West Valley View - June 14, 2017 by Times Media Group

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PENCIL YOURSELF

Looking for something to do?

Check out the 9 Days a Week calendar — Page 14.

NEAR DROWNING

18-month-old pulled from Buckeye swimming pool — Page 2.

ON A BUDGET

Buckeye OKs $225 million fiscal year 2017-18 budget — Page 3.

$180 million UPS facility coming to Goodyear

by Kourtney Balsan special to the View

United Parcel Service Inc., the world’s largest package delivery company, announced its plans June 1 for a new $180 million regional processing hub in Goodyear.

“We’re thrilled about this announcement,” Goodyear City Councilwoman Joanne Osborne said at the June 5 council meeting. “We’re becoming the transportation hub and the logistics hub that these corporations need.”

The facility will be building onto a current 618,000-square-foot building near Interstate 10 and Loop 303 in the PV303 business park near Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI.

The current structure on 140 acres of land will expand to 970,000 square feet.

“It’s a combination of its location, obviously with the Loop 303 and Interstate 10, and there has been a tremendous amount of cooperation with the economic development officials there positioning with the developer,” said Susan Rosenberg, UPS spokeswoman. “There’s already growth, I mean, look at the population. It’s like four-fold in the last 15 years. That’s already driving that there’s more consumer e-commerce and there is also distribution warehouses for retailers and you’ve got manufacturing going in there and that’ll be business-to-business movement, so it’s a growth opportunity for us in the area.”

Once the project is completed, it will bring more than 1,500 jobs in total with 500 full-time and 1,000 part-time jobs, she said.

“It’s going to be a great place for us to draw employees from because it’s been a growing area with growing population,” Rosenberg said.

The existing facility is expected to be operating later this year in time for the busy holiday season, but the total expansion is

(See Mail on Page 5)

JUST KEEP SWIMMING …

Buckeye community passes sex offender ban

Verrado bars Level II, III from common areas Series of incidents reported involving oxygen system

by Chris Caraveo staff writer

A community in Buckeye limited the reach of registered sex offenders after passing a rule in light of residents’ concerns.

The Verrado Community Association Inc. and the Board of Trustees of Verrado Assembly, through a unanimous written consent, restricted Level II and III registered sex offenders from “entering, occupying or using” the VCA’s or VA’s common areas and facilities.

The board approved the rule in accordance with recommendation of the Association’s legal counsel.

The ruling came on May 31 in response to

community concerns after the Buckeye Police Department provided notice of a Level III registered sex offender who recently moved into Verrado. The man was convicted in California in 2003 on two counts of lewd acts with a child younger than 14, according to police.

The department hosted a community forum on May 13 to provide the public with information related to state and city laws regarding registered sex offenders.

In a statement, Chief Larry Hall said the department received several calls about the issue, with some misinformation on social media regarding current registered sex offender laws

View report

The Air Force grounded local flying operations of the F-35A Lightning II aircraft at Luke Air Force Base after a series of incidents involving the oxygen systems on the planes. Five F-35 pilots assigned to the West Valley base reported five incidents involving oxygen deprivation while flying since May 2, according to base officials.

In each case, backup oxygen systems operated as designed and the pilots followed correct procedures, landing the planes safely, according to an Air Force news release.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

SYDNEY WRIGHT, Goodyear lifeguard, works one on one with 5-year-old Zoe Silvas at a swim lesson June 2 at the Goodyear Municipal Pool. West Valley swimming pools have opened for the summer and are offering lessons. See the story on Page 9.

Man dies after collision

View report

A man died Monday after a collision in Avondale, according to officials.

The crash occurred after 5 p.m. near the intersection of Indian School Road and 113th Avenue.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, a westbound vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and collided with an eastbound vehicle, causing serious damage to the passenger side of the westbound vehicle.

A 22-year-old passenger of the westbound vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to the trauma center at Abrazo West Campus, according to he Avondale Fire-Medical Department. He died from his injuries later that night, according to an MCSO spokesman.

Officials identified the man as Daniel Catalan.

Two female drivers received minor injuries and were transported to Abrazo West Campus as a precaution.

Traffic officials closed the roads for several hours to investigate.

MCSO detectives are investigating the possibility of drug impairment for the driver of the westbound vehicle. Speed is also under investigation.

Officials have not submitted any charges.

Man shot in car near Tolleson

View report

Police are searching for a suspect who shot a man inside his vehicle, according to a spokeswoman.

The shooting occurred after 9 p.m. June 8 near the intersection of 91st Avenue and Illini Street, south of Tolleson.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, several witnesses reported seeing a suspect with a rifle walk up to a vehicle stopped at the intersection. The suspect shot the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Police said the victim exited his vehicle and fled on foot to a residence in the 9200 block of West Raymond Street. He received several gunshot injuries and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Officers conducted a search of the area but the suspect is still at large. Police do not have a detailed description of the suspect.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Phoenix Police at 602-262-7626.

County Attorney’s Office clears officers in 2016 shooting

Buckeye Police Department releases body camera video

View report

Police released body camera video of last year’s deadly shooting involving Buckeye officers after the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office cleared the officers of any wrongdoing.

The MCAO delayed releasing the video until the case was resolved. Officials found the officers did not commit any actions warranting criminal prosecution, according to a clearance letter dated May 30 from the MCAO.

The incident occurred June 25, 2016, in the area of Riata Parkway and Wayland Drive.

The Buckeye Police Department responded to the residence of 30-year-old William Ferguson after receiving reports that Ferguson had murdered his wife, Breanne Ferguson, 36.

Officers Larry Biffin and Aaron Price parked their vehicles near the home and attempted to contact Ferguson by phone. While the officers gathered information, Ferguson approached them in a white Dodge pickup

View report

An 18-month-old child was flown to the hospital after falling into a pool June 10 in Buckeye, according to police.

The incident occurred at about 7 p.m. near the intersection of 256th Drive and Lower Buckeye Road, west of Miller Road.

View report

A woman was flown to a Goodyear hospital after her vehicle rolled over on Interstate 10 in Tonopah, according to an official.

The rollover happened at about 1:30 p.m. June 9 near 355th Avenue.

truck, exited the vehicle and ambushed the officers with an assault rifle, according to a release.

Video of the shooting shows the officers taking cover behind the vehicles, with Biffin returning fire. A second round of fire from Ferguson shattered a window on one of the vehicles, police said.

Officer Justin Ricks arrived and fired an AR-15 patrol rifle toward Ferguson, who took his own life after being hit in the shoulder, police said.

Officers checked the Fergusons’ home afterward and found two unharmed children along with Breanne Ferguson, who was dead from multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Evidence at the scene linked William Ferguson to the death of his wife.

“We extend our thanks to the responding officers for their bravery, courage and quick thinking during this extremely dangerous situation,” the department stated in a release. “It was their skill, training and experience that helped them defend against and ultimately stop Ferguson’s rampage, and save the lives of the citizens that day.”

In 2011, Buckeye police created a policy to issue AR-15 patrol rifles to all officers on the street, which they said proved valuable the day of the shooting.

According to the Buckeye Police Department, the child had vital signs when airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Police cannot comment on the child’s medical condition due to privacy laws.

A preliminary investigation revealed the incident was not of criminal nature.

rollover

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a driver heading westbound lost control of her vehicle and ran off the north side of the road, coming to rest on the driver’s side.

The woman was flown to Abrazo West Campus in critical condition, according to a Buckeye Valley Fire District official.

Westbound I-10 was closed for a medical helicopter landing, causing a backup of about 3 miles, according to fire officials.

Troopers are investigating the cause of the collision.

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Buckeye approves $222.5 million budget

City to focus on capital improvement projects next ﬁscal year

by Chris Caraveo staff writer

Revitalizing Buckeye is a big part of the city’s budget for the upcoming year.

The City Council approved a tentative budget of $222.5 million for fiscal year 2017-18, an increase of $27.6 million from last year.

Vice Mayor Craig Heustis and Councilwoman Jeanine Guy voted against passing the budget as is. Councilman Tony Youngker did not attend the meeting.

The final budget will be up for adoption June 20.

“Residents can look forward to a balanced budget that maximizes the use of our resources, minimizes duplicity and promotes fiscal wellness, financial responsibility and accountability,” Communications Manager Annie DeChance said. “The budget will also enhance the city’s economic well-being for a well-planned community.”

Revenues are projected to increase 14 percent to $142.6 million due to additional charges for services and local taxes on construction companies.

The city expects to start the fiscal year with $79.9 million in beginning fund balances.

More than half of Buckeye’s $100 million operating budget will go toward personnel services.

Heustis said he voted against adopting the tentative budget because he wanted more money to go toward employees.

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

Maricopa County supervisors are expected to approve a $2.49 billion budget that allocates 53 percent of spending over the next year to public safety and criminal justice.

The budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1 got tentative approval last month and will be considered for final approval by supervisors at their meeting next week.

The 2017-18 budget is up from the previous year’s budget of $2.356 billion.

“With this budget, we are creating a long-term path to success for law enforcement,” said Supervisor Clint

“The only point that I had a difference with was the percentage that was going to be included in salaries,” he said. “The percent that was approved is good. I was just looking for a little bit more for the employees. Other than that, I agree with the total budget.”

Heustis said the numbers will probably stay where they are when the final budget is adopted.

The city is investing more in its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and one-time expenses. Last year, Buckeye spent about $17 million on capital projects. This year, that number is almost $65 million.

“We have been working to complete the Water Master Plan, the Transportation Master Plan and the General Plan before defining the list of priorities for the Capital Improvement Program,” Construction and Procurement Manager Chris Williams said.

Buckeye set aside $47.5 million for projects including improvements to the intersection at Verrado Way and Van Buren Street, a $2.1 million endeavor.

Two new water treatment plants are coming to Buckeye. More than half of the $23 million in CIP water and wastewater funding in this year’s budget is for the design phases of both facilities. Construction funding will be allocated in future budgets.

The Roosevelt Street Improvement District is budgeted for $13 million. However, the city’s portion of the

Hickman, who represents District 4, which covers portions of the West Valley.

The budget’s largest capital project is $82.29 million for the design and construction of a new jail intake facility with a 1,280-bed jail and a 512-bed holding facility for stays of 72 hours or less. Construction is expected to start this summer.

The budget also includes $31.97 million for a public safety radio system and $37 million to convert an unused facility in Phoenix into a working space for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Other budget lines include more than $5 million for projects in county parks.

A $1.2 million allocation for Estrella

Roosevelt project is only $495,000. Also funded under the CIP are airport and facility improvements.

Buckeye budgeted $17.1 million for new and replacement equipment, and other one-time expenses for various infrastructure and facility improvements/ renovations. The city will also update its website.

“We opened Skyline park last year. And after 12 months of use the first year there were 203,000 people went through the park and trails and such,” Mayor Jackie Meck said. “So there’s provisions in there for more trails in the park. We’re going to start on a second piece of Rainbow [Sundance] Park on Rainbow Road that has tremendous support from our citizens.”

The city will add 20 new positions, including three each in the police and fire departments to support population increase, which is estimated to be 68,784 by the end of the fiscal year. Fire personnel will also help with the community paramedicine program.

DeChance said the amount of shared revenues the city obtains from the state of Arizona may be the only change to the budget. Buckeye is slated to receive $22 million in state shared revenues.

Residents will continue to pay primary property taxes at $1.80 per $100 of taxable assessed valuation. Revenues from property tax are expected to be about $6.8 million, which go toward public safety expenses. Buckeye does not have a secondary property tax.

The property tax levy will go before the council for approval on July 5.

Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear will include money for expanded turf areas and restrooms, according to Reid Spaulding, deputy county manager.

The budget includes $580,000 for campground upgrades at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Spaulding said.

The public can comment on the budget during a public hearing at 10 a.m. June 19 at the Board of Supervisors’ Conference Room on the 10th floor, 301 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix.

The same meeting will include the “truth in taxation” hearing that provides taxpayers the opportunity to voice opinions on proposed levies.

If approved, taxpayers will see increases

on the county portion of their annual property tax bill.

An adjustment of the county’s primary property tax would raise primary taxes on a $100,000 home from $135.33 to $140.09.

A secondary property tax for the flood control district would raise property taxes on a $100,000 home from $17.08 to $17.92.

A secondary property tax for the library district would raise property taxes on a $100,000 home from $5.37 to $5.56.

Supervisors will determine the final tax levy proposal at a meeting at 10 am. Aug. 21.

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

Maria R. DiLeo, M.D.

Kim Roberts,

Cari L. Cowling, M.D.

James M. Johnson, M.D.

SPRUCING UP THE PLACE

Buckeye graduates can apply for DAR scholarship

The Daughters of the American Revolution is offering a $500 scholarship to college sophomores, juniors and seniors who are graduates of the Buckeye Union High School District and are attending a public Arizona college or university.

For information, call Gina Ragsdale at 623-2563430 or Jean Denman at 602-309-1293 or email darscholarbv@hotmail.com.

Daniel Jaskoski named to dean’s list

Daniel James Jaskoski of Avondale was named to Seattle Pacific University’s dean’s list for the winter 2016 semester.

To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Chelsie Goddard graduates

Chelsie Goddard of Avondale graduated May 6 with a Bachelor of Science in health science pre-physical therapy from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan.

A RENOVATED parking lot and new shaded seating area and trees are found at the entrance of the Goodyear Public Library Tuesday in Goodyear. Upon completion, the space will be etched with a Neil Gaiman quote chosen by local library enthusiasts, which reads, “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.”

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View photo by Jordan Christopher

expected to be completed by late 2019.

“We’ll phase it in and open it in stages,” Rosenberg said. “You won’t see the brown trucks coming and going, but you’ll see tractors and trailers coming and going.”

The hub will add infrastructure for alternative fuels, a UPS Customer Center, and Local Route Dispatch for the familiar brown package delivery trucks, she said.

“When the Goodyear facility opens, it’s principle focus will be large-scale processing for movement through the UPS ground network, so that’s going to make it an important regional hub,” Rosenberg said.

The large size of the future facility is common for a hub, Rosenberg said.

“We get a lot of packages. When you think about it, you have overhead doors that trailers are backed up to and one part of the building those trailers are unload trailers,” she said. “It is a maze of sophisticated conveyer systems, scanning cameras and operational technology so that packages are unloaded out of the trailers and they move through the sorting process going to different destinations. Then, they get reloaded back into these trailers. That’s principally, as a regional hub, in-transit processing.”

Michelle Lawrie, Goodyear economic development director, and a UPS representative presented the announcement to the Goodyear City Council June 5.

“This is another one of those that we’ve spent countless executive sessions on,” Councilman Bill Stipp said at the meeting. “To UPS, we say, ‘Thank you.’ It’s a pleasure to have you as part of our city. We know the great things that UPS brings and it becomes another reason for people to move into our community.”

Lawrie said the UPS facility will provide $1.2 million in direct revenue to the city over the next five years and $1 billion in economic output.

“This is a great way to have your last meeting. It’s so exciting,” said Sharolyn Hohman as she served her last meeting as councilwoman.

A concern of the council will be traffic in the area because a new church will also be building nearby, but Lawrie assured the council that more specifics will be examined regarding the issue.

“We may need another discussion of a light,” Councilwoman Wally Campbell said.

Overall, the council welcomed UPS to Goodyear and reflected its excitement toward the new project.

“I am very pleased that United Parcel Service selected Goodyear for its regional operations center. UPS locating here is huge step forward to further our goal as an employment corridor,” Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord said in a press release.

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

and the rights of offenders living within the community.

According to the resolution, the Association determined registered sexual or violent offenders classified as Level II or III present an “unreasonable danger” to the owners and residents of the Verrado community because of their access to shared facilities and areas.

Intermediate and high level offenders will not be able to access Verrado’s common areas, which Director of Communications Jennifer Barefoot said is any land owned by the VCA and VA, including community parks.

The rule does not prohibit registered sex offenders from owning or living in a home.

“Enforcement of the rule is subject to the community’s governing documents, including the Community

Grounded

(From Page 1)

After flying was canceled June 9, grounding of the aircraft was extended this week at the base, which is one of the Air Force’s primary F-35 pilot-training sites.

Flights were canceled “to synchronize operations and

Buckeye holds hearing on property tax levy

The city of Buckeye will hold a public hearing to provide residents an opportunity to comment on a proposed 3 percent increase in the primary property tax levy.

The hearing will be during the council’s regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. June 20 at City Hall, 350 E. Monroe Ave.

The proposed levy would be $227,798 above the Truth

DAN STARK , senior vice commander of Buckeye American Legion Post 53, and Scott Snider, 8, of Pack 263 properly dispose of torn, faded and soiled American flags during Buckeye’s annual flag disposal ceremony June 10 at the Legion Hall.

Charter for Verrado and Noncompliance Enforcement Guidelines,” Barefoot said. “All owners, tenants, residents, guests or any other party within the community are subject to this rule.”

The resolution protects the VCA and VA of any liability for failure to monitor or inform residents of a registered sex offender in the community.

Buckeye police send out a notification whenever a Level II or III registered sex offender moves into the city.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety keeps track of registered sex offenders online, where users can enter an address and search for an offender within five miles of the location. According to a city search on the website, 40 registered sex offenders live in Buckeye.

The resolution was posted to verrado.com under the Book of Resolutions in accordance with the VCA and VA bylaws.

Chris Caraveo can be reached at ccaraveo@westvalleyview.com.

maintenance efforts toward safe flying efforts,” Brig Gen. Brook Leonard, the 56th Fighter Wing commander, said in a news release. “Our focus is on the safety and wellbeing of our pilots. We are taking the necessary steps to find the root cause of these incidents.”

A team of engineers, maintenance personnel and aeromedical specialists are examining the incidents.

The flying operations cancellation is limited to Luke Air Force Base, but pilots elsewhere are being educated about the situation, according to the Air Force.

in Taxation levy amount, an increase of $6.07 to $180 on a $100,000 home.

The tax is exclusive of increased primary property taxes received from new construction, any changes occurring from property tax levies or voter approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides.

Review highlights of the city of Buckeye’s proposed budget at buckeyeaz.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ FY-17-18-Budget-Highlights.pdf.

Goodyear election math gets fuzzier

Goodyear, you’ve got some ’splainin’ to do. Remember that editorial we wrote back in March after the city’s primary election? The editorial that explained what under votes and over votes are? The editorial that spelled out how the city actually adds those votes into the total vote count to determine the number of votes needed to win the primary? The editorial that disclosed that Brannon Hampton would have won the primary outright if not for under and over votes? The editorial that told Goodyear residents that those under and over votes cost them a lot of dough for a runoff election?

Well, the city is ﬁnally admitting that something might be amiss.

Let’s rewind a bit. When the results were released for the March 14 primary election, we called it. We said incumbents Joe Pizzillo and Wally Campbell and newcomer Brannon Hampton won the three open city council seats. We based that on the formula that adds all of the votes cast, divides that number by the number of seats to be ﬁlled, and then divides that by two and rounds to the highest whole number. That number is the majority of votes needed to win the primary. We came up with 5,372 votes needed to win outright. Pizzillo had 7,768, Campbell had 6,908 and Hampton had 6,094.

But Goodyear reported that a runoff (or general) election was necessary because only Pizzillo and Campbell received a majority.

That’s when we started asking questions and found out the city adds over votes (more votes cast than available seats) and under votes (fewer votes cast than available seats) into the total vote count to determine a majority, and 5,422 under votes changed things big time. Add those, along with the 36 over votes, into the total and suddenly Hampton was lacking by about 188 votes to obtain the majority necessary to win the primary.

We hounded the city clerk for a couple of days and got the same answer over and over again: “It’s complicated” and it’s “written into the city charter.”

Especially considering the city charter reads: “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.”

“Votes cast.” We couldn’t get past that verbiage. Even after the city’s public information ofﬁcer told us Goodyear considers over votes and under votes to be “votes cast.” No other West Valley city considers over and under votes into the formula to determine a majority.

(See Election math on Page 7)

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L etters to the editor are published without any editing. Any errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar are those of the author. Two online reader polls have indicated that

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How valid is astrology?

Editor:

Here’s a question for your readers: have any of you at one time read your horoscope in the newspaper? I went on-line to www.Astrolabe.com and saw a copy of my astrological natal chart-complete with a general interpretation. If you want a more in-depth chart, they will email you one, for a fee. I am a Capricorn with Virgo rising (indicates a laterin-life marriage); My Moon is in Taurus(singing ability), have Venus in Scorpio(sexy); Neptune in the third house (spinto lyrico); Uranus and Jupiter in Cancer (cooking ability); Mars in 7th House (more than one marriage); Chiron and North Node in Capricorn.

According to the interpretation of my chart, I’m suppose to be “shy, yet analytical and creative.” How valid is Astrology?

I looked up Jeopardy contestant Matt Jacksons’ birthdate (6/24/1992). He’s won $441,000 Dollars on that game show. He was born on a Gemini-

Cancer Cusp. In his astrological analysis, it indicates he will be “famous for his brains.”

Do you know your Chinese astrological sign? Mine is the Year of the Horse. The signs change once every 12 years. If you’re born in January (like I am), your Chinese astrological sign is in the previous year. People born in the Horse year are responsible, hard-working, but their Achilles’ heel is love.

Look at Princess Margaret Rose (born 1930), she fell in love with a commoner, but was not allowed to marry him; she married somebody else. The Horse is an egoist-it’s all about ME. The previous sign before I was born, was the year of the Snake: the savants and very beautiful women are born under this sign. I plan to contact other people who share my birthdate (1/3/1955) and see what they have in common with me. I can be reached at rivaslaura505@ gmail.com.

Laura Rivas Buckeye

Double down, I don’t care

Editor:

Again I was talking to my republican friend. Who supports Donald Trump. In whatever decisions Trump chooses, he supports it. I had to tell him it’s getting really hard for me to take

this President actions. First of all he acts like a “King” and not a “President”. Oh, got to stop you there Dave. You know my saying, yep I do,I say back to him, its, “ I Don’t Care ”. There you go, continue please. Alright, I say, ﬁrst off, you want me to believe all news CNN, Headline news and news agency’s world wide. They are giving us false facts as news. “That’s right”, but you’re false facts, given to us by “King Trump” is the real factual news. “That’s right”, he gives us the facts. “O.K” I say, we can’t have an intelligent conversation. Because one of us is lacking in something I can’t explain to you. “Alright then” I guess our conversation is over then, I say. Well Dave, remember Trump’s motto, it works for him, and it works for me. Yep, know by heart now, “ Double Down, I Don’t Care”.

David Rice Avondale

We are not a democracy

Editor:

Every day I hear someone talking about our American democracy, including from our elected politicians. We have never been a democracy and our founding fathers never intended us to be. The reason

(See Letters on Page 7)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

• Yes • No

Do you think James Comey violated any laws when he leaked his memos detailing meetings with the president?

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

76 total Votes

How do you feel about CNN ﬁring Kathy Grifﬁn following her photo shoot depicting President Trump’s decapitated head?

• Agree — 84% • Disagree — 15%

Take the View’s online poll at the home page of our Website, www.WestValleyView.com

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook! Or mention @WestValleyView and tag your tweets with #wvvpoll! The

Letters Election math

(From Page 6)

We walked away from those discussions feeling the city was miscalculating election results, and now it appears that may be exactly what’s been happening.

Former candidate Sara Gilligan (who faced off with Hampton in a very expensive May 16 runoff election) spoke at the June 5 council meeting. She expressed her desire to move the city’s election to the fall of evennumbered years and to do away with adding over and under votes into the total, despite the fact that it gave her a second chance. Mayor Georgia Lord told Gilligan city staff would contact her to explain the process the city went through to determine its election cycle but didn’t address over and under votes. Councilman Bill Stipp then asked City Manager Brian Dalke if staff could look into why the city counts over and under votes. Dalke replied that it’s being looked into. We asked Dalke ourselves for a progress report and were told, “The city will be evaluating but we have not ﬁnalized a process at this time. We plan to complete the evaluation within the next 12 months, well before the next city election (scheduled for spring 2019).”

Twelve months? Read the city charter. Read Arizona Revised Statutes 9-821.01. Twelve seconds is more like it. Over and under votes shouldn’t count! Who does that? Goodyear.

So we decided to look back through past elections and discovered some rather startling ﬁnds.

Since 2003, three runoff elections have been conducted that would not have been necessary had over and under votes not been counted. Bill Stipp would have won outright in 2011, Sharolyn Hohman in 2013 and Hampton last March. The May 16 runoff election cost Goodyear residents an extra $90,000. That’s a lot of potholes that could have been ﬁlled.

But even more startling were the 2003 and 2005 elections that appear to have been miscalculated in another way altogether. For those elections, the city divided the number of ballots cast by two and added one to get the majority needed to win the primary. Ballots and votes are two very different things. Both elections had three open council seats, meaning each ballot could have had up to three votes.

We reached out to Goodyear’s city clerk and PIO Monday morning asking why the votes were tallied that way. We got a reply acknowledging the question and promising to get back to us, but as of printing, we hadn’t received an answer.

We hope it doesn’t take 12 months.

Our Viewpoint editorials represent the opinions of the West Valley View editorial board, which is composed of Publisher Elliott Freireich and Managing Editor Cary Hines.

(From Page 6)

the Electoral College was written into our Constitution was to have our states, as opposed to having Congress or a majority of a popular vote, elect our president. With the states selecting our president, it forces the candidates to impress on the states that they are the most qualiﬁed for the position.

The National Popular Vote would virtually eliminate smaller states and rural areas from having a voice in the choice of president. Instead of candidates wooing ‘swing states’, they would concentrate their efforts solely on densely populated areas. Cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago would be electing our president under NPV. This reduces the effectiveness of a single vote even more than under the Electoral College where a candidate needs to win at least 11 states.

In 58 presidential elections there were only four instances when the candidate won the Electoral College and did not win the popular vote. Amazingly the country did not come to an end. If the system is not broken, why try to ﬁx it.

Brenda Roden Avondale

Bad deal in Paris

Editor:

Somehow saving billions of dollars and thousands of US jobs doesn’t seem to be important to the left. Instead, transferring jobs and giving our tax dollars to large, unaccountable bureaucracies to pursue a .2 Celsius degree drop by the year 2100 is more important.

Under the Paris Climate Accord, the two largest polluters on the planet, China and India are given a pass until 2030, but the country with the cleanest air, water and a leader in clean technology is forced to pay billions into UN slush funds like the Green Climate Fund. Such irony seems only fair to

large, socialistic countries who envy US capitalistic innovation and creativity and want only to punish us. Instead of allowing the free market to determine clean tech winners and losers, the socialists want to waste billions subsidizing their cronies.

It has been American ingenuity and competition that has kept energy prices low at home and European socialism that has made electricity a luxury in parts of Europe. Indeed, the average German pays three times more for electricity than the average American thanks to Germany’s reliance on expensive windmill and solar energy.

By putting America ﬁrst while pursuing reasonable environmental policies our President fulﬁlled his promise to the American people by withdrawing from a very bad deal.

Igor Shpudejko Goodyear

AHCA favors insurance cos.

Editor:

When it comes to pre-existing health conditions, there’s no such thing as “the good ole days”. We can’t afford to go back in time. Not many years ago (before 2010) insurers could charge sick people impossibly high rates. If you had cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or even a Caesarean section, insurance companies labeled it a pre-existing condition and slapped you with a whopping insurance premium. Rates were so high people I knew had to go without health insurance. They just couldn’t afford it. In fact, a personal friend with a life-long “pre-existing condition” went bankrupt. She was ill, broke and denied health insurance.

Well, here we go again. The American Health Care Act (AHCA) that the U.S. House of Representatives passed recently gives the upper hand back to the insurance companies. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. But this bill is still especially punishing for people age 50-64, who often have chronic conditions, like more than 480,000 Arizonans right

here in our state. The U.S. Senate is at work revising this bad bill behind closed doors. Instead of disqualifying health insurance shoppers due to pre-existing conditions, the popular preexisting protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) MUST be retained in this replacement bill. Health care for Americans must be (1) realistic for our health needs and (2) ﬁnancially within reach for all of us.

Ginny Correa Creager Litchﬁeld Park

Wake

me up when it’s over

Editor:

Everyone is wrong. Just ask anyone. The Left is right and the Right is wrong. The overwhelming amount of information that is propagated by those who would hope to inﬂuence anyone who will absorb it is beyond the pale. The ability of anyone with a device to be recognized has become absurd. Our litigious society is commonplace and overwhelming. The narcissistic nature that is capturing our youth and their institutions of higher learning is not only disturbing but deeply troubling. Unfortunately, the popular agenda of rewriting our history and ignoring the truths of America’s historical founding has overcome our society. Just ask anyone.

George F

Business Briefcase

by Shane McOwen staff writer

Howdy, all, and welcome to the Business Briefcase.

I hope everyone enjoyed the “nice” temperatures over the last few days. We’re not exactly opening our windows, but I think mid-90s temperatures qualify as nice this time of year.

By next week’s issue, summer will have officially hit. That’s right, June 20 is the first day of summer.

Now that you’re done laughing at that hilarious joke, let’s move on to the business items, shall we?

First up, some big news for the West Valley.

United Parcel Service has announced plans for a new $180 million regional processing center in Goodyear.

View reporter Kourtney Balsan has the full details on Page 1, but here are a few highlights.

The package-processing facility will be located by Interstate 10 and Loop 303, near the Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI warehouses, and will expand a current

618,000-square-foot building to 970,000 square feet.

The UPS hub is expected to be operating at a limited capacity by the end of the year. The total expansion completion is set for late 2019.

The center will eventually provide more than 1,500 jobs, 500 in the full-time capacity.

For information on the new facility, visit pressroom. ups.com.

Those looking to beat the heat can jump over to Jamba Juice in Goodyear at 15479 W. McDowell Road, Suite 103.

The smoothie shop opened today, and offers a variety of fresh juices, smoothies, shots and snacks.

Jamba Juice has more than 900 locations operating in 26 states and seven countries. The first store opened in 1990 in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Jamba Juice’s hours are 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For information, visit jambajuice.com.

Finally, Pottery Barn has been confirmed for the Canyon Trails Towne Center in Goodyear, at the northeast corner of Cotton Lane and Yuma Road.

Pottery Barn has signed a six-month lease for an outlet version of the store.

While an official opening date has not been released, Goodyear officials have been told to expect the home

furnishing store to be up and running by the end of July, the Goodyear economic team said.

Pottery Barn is a wholly owned subsidiary of WilliamsSonoma Inc.

Keep on the lookout for the opening date.

For information, visit potterybarn.com.

That’s all for this week, folks, thanks for sticking with the Briefcase.

We’ll be back next week, celebrating the official start of summer.

We just like to be different here in Arizona. We start summer at least a month before everyone else, don’t have any toll roads, don’t observe daylight savings time and have the bola tie as the official state neckwear.

Phoenix did just jump back into the top five for largest cities in the country, and the entire Valley has been continuously growing for decades, so we must be doing something right in our neck of the woods.

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

Have a great week, everyone. Take care!

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

Juneteenth to be observed at EMCC

View report

For the first time, Estrella Mountain Community College is staging a celebration of Juneteenth, which marks a historical event that dates back to 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War was over and enslaved people were free.

Afternoon and evening events are set for June 19 at the campus at 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale.

The Rev. Jarrett Maupin, a local minister, political consultant and civil rights activist, will lead a discussion of race and politics during a program from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Montezuma Hall

Center for Teaching and Learning.

Also featured during the afternoon event will be the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln signed in 1863 freeing the slaves.

Singer Candice Chavez, an EMCC alumna, will perform the national anthem and songs reflective of Juneteenth. A soloist will sing “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.”

A barbecue luncheon will feature traditional fare significant to the African American community.

Rashad Shabazz, associate professor at the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University, will be the

guest speaker during the evening program, which will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center.

Shabazz is the author of Spatializing Blackness: Architectures of Confinement and Black Masculinity in Chicago, a study of how race and gender can be affected by the structure of the prison system.

Also during the evening event will be musical performances by Chavez and 8919 Productions.

Roberta Collins, a poet who’s a junior at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, will do a poetry reading.

Light refreshments will be served. Events are free and open to the public.

Museum has summer hours

The Litchfield Park Museum, 13912 W. Camelback Road, Litchfield Park, has begun its summer schedule. It will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays through Labor Day.

More feeding sites added

The following sites have been added to the Summer Feeding Program:

• Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, 9401 W. Garfield St., Tolleson. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. and lunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to noon through June 30.

• Esther Angulo Community Center, 9555 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. Lunch will be served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. through July 28.

Shane McOwen

Dive in!

Swimming lessons being oﬀered across West Valley

by Jack Hines III special to the view

Arizona isn’t exactly the kind of place you’d imagine great swimmers would come from.

Approximately 99 percent of the state is hot desert, all of which is landlocked between several other deserts. The idea of people swimming in such an environment brings about the images of cartoon mirages, with Bugs Bunny swimming through sand dunes. After all, there is no way anyone should be able to find such a place for aquatic activity, right?

Wrong! The West Valley is rife with public pools and they’re all offering swim lessons for the summer.

“We focus on teaching parents how to teach their kids to swim,” said Kristen Ennis, recreation coordinator for Goodyear.

The lessons typically range in age and experience levels, offering new material for everyone, from someone who has never heard of doggy paddling to people who love to lounge in the water.

“Litchfield Park has been training competent swimmers since 1963,” said Chris Weaver of the Litchfield Park Recreation Center.

It’s no small boast. Even desert dwellers can swim with the best of them, with the right training.

“Our program is through the American Red Cross. All our teachers are Red Cross certified,” Ennis said.

Safety is a No. 1 concern for all cities involved. Many of the lessons will have safety topics and training on survival swimming.

“We’re going to have 130 lessons over the session course, with about eight to 12 people per class,” Weaver said.

All totaled, several hundred lesson opportunities are offered by West Valley cities. Here’s the low-down on what lessons are being offering:

Goodyear

Goodyear offers a variety of age

through Thursdays. Lessons are at the Goodyear Community Pool, 430 E. Loma Linda Blvd., Goodyear.

People can register for classes at goodyearaz.gov or at the pool one week before each new session on Mondays or Tuesdays for residents and Wednesdays for non-residents. Registration is $40 per session for residents and $50 for non-residents. For information, visit goodyearaz.gov.

Buckeye

Buckeye offers lessons from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Lessons are at the Dr. Saide Recreation Center, 1003 E. Eason Road, Buckeye.

Lessons are available for varying skill levels, with three preschool level lessons,

four school-age lessons and a variety of specialty lessons for teens and adults as well as lessons on diving and more.

The registration price is $20 a session for residents and $30 for non-residents. Saturday lessons are $10. For information or to register, visit www.buckeyeaz.gov.

Tolleson

Tolleson’s lessons for youths and adults consist of four levels, from basic water skills to advanced skills such as survival swimming and stamina drills.

Three more Monday-through-Thursday sessions are available. Registration for those sessions closes Friday, June 30 and July 14, with the lessons starting three days after the closing dates. Lessons run from 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.

Lessons are at the Tolleson Union High

School pool, 9419 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson.

The price for registration for each session is $25 per person.

To register or for information, visit tuhsd.org/Community_Pool.

Litchfield Park

Litchfield Park has a plethora of swim lessons available throughout June and July for different levels of skill.

Lessons are at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park.

Lessons typically run from 10:30 to 11:40 a.m. and 5 to 6:10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Lesson session costs are typically $35 for residents and $42 for non-residents.

For information, visit litchfield-park.org.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

GOODYEAR LIFEGUARD SYDNEY WRIGHT teaches 5-year-old Chloe Milam how to swim June 2 at the Goodyear Municipal Pool. Swimming lessons are underway at pools across the West Valley.

A. Hinderks Davis Board Certi ed Mohs Dermatologist with extensive

Agua Fria hires new baseball coach; An experience at the French Open

Lady Tigers hoops begin trek back to state Millennium hopes to channel

experience, summer program into positive results

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Millennium’s girls basketball team is in the full swing of its summer program, ready to build off its 6A Conference runners-up finish.

Before the Lady Tigers could move forward, they had to address the elephant in the room, Millennium coach Cory Rojeck said.

At the first practice of the summer, that’s just what they did.

“The first thing I did when I had the girls on my end of the court, we sat there and for the first 10 minutes of practice, talked about the state championship game,” Rojeck said. “Not in a way to reflect and feel sad about it, but in a way to be proud of what we accomplished. The focus of the conversation was what do we need to improve on as a group to finish the

job? The girls really took well to it.”

Millennium lost the title game to Surprise Valley Vista, 44-36, to end the 2016-17 season. Rojeck said after some internal reflection following the loss, the team identified two areas to improve upon in its quest for the program’s first state title.

“After every game, I want the team we played to be able to say two things,” Rojeck said. “First, damn, they are really tough and physical, and second, they really play well together. More times than not, if the team you played can say that about you, you probably won that game.”

So far, the Lady Tigers have been showing signs of improvement in those areas. Millennium went undefeated in the Arizona Christian University team camp

during early June, defeating Phoenix Mountain Pointe in the final. That showing was without two key players from the state run, Dominique Phillips and Ali Zelaya, who missed the camp because of injury and vacation, respectively. The Lady Tigers only dressed seven for the six-game stretch.

“It’s impressive how well we did,” Rojeck said.

“We’re definitely playing with more of a sense of confidence.”

Millennium had three players named to the alltournament team: Shyann Heredia, Alaina Diggs and Jasmine Singleton. Tyonna Singleton also performed well at ACU, and probably deserved a spot on the alltournament team as well, Rojeck said.

“I guess they can’t give all-tournament honors to everyone on the team,” Rojeck said.

Returning challenge

Not much will change for Millennium, in terms of personnel, when the regular

season rolls around in November. The Lady Tigers lost only two seniors, and return their top five scorers from last season. The continuity has given the team a head start on what it’s able to work on in practice, Rojeck said.

“The nice thing when you have a team that has a lot of returners is you don’t have to spend a lot of time on install stuff, stuff on the court,” Rojeck said. “We just want to improve the mentality of our girls and the toughness that we play with. That’s been our big focus in June, playing with a chip on your shoulder when you walk on the floor. Having that mindset of no matter who you play, the confidence is there that we’re going to win the game.”

Rojeck said he’s seeing strides in the way the team attacks the game mentally.

“I think at the end of the Valley Vista game [at state], some of our weaknesses showed, a sense of urgency, playing with toughness,” Rojeck said. “We struggled down the stretch with how young we were.”

Last year’s playoff

final may have

View photo by Ray Thomas

DOMINIQUE PHILLIPS of Millennium drives to the hoop against Gilbert in the 6A semifinals at Gila River Arena in Glendale Feb. 23. Phillips was the Lady Tigers’ leading scorer last season as a sophomore and will be back in 2017-18.

View photo by Ray Thomas

ALI ZELAYA of Millennium pulls up for a shot against Desert Mountain in the 6A state playoffs Feb. 14 at Millennium. Zelaya was the Lady Tigers’ second leading scorer as a freshman last year.

3 majors down, 1 to go French Open experience is on level

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

of its own

You’d be hard pressed to argue that clay isn’t the most unique surface in tennis.

The reddish color, the way it makes players artfully slide to get to balls on the other side of the court, how it slows down the ball, which changes the way players have to approach their game, and opponent.

Two weeks ago, I got to experience clay firsthand when I went to the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris. It marks the third major tennis tournament I’ve been to, along with the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.

Each of the three has a different surface, so comparing them is like apples to oranges — or a baguette to wonder bread — but the French crowd made it supremely entertaining, especially when one of their own is playing.

I had a ticket for court PhillipeChatrier, which is the main court at Roland Garros. Despite being the biggest court on the grounds, it’s much smaller compared to Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York (14,840 capacity to 23,771). That means no matter where you’re sitting, you’ve got a good seat. I appreciate that, because it made for a more intimate and intense atmosphere.

I got to see four full matches, and one partial match. The partial match was a continuation from the night before when darkness halted Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a French player, and Argentina’s Renzo Olivo. The stadium, which was half empty for the morning match featuring Venus Williams, was packed to the brim for their French superstar. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan. He lost the first game, while serving, to lose the match in four sets. His court time was about five minutes in a match that took 3.5 hours overall. The crowd tried to rally him, cheering loudly after every point he won and encouraging him after the points he lost, but it just didn’t work out.

I also got to see Rafael Nadal play, which was a treat considering how masterful he’s been on clay over the course of his career. He wound up winning Sunday’s final against Stanislas Wawrinka, which makes him a 10-time

winner at Roland Garros.

The best part of the day came at the end. French woman Oceane Dodin was playing Svetlana Kuznetsova, a former French Open champion. After losing the first set, Dodin came from behind in the second and took a 6-5 lead. The match was on Court 1, which is generally reserved for ticket-holders only. However, because it was the end of the day and the court was nearly empty, ushers were letting anyone in. I quickly grabbed a seat behind the baseline and Dodin won the next game to take the set and force a winner-take-all third set. By that stage, the place was filling up quickly and the crowd was completely behind Dodin. Between points, they were shouting “Oceane,” followed by three claps. Another thing the French crowd liked to do was one person would yell out, “Bum bum bum bum bum bum bum, bum bum,” like a horn, and then everyone else would scream, “Ole.” The entire stadium even started the wave, as one person would chant, “Trois, Deux, Un,” (counting down in French) and then the entire section would rise to their feet. It happened on both courts I watched matches from. Dodin won the first game of the final set, but then

double faulted three times on her next service game. She eventually fell behind 4-1, then made another surge to pull it to 4-3, but lost the final two games and the match. Despite her defeat, it was by far the most entertaining match I saw of the day, particularly because of the crowd involvement.

I didn’t watch any matches on the outer courts, other than seeing the Bryan brothers for one set, but the seating was very limited, so if you could get on to one of those courts, the sight lines were tremendous.

There were shops everywhere selling merchandise, so it was easy to get a souvenir. I wanted to buy the towel that the players use during the match, but it sold for 65 euros, or approximately $71. Therefore, the souvenirs I took home were my pictures and memories.

With three of the four majors down, Australia is now on the horizon. I don’t know when I’ll get there, but I’m winning 40-love, so match point is close.

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

Casey Pritchard

View photo by Casey Pritchard

COURT 2 at Roland Garros in Paris May 31 features United State doubles team Mike and Bob Bryan.

Agua Fria names new baseball coach

Assistant coach Drew Olsson

promoted to head position for Owls

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Agua Fria’s baseball program underwent a change at the top this offseason, as Drew Olsson took over as varsity head coach in May.

from what I understand, in a few years,” Olsson said. “This group of guys in particular has been putting in the work over the past couple of years to be able to do it. If they just keep working hard like they’ve been doing and commit themselves to each other and the team, then there’s really no limit as far as what they can do.”

Olsson feels the program has an advantage by hiring someone familiar with its inner workings, he said.

“Certainly being on campus as a teacher and seeing these kids every day, I have a pretty good sense of where they’re at and what they need.”

brought struggles, but it also provided a teachable moment for the future.

“I think that experience has really helped the girls who were freshmen and sophomores last year who are [a year older] this year,” Rojeck said.

The Lady Tigers’ main threats still have multiple years on campus. Phillips, the team’s top scorer, has been a major focal point of the offense for two years, and will only be a junior once school begins in the fall. Diggs and Alexyss Newman will also be juniors, while Zelaya, the team’s second-leading scorer last season at 10.7 points per game, will be a sophomore.

Tyonna Singleton, Nicole Statler and Nova Scott are projected to be the only seniors on next year’s team. Rojeck said Tyonna Singleton and Statler played well in the ACU camp tournament.

Kylie Grant played with the varsity squad as a freshman last season, and will have an opportunity for more court time this year, Rojeck said.

“She’s a key defensive piece,” he said. “She’s a great defender, a great energy player who gets up and down the floor.”

Amoret Maxwell is an incoming freshman who has the skills to make an impact on the varsity level this season, Rojeck said.

“She’s going to be someone you see a lot of the next couple of years,” Rojeck said. “She’s really good.”

Rojeck said he’s been pleased with the summer turnout and focused effort from the entire team.

“The girls who we’ve had this summer have really stepped up their game,” he said. Summer steps, college interest Millennium competed in the Monarch Sports Lady X tournament over the weekend, capturing third place. Rojeck said it’s one of the premier tournaments of the summer.

“They only invite who they feel are the top eight teams in the state this year,” Rojeck said. “That’s a big one; all the big hitters are there.”

The Lady Tigers finished 3-1 in the tournament, beating Mesa Red Mountain 55-51 in overtime in the third-place game.

Millennium beat Seton Catholic and Page, and lost to Phoenix Arcadia in the preliminary rounds.

The Lady Tigers will wrap up their organized summer activities with the Arizona State University team camp and an out-of-state trip to the University of San Diego camp at the end of June.

“I always like to take the girls once on an out-of-state trip in the summer, because it’s really more of a team bonding kind of thing,” Rojeck said. “You want to end [by] hanging out and doing team stuff.”

The team will break in July for club ball season, and reconvene when school starts in August with weight training. Rojeck said July is a big college-viewing period for the club teams, which has affected the school in big ways over the last few years.

“One thing we’ve always been proud of, over the last eight years, we’ve had 18 players go on to play Division I, II or III (in college),” Rojeck said. “Five players have been Division I, and that’ll be more in a couple of years. Tyonna will be No. 6, and Dominique and Ali will both be D-I kids for sure.”

Phillips has an offer from Weber State University in Utah, while Zelaya recently received her first Division I offer from the University of Colorado. The University of Arizona has also shown interest in both girls, Rojeck said.

Singleton has committed to California State University, Bakersfield, a Division I school that competes in the Western Athletic Conference.

Rojeck expects the team’s list of college prospects to expand over the coming weeks and months, he said.

“Of all our returners this year, we return eight, I would not be surprised if all eight of them played college basketball at some level,” Rojeck said.

Not every player will earn an athletic scholarship at the next level, but Rojeck said they stress the importance of college regardless of playing status.

“I think the big thing you want to see out of your program is to help build these young ladies into girls who are respectful citizens and go on to college,” Rojeck said. “Obviously, most kids don’t play collegiate sports, but I would say most kids in our program end up going to college, whether they’re playing or not. That’s what you’d like to see.”

Olsson, who’s coached at every level at the school, takes the reins from Marcos Garcia, who resigned to take another job out of state. The Owls’ familiar hire has helped the team not miss a beat with their offseason program.

“I definitely know the kids well,” Olsson said. “I understand them. We’ve kind of been working as a program the last three years or so, developing into something we can really be proud of. That’s been a work in progress, and I’m just looking forward to continuing that work we’ve been putting in and see where it goes.”

Tim Butler, Agua Fria’s athletic director, said Olsson is a great coach and teacher, and the school is excited to have him lead the program.

“Drew’s been a part of the culture here for the last few years,” Butler said. “He understands the game. He comes from a great place in Colorado where he learned the game, and we’re excited to have him.”

The Owls went 26-43 in three seasons under Garcia, and just missed the playoffs in 2015 and 2017. Olsson said the next step for the group, and the program, is to get back to postseason play.

“We haven’t had a team go there,

Olsson and the Owls are currently going through their summer program, competing in tournaments every weekend in June. Agua Fria is fielding two teams, an 18-under and 15-under, to help the veterans and young players alike get field time.

“We’re working pretty much all the way through June,” Olsson said. “Not a whole lot of breaks between the two seasons, but we’re kind of keeping them on the whole-year program.”

The regular season won’t start until February 2018, but Olsson firmly believes that success will come from the preparation now, he said.

“We graduated five seniors, so that leaves us eight or nine guys returning,” Olsson said. “That experience piece is going to be huge going into next year, where these guys understand what it takes to contend for the playoffs. We’re just going to continue the work we’ve done, developing these guys in the offseason, whether it’s summer baseball, conditioning programs, or whatever we have to do.

“We’re going to be moving in this direction for years to come.”

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

View photo by Ray Thomas

CORY ROJECK, Millennium girls basketball coach, gestures during the 6A state championship game Feb. 28 at Grand Canyon University Arena. The Lady Tigers lost the state championship, but return most

3 majors down, 1 to go French Open experience is on level

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

of its own

You’d be hard pressed to argue that clay isn’t the most unique surface in tennis.

winner at Roland Garros.

With three of the four majors down, Australia is now on the horizon. I don’t know when I’ll get there, but I’m winning 40-love, so match point is close.

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

Casey Pritchard

View photo by Casey Pritchard

COURT 2 at Roland Garros in Paris May 31 features United State doubles team Mike and Bob Bryan.

that’s been around for years? You’ve got to get to Tin Top Bar and Grill. Tin Top is a dining destination for many travelers and locals alike.

Once you’re there, you’ll experience some of the best steaks, burgers, salads and sandwiches in our area.

The Tin Top Tri Tip sandwich is a tender grilled tri-tip smothered in sauted onions, mushrooms mozzarella cheese and served on a hoagie roll. The rib eye and NY strip steak is also a favorite of many.

The menu also features a variety of appetizers, hot and cold sandwiches, complete dinners or ala carte, pizza, desserts and even a kid’s menu.

Look for the beer of the month, usually at a lower price when featured. There’s a full bar with a variety second to none. There’s always lunch and dinner specials, so check with your server when you are seated.

It’s a fun place to be any day or night of the week.

Large wide screen televisions throughout, a pool table, darts and table top video games add to Tin Top’s very friendly and inviting atmosphere. If you like to sing, you’ll love the Karaoke Nights every Friday.

The staff is amazingly friendly and they know the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18. Bring Dad to the Tin Top for a truly enjoyable causal dining experience. There’s bound to be a favorite or two on the menu.

Tin Top is a true delight that needs to be experienced. See for yourself why Tin Top is a destination for many travelers and locals alike. Located at 37901 W. Salome Hwy. in Wintersburg (Tonopah), the restaurant is easy to get to from all parts of the West Valley. Tin Top is four miles south of the Interstate 10 on exit 98 at the corner of Wintersburg Road and Salome Highway. You can also get there from Baseline Road in Buckeye. Head west to Salome Highway. Tin Top is open 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 AM to 1 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Come out and experience all that Tin Top is known for. Great food! Fantastic service! Fun and Friendly atmosphere.

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