born April 26, 1941, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Francis Conrad and Rose Mary Gerveler.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen Gerveler; three daughters, Donna Dumont, Diane Smith and Debra McClurg; two sons, Kevin Gerveler and Patrick Gerveler; one sister, Mary Jane Tiemann; three brothers, Jack Gerveler, Thomas Gerveler and Bryan Gerveler; 11 grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

Condolences may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Norman Green

Norman Green, 68, of Buckeye died March 12, 2017, in Sun City.

Mr. Green was born May 1, 1948, in Monterey Park to Frank Joseph and Igerna LaVerne Green.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1974 to 1980. He worked for 32 years in the Department of Corrections.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in his 50s.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Barbara Green; three daughters, Tracy Yandell, Sharon Best and Amanda Green; one sister, Charlene Palmisano of Florida; one brother, Frank Green of California; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service was March 18 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Buckeye.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

James Gage

Rex Hammock, 83, loving father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 8, 2017, after a long hospital stay. Born on May 27, 1933, in Long Beach, Rex spent the majority of his youth in San Diego. A sevenyear boarding student at ArmyNavy Academy in Carlsbad, he earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball, served as Class President as well as Cadet Major, and was voted Outstanding Senior upon his graduation in 1951. In 1956, Rex graduated from San Diego State College, where he played baseball, participated in AFROTC, and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He later earned a Master’s Degree from Shippensburg State in Pennsylvania.

The joy of his professional life came in the 24 years Rex spent as a fighter pilot, “the greatest job in the world,” in the United States Air Force. Most of his time was spent flying the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-4. His many career highlights include: flying 100 missions over North Vietnam during the Vietnam War in which he earned the Silver Star for “gallantry in action against the enemy;” graduating from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA (1972); living abroad as U.S. Air Force Attaché to the Republic of Iran; serving as Director of Operations for the F-4 Wing at Luke A.F.B.; and molding young men and women as Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander of the AFROTC at Arizona State University (1977 – 1980). He was a proud member of The Super Sabre Society, The Order of Daedalians, Command Bar Stool Association, and the Military Officers Association of America.

Following his Air Force retirement in 1980, Rex spent 20+ years in various management and leadership roles, ultimately retiring “for good” as Director, Motor Vehicles Division, for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Rex was a 40-year resident of Litchfield Park, AZ, and spent the final year of his life near his family in Encinitas, CA. What he loved most were his family and friends, flying, playing golf, sports of all kinds, and his Catholic faith.

Rex is survived by his son Steve (Maureen) of Encinitas, CA, his Aunt Charlotte Webster of National City, CA, his “oldest and dearest friend” of 73 years, Chuck Freebern of Del Mar, CA, and his eight grandchildren – Mick, Maggie, Rebecca, Rex, Kat, Phillip, Kelsey, and Bennett. He was preceded in death by sons Phillip (1978) and Kevin (2013), and his wife of 40 years, Sharon (2015).

A public visitation will be held at 9:30am followed by a rosary at 10:00am with Mass at 10:30am, Monday, March 27, 2017 at St John Vianney Catholic Church, 539 E. La Pasada Blvd in Goodyear, AZ 85338. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date. Condolences for the family may be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Gerald Lee Feinberg

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Lee Feinberg, 92, died March 9, 2017, at his home in Litchfield Park, AZ.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 27, 1924. Jerry graduated first from Long Island University in 1946, and then from New York University School of Medicine in 1950. While practicing at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, Jerry met his wife, Maureen Marray, a recovery room nurse. They married in 1973 in the chapel at the hospital. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed their two daughters into the world. In 2004, at age 80, Jerry retired from active medicine. Jerry was an avid tennis player, enjoyed studying languages, and sculpting. Jerry and Maureen travelled the world extensively.

He was the proud grandfather to four grandchildren. He was loved and cherished by his wife, their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Jerry lived a long and adventurous life. He will be missed deeply, always.

A graveside service will be held at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ on March 24, 2017, at 11 a.m. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at Litchfield’s Restaurant at the Wigwam Resort from 12:30-3p.m. Friends and family are welcome.

To read the full obituary and leave condolence messages for the family please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com.

Deborah L. Tharp

Deborah L. Tharp of Buckeye, AZ died March 10, 2017 at the age of 68. She was born January 16, 1949 in Dayton, OH to James L and Buleah Gay Agin. Deborah was a licensed realtor in Fairbanks, AK. She was a master gardener and cared for the outside flowers at the Pioneer Home in Prescott, AZ. She also volunteered on “Suicide Help Hot Line,” in Prescott, AZ. She was an avid hiker, skier, and a fantastic cook even on a wood stove in a cabin and hunted and fished in Alaska. She was involved in many activities at Sundance Adult Active Community in Buckeye, AZ since moving there in July of 2005.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Wallace “Wally” Tharp; mother, Buleah Gay Agin; stepdaughter, Ingrid E. Schunder; sisters, Rebecca L. Anderson and Cheryl J. Agin; brother, James L. Agin. A memorial service was held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at her home in Buckeye. Her ashes will be sent to the wind in her favorite hiking place. Donation memorials can be made in her honor to ASPCA- for cats. Condolences for the family can be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

(See Obituaries on Page 19)

William Gerveler

Albert Luna

Brian Canavan

David Pascucci

Cynthia Thompson Owner Sean E. Thompson Funeral

Barbara Ann Allen

Barbara Ann Allen, 82, of Buckeye died March 15, 2017, in Surprise.

Mrs. Allen was born April 23, 1934, in Ravenna, Ohio, to John and Margurite Knapp.

She spent most of her life in Garrettsville, Ohio, where she worked for the Portage County Health Department and helped her husband run TOM C-TOYS.

She retired to Buckeye in 2006.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Terri Lynne Garrett.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Allen; one daughter, Denise Garrett Scruggs; one sister, Connie Reedy; eight grandchildren; and 15 greatgrandchildren.

Oscar Richard Salas Jr.

Oscar Richard Salas Jr., 60, of Avondale died March 13, 2017, in Goodyear.

Mr. Salas was born Nov. 21, 1956, in Phoenix to Ruben and Gloria Lopez.

He was preceded in death by one son, Ruben Mendoza.

He is survived by one daughter, Monica De La Huerta; his mother, Gloria Lopez; his father, Ruben Lopez; three sisters, Kathy Salas, Sonya Romero and Gloria Morales; one brother, Danny Salas; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was Tuesday at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear. Interment will be at a later date at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Walter Lee Kerwood

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 22, 2017 (From Page 18)

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org/donate.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Richard C. Skelly

Richard C. Skelly, 72, of Buckeye died March 17, 2017, in Sun City West.

Mr. Skelly was born Nov. 2, 1944, in Rochester, Minn., to John and Evelyn Skelly.

He worked in construction in the Rochester area for 20 years, then retired in Arizona in 2009.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Skelly; and one son.

He is survived by two sons, Scott L. Skelly of Yuma and Jason J. Skelly of Goodyear; two sisters, Pat Skelly of Mazeppa, Minn., and Pam Skelly of Pine Island, Minn.; three brothers, Joseph Skelly of Elgin, Minn., James Skelly of Tonopah and Verne Lietz of Rochester, Minn.; five grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, followed by interment at Louis B. Hazelton Cemetery, 23100 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Gregory Henry Henke

Gregory Henry Henke, 52, of Litchfield Park died March 9, 2017.

Mr. Henke was born March 4, 1965, in Denver to Cyril and Carol Henke.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Henke; two daughters, Leticia and Emma Henke; his parents, Cyril and Carol Henke; and two sisters, Teri Henke and Angie Jostes.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Monday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear, with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale and a celebration of life at Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix. Memorials may be made to the Greg Henke Scholarship Fund at Bourgade Catholic High School, 4602 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017.

Condolences may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Golden Censer Ministries

William Daugherty

William Daugherty, 49, of Buckeye died March 13, 2017, in Goodyear.

Mr. Daugherty was born July 26, 1967, in Phoenix to Betty and William Daugherty.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Heather; five sons, William Jr., Anthony, Aaron, Michael and Lazarus; five daughters, Jennifer, Ashley Nicole, Katherine, Ashley-Marie and Alisha Darlene; his parents, Betty and William Daugherty; one brother, Richard; two sisters, Betty and Sherri; and nine grandchildren.

Services have been held.

Condolences for the family may be left at advantagefunerals.com.

Magdalena R. Velez

Magdalena R. Velez, 92, of Avondale died March 14, 2017. Mrs. Velez was born May 25, 1924, in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Natividad and Josefa Rojas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adelaido Velez; and one daughter, Janie Gonzalez.

She is survived by five sons, Robert Velez, Adelaido Velez Jr., Daniel Velez, Manuel Velez and Rick Velez; three daughters, Angelica Velez, Terri Meza and Sylvia Binion; three sisters, Cleo Cruz, Rosa Galindo and Tiburcia Banda; two bothers, Victor Rojas and Jesse Rojas; 21 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear, with interment at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale.

Imogene ‘Gene’ Walker

Imogene “Gene” Walker, 86, of Litchfield Park died April 11, 2016, at Hospice of the Valley.

Mrs. Walker was born Dec. 29, 1929, in Laveen to Ethel and Archie Otis Tucker.

She is survived by two daughters, Sammie Gene Walker and Deborah Leuthold; two sisters, Essie Coxon and Sarah Gale; two brothers, Jon Tucker and Wayne Tucker; two grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Interment was at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.

Walter Lee Kerwood, 83, of Tonopah died March 15, 2017, at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear from pneumonia.

Mr. Kerwood was born Jan. 28, 1934, in Norwood, Ohio, to Clarence and Gertrude Kerwood.

He worked for Ford Motor Co., as a police officer in Palo Alto, Calif., and as a land developer.

He moved to Arizona in 1999.

He was a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Buckeye.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine; and one grandchild.

He is survived by his wife, Avelina Kerwood; two daughters, Denise Paviol and Teresa Robbins; two sons, Michael Kerwood and David Kerwood; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. April 8 at Grace Fellowship Church, 1300 N. Miller Road, Buckeye.

The Rev. John Brecke will officiate.

Anita Marie Yocham Pigman

Anita Marie Yocham Pigman, 81, of Buckeye died March 6, 2017, at LifeStream Senior Living at Cooks Health Care in Youngtown.

Mrs. Pigman was born June 28, 1935, in Love County, Okla.

She was a member of the West Valley Church of Christ in Goodyear.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Johnny Ray Yocham and Leon Pigman.

She is survived by four sons, Mike Yocham, Greg Yocham, Harvey Yocham and Tim Yocham; one daughter, Tami Huff; two brothers, Lue Rodgers and John Rodgers; 21 grandchildren; and 42 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were March 9 at West Valley Church of Christ in Goodyear.

The Rev. Joe Jandacek officiated.

Memorials may be made to any Alzheimer’s charity.

Tammara Lynne Marie Wheeler

Tammara Lynne Marie Wheeler, 43, of Phoenix and formerly of Avondale died March 10, 2017, at her home. Ms. Wheeler was born Oct. 30, 1973, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Steven and Cindy Wheeler. She moved to Arizona in 1978. She is survived by her parents, Steven and Cindy Wheeler; one sister, Jeanne; two brothers, Shawn and Derick; four children; one grandmother, Nancy Franklin; and four grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family may be left at avenidasfuneralchapel.com.

Tammara Wheeler

A word about obituaries

The West Valley View publishes free obituaries for people who were residents or former residents of the West Valley.

We also encourage the use of photos with obituaries. Photos will be cropped to a head shot, so they must be of fairly high resolution if submitted electronically.

Free obituaries are edited to conform to newspaper style. People who wish to have obituaries published verbatim may purchase a paid obituary; call 623-535-8439.

Funeral homes may submit obituaries using our form at westvalleyview.com, emailing news1@westvalleyview. com, faxing 623-935-2103 or by mail at West Valley View, Inc., 1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323.

Oscar Salas

Barbara Allen

Imogene Walker

William Daugherty

Walter Kerwood

Gregory Henke

Richard Skelly

Arizona Behavioral Care

Homes is hiring Direct Care Professionals (formerly known BHT’s) and Certified Personal Caregivers for our West Valley group homes. Starting pay is $11 /hour for DCP and $12 /hour for CPC.

Requirements:

Must be 21 years old, High School Diploma or GED, Driver’s License, CPR, First Aid, Fingerprint Card, Physical and TB test. We offer paid time off, health insurance dental insurance, life insurance and 401K. Submit resumes to: adavis@abch.us or call 480-840-1601

BEST Western Tolleson seeking housekeepers/ room attendants. Please call 623-936-6000 for info and directions.

Busco persona, medio tiempo para servicio de limpieza, hable algo de ingles, Blanca 602-680-0421.

Busy Golf Cart facility looking for golf cart tech. Perfect for someone retired. Must have own tools, mechanical experience preferred. Apply in person Monday-Friday, 9-4 West Valley Golf Cars, 6205 N. Sarival Avenue Litchfield Park. 623-882-0222

CALGON CARBON CORPORATION is seeking a skilled Field Production Technician for its site in Gila Bend, AZ. This position will be responsible for coordinating with the Control Room Operator to handle the movement of raw materials from the field, perform process changes, and ivestigate and correct equipment issues. Pay starts at $19.00/ hour depending on experience. To learn more or to apply, visit the careers section at calgoncarbon.com

CAREGIVERS & DRIVERS needed immediately. We train for certification to care for special needs. Trainees start $10.00/ hour. Higher pay for experience. 14423 McDowell Road Ste G104, Goodyear. 623-547-4839

CDL Class A drivers needed for over the road. Also need line drivers for Phoenix to L.A. and Phoenix to the Bay area. Good pay and benefits and $1000 signing bonus paid over 6 months. Call Mark 602-254-9922.

CDL Driver needed. 2 years experience required. Wingfield Livestock Transport. Call MondayFriday between 10a.m.-4p.m., 623-386-4454. Ask for Claude.

DEPENDABLE female Christian caregiver/ companion to assist with an elderly female on a part-time basis. Duties include, but not limited to, bathing, dressing, grooming, meal prep, medicine reminders and light cleaning. Minimum requirements: must have experience with Dementia patients and in-home care. Prefer someone who is CPR and First Aid certified with a current TB test. All applicants must undergo a background check. If interested in position please call 623-521-0309

EARN $50- $200 WORKING ONE NIGHT A WEEK

The WEST VALLEY VIEW is looking for individuals to deliver newspapers each Tuesday night. Papers are available for pickup after 10:30. Deliver late night, overnight or early morning. Deliveries must be completed by 9a.m. Wednesday mornings. Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, vehicle registration all required. Background check and clean MVR (driving record) required. Experience a plus. Small truck or economical car a plus. Drivers are hired as independent contractors, not employees and provide their own insurance. Taxes are the driver’s responsibility. To earn $200, a driver would need to demonstrate he or she is capable of delivering a larger number of papers than new drivers start with. Please email rsellmeyer@westvalleyview.com to request an application and background authorization or stop by the office located at 1050 E. Riley Dr. on the NE corner of Eliseo C. Felix Jr Way and Riley, South of Van Buren, East of Dysart Rd. HIRING Certified Caregivers. All shifts. Need current TB, Fingerprint Clearance Card, First Aid and CPR, Food Handlers Card and Certification for Certified Caregiver. Our address is 4211 N. Pebble Creek Parkway, Goodyear, Az 85395.

LOOKING for experienced compassionate CNA’s, Certified Caregivers. Part time/ full time. 623-547-7521.

PART-TIME help cleaning services needed, some English is required, Blanca 602-680-0421.

OPEN INTERVIEWS

REPUTABLE feed mill in Buckeye looking for a daytime driver for flatbed to deliver bags of feed to local dairies. Class A CDL required and current health card. Benefits, 401K. Please apply in person 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at 29700 Lower River Rd. 602-251-3600.

REPUTABLE feed mill in

Buckeye looking for a night shift mixer. Mechanical ability required. Class A CDL a + for possible nearby driving. Benefits, 401K. Please apply in person 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at 29700 Lower River Rd. 602-251-3600.

The City of Litchfield Park is accepting applications for seasonal positions.

Cashiers: season runs April through August, 12 to 30 hours/week, $10.00/hr.

Lifeguards: season runs April through Labor Day, 15 to 40 hrs/wk, $10/hr to $12.30/hour. Deadlines for applications vary See the City’s website litchfield-park.org for details. Equal Opportunity Employer Monday-Friday Drug-free environment.

Trained/Experienced Techs Make Approximately $24.00 an hour + bonuses! Taking resumes for a quaified septic employee. Honest, strong, good attitude, hard working person that is not afraid of a shovel, yet personable & professional. Clean drivers license is a must. CDL is a plus, but not required at first and will be required to get a CDL. Will train to our high standards. Pay starts at $16-$18/hr depending on experience. email resumes to septictech@att.net.

DUST Bunnies Housecleaning. “Let your day off really be your day off”. Lea, 602-908-1519.

HOUSECLEANING- 6 days/ week. Apartments/ condo’s. Also move in/ out. Experienced, free estimates, reasonable rates. Bonded/insured. 623-533-2846

HOUSECLEANING. Valley wide. Honest. Detailed. Reliable. 17 years experience. References Available. 602-481-8627.

VALENCIA’S Cleaning. Home, move in/ out, or one time service. 9 years experience. Call for free estimates. 623-241-3404.

Home Sales 50

ADVERTISE your home, property or business for sale in 68 AZ newspapers. Reach over half a million readers for ONLY

$330! Call the West Valley View 623-535-8439 or visit: www.classifiedarizona.com. (AZCAN)

Land 51

1 to 18 acres, starting $10,000, various locations, payments, owner/ agent, 602-510-8900.

2 RESIDENTIAL lots for sale in the City of Avondale. Located on the corner of Corral/ 7th St. Utilities inside the property. For pricing information call 623-349-2035.

5-10 ACRES +fix-up ranch home West of Estrella. 2 wells. $292.5K. Buy direct from owner/ broker. Owner may carry w/ $30,000. down. 602-525-6622. ACRE lot in custom home area, Bethany Home/ Dysart, owner will carry, $175,000, 623-907-9262.

MANUFACTURED home lot for sale. 18166 W. Lynwood, Goodyear. $35,000. Ron Trinka Realty 623-853-2525.

NORTHERN AZ WILDERNESS RANCH $249 MONTH. Quiet & secluded self-sufficency 37 acres off grid ranch bordering 640 acres of wooded State Trust land at cool clear 6,400’ elevation. Near historic pioneer town & fishing lake. No urban noise & dark sky nights amid pure air & AZ’s best yearround climate. Blend of evergreen woodlands & grassy meadows with sweeping views across uninhabited wilderness mountains and valleys. Abundant clean groundwater, free well access, loam garden soil, maintained road access. Camping and RV ok. $28,900, $2,890 dn. seller financing. Free brochure with additional property descriptions, photos/ terrain map/ weather chart/ area info: 1st United Realty 800-966-6690 (AzCAN)

WENDEN, AZ. Ranchettes. 40 acres each from $49,900. Close to Highway 60 off Alamo Road. 7 sold, 1 left! Owner 888-444-1220

Commercial Properties 52

OFFICE/ Retail/ Premium/ Affordable suites available, 722’-2000’. Dysart/ Van Buren/ Litchfield. 602-694-3158.

Manufactured Homes 55

2- 3 BEDROOM mobile homes for sale. New factory to you homes and lots available. Owner financing. All age family gated community. New homes available. 623-935-4296, 623-826-5398, 623-853-5739.

$25,000 under dealer’s cost! New 2016 Schult mobile homes. 3 bedroom /2 bathroom. Deck, carport awning, shed. 24 X 56 and 28 X 52.

2000 S. Apache Rd., Buckeye

ROOMMATE- Garden LakesAvondale. One bedroom. Utilities included. Pool. Laundry. 623-271-2030.

Loans And Financial

GREAT condition- Black granite tabletop/ Espresso colored legs. Approximately 44” wide x 30” high. 4 red Parsons chairs. $350.00. Cash only please. 360-921-8633.

OXYGEN- Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! Free info kit: 844-843-0520 (AzCAN)

70

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help! 855-801-2882 (AzCan)

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability

Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We can help!

WIN or Pay nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-960-3595 to start your application today! (AzCAN)

Services 80

ARMANDO’S Painting, residential, commercial, Interior/ exterior, 15 years experience, free estimates, 623-329-6966.

HANDYMAN-37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057.

LITCHFIELD ClockworksQuality antique clock repair. House calls on grandfather clocks. 623-759-3151.

O.N.B. Landscaping/ Concrete. lawn, cleaning and trimming. Concrete, patio, driveway sidewalk and additions. Call for free estimates. 623-249-0610 Beto.

Merchandise 90

ACORN Stairlifts. The affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time- $250 off your Stairlift purchase!** Buy direct and save. Please call 1-800-268-9843 for free DVD and brochure.

DIGITAL HEARING AIDS Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life! Call to start your free trial! 877-635-7868 (AzCAN)

DISH TV- BEST DEAL EVER! Only $39.99/mo. Plus $14.99/ mo Internet (where avail.) FREE Streaming. FREE Install (up to 6 rooms.) FREE HD-DVR. Call 1-800-916-0680 (AzCAN)

EMPTY 30 gallon steel drums with cap and ring lids. $20 each. See at West Valley View, 1050 E. Riley Drive, Avondale. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Email: Rwestfall@westvalleyview.com

PRINTING press. Ryobi 3302M two color press. Prints sheets up to 11x17. In good condition. $2600. Email publisher@westvalleyview.com with questions or to set up an appointment to see it.

SAFE Step walk-in tub. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic jets. Less than 4 inch step-in. Wide door. Anti-slip floors. American made. Installation included. Call 800-538-3092 for $750 off.

Switch to DIRECTV. Lock in 2-year Price Guarantee ($50/ month) w/AT&T Wireless. Over 145 Channels PLUS Popular Movie Networks for Three Months, No Cost! Call 1-800-404-9329. (AzCAN)

Garage Sales 91

14507 W. Roanoke Ave., Goodyear. March 24th and 25th. 7:00a.m. to 12 noon. Household goods, large assortment of women’s medium clothing, kids bikes, home decor. Much more. No tools.

CARPORT sale Saturday, March 25th 8:00a.m. to 12noon. 150 Laguna Drive West, corner of Sagebrush, Litchfield Park. Office items, tools, outdoor furniture, kitchen items include crockery and glassware, 78 and LP albums.

COMMUNITY Yard Sale. March 24th and 25th 7:00a.m.2:00p.m. 2000 S. Apache Rd. Buena Vista Mobile Home Park.

March 24th-26th. 7:00a.m.4:00p.m. Lots of furniture, both house and lawn, kitchen, living room, bed room. We have it all. 14426 S Tuthill Rd., Ray and Tuthill. Rainbow Valley.

MOVING sale at 17825 W Lincoln St., Goodyear on Saturday March 25th from 7:00a.m. to noon. Everything must go! 3 drawer display cabinet, Star Trek action figures, garden wagon, gardening tools and tons of DVD’s. There are lots of books. Paper back, hard back and several Louis L’Amour collector’s edition books. Toys, board games, clothes and other miscellaneous items.

MOVING Sale. Sundance Adult Village- Buckeye- 498 S 226th Drive. Friday, March 24th, 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Antiques, bar stools, misc. home goods and many decorator items.

MULTI-family garage sale. Saturday, March 25th only. 6:30a.m. to 12noon. Furniture, clothes, household items, some tools, etc. 3305 S 201st Drive, Buckeye.

SATURDAY only. March 25th

8:00a.m.- 2:00p.m. Large scale handmade wood model ships in cases, framed and unframed pictures, furniture, treadmill, crochet items by Creations by Foxfire, collectables and more! Cash, Visa and MasterCard accepted. 4509 N. 101st Ave., Phoenix 85037 (99th Ave & Campbell)

Sundance Adult Village Community Wide Garage Sale! Saturday March 25th

8 a.m.-Noon. Located 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Watson & Yuma, (north of Yuma Road) in Buckeye

Wanted To Buy 95

SCRAP gold, earrings, chains, bracelets and rings. Gold coins and silver coins. 623-594-4987 Leave phone number please.

Animals And Farm Equipment 120

FREE tropical fish, 2 sharks, tiger barb, angel fish, algae fish. 928-345-8006.

Sharon’s Petsitting & Australian Shepards LLC. Licensed and Bonded. 623-386-0281 / 623-810-0136.

Motorcycles, Boats & Golf Carts 400

1994 STRATOS bass boat. 150hp Johnson, loaded, $6500. Negotiable. Call for information 602-300-8023.

2004 VICTORY Kingpin. Only 9,200 miles. Regularly serviced. Was $17,900 new. A beautiful bike in excellent condition. $6,700 Call 602-908-4718.

Automotive 500

$ $100- $500+ ABANDONED all as is autos! Good condition more $$$$. Best prices! Fast, free pick up. 623-329-2043.

$ $100- $500+ ABANDONED

Avondale

a response packet that is not properly addressed or identified. Request for Proposal Packets will be available on or after Wednesday, March 15, 2017, for pick-up at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, Arizona 85323 or download at www.avondale. org/procurement. Information regarding this Request for Proposals opportunity may be obtained by contacting Loretta Browning at 623-333-2029. The City of Avondale will endeavor to ensure every way possible that disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) shall have every opportunity to participate in providing materials/services without being discriminated against on grounds of race, religion, sex, age, or natural origin. DBE businesses are encouraged to submit on this solicitation. Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 15, and 22, 2017.

SECTION 2-1-60, REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS RELATED TO THE START TIME OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

TOLLESON, ARIZONA, as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Code of the City of Tolleson, Arizona (the “City Code), Chapter 2 (Administration), Article 2-1 (Mayor and Council), Section 2-1-60 (Regular and Special Meetings), Subsection (A) (Regular Meetings) is hereby amended to read as follows: § 2-1-60 –Regular and Special Meetings. (A) Regular meetings. The Council shall hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. When the day fixed for any regular meeting of the Council falls upon a day designated by law as a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding day not a holiday. All

regular meetings of the Council shall be held in the City Hall of Tolleson.

SECTION 2. All ordinances, parts of ordinances and resolutions in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, or any part of the City Code adopted herein by reference, are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason to be held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.

SECTION 4. The immediate operation of this Ordinance is necessary to ensure public health and safety; therefore, an

emergency is hereby declared to exist. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval by the City Council as required by law, and this Ordinance is hereby exempt from the referendum provisions of the constitution and laws of the State of Arizona.

SECTION 5. The Mayor, the City Manager, the City Clerk and the City Attorney are hereby authorized and directed to take all steps and to execute all documents necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this Ordinance.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Tolleson, Arizona, this 14th day of March 2017.

/s/Juan F. Rodriguez for Anna Tovar, Mayor ATTEST:

/s/Crystal Zamora Crystal Zamora, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM /s/ Gary Verburg Gary Verburg, City Attorney Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 22, and 29, 2017.

City of Tolleson Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF TOLLESON CITY COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Tolleson Mayor and Council will conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 beginning at 6:00 P.M. at the City of Tolleson City Hall Complex, 9555 West Van Buren

Street, Tolleson, Arizona 85353 for the purpose of: Soliciting comments from interested parties in reference to Temporary Use Permit Application #17020009 as submitted by Diego Espinoza of Fuego Mexican Grill & Cantina, 9118 West Van Buren Street, Tolleson, Arizona 85353 to use Fuego Mexican Grill & Cantina’s parking lot to host the 10th Annual Fuego de Mayo event to benefit the Tolleson Woman’s Club through beer and wine sales. The event will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. and Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. Notice given by Tolleson City Clerk Crystal Zamora on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Published in the West Valley

OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR

I. NAME: SALDANA DELIVERIES LLC

L-2144537-7

II. The address of the known place of business is: 8590 W. Washington St., Tolleson, AZ 85353

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Moises Saldana, 221 N. 153rd Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338

B. Management of the limited liability company is reserved to the members. The names and addresses of each person who is a member are: Moises Saldana, Member, 221 N. 153rd Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338

Daniel Saldana, Member, 221 1st Unit 27, Avondale, AZ 85323

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 8, 15, and 22, 2017.

Public Notice

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. NAME: STACQME, LLC

L-2157103-2

II. The address of the known place of business is: 2641 S. 172nd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Matthew Merritt, 2641 S. 172nd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338

A. Management of the limited liability company is vested in a manager or managers. The names and addresses of each person who is a manager AND each member who owns a twenty

percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: AcqMe, LLC, Manager, 2641 S. 172nd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338

Sonoran Technology and Professional Services, LLC, Member, 15655 W. Roosevelt St. Ste 141, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 15, 22, and 29, 2017.

Public Notice ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. NAME: SAGUARO BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC

L-2166733-5

II. The address of the known place of business is: 15767 W. Taylor St., Goodyear, AZ 85338

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Virginia Saldivar, 15767 W. Taylor St., Goodyear, AZ 85338

B. Management of the limited liability company is reserved to the members. The names and addresses of each person who is a member are: Metro Accounting and Professional Services LLC, Member, 15767 W. Taylor St., Goodyear, AZ 85338

Sonoran Technology and Professional Services LLC, Member, 15655 W. Roosevelt, Ste. 141, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 22, 29, and April 5, 2017.