Scottsdale Progress 01-08-2023

Scottsdale asks on GoFundMe cover a wide range

BY J. GRABER AND CECILIA CHAN Progress Staff Writers

The holidays aren’t the only season for giving and spreading kindness. For crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe, it’s year-long.

Since its launch in 2010 the Californiabased GoFundMe has become the go-to online fundraising tool for charities and just about anybody who wants the public to help bankroll their expenses – including in Scottsdale.

Within minutes someone can set up a

money request on the global site, which to date has helped individuals and charities raise over $25 billion, according to GoFundMe.

The requests this year for donations run the gamut and include classroom supplies, Girl Scout projects and relief efforts for crisis events such as Hurricane Ian in Florida and the war in Ukraine.

The “Stand with Ukraine” fundraiser launched by actors Mila and Ashton Kutcher in partnership with GoFundMe is the platform’s second-largest campaign of all time, raising $37 million

Graham ready to roll up his sleeves on council

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

With his successful quest for a Scottsdale City Council seat now in the rear view mirror, Barry Graham is preparing for his next hurdle – getting his agenda passed, even though he is just one of seven members.

Graham, who will be sworn into office along with incumbents Solange Whitehead (who won her second term-on council) and Kathy Littlefield (who won her third and final term

on council), at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, already has his office at City Hall decorated and a fourpoint agenda prepared. But he has his work cut out for him.

Graham’s agenda includes: •Doubling the 750-foot notification boundary on rezoning requests; •Requiring conditions be

from over 75,000 donations.

For 2022, there’s been a 110% increase in money raised for baby formula, 60% increase for gasoline and 10% for groceries, GoFundMe reported.

With a donation made every single second, 28 million people so far this year have sent or received funding, the public nonprofit said.

In Scottsdale, over 500 people and groups have set up an account on the

Right in their league

Scottsdale Senior Softball League members last week proved baseball isn’t the only thing on their mind. Moved by the plight of so many elderly struggling to afford food, players, including Raymond Gomez, Gail Deal, Michael Cain, Jim Lenzo and Ron Wright, collected over 1,400 pounds of donated food items for the Vista del Camino Food Bank and delivered it last week. Read more about their effort on page 29. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Coronado girls basketball players consider themselves a family.

Culinary Gangster offers food so good it's a crime.

Reality hits Rio Verde Foothills as water rates soar.

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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Rio Verde homeowners hit hard by city water shut-off

BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

After years of warnings it may happen someday, Scottsdale turned off the water at the stand pipe servicing the Rio Verde Foothills community of about 2,000 homes northeast of the city on Jan. 1.

Roughly 500 homes had been relying on the stand pipe for hauled water for all their needs while about another 200 homes relied on it to supplement their wells.

“My heart bleeds for this community,” said Karen Nabity, an area resident and champion of the here-to-date unsuccessful effort to create a non-contiguous domestic water improvement district. “Human nature is, ‘Oh, the city is not going to cut us off. Oh, if they do the county will take care of us.’ Well guess what, we’re here folks. We’ve been cut off

sources, treat it in the Scottsdale water system and provide water through the city owned stand pipe.

But the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in August to not allow its creation, noting many residents opposed it on the grounds it would give too much power to too few people and that it wouldn’t serve everyone.

Instead Supervisor Thomas Galvin implored the city to keep the water flowing to the stand pipe – a proposition Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega flatly rejected.

The private utility EPCOR then offered to step in and provide the city with water if it would treat it and allow it to be distributed at the stand pipe until the utility could provide a more long-term solution, but the City Council accepted Scottsdale Manager Jim Thompson recommendation to reject that offer.

Ortega suggested EPCOR allow water hauling from its stand pipe in Fountain Hills, but the utility’s spokeswoman, Rebecca Stenholm, said, “Our operations and engineering team has

already conducted a preliminary feasibility analysis … and our analysis concluded that this is not an option.”

“The proximity of Fountain Hills Middle School and an adjacent daycare facility to the only road between Fountain Hills and Rio Verde Foothills – the road that any water hauler would have to take – posed too great a human safety risk to justify further consideration,” she explained.

Meanwhile, legal wrangling and intrigue around the water district continue.

Two supporters of the district filed an appeal of the supervisor’s decision in the Maricopa County Superior Court.

EPCOR was set to have a public hearing with the Arizona Corporation Commission concerning its long-term solution but staff is now recommending holding off on that until the appeal has run its course.

That has Rio Verde homeowner Christy Jackman furious, stating it “was not the solution this community choose.”

Nabity and Jackman can agree on at least one thing: that the long-distance hauling of water is not going to provide enough water to the community.

“I get calls from people every day who are terrified and crying,” Jackman said.

The three water hauling companies serving those homes must travel as far as Apache Junction to fill their tankers. With the longer commute and a slower fill rate, it’s taking up to five hours to bring water to a home, a process that took under an hour before, according to Nabity.

A company that claims it can recycle septic tank water is planning several meetings to discuss their product this week. They are planning multiple sales meetings because there is so much interest, Nabity said.

She’s urging homes to try and use less than 2,000 gallons per month.

“When it comes to the toilet, follow the rule, ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down,” she said.

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Nabity is now showering with a Home Depot bucket to catch any water that would normally go down the drain. The excess water is not potable, but she can use it to flush the toilet.

She’s also taken to collecting rainwater runoff from her roof – a step many

More cuts in Arizona’s Colorado River share likely in 2023

BY RYAN KNAPPENBERGER Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Experts say few Arizona residents will notice any immediate change to the availability of water in their daily lives now that steep cuts were imposed on the amount of water the state can draw from the Colorado River.

But that does not mean they can relax. State and federal water officials expect more cuts will be required in 2023, as they struggle to keep droughtravaged Lake Powell and Lake Mead from falling to critically low levels.

And it’s anybody’s guess as to when and how those additional cuts will take effect, they say.

“If there’s one thing water managers really like, it’s certainty,” said Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. “And 2023 seems to be anything but.”

That uncertainty is felt on the local level as well. Phoenix Water Resources

Management Adviser Cynthia Campbell said the most recent projections show that Lake Mead and Lake Powell could drop below the point where the Hoover and Glen Canyon dams can produce hydroelectric power.

“It’s very bad,” Campbell said. “There’s no way to mince words about this … if we’re going to save the functionality of Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam, there’s going to have to be, by necessity, a significant decrease in demand on the river.”

Those cuts would be in addition to reductions already imposed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the dams and the water that passes through them.

The bureau last summer announced that the lakes had fallen to Tier 2A levels, triggering previously agreed-upon cuts to water supplied to states in the lower basin of the Colorado River, beginning on Jan. 1.

Arizona will see the steepest cuts, with the state set to give up 592,000

acre-feet of water – the amount of water it takes to cover an acre to a depth of 1 foot – in 2023. Mexico would lose 104,000 acre-feet, Nevada would lose 25,000 acre-feet and California would not give up any of its water yet.

Most of the cuts in Arizona will be felt by farmers, with agriculture one of the biggest users of water in the state and one of the lowest priorities for delivery.

But Reclamation has already called on the seven states in the Colorado River Basin to find an additional 2 million to 4 million acre-feet to cut in the coming years, as Lake Powell and Lake Mead fall to the lowest levels since they were filled.

Campbell said that Phoenix is actively preparing for even the worst-case scenario, finding ways to continue providing water, but it will take some help from residents. That means people will have to start thinking about conservation in their daily lives, from making their homes more water-efficient to getting rid of lawns and pools.

“We’re also making sure we’re ready

to deliver alternate supplies and make our customers aware of what they can do to be as efficient as they can,” Campbell said.

Colorado River basin states have been planning for years for water restrictions. But Reclamation has said that if the first months of 2023 are particularly dry, Lake Powell levels could drop below 3,490 feet, the minimum level at which the dam can produce electricity. In the worst case, both lakes could fall to the point at which water can no longer flow through the dam, a condition known as “dead pool.”

The bureau stressed that it will do everything in its power to maintain water levels needed for power production and water flow, either by limiting water deliveries to states, by prioritizing Lake Powell over Lake Mead by transferring water from one to the other, or both.

Noe Santos, the Bureau of Reclamation’s river operations manager for the Lower Colorado Basin, said the agency will begin releasing less water from the reservoirs in 2023. Most users will only feel the changes in winter and summer months, he said, when less water overall is pumped because agricultural demand is lower.

One step that some Arizona cities and tribes have already taken to protect reservoir levels is to store some

of their water allotment in the lakes.

Phoenix is part of that group, having already stored 30,000 acre-feet in 2022 and volunteering to store an additional 30,000.

But Buschatzke said there are concerns across the state, especially among tribal governments, that such goodwill could end up hurting them in the end.

“No one wants to put their water on the table when there’s a chance it could be cut anyway by the mandatory cuts

A unique gathering of local and regional artists and craftsmen exhibiting throughout the open-air plaza. Patrons enjoy patio dining and live music, while strolling through the Village - A place where Art meets the West.

AZ zip codes turn up gold for residents

“If you live in the state of Arizona you need to find the first three digits of your zip code listed in today’s newspaper announcement and call immediately,” said Laura A. Lynne, Director of Coin and Currency for National Mint and Treasury.

That’s because Arizona residents can really cash in for the next 48 hours. Here’s why. Non-state residents and those who miss the 48-hour deadline must pay $8 per coin, but Arizona residents who take the Vault Bricks cover just the $4 per coin state minimum. That means Arizona residents get all 125 coins with rare 24 Karat Gold Layering for just $500 which is a real steal since non-state residents must pay over $1,000 for each Vault Brick. And it gets even better for those claiming the Jumbo Gold Vault Bricks.

This is all happening because thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold. Now any resident who finds the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication and calls to verify it gets to claim the Gold Vault Bricks for themselves and keep all the valuable gold found inside.

And here’s the best part. Arizona residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication are getting Sealed Vault Bricks containing the only Arizona State Gold Bank Rolls known to exist with the exclusive State Restricted Design and each loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Buffalo Nickels layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold by National Mint and Treasury.

“As Director of Coin and Currency for National Mint and Treasury, one of my jobs is to deliver breaking news. And today’s announcement confirming the release of Sealed Gold Vault Bricks to residents of the state of Arizona is as big as it gets,” Lynne said.

“So my advice is this, anyone who gets an opportunity to get their hands on one of these Gold Vault Bricks full of coins issued by the U.S. Gov’t nearly 100 years ago with rare 24 Karat Gold layering from the National Mint and Treasury better jump at the chance while they still can,” Lynne said.

“These Gold Vault Bricks make the most impressive gifts for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and any other occasion, especially for that hard-to-buy-for person,” Lynne said.

According to Ms. Lynne, since thousands

■ RARELY SEEN: ISSUED BY THE U.S. GOV’T NEARLY 100 YEARS AGO

Contents inside sealed Vault Bricks reveal old U.S. coins with added 24 Karat Gold Layering minted nearly

100 years ago are actually being handed over to Arizona residents who find their zip code below; but only those who beat the 48 hour deadline are getting them at just state minimum

of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the gold, today and tomorrow are intended as a “special 48 hour release” for the benefit of Arizona residents. This gives them a fair chance to claim the Sealed Gold Vault Bricks and all the valuable gold loaded inside for themselves.

But, Ms. Lynne added, “The Sealed Gold Vault Bricks are only available as inventory permits during the special 48 hour release so please do not miss the deadline.” The director added, “We have no power to stop coin dealers, resellers or collectors buying up all the Gold Vault Bricks they can get their hands on,” Lynne said.

”We already know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of agents are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 48 hours to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all,” Lynne said.

“That’s why National Mint and Treasury set up the State Distribution Hotlines in order to make sure residents of Arizona can get them now,” Lynne said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they live in one of the zip codes listed and call the State Distribution Hotlines before the special 48 hour deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

Answering Your Questions

Q: How much are the Gold Vault Bricks worth?

A: It’s impossible to say, but these Buffalos date clear back to the early 1900’s and are not ordinary U.S. coins. That’s because only an extremely low percentage of Buffalos were then commissioned by National Mint and Treasury to be covered with rarely seen 24 Karat Gold Layering, then sealed and protected in brilliant collector condition inside special 25 count Arizona Bank Rolls. That’s why you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Bank Rolls known to exist. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these sealed Vault Bricks should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Q: Why are so many Arizona residents calling to get them?

A: Because they are the only Arizona State Bank Rolls known to exist we’re bracing for the flood of calls. These are not ordinary Bank Rolls. These are full Bank Rolls containing 25 Buffalos dating clear back to the early 1900’s. Best of all each Buffalo is layered in 24 Karat Gold and the state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury is restricted to Arizona residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication and beat the deadline only. That means Arizona residents cover only $4 per Buffalo when they claim the Gold Vault Bricks, which is just $500 for the next 2 days.

Q: How do I get the Gold Vault Bricks?

A: The only thing Arizona residents need to do is find the first three digits of their zip code in today’s publication and call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 1-800-280-4564 Ext. GNH1511 before the deadline ends. Everyone who does is getting the Bank Rolls for just the state minimum. That’s a sealed Gold Vault Brick containing the only Arizona State Bank Rolls known to exist each loaded with the rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Buffalo Nickels layered in valuable 24 Karat Gold for just the $4 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, which totals just $500 for the full sealed Gold Vault Brick. That’s a real steal because state residents and non-state residents who miss the deadline must pay $1,000 for each sealed Gold Vault Brick if any remain.

is a

Bricks.

Vault Bricks are

Arizona State Gold Bank Rolls

U.S. Buffalos each layered in 24 Karat Gold. The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30 am this morning. That’s because Arizona residents can really cash in for the next 48 hours. Here’s why. Non-state residents and those who miss the 48-hour deadline must pay $8 per coin, but Arizona residents who take the Gold Vault Bricks pictured above cover just the $4 per coin state minimum. That means Arizona residents get all 125 coins with rare 24 Karat Gold Layering for just $500 which is a real steal since non-state residents must pay over $1,000 for each Gold Vault Brick. And it gets even better for those claiming the Jumbo Gold Vault Bricks.

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2022 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

■ FIRST LOOK INSIDE GOLD VAULT BRICKS: Shown above

sneak peak inside the Gold Vault

The Gold

loaded with

containing

Scottsdale man receives presidential award

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

AScottsdale man has been honored by the Arizona Humane Society for volunteering his services for more than two decades – much of it publicizing the plight of sheltered animals.

Perry Fanzo, also called the “Pets on Parade dog whisperer,” contributed more than 15,481 hours of service and was awarded the U.S. Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Human Society President/CEO, Dr. Steven Hansen surprised Fanzo with this honor during a filming of Pets on Parade, the nonprofit rescue’s weekly TV show, in which he volunteers showing off adoptable pets.

He has spent more than 15 years volunteering on the beloved TV show. Additionally, over the course of 21 years, “Fanzo has volunteered in almost every capacity possible at AHS from adoptions and media segments to dog walking and events and even helped welcome in, and adopt out, more than 200 dogs that were rescued by AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians from Hurricane Katrina more than a decade ago,” the society said.

He also recently became an AHS Foster

Hero as well, bringing pets who need further growing or healing into his home.

“It truly is an honor to receive this award and I’ve loved every single moment of my 21 years volunteering with AHS,” said Fanzo, adding that Pets on Parade “inspired me to start volunteering with the organization so many years ago and I just really appreciate the opportunity.”

As part of receiving the Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award, Fanzo received a Lifetime Achievement token, a padfolio with a certificate and a sealed letter of thanks, both signed by President Biden.

The requirements to receive such an honor included being a U.S. Citizen, a nomination by a credible non-profit with 501c3 status, 4,000+ hours over a lifetime and for the nomination to be accepted by AmeriCorps.

“Our volunteers are so critical to what we do, we couldn’t save the lives of our pets without our volunteers,” said Hansen. “Perry is the epitome of a very dedicated and wonderful volunteer, I am proud to know him and have him as a part of the Arizona Humane Society.”

To learn more about how to become a volunteer with AHS, visit azhumane. org/volunteer.

Perry Fanzo of Scottsdale volunteers for the Arizona Humane Society in many ways and was honored with a U.S. Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award for his

• Requiring conditions be safe at open houses for proposed developments after one was conducted outside in 100plus degree heat last summer;

• Scheduling open houses so they don’t conflict with the dates and times for other open houses or city meetings, and;

• Requiring developments over a pre-determined size to include water use projections and state where that water will come from in their applications to the city.

But to get any of that passed, Graham will need at least three more votes on council.

He does have some allies on council as Littlefield and Councilwoman Betty Janik both endorsed him in the election.

Graham also noted, “I get along with the mayor. I get along with Tom (Durham).”

Durham’s votes can be a little difficult to predict.

“He marches to the beat of his own drum,” Graham said.

Graham is confident he will be able to work with the individual council members.

“These are our leaders,” he said. “They are very smart. They are very talented people, highly educated, who love the city.”

Graham figures it’s all going to come down to consensus building – which can be a tricky thing to pull off.

Graham said he’ll try to accomplish it by checking his ego at the door.

“You’ve heard that old Abraham Lincoln quote, ‘It’s amazing how much you can accomplish if you don’t worry

about who gets the credit.’”

He added, “There are things I want to do for residents to fulfill some of my campaign promises that I don’t need my name on them at all. I don’t need to take a victory lap. I’m just more interested in them getting done.”

That’s easier said than done for an elected official looking for another term, but Graham figures that will take care of itself.

“We’ve got a really engaged citizenry … Our resident involvement, I would stack it against any municipality in the country. My point is, people are watching. If I have to make a choice, I would choose to get something done (rather) than get the credit for it.”

Littlefield is the senior statesman of the council and her advice to Graham is simple: preparation is a must.

“You have to know the background (of issues) before you hit the dais,” Littlefield said.

And rely on your resources.

“Ask lots of questions … If you don’t understand something, go to staff and ask questions,” she said.

The other side of that equation is

equally important.

“Listen to the constituents,” Littlefield said.

Whitehead is the second most senior member on the council.

“The focus is just to do the job you were elected to do,” she said. “That means just listen to the constituents. Listen to the other council members.”

And don’t make it about a political future, Whitehead advised.

“It’s about keeping the hat of public service on,” She said. “It’s an incredible honor to be elected.”

She feels there is already a considerable amount of consensus on the council as witnessed by the 6-1 vote to approve the green building codes last month or the unanimous vote in October to require short-term rentals to register with the city.

Littlefield said Graham is doing everything he needs to be doing: talking to his fellow council members and city staff members directly appointed by the council (such as the city manager and city treasurer) and listening to his constituents.

“I think Barry’s going to be fine,” Littlefield said.

Barry Graham will be sworn in for his first term on Scottsdale City Council Tuesday, along with returning members Kathy Littlefield and Solange Whitehead. (David Minton/ Progress Staff Photographer)

Scottsdale lawmaker seeks to clamp transgender pronoun use

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers are once again wading into the area of the rights of transgender minors.

A new proposal by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Scottsdale, would bar school employees from knowingly referring to a student by a pronoun "that differs from the pronoun that aligns with the student's biological sex'' regardless of the student's preferences. Only if the adult first gets parental permission would that be permissible.

And Kavanagh already is planning to expand what has been introduced as SB 1001 to close what he sees as a possible loophole where teachers could avoid pronouns and instead address a student by the first name he or she prefers.

He wants state law to read that only a student's given name or some variant could be used. So, someone named Edward could be addressed as Eddie or Ed. But calling that student Emma or Ev-

elyn would be breaking the law.

Kavanagh bills his measure as ensuring that parents know if their children are identifying themselves by a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth. That, he said, ensures the children can get the psychological treatment they may need to deal with depression and possible suicide.

But what it's not designed to do, he told Capitol Media Services, is make it easier for a parent, informed of a child's "gender dysphoria,'' to get him or her the medical treatment needed to match the biological sex and gender identity.

"You're talking to somebody who was a parent who wouldn't let their minor child get a tattoo, much less change their gender,'' Kavanagh said. "Those decisions need to be deferred to when an individual's an adult and can make a mature decision.''

His legislation comes less than a year after state lawmakers approved – and former Gov. Doug Ducey signed -- a measure to prohibit any form of "irre-

versible gender reassignment surgery'' on an individual younger than 18, even with the consent of parents.

But to get the votes, proponents had

to remove a provision that would have prohibited doctors from providing pu-

Scottsdale state Sen. John Kavanagh wants to ban schools’ use of pronouns that don’t reflect an individual’s birth gender. (Cronkite News)

berty-blocking hormones or any other hormone therapy to minors.

Ducey also signed another measure passed by the Republican-controlled legislature spelling out that anyone who is born a male cannot participate in intramural or interscholastic sports for females, regardless of whether she has fully transitioned.

Kavanagh, in discussing his new bill, acknowledged he has heard of no issues in Arizona schools with teachers using the "wrong'' pronouns with students -- yet.

"It's something that is spreading,'' he told Capitol Media Services. "We want to nip it in the bud.''

But Jeanne Woodbury, the interim

executive director of Equality Arizona, said it's a bad idea.

"Reactionary legislators are now trying to forcibly enlist teachers into their efforts to make schools inhospitable to trans and binary students,'' she said. And Woodbury called it "an embarrassment to good governance'' for this to be the first measure introduced in the Senate for the 2023 session.

Bridget Sharpe, state director of the Human Rights Campaign, said Kavanagh is trying to make an issue out of something that's not a problem.

"All that happens at the end of the day is that the kids feel ostracized,'' she said. Sharpe said it also undermines the ability of trans students to believe they have "a trusted person at

school'' with whom they can speak.

Kavanagh pointed out that his legislation would not preclude a teacher or other school employee from referring to a student using his or her preferred pronoun or even a name that doesn't match the person's "biological sex.''

"It says they can't do that unless the parent has given permission,'' he said.

Kavanagh said there's also a potential benefit in requiring teachers to check in with parents when a student makes such a request.

"In fact, if the parents know about it and the child is receiving treatment, then calling a child a name or a pronoun that doesn't align with their gender may, in fact, be contrary to their treatment,'' Kavanagh said.

"These children are often depressed and suicidal,'' he continued. "So the last thing that I want to do is keep parents, who are in a position to help the child, in the dark.''

Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, said it comes even as the the state is losing thousands of teachers each year. And she said measures like this make it harder to convince more people to enter the profession, citing a conversation she had with some would-be teachers.

"It was their No. 1 priority: How do we stay in a state where we are constantly being politicized?'' she said, with state government adding to the bureaucracy. "It's just frustrating and angering.''

residents are resorting to.

A number of horse ranches in the area may be hardest hit by the water problem. One ranch uses 30,000 gallons of water per month and its well went dry so it is relying solely on hauled water, Nabity said. “Just with the cost of hay going up,

people were already talking about putting horses down or letting them go because they couldn’t afford to feed them. Now they are not going to be able to afford to give them water to drink.”

Some Rio Verde homeowners are pooling their money to hire an attorney who would file a request for an injunction against Scottsdale and have

the courts order it to turn the tap back on.

Meanwhile, water hauling rates have already gone up.

Nabity was paying $135 for 3,000 gallons but that price is now $330.

She figures the average home in the area uses about 6,000 gallons per month. With the new rate increases, the

cost of water for a year is $7,920 – an increase of $5,040 annually.

“I’ve got residents out here on a single Social Security check or people on a very limited income or people who are disabled,” Nabity said. “They can’t afford that kind of increase in their water bill.”

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EV parents sue Snapchat over son’s fatal OD

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Progress Staff Writer

Zach Plunk, 17, died of a fentanyl overdose outside his family’s house in Mesa in August 2020. His final moments were caught on his parents’ doorbell camera, which recorded the football player leaving the house at 3 a.m. to buy a pill from a dealer, then sitting down on the curb outside the house.

“He didn't even make it back in the house,” his mother Wendy Plunk told the Tribune.

Zach was found unconscious by a 15-year-old boy jogging at 5 a.m. He called 911 and began CPR, but Zach was gone before the ambulance arrived.

Roy and Wendy Plunk, who adopted Zach when he was 6 months old, said police told them their son had enough fentanyl in his system to kill five people.

The Plunks say a dealer sold Zach a pill made of the powerful opioid fentanyl mixed with binders and molded into a copy of a prescription opioid pill.

They say Zach, who dreamed of playing football and studying forensic science at Baylor University,

suffered chronic pain after a shoulder injury his freshman year that required surgery and many treatments.

Zach occasionally turned to social media to buy Percocet to self-medicate, his parents said.

In a lawsuit filed last month in Los Angeles Superior Court, attorneys for the Plunks said Zach should not

do drugs.’ But you don't know what's in the back of your kid's mind when they're on social media. You don't know what it's feeding them,” Roy said.

Product design

Snapchat was founded in 2011 and is based in Santa Monica, California. The company is valued at $15 billion.

Snapchat was known early on for allowing users to send messages that disappear after they are viewed by a recipient.

Roughly 60% of its users are under 25, according to social media management company Hootsuite, and 20% are under 18.

After Zach’s death, Wendy became involved in support groups for grieving parents and noticed that many of the overdose stories she heard also involved Snapchat.

In the suit, Wendy estimates 30% of the parents she has met through support groups lost children after they purchased drugs on Snapchat. Another 30% came from people their kids met in person, and the rest were from unknown sources.

ket to connect with underage kids like Zach.

They also allege that Snap was negligent in design features that prevented them from monitoring Zach’s activity and enabled their son to connect with a dealer in the middle of the night.

The Plunks are one of 16 parents of minors across the country who died of overdoses from fentanyl obtained via Snapchat.

In a sign of the scale of the fentanyl trade, the Mesa Police Department seized over 700,000 fentanyl pills in a single bust in November.

The Plunks said they’re suing Snapchat to force changes to the social media platform and get the word out to more parents about the dangers of fentanyl and the role of social media in trafficking.

“You think, ‘my kids would never

“The number of drug dealers on Snapchat right now would blow your mind,” said Laura Marquez-Garrett, an attorney for the Plunks. “They're not using Instagram, they're not using Facebook because they believe, based on Snap’s marketing, they believe they can't get caught on Snap.”

The complaint alleges that dealers are attracted to Snapchat’s disappearing message feature and the ability for dealers to appear as a suggested “friend” on users’ feeds.

The app “is engineered to evade parental supervision and law enforcement’s detection and acquisition of criminal evidence,” it states, and this was “the direct and proximate cause of the untimely and tragic death and injuries at issue.”

Roy Plunk also blames the flow of fentanyl across the border for the problem of young people dying, but

Wendy and Roy Plunk of Mesa lost their son Zachariah in August 2020 to a fentanyl overdose after he bought counterfeit oxycodone through Snapchat. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00.

Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until January 31st, 2023 Call (480) 274-3157 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157… NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Aspen Medical 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa AZ 85206

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

ADOT maps expanded interstate EV charging network

BY JENNIFER SAWHNEY Cronkite News

Electric vehicle drivers across Arizona can expect more chargers on interstate highways in the next few years, which means longer road trips.

The Arizona Department of Transportation will oversee the upgrade of existing chargers and installation of new ones along five interstate highways, thanks to $76.5 million in funding via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was signed into law in November 2021.

“The goal is to develop a network of EV fast chargers to facilitate longdistance EV travel and encourage EV adoption by more users,” according to a fact sheet with ADOT’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan.

The expansion will help EV drivers avoid range anxiety: the fear of not making it to the next charging station.

The plan covers Interstates 40, 17, 10, 8 and 19. For now, no charging stations are

proposed for the Interstate15 corridor in the northwestern corner of the state.

Upgrades to eight existing charging stations will start in 2023, and in 2024, ADOT will begin the process of installing 13 more. They’ll be placed about every 50 miles and within 1 mile of an interstate, ADOT spokesperson Doug Nick said. Each station will have at least four EV fast chargers capable of charging most vehicles in about 30 minutes.

Nick said ADOT had “no trouble finding potential infrastructure to meet the criteria” to implement this plan.

The stations will be independently owned and operated. Station owners will pay 20% of construction costs and federal funding will cover the other 80%. ADOT is coordinating the work.

Arizona currently has 903 public EV charging stations with more than 2,400 charging ports.

There are nearly 125,000 charging ports nationwide, according to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. The Bipartisan Infra-

More electric-vehicle charging ports will be installed along interstate highways in Arizona as early as 2024. ChargePoint already has some charging stations, similar to this one in downtown Phoenix, along several interstates. Each station will have four or more fast chargers capable of charging most vehicles in about 30 minutes. (Jennifer Sawhney/Cronkite News)

structure Law aims to increase the current number of chargers about four times and create a “nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030,” according to a February 2022 memorandum from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

For Jim Stack, the president of the Phoenix Electric Auto Association, this is welcome news.

“I’m real big on the environment, and I just love the fact that we aren’t burning oil. We aren’t importing oil, we aren’t digging it up. We aren’t spilling it all over,” he said.

Stack, who has driven electric cars for about 20 years, said he’s amazed by the technological advances that have led to the growth of EVs and the various solutions available to charge his cars. He said he started off converting his own vehicles and installed solar panels on his home to power them.

“I can drive on the solar that comes off my own roof,” Stack said. “That’s like a miracle.”

Other Arizona drivers also are charged up by the plan, said Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, an independent nonprofit that researches and educates on public interest topics.

“The ADOT plan is one that we widely support,” she said, adding that the timing for the project “coincides nicely”

with growing interest in EVs in Arizona.

In 2017, about 7,200 electric vehicles were registered in Arizona. In the past five years, the number has increased more than five times: at least 40,740 as of June 2022.

“Consumers that own and drive an electric vehicle stand to save thousands of dollars annually through the reduction of fuel costs and operating and maintenance costs,” Brown said.

“Additionally, gas-powered vehicles contribute to air pollution and adverse public health impacts such as asthma. Therefore, electric vehicles also offer air and public health benefits.”

The plan came together fairly quickly, she said. In August, ADOT sent its draft proposal and received federal approval and immediate access to $11.3 million in funds the following month.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $1.2 trillion to infrastructure development nationwide. About $550 billion is new spending. Although the federal government already spends millions on infrastructure, this new spending is earmarked for roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure broadband and more.

“Congress has spoken,” said ADOT’s Nick. “And so when the money was made available, they were hearing from their constituencies, presumably, to see that this is something that needed to be addressed. So we’re responding to that.”

platform.

Many requests are for help with medical bills, such as the 34-year-old single mom from Scottsdale who is raising $8,000 for expenses related to a hysterectomy. The surgery is necessary because of cancer, according to the woman, named Melissa.

“As much as I hate asking for financial assistance, I could really use a little help to get me and my daughter by,” she wrote. “I know this is at a terrible time since it’s the holiday season and inflation is absolutely ridiculous, but I’m not sure what else to do.”

In an update to her original post, Melissa said her surgery was scheduled for Dec. 16. There’s no word as of yet on how it turned out, but she has raised $7,235 so far.

Many accounts are set up by others trying to help friends and family members.

For instance, one Scottsdale man named Adam, set up an account for his business partner, Alex. According to Adam, Alex woke up on Thanksgiving coughing up blood and covered in red spots.

“He quickly went to the emergency room and was informed he had a critically low platelet count,” Adam wrote. “That night, he was given an emergency blood transfusion to stabilize his condition.

“Alex has been in the hospital for the past two weeks trying several treatments that have yet to be successful. His doctors are now asking him to do a treatment called Rituximab which is an immune therapy, where he will have one infusion every week for four weeks.”

Self-employed, the father of two has no health insurance, Adam wrote.

There are no updates, but the two have surpassed their $20,000 fund raising goal by $320.

Or there’s the Scottsdale woman named Krea who started an account for her neighbors, a family of five, whom Krea claims lost everything in a house fire 10 days before Christmas.

“The house fire happened due to a malfunction that occurred during a

new water heater installation,” Krea wrote.

Krea was shooting for $5,000 but raised $9,236.

Some fund requests are related to medical expenses for pets.

One woman named Linda is requesting $5,000 to help pay for a $9,400 back surgery for her friend’s dog. So far, she’s raised $2,400.

Not all of the requests for medical expenses are for life threatening situations. A Scottsdale woman named Heather is asking for $10,000 for breast augmentation surgery.

“I know that probably sounds ridiculous and vain to most but for me, life has been incredibly difficult with having small breasts,” she posted. “It affects my personal life, my career, and my all-around selfesteem.

“For the most part I’m a confident female but having a young child’s body truly puts me in the shadows. I’d love to be able to walk into a room and get noticed instead of disregarded immediately because I don’t have that ‘wow factor.’”

She has $10,000 to go.

Funeral expenses are a common reason for many requesters.

For example, a woman named Katie is seeking $4,000 to help bury her friend.

“When you were down he was there to lift you up,” Katie wrote. “When you were scared he was there to hold your hand. I (can’t) even count the many times he had our backs, and showed his love. He has left behind his sweet daughter, whom he loved more than life itself. He was such a loving and caring dad, and we know she is going to miss him dearly.”

Some requests are for unique situations.

Like one woman named Maya trying to raise $10,000 for legal fees to get her boyfriend Edwin out of a Mexican jail. The two were on their way to Rocky Point, Mexico for a vacation when they were stopped in the little town of Sonoyta by Mexican border patrol agents, who found a gun under the seat of their truck.

“What we thought would be a simple mistake and release the following day turned out to be our worst nightmare,” Maya wrote. “We both were

detained in Sonoyta for 48 hours with Edwin's truck, our belongings, phones, passports and wallet/purse confiscated.

“After 48 hours, we were driven five hours south to Hermosillo, where we finally saw a judge Saturday night who released me and kept Edwin. I was released with no form of ID, money, or phone. I do not speak Spanish, so I

had to seek help from strangers to get to the US Embassy for an emergency passport and a flight home this past Wednesday.”

To date, Maya has raised $4,550.

One Scottsdale woman surpassed her goal of $5,000 to help pay for search costs related to finding her

One Scottsdale woman raised a little more than a third of the $6,000 she was seeking for a friend to pay for numerous surgeries on this dog, named Lucy, to repair the injuries it sustained when someone tossed it from a car. (GoFundMe)

SUNDANCE CREEK

cousin’s 34-year old son, who disappeared Sept. 13 from his home in Fallbrook, Calif.

“His wallet, cell phone and car were left behind,” the woman named Robin wrote. “Despite extensive searching; including helicopters, drone searches, two search parties and multiple dogs, he has not been located and my cousin has hired a private investigator.”

There are no updates posted on whether or not the man was ever found but the woman raised $8,375.

And then there are more superfluous requests.

For instance, one Scottsdale man is asking for $300 to pay off his speeding ticket.

“You know what they say 10 you're fine 11 you're mine,” the man named Mason posted. “It’s bull crap. Anyway, long story short, if 60 people donate $5, I can pay off my ticket and I promise I won’t speed again.”

He’s raised $5.

Another Scottsdale man named Vaughn is asking for $1,500 so his “homie” can pay off his DUI lawyer after rear ending a police vehicle. So far, he’s raised $270.

And then there’s the little boy who got mad and broke his Nintendo Switch. He’s asking for $300 for a new one, though he’s raised nothing up to this point.

Additionally, GoFundMe’s received over $400,000 in donations to LGBTQ+ causes.

There’s a $3,000 request to fund student walkouts planned locally in Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler for items such as megaphones, water and banners. No date is given for the walkouts and so far $1,650 was raised.

The organizer said the walkouts are to protest two new state laws that “marginalize LGBTQ students in favor of parents rights.”

There are also four requests to help pay for gender-reassignment surgeries, including one from a transgender man needing top surgery – and raised $850 of his $10,000 goal.

A 67-year-old man is seeking to raise $150,000 to buy out his soonto-be ex’s share of their home. Apparently, she sprung the divorce

on him a few weeks back and wants to sell but he loves the house and neighborhood and wants to keep the home.

The online requests in town go from needs to wants in some cases.

One man is attempting to raise $5,000 for a “brother in Christ” and cites a number of Biblical verses about the joy of giving. He doesn’t give a clear reason for the fundraiser or what the money will be used for yet eight donors gave $3,650.

And a woman who found spiritual enlightenment wants the community to come together and give her $1,500 to go through training so she can “lead other women through the process of connecting with the Spirit.”

“I ask that you help me on this journey of raising money so we can glorify Him and His creation throughout every aspect of our lives,” she writes. So far, she’s received $20.

One man is hoping to raise $200 to help his older brother repair his car after “he had a stroke of stupidity and made an expensive mistake.” He received $5.

While another is asking for $5,000 to help pay off his and his girlfriend’s debts. His request garnered zilch.

And another person is asking for $400 to help replace his AirPods, which was accidentally flushed down the toilet. He, too, got just $5.

An expectant mother is asking for $125,000 to help pay for items her baby will need such as diapers, wipes and blankets. A donor gave $5.

One of the largest requests comes from a woman who’s seeking to raise $1 million so she can retire and spend time with her grandchildren. She explains that she needs openheart surgery and is fearful her days are numbered. So far, she’s raised $20.

The global crowdfunding market is projected to almost triple by 2025, according to Fundly, another crowdfunding site. There’s also Donorbox, Kickstarter, Crowdfunder, Indiegogo and a host of others.

Globally, $34 billion has been raised through these platforms, according to Fundly.

he also blames social media for putting the fatal pill in his son’s hand.

“The main thing is just Snapchat. It has to be opened up. They can’t have these secret meetings where it just, ‘poof,’ goes into thin air,” Roy said.

In response to a request for comment on the Plunks’ complaint, a spokesperson for Snap provided the following statement:

“The trafficking of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl is an urgent national crisis. We are devastated that these counterfeit drugs have taken the lives of so many people, and our hearts go out to families who have suffered unimaginable losses.

“We are committed to bringing every resource to bear to help fight this national crisis, both on Snapchat and across the tech industry overall.”

It also said, “While we can’t comment specifically on active litigation, we can share all the progress

we have made in this area. We use cutting-edge technology to proactively find and shut down drug dealers’ accounts, and we block search results for drug-related terms, instead redirecting Snapchatters to resources from experts about the dangers of fentanyl.”

“We have also expanded our support for law enforcement investigations, promoted in-app educational videos warning about the dangers of counterfeit pills that have been viewed over 260 million times on Snapchat, and are partnering with the Ad Council, nonprofit organiza-

tions, and other platforms on an unprecedented national public awareness campaign that launched in October.”

Matthew Bergman, the founder of the Social Media Law Center in Seattle, which is representing the Plunks, said he decided to apply his product liability experience to social media cases after a Facebook whistleblower testified to Congress in 2021.

The whistleblower revealed internal documents showing the extent that the social media platform was aware of the dangers posed by social media use.

Social media platforms have been shielded during the rise of the internet by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which limits websites’ liability for content posted by third parties on their sites, but Bergman said this principle doesn’t apply to the Snapchat suits.

“The focus of our cases has been that it's the design of the product, not the content, that caused injury,”

Valley’s nation-leading inflation may ease this year

BY HALEY SMILOW Cronkite News

After a year in which the Valley saw the nation’s highest inflation rate for metro areas, experts say consumers can expect inflation to ease in 2023 – but warn that it’s not going away entirely.

The consumer price index for Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale in October, the most recent month for which data is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 12.1% higher than it was in October 2021. The next-highest metro areas were Atlanta, which posted a 10.7% increase for the year, followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg at 10.5% and Miami at 10.1%.

Price increases were up across the board, with higher prices for fuel, food, clothing and more. In Arizona, the biggest increases came in the price of gas, which was up 41% from October 2021 to October 2022 – although that recently reversed course – but experts say the biggest driver of the inflation index was the cost of housing.

Mark Stapp, a professor at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, said shelter accounts for one-third of the consumer price index, which is why Arizona is facing such high inflation rates.

“The index is a composite. One of the larger elements of that compos-

SNAPCHAT from page 23

Bergman said.

“If there were a video arcade that catered to kids, and there was a room in the back of the arcade that was used to exchange drugs, and the owners of the arcades knew that this was an active drug exchange site, they would be responsible,” Bergman said.

WATER from page 7

the federal government is considering,” he said.

Those concerns are amplified for tribes that have long fought to have their claims to Colorado River water

ite is related to shelter,” said Stapp, who is also the director of the Center for Real Estate Theory and Practice at the Carey School. “It can make up 30-40%, so a significant part of the estimate of what inflation is in Arizona is that shelter component.”

George Hammond, the director of the Economic and Business Research Center at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, agreed that shelter has driven inflation in the Phoenix area.

“The major reason why Phoenix’s inflation rate is running so much faster than the national average, is what’s going on in the housing market,” Hammond said. “Housing is by far the biggest single category in the price index, so it has a huge influence on what happens.”

There are several reasons for the rise, they both say. The steady increase in the number of people moving to Arizona jumped with COVID-19, creating more demand for what was already a short supply of housing for renters and homeowners. It created what Hammond described as a “recipe for really rapidly rising house prices and rents.”

“The shelter component has been very difficult to come back down because of the amount of growth that we’ve had here and the lack of supply in ownership and rental housing,” Stapp said.

No one is immune Wendy and Roy said Zach’s friends still stop by the house to talk with them.

Making friends was one of his gifts. He “just had that magnetic personality, you know, and he loved everybody,” Roy said.

There’s both sadness and pride in their voices when they remember Zach.

recognized, and now worry that water could disappear before they ever get a chance to see it.

Campbell said all Arizonans will be stressed in the next three to five years, with water likely to become more expensive as the supply continues to

While housing has been the biggest part of Valley inflation, gas prices may have had the biggest emotional punch. A gallon of gas cost as much $5.39 a gallon in June, according to AAA. Prices started falling after the summer peak and were at $3.36 a gallon last week, almost 19 cents lower per gallon than it cost a year ago. But the spikes still had an impact.

Dennis Hoffman, an economics professor at the Carey School, said transportation costs play a large role in inflation for a sprawling area like Phoenix.

“We’re quite a commuter region,” said Hoffman, who is also director of the L. William Seidman Research Institute at the Carey School. “A lot of people commute, so they pay the costs of used cars, and cars of course need gasoline.”

Hoffman said Arizonans typically pay more for gas because there are no refineries in the state, relying instead on California and Texas for its gas. Arizona was hit hard when some California refineries shut down in September.

Another increase that hit home for consumers was the price of food, which was up by 12.6% over the year, led by a 16.4% increase in dairy products, according to the BLS.

Beth Fiorenza, the executive director at Nourish Phoenix, said that has

The Plunks are ready for a legal fight over their complaint because they’ve channeled their grief into a drive to help others and prevent similar incidents.

“It’s devastated us,” Roy said of the losing Zach. “Main thing to keep us going is to try to save other lives. Get the word out.”

Part of the Plunks’ message is that

dwindle.

If residents can come together and become more efficient water users, she said, there is hope that the city and state can comfortably adapt. But she stressed that difficult changes are in store, adding that she has been using

caused the number of people seeking help from her pantry to roughly double in the last three to four months over normal levels.

“If people were already living paycheck to paycheck, and then inflation and higher expenses hit, now they’re really struggling to get by every month,” Fiorenza said.

The latest surge in inflation capped three years of steady increases, according to the BLS. It said inflation in Phoenix rose by 0.7% from October 2019 to October 2020 and then rose 7.1% from 2020 to 2021 before spiking over the past year.

But the economists believe that things may be turning around and that the high prices will slowly decrease over the next couple of months. Stapp noted that gas prices have already fallen and he expects the same should happen with housing.

Hammond agreed that housing prices should start to fall in the new year, and he thinks Arizona will likely follow the rest of the U.S. economy, which has been generally cooling in recent months.

Hoffman was more confident, saying he thinks the worst is in the past and that the economy will soon start to stabilize.

“I think we’re going to see inflation rates come down over the next year pretty dramatically,” he said.

fentanyl is everywhere now, and no family or neighborhood is immune from the danger of this drug.

Wendy’s advice for parents is clear: “Don't let (kids) on Snapchat, don't let them on Instagram, don't let them on social media, whatsoever.”

“We know that's not going to happen,” Roy said, “but at least they have to watch their accounts.”

the “Serenity Prayer” as way to look at the coming years.

“To accept the things you cannot change, and change the things you can,” Campbell recited. “We have to accept the fact that this is going to happen.”

Scottsdale senior softball pitches in for food banks

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Sta Writer

Jim Lenzo has been playing softball as an outfielder and infielder in the Scottsdale Senior Softball League for 25 years since he hit the ripe age of 55.

But it wasn’t until roughly four years ago that Lenzo decided the league could do more than provide a place for the 55-plus community to re-engage in their favorite sport.

His idea was to launch a food drive to benefit the Vista Del Camino Community Center Food Bank.

“We never get anybody to go out to other events after softball games to get together. After the games, they all go their separate ways,” Lenzo said.

He figured that each of the nearly 100 players that suited up in the league had at least one can of food to spare for a food drive.

“That is the one thing that they have in common, so I figured, why not have a food drive where they can bring the canned goods or their money right to the game, we'll collect it and store it until we're ready to distribute it,” said Lenzo. “It was more of a convenience thing than anything else for them.”

When Lenzo first proposed this idea four years ago, he was met with no pushback.

“Once I proposed it to the fellas and gals, it was readily accepted. We had no problem, no dissents and everybody participated,” Lenzo said. “But as to why we didn't do it before. That I don't know. Absentmindedness, I guess.”

The next piece of the puzzle involved picking a food bank for the donations.

“We used to play at the Yavapai Elementary before we moved over to Thompson Peak, so it was ideal back then since we could walk across the street to the (Vista Del Camino Community Center) to donate our stu ,” Lenzo said.

Lenzo also wanted to decipher an optimal date to drop o the food.

“They’re hit pretty heavily before the holidays, so we would rather hold o until after the first of the year so that we could help replenish the food banks,” Lenzo said. “We just know from our hearts, it's the right thing to do.”

This year's donation came at the perfect time as food banks have seen massive upticks in demand and a significant decrease in donations as well as volunteer labor, as previously reported by the Progress in July.

“There are people who are just struggling with their day-to-day bills and with rising costs of food, mortgage and rent,” said city Recreation Manager Andy Passmonick. “(We appreciate) giving your time and giving what you can from donating money to donating food.”

Over the summer, Passmonick noted that as many as 50 new clients called upon the Vista Del Camino Community Center Food Bank for help.

“Generally, we get 10 to 20 new clients a month,” said Passmonick. “We were able to disperse over 200

food boxes (in June) and the average number of boxes a month is about 150.”

Because of this, Lenzo was proud to have cultivated over 1,700 pounds of food and raise just over $1,700 for the Vista Del Camino Community Center Food Bank on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Although Lenzo hoped to generate a healthy helping of donations for the food bank, he also hopes that this effort will inspire more people to dust off their mitts and bats and take the field one more time.

“The only thing that we would ask is for them to come on out and play softball. Honestly, the more the merrier,” Lenzo said.

“We've been around for 30 some years and we've had lean years … But this is a non-competitive league, it’s just a drop in league and we've got players from age 55 to a pitcher that's 94.”

Thompson Peak Park is located at 20199 N. 78th Place and the Vista Del Camino Community Center is 7700 E. Roosevelt St. To contact the food bank: 480-312-2323.

Gail Deal hands boxes to Raymond Gomez as he and other Scottsdale Senior Softball League players drop o donated food to the Vista del Camino Food Bank in Scottsdale last week. (David Minton/Progress Sta Photographer)

René Eprham Wendell

move of the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament to Scottsdale’s TPC. Throughout his life he continued to volunteer and serve in many community leadership roles for organizations such as Rotary, Civitan, and The Boys and Girls Clubs.

René Eprham Wendell, Jr., 81, of Scottsdale passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2022, after a long battle with Dementia. His deep and humble Christian faith brought him strength and comfort, and was reflected through the kindness, charity and patience he unceasingly showed. We will all miss his quiet, easy manner, his witty sense of humor and a humble attitude about his lifetime of notable achievements. This unique combination garnered a wide circle of lifelong friends and admirers for this blue-eyed gentleman. He was a talented floral and event designer, lifelong business owner, patient teacher, effective community leader, adventurous cowboy, and avid outdoor sportsman. And René was an especially good fisherman!

Born on January 8, 1941, in Evanston, IL, son of the late “Bud” and Levern Larsen Wendell, he was predeceased by his older sister, Karen L. Wendell. Graduating from Scottsdale High School in 1959, he later served in the U.S. Army National Guard until being honorably discharged in 1965. Following in his father’s footsteps, René became a florist whose talent and skills brought him international recognition. For more than 60 years, he was a frequently honored florist and event designer, a successful business owner of Wendell’s Flowers (later Wendell Design Group) and an influential floral industry advocate. He was most honored to be invited to share his skill and knowledge as a visiting florist at the White House in Washington DC.

The Honorable René Wendell was elected to Councilman on the Scottsdale City Council from 1984 to 1988, and served as Scottsdale’s Vice Mayor in 1986. He achieved the opening of Horseman’s Park (now Westworld) where Wendell Arena was dedicated in 1987. He also worked tirelessly to bring the PGA Tour to Scottsdale resulting in the

René loved horses and was a “real” cowboy, raised on a small ranch in Old Scottsdale. Ever since his family moved to AZ in 1951, he loved to explore the state by riding horseback through the wilderness trails. René was a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse and was also a Hashknife Pony Express Rider for the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse, riding to deliver mail by horseback from Holbrook, AZ to the Scottsdale post office. Combining his community spirit and love of horses, he was proud of being a Scottsdale Charro. René especially looked forward to the Charro Trail Rides every year.

As an expert horseman, René was a multiyear gymkhana champion and was honored as Charro Top Cowboy in 1989. René combined his fine art skills with his love of horses and cowboys to design and sculpt a Western themed bronze sculpture entitled, “Takin’ a Break” which was featured in one of Scottsdale’s finest art galleries.

René married Ellen Racer Wendell in 1963 and together they joyfully raised three children until Ellen’s death from cancer in 1987. He is loved by daughter Cheryle Lee Eckhardt and her husband David Eckhardt, son Troy Allen Wendell, and daughter Andrea René Jung and her husband John Jung. The Wendell family tree grew with the arrival of grandchildren, Chase Eckhardt, Emily Eckhardt, Mason Eckhardt, Rylie Jung, and Payton Jung, and later by the addition of great grandchildren, Caiden, Cane, Avery, Payton, Corbin, and Parker. René is also fondly remembered by his second wife, Ann Brown, and her son, Kevin Brown, with whom René had a special friendship.

In 2002, René married his devoted wife, best friend and business partner, Linda Prather Wendell, and is loved by her children Michael “Ryan” Williams, Mark “Reed” Williams and his wife Ellen Williams, Kelly Elizabeth Williams and her husband, Olivier Courtemanche, and Deborah Adams Murray and her children, Robert “Bobby” Murray, IV, Phineas “Finn” Murray, and Margaret “Maggie” Murray.

Visitation was held on Friday, January 6th at Messenger’s Mortuary, 7601 Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ. Funeral Services were held Saturday, January 7th at 10 a.m. at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ. René will be buried at Green Acres Cemetery, Scottsdale.

Scottsdale exec turned life, business around

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ Progress Contributor

In 2016, to the outside world, it looked like long-time Scottsdale business leader Dillan Micus had it all.

As the executive vice president of Equitable Advisors Southwest (formerly AXA Advisors Southwest), Micus led some of the brightest financial minds in the region.

“When I moved to Arizona in 2005 to take the position, I was just 29 years old, the then-youngest person in the company’s history to take on a role,” Micus said. “At the time, the regional team was struggling and among the lowest performers in the nation. Within a year, we were placing among the top 10, and by 2008 we earned the top spot in the country.”

Almost overnight, he was earning seven figures and finding solutions for clients despite the cataclysmic effects of the Great Recession. But a serious drinking problem almost ruined him.

During his first 12 years in the position, Micus made community stewardship a priority as well, notably founding Weekend Jetaway, a charitable event put on by his team to collectively give back.

Over the annual event’s near-decade in Scottsdale, they raised nearly $1 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs, Elevate Phoenix, Pat Tillman Foundation, Folds of Honor and The Challenge Foundation. When not working, Micus also gave his time as a Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale board member and became a Thunderbird.

The jovial former college football star and one-time NFL recruit also spent significant time in the party

scene, both locally and around the world, especially after getting a divorce in 2013.

“At the time, I just thought I was having fun,” Micus said. “Looking back, I was covering up deep wounds from my

childhood.”

“Our success also hinged on developing specialists while becoming them ourselves. Things just kept working.”

For many years, Micus was such a

functional alcoholic that even many of his close friends didn’t suspect a thing.

“In my own heart, however, I knew,” Micus said.

Micus’ journey to sobriety began quietly.

“Though I didn’t tell anyone, I entered a 60-day rehab in 2016,” Micus said. “Subconsciously, I knew it wouldn’t stick.”

By the holidays, Micus was on vacation in Europe and drinking again.

On June 20, 2017, Micus took his last drink.

“My mom lived in Colorado, so I made up a story about her being sick and needing to see her, instead calling her in tears and begging her to pick me up,” Micus said. “She came and got me, and I spilled my guts to my parents for the next several hours. The next day they got me back to Scottsdale to get real help.”

The first step with an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting.

“I remember pulling into the parking lot, almost leaving five times before walking in,” Micus said. “I felt like this was other people, not me. Boy was I wrong.”

Within 15 minutes in that first meeting, Micus knew he was in the right place. “As everyone courageously shared their stories, I saw myself in them over and over,” Micus said.

The next step toward recovery came from a friend who “took me to spend time at his family’s ranch, enveloping me with love and a support system.”

Now five years sober, Micus recently left his long-time role at Equitable to launch 345 Wealth Management, a financial services firm focused on comprehensive planning as it relates to

Dillan Micus, second from left, and his 345 Wealth Management executive team, including, fropm left, Brady Schneider, Pat Kearns and Ali Grefsheim. (Courtesy of 345 Wealth Management)

the accumulation, distribution, and transfer of wealth. He leads the business with long-time colleague and dear friend Patrick Kearns.

In less than six months, the firm has already grown to 16 team members. Micus also has a thriving division within the firm called Asset Location Planning (ALP), a tax planning strategy designed

to help clients reduce their tax liability risk when it matters most, so that they can do more of what they love.

“The dedicated, unwavering work that we have done to facilitate financial transactions, create systems and processes, and advise clients is what has led us to start this firm,” said Micus. “Through starting our own business, we’re realizing a dream and now we will be able to help others realize theirs,

too, starting with financial freedom on their own terms.”

Micus is a life member of the Thunderbirds and working with fellow members on a new large-scale charity event in Scottsdale in December and will launch another business called FRESH in 2023.

FRESH – an acronym for Finances, Relationships, Education, Spirituality and Health–— was developed by

Micus in partnership with functional nutritionist and biometric expert Ashley Grimmel, who works with elite athletes including Olympians, UFC fighters, PGA players and NFL stars.

The step-by-step program identifies obstacles in our lives and provides coaching to help overcome them, knowing that challenges in one area in our lives affect the others.

Info: 345wealthmgmt.com

Coronado girls’ basketball becoming family on, o the court

BY RAQUEL ROBINSON Progress Contributing Writer

The Coronado girls’ varsity basketball team centers itself on being a family.

That mindset had been instilled with the Dons by head coach Kevin Torres, who is currently in his third season leading the team. Torres has placed a huge emphasis on team bonding o the court, which has led to an increase in trust between players and the coaching sta on it.

“The best teams are the ones that are always hanging out o the court,” Torres said. “It’s just an easier transition when we’re doing things o the court to get the girls integrated more, to team bond more, to care for one another a lot more.”

Torres, who is a Valley native, found his passion for basketball at a young age after watching the college national championships with his father. He said his main inspiration came from a variety of basketball stars, including the late Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant and Rajon Rando, who last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021-22 season.

Though Torres’ basketball career came to an early end as a player due to a knee injury after junior college, he knew that basketball would remain a big part of his life. Torres started his coaching career by coaching youth players as a way to earn extra money on the side.

He worked his way up and eventually landed a job teaching math and coaching varsity basketball at Coronado.

“I’m taking little wins as they come, not necessarily always looking for the win on the scoreboard, just seeing how they progress as a person, more importantly as a person,” Torres said. “At the end of the day, my job is to empower kids, not necessarily to turn them into

fly.

basketball players, that will happen along the way. I want them to leave here after they graduate independent and confident as people.”

Torres has recently been a key player in Coronado’s schoolwide cultural shift. Changing the identity of the athletics programs, which have struggled across the board for years outside of the soccer program, is something many coaches at the school have been working for.

Senior guard Alina Williams has seen this shift in culture from a studentathlete’s perspective. She has been with the team since her freshman year, before Torres started his career with Coronado.

“It’s di erent now, it’s not just about basketball,” Williams said. “These girls are my family at this point. I spend more time with them than anyone else.

I think it’s definitely the bonding stu , more so the stu we’re doing outside of practice, it’s the team building.”

Every player on the team speaks highly of the team bonding activities that Torres has them do o the court.

Activities can range from going to dinner to going on a hike or just simply hanging out as a team. Team dinners are the girls’ favorite Sophomore Jayda Begay said the team building the Dons have done has led them to be more confident in themselves and their teammates in games. The trust they have built leads to players becoming confident in themselves and in their teammates which leads to them taking opportunities that they may not have taken without the confidence and trust in themselves and each other.

“The things that we do together

helps with us playing,” Begay said. “Last year we were too hesitated to take shots or to dribble the ball, but now that we know each other and we bonded, we don’t have that anymore.”

Some of that confidence has shown early on in the season for Coronado, despite still having a lopsided record.

The Dons lost their first four games of the season but won three games heading into the Phoenix Union Queen of the Court Holiday Classic, one of many winter break tournaments hosted by programs across the state before teams get into the meat of their AIA power-point schedules.

They’re still learning as they go but have shown improvement from last year’s one-win season.

The Dons hope to have a winning record and potentially earn a spot in the playo s this season. They know the chemistry they have can help get them there as well as an increase in practice time.

And especially with the team building activities continuing, all players believe having a winning record and making the postseason tournament can become a reality.

“My goal is to have a winning record this season,” Williams said. “Looking at our team we have some many people, the chemistry is there. A winning record, I think we can definitely do that.”

Scottsdale.org

The Coronado girls’ basketball program is confident its chemistry on and o the court can help carry it to one of the best seasons in years in 2022-23. The Dons have already surpassed last year’s win total and they are still learning on the

(Courtesy Coronado athletics)

Photographer’s exhibit examines ranchers

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Sta Writer

Photographer Scott Baxter finds it hard to believe that a quarter century ago, he was fly fishing in northern Arizona with a friend who helped give him an idea.

“I had an interest in history and I had gone up to a ranch in northern Arizona to go fly fishing and I had a friend who said, ‘you ought to meet these people down there, they're nice,” Baxter recalled.

“I met a handful of ranchers actually and I came up with this idea …to photograph 100 di erent ranchers whose families had all been ranching since 1912.”

“Originally I just wanted to see if I could do it,” he said. “I didn't plan out a book, I didn't plan on having an exhibit and I didn't plan on a legacy project status with the state Centennial Celebration. I just thought ‘I'm trying to do this and maybe I'll do-

nate the negatives of the photos to the Arizona Historical Society or something.’”

He ended up doing all three.

In creating his original project of photographing 100 ranchers, Baxter crossed paths with Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Executive Director Dr. James Burns, with whom Baxter has maintained a friendship with for 15 years.

Although his “100 Years 100 Ranchers” project was shown a decade ago, Baxter has kept working in hopes of doing so 10 years after the centennial exhibition.

Burns had a grander idea of showing o Baxter's snapshots.

“I produced a platinum palladium limited edition print of the cover image from a co ee table book from that ‘100 Years 100 Ranchers project and I told him about this print and then he said, ‘Well, maybe we should just try to reconstitute it and let's show the 100 Years 100 Ranchers’ on the 10th anni-

versary.’”

“It started there and then it kind of ballooned from there to where we began talking about some of the

other projects I've done and now –although we had to edit it back – we

Jazz is Dead resurrecting the Dead with a twist

BY LUKE HERTEL GetOut Contributor

Jazz is Dead bassist Alphonso Johnson says his band’s shows, which pay tribute to The Grateful Dead, are filled with improvisational surprises.

Fans can see for themselves when Jazz is Dead plays the Celebrity Theatre Jan. 17 to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the 50-year-old The Grateful Dead album “Wake of the Flood.”

Jazz is Dead is an instrumental Grateful Dead cover band that interprets the legendary act’s tracks with jazz in-

fluences. Johnson says Jazz is Dead’s shows are very fluid and typically change from night to night.

“We have always prided ourselves on not being just another Grateful Dead cover band,” said the jazz fusion veteran who played in Weather Report. “We like to change things up and mix ‘em up.”

Johnson said Jazz is Dead finds a middle ground between an original act and a cover band.

“We’re playing their songs, obviously, and hopefully, you can hear the melodies in the songs,” Johnson explained.

“We want to make sure we give it a

slightly di erent twist so the audience can go, ‘Oh yeah, I know that’s ‘Stella Blue’ but he’s not playing it on guitar,’ or ‘He’s not playing it how I normally hear it.’”

Jazz is Dead has the stamp of approval from The Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, who invited the musicians to tour with Bobby and the Midnites for a year.

Johnson doesn’t necessarily think “jazz is dead.” But every form of art lessens in popularity, like jazz has with younger people.

“Art always evolves,” Johnson said. “It never stays the same. We had big band music in the ’30s and ’40s. We had the small jazz groups to evolve out of that. Music and art never stay

the same. It's fortunate that that happens because it allows for younger artists to come up with their own interpretation that expresses what's happening in their own world. So, I think it's a good thing.”

If You Go:

Jazz is Dead

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 17

Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix

Cost: Tickets start at $35 Info: 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com

Exhibitions coordinator Henry Terry hangs the framed prints for “The Gather: A Portrait of the American West” by Scott T. Baxter at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. (David Minton/Progress Sta Photographer)

have 160 images, with ephemera, in a gallery that is about 3,500 square feet.

“It's a large show. It's the largest one I've ever done.”

Among the 160 images Baxter shot over the last 25 years are mostly on black and white film, however, he included some action shots of ranchers doing chores or maintaining their land.

To replicated how photos might have been taken 100 years earlier, he said, “I didn't use any lighting. All I used was a camera, a tripod and a light meter.

Most of the photos are portraits, although some capture brandings or gatherings of animals during shipping.

However, the shots he proudest of are images of children he photographed as toddlers 15 years earlier.

“There are some freestanding walls

in the middle of the gallery that have a few new kid shots,” said Baxter, a Scottsdale resident for over four decades.

“I went back and photographed kids who were maybe in a photograph with their parents in the ranchers project when they were babies and I went back to share photographs of them that were taken sometimes as much as 14 years later.”

During the project, Baxter saw the drastic changes that have occurred in the ranchers’ lifestyle.

“They have all been impacted economically by the drought and also just by the economy and even by inflation in general,” Baxter said.

“The cost of hay has doubled in the last year and the cost of training or moving cattle around by truck has increased by 50%, so it's not it's not an easy way to make a living.”

Because of this, Baxter noted, ranching oftentimes is not these ranchers’ day job.

“Most of the ranches I photographed are small, family-run outfits that don't make a lot of money and most of these people are not in it to make the money,” Baxter said.

“A lot of them work other jobs. Some are teachers, some work for the railroad, some haul cattle or are truckers or work in di erent areas.”

He also found that some ranchers have had to thin out their herds and even sell o some of their land.

“Many of them have had to do things in the past where they have to sell a bunch of their cattle, and they will often retain what's called a core herd –which is a small number of animals, probably less than 20, where they keep maybe a bull and some of their really good producing cows,” Baxter said.

“And they have to wait it out because, in some cases, they're not allowed to put cattle out there if the ranch conditions are really dire.”

Although this photographs reflect

the harsh reality ranching today, Baxter felt the most important thing to accomplish with his photography was breaking down the misimpressions some people have about these ranchers.

“I really do think there's a lot of misnomers out there and once you get to meet some of these people, you find out they have a Ph.D. and a lot of them are great stewards of the of the range and the country,” Baxter said.

Baxter’s exhibition, titled “The Gather: A Portrait of the American West –Scott T. Baxter” opens on Thursday, Jan. 12, and will remain open through July 30.

If You Go:

Where: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $20 Info: Scottsdalemuseumwest.org

Culinary Gangster so good it’s a crime

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Progress Staff Writer

After opening restaurants in Chicago, Richard Raschillo moved to the Valley to relax. Instead, the industry called him back.

“I got anxiety from not working and it was either go to Lexapro or open another restaurant,” Raschillo said with a laugh about the antidepressant.

Raschillo signed a lease at 14891 N. Northsight Boulevard, Suite 135, Scottsdale, and that allowed him to relax.

“I slept like a baby that night,” he said. “Before then, I was pacing outside at night. My brain was circling too much.”

The result is Culinary Gangster, a brick-and-mortar version of his popular food truck in Chicago. The name comes from his Italian heritage.

“I own a fine dining, James Beard restaurant in Chicago,” he said. “I’ve had other concepts my whole life. Five years ago, my chefs and I were goofing around. I bought a truck and turned it into a food truck.

Richard Raschillo moved to the Valley to relax and instead opened Culinary Gangster in Scottsdale, a brick-and-mortar version of his popular food truck in Chicago. The name comes from his Italian heritage. (Special to the Progress)

“It became an enormous success.” Raschillo bought the concept here,

but to a 1,600-square-foot brick-andmortar space between At Home and Kohl’s off the Loop 101. With the hopes to open three more, the eatery serves healthy fare like burgers, sandwiches, quinoa bowls, wraps, salads and breakfast—a blend of items from each of his restaurants in Chicago.

He calls the southwest wrap ($13) one of his signature dishes, complete with grilled barbecue chicken breast, iceberg lettuce, black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, scallions, Monterey jack cheese, tortilla strips and topped with Gangster ranch dressing.

On the not-so-healthy side, he said, fan favorites are the spicy Gangster burger and street gyros. The Kronos street gyros ($13) come with tomatoes, red onions and tzatziki sauce.

For the same price, guests can get the spicy Gangster burger featuring a prime beef patty, jalapeños, pickles, fried onions, aged white cheddar, sweet chili sauce, habanero sauce all on a brioche bun.

Healthy dishes are important to Raschillo. He is a former trainer who saw his clients getting results from work-

ing out, but they didn’t know how to eat right.

“I went to culinary school to learn that,” he said. “I’ve had 25 concepts over the last 25 years. People flip houses; that’s what I used to do with restaurant. I’d develop a concept, build it, staff it and sell it.

“This concept is close to me because

Champagne Train leaves no thirsty tourists

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Samantha DelBrocco was on vacation in Nashville a few years ago when she witnessed an attraction that she found appealing.

She joined her friends on an opentop wagon trailered to a tractor towing the wagon around downtown Nashville as DelBrocco and her crew sipped on sparkly champagne while dancing to music provided by a live DJ.

The concept marinated with her until

last August, when she realized her dream of creating an attraction for people to sip as they cruise the streets of Scottsdale.

DelBrocco planned to purchase a 40foot school bus that could accommodate up to 20 people and she dubbed it the “Champagne Train,” renovating it with chic interiors and a bar.

“First I had to decide what type of bus we were going to use,” DelBrocco recalls.“I knew I wanted it to be pretty big because I wanted it to feel like a lounge like a bar on wheels as opposed to a party bus.”

Because of that, she knew she need-

ed to find a large bus.

“I knew it had to be big and I knew it had to be tall so that people could walk into it,” DelBrocco said.

After a month of scouring the Valley for a bus, DelBrocco found one at a school bus lot in Phoenix.

Her next challenge was gutting the vehicle and converting it into a rolling destination.

“I found a remodeling company that does bars and then they just so happened to be able to do the entire thing,” said DelBrocco. “They put in vi-

nyl flooring, shiplap, lighting, speakers and even built the bar, which, all told, took about three months.”

With the keys to the bus back in her hands just in time for the Holidays, DelBrocco soft-launched the Champagne Train by hiring two CDL-certified drivers, who are also school bus drivers with over 15 years of experience, to moonlight for her and bus patrons around a special holiday route where guests would be routed to some of the

Gangster Fries are loaded with bacon, a hot Gangster spice blend, cheddar cheese sauce and Gangster Ranch. (Facebook)

NOTICE

CHAMPAGNE

FROM page 33

brightest lit homes around the city.

She also found a loophole to get alcohol onto the bus by ensuring that guests bring their own alcohol aboard to consume, meaning the bus doesn’t provide any booze.

However, DelBrocco has partnered with Wine Girl and The Beverly to offer customers exclusive deals, including 50% off champagne flights at Wine Girl or 15% off of their order at The Beverly.

She also offers charcuterie boards and unique glasses to be purchased on board.

The Champagne Train currently routes guests through OldTown but also offers rides out to The Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek.

While the destinations that the Champagne Train travels to are exciting in and of itself, the ride proves that it is about the journey — hence the name.

“It’s all about the vibe that I wanted,” DelBrocco said. “I wanted to create something where the bartender dresses up with a bow tie almost like a train conductor and to give people that experience of car hopping on trains

CULINARY

FROM page 33

it’s a mix of everything. I’ve made all the mistake possible. I’m not shocked anymore. Twenty-five years later, I finally have the right tools.”

where you go from one car that has a bar to another where you lounge but it still has that upscale feel to it.”

Though she often gets the question of whether or not her bus is a train, DelBrocco is still seeing a strong surge of reservations for rides on her bus.

Of that surge, she has noticed that most of the reservations have been for bachelorette parties.

“With booking so far, there have been a decent amount of bachelorette parties and I also have a couple of bookings for birthday parties as well as girl’s night out celebrations,” DelBrocco said.

DelBrocco also plans to capitalize on the coming efflux of tourists this tourism season and teased that she could have special deals for the WM Phoenix Open and Super Bowl LVII.

Overall, DelBrocco is excited to keep the Champagne Train moving forward and hopes to partner with more businesses throughout Scottsdale and the rest of the Valley.

Info: thechampagnetrain.com

Culinary Gangster

14891 N. Northsight Boulevard, Suite 135, Scottsdale 480-572-1857

culinarygangsteraz.com Instagram: @culinarygangsteraz 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on January 25, 2023, at 5:00 P.M in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, for the purpose of hearing all persons who wish to comment on the following: Written comments submitted electronically at least one hour prior to the meeting are being accepted. A written Public Comment may be submitted electronically to PlanningCommission@ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Public comments will also be accepted at the meeting.

12-ZN-2021 (Valero Gas Redevelopment) Request by owner for a zoning district map amendment from Planned Community District with comparable General Commercial (PCD C-4) zoning to Planned Community District with comparable Central Business (PCD C-2) zoning with an amendment to the development plan to allow additional commercial uses on a +/- .47-acres site located at 9550 N. 90th Street. Staff contact person is Meredith Tessier, (480) 312-4211. Applicant contact person is Clint Jameson, (602) 538-3637

5-AB-2022 (Martinson GLOPE Abandonment) Request by owner to abandon the 33-foot wide GLO roadway easement along the north and west property lines for a parcel located at 31421 N. 69th Street with Single-family Residential, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, Foothills Overlay zoning (R1-70 ESL FO). Owner to dedicate property interests to the City. Staff contact person is Chris Zimmer, (480) 312-2347. Applicant contact person is Wayne Rosendahl, (480) 599-1263.

6-UP-2022 (Crown Castle Sunrise Sonoran View 831832/PH60845A) Request by owner for approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a new Type 4 Alternative Concealment Wireless Communication Facility (WCF), concealed within a new +/- 61-foot 3-inch-tall church belltower, with associated ground mounted equipment, located at 29505 N. Scottsdale Rd. with Single-family Residential, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, Foothills Overlay (R1-70 ESL FO) zoning. Staff contact person is Keith Niederer, (480) 312-2953. Applicant contact person is Michael Campbell, (602) 616-8396

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov search “Scottsdale Planning Case Files” or in your URL search bar you can type in https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/

A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY MAY REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION BY CONTACTING THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767). REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, OR AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ALLOW TIME TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATION. FOR TTY USERS, THE ARIZONA RELAY SERVICE (1-800-367-8939) MAY CONTACT THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767).

Published: Scottsdale Progress, January 8, 2023.

Samantha DelBrocco’s Champagne Train offers a unique way to tour Scottsdale. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Ahwatukee