Grande LIVING Early Summer 2023

$425,000

2060 N DISCOVERY LN., CASA GRANDE

4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,311 SF

Beautiful single-level home in Casa Grande Lakes on a huge lot. Cook’s delight kitchen with professional line appliances, island, granite countertops, glass and sliced pebble backsplash. Split floor plan with many upgrades. 10’ ceilings throughout. 3-car garage. Enjoy the spacious backyard with a large covered patio, natural gas grill, and a large grass area for outdoor activities.

Connie Rush 520.560.0433

Annalisa Tapia 520.560.2960

$360,000

1542 E BOWMAN DR., CASA GRANDE

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,066 SF

Welcome home! Home features a formal living/dining room at the entrance with an open concept kitchen and family room facing the backyard. Backyard includes a large covered patio and beautiful pool and spa with a low maintenance yard. Large side yard for storage, gardening or pets. Spacious bedrooms with large closets and plenty of storage!

Robin Armenta 520.414.8268

$87,000

2100 N TREKELL RD., #350, CASA GRANDE

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,248 SF55+ Living

Welcome to Adult living at Casa Verde Estates - plenty of amenities and retirement lifestyle! This furnished home has a spacious floor plan with screened in Arizona room. Kitchen has a gas range and wall oven Covered parking and extra storage. Home is sold furnished and is waiting for you!

Yzmira Andujo, PLLC 520.431.1190

$325,000

1253 W. ROOSEVELT AVE., COOLIDGE

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2,424sf

This newly painted two-story home features a downstairs bedroom- perfect for guest room or home office. Upstairs includes a huge loft and laundry close to bedrooms -washer and dryer included!

Susan Gallegos 520.371.0015

Karen Henson 520.705.1714

$284,999

2376 E SANTIAGO TRL., CASA GRANDE

2 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,0 86sf 55+Living

Mission Royale retirement community featuring split floor plan with neutral paint and VLP flooring. Upgrades galore including granite counters, appliances, water softener and epoxy flooring in the garage. Extended pergola, stamped concrete with extended brick patio and artificial turf in the backyard create a lovely oasis perfect for entertaining and relaxing.

Erin Dugan, PLLC 520.709.0998

$315,000

15906 W. IMPALA DR., CASA GRANDE

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1,345sf

Manufactured home on 1.25 acre

Horse property with gorgeous mountain views - country living, close to city conveniences! Fully fenced with corrals to roam and covered stalls, chicken coop and pens. Home has been well-loved and features split floor plan, vaulted ceilings and ample closet and storage space. NO HOA!

Yzmira Andujo, PLLC 520.431.1190

24 Form 990 Key for Nonprofits and Donor

32 Out & About 54 Warm Up your Bathroom with Earth Tones

72 Adventuring by Rail through the Arlberg to Salzburg 76 ‘Uncle Carr’ McNatt Helped Drive CG Forward Now! 78 Events Calendar 93 Rewind: Dancing for our Stars

ADVERTISER INDEX

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Elaine M. Earle, CPA

SALES & MARKETING

Julie Turetzky

Director of Public Relations

John McGuire, Business Development Manager

Jenna Leatherman

Executive Sales & Marketing Assistant

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Shannon Price

Art Director - Graphic Designer

Keith Dobie, Social Media Coordinator

Jennifer Conrad Digital Media Representative EDITORIAL

Christia Gibbons

Senior Editor

Blake Herzog Staff Writer

Valerie Demetros Staff Writer

OPERATIONS

Bea Lueck

Vice President of Operations

COMMENTS AND IDEAS: editor@roxco.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@roxco.com www.grande-living.com/copies

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: info@roxco.com www.grande-living.com/advertise

CORPORATE OFFICE:

1919 N. Trekell Rd., Suite C Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-509-1000 CEO Elaine M. Earle, CPA

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Bea Lueck

Grande LIVING is published by Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, community members and local organizations.

© 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication, including but not limited to editorial content, illustrations, graphics and photographic images, may be republished, reproduced or reprinted without the prior express written consent of the publisher. The publishers of Grande LIVING assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Grande LIVING shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of Grande LIVING Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions.

The Best Pinal Can Get

Summer is coming, so it’s time to focus on what we love about living here as the temperatures start to rise.

That’s what makes this Early Summer issue the ideal one for our annual Best of Pinal survey results, reminding our readers of all the fantastic local businesses we have to provide everything from tacos to orthodontics.

Our winners stretch from Maricopa to Superior and are ready to serve you however they can.

With the departure of our winter residents, it’s time to keep rallying behind the enterprises our friends and neighbors pour their hearts and souls into throughout the year. They’re just some of the many great things about Western Pinal County that are a little more convenient for us to enjoy when we don’t have to compete with so many others for parking spots, restaurant booths or library books.

In this issue we also have plenty of pointers for shoring up our homes to be the best refuge they can be from the heat, including how to know when it’s time for a roof replacement and lighting landscapes for safety as well as aesthetics so they can be enjoyed during the cooler nights.

Local trainer Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie has pointers on how to work out safely during the summer, and our Pinal NOW! section will remind you of all the fun events being held in the next couple of months, undaunted by the season.

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer is the focus of our ROX Interview as he reviews the accomplishments of his six years in office and the biggest challenges he faces for the last two years of his current term.

And when you can’t help but dream about getting away, our travel feature about an Austrian tour by rail will provide all the escapism you need. Bon voyage!

Elaine Earle Publisher, Grande Living magazine

VOICES of t he COMMUNITY

At Grande LIVING magazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community” because we believe the stories in our local region are best told by the people, companies, nonprofits and governments that comprise our community. Here are the “voices” who helped make this issue possible!

Angela Askey Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Arizona College

Donna McBride Councilwoman, City of Casa Grande

Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT

Gigi McWhirter Resident Animal Whisperer

Tori Ward Travel Agent, ROX Travel

Craig McFarland Mayor, City of Casa Grande

Bob Shogren Director, Casa Grande Alliance

T he P inal Coun T y Press

Lucid Motors Restructuring Cuts Nearly 1,000 CG Jobs

Lucid Motors, which is Casa Grande’s largest employer, has let go nearly 1,000 local employees as part of a restructuring plan “in response to evolving business needs and productivity improvements.”

The Bay Area-based producer of luxury electric vehicles said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission the layoffs would affect approximately 18% of its worldwide workforce and nearly all levels of employees would be affected, including executives.

CEO Peter Rawlinson said in a letter to employees March 28 that everyone

losing their job would be notified in the following three days. He also said, “We would not have the best EV on the market without the collective efforts of all of our teams, which is a direct result of your tremendous perseverance, resourcefulness, and teamwork. I want to express my deep personal gratitude to everyone who has contributed up to this point and to the teams that will help advance our mission going forward.”

The initial SEC filing on March 27 indicated about 1,300 positions were being eliminated in the restructuring plan, without stating how many would be coming out of the advanced

manufacturing plant, or AMP-1, at 317 S. Thornton Rd.

An updated WARN notice about the layoffs submitted to the Arizona Department of Economic Security four days later said 968 employees in Pinal County were affected.

Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland said Lucid had about 3,000 employees at the factory before the layoffs and remains the city’s largest employer, while newer arrivals are beginning to ramp up hiring, with Kohler hiring up to 400 to produce bath and shower products at its plant and more companies coming in.

Continued on page 52

ARIZONA CITY | CASA GRANDE | COOLIDGE | ELOY | FLORENCE | MARICOPA

Stories by Blake Herzog

Nikola Marks 100 Orders for Hydrogen-Fueled Trucks

Nikola Corporation has 100 orders in hand for its Class 8 Nikola Tre hydrogen cell-fueled electric heavy-duty trucks (FCEVs), which are to be built at its massive factory on the edge of Coolidge.

The zero tailpipe-emission trucks are powered by a fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen to electricity by combining it with oxygen. They are projected to have a range of 500 miles after each 20-minute charge, making it one of the longest-range commercially available trucks of its kind.

The sales orders are expected to convert into purchase orders after satisfactory completion of the demonstration process, with deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, the company said.

“We believe Nikola is the only company in the U.S. with a Class 8 hydrogen FCEV available in calendar year 2023, engineered and assembled in the U.S., as well as a variety of upcoming hydrogen energy solutions,” said Michael Lohscheller, Nikola’s president and CEO.

“Customers are recognizing this and are demanding zero-

emissions trucking solutions to fulfill their shipping needs and to meet their environmental, social and governance goals. And it will have quite an effect, as one heavy-duty zero-emission truck equates to removing 23 gasoline-powered passenger cars from the road in annual CO2 emissions.”

Continued on page 53

Maricopa Brings in New Police Chief

Mark Goodman, most recently a commander for the Pasadena Police Department in California, has taken over as chief of police for the City of Maricopa.

Selected by the City Council in December, he started Jan. 23 and was officially sworn in March 8, after completing the requirements for AZ Post’s waiver process for out-of-state officers.

He has an open-door policy for employees and the community and believes that is important for maintaining Maricopa’s status as one of the safest communities in the state, according to a

City press release.

“I firmly believe that people choose to live, send their children to school, establish businesses and play in cities based on safety,” Goodman said. “Through community partnerships, the Maricopa Police Department will continue to ensure public safety for everyone who works, lives and plays in this city and will be an integral part of unlocking the full potential of the City of Maricopa.”

Goodman grew up near Pasadena in

page 70

Maricopa Police Chief Mark Goodman Continued on

KENT VOLKMER

Pinal County Attorney

Interview by Bea Lueck

Ohio native Kent Volkmer has been the Pinal County Attorney since January 2017. The Republican has pursued a system of “individualized justice” through his office over the last six years, looking at each case on its particular merits and encouraging the use of probation, diversion and specialty courts as an alternative to prison when appropriate.

Volkmer and his wife, who was his high school sweetheart, moved to Casa Grande in 2007 where he began practicing law at Cooper and Reuter LLP. He went on to form his own firm with two partners before running for office in 2016.

Grande LIVING: OK, let’s start at the beginning. Where’d you grow up, and what was your family life like?

Kent Volkmer: I grew up north central Ohio, about an hour north of Columbus and an hour south of Lake Erie, in the middle of a woods surrounded by cornfields for 5 miles in all directions. I have three younger sisters.

We came from a very sportsinvolved family, so all four of us played college sports. I played

basketball, my oldest sister did too, and then my two youngest sisters played volleyball. My middle sister is about 6-foot-1, played Division One volleyball. My baby sister played Division Two volleyball, and my oldest sister played Division Three basketball.

When I went to college, I was a shooting guard. By the time I finished I put a couple pounds on and I played a forward, basically shooting guard forward. I would have to match up with people who were 6 feet 8 inches, which is

interesting ‘cause I’m only about 6-foot-3. I attended what used to be known as Malone College. Now it’s Malone University, and it sits right beside the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Grande LIVING: Where did you go to law school?

Kent Volkmer: I went to the University of Akron. I went to law school because quite frankly I wasn’t ready for a real job. I did well in school, loved undergrad, loved the college experience.

I technically graduated with a degree in liberal arts with a minor in chemistry. I was about a semester shy of being a triple major, double minor, but I knew I wanted to go to grad school.

My mom, who at that time worked as a cashier at the grocery store, developed a friendship with a woman who shopped there whose two sons ran a law firm in the small town that I grew up in. So I did a summer internship with them and thought, “Oh, this is kind of cool.” So I figured I’d go to law school and see where things kind of played out. And I went to the law school where my now-wife was finishing up her undergrad degree.

Grande LIVING: OK, so now you’ve graduated from law school, did you first take the bar in Ohio?

Kent Volkmer: I did not. So about the beginning of my third year, the end of my second year law school — law school’s three years long — I had a friend who got a job offer from the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office. I remember he was all excited because he got a job offer, and I was like, “How much money are you going to make, man?” And he said, “$38,500.” I went, “$38,500.” My wife, who was my high school sweetheart, by this time was a teacher in the Akron public system, was making $39,000. And I also have an MBA in finance.

Grande LIVING: The math isn’t working there.

Kent Volkmer: No, especially with an MBA in finance. So we started saying, “Hey, if we’re ever going to move anywhere, probably makes sense to do it when we’re young, no kids.”

Her best friend, her husband and I convinced my wife to move with us. So we looked at the Carolinas, but at that time, the giant hurricane had hit there. And my wife said, “No, Florida, no, Georgia," because she couldn’t deal with the humidity. So we just started eliminating. And finally it was like Southern California or Arizona. We couldn’t afford Southern California, so we're like, “Let’s try Arizona.” Her friend loved Arizona and we said, “OK, the four of us are going to start our life adventure.”

We actually went to the city of Maricopa and put deposits down on houses. And then her friend surprises us with, “I’m pregnant,” and she says, “I can’t move to Arizona with a new baby and have no family support or anything else.”

So they backed out, and my wife and I decided we didn’t want to go to Maricopa because she got hired here in Casa Grande at McCartney Ranch Elementary School. So we looked here in Casa Grande, looked into a house and purchased one up in Ghost Ranch. And that was early winter of 2007.

I applied to take the bar in Ohio, Michigan and Arizona because you must apply eight months in advance, and we really weren’t sure where we were going. I only took the one bar, obviously. I flew down in July of ‘07 and I passed the bar. I was a long-

Kent receiving the Michael C. Cudahy Criminal Justice award.

term substitute teacher at Casa Grande Middle School for the gap in between because you take the bar in July and you don’t get your results until the end of the year.

Grande LIVING: That prepared you for the county attorney’s office.

Kent Volkmer: I have no regrets doing it. I liked it. It was fun. It was interesting because I was just a kind of a long-term sub. And at the very end of that semester there was a job opening that was posted by Cooper & Rueter. And I was just kind of scrolling through Craigslist and saw it.

Grande LIVING: Oh, Craigslist, baby!

Kent Volkmer: I applied, I went and interviewed with Steve Cooper and Liz Rueter; they hired me. I think Jan. 16, 2008, is when I actually started.

After about four years, I decided I wanted to run my own law firm. I recruited two locals who were

actually at the public defender’s office at that time, Josh Wallace and Cody Weagant. We opened Wallace, Volkmer & Weagant; that would’ve been in December of 2012. And we were quite successful for about four years before I ran for office.

Grande LIVING: So what was the impetus to running for county attorney?

Kent Volkmer: There were a few different things. One of the things that bothered me is I represented a grandfather, his son and his grandson all at the same time, for drug-related offenses in the criminal system. And I thought, our system isn’t working particularly well.

Then I had a case in which I got a not guilty verdict as a defense attorney, and as a defense attorney that should be the high point of your life. I remember the case quite clearly, and when I got the win, there was a part of me that said, “Good work, Kent,”

and there was another part of me that said, “That’s not the right result.” And it left me feeling very awkward.

So you couple those issues with, at that time, my predecessor believed that the way to keep a community safe was to punish our way there. I didn’t believe fundamentally that was the way to keep a community safe. And I’m comparing that to the three generations of that family I’m representing, seeing that’s the mindset we’ve had for 60 years, and this is the fallout.

So I believe that there is a smarter way to do justice. Also, I’m a Republican. I am a fiscal conservative. I believe that every dollar we spend as a government entity, we should get value for.

And what I believed then, and I believe even more now, is we don’t get much value when we put people in prison.

Continued on page 30

Kent and his wife at his swearing in cermony.

“Creating Vibrant Communities” is aspirational and actionable. We build consensus and develop ideas for creating vibrant communities, geographic and communities of interest, from Arizona voices reflecting the broad spectrums and diversity of our state.

Why does creating a vibrant community matter? Enormous transformation is at our doorstep. Are we prepared? What are the implications of this wave of accelerated change? What will life be like five, 10, 20 years from now?

Longtime residents will recall the impact of Arizona’s traditional five Cs to our backyard:

Cotton, copper, climate, cattle and citrus and the boom and bust nature of the local economy that came with it.

Now we find ourselves at the hub of emerging high-tech industries, growing population, and intensifying needs and wants. The recent pandemic exacerbated and shed light on areas already on the radar for our attention including homelessness and educational and health barriers and inequities including technology needs, job loss and stresses on small businesses.

At the same time, we saw incredible support from local governments, nonprofits, education, faith-based organizations, businesses and individuals stepping in.

Creating Our VIBRANT COMMUNITY . . .

by Craig H. McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande

This is how creating vibrant communities becomes actionable. The Vitalyst Health Foundation’s Elements of a Healthy Community captures the related pieces of community life.

These slices are not independent of one another. We can’t have safe communities, parks and recreation, and transportation options without economic opportunity and the revenues created to sustain public systems. We can’t have economic opportunities without educational opportunities.

The interdependence is the overarching theme in this Elements of a Healthy Community.

Recommendations include:

• Making affordable high-speed internet available to everyone, with particular focus in rural, lowincome and tribal communities.

• Prioritizing sustained funding for child care and public education; addressing funding inequities between wealthy and lowincome communities.

• Improving communication between government entities and the public.

• Breaking down silos between organizations.

• Optimizing funding and improving services by partnering and collaborating across all sectors.

• Promoting collaboration and establishing and maintaining a statewide consortium of partners sharing information and resources.

• Learning about the communities we serve, communicating in ways to reach those communities and actively centering their voices.

No matter how long someone has lived here, the invitation is always open to get involved and stay active in shaping what our community becomes.

Take the challenge and help create our vibrant community.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

ARIZONA CITY

3rd of July Celebration

Watch for details on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Azcityfire and Arizona City Fire District Association website at azcityfire.org/azcfdassociation.

CASA GRANDE

Rec, Dine & Dash

Food trucks, field day activities, obstacle courses, yard games, popup fitness for kids courses, and more! Visit the events calendar pages at www.casagrandeaz.gov for more information.

Friday, May 26 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Community Recreation Center

Fly-In Breakfast

Saturdays, May 27 & June 24 7 a.m.

Casa Grande Municipal Airport

COOLIDGE

4th of July Celebration

The celebration will start with a free day at the pool! Activities for all start at 6 p.m.

Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Kenilworth Sports Complex

ELOY

4th of July Bash

Starts with a free swim from 12-5 p.m. at the Aquatics Center. The evening celebration will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Main Street Park and will include waterslides, games, food, music, vendors, raffles, and a dunk tank with the chance to dunk the mayor! The fireworks show will start at sundown.

Tuesday, July 4 noon-8 p.m.

Aquatics Center & Main Street Park

FLORENCE

Teen Extreme Event

In partnership with the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, come out to the first-ever Teen Xtreme Night. This event is exclusively for teens in the Pinal County area. This evening will be filled with such fun activities as inflatables, games, music, karaoke and teen awareness education. All participants must be registered by June 14.

Also, if you’re interested in being a resource vendor, contact Erasmo Mendivil Jr. at Erasmo.mendivil@ florenceaz.gov.

Friday, June 16 5-9 p.m.

Aquatic Center Multipurpose Fields

2023 July 4th Freedom Fest Pool Party at the Florence Aquatic Center

Kick off your day of Freedom at the Florence Aquatic Center. There will be open swim, music, and games throughout the day. This is a free event, but with a limited capacity so make sure to come early.

Tuesday, July 4 1-5 p.m.

Freedom Fest Celebration: Aquatic Center Multipurpose Fields

After the pool party, head over to the multipurpose fields next door for our annual Freedom Fest celebration! Activities will include live music, water inflatables, a corn hole tournament, food vendors, games and fireworks.

5-9:15 p.m.

MARICOPA

Maricopa Memorial Day 5K Event

Join us for the third Maricopa Memorial Day 5K! Run or walk our spectator-friendly course. Copper Sky Rec Center. Visit the website for more information and to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/ Maricopa/MaricopaMemorialDay5K

Saturday, May 27

5:30 a.m., registration/bib pick up begins

6:30 a.m., race starts

Paint & Sip Guided Art Classes

No experience needed, and all art supplies and instruction are provided. For more information, including cost, go to www. theartandsip.com.

Wednesday, May 17, 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, May 21, 3-5 p.m.

The Roost, 20800 N. John Wayne Pkwy., No. 101

CLASSROOM DRIVE

JULY 1 ST-25TH

Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

is proud to support our local teachers.

PLEASE DROP OFF ANY CLASSROOM SUPPLY DONATIONS AT 1919 N. TREKELL RD., CASA GRANDE, AZ

CHECK OUT OUR FB PAGE (COLDWELL BANKER ROX REALTY) TO NOMINATE A DESERVING TEACHER/CLASSROOM.

DONATION IDEAS: White board markers | Sharpies | Hand sanitizer Clipboards | Staple removers | Cases of water

SUPERIOR

Father’s Day Brunch at Bruzzi Vineyard

Join Bruzzi Vineyard for a spectacular Father’s Day Brunch. Cost is $49.99 per person and space is extremely limited. Please reserve by emailing BruzziVineyard@aol.com or calling 928.462.3314. More information at https://fb.me/e/5TlYMzBf0.

Sunday, June 18 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

©2023 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Offices Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Pinal County2023 The Best of Feature

THE BEST OF PINAL COUNTY

Photo by Bea Lueck

Are you new to Pinal County? Welcome to your new home! This guide is for you.

Have you been here long enough to pick a side in the eternal debate on how to pronounce “Casa Grande?” Newcomers and long timers, alike, are mixed in their use of the Spanish pronunciation versus the Anglo one in which the “e” is dropped from “grande.”

No matter, this guide is for everyone!

Grande LIVING’s annual Best of Pinal County results are a detailed guide to the best providers of products and services as selected by our readers. These are the people and places that really give the Golden Corridor its shine, making it shimmer for residents and visitors.

Our numerous categories are broken down into sections about people, pets, services, lifestyle, shopping, and food and drink,

covering most all the facets of your life here in this red-hot — on so many levels — slice of the desert.

We’re blessed with Phoenix’s dynamism, Tucson’s desert charm and a history of independence and resilience older than the Casa Grande Ruins.

This is where you can learn about the county’s stalwarts and upstarts and discover new favorites that might be one or several towns over from your own. Whether you’re looking for a bountiful burrito, a razor-sharp barber or an unbreakable bank, we’ve got a pick for you!

We love to celebrate excellence in our growing community, and it’s getting even easier to do as a rising tide and spirited competition raises all of our boats! So while our summer gets us dreaming about the beach, let’s ride the wave and support our best local businesses.

Form 990 Key for Nonprofits and Donors

by Blake Herzog

There are a lot of people in need and problems to solve locally, nationally and globally.

Those fortunate enough to be able to contribute financially to further a cause donate to an existing organization dedicated to serving them.

Sometimes, though, if there doesn’t seem to be anyone addressing those they see crying out for help, they form their own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit to raise money and look a solution.

Those people are few and far between, and others may look askance at them because they can’t imagine the time and dedication it requires to establish and succeed with a nonprofit, and they’ve also heard of or fallen victim to scams perpetrated by fraudulent “fundraisers.”

That’s why filing a Form 990 every year is so important.

Nearly all nonprofits qualified for tax-exempt status are required to submit either Form 990, 990-EZ, 990N or 990-PF to the Internal Revenue Service every year to maintain it, depending on the size of the organization.

If they either don’t file the form or it’s incomplete or inaccurate, they are subject to financial penalties. In most cases it’s due on May 15. Tax-exempt status automatically will be revoked after three consecutive years of failing to file a valid 990.

Form 990 and its attachments ask for information on the organization’s contacts, governing board membership, assets, revenue, expenses, liabilities, number of employees and more background to help officials and the public understand the group’s purpose and what percentage of its funds go to

charitable work versus administration and overhead.

All completed Form 990s are posted and searchable by name by the public at apps.irs.gov/app/eos, as well as other information.

Form 990 is the foundation of the transparency required of 501(c)(3) nonprofits and a tool for potential donors to determine their financial stability, programming costs and more information valuable in making a final decision.

Pinal County residents are among the most generous in the state of Arizona, so you don’t want to give your neighbors any reason to not support your cause!

For more information: www.irs.gov/ charities-and-nonprofits.

NEW LAW IN EFFECT RE: Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) or Legal Separation

by Patricia Glover, CLDP, CP/ACP, CNSA Certified Legal Document Preparer, Glover Court Solutions & Estate Planning

Arizona state law (A.R.S. § 25314.01) now provides for a streamlined procedure when the parties (spouses) have reached a settlement and are in agreement as to the terms of dissolution/separation (e.g., parenting time, division of debts and assets, spousal support, etc.). If such a settlement is made prior to either spouse filing case-initiating documents with the court, the parties may jointly file a summary consent petition. The filing fee for a summary

consent decree is fifty percent of the combined filing fee for a petition and answer, together with any additional filing fees assessed by the county. After 60 days following the filing of the petition, the court may enter a final decree. This process is anticipated to be a costeffective option for non-contested divorce proceedings and will help to streamline the process for spouses who are in agreement as to the terms of their dissolution/separation.

It’s necessary and we have to use it. But that’s not the best use of our funds. It’s about $30,000 to keep somebody in prison. It’s about $3,000 to get them on probation.

Eighty-three percent of people who go to prison are going to be arrested for a new offense. If you put them on probation the numbers are almost completely flipped. And that’s really what I ran on. And after four years, the public gave me another four years, and I’m hoping in a couple years they’ll give me yet another four years.

Grande LIVING: What are some of the changes that you’ve implemented in the county attorney’s office?

Kent Volkmer: There is a perverse incentive in the criminal justice system for prosecutors to charge the highest possible charge that they can because it gives us the maximum amount of leverage. And if you maximize the amount of leverage, you can force a plea deal because, hey, if you roll the dice

and take a chance, you could be going to prison for 10 years.

If I offer you two years, suddenly that offer looks really reasonable.

There’s a big difference between the felony and the misdemeanor as well. So, one of the things that I implemented very early on is don’t charge felonies just because it maximizes leverage. I believe that’s manipulating the justice system.

The county attorney’s office already has a lot of power. We’re given a lot of authority. It doesn’t make sense that we manipulate systems to further give us an advantage. Instead, we’re called upon to be the straight shooters in the system.

I’m a firm believer in diversion. Real quick, the vast majority of people who commit a criminal offense are at the absolute low point of their life. Whether they’re in the throes of addiction, whether they’re suffering from mental health distress, whether they’re just at a bad time in their life. They’re usually drunk, high or having other issues going on in their life.

The criminal justice system historically has not done a good job of distinguishing between people who are truly dangerous and people who made a really dumb decision.

And I think justice is distinguishing between those dangerous people we need to lock up and those people that made a dumb decision. We need to figure out a way to help them and not brand them so they can’t get a job and provide for their family and be an outcast from our society.

Continued from page 17

Grande LIVING: Break the cycle of the multigenerational drug dealers.

Kent Volkmer: Exactly. So diversion is that opportunity where we’re saying, “Hey, you need a little help. You don’t need to be branded a criminal for the rest of your life.”

We do a battery of assessments. We don’t tell them what services they need to complete, but we send them to professionals who do the assessment and say, “Hey, this is what would benefit you.” And then we tell them, “Hey, you do what they said. You complete those services. Whether it’s anger management, whether it’s substance abuse, whether it is mental health compliance, whatever it is, you complete those consequences, do a little community service and we’ll dismiss your charges in their entirety.”

And it’s been a really successful program. In 2014, which is just an easy number for me, there were seven people offered diversion. Last year, we had just over 500 people that we brought into the program.

And the other thing that we did that I’m very proud of is we have really focused on individualized justice. Instead of assembly-line justice, what we focus on is the impact to the very fabric of our society.

Look at the person, look at the circumstances, look at the impact on our community, and then figure out what the appropriate consequences moving forward are. And that’s what I call the individualized justice model that we’ve been pursuing.

We’ve reduced the number of people going to prison by about

Kent during a high school basketball game.

35% on an annual basis. We’ve reduced the number of felony charges in our community by about 20%. We’ve put about 40% more people on probation, yet we’re as safe as we’ve ever been.

And what we found is those people have responded incredibly well to that approach. So I’m very proud of that sort of philosophy. And frankly, nationally, we’re starting to get recognition.

I mean, I fly out a few times a year to talk with other groups and other entities about how you can make sure that your basic fundamental public safety responsibilities are being met without throwing everybody in prison. And that’s sort of a crazy idea because in today’s world, you either let

everybody out and you hug them or you throw everybody in prison and you condemn them.

Grande LIVING: Like everything, the 80/20 rule applies in this instance. You have 10% at the low end, 10% at the high end, and then there’s that 80% that straddles the middle.

Kent Volkmer: Yes. But prosecutors are usually in those two 10% on either end instead of the 80. There’s very few of us that can get elected in the middle because generally people want an elevator speech — either “I lock up bad people,” or “I love people, and I restore people.” And this is a much more nuanced conversation.

Grande LIVING: In today’s world,

how does the county attorney’s office deal with social media justice, which says, “Lock them all up?”

Kent Volkmer: The thing is, we have ethical rules that bind what we can and cannot say. So oftentimes there’s misconceptions out in the public about even the facts of the case that becomes very complicated for us. What I like to explain to people, when I have enough time, is justice is a very difficult or fickle concept because of depending on what side of the criminal justice equation you find yourself.

So you end up angering all sides. But that’s really what our responsibility is. Our ethical obligation is to be a minister of justice. We first have to define what justice is and describe how we meet it. And that’s really how we meet it. Because if I am just meeting the victim’s version of justice, I’m leaving everybody else out in the cold. If I am just meeting the defendant’s version of justice, I’m leaving the victims and everybody else out in the cold.

Grande LIVING: And then there’s the fourth side — the legislators have passed laws you are now tied to?

Kent Volkmer: Yes, it is difficult. Look, our legislators mean well, and I believe that in their minds they’re doing the right thing. But I think they tend to be prisoners of the moment.

They have a constituent that comes up and tells them a story that is outrageous, that offends the sensibilities of everybody. And their solution is, “Hey, we’re going to fix that problem.”

Continued on page 96

Kent at a community event.

Photo by Donna McBride

Photo by Bea Lueck

Photo by Cindy Schaider

Photo by Cindy Schaider

Photo by Ron Dickison

Photo by Albert Copley

Photo by Serena Hernandez

Photo by Bea Lueck

Photo by Mila Besich

Photo by Cindy Schaider

Photo by Ron Dickison

Photo by Ron Dickison

Pinal County

The Best of Lifestyle

CASINO

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, Maricopa

CITY PARK

City of Casa Grande Parks

FESTIVAL

Eloy Glow

FITNESS STUDIO | GYM

Casa Grande Community Center

GOLF COURSE

Robson Ranch Golf Club, Eloy

HIKING TRAIL

Casa Grande Mountain

MUSEUM

Santa Cruz Valley Historic Museum, Eloy

NONPROFIT

Eloy Chamber of Commerce

PLACE TO TAKE KIDS

Picacho Peak State Park

PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS

Sunland Visitor Center, Eloy

PLACE TO WATCH A GAME

Buffalo Wild Wings, Casa Grande

Picacho Peak

Photo by Bea Lueck

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Felix Appliance Heating & Air, Casa Grande

ATTORNEY

Angel Raymond, A.A. Raymond Law, Maricopa

AUTO REPAIR (TIE)

Giddens Tire Pros, Casa Grande

Lugnut Auto Repair, Maricopa

BANK | CREDIT UNION

AnnieMac Home Mortgage, Casa Grande

BARBER

Sports and Cuts Barber Shop, Maricopa

CAR WASH | DETAILING

Pro X Detailing & Auto Glass, Maricopa

CATERER

Helen’s Kitchen, Maricopa

CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

Florence Chiropractic, Florence

DAY CARE | PRESCHOOL

MUSD Preschool at Santa Rosa Elementary, Maricopa

The Best Of Services

DENTIST

Yang and Horsley Dentistry, Casa Grande

ELECTRICIAN

Brutinel Plumbing and Electrical, Casa Grande

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Pinal County Federal Credit Union

FLORIST

Arizona Flower Girl, Florence

FUNERAL HOME

Heritage Funeral Home, Casa Grande

HEATING & COOLING

911 Air Repair, Maricopa

HOUSEKEEPING

SheaCleans, Maricopa

LANDSCAPING

Down Range Landscape, Maricopa

LEGAL SERVICES (NON-ATTORNEY)

Glover Court Solutions & Estate Planning, Maricopa

LEGAL SERVICES

A.A. Raymond Law, Maricopa

MASSAGE

Jenn Lykken, TREND Salon and Spa, Maricopa

MEDICAL PRACTICE

Maricopa Wellness Center, Maricopa

MEDICAL SPA

Maricopa Wellness Center, Maricopa

MOVERS

Maricopa Movers

OPTOMETRIST

Dr. Kenneth Jeffers, Professional Eyecare Associates, Casa Grande

ORTHODONTIST (TIE)

Premier Orthodontics Of Casa Grande

Walton Orthodontics, Casa Grande

PAINTING

ACP Painting, Maricopa

PEST CONTROL

Gorilla Joe's Pest Control, Maricopa

PHOTOGRAPHER

Victor Moreno

Photography, Maricopa

PLUMBER

AZ Quality Plumbing LLC, Maricopa

PHYSICIAN

Kristina Donnay, Maricopa Wellness Center, Maricopa

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Melissa Yost Fuentes, RE/MAX Casa Grande

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

Yost Realty Group RE/MAX Casa Grande

SALON/SPA - HAIR | SKIN | NAILS

TREND Salon and Spa, Maricopa

SCHOOL

Florence Unified School District

TATTOO STUDIO (TIE)

Ink Addiction Tattoos & Piercings, Casa Grande Redemption Tattoo, Maricopa

WEDDING VENUE

The Windmill Winery, Florence

What is a Sports Physical?

by Mindy Wheeler, Marketing Manager, Sun Life Health

Most children end up playing a sport and participating in activities at some point during their time spent at school, which means you know the importance of getting a sports physical to ensure your child is in tip-top shape before they start playing.

It doesn’t matter what their sport of choice is, the risk of injury is always there. Even professional athletes must get a sports physical to ensure they are in their best physical shape to be playing their sport.

A sports physical helps identify and deal with issues that could interfere with your ability to play and enjoy your

sport. This physical will help the provider to determine your health and, if necessary, adjust medications you may be taking so you will have an easier time playing the sport.

Summer is a great time to get your children in for their well visit and sports physical and avoid waiting in crowded lines. There will be no missed school days to attend appointments, and you will be ahead of the game and ready to start the school year.

Schedule your appointment today for your well check and sports physical. Visit SunLifeHealth.org to find a location near you or call 888.381.3446.

You Health, Happiness & Education

Use Caution When Exercising to Beat Summer’s Heat

by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT

Isupport anyone who is working out daily as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, with Southern Arizona temperatures, you might be wondering, how safe is it to exercise in the summer’s hot weather?

If you’re not careful, you can end up suffering from a heat-related health condition such as a heat stroke, heat exhaustion or extreme dehydration, maybe worse.

When we exercise, our muscles need our blood to flow to be able to continue moving. When it’s hot, the heart needs to work even harder to divert blood to the skin’s surface, where it’s cooled and returned for re-circulation. This can also make it harder for the heart, muscles and lungs to work properly.

Don’t you worry, working out in the heat can be done safely. Here are some of the best things you can do to beat the Arizona summer heat:

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: hydrate, hydrate, you so don't die-drate. Do not forget to replenish those electrolytes. Always drink before you get thirsty.

Wear loose-fitting, light-colored and breathable clothing so your sweat can evaporate more easily, helping your body cool. Cotton is a lightweight and affordable material that can help you to stay dry.

I am sure you’ve probably noticed that the first really hot day of the year is when your workout feels most difficult. That’s because your body

needs time to acclimate to the heat, this means easing into hot workouts is important.

Start your workout gradually and lower your intensity to accommodate for the higher heart rate and increase in perceived exertion.

Don’t try to keep up your normal pace and intensity in the hot weather.

Many people prefer to work out earlier in the morning before it gets too hot as it can help them to stay energized throughout the day and sleep better at night.

Regardless of what time you choose to exercise, pay attention to how you feel.

Keep an eye on your heart rate, gotta love our watches. Always pay attention to symptoms of heat illness including headache, dizziness, confusion, excess sweating, muscle cramps, stomach sickness, severe fatigue and unusually heavy breathing or high heart rate.

Stop if you’re not feeling well. By taking these precautions, you can stay healthy and active all summer long.

Points to PAWnder

by Gigi McWhirter

Since this is the Best Of edition of this magazine, what better time than now to share some of the best words honoring our Best Friends.

If you think your dog is the best dog, you are correct! The love of a human and their animal is arguably equal to the love between a parent and their human child. Animals can be loving, nurturing, playful and loyal.

There’s lots to be said about man’s best friend — here are just a few thoughts about them. The idea behind this is to make you smile and to celebrate the special bond between you and your beloved pet.

Feel free to share these thoughts with someone who’s heart needs a belly rub:

• “A true friend leaves pawprints on your heart.”

• “Keep calm and hug the dog.”

• “Dog is God spelled backwards.” Duane Chapman

• “The dog is a gentleman; I hope I get to go to his heaven, not man’s.” Mark Twain

• “Happiness is a warm puppy.” Charles M. Schultz

• “You can usually tell that a man is good if he has a dog that loves him.” W. Bruce Cameron

• “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.” Will Rogers

• “Think of it, of all the places and kingdoms in the world, Heavenly Father chose a manger for His son to be born. For there, amongst the animals, he would be surrounded with only pure and unconditional love.” Dan Gilchrist, DVM

• “Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.” Kinky Friedman

• “Over the years, I have felt the truest, purest love — the love of God, really. I imagine that’s what God’s love feels like — is the love that comes from your dog.” Oprah Winfrey

• “The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will they not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.” Samuel Butler

• “My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” Elayne Boosler

• “A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you have that in your life, things won’t be too bad.” Robert Wagner

Here’s to lots of love, pawprints and tail wags.

Happy Tails to You!

The Best Of Pets

ANIMAL CLINIC

Casa Grande Animal Clinic

ANIMAL RESCUE

Valley Humane Society, Casa Grande

ANIMAL SHELTER

Valley Humane Society, Casa Grande

DOG-FRIENDLY STORE (TIE)

Bow Wow Meow, Casa Grande

EarthWise Pet Supply, Maricopa

PET GROOMING (TIE)

EarthWise Pet Supply, Maricopa

Superior Pet, Superior

PET STORE

EarthWise Pet Supply, Maricopa

CAC Students Selected for All-Arizona Academic Team

by Angela Askey, Executive Director, Public Relations & Marketing, Central Arizona College

Six Central Arizona College (CAC) students have been selected to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society AllArizona Academic Team.

All-Arizona students demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Students are nominated by their community college and submit their application to be considered for this prestigious award through the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary organization. The Arizona Board of Regents awards scholarships and tuition waivers to those selected from Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or the University of Arizona.

Scholarships cover resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters or 60 credits (whichever the student meets first).

All-Arizona Academic Team Scholars from CAC include: Robert Serrano from the Maricopa Campus; Kyle Morris and Sevasti Silvia from the San Tan Campus; Ralph Emmanuel Rosales and Sabine Mahi from the Signal Peak Campus; and Bridget Bachicha from the Superstition Mountain Campus.

Robert Serrano is majoring in civil engineering and plans to transfer to Arizona State University to complete his Bachelor and ultimately Master of Science in Civil Engineering. His goals include designing new highways to solve congestion and designing a sustainable city of the future.

Kyle Morris will transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of History. His career goal is to become a high school history teacher and bring history to life, helping each student to understand the importance of where we came from and where we are going.

Sevasti Silvia is a communications major and plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to earn

a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in international relations. Her career goal is to work for the United Nations as a diplomat.

A mechanical engineering major, Ralph Emmanuel Rosales plans to transfer to Arizona State University to complete a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering. His ambition lies in working with NASA and engineering technology for space exploration.

Sabine Mahi plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Northern Arizona University and ultimately a Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Duke University. Her goal is to work with individuals in the intensive care unit.

Bridget Bachicha is working toward the completion of a pharmacy technician certificate. She plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.

CAC All-Arizona Academic Team Scholars

From left : Ralph Emmanuel Rosales, Sevasti Silvia, Kyle Morris, Robert Serrano, Sabine Mahi, and Bridget Bachicha. Photo courtesy of Mesa Community College

Tips on Better Parenting

by Melissa O’Sullivan, Casa Grande Alliance

Whether you’re a seasoned parent or just starting out, there are always opportunities to improve and strengthen the relationship with your child.

According to an article by Cynthia Hanson on Parents. com, there are simple yet effective changes you can make to become a better parent and build a deeper bond with your child.

AVOID “FREAK OUTS,” CURB NEGATIVE TALK

Emotional responses are normal. But before yelling, screaming, or losing your cool, stop, pause, and assess the situation. If you sweat all the small stuff, such as things you can’t control and/or things that don’t matter in the big picture, your child won’t know how to react to life’s ups, downs, and in-betweens.

When something goes wrong, mentally assign it a number on a scale of one to 10, with one being an incident that has no bearing on the quality of your life and 10 as an emergency. Once you’ve assessed the situation, you can better respond.

SHOW YOUR EMOTIONS

While some parents wear their emotions on their sleeve, not everyone does, and that’s OK. We all react differently to different stimuli. But if you find yourself constantly covering up your feelings, you may want to reassess the situation.

Being honest about your emotions can be helpful to you and your child. Put a label on your emotion, explain the reason for it in a way your child will understand, and relate it to something they’ve experienced.

BE DIRECT

Clarity is key when you expect immediate followthrough. And it starts with putting a period at the end of your sentence. Giving clear directions still requires practice and persistence, but being clear regains control and stops you from losing your temper. Meanwhile, your child learns who’s in charge.

STAY POSITIVE

If your critiques outweigh your kudos, your child may ignore you or get defensive; they can miss out on anything constructive you have to say. Worse, nitpicking erodes their self-confidence to the point where they could stop trying to achieve because they’re afraid they’ll fail and disappoint you.

You should resist the urge to point out every error, and instead try to mention the good things your child does on a daily basis.

Remember, being a good parent is ongoing and takes time and effort. Making small changes can help build a stronger, healthier relationship with your child.

The

Summer Reading is Upon Us

by Julie Andersen, Outreach Librarian, Vista Grande Library, City of Casa Grande

Summer Reading, the City of Casa Grande Public Library’s biggest program, is upon us!

We look forward to providing quality programs throughout the summer for our kids, tweens and teens. This year we have added a few more adult programs. Our theme is “Find Your Voice,” so participants can look forward to lots of singing, dancing and creativity,

We kick off the Summer Reading Program at the Palm Island Aquatic Park June 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Participants can swim for free and continue to register for the 2023 Summer Reading Program that runs May 30 through July 8, ending with our annual Scholastic Book Fair the week of July 10.

In addition to getting a reading log for kids/tweens/ teens to keep track of their summer reading, there will be family activity bags to pick up, as well as beads and brag tags for kids to earn each week.

Every Monday a special program will be held at either the Main Library or Vista Grande Library with special guests and performers. Story times with Mr. David and Ms. Julie will continue, along with cooking classes, movie musicals and drop-in crafts during the rest of the week.

Teens will enjoy the favorite Anime and Manga Club’s weekly meetings on Monday afternoons and fun events such as Back to the ‘80s Dance Party and Karaoke.

There also will be a Friday afternoon STEM program for teens and tweens. The Teen Program is geared toward sixth through 12th graders. Some programs will require registration such as the Babysitter Courses that will be offered at both the Main Library and Vista Grande and the Read with a Buddy Storytime and Craft at the Vista Grande Library, where a teen volunteer will pair with a kindergartner-third grader for reading and crafts.

Adults will be able to join in on programs such as different types of technology help, the popular Craftastic Program, and Coffee, Cookies and Coloring, a new program for adults.

The Literati Book Club will meet over the summer. Adults can even participate in a BINGO-type reading game that will enter them into a raffle drawing for a gift basket.

For dates and times visit www.cglibrary.org and click on the calendars or call the Main Library at 520.421.8710 and/or Vista Grande Library at 520.421.8652.

Vista Grande Public Library

1556 N. Arizola Rd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Casa Grande Main Library

449 N. Drylake St. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Angels Have Four Legs

by Donna McBride

Have you had a strange experience that took your breath away?

Many know I lost Mama Tess about six years ago. I was holding her hand when she quietly passed while her little sweetheart of a rescue, Angel, sat on my lap.

A dear friend of mom’s brought her home. I knew Judy would take care of Angel.

Fast forward a few months.

I received an email from a stranger asking if I knew anyone from West Virginia. Having grown up there, I certainly did but had no idea how this person knew that. She emailed again several days later asking if I knew anyone from Harrisville, West Virginia.

It creeped me out at first (my sister lives there). After several emails back and forth, I learned she had a package for me.

Being cautious, I checked her out and felt comfortable she wasn’t someone stalking me. We made arrangements for me to come by.

Turns out her house was in Mama Tess’ neighborhood. Before I could knock on the door, she opened it. With one big dog at her side and another one in her arms, Jean met me with a smile.

As a dog lover, I told her no need to hold them back from checking me out. As I shut the door, I suddenly felt a chill run through me. The tiny one chocked her head from side to side and started whining.

Jean must have seen the look on my face and asked if Tessa Elliott was my mother. I said “yes.”

“This is your mom’s dog Angel.”

As soon as I sat down, Angel jumped on my lap and cuddled me. All I could say was, “I don’t understand.”

Jean explained Judy had taken ill and she helped care for Angel. Unfortunately, Judy passed away and Jean offered to take Angel in.

While the estate was being settled, Jean routinely checked Judy’s mail. That’s where the surprise package comes in. My sister Dotty had accidentally addressed it to mom’s old address.

My sister had sent homemade peanut butter fudge. It was still good. However, that package did more for me than just add calories. It reminded me how Mama Tess loved Angel and how we have kind, thoughtful people in Casa Grande.

Jean helped me reunite with Angel with special memories of Mama Tess.

Angels don’t always have wings.

Mama Tess and Angel

Photo courtesy of Donna McBride

The Best Of People

ARTIST | ARTISAN

Cindy Patterson

AUTHOR/WRITER AND ELECTED OFFICIAL

Donna McBride

BAND | MUSICIAN Feel Good Factor

CHEF

Karla Wear, Sweet Cravings by

Karla Wear

The Pinal County Press

Pinal Growth Spurt Continues to Lead State

For the second consecutive year Pinal County has the fastest growth rate in Arizona, while Maricopa County has again added the most new residents of any county in the U.S.

According to new Census Bureau estimates, Pinal County grew by 3.6% during the year ending July 1, 2022, adding just over 16,000 residents. This was actually a slowdown over the previous year, when the bureau reported the county grew 4.4%.

Its immediate neighbor to the north, Maricopa County, led the entire country in terms of sheer numeric growth with 56,831 additions, most of them coming from another part of the state or country. This amounts to about 2,000 more than the previous year’s gain and was about 11,000 more than the runner-up, Harris County, Texas, which includes Houston.

Lucid Continued from page 12

“Our key focus right now is making sure we’re communicating the right information and making sure there isn’t misinformation out there about Lucid, and there’s good information out there to its employees for them to try to find a job,” he said. Other employers currently hiring include Abbott Nutrition, Hexcel and Frito Lay, he said.

Lucid estimated it would be taking a charge of $24 million to $30 million to execute the restructuring, much of it going toward severance packages to include payments, continuation of health insurance coverage and career transition resources. The restructuring is expected to be complete by the end of June.

It is the fourth-largest county in the nation at 4.5 million behind Los Angeles, Cook (Chicago) and Harris counties.

New city and town population estimates will be released later this year but will not include unincorporated

San Tan Valley, the county’s biggest population center at about 100,000.

Last year the bureau reported Queen Creek, Casa Grande and Maricopa were among the nation’s 10 fastest-growing cities with populations of 50,000 or more.

Arizona’s Fastest-Growing Counties, 2021-22

Rawlinson said in his message Lucid will continue to pursue its growth plans, including the release of the Gravity luxury SUV electric vehicle targeted for 2024: “I am confident that we have the most advanced technology, we have the right operational infrastructure and know-how to deliver, and we have a track record of tenacity that will make us stronger.”

The company began building its Casa Grande plant at the end of 2020, four years after the company selected the site, after getting a $1 billion infusion from the Saudi Arabian government through an investment fund. The first Lucid Air sedans were

delivered in October 2021, and they were quickly named MotorTrend’s Car of the Year for having the longest EPA-verified range per charge in the industry at up to 520 miles, as well as advanced design. Currently available Air models sell for $111,000 to $158,000, before tax credits or other incentives.

Lucid released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2022 results in February, with 7,185 cars produced and 4,369 delivered. Annual revenue was $608 million, but it reported a $1.3 billion loss and projected further losses in upcoming years.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

LG Quadruples Pinal Battery Plant Plan

LG Energy Solution, a global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT and energy storage systems, announced a four-fold expansion of its planned investment in a manufacturing complex to be built in the portion of the Town of Queen Creek that lies in Pinal County, to a total of $5.5 billion.

It is expected to create “thousands” of new jobs for the area, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority.

This will be the largest single investment for a stand-alone battery manufacturing site in North America.

LG plans to invest $3.2 billion to build a cylindrical battery manufacturing facility for electric vehicles with a capacity of 27 GWh. It’s also planning a $2.3 billion LFP pouch-type battery facility for energy storage systems with a capacity of 16 GWh.

Both are expected to break ground this year.

News of the expansion came in March, a year after the Korean corporation initially announced it would be putting $1.39 billion into the factory.

“Our decision to invest in Arizona demonstrates our strategic initiative to continue expanding our global production network, which is already the largest in the world, to further advance our innovative and top-quality products in scale and with speed,” said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. “We believe it’s the right move at the right time in order to empower clean energy transition in the U.S.”

LG plans to have the cylindrical battery factory start mass

Continued on page 71

Nikola said the trucks will be suitable for many uses, from short hauls to metro and regional over-the-road transportation, including smaller cargo loads and specialized jobs.

Playing a key role for many of the orders is a California state program that offers point-of-sale incentives of between $240,000 and $288,000 for qualifying vehicles. Buyers can also get a $40,000 tax credit through a federal program approved as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Nikola announced the breakthrough at the March 29 Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit. “This 100 sale order milestone is certainly something to celebrate and shows the commitment of our customers, dealers, employees and stakeholders,” Lohscheller said. “And this is expected to be the first of many upcoming announcements.”

Other recent announcements from the Phoenix-based company include:

• Transitioning battery manufacturing for its electric fuel cell vehicles from California to the Coolidge plant is was completed in April, months ahead of the original schedule.

• Former Vice President, Corporate Controller Anastasiya “Stasy” Pasterick taking over as CFO in April following the retirement of Kim J. Brady.

• An agreement with Vancouver-based Klean Industries Inc., which focuses on recovery of clean energy and resources from waste, to encourage the conversion of its suppliers’ truck fleets to Nikola Tre FCEVs while Nikola looks for ways to use Klean’s wind, hydroelectric and solar power resources.

Nikola Continued from page 13

Earth Tones Warm Up your Bathroom with

by Blake Herzog

The basically all-white bathroom is almost a default setting, but design trends have breezed through trying to update this practical but chilly look.

Now we’re witnessing the rise of the natural wood vanity, poised to overtake the white-painted units that have dominated the market for decades. They’re accompanied by voluminous swatches of earth tones helping to ground our lavatories in nature’s energy and warmth.

Either or both will make yours a welcoming respite from the rush and drama of everyday life.

WOOD VANITIES

This might sound like a recipe for soggy, warped drawers and cabinets, but that really doesn’t have to be the case.

Solid birch, oak and maple can stand up well to the humid conditions of a bathroom as long as it’s wellventilated and the vanity has a quality finish such as polyurethane, lacquer or varnish. They’re also easier to repair and rehab if they are damaged, so you can keep them looking beautiful for years, if not decades.

High-density plywood doesn’t have the same appeal as solid wood but doesn’t expand as much due to moisture and is more affordable, so with a quality stain in the color you desire it can be a beautiful option.

Countertops also can be a well-sealed wood surface such as butcher block and any other solid wood, especially oak. If you want contrast, you have many other options from concrete to quartz.

EARTH TONES

For those who aren’t in the market for a new bathroom vanity there are plenty of other ways to add an earthy quality to bathrooms by selecting the right colors for smallticket items like bathmats to big ones like a new floor.

Muted browns, beiges and greens can give your bathroom a natural, glowy undertone alone or be paired

with grays or off-whites, charcoals, navies or bronze tones.

Well-varnished wood floors are a lovely option, and with a little extra TLC such as wiping up any droplets that do land on them, can shine with the same beauty as a wood vanity.

Bamboo and cork are a couple more sustainable materials that probably are better suited for bathroom use — both repel moisture and are mold and bacteria resistant. Bamboo is stronger and comes closer to the look of a hardwood floor, while cork is softer, warmer and reduces noise, though it tends to be less durable.

Many prefer tile floors, and they’re available in more materials, colors and patterns than ever. Travertine and limestone are two varieties that naturally bring brownish or sandy hues to your floor or shower wall with an understated beauty, while ceramic tiles can bring a riot of warm colors if you choose.

Wood-effect porcelain tile can offer the best of both worlds.

If you’re not up for a major bathroom renovation then painting or wallpapering the walls with taupe, sage, peach or a darker earth tone like espresso or sienna can infuse this room with coziness, as can towels and other linens.

Up to Date Bring your Flooring

If the flooring in part or all of your home is nearing the end of its road, it can be difficult to commit to replacing it because it’s a major expense, and you don’t want to end up with regrets over your choice.

But at some point you’ll have to make that leap, and it’s easier to do when you have options to update your look with elements that have timeless appeal.

Many trendy flooring choices fall squarely into this category, carrying benefits that aren’t going to fade away if they don’t make next year’s “hot” list.

WIDE PLANKS, BIG TILES

Both of these are in demand because they excel at making spaces feel roomier.

Wider and longer boards are coveted for this exact reason, but since there aren’t so many giant trees being cut down anymore it’s easier to find these shapes in vinyl planks or engineered wood than traditional hardwood.

Tiles don’t have that issue, and it’s easy to order them at six square feet or larger. This also cuts way back on the amount of grout you need to maintain.

ENGINEERED WOOD

As the stock of new-growth or reclaimed wood starts to run low, it’s a good idea to consider engineered wood.

These floorboards consist of a thin layer of hardwood on top of a high-quality plywood core that’s stable and durable while drastically reducing the need for hardwood. Since they can be fashioned

into wider planks than solid wood, it happens to be engineered for one of our biggest current trends.

CHECKERBOARD PATTERNS

Nostalgia has breathed new life into the energetic black-and-white tile patterns associated with diners and dives, and it’s making its way back into modern as well as retro homes.

Other color combos are along for the ride, paring white with blue or green or neutral shades like beige and brown. This effect can be achieved with old-school linoleum, vinyl, even marble to give a fun twist to a high-end environment.

WHITEWASHED WOOD

White floors are giving many rooms a lift these days.

Because the beauty and utility of hardwood floors often comes with a darker cast some homeowners feel they have to fight against to make rooms cheery. Treating them with chemicals or finishes that give them an ashy or white color lightens the mood of the room — allowing the natural grain and knots of the hardwood to show through.

CARPET

While most trendsetters banished this option from homes a couple decades ago in favor of rugs partially covering wood or tile floors, many people crave the softness and warmth of carpets, particularly in bedrooms.

Low-pile carpet has been making inroads into some of the chicest markets in the U.S. and even picking up on some hard-surface flooring trends, including checkerboard designs and the use of natural fibers like wool (the only choice suitable for wall-to-wall carpeting) and large area rugs of jute, sisal and cotton.

Sure Signs You Should Replace your Roof

It’s never fun to think about replacing your roof, but the lid on your house has many ways of telling you it could be time to consider it, from the obvious to the understated.

It’s also important to know when the current roof was installed and its expected lifespan. Asphalt shingles, the most common type of roofing, typically last 20 to 25 years and these tips are mainly geared toward them.

These are some of the signals:

ROOF LEAKS — Major leaks and water damage inside your home are perhaps the most blatant indicators that your roof needs attention.

While smaller leaks can be patched by a roofer or as a DIY project, they’re generally not a good sign about the overall condition of the roof. If noticing water damage is a frequent event or you’ve had a major roof failure it’s time to take action.

SAGGING ROOF — This is a huge red flag but can be easy to miss, especially if you aren’t comfortable climbing up

there yourself (and if you do, be careful to not put any additional weight on a saggy section).

Roofs can sag due to age, and faulty engineering or installation, among other factors. If you or a friend have a decent-quality drone and a license, you can take a look for sagging or other flaws that wouldn’t otherwise be visible or hire a roofing company to do it for you.

MISSING OR DAMAGED SHINGLES — A handful of missing shingles doesn’t mean you immediately need a full roof replacement, but they should be replaced quickly to prevent any further damage.

Anything more could signify bigger problems with the integrity of your roof. The top layer of shingles peeling up at the corners or lifting at the center also is bad news.

GUTTER GRIT — Asphalt shingles are embedded with grainy particles that shield them from the sun’s harshest rays. If you’re seeing more and more of these flowing out of the gutters, you could be due for a replacement.

What SUX and What ROX?

What SUX in light fixtures?

Oversized “statement” pieces.

Chandeliers used to be limited to ballrooms, mansions and doomed opera houses, but the “statement light fixture” has become the blazing hot thing to hang from the ceiling in your dining room, kitchen, living room or even bathroom or bedroom.

When carefully chosen and installed the right pendant lamp or chandelier can elevate a room, but too often they force people to either awkwardly stare upward or bob and weave to avoid crashing into them. These two extremes also tend to leave the space either underlit or overlit.

What ROX?

Dimmable recessed LED lighting!

It can be a rather pricey upgrade, but this approach is the easiest way to keep illumination consistent throughout a room and avoid creating bright and dark spaces.

Since the hardware is hidden above the ceiling, it doesn’t distract from the furniture, the décor and the people you’re supposed to be interacting with. Using a dimmer switch for precise control is essential for setting the mood and conserving energy use.

Real Estate Market Statistics

Light your Landscape in a Flash

Installing or upgrading exterior lighting for your home can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but once you sketch out an idea of what you want to accomplish and learn about some of the techniques that can get you there, the details have a way of falling into place.

All you need is a little time to home in on your goals and start planning.

What do you want to light and why?

Safety and security are often primary motivators, both to improve visibility for family and friends and to deter would-be intruders.

Highlighting favorite yard features such as stately trees, smaller plants that disappear at night or the intricate texture of a wall or fence also can be a priority. And, of course you want to see well enough to grill or entertain outdoors.

In some cases HOA or municipal regulations may limit what you’re able to do or you may want to avoid pointing lights upward to preserve your night sky view.

What do you want the fixtures to look like?

Many people appreciate ornamental light fixtures such as posts, lanterns, hanging lights or ceiling fans on patios and porches while recessed lights, rope and string lights and other subtle choices leave the focus on the landscaping, walkway or other area being lighted.

Larger lights on the house such as motion-sensor floodlights can be difficult to conceal, while wall sconces aren’t meant to be and should match the architectural style of the home.

Which lighting techniques best serve your purpose?

This is easier to know in some cases than others, but use your creativity when you can.

Uplighting trees from the base is a popular way to highlight their height and the texture of the trunk, but also take a look at the shadows they can cast on your house or fence for a potentially intriguing effect.

Cross-lighting a tree, statue or other feature from two or more sides brings its three dimensions into sharper relief.

Read, Reflect IN A NOOK OF YOUR OWN

Everyone deserves a spot at home where they can take a few minutes or more for themselves to catch up on all the books and magazines piling up or simply be able to muse, plan, pray and/or meditate, preferably away from the electronic devices that tend to run our lives.

Reading nooks and meditation spaces share many characteristics, even if they’re used slightly differently. They generally are smaller spaces with some degree of seclusion centered on whatever kind of seating the user finds most comfortable for what they are doing.

Many readers prefer a large, plush chair, while soft but sturdy floor cushions are embraced by those meditating. In many cases you have enough room to use both for either activity.

Some floor plans, especially open-concept, don’t have a lot of “nooks,” but all you really need is a corner of a room that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic. If even that’s hard to come by, you can use bookshelves, a screen or plants to create some privacy from the hubbub.

Natural light is a big plus for your mood and overall health — you can always add a lamp for night use.

Some of the items that have a place in either type of space or a multipurpose one include:

A rug — It will help define your space, which is essential if you don’t have many other borders to use. The pattern needs to be pleasing to you and could also be an assist for meditative moments.

A table or shelf — This can hold your favorite reads, inspirational texts, any photos or other objects you focus on for meditation or prayer, plus puzzles, stress balls, a mug for your favorite tea or coffee or whatever else you want to have near.

Candles and diffusers — Candles are inherently calming (LED ones more so, for some), and one of the most commonly used objects for external meditation. Scents from a candle or diffuser can soothe and direct readers and contemplators alike.

PHOTO BY TRINI MCANULTY

Temporary Signal, Widening Planned for Hunt Highway

The Town of Florence and Pinal County are teaming up to address traffic backups along Hunt Highway with a temporary traffic signal and widening the road to five lanes.

Coming first is a temporary traffic signal and left turn lane at Hunt and Arizona Farms Road, along with pavement preservation work. This will be near the northwestern edge of the town limits and ease traffic flow at a three-way intersection now controlled by a single stop sign, county public works spokesman Ray Telles said.

Southbound traffic on Hunt will have a left-turn lane onto Arizona Farms at the signal, along with greatly needed preservation treatments on the highway between Magma Road and Oasis Lane as well as on Arizona Farms Road east to the Union Pacific rail crossing.

Construction at the intersection is scheduled to begin June 4 and be completed by late July. Lane restrictions are planned, but no road closures are anticipated.

Pinal County has been widening segments of the highway within its jurisdiction from two to five lanes, starting from the Ellsworth Road intersection, over the past several years, with the final phase

Police Chief Continued from page 13

San Gabriel while his father worked there as a police officer. He joined the Pasadena department in 1994 and advanced over the course of 28 years, starting out in patrol and advancing by working in every division before being appointed commander in 2020.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is a graduate of the POST Command College and the

of the project extending from Magma to Oasis, a nearly 4-mile stretch where traffic regularly slows down at major traffic points.

Design of this project is ongoing, and in March the Town of Florence and the county agreed to extend this widening project for another 1.3 miles to Franklin Road within the town limits, where Florence Hospital is located and Hunt

already has been widened into a fourlane divided highway with turn lanes. The rail crossing also will be widened and upgraded, with coordination with Union Pacific beginning in September.

Telles said the county is working to find the funding for the widening project while design continues, with a target design completion date of May 2024.

FBI National Academy.

He has embraced the value of community policing throughout the course of his career and has made local appearances at places like schools and Chamber of Commerce meetings.

“The next iteration of community policing requires law enforcement to make deep connections and to build safer neighborhoods and business districts through collaborative partnerships,”

Goodman said. “That means my door is always open so we can continue building those partnerships.”

Goodman and his wife Victoria have three grown daughters. He succeeds former chief Jim Hughes, who left in September 2022 after becoming chief in January 2021 following the retirement of Steve Stahl from the role.

CG Alerts to Share RealTime City Info

Casa Grande residents have a new way to sign up for timesensitive City notifications about public safety, service disruptions and other important information.

CG Alerts is an alert center people can reach through www. casagrandeaz.gov and request messages be sent to them via home, mobile or business phones, email addresses or text messages.

They also can text CGAlerts to 38276 to request notifications by text or download the myAlerts app from Google Play or Apple App Store.

Users will be required to select a location, either by entering their address or choosing a spot within Casa Grande on a map. This system only will be used by the City of Casa Grande to share notifications from its departments. Personal information is confidential and will not be shared.

Users can specify what kind of information they would like to be sent to them, including:

• Emergency alerts — like missing persons or downed powerlines.

• Community news — such as meetings and events.

• Community services — Parks and Rec and library classes, events and programs.

LG continued from page 53 production of 2,170 cells in 2025, primarily for electric vehicle makers in North America.

Gov. Katie Hobbs said, “With this historic investment from LGES, Arizona has become the battery manufacturing capital of the country. These Arizonamade batteries will power green, sustainable technologies around the world, cementing Arizona’s reputation as an innovation hub for renewable energy.

“We’re grateful to LGES for their legacy investment and for committing to making thousands of good-paying jobs

for Arizonans.”

• Traffic notifications — such as road closures, detours on city streets and the I-10 freeway,

• Public works news — sanitation route disruptions, road maintenance.

• CG Links — Casa Grande’s on-demand transit service.

All alerts are free, but standard text messaging rates may apply.

The company’s new manufacturing facilities will use a state-of-the-art smart factory system that carries out all decision-making on machine-produced data, which is intended to increase yield, improve manufacturing processes, and boost productivity to respond to increasing demand.

Recent months have brought a flurry of battery-related manufacturing announcements throughout Arizona, including Casa Grande. Leading battery recycler Ecobat announced in February

it will open a facility at 1474 N. VIP Blvd. to repurpose lithium-ion batteries reaching end-of-life through diagnostics, sorting, shredding and material separation to produce a concentrated black mass containing the valuable materials in the batteries.

It’s expected to open in the third quarter of 2023 and eventually have 60 employees.

Meanwhile, a Cirba Solutions lithiumion recycling plant is under construction in Eloy and is expected to create 110 permanent jobs.

Fun TRAVEL, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Adventuring by Rail through the Arlberg to Salzburg

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

Hallstatt

Photo by Tori Ward

When purchasing train tickets for reserved seats in Europe, I always hope for the best views. Although we selected the high-speed Rail Jet Express that departs Zurich shortly before 11 a.m. there are several other, albeit slower, options.

By the time we arrived in Salzburg at 4:03 p.m., I wanted to get back on the train and do it again in the opposite direction.

It was the most beautiful train journey I’ve ever taken. The snow-covered Alps as the train ascends upward through the Arlberg pass are dramatic with lush meadows below full of activity as the final harvest before winter sets in.

We blinked once and almost missed Liechtenstein, which the train passed through.

Our hotel in Salzburg was close to the station and a good walk after a long ride. After a quick check-in, we immediately merged onto Linzer Gasse with the rest of the pedestrian traffic and headed for the riverfront.

Wandering through shops and arguing over dinner

choices took up considerable time, but we didn’t stray across the river until after dark. Views from the east side of the river granted us the best aspect of Fortress Hohensalzburg, the 11th century castle that dominates the skyline.

The evening sky was overcast as we trooped across the bridge into old town Salzburg, the Baroque historical heart of the city with its Sound of Music sites familiar from film and a previous visit during college.

Carnival rides and booths were in the process of being prepared for Octoberfest all around Residenzplatz, where Mozart lived as a youngster. The beautiful 17th century Salzburg Cathedral with its museum full of sacred items sprawled majestically over the square while the castle bathed in light, glowed on the hilltop above.

There is a cable car up to the fortress, and even if you only go up to the outside terrace bar for a beer, the view from that vantage point is amazing.

The following morning we sprinted as quickly as possible through cold and rain soaked streets to Mirabellplatz to catch our bus for Lake Hallstatt.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

Photo by Tori Ward

It might be a community known for salt mines since prehistoric times, but the beautiful Alpine village that curves along the lake is so pristine with its clean lines and brightly colored homes tightly packed on the thin strip of land between water and mountain that social images of it as the most Instagrammable town in the world has created an explosion of over-tourism.

The town strictly limits the number of tourists allowed in each day so advanced planning is vital.

We returned early enough for a lovely stroll through Mirabellgarten. Admission to both the gardens and palace is free. And, although the main attraction in the palace is the Marble Hall, the staircase leading up to it is an attraction in itself.

The palace hosts a Mozart concert almost every night, and it is a popular attraction, so plan early.

Salzburg was cozy like a sweater, but we were leaving the next morning for Vienna for a much more formal affair.

Tori’s Tips

Purchase tickets in advance for a tour of Hallstatt and any attraction or concert you may want to attend in Salzburg. Travel agents will help you pack the most into your journey.

Bring cash and an umbrella during the fall and spring on visits to Hallstatt. There are few restaurant choices and many won’t take cards. Accommodations in the town itself are very limited if you intend to spend more than a few hours.

Walking is the best form of transportation in Salzburg. The town is compact, and it’s easy to find your bearings quickly.

If you are traveling from Zurich, make sure you have euros instead of Swiss francs.

Europe Train-Arlberg

Photo by Tori Ward

Scan for more information or to book your next trip with ROX Travel.

SWITZERLAND BY RAIL with Railbookers

GRAND TOUR OF SWITZERLAND SCENIC SWITZERLAND FROM BASEL

Zurich > Interlaken > Lausanne > Zermatt > Gornergrat > St Moritz

Lugano > Lucerne

15 DAYS

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experience Jungfrau Railway, Europe’s highest-altitude railway station

• All in one blockbuster tour of Switzerland including all the scenic lines and key mountain excursions

• Traverse the Swiss Alps onboard the Golden Pass Line

• Take in a mountain panorama from the top of Gornergrat

• Experience Jungfrau Railway, Europe’s highest-altitude railway station

• Traverse the Swiss Alps onboard the Golden Pass Line

• Board the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

• and more!

• Take in a mountain panorama from the top of Gornergrat

• Board the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

• and more!

• Amazing Matterhorn views from the Gornergrat Cog Railway

Jungfrau mountain

Jungfrau mountain

• Enjoy time in two of Switzerland’s most scenic alpine towns – Interlaken and Chur

• Enjoy time in two of Switzerland’s most scenic alpine towns – Interlaken and Chur

• Alpine Adventure via boat and cable car or the worlds steepest cog railway to the top of Mount Pilatus

• Beautiful Scenery of The Golden Pass railway

• Highest railway station Europe atop the world-famous Jungfrau Railway

• Alpine Adventure via boat and cable car or the worlds steepest cog railway to the top of Mount Pilatus

• Highest railway station Europe atop the world-famous Jungfrau Railway

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Enjoy wonderful views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain from the Gornergrat Cog Railway

• Admire the majesty of the Swiss Alps from the panoramic carriages of the Glacier Express

• Marvel at the change in scenery onboard the UNESCO listed Bernina Express, and enjoy a true Italian pizza in Tirano!

• Marvel at the change in scenery onboard the UNESCO listed Bernina Express, and enjoy a true Italian pizza in Tirano!

• Experience the glamorous and world-famous Swiss resorts in Zermatt and St. Moritz

• Experience the glamorous and world-famous Swiss resorts in Zermatt and St. Moritz

‘Uncle Carr’ McNatt Helped Drive CG Forward

by Blake Herzog

Today’s Casa Grande Carr McNatt Park is a community hub — the home of Palm Island Aquatic Center, Velocity Skate Park and other key amenities for residents.

The man it was named after was an avuncular figure who became a sort of one-man chamber of commerce for the city as the founder of another gathering spot, which endures after nearly 100 years.

"It was known all over the country. You’d stop in places away from here (in other states) and mention Casa Grande and people would ask ‘have you ever been to the Wonder Bar?’ his

daughter Frances Stein told the Casa Grande Dispatch in 1984. “Everybody loved daddy, they would call him Daddy Mac or Uncle Carr."

She added there were many illustrious patrons including Clark Gable, who passed through on his way to Tucson.

Carr McNatt was born in Bowie, Texas, in 1881 and arrived in Casa Grande with his wife Elizabeth in 1907. All three of his brothers — Robert, Mark and William (known as “Jinx”) — followed within the next decade, and all prospered as the community found its footing as an agricultural center

after the initial railroad and mining booms was spent.

In 1915, the year the City of Casa Grande was incorporated, he opened Carr’s Emporium, a soda fountain and ice cream shop and purchased the Casa Grande Supply Company’s oil business, including the real estate, for about $4,000, becoming the representative for all of Standard Oil’s products in the community at the dawn of the automobile age.

But he sold the oil business just a year later, and around this time opened the Gilt-Edge Saloon across the street from the Southern Pacific depot.

Photo of the Wonder Bar

Courtesy of the Museum of Casa Grande

McNatt worked in mining, cotton farming and cattle ranching and was a constable in the 1920s. He was active in service clubs and volunteered to haul most of the rocks that built the Woman’s Club building in 1925 (now used by the BlackBox Foundation).

Once Prohibition ended, he got back into libations and opened the Wonder Bar, which debuted in 1934 inside the old San Carlos Hotel near First and Sacaton streets. One year later he moved it into a larger space in the hotel and added a restaurant and café, and in 1942 built the current location at 310 W. Second St.

He talked travelers into staying in the town and provided an informal

conference room for bankers and businessmen to work out their deals, while cowboys and ranchers would bring their families in for good clean fun. He worked and became partners with son Mickey, who took over after his father died in 1964 and kept it going until selling it to Cotton Graham 20 years later.

In 1967, the City Council voted to rename Le Grande Park at McMurray Boulevard and Brown Avenue in his honor, adding him to a pantheon of pioneers so honored in Casa Grande. But it took until 1984 for a new sign to be put up, after Stein noticed a sign that still bore the old name.

Sources: Museum of Casa Grande, Casa Grande Dispatch

Photo of the four McNatt brothers Courtesy of the Museum of Casa Grande

A pump similar to one McNatt would use to dispense gas from the back of his truck, on display at the Museum of Casa Grande. Courtesy of the Museum of Casa Grande

Carr McNatt sitting in his Standard Oil truck in 1915 in Casa Grande Courtesy of the Museum of Casa Grande

Now ! EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

May 17

Live Music at San Tan Flat: Rod Kent

San Tan Flat - Queen Creek S

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

San Tan Flat has live music every week. Located at 6185 W. Hunt Highway in Queen Creek. Visit the events calendar page on their website for the May music lineup. Rod Kent plays every Wed. and Neil Bunker every Thu. Bands on Fri. and Sat. nights from 7:00-11:00 PM.

480.882.2995

www.santanflat.com

Karaoke with James G. Gallopin’ Goose

Coolidge

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Gallopin’ Goose has karaoke every Wednesday with host James G. Check their Facebook page for the weekend DJ schedule and live music. Located at 1980 S. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge.

520.723.0300

www.facebook.com/gallopingoose

Combs High School Band and Jazz Band Concerts

Combs Performing Arts Center

San Tan Valley

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Free admission. The theatre is located at the Combs High School Campus in San Tan Valley. Visit the Facebook page for the events calendar and information about upcoming live music events, dance shows, live theatre, concerts and school shows.

480.987.5300

www.facebook.com/CombsPerformingArtsCenter

May 17th

Art & Sip - Guided Art Class

The Roost Sports Bar & Cafe - Maricopa

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

May 17th

Monthly Meeting - Pinal Geology & Mineral Society

Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum

Coolidge

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Dr. Ray Grant will give a talk on Australian geology at this month’s meeting. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the meeting will begin at 7:00 PM. There will be door prizes and refreshments. The museum is open Wed.-Sat. from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM through May 31. Exhibits include fossils from all over the world, gems and minerals and children’s activities. Located at 351 N. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge

520.723.3009

www.pinalgeologymuseum.org

May 18th

Zipline EcoTours

Arizona Zipline Adventures - Oracle

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Zipline EcoTour allows you to zip on 5 different spans ranging in length from 400 to 1,500 ft. and lasts approximately 2 hours. Open Thursday through Sunday by reservation only. See website for details. Located on Mt. Lemmon Rd. in Oracle.

520.308.9350

www.ziparizona.com

Art and Sip events on Wed. 5/17 from 7:00-9:00 PM and Sun. 5/21 from 3:00-5:00 PM at The Roost in Maricopa. No experience necessary. Visit website for details and to sign up. Watch for new Art & Sip class locations in Casa Grande. Contact Kaui Wilson at KauiWilson. Art@gmail.com or on social media: @KauiWilson

602.796.8194

www.theartandsip.com

May 18th

May Live Music at the Windmill Winery

Windmill Winery

Florence

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy the live music events in the Wine Tasting Room. May schedule - Thu. 5/18: Rocksmith, Sat. 5/20: Kenny Samuelson, Sun. 5/21: Bob Villa, Thu. 5/25: Awake at Midnight, Sat. 5/27: Rocksmith, Sun. 5/28: Jerry Larson. Food trucks will also be on site for some live music events - see website. Located at 1140 W. Butte Ave. in Florence.

520.858.6050

www.thewindmillwinery.com

Events at Throwback Family Fun

Throwback Family Fun

Casa Grande

Activities include arcade games, axe throwing, live music, birthday parties and more! Can host private events. Check the Throwback Family Fun website and Facebook page for their latest events. Open Thursday-Sunday. 520.635.6411

www.throwbackfun.com/events

May 18th

Visit the Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Superior

6:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden, situated on 343 acres of scenic upland desert with nearly five miles of trails. See website for tours and special events. Located 4 miles west of Superior on Hwy. 60. Open 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM May through Sep. Closed on Tuesdays, June-Sep.

520.689.2723

www.btarboretum.org

May 19th

Visit the Ostrich Ranch

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Picacho

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Ostrich Ranch has an amazing variety of animals that visitors can watch and feed, including stingrays, goats, miniature donkeys, fallow deer, tortoises and lots of ostriches! Located by Picacho Peak State Park, just off I-10. Open Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in May, June, and July .

520.466.3658

www.roostercogburn.com

Visit the Casa Grande Ruins

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Coolidge

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open daily, including the monument, museum exhibits, movie theater, monument bookstore and picnic area. Free admission. See website for special events.

520.723.3172

www.nps.gov/cagr

Live Music - Tres Amigos

Tap Inn Restaurant

Arizona City

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join Bob, Roy and Everett for a great night of music and dancing! The Tap Inn is located at the Arizona City Golf course. Check the website calendar and Facebook page for the live music and karaoke schedule.

www.arizonacity.golf/calendar

Live Music at A Latte Vino: JC & Laney

A Latte Vino Casa Grande

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

A Latte Vino in Casa Grande has live music, improv comedy, paint & sip and other fun events! Check their website for the May schedule, which also has live music with Warren Young and Nancy Elliot.

520.788.6677

www.alattevino.com/music-events

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Events at Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center

Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center

Maricopa

The Entertainment Center offers movies, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, parties and special events. See the Ak-Chin Circle website and Facebook page for this month’s featured events.

520.568.3456

www.ak-chincircle.com

Learn to SkyDive - Ground School

Skydive Arizona

Eloy

Learn to skydive at the largest jump zone in the world! Skydive Arizona is located in Eloy. Ground school training will be offered on 7 dates in May, June and July. See website for details and to register. Skydive Arizona also has upcoming events and courses for experienced skydivers, including AXIS B License training and Night Jumps.

Tandem skydiving is also available.

520.466.3753 www.skydiveaz.com

May 20th

Casa Grande Farmers Market

702 E. Cottonwood Lane

Casa Grande

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church/ PCSO-Pinal County parking lot. Cost is $15 for a box of farmer-direct produce. Cash only. Market hours are 7:00 AM until produce is sold out. See Facebook page to confirm market details. Contact the market if you are interested in volunteering. Vendors please see website for info.

www.casagrandefarmersmarket.com

Youth Rodeo: Sheep, Calf, & Steer Riding

Charles Whitlow Rodeo Arena

Florence

9:00 AM

The Historic Florence Foundation Spring Series has sheep, calf and steer riding events. Takes place at the Charles Whitlow Rodeo Arena in Florence. Gates will open at 8:00 AM. Free admission for spectators. See Facebook page for event details. Register at form.jotform. com/230654425442048.

520.840.9154

www.facebook.com/historicflorencefoundation/

May 20th

Explore Pinal County’s History

Pinal County Historical Museum Florence

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Open Tue.-Sat. Exhibits include Native American culture, day-to-day life in early Florence, 2nd Territorial Prison artifacts, antique clothing, cactus furniture, farm machinery, vintage fire engines and much more. Admission is $7 for adults and free for ages 18 and under. Free admission and special activities on first Sat. of each month. Summer hours go into effect June 1st: Wed.-Sat. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

520.868.4382

www.pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org

The Pony Ranch

Casa Grande

A fun place for tiny cowboys and cowgirls to experience riding a pony and feeding ranch animals at the petting zoo. Visit the Pony Ranch Facebook page for their current hours. Located at 18536 W. Houser Rd. in Casa Grande.

480.236.4500

www.facebook.com/theponyranchfeaturingtinytown

May 21st

Yoga in the Lavender Field

Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

Oracle

9:00 AM

Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm is located in Oracle and offers a variety of events and activities, including an early morning yoga session on Sunday, May 21. Please check website for the schedule during the upcoming bloom season! There will be fresh wreath workshops offered in June.

520.444.4453

www.lifeundertheoakslavenderfarm. com

Biosphere 2 Tours

University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Oracle

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Biosphere 2 is a world-famous research facility operated by the University of Arizona and located near Oracle. The Biosphere 2 Experience allows visitors to tour the interior of the facility. This fascinating, family-friendly experience is guided by a mobile app. Download the tour app prior to arrival. Tickets must be purchased online. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 520.621.4800

www.biosphere2.org

Live Music and Paint-N-Pour Class at the Windmill Winery

Windmill Winery

Florence

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Paint-N-Pour class in the pavilion at 11:30 AM. Call 480-313-7996 to reserve a spot. Live music with Bob Villa from 2:00-5:00 PM. See website for the May music schedule. Located at 1140 W. Butte Ave. in Florence.

520.858.6050

www.thewindmillwinery.com

The Pony Ranch featuring Tiny Town

Pinal County Libraries - May Events

Pinal County Library District

Each library branch in the Pinal County Library District hosts a variety of events and activities. Find events at your local library by visiting the library district website and selecting your library branch. Then search by age group, event type, and date range. Upcoming events include storytime, book clubs, arts & crafts, music, language classes, chess clubs, STEM programs, and much more!

520.509.3555

https://pcld.libnet.info/events

May 22nd

All-Levels Yoga Class with Tiffany Thrive Academy Yoga Recovery and Healing Arts Project Casa Grande

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Organized by Yoga Recovery & Healing Arts Project. Weekly yoga classes take place every Monday at Thrive Cultural Academy for Performing Arts in Casa Grande. See website for location details. $5 or $10 suggested donation per class. Bring a yoga mat.

www.yogahealingartsproject.org

Community Recreation Center

Programs and Classes

Community Recreation Center

Casa Grande

Open Monday-Friday from 5:15 AM to 9:00 PM. Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Facilities include a fitness center, gym, indoor walking/jogging track, community meeting space and more. The CRC offers a variety of group fitness and sports activities and classes. See website for the group fitness and gymnasium schedules.

520.421.8600

www.casagrandeaz.gov/crc

May 23rd

Karaoke Night & Live Music

Tumbleweed Inn

Eloy

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Tumbleweed Inn has karaoke on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and live music throughout the month. See their Facebook page for the May live music schedule. Located at 3802 W. Frontier St. in Eloy. Reservations are recommended - call ahead to reserve a seat.

520.466.9972

www.facebook.com/tumbleweedinnaz

May 23rd

May Art Classes & Workshops

Casita Workshop

Casa Grande

Located at 127 W. Wilson St. in Casa Grande. Check the website for May class details and availability. Book your spot early as there are limited spaces available. They also have a Fiber & Fabric Club that meets monthly, September through May. Classes include ceramics, weaving, glass, fiber arts, watercolor and more. Teen Art Experience workshops are now being offered monthly. www.casitaworkshop.com

May 24th

Pinal County Board of Supervisors Meeting

Pinal County Administrative Complex

Florence

9:30 AM

Regular Session - Broadcast live and the public may access the meeting on the BOS Videos page on the Pinal County website. Board agendas are available at pinal.novusagenda.com/ agendapublic. Meetings are held in the 1891 Historic Courthouse, 135 North Pinal St. in Florence. Anyone wishing to address the board may do so during the Call to Public at 9:30 AM during regular session board meetings.

520.866.6068

www.pinal.gov/calendar

Casa Grande Art Museum Exhibits

Casa Grande Art Museum

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Museum hours are Wed. through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Located at 319 West 3rd Street in Casa Grande. There is no charge to visit the museum and donations are gratefully received.

520.705.2055

www.casagrandeartmuseum.org

Learn about Arizona’s Geology

Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum

Coolidge

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Exhibits include fossils from all over the world, gems and minerals and children’s activities. Check the website for information on monthly meetings of the Pinal County Gem and Mineral Society. The museum is located at 351 N. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge. Open Wed.-Sat. 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. through May 31, and on Fridays only during the summer.

520.723.3009

www.pinalgeologymuseum.org

May 26th

Rec, Dine & Dash

Community Recreation Center

Casa Grande

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Food trucks, field day activities, obstacle courses, yard games, pop-up fitness for kids courses and more!

520.421.8677

www.casagrandeaz.gov/crc

May 28th

Art & Sip Event

KP’s Place - Casa Grande

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday 5/28: Art & Sip at The Legends from 2:00-4:00 PM (12684

Gila Bend Hwy, Casa Grande) $40 presale. Supplies and instruction provided. See website for details and to register.

602.796.8194

www.theartandsip.com

May 26th

Old Town Club - Downtown Casa Grande

Old Town Club

Casa Grande

Located at 412 N. Florence St. in Casa Grande. Visit their Facebook page for live music events, DJ schedule, and special event info.

520.208.3442

www.facebook.com/Old-TownClub-100263734817435

May 27th

Fly-In Breakfast

Casa Grande Municipal Airport

Casa Grande

7:00 AM

Takes place on the last Saturday of the month at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport. The community is invited to enjoy breakfast with local aviators and enjoy a great view of aircraft on the ramp at the airport! Breakfast is hosted by the local Masonic Lodge (Pinal Lodge 30) and serving begins at 7:00 AM. Cost is $10. Enjoy the Art @ the Airport displays from the Casa Grande Art Association.

520.421.8600

www.casagrandeaz.gov

May 27th

Maricopa Memorial Day 5K

Copper Sky Recreation Center

6:30 AM

Join us for the 3rd Maricopa Memorial Day 5K! Run or walk our spectator-friendly course at Copper Sky Rec Center in Maricopa. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal and an event t-shirt. An award ceremony will follow the event for top finishers. Profits benefit Maricopa veterans organizations.

480.785.6323

www.runsignup.com/Race/AZ/ Maricopa/MaricopaMemorialDay5K

Florence Farmers Market

McFarland State Historic Park

Florence

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The market is held on the porch at McFarland State Park in Historic Florence on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Produce from local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee & tea, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products.

520.868.9433

www.florenceazchamber.com

Borderlands P.O.W.W.O.W. Produce Event

Coolidge Artisan Village

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Borderlands rescued produce program will be available for $15 cash donation for up to 70 pounds of produce. No bills over $20 will be accepted. This is a community-driven event, please share the information with your friends and neighbors.

520.287.2627

www.facebook.com/ events/515153310574012

May 29th

Art Classes at the Divine Art Institute

Divine Art Institute

Casa Grande

Visit the Divine Art Institute website to see their art class lineup. Located in Casa Grande. Workshops and classes are offered in the areas of drawing, painting and mixed media. Open to artists of all ages and experience levels. Private lessons available.

520.340.4162

www.divineartinstitute.com

May 30th

Yoga Dynamics

The Live It Well Place

Gold Canyon

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Live It Well Place offers a wide range of yoga, pilates, and fitness classes. Visit their website for the full schedule. They also have other integrative health services such as therapeutic massage and reflexology. Located at 6607 S. Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon.

480.388.9808

www.liveitwellaz.com/schedule

continued on page 84

The Best of Shopping

BUTCHER SHOP (TIE)

Save Money Market, Superior

The Pork Shop, San Tan Valley

FARMERS MARKET

Eloy Farmers Market

NURSERY | PLANTS (TIE)

Arizona Flower Girl, Florence

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior

Francis Roses, Eloy

OUTDOOR DECOR

Happy Adobe, Florence

PLACE TO BUY GIFTS

Sweet P's Candy Shoppe, Gifts, and Creations, Apache Junction

SECOND-HAND CLOTHING

Payton’s Hidden Treasures, Florence

May 31st

Activities for Seniors

Dorothy Powell Senior Center

Casa Grande

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Dorothy Powell Senior Center provides residents the opportunity to experience recreational, cultural, and educational programming in a friendly atmosphere. It’s open to individuals 50 years of age or older. Activities include health and fitness, dance, pool, cards, walking club, bingo, art and more. The monthly activity calendar is posted on the City of Casa Grande website.

520.421.8760

www.casagrandeaz.gov/247/ Senior-Citizen-Services

May 31st

Maricopa Community Theatre: “In the Heights”

Leading Edge Academy

Maricopa

“In the Heights” will be presented at the Leading Edge Academy, 18700 N. Porter Rd. in Maricopa. Performances will be on May 31, June 1 and June 2 at 7:00 PM, as well as two performances on June 3 at 2:00 & 7:00 PM . See Facebook page for play description and ticket info.

www.facebook.com/MaricopaCommunityTheatre

June 1st

Pinal County Libraries - June Events

Pinal County Library District

Each library branch in the Pinal County Library District hosts a variety of events and activities. Find events at your local library by visiting the library district website and selecting your library branch. Then search by age group, event type, and date range. Upcoming events include storytime, book clubs, arts & crafts, music, language classes, chess clubs, STEM programs, and much more!

520.509.3555

https://pcld.libnet.info/events

June 2nd

Learn about Arizona’s Geology Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum Coolidge

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Exhibits include fossils from all over the world, gems and minerals and children’s activities. The museum is located at 351 N. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge. Summer hours: Open on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM starting in June.

520.723.3009

www.pinalgeologymuseum.org

June 3rd

First Saturday at the Museum

Pinal County Historical Museum

Florence

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

June 3rd

Live Music at the Windmill Winery: The Billy Elton Band

Windmill Winery

Florence

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy live music in the Wine Tasting Room. Tonight’s music is by a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute band. See website for the June schedule. Located at 1140 W. Butte Ave. in Florence.

520.858.6050

www.thewindmillwinery.com

Central Arizona Raceway

Motorsports Event

Central Arizona Raceway

Casa Grande

7:00 PM

See Facebook page for event updates. Located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Pit gate opens at 2:00 PM. Admission gate opens at 4:00 PM. Racing starts at 7:00 PM. Admission: Adults $20, Senior/Military $18, Students $15 (age 12-17), free for kids 11 & under. Pit passes are $35. See website for event classes or to watch live.

602.292.7607

www.thecentralarizonaraceway.com

First Saturday special events are held monthly from Sept.-June. On First Saturdays, the museum waives admission fees to provide the community with an affordable, educational and family-friendly experience. There are rotating activities, including a scavenger hunt, a local geology activity, backyard bingo, desert animals and more! Summer hours at the museum during June and July are Wed. to Sat. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The museum will be closed in August.

520.868.4382

www.pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org

June 6th

Monthly Meeting - DAV 36 (Disabled American Veterans)

DAV Chapter 36 Pinal County

Coolidge

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

DAV is a national nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year nationally. Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 36 serves veterans in Pinal County. Located at 320 E. Central Ave. in Coolidge. A weekly Koffee Klatch is also held on Tuesdays from 7:00-10:00 AM.

520.494.3283

www.dav36.org

Karaoke Night & Live Music

Tumbleweed Inn

Eloy

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Tumbleweed Inn has karaoke on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and live music throughout the month. See their Facebook page for the June live music schedule. Located at 3802 W. Frontier St. in Eloy. Reservations are recommended - call ahead to reserve a seat.

520.466.9972

www.facebook.com/tumbleweedinnaz

June 7th

Pinal County Board of Supervisors Meeting

Pinal County Administrative Complex

Florence

9:30 AM

Regular Session - Broadcast live and the public may access the meeting on the BOS Videos page on the Pinal County website. Board agendas are available at pinal.novusagenda.com/ agendapublic. Meetings are held in the 1891 Historic Courthouse, 135 North Pinal St. in Florence. Anyone wishing to address the board may do so during the Call to Public at 9:30 AM during regular session board meetings.

520.866.6068

www.pinal.gov/calendar

June 7th

Oracle Farmers Market

Sue & Jerry’s Trading Post

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

An amazing weekly event with food, music and vendors. Takes place every Wednesday from April 12 through October 25 at Sue & Jerry’s Trading Post in Oracle. Check Facebook page for weekly updates. Market hours change to 6:00-9:00 PM for June through October.

www.facebook.com/OracleFarmers-Market-at-Sue-JerrysTrading-Post-1129825760382220

Events at the Lavender Farm

Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

Oracle

Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm is located in Oracle and offers a variety of events and activities. Please check website for the schedule. There will be fresh wreath workshops offered in June.

520.444.4453

www.lifeundertheoakslavenderfarm. com

June 8th

Food Box Distribution Day for Seniors

Hope International Food Pantry Coolidge

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Senior food box distribution takes place on the second Thursday of each month. Located at 1280 North Arizona Blvd in Coolidge. For seniors only, age 60 and up. Please bring your ID. Volunteers are welcome. Check website for general food distribution days.

520.233.6699

www.hopeinternationalfoodpantry. org

June 8th

Live Music at San Tan Flat: Neil Bunker

San Tan Flat

Queen Creek

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

San Tan Flat has live music every week. Located at 6185 W. Hunt Highway in Queen Creek. Visit the events calendar page on their website for the June music lineup. Rod Kent plays every Wed. and Neil Bunker every Thu. Bands on Fri. and Sat. nights from 7:00-11:00 PM.

480.882.2995

www.santanflat.com

Newcomers and Neighbors of Casa Grande - Meet & Greet

Central Meeting Hall Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Casa Grande

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Casa Grande is a great place to meet new friends. Activity and interest groups meet regularly and all-club events are held several times throughout the year. Learn more at the monthly “Meet & Greet” orientation meeting, held on the second Thursday of most months. Meetings take place at 408 N. Sacaton St. See website for details.

www.cgnnc.com/calendar

June 8th

Events at Throwback Family Fun

Throwback Family Fun

Casa Grande

Activities include arcade games, axe throwing, live music, birthday parties and more! Can host private events. Check the Throwback Family Fun website and Facebook page for their latest events. Open Thursday-Sunday.

520.635.6411

www.throwbackfun.com/events

June 9th

Visit the Casa Grande Ruins Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Coolidge

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open daily, including the monument, museum exhibits, movie theater, monument bookstore, and picnic area. Free admission. See website for special events.

520.723.3172

www.nps.gov/cagr

Events at Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center

Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center Maricopa

The Entertainment Center offers movies, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, parties and special events. See the Ak-Chin Circle website and Facebook page for this month’s featured events.

520.568.3456

www.ak-chincircle.com

June 10th

Water Day - Presented by Pinal County Animal Care & Control

Pinal County Animal Care & Control

Casa Grande

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Located at 1150 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd. PCACC Water Day will have a doggie photo contest, summer safety presentation for pets and kids, adoption fees waived for the first 10 adoptions of the day, doggie playground will have bubbles and will be suds-filled. You can register for Water Day events on the website

June 10th

Florence Farmers Market

McFarland State Historic Park

Florence

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The market is held on the porch at McFarland State Park in Historic Florence on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Produce from local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee & tea, seasonings and many other locally made artisan products.

520.868.9433

www.florenceazchamber.com

Central Arizona Raceway

Motorsports Event

Central Arizona Raceway

Casa Grande

7:00 PM See Facebook page for event updates. Located at 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner in Casa Grande. Pit gate opens at 2:00 PM. Admission gate opens at 4:00 PM. Racing starts at 7:00 PM. Admission: Adults $20, Senior/Military $18, Students $15 (age 12-17), free for kids 11 & under. Pit passes are $35. See website for event classes or to watch live.

602.292.7607

www.thecentralarizonaraceway. com

June 12th

BTA Book Club

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Superior

The BTA Book Club finds local authors/ books that are both captivating and educational to help facilitate rewarding discussions. Book Club meets in person from 9:00-10:30 AM on the second Monday of each month. Registration is free with admission or membership. Visit website for additional information.

520.689.2723

www.btarboretum.org

All-Levels Yoga Class with Tiffany Thrive Academy Yoga Recovery and Healing Arts Project

Casa Grande

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Organized by Yoga Recovery & Healing Arts Project. Weekly yoga classes take place every Monday at Thrive Cultural Academy for Performing Arts in Casa Grande. See website for location details. $5 or $10 suggested donation per class. Bring a yoga mat.

www.yogahealingartsproject.org

June 13th

Eloy Lions Club Meeting

Eloys Lions Club House

7:00 PM The Eloy Lions Club meets at the Lions Club House, located at 107 E. 5th Street. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.

www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/eloy

June Art Classes & Workshops

Casita Workshop

Casa Grande

Located at 127 W. Wilson St. in Casa Grande. Check the website for June class details and availability. Book your spot early as there are limited spaces available. Classes include ceramics, weaving, glass, fiber arts, watercolor and more. Teen Art Experience workshops are now being offered.

www.casitaworkshop.com

Check out our online events calendar at www.pinalnow.com for more events.

continued on page 88

The Best of Food & Drink

BAR | TAVERN

A Latte Vino, Casa Grande

BARBECUE

Silver King Smokehouse, Superior

BREAKFAST | BRUNCH

Roots Eatery, Maricopa

BURGER

Sario’s Cuisine, Maricopa

BURRITO (6 WAY TIE)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Casa Grande

Filiberto's Mexican Food, Casa Grande

Mi Amigo Ricardo, Casa Grande

Mr. Baja, Casa Grande

Ofelia’s Southwestern Cocina (Food truck)

Taqueria La Rocka, Maricopa

CHINESE (TIE)

Dragon City Chinese Restaurant, Coolidge

Lucky Sushi & Chinese, Casa Grande

COFFEE SHOP

Honeycutt Coffee Cafe & Wine Bar, Maricopa

COMFORT FOOD

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Casa Grande

DESSERT | BAKERY | COOKIE | DONUT | ICE CREAM

Sweet Cravings by Karla Wear, Maricopa

DIVE BAR (TIE)

Airport Tavern, Casa Grande

Old Town Club, Casa Grande

FOOD TRUCK

Chef on the Go, San Tan Valley

FINE DINING | SPECIAL OCCASION

BeDillon's Restaurant, Casa Grande

HAPPY HOUR (TIE)

A Latte Vino, Casa Grande

Dell's Pizza & Sports Bar, Casa Grande

MARGARITA (TIE)

Anaya's Fresh Mexican Restaurant, Casa Grande

LB Cantina, Florence

MEXICAN

Mi Amigo Ricardo, Casa Grande

PATIO (6 WAY TIE)

Dell's Pizza and Sports Bar, Casa Grande

Honeycutt Coffee Cafe & Wine Bar, Maricopa

Mount Athos Restaurant & Cafe, Florence

Pita Patio Grill, Coolidge

Silver King Smokehouse, Superior

The River Bottom Bar & Grill, Florence

NEW RESTAURANT

Hideout Steakhouse & BBQ, Casa Grande

SANDWICH

Florence Fudge Shop & Cafe, Florence

SEAFOOD

Angry Crab Shack, Casa Grande

STEAKHOUSE

Hideout Steakhouse & BBQ, Casa Grande

TACOS (4 WAY TIE)

Estilo Sonora, Superior

Filiberto's Mexican Food, Casa Grande

Mi Amigo Ricardo, Casa Grande

Taco Kings, Casa Grande

WINE BAR | WINERY

A Latte Vino, Casa Grande

June 14th

Karaoke with James G. Gallopin’ Goose

Coolidge

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Gallopin’ Goose has karaoke every Wednesday with host James G. Check their Facebook page for the weekend DJ schedule and live music. Located at 1980 S. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge. 520.723.0300

www.facebook.com/gallopingoose

June 15

Visit the Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Superior

6:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden, situated on 343 acres of scenic upland desert with nearly five miles of trail. See website for tours and special events. Located 4 miles west of Superior on Hwy. 60. Open 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM May through Sep. Closed on Tuesdays, June-Sep.

520.689.2723

www.btarboretum.org

June 16th

Visit the Ostrich Ranch

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Picacho

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Ostrich Ranch has an amazing variety of animals that visitors can watch and feed, including stingrays, goats, miniature donkeys, fallow deer, tortoises and lots of ostriches! Located by Picacho Peak State Park, just off I-10. Open Fri-SatSun-Mon from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in May, June, and July.

520.466.3658

www.roostercogburn.com

June 17th

Casa Grande Farmers Market

702 E. Cottonwood Lane

Casa Grande

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church/ PCSO-Pinal County parking lot. Cost is $15 for a box of farmer-direct produce. Cash only. Market hours are 7:00 AM until produce is sold out. See Facebook page to confirm market details. Contact the market if you are interested in volunteering. Vendors please see website for info.

www.casagrandefarmersmarket. com

Live in Concert: Little Joe & La Familia Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino Maricopa

June 18th

Zipline EcoTours

Arizona Zipline Adventures Arizona

Oracle

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Zipline EcoTour allows you to zip on 5 different spans ranging in length from 400 to 1,500 ft. and lasts approximately 2 hours. Open Thursday through Sunday by reservation only. See website for details. Located on Mt. Lemmon Rd. in Oracle.

520.308.9350

www.ziparizona.com

June 18th

Biosphere 2 Tours

University of Arizona Biosphere 2

Oracle

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Biosphere 2 is a world-famous research facility operated by the University of Arizona and located near Oracle. The Biosphere 2 Experience allows visitors to tour the interior of the facility. This fascinating, family-friendly experience is guided by a mobile app. Download the tour app prior to arrival. Tickets must be purchased online. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

520.621.4800

www.biosphere2.org

8:00 PM With special guest Sunny Ozuna. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. Located at 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. Doors 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM. Little Joe & La Familia website: www.littlejoeylafamilia.com. www.caesars.com/harrahs-akchin/shows/calendar

Learn to SkyDive - Ground School

Skydive Arizona

Eloy

Learn to skydive at the largest jump zone in the world! Skydive Arizona is located in Eloy. Ground school training will be offered on 7 dates in May, June and July. See website for details and to register. Skydive Arizona also has upcoming events and courses for experienced skydivers, including AXIS B License training and Night Jumps. Tandem skydiving is also available.

520.466.3753

www.skydiveaz.com

June 20th

Yoga Dynamics

The Live It Well Place

Gold Canyon

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Live It Well Place offers a wide range of yoga, pilates, and fitness classes. Visit their website for the full schedule. They also have other integrative health services such as therapeutic massage and reflexology. Located at 6607 S. Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon.

480.388.9808

June 24th

Fly-In Breakfast

Casa Grande Municipal Airport

7:00 AM

Takes place on the last Saturday of the month at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport. The community is invited to enjoy breakfast with local aviators and enjoy a great view of aircraft on the ramp at the airport! Breakfast is hosted by the local Masonic Lodge (Pinal Lodge 30), and serving begins at 7:00 AM. Cost is $10. Enjoy the Art @ the Airport displays from the Casa Grande Art Association.

520.421.8600

June 19th

Community Recreation Center Programs and Classes

Community Recreation Center

Casa Grande

Open Monday-Friday from 5:15 AM to 9:00 PM. Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Facilities include a fitness center, gym, indoor walking/jogging track, community meeting space, and more. The CRC offers a variety of group fitness and sports activities and classes. See website for the group fitness and gymnasium schedules.

520.421.8600

www.casagrandeaz.gov/crc

June 20th

Rotary Club of Casa Grande

Eva’s Restaurant

Casa Grande

12:00 PM

The Rotary Club of Casa Grande meets on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 12:00 PM at Eva’s Fine Mexican Food, located at 665 N. Pinal Ave. Visit the website or Facebook page for information on becoming a member. www.facebook. com/CGRotary

www.casagranderotary.org

June 21st

Coolidge Rotary Club Meeting

Coolidge Chamber of Commerce

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

The Coolidge Rotary Club was established in 1937 and is a part of Rotary International. Meets on 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month at 7:00 AM. Attend in person at the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce (351 N. Arizona Blvd.) or join via Zoom. For a Zoom meeting link, send an email to suebacon1210@gmail.com.

520.518.5060

www.rotaryd5500.org/clubInfo/ coolidge

Pinal County Board of Supervisors Meeting

Pinal County Administrative Complex

Florence

9:30 AM

Regular Session - Broadcast live and the public may access the meeting on the BOS Videos page on the Pinal County website. Board agendas are available at pinal.novusagenda.com/ agendapublic. Meetings are held in the 1891 Historic Courthouse, 135 North Pinal St. in Florence. Anyone wishing to address the board may do so during the Call to Public at 9:30 AM during regular session board meetings.

520.866.6068

www.pinal.gov/calendar

www.casagrandeaz.gov

Florence Farmers Market

McFarland State Historic Park

Florence

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The market is held on the porch at McFarland State Park in Historic Florence on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Produce from local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee & tea, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products.

520.868.9433

www.florenceazchamber.com

June 24th

Butterfly Walk

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Superior

9:00 AM Learn about the different butterflies that call the Arboretum home! This 1.5-hour walk led by butterfly experts will enhance your appreciation and understanding of butterflies. Space is limited. Pre-registration required - see website. Another Butterfly Walk event will be held on July 29.

520.689.2723

www.liveitwellaz.com/schedule Check

www.btarboretum.org

June 30th

Skydive Arizona: Patriot’s Boogie Skydive Arizona

Eloy

Takes place Fri. 6/30 to Mon. 7/3 at SkyDive Arizona in Eloy. See website for event details. SkyDive Arizona is the largest jump zone in the world and offers a variety of classes and training, tandem skydiving, night jumps, and more.

520.466.3753

www.skydiveaz.com

July 1st

The Pony Ranch featuring Tiny Town

The Pony Ranch

Casa Grande

A fun place for tiny cowboys and cowgirls to experience riding a pony and feeding ranch animals at the petting zoo. Visit the Pony Ranch Facebook page for their current hours. Located at 18536 W. Houser Rd. in Casa Grande.

480.236.4500

www.facebook.com/theponyranchfeaturingtinytown

Pinal County Libraries - July Events

Pinal County Library District

Each library branch in the Pinal County Library District hosts a variety of events and activities. Find events at your local library by visiting the library district website and selecting your library branch. Then search by age group, event type and date range. Upcoming events include storytime, book clubs, arts & crafts, music, language classes, chess clubs, STEM programs, and much more!

520.509.3555

https://pcld.libnet.info/events

July 3rd

All-Levels Yoga Class with Tiffany

Thrive Academy Yoga Recovery and Healing Arts Project

Casa Grande

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Organized by Yoga Recovery & Healing Arts Project. Weekly yoga classes take place every Monday at Thrive Cultural Academy for Performing Arts in Casa Grande. See website for location details. $5 or $10 suggested donation per class. Bring a yoga mat. www.yogahealingartsproject.org

July Art Classes & Workshops

Casita Workshop

Casa Grande

Located at 127 W. Wilson St. in Casa Grande. Check the website for July class details and availability. Book your spot early as there are limited spaces available. Classes include ceramics, weaving, glass, fiber arts, watercolor, and more. Teen Art Experience workshops are available.

www.casitaworkshop.com

July 4th

Monthly Meeting - DAV 36 (Disabled American Veterans)

DAV Chapter 36 Pinal County

Coolidge

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

DAV is a national nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year nationally. Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 36 serves veterans in Pinal County. Located at 320 E. Central Ave. in Coolidge. A weekly Koffee Klatch is also held on Tuesdays from 7:00-10:00 AM.

520.494.3283

www.dav36.org

July 4th

Casa Grande 4th of July Celebration

Paul Mason Sports Complex

Casa Grande

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

This community event will feature fireworks, inflatables, food trucks, games, a bubble zone, and more! Admission and activities are free. Food will be available for purchase. .

520.421.8677

www.casagrandeaz.gov

July 4th

Coolidge 4th of July Celebration

City of Coolidge

9:00 PM

4th of July celebration will take place at the Kenilworth Sports Complex, located at 671 E. Coolidge Ave. Presented by City of Coolidge Parks & Recreation. Celebration activities will start at 6:00 PM and the fireworks will begin at 9:00 PM. Check Facebook page for event details.

520.723.4551

www.coolidgeaz.com/parks

July 4th

Florence 4th of July Freedom Fest Celebration

Town of Florence Multi-Purpose Fields

5:00 PM - 9:15 PM

Celebration starts with the Aquatic Center Pool Party from 1:00-5:00 PM with open swim, music, and games throughout the day. Freedom Fest continues at the Aquatic Center Multi-Purpose Fields at 5:00 PM. Fun family activitivities will include live music, water inflatables, a cornhole tournament, food vendors, games, and a fireworks display.

520.868.7500

www.florenceaz.gov/event/4th-ofjuly-freedom-fest-2

City of Eloy 4th of July Bash

Main Street Park

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Eloy’s 4th of July Bash starts with a free swim from 12:00-5:00 PM at the Aquatics Center. The evening celebration will take place from 6:00-8:00 PM in Main Street Park and will include waterslides, games, food, music, vendors, raffles, and a dunk tank with the chance to dunk the mayor! The fireworks show will start at sundown. 920.466.9201

www.eloyaz.gov

July 5th

Coolidge Rotary Club Meeting

Coolidge Chamber of Commerce

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

The Coolidge Rotary Club was established in 1937 and is a part of Rotary International. Meets on 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month at 7:00 AM. Attend in person at the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce (351 N. Arizona Blvd.) or join via Zoom. For a Zoom meeting link, send an email to suebacon1210@gmail.com.

520.518.5060

www.rotaryd5500.org/clubInfo/ coolidge

Pinal County Board of Supervisors

Meeting

Pinal County Administrative Complex

Florence

9:30 AM

Regular Session - Broadcast live and the public may access the meeting on the BOS Videos page on the Pinal County website. Board agendas are available at pinal.novusagenda.com/ agendapublic. Meetings are held in the 1891 Historic Courthouse, 135 North Pinal St. in Florence. Anyone wishing to address the board may do so during the Call to Public at 9:30 AM during regular session board meetings.

520.866.6068

www.pinal.gov/calendar

July 5th

Explore Pinal County’s History

Pinal County Historical Museum

Florence

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Summer hours at the museum during June and July are Wed. to Sat. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The museum will be closed in August. Exhibits include Native American culture, day-to-day life in early Florence, 2nd Territorial Prison artifacts, antique clothing, cactus furniture, farm machinery, vintage fire engines and much more. Admission is $7 for adults and free for ages 18 and under.

520.868.4382

www.pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org

Live Music at San Tan Flat: Rod Kent San Tan Flat Queen Creek

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

San Tan Flat has live music every week. Located at 6185 W. Hunt Highway in Queen Creek. Visit the events calendar page on their website for the July music lineup. Rod Kent plays every Wed. and Neil Bunker every Thu.

480.882.2995

www.santanflat.com

July 5th

Oracle Farmers Market

Sue & Jerry’s Trading Post

Oracle

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

An amazing weekly event with food, music and vendors. Takes place every Wednesday from April 12 through October 25 at Sue & Jerry’s Trading Post in Oracle. Check Facebook page for weekly updates.

www.facebook.com/Oracle-Farmers-Market-at-Sue-Jerrys-TradingPost-1129825760382220

Karaoke with James G.

Gallopin’ Goose

Coolidge

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Gallopin’ Goose has karaoke every Wednesday with host James G. Check their Facebook page for the weekend DJ schedule and live music. Located at 1980 S. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge. 520.723.0300

www.facebook.com/gallopingoose

continued on page 94

July 7th

Coolidge

9:00 AM

520.723.3172

www.nps.gov/cagr

Visit the Casa Grande Ruins Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

- 4:00 PM

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open daily, including the monument, museum exhibits, movie theater, monument bookstore and picnic area. Free admission. See website for special events.

DANCING for Our STARS

The March 25 Dancing for Our Stars raised $175,426 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor with 547 people in attendance and more than 100 viewers who watched via livestream.

It was a dazzling dance competition featuring local celebrities paired with local professional dance instructors.

Dancers practiced for months leading up to the event to perform their routines in Harrah’s AkChin Casino Ballroom.

The top vote-getters were Louie Sanchez and Krisenna Hancock. Sanchez is the general manager of Walmart Supply Chain, Distribution Center, No.

7013. Hancock has been dancing since she was 3 and is a professional dancer at The Studio. The pair raised $30,348.

Other local celebrities included:

• Trey Davis

• Tena Dugan

• Lisa Fitzgibbons

• Kelly Herrington

• Dr. Adam Leckie

• Dr. Tracey Lopeman

• Ray Nieves

• Henry Wade

Next year’s event is scheduled for March 3, 2024. Watch for the countdown and details at www. dancingforourstars.net. Registration is open now.

Photos by Victor Moreno Photography

N ow ! EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

July 5th

Events at the Lavender Farm

Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

Oracle

Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm is located in Oracle and offers a variety of events and activities. Please check website for the July schedule.

520.444.4453

www.lifeundertheoakslavenderfarm. com

July 6th

Events at Throwback Family Fun

Throwback Family Fun

Casa Grande

Activities include arcade games, axe throwing, live music, birthday parties and more! Can host private events. Check the Throwback Family Fun website and Facebook page for their latest events. Open Thursday-Sunday. 520.635.6411

www.throwbackfun.com/events

July 7th

Learn about Arizona’s Geology

Pinal Geology & Mineral Museum

Coolidge

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Exhibits include fossils from all over the world, gems and minerals and children’s activities. The museum is located at 351 N. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge. Summer hours: Open on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM in July. 520.723.3009

www.pinalgeologymuseum.org

Events at Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center

Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center

Maricopa

The Entertainment Center offers movies, bowling, laser tag, an arcade, parties and special events. See the Ak-Chin Circle website and Facebook page for this month’s featured events. 520.568.3456

www.ak-chincircle.com

Check

July 7th

Visit the Ostrich Ranch

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Picacho

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Ostrich Ranch has an amazing variety of animals that visitors can watch and feed, including stingrays, goats, miniature donkeys, fallow deer, tortoises and lots of ostriches! Located by Picacho Peak State Park, just off I-10. Open Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in May, June, and July.

520.466.3658

www.roostercogburn.com

July 13th

Visit the Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum Superior

6:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Discover Arizona’s first and oldest botanical garden, situated on 343 acres of scenic upland desert with nearly five miles of trails. See website for tours and special events. Located 4 miles west of Superior on Hwy. 60. Open 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM May through Sep. Closed on Tuesdays, June-Sep .

520.689.2723

www.btarboretum.org

July 8th

Florence Farmers Market

McFarland State Historic Park

Florence

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The market is held on the porch at McFarland State Park in Historic Florence on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Produce from local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee & tea, seasonings and many other locally made artisan products.

520.868.9433

www.florenceazchamber.com

July 9th

Biosphere 2 Tours

University of Arizona Biosphere 2

Oracle

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Biosphere 2 is a world-famous research facility operated by the University of Arizona and located near Oracle. The Biosphere 2 Experience allows visitors to tour the interior of the facility. This fascinating, family-friendly experience is guided by a mobile app. Download the tour app prior to arrival. Tickets must be purchased online. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

520.621.4800

www.biosphere2.org

July 11th

Yoga Dynamics

The Live It Well Place

Gold Canyon

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Live It Well Place offers a wide range of yoga, pilates, and fitness classes. Visit their website for the full schedule. They also have other integrative health services such as therapeutic massage and reflexology. Located at 6607 S. Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon.

480.388.9808

www.liveitwellaz.com/schedule

Eloy Lions Club Meeting

Eloys Lions Club House

The Eloy Lions Club meets at the Lions Club House, located at 107 E. 5th Street. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.

www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/eloy

July 13th

Zipline EcoTours

Arizona Zipline Adventures

Oracle

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Zipline EcoTour allows you to zip on 5 different spans ranging in length from 400 to 1,500 ft. and lasts approximately 2 hours. Open Thursday through Sunday by reservation only. See website for details. Located on Mt. Lemmon Rd. in Oracle.

520.308.9350

www.ziparizona.com

July 13th

Food Box Distribution Day for Seniors

Hope International Food Pantry Coolidge

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Senior food box distribution takes place on the second Thursday of each month. Located at 1280 North Arizona Blvd in Coolidge. For seniors only, age 60 and up. Please bring your ID. Volunteers are welcome. Check website for general food distribution days. 520.233.6699

www.hopeinternationalfoodpantry.org

July 15th

Casa Grande Farmers Market

702 E. Cottonwood Lane

Casa Grande

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church / PCSO-Pinal County parking lot. Cost is $15 for a box of farmer-direct produce. Cash only. Market hours are 7:00 AM until produce is sold out. See Facebook page to confirm market details. Contact the market if you are interested in volunteering. Vendors please see website for info.

www.casagrandefarmersmarket. com

July 18th

Rotary Club of Casa Grande

Eva’s Restaurant - Casa Grande

Rotary Club of Casa Grande

12:00 PM

The Rotary Club of Casa Grande meets on 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 12:00 PM at Eva’s Fine Mexican Food, located at 665 N. Pinal Ave. Visit the website or Facebook page for information on becoming a member.

www.facebook.com/CGRotary

www.casagranderotary.org

Aug. 19th

Casa Grande Farmers Market

702 E. Cottonwood Lane

Casa Grande

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

July 13th

Newcomers and Neighbors of Casa Grande - Meet & Greet

Central Meeting Hall Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Casa Grande

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Casa Grande is a great place to meet new friends. Activity and interest groups meet regularly and all-club events are held several times throughout the year. Learn more at the monthly “Meet & Greet” orientation meeting, held on the second Thursday of most months. Meetings take place at 408 N. Sacaton Street. See website for details. www.cgnnc.com/calendar

Held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church/ PCSO-Pinal County parking lot. Cost is $15 for a box of farmer-direct produce. Cash only. Market hours are 7:00 AM until produce is sold out. See Facebook page to confirm market details. Contact the market if you are interested in volunteering. Vendors please see website for info

www.casagrandefarmersmarket.com

But when they go to fix that problem, the collateral consequences are not always considered. What you get is you get a system that we have right now where the vast majority of people, if I sat down and I went through every offense and told you what the consequences, most people would say that that doesn’t make sense.

For example, if you have two prior felonies and you sell one fentanyl pill, one, the presumptive sentence is 15.75 years in prison. If you kill somebody, if I pull out a gun right now and I shoot you between your eyes, a presumptive sentence is 16 years in prison.

Grande LIVING: A fairly recent change here in Arizona was the legalization of marijuana. What has that done for your office?

Kent Volkmer: For the most part, it’s not had an impact other than

we have seen a dramatic rise in driving under the influence of drug cases. It used to be DUIs were primarily alcohol. Now the majority are non-alcohol related. They’re drugs or prescription drugs. Anecdotally, it feels as if in the majority of our fatal car accidents we find people had traces of marijuana in their system, and there is not a real good way for us to deal with it.

I think this year we’re actually focusing on a DUI awareness campaign where we’re really just kind of pushing the idea out to people. Because again, most people know, “Hey, if I have two or three beers, I probably shouldn’t drive. If I have a couple glasses of wine an hour I shouldn’t drive.” That’s sort of in everybody’s psyche.

But with marijuana, if I took a gummy, I don’t feel the effects as much. I’m fine. If I took my

prescription medication, I think I’m fine to drive. And you’re not, and what’s happening is people are losing their lives and it’s becoming increasingly dangerous.

We have a lot of people on very few roads. If people are driving recklessly, or if their reaction time is compromised even a little bit, there’s this fallout of fatal accidents. More accidents and more serious accidents are occurring on a daily basis and more than we’ve ever seen before. And it coincides perfectly with the legalization of marijuana.

Grande LIVING: What about gun violence? Thankfully, we have not made national news in our area, and we’d like to stay that way. What can be done?

Kent Volkmer: So one of the things that I’m very proud of our community is how we come together. All of our chiefs of police,

Kent reading to a group of children.

our sheriff and our office come together. We have a number of intel meetings that occur on a pretty regular basis.

We work directly with the Department of Corrections when we know that dangerous people are being released into our community. And a lot of agencies are being proactive saying, “Hey, we’re welcoming you back to our community. Don’t do stupid stuff. You’re not going to have issues with us.” And we’ve, we’ve been able to be very successful in being proactive.

All of our agencies have great relationship with our local schools. So when there’s an issue with the school, if there’s something going on, they’re very proactive about it.

Our law enforcement goes through active school shooter scenes. It’s basically a simulation where they say, “This is how we’re going to react.” So we’re doing everything we can to be prepared if it happens while simultaneously doing everything we can to prevent it from happening

Grande LIVING: What have we not covered that you’d like people to know about the county attorney’s office or yourself?

Kent Volkmer: So I think one of the things that we don’t always do a good job of as a community, as a county, as a state, as a nation, is we rarely celebrate our victories and our wins. Our county’s in a really good spot. Our crime is better than anybody else in the state, any big county in the state by far. Everybody loves Prescott, everybody loves Yavapai County. Their crime rate’s about one and a half times as high as ours.

Somebody who lives in Maricopa County is about three times as likely to be a victim of serious crime as our residents. Somebody who lives in Pima County is about four times as likely. And that’s the thing that I want people to remember.

There’s been a slight uptick since COVID, and we’re working on it right now.

The biggest issue we have is substance use and abuse. So we did an anecdotal, general review of the felony crimes that are being committed in our community. Right off the top, about 40% are the possession, sale or transportation of drugs. Again, marijuana’s not even illegal anymore. So you’re talking primarily meth, secondarily, fentanyl, and then cocaine is third. That makes up 90some percent of all of our drug offenses. So that’s about 40%.

Then felony DUI is about 10% of our charges. Felony DUI means that your license has already been suspended for a DUI and you get another DUI, or you have a kid in the car when you get a DUI.

So now we’re at about 50% of our offenses. And if you calculate those offenses that were committed while somebody was under the influence. And when you add those offenses, like property crimes that somebody burglarized a house or somebody burglarized a car to feed their habit, suddenly we are about 85% of all of our crimes

The criminal justice system is not the best avenue to deal with substance abuse issues. The only thing I can do is put them in prison, put them on probation

or give diversion. There needs to be a solution that doesn’t come from me, that doesn’t come from the cops.

So I am pleading with the public to work on public health solutions and other solutions that don’t involve arresting, incarcerating our way to safety.

We arrest an addict, we put them in prison, they get no treatment or minimal treatment, and they come back out no better than they were before. But now they’ve been removed from their community. They have no job, they have no car, likely no housing. And quite frankly, they’ve probably alienated their family because most people who go to prison are between 30 and 45 and have kids.

Somebody else has to take care of their kids, which falls to the family or the public. When they get out of prison, mom doesn’t want to bring them back into their home.

What we have is people going in as addicts, not getting any treatment, not getting any help and coming out worse than they were when they came in with fewer resources, less community support, less family support.

So we need to stop using the criminal justice system as the dumping grounds for people with substance abuse issues and mental health issues.

If we can find a way to give them treatment before they get to us, that’s our best chance of getting them the help they need to be successful members of our community.

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