The Chandler Arizonan - 01.10.2021 by Times Media Group

CHANDLER LOOKS TO 2021

COVID CLAIMS POPULAR MUSICIAN

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INSIDE This Week

BUSINESS .................... 23 Chandler woman's beauty industry niche.

SPORTS .........................24 Old Chandler rivals meet in Fiesta Bowl.

GET OUT ......................26 Chandler Film Festival ready to roll.

NEWS ....................................... 2 COMMUNITY ...................... 20 BUSINESS ..............................23 SPORTS..................................24 GET OUT .............................. 26 CLASSIFIEDS .........................27

JANUARY 10, 2021

COVID-19 continues roiling Chandler school debate BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler Unified School District officials say they’re “disgusted” by community members who have been willfully violating COVID-19 protocols by attending large gatherings and not wearing masks – enough so that they decided to temporarily shut down campuses for two weeks. Days after a video showing students throwing a massive New Year’s Eve party at a Gilbert residence began circulating online, the CUSD Governing Board held a last-

minute meeting Jan. 4 before the start of the spring semester to cancel all in-classroom instruction until Jan. 19. The district’s 45,000 students must now learn virtually from home, just as they did at the start of last semester. The sudden decision angered some parents and relieved many others. But it was Prior to the Chandler Unified Governing Board meeting Jan. 4, teachers like Katie Nash and parents favoring virtual learning perceived as a quick remedy held a vehicle parade to support the board. (Pablo Robes/Arizonan Photographer)

Mandatory COVID shots for Better days ahead teachers called possible

see SCHOOLS page 10

BY CECILIA CHAN AND PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan News Staff

s teachers inch toward the head of the line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, it begs the question: can school districts mandate inoculations? According to the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, yes. “School districts may require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of on-site work, subject to exemptions required by state and/or federal law,” reads a legal memo prepared for the nonprofit Trust and circulated late last month to its member districts. The Trust, which provides more than 250 public school districts and community colleges with property and liability insurance, also advised districts to consult with their own attorneys on legal issues related to any vaccination requirement.

see VACCINES page 12

Ryan Butler wants to start playing his guitar again but for now he still is recovering after a liver transplant, something that has made 2021 looking much better than his future appeared last year. See page 20. (Special to the Arizonan)

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CGCC enrollment still sliding into spring semester BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler-Gilbert Community College is preparing to have 1,500 fewer students during its spring semester as it continues to grapple with the impacts of the pandemic. The college served 5,500 students in the spring of 2020 as the coronavirus started spreading and currently has about 4,000 students enrolled for the spring of 2021. CGCC started its fall semester with a 22-percent drop in enrollment and, like most other community colleges in Maricopa County, hasn’t seen much improvement over the last few months. “The narrative hasn’t changed,” said Maricopa Community Colleges Provost Karla Fisher, “what we’re seeing nationally is what we’re seeing at Maricopa.” National data shows enrollment at community colleges has declined by 10 percent since the pandemic started and students are holding off on pursuing their education plans at twice the rate of students attending four-year universities. About 33 percent of prospective community college students have cited the coronavirus as the primary reason they’re hesitant to continue, according to the Community College Research Center. As of early December, Chandler-Gilbert had the biggest percentage drop in spring enrollment out of the 10 campuses in the Maricopa Community Colleges District. Only the Scottsdale, Gateway, and Rio Salado campuses have reported positive enrollment growth. Overall, the district’s seen a 15-percent decrease in enrollment and a 13-percent drop in the number of credit hours students plan to take in the spring. Fisher said the 10 colleges have collectively managed to narrow the district’s enrollment gap by about nine percentage points through “herculean” marketing efforts deployed over the last couple months. The district could soon see another boost in enrollment, Fisher added, based on the 3-percent increase in applications

for Federal Student Aid scholarships recently observed among the district’s prospective pupils. “Students that complete FAFSA are indicating to us they want to come to college and are seeking the resources to do so,” the provost said. In order to curtail the enrollment slide, the district plans to extend its deadline for dropping students from their classes for unpaid tuition fees. The district said this will allow students more time to sign up for a payment plan or seek additional financial aid. CGCC administrators hope the college’s enrollment will pick up as flexstart classes, which allow students to enroll at any time during a semester, become more widely available. Felicia Ramirez-Perez, the college’s dean of enrollment, said Chandler-Gilbert is attempting to be more accommodating and supportive to students who feel overwhelmed by the pandemic’s impacts. “We know 2020 has been particularly challenging and saw many of our students step away from their academic goals with us earlier this year,” she said. “We completely understand the importance of evaluating what works best for them in this new environment.” CGCC wants students to know the college wants to work with them on creating a schedule that fits with their current circumstances, Ramirez-Perez said. “Whether it is returning in spring, summer or fall, their next step might be one course rather than a full course load, and we are here to help them take that step,” she added. The majority of CGCC courses have shifted to online formats and only a handful are still being taught in-person. Some courses include a “live-online” option that allow students to interact with instructors and classmates virtually through applications like Zoom. According to surveys by the district, many students have indicated they’re waiting until in-person classes become available again before deciding to enroll

see COLLEGE page 3

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Chandler judge demoted for ‘problematic’ behavior

gations but concluded Fuller may have mistreated some of his employees. Witnesses told investigators Fuller’s behavior was “angry” and “paranoid” during a staff meeting on March 20, when he accused the court’s other magistrates of meeting behind his back to plot against him. “Fuller’s allegedly unpleasant behavior was broadly directed at numerous people,” investigators wrote. “Several female employees reported feeling that Fuller treated women with disrespect or in a demeaning manner.” Countryman said her relationship with Fuller began to deteriorate around the time of the March 20 meeting because she felt Fuller was not taking enough precautions to protect court staff from COVID-19. Countryman alleged Fuller’s attitude toward her worsened after she filed a complaint against another court employee with the city’s Human Resources Department. Countryman claimed Fuller started making her work on weekends and for-

feit some of her vacation time. The investigators could not find evidence of Fuller retaliating against Countryman because their workplace problems seemed to have started before she had filed her complaint with the city. “Fuller’s allegedly discourteous behavior was not focused on Commissioner Countryman but rather was directed toward a wide array of people,” investigators wrote. Fuller told investigators Countryman stopped speaking to him after he attempted to advise her on how to dismiss cases involving speeding tickets. Fuller claimed Countryman rejected his instructions and proceeded to work at her own discretion. Fuller further suspected city officials of trying to oust him so Countryman could take his job – an assertion that investigators called “speculative.” The investigation found that Fuller treated female employees differently by giving them tasks that felt “demeaning” and beneath their education level. Women told investigators Fuller would often support ideas made by male employees but not those from females. One court employee claimed Fuller commented on her physical size and eating habits, which Fuller denied. “It is significant that Fuller’s interactions with so many women were problematic,” the report states. Fuller was appointed to preside over the Chandler court in June 2019 after serving as assistant director of Phoenix’s Office of Court Appointed Attorneys and working as an assistant prosecutor for the Town of Gilbert. His work history has not turned up any other known instances of workplace misconduct and the Arizona Bar Association has not taken any disciplinary action against Fuller since he joined the Bar in 1990.

that require visitors to wear masks, greater utilization of bigger classrooms, and restrict access to empty buildings. Jenna Kahl, the college’s vice president of community relations, said CGCC wants the public to feel safe when they come to the campus and the college will

continue to make adjustments in order to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. “We hope our students feel welcomed and safe as we continue to keep their safety and education at the forefront of all we do,” Kahl said.

BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

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handler City Council has demoted presiding City Magistrate David Fuller after an investigation sustained allegations that he behaved inappropriately around his subordinates. In reaction to an internal inquiry that found some of Fuller’s workplace actions “problematic,” Council amended the judge’s contract to strip him of his title and reassign him to work under a new presiding magistrate. City Court Judge Alicia Skupin was promoted to replace Fuller as the acting presiding magistrate until her contract expires in June. Skupin and Fuller essentially switched positions since Fuller will continue working as one of the other magistrates helping to adjudicate traffic tickets, code violations and petty crimes. Council has the option to appoint a new presiding judge before Skupin’s contract ends and the city plans to start the recruitment process for a permanent replacement soon. Fuller’s new contract is set to expire at the end of June. As part of the contract amendments, Fuller’s salary was reset at $166,000 and Skupin will now be paid $175,000. The shakeup was the result of a complaint by Nicole Countryman, a former City Court commissioner, who accused Fuller of threatening and retaliating against her. Countryman, who is Black, filed a $2-million claim against the city in November that alleged she was subject to racial discrimination before her employment in Chandler ended in September. The city hired a Scottsdale law firm to investigate Countryman’s complaint and interview the court’s staff. According to a summary of the firm’s findings, investigators were unable to substantiate Countryman’s racial alle-

COLLEGE from page 2

or they don’t feel prepared to take an online course. Since the pandemic began, several new health protocols have been implemented throughout the CGCC campus

David Fuller

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Chandler baby killer takes her life day before jail ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Chandler woman who pleaded guilty to drowning her month-old son died by suicide last month, the day before she was scheduled to be sentenced for her guilty plea to murder. Jenna Folwell, 21, apparently took her life Dec. 13. Police found her body on a Tempe street. Investigators believe she jumped from a nearby building and found no evidence of foul play, Tempe Police Det. Greg Bacon said. Court records show Folwell had been scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 14 for her plea to second-degree murder of her son, Rainer, who was found dead in the mother’s Chandler apartment two years ago. The baby had been drowned in a bathtub and his wet body was stuffed into a duffle bag. Folwell, who had been free on bond, pleaded guilty in November and agreed to serve at least 14 years in prison. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office notified Judge Pamela Gates of Folwell’s death on Dec. 14, the same day

Jenna Folwell she was expected to be sent to prison to begin her sentence. Folwell had bonded out of jail shortly after her arrest in October 2018. Chandler Police arrested her after discovering evidence on Folwell’s cell phone that indicated she had planned to kill Rainer. Folwell made more than 100 searches for information on why parents kill children, missing baby cases and how long it

takes for babies to drown. Folwell initially told authorities her son had been kidnapped from a nearby park. Her story was quickly contradicted by the discovery of Rainer’s body in the mother’s apartment. She later confessed to drowning Rainer in the bathtub and never told Chandler Police her motive for wanting to kill her son. Folwell’s arrest attracted national media attention and sparked a public outcry over why nobody around her had spotted any warning signs of a mental illness. The Arizona Department of Child Safety had not received any reports of child abuse or neglect involving Folwell before Rainer’s death. Eric Canku, the baby’s father, previously said he wished Folwell would have let him take custody of their son before she decided to drown Rainer. The father felt Folwell’s actions should result in her getting the maximum possible prison sentence. “I want her to have a life without parole,” Canku said during one of Folwell’s court appearances. “She can live every day knowing what she did to that poor

innocent child. The pain she has caused me has no definition.” Canku’s family said they have mixed emotions about Folwell’s recent death. They had wanted her to be held accountable for her crimes, yet they hadn’t expected Folwell to pay with her life. “This was definitely not something we would have ever wished for her,” Canku’s family wrote in a statement. “Eric did not want the death penalty and wanted her to serve her time.” Because Folwell died before her case could be fully adjudicated, prosecutors have asked Gates to dismiss her criminal charges “without prejudice,” a legal term that leaves the door open for the state to refile charges against the same defendant. Folwell’s attorneys objected to the prosecution’s request, asking the judge to dismiss the case “with prejudice” because it is impossible for Folwell to be charged again. “The finality of her case is evident,” Folwell’s attorney stated. “Justice requires that the dismissal be with prejudice.” Gates has not issued a ruling.

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Kyrene land lease deal still not finalized ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

he 2018-20 Kyrene Governing Board went into the history books last December without locking in a lease for 28 acres of land it owns along I-10 in Ahwatukee. Now it will be up to the reconstituted board, which adds new members Wanda Kolomyjec and Margaret Wright this month, to consider a lease that officials said could yield as much as $100 million for the district over 75 years. The board last October authorized the district administration to negotiate the final details of the lease for the land with ViaWest Group, a Phoenix commercial real estate group. The land, located between Chandler Boulevard and Ray Road, was originally purchased by the district in the 1990s as a possible site for a school. Instead, Kyrene del Milenio in Ahwatukee was built in 2000. It was put on the market by the board in 2018 – 11 years after a previous Kyrene administration urged a different board not to sell it because the proceeds could only be used for capital expenditures and not day-to-day operations. That restriction still applies to any district’s sale of land, although district General Counsel Jordan Ellel was to be conferring with the state Attorney General to see if a lease gave the district more flexibility on how it could spend the money. It’s unclear why the Kyrene deal has not been inked yet. “The new board will vote to approve the final ground lease,” district spokeswoman Erin Helm said. “That document is still under review, but it could potentially be ready for a vote in January.” When it voted 4-0 to authorize negotiations, the board was in a celebratory mode. “I’ve been hoping to get this done for

Although the old Kyrene Governing Board last October directed the district administration to finalize a lease for this land it owns, it will be up to the new board to finalize the deal. (Kyrene School District) the largest part of my tenure,” said now former member John King. Then board President Michael Myrick, who also is no longer on the board, abstained from voting because he is in the commercial land business. Ellel said leasing the land would be

more advantageous for the district because it provided a steady revenue stream for multiple years and Kyrene would get the land back at the end of the lease period. According to the letter of intent approved by the board, whoever leases the

land would pay nothing in the first year, $240,000 the second and $800,000 in the third year for the next three years. After three years at $800,000, rent would increase every five years by 12.5 percent if the tenant pays no property taxes or by 7.5 percent if the tenant pays taxes. The land would then be subject to a reappraisal in the 23rd year of the lease. The letter of intent indicates that a business park with three industrial buildings will be built on the parcel, similar to a development that ViaWest has on the Chandler side of I-10 parallel to the parcel. Myrick noted that the fact the district would get the land back after the lease period means future school boards can determine whether to “sell or develop the land, depending on the district’s needs at that time.” Ellel noted that this is the last piece of undeveloped land owned by the district so that flexibility provided by getting the parcel back in the future could be particularly advantageous. Three years ago, former Kyrene board member Russ Robb, a real estate expert himself, told the board that leasing made more sense because of the steady revenue stream it provided. He acknowledged that any sale or lease had advantages and disadvantages to both. “There are lots of complexities in a ground lease,” Robb said. “It’s slightly riskier than a sale because you are relying on someone to make a payment year after year after year … but it could be very advantageous as opposed to a sale.” When asked at that meeting about the impact of adverse neighborhood reaction to whatever ends up being built on the parcel, Robb told the board, “I think your motivation is likely to be less philanthropic. I think you probably need the revenue more than positive publicity.”

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

COVID-19 claims popular Chandler musician BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Arizonan Staff Writer

alley musician Ethan Newman didn’t think he was anyone special. He turned down interviews because he believed he wasn’t worthy. But Newman, who frequently played Larry’s Cocktails near Cave Creek and Jolie’s Place in Chandler, was someone special. When word of his Dec. 29 death at age 46 from COVID-19 hit social media, his feed was a never-ending series of eulogies. Within 24 hours, there were 657 comments on his Facebook page – a true testament to his musicianship, friendship and kindness. “Our hearts are broken,” started the post about his death. “He fought as hard as he could until the very end, and we will be forever grateful to the Banner Desert staff who took such good care of him for the past few weeks. “Our lives, our hearts and the music world will never be the same from this. The joy and love that he brought to others is unmatched, and we are comforted

Ethan Newman was a popular draw at Jolie's Place in Chandler. (Special to the Arizonan)

by knowing that he brought smiles to the faces of everyone he met.” Newman was a multi-instrumentalist, who played electric bass and acoustic guitar. According to his bandsintown

page, he grew up playing “country-metal” on Prescott’s Whiskey Row. He was an alumnus of Azz Izz, The Robert Street Band, Zowie Bowie, Mogollon, Tate, Capital Down, Delcoa and Easton Ashe. He called himself, “mildly dyslexic and profoundly left-handed,” and played “backward, upside-down, confusing-reverse” bass and guitar. As a testament to his heart, Newman was a Department of Defense volunteer who played for U.S. military personnel in Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Guam, Bosnia, Kosovo, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar and Djibouti. “He was just an amazing talent,” said Josh Kennedy of the Tempe rock band The Black Moods. They met at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is also reeling over the death of Lawrence Zubia of The Pistoleros. “Later on, once I graduated and started playing around Phoenix, we started running into each other. He was just the nicest guy ever. For me, that was two days in a row I lost a good friend of mine. I’m in Missouri right now, in a small town, and I feel so removed from it. It just doesn’t

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seem real.” Jolie Grant, who owns Jolie’s Place, said she feels very lucky to have known Newman. “He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever know,” she said. “He had a wonderful way of making others feel special. It was normal for Ethan to go out of his way to let you know what an amazing job you were doing as a friend, coworker or business owner. He made sure you knew you were extraordinary. That is Ethan. “Ethan, the musician, couldn’t help but bring a smile to your face. He was not only incredibly talented musically, but a showman as well. If he wasn’t inspiring you to sing along and dance, he was cracking you up. “He’s held a spot on the patio at Jolie’s Place every Saturday afternoon with George Brunson for many years, and he is loved and admired by every person that has crossed the threshold of JP. If you met him, you loved him, there was no other option. We will all miss him wholeheartedly and the music scene in AZ will never be the same without him.”

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

SCHOOLS from page 1

professionals out there who work their asses off for 10, to prevent COVID-19 cases from increas12, 14 hours a day to make ing exponentially during a time when virtual learning as best as some local residents have not been folthey can,” she said. lowing health guidelines. Bruner further objected to “The lack of regard for other individuthe stress Chandler’s in-classals is very, very concerning,” said board room module is inadvertently President Barbara Mozdzen. “I am very putting on teachers due to discouraged with our whole community. the quarantined students It makes our jobs so much more diffithey have to track online. cult.” The district requires stuMozdzen was referencing the viddents and staff to quarantine eos and photos showing hordes of high at home for two weeks after school students partying indoors over coming into contact with the holiday break that had surfaced onsomeone infected with COVline days before the spring semester was ID-19. Teachers are expected scheduled to begin. to check-in with quarantined The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office students and keep them inobserved hundreds of people at the Gilcluded in classroom activibert party and is reviewing whether to ties through video applicacite the homeowner who welcomed the tions. large gathering. But Bruner said the numMozdzen said the behavior exhibited Hayden Ricklefs, 10, helps decorate a car prior to the parade supporting the Chandler Unified Govern- ber of CUSD students who in the partying videos, which depicted ing Board Jan. 4. (Pablo Robles/Arizonan Photographer) have already quarantined – some attendees not wearing face masks, which has exceeded 1,800 – could be causing virus cases to rise and learning until Martin Luther King Day. behavior that could have major impacts has made this teaching model is now forcing the district to be extra Board members Lindsay Love and Jason on the district’s operations. inefficient for both parties involved. cautious. Olive voted with her. “I don’t really think our community is “We have hundreds of quarantined “I am extremely disappointed that we Love, who’s regularly pushed for more taking this seriously,” she added. students at the high schools and it’s unhave large parties in the community and virtual learning options during the panBoard member Lara Bruner notably fair to the students to not have access to that our community is not mitigating demic, said she worries the two-week voted against the district’s virtual plan education during those 14 days,” Bruner the spread so we can keep our kids in period may not be long enough to pre- and instead proposed letting CUSD fol- said, “but at the same time, it’s unfair to school,” she said. vent a spike in new cases. low the guidance of the county Public the teachers to try to do a hybrid model Though Mozdzen has routinely faThat New Year’s Eve party was a “slap Health Department. when they don’t have the technology to vored keeping schools open, she voted in the face” to all of the district’s teachAll three benchmarks used by the do it.” to revert the district back to virtual ers, Love said, and it was “disgusting” county as guidance for schools show Before the Jan. 4 meeting, Bruner atsubstantial virus spread in Chandler tempted to have the board convene on Unified. Dec. 23 to discuss changing the district’s Data released Jan. 7 showed 601 cases instructional modalities. per 100,000 people, 13 percent positive By mid-December, the county’s data new test results and 12 percent of hospi- metrics showed Chandler had a “subtal visits with COVID-like symptoms. stantial” risk for spreading COVID-19 Bruner suggested CUSD should let the and Bruner tried to get CUSD to act becounty’s data dictate when campuses fore students returned to school for the can reopen – an idea that didn’t sit well spring semester. with her board colleagues. But she claims her request was denied Mozdzen said it would be a “crime” to in order to allow a district committee allow virtual learning to continue end- more time to gather feedback on how to lessly until the county’s metrics changed. respond to the pandemic. “These kids are our future and we After the denial, many teachers and know our kids are not learning as much parents upped the pressure on CUSD to as they can during virtual,” Mozdzen act by threatening to call out sick when said. “Virtual is not a substitute for be- classes resumed and organizing protests ing in-person.” outside the district offices. Bruner, a teacher for the Tempe Union The district eventually reversed its High School District, disputed the notion plan and rushed to hold a board meeting that virtual learning is subpar and inher- right before students were expected to Iain Hamp decorates a car in preparation for the vehicle parade supporting the CUSD ently inferior to classroom instruction. board. “To minimize it is unfair to all the (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

see SCHOOLS page 11

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

11 CITY NEWS

SCHOOLS from page 10

return to school. Thousands of parents and teachers tuned into the Jan. 4 meeting to anxiously await the board’s decision for virtual learning and many did not appreciate the district’s slow response. Frank Pezzorello, a Hamilton High teacher, chastised the district for waiting until the last minute to decide whether to return to virtual learning. “The easy thing was to do nothing,” Pezzorello told the school board. “By delaying this meeting, we have not allowed parents to find childcare and we will have to deal with this one way or another.” Some parents urged CUSD to continue inperson instruction at any means necessary. Armando Spataro, a local parent, said shifting back to virtual learning would be harmful to his children and questioned the board’s decision considering the low infection rates seen across Arizona’s schools. “I feel the districts will look back and see a trail of collateral damage created by denying our children their place in school,” Spataro said. As of Jan. 6, CUSD reported only six ac-

Chandler Unified Governing Board members expressed dismay that some students and their parents are disregarding protocols to minimize COVID-19 spread and thereby jeopardizing open classrooms. (Special to the Arizonan)

tive virus cases among its 50,000 staff and students. The district has had another 836 cases get resolved after the infected individual was deemed safe to return to campus. CUSD has had an additional 600 cases of students contracting the virus while off campus – data that wasn’t previously being reported publicly until this month. The school board has recently voted to revise its thresholds that would initiate a temporary school closure.

Before the Jan. 4 meeting, CUSD had been following a protocol that obligates administrators to close elementary schools when the infection rate for active cases reaches 2 percent of the campus population. High schools would close with an infection rate of 1 percent. The board lowered the thresholds to 1.5 percent for elementary campuses, 1 percent for junior high schools, and .75 percent for high schools. Despite the recent changes, some dis-

trict officials feel CUSD still is not doing enough to make sure campuses are as safe as they can be. Joel Wirth, one of the school board’s newest members, has suggested reprimanding students and staff caught not wearing masks while on campus with some sort of sanction or penalty. “We have got to put some teeth into people wearing masks,” Wirth said. “We’ve gotten loose... We need to follow the rules.”

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VACCINES from page 1

Initial reaction both officially and unofficially was mixed last week. Speaking only for herself and not for the Kyrene Governing Board, new member Wanda Kolomyjec, herself an adjunct professor, said, “The expectation that certain populations must receive vaccines has been a practice in our society for a long time. The only way to eradicate certain diseases like polio and small pox, was to rely on the scientific notion that everyone must receive a vaccine. “To that end, schools have always required students must receive their vaccines before being permitted to enroll in schools with certain limited exemptions for religious beliefs, etc. Therefore, I think requiring teachers and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 – with the same exceptions – makes sense, both scientifically and historically.” New Tempe Union Governing board member Sarah James, a music teacher, said that while she doesn’t know the district’s position, she believes “this is an issue we will have conversations about hopefully soon.” “On a personal level,” James added, “my hope is that teachers flock to get the vaccine so we can get back into classrooms ASAP. I understand the hesitation on one level, but I also trust the science and I am so ready to get my vaccine.” Spokespersons for both Kyrene and Tempe Union, which are part of the Trust, said district officials had no immediate reaction. But Chandler Unified spokesman Terry Locke told AFN, “We won’t mandate teachers get vaccinated, but we will promote and encourage those opportunities.” Chandler Unified CFO Lana Berry is the secretary for the Trust Board. Mesa Public Schools board member Marcie Hutchinson – a 26-year veteran history teacher in three MPS high schools – said she thinks the Trust may have a good point. “We’ve always got to be thinking about public health with public education and I think I’d be strongly in favor of the inoculation of our employees just to keep our staff safe,” Hutchinson said, adding that provisions would have to be made for some employees who have legitimate reasons for being exempted from a vaccine mandate. Healthcare workers and long-term care facility staff and residents are among the first to receive the vaccine, to be followed by teachers, law enforce-

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

religious belief – “it would be lawful for the employer to exclude the employee from the workplace,” the Trust advises. However, “this doesn’t mean the employer may automatically terminate the worker,” the memo stated. “Employers will need to determine if any other rights apply under the Equal Employment Opportunity laws or other federal, state and local authorities.” The Trust’s December memo also weighed in on mandatory vaccination for students, advising that school districts should first seek guidance from the state before moving forward on that. “It is unclear whether a school district may require This chart shows hospital bed utilization in Arizona, with the red indicating beds used by COVID-19 students to be vaccinated patients and the dark gray by patients with other issues. (Arizona Health Services Department) against COVID-19 without specific authorization from ADHS or a local health dement and other critical workers. ers and/or staff be vaccinated as a condiSheila Uggetti, who sits on the Gilbert tion of working, so long as exceptions are partment,” the memo said. “State law indicates that ADHS, in conPublic Schools Governing Board, said made for medical reasons and accommojunction with the superintendent of pubwhether to make the vaccination man- dations under the ADA,” Vega said. datory for teachers has not been dis“We would represent the interests of lic instruction, is responsible for develcussed at any level in the district and ASBA at the Legislature to keep this lo- oping documentary proof standards for evidence of vaccination.” spokeswoman Dawn Antestenis said cal authority,” she added. The memo also noted that at this time, School districts that choose to require GPS at this time has no plans to make it mandatory vaccinations must first cre- the state health department has indimandatory for staff. Uggetti added, “I believe that we ate a process where employees can ap- cated there were no plans to revise the should follow whatever is required by ply for an exemption based on an ADA regulations regarding required immunithe department of health.” disability or a sincerely held religious zations for students. And because none of the available vacBut guidance from health officials may belief, barring undue hardship to a discines are approved for children 16 and be a long time coming. trict, according to the memo. Maricopa County spokesman Ron Exemptions make sense, Hutchinson younger, it may be some time before Coleman said the issue isn’t on the said, noting students are required to get schools would need to consider whether agenda any time soon for the Board of certain types of vaccinations but their to require all students to be immunized, Supervisors to consider. School districts parents can seek exemptions for reli- according to the memo. Asked if the state Health Services Degenerally have been following state and gious, medical or other reasons. county COVID-19 health guidelines. Hutchinson also said she would think partment will make a COVID-19 vacColeman noted that when it would many teachers would have no problem cination mandatory for students once a vaccine becomes available for them, come to an inoculation mandate for with a mandate. staff, district officials probably would be “I think we can make reasonable ac- spokeswoman Holly Poynter said her demaking the call. commodations but I also think that if we partment “will continue to monitor the “Local school boards generally have have the vaccine … they are willing to recommendations issued by the (CDC’s) governing jurisdiction over their schools,” risk their life in order to teach kids per- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as the data is updated.” said Coleman, adding the county is fol- sonally,” she said. The Arizona Department of Education “I think a lot of teachers would be very lowing guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for willing,” Hutchinson added, noting teachers for now has no position on mandatory already must submit to fingerprinting and COVID-19 vaccination for students like Disease Control and Prevention. for measles and mumps before enrolling Spokeswoman Heidi Vega of the Arizo- background checks just to get their job. If a district cannot exempt an employee in school, said spokesman Richie Taylor. na School Boards Association agreed that He said that the department will await or there are no possible reasonable acit is up to individual districts to decide. “We believe currently it is a local dis- commodations – such as working from guidance from federal and state health trict decision whether to require teach- home for those who claim a disability or officials.

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

2021 presents challenges for city BY GARY NELSON Arizonan Contributor

his is what we think we can say about 2021: The beginning is going to be far worse than the beginning of 2020. The end has a chance to be far better. Between that beginning and that end, worlds of uncertainty cloud the horizon. As 2020 dawned, not a single person in Chandler and throughout the East Valley had died or been sickened by a terrible disease we were only beginning to hear about. As it ended, the pall of death and anxiety cast upon communities by COVID-19 was palpable, with some families literally torn to shreds. And as 2021 begins, there is hope that some semblance of normalcy will begin to return as science does for a stricken nation what its political leaders could not – and in some cases would not – do in the face of the worst pandemic in more than a century. For now, we do know that COVID-19

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will not magically melt away with the turn of the calendar. We know, for example, that there won’t be any Rock ’n’ Roll marathon here in January. That and other events already have been knocked out by the disease. But will there be a Cactus League season? Will crowds return to the East Val-

ley’s array of cultural and performing arts centers? What about the movies? Will graduates get to walk the stage? Will we stop fighting about masks? Can we ever pack a restaurant again? At this point, with the pandemic raging unabated during the North American winter, such things seem a long way off.

And for many, COVID-19 is not just a question of going out for Friday night pizza. For them – our neighbors, our friends, our grandparents – COVID-19 in 2021 will be a matter of existence or nonexistence. Already in December, vaccines were beginning to arrive. With them came painful decisions about who should get them first, and how, and at what cost. The degree to which 2021 becomes a better year than 2020 depends greatly on the vaccines’ efficacy and the willingness of sufficient numbers of people to accept them. Recent studies have suggested that resistance to vaccines is disproportionately higher in the East Valley than in other regions, a potential complication in efforts to create a post-COVID-19 world. Resistance to precautions such as face masks has been strong in the region. For example, two of the region’s major political players – Republican Congressman Andy Biggs and Republican state Senator-elect Kelly Townsend – have

see AHEAD page 15

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Ducey to address Legislature remotely BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ov. Doug Ducey is giving his penultimate State of the State address tomorrow, Jan. 11, from the safety of his own office. Press aide C.J. Karamargin said his boss is simply complying with what the federal Centers for Disease Control says is the prudent choice to avoid further spread of COVID-19. “CDC guidelines about large public gatherings are pretty clear,’’ he told Capitol Media Services. “Avoid them.’’ There is a constitutional requirement for the governor to communicate with the legislature every session about “the condition of the state." The constitution also requires him to “recommend such matters as he shall deem expedient." But there appears to be no specific requirement for an in-person speech in what has become for many, Ducey included, a chance to detail all of the prior year’s accomplishments to an audience

Gov. Doug Ducey won't be giving his State of the State address tomorrow as he has in the past. Instead of appearing before the Legislature, he'll speak to members from his office. (Capitol Media Services) of mostly partisan supporters. Instead, the requirement is only that he provide a “message’’ to the legislature, with no method specified. “We are fulfilling our responsibilities with the address,’’ said Karamargin, saying all

governors have given in-person speeches. “Gov. Ducey will follow that tradition,’’ he said, even if the remote speech is unprecedented to comply with those CDC guidelines. The governor, however, did not shown similar concerns in a series of rallies he

held last fall with President Trump. Neither the governor nor the president wore masks, nor most of the thousands of Trump supporters in crowds both in front of and behind the stage. Karamargin declined to answer any questions about what is different now and why it is less safe to have a speech from the House chambers where attendance can be limited than it is at a rally. A remote broadcast also means that Ducey will not run into reporters with questions following his speech as he leaves the House floor. One other thing that will be different is that there will be no need for the governor to pause at spots in his address that speechwriters have designed as applause lines, usually marked on the prompter he uses with type in a different color. This time there is no audience to react. Ducey’s decision to avoid going to the legislature should not affect other plans by the House and Senate to separately convene and formally choose their leaders for the next two years.

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CITY NEWS

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Missing Chandler man found dead in forest ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Chandler man reported missing last month in a remote region of Tonto National Forest has been found dead. Jesus Rodriguez, 34, was last seen alive on Dec. 20 by a group of men riding dirt bikes near Camp Creek Wash between Bartlett Dam Road and Rio Verde Drive. The men stopped to help Rodriguez free his stuck vehicle. Four days later, Rodriguez’s car was found abandoned on the side of the road about a mile away from where it had been stuck. Authorities spent the next two weeks searching the forest for Rodriguez and investigating the circumstances of his sudden disappearance.

AHEAD from page 13

cast doubt on masks’ effectiveness. Townsend already has said she will defy state Sen. President Karen Fann’s directive that when the legislative session begins Jan. 11, anyone with business in Senate buildings must wear a mask. As all that plays out, there are various other events that we can predict with reasonable certainty for the coming 12 months. No special prognosticative power is required. It is simply the norm for an East Valley still under construction, and in a post-election year where we now get to see the results of the most recent ballot-box decisions. Assuming the course of COVID-19 remains the one great unknown – that no other life-rattling shocks are in store – here’s a look at what does seem to be on tap for the city and the region in 2021: Chandler City Council will have its first Black woman member and two Black members altogether as Christine Ellis and OD Harris take their seats. Chandler is in the early stages of forming a list of public-works projects to be presented in a bond election tentatively scheduled for Nov. 2. East Valley cities will receive the results of the 2020 U.S. census. These numbers will be used to redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries and, in the case of Mesa, City Council

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said Rodriguez’s body was recovered on Jan. 2 at an undisclosed location. The agency said Rodriguez’s cause of death has not been determined but there were no obvious signs of foul play. Rodriguez’s family last reported seeing him on Dec. 19 at his sister’s home in Chandler. They noted his behavior seemed disoriented before he asked his family to borrow a vehicle to go visit a friend. The family said they’re thankful to all the community members who assisted in the search to find Rodriguez. “We want to thank everyone for all the love and support we have gotten,” the family wrote in a statement. “We are so thankful to have great people in our lives who loved Jesus as much as we do.” districts. The 2021 session of the Legislature is set to begin eight days from now and Chandler’s six delegates have vowed to make pandemic-related issues a top priority – including more aid for K-12 education and for struggling businesses. A four-year construction project to widen Interstate 10 from just north of the Salt River to Loop 202 in Chandler is scheduled to begin in the summer. A major highway will take shape in southeast Mesa as the state builds the first phase of State Route 24 from Ellsworth Road to Ironwood Drive. Construction will end in 2022. Chandler Public Schools will open a large high school in the fall on Gilbert Road south of Ocotillo. Major road work on Gilbert Road will accommodate the new school. After years of planning and construction, streetcars will be deployed in downtown Tempe, with testing to begin early in the year. The Women’s and Children’s Pavilion, a 378,000-square-foot addition to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, will begin accepting patients in the spring. The center is in partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Also this spring, Chandler Regional Medical Center will begin seeing patients in its latest tower, which adds 96 beds and brings the hospital’s total to 429.

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Sellers named supervisors' chair ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

ormer Chandler City Council member Jack Sellers is now chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Sellers, who won election to his first full term last November, was unanimously picked as supervisor by his four fellow members. Sellers, who was first appointed to the board in 2019 and whose district includes Chandler, Gilbert and part of Ahwatukee, says he’s focused on building a brighter future for Maricopa County. “Over the last year, I have watched as our whole nation has been shaken to its core,” said Sellers. “The faster we as a county, a state and a nation can beat this virus, the faster we can secure a brighter future for all Americans.” Sellers said the first step is ending the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring residents have accurate information about

Jack Sellers began his first full four-year term on the county Board of Supervisors. (Special to the Arizonan)

the spread of the virus and timely access to vaccines. “My office will look to expand our efforts to educate on facts, especially when it comes to the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. The critics are loud; we will be louder,” Sellers stated. “We will continue to lead based on science and common sense.” The next step is restoring trust in elections to the average voter, he said. “The Board of Supervisors welcomes good-faith efforts to make our elections the best they can be. That is why my colleagues and I support a full forensic audit of our election tabulation equipment once all litigation related to the 2020 General Election is over,” Sellers said. “I have full faith in our team and the integrity of our elections.” He noted that previous audits and hand counts have shown the 2020 elections were safe, secure, and accurate. Another top priority is crafting and

getting voter approval for a regional transportation and infrastructure plan to replace Prop 400. As the nation’s fastestgrowing county, Sellers said a comprehensive transportation plan is essential to ensure that we continue to be an attractive destination for families and businesses. Sellers was on the State Transportation Board. “We cannot lose sight of planning for our future,” Sellers said. “As hard as it is to remember, the current crises are temporary. What we must focus on is how to sustain and improve quality of life in our region for the next 20 years. Extensive expansion of smart infrastructure will be the key to our future success.” “I truly hope that we, along with our cities/towns and the Maricopa County Association of Governments can put in the work and make the tough decisions necessary to assure the next generation has an opportunity to enjoy the quality of life available to our citizens today.”

Chandler city manager retiring March 4 BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

handler City Manager Marsha Reed has submitted her resignation and is expected to retire from the city’s top job by March 4. Reed, who was appointed to her position in 2016, gave her notice to City Council this week and said 2021 seemed like the right time to wrap up her 30year career in public service. “When you reach a certain age and a certain point, it’s just kind of time to make a decision to retire,” she said. Reed’s announcement comes in the middle of the city’s budget planning process for the next fiscal year and discussions about how the pandemic might affect the city’s spending power. Last year, the city scaled back its spending and initiated a hiring freeze as the economy plummeted during the first couple months of the pandemic. But the city has already begun to recover from the economic setbacks and

Chandler City Manager Marsha Reed last week submitted her resignation, effective March 4. (City of Chandler) started to ease some of the restrictions it put in place back in March. Tax revenues are much better than expected this year, Reed added, and are positioning the city to be in a stable place for the next fiscal year.

Chandler’s revenues in November were 7 percent higher than November 2019 due to a sudden influx in local retail spending. October saw the city’s monthly sales tax revenue increase by nearly 14 percent compared to the same

time in 2019. Despite these positive projections, Reed said she will be taking a “conservative” approach to the budget during the remaining time she will serve as city manager. She said the city’s finance department should be able to provide helpful guidance to the council as the budget gets closer to being finalized in May. “It is a team process in Chandler anyway so there’s going to be a lot of people here who already have that knowledge to be able to take the budget forward,” Reed added. Councilman Matt Orlando said he’s not too worried about Reed stepping down as the city begins working on next year’s budget. Budgetary discussions have already begun, he said, and the city Finance Department has many capable staff members who can lead the process during the transition.

see MANAGER page 17

CITY NEWS

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

MANAGER from page 16

“We’ll get through this,” Orlando said. “We’re going to press on with our budget issues.” It wasn’t much of a surprise to Orlando to receive Reed’s resignation, he said, since the city manager has been indicating for the last year she was getting close to retirement. It will be up to Orlando and the other council members to decide how they want to find Reed’s successor. Previous councils have traditionally hired a consultant to conduct a nationwide search of suitable candidates and then invite a handful of applicants to be

interviewed. Orlando estimated it may take three or four months to find a suitable replacement for Reed – meaning Council will likely have to appoint an acting city manager until the position can be permanently filled. “We want to get the right person that’s going to take us through the next four or five years,” the councilman added. A native of northern Texas, Reed came to Chandler in 2013 after she was hired as an assistant city manager. Three years later, Reed was picked from a pool of nearly 50 applicants to fill the city’s top leadership position after a 10-month search.

During her tenure, Reed said she is proud of the progress Chandler has made with economic development projects, installing new technology and addressing the city’s aging infrastructure. “I feel very good with what we’ve delivered and the fact that we’ve gone above and beyond my own expectations,” she said. Navigating the pandemic this last year certainly introduced a set of new challenges for the city, Reed added, but the city’s staff has repeatedly found a way to persevere through. “It has definitely been a balancing act,” she said. “We work every day to try to stay ahead of the curve and do what we can to serve the residents here in Chandler.”

Councilwoman-elect Christine Ellis said she is disappointed Reed won’t be around for long after she and OD Harris are sworn into office Jan. 14. “I wish I could have worked with her on some of my initiatives,” Ellis said. “But (Reed) reassured me that she would make sure I get some great guidance and direction on where to go.” Ellis admired Reed’s commitment to making Chandler a better city and hopes her successor will embody many of her characteristics. “I thank her for having been such a great leader here and being a strong woman who led our city to a place where we can really fill in the gaps,” Ellis added.

zelle Meadows Park, located at 500 N. Exeter St. The incident began when the uniformed officer in a marked patrol car tried to stop the suspect, Anthony Bernal Cano of Chandler, for a traffic violation, the spokesman said. “Cano refused to stop and fled on his bicycle from the officer,” the spokesman

said. “A short time later, Cano abandoned his bike near Delaware Street and Erie Street and ran towards Gazelle Meadows Park.” The officer chased Cano on foot and during the chase through the park, “Cano removed a gun from his waist area with his right hand and motioned towards the officer,” the spokesman said. “The officer

fired their duty weapon, striking Cano.” Cano was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. The unidentified officer is a five-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department and is assigned to the patrol division. The officer was not injured and is currently on administrative leave, per standard practice.

Officer-involved shooting in park probed ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

handler Police said an officer shot and wounded a 17-year-old bicyclist Jan. 2 after he pulled a gun while fleeing from the policeman. A department spokesman said police are still investigating the shooting, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. in Ga-

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

City woos landlords for more low-income tenants BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

he city of Chandler is trying to incentivize landlords to accept housing vouchers from low-income families that are increasingly struggling to find anyone willing to accept them. Local landlords can now receive a $400 sign-up bonus for renting to a Chandler resident with a Section 8 voucher from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The new incentive is intended to help fill a housing deficit among voucher recipients who are struggling to find homes or apartments in Chandler. “We just don’t have landlords that are accepting the vouchers at this time,” said Amy Jacobson, city housing and redevelopment manager. Chandler currently has about 100 families unable to find a landlord willing to take a voucher, she said, and the city’s supply of affordable housing continues to shrink. Rents have been rising across the Valley for the last couple years and more low-income residents are getting squeezed out of the housing market. The city is only given 486 vouchers at a time to accommodate a waitlist of 4,000 applicants determined through a lottery system. Chandler’s waitlist opens up

once every few years and the city must process all of the waitlist’s applicants before it can accept new applications. Vouchers are dispersed based on an applicant’s income level and the recipient can have between 60 and 70 percent of their housing costs subsidized through federal funds. Section 8 vouchers provide a stable source of income for landlords, Jacobson said, because the government disburses funds directly to the property owner rather than through the tenant. The disbursements adjust whenever the tenant’s income changes, she added, so the landlord can still expect to get paid the same amount each month. Despite these benefits, fewer vouchers have been used in Chandler this past year and many families are at risk of losing their benefits. “Our utilization is down and we’re wanting landlords to lease to our families to find affordable housing,” Jacobson said. Even before the pandemic, local officials were straining to find enough affordable housing that could satisfy the demand. Chandler and the greater Valley’s housing crisis has been in the making since the market crashed during the Great Recession, according to Dennis Hoffman, director of Arizona State Uni-

versity’s L. William Seidman Research Institute. After the real estate bubble burst in 2008, Hoffman said developers suddenly stopped building new houses in Arizona. On top of that, the state passed legislation that shunned undocumented residents from wanting to work and live in Arizona. “This is a recipe for a shortage of housing,” Hoffman said during a recent virtual forum of local economists. “The value of housing has increased some 18 percent over the last year and the median home is about $330,000 today.” Chandler, which has long been considered one of the Valley’s more affluent suburbs, appears to have a smaller supply of affordable housing than its surrounding communities. GoSection8, an online database that lists affordable housing units across Arizona, shows only three units available in Chandler. By contrast, Mesa has 53 units listed on the database and Phoenix has more than 70 available rentals. Families that get a Section 8 voucher have about 60 days to find a landlord who will accept it. An extension can be given to those who can’t find one, but the voucher eventually expires and the applicant then loses their chance of using it.

“That’s why it’s really important once a family is issued a voucher, that they’re able to find housing fairly quickly,” Jacobson added. “Once it does expire, unfortunately, they’re not able to go beyond what the extension deadline would be.” The incentive program is being paid with funds Chandler received through the Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security Act passed by Congress last March. The federal government allotted $30 million for Chandler and the city has spent most of the funds assisting local businesses. About $6 million has been spent on helping local residents avoid eviction, pay utility bills or find affordable housing. Though Chandler hasn’t previously offered monetary incentives to prospective landlords, it’s not the first Valley city to use CARES Act funds to get property owners to accept Section 8 vouchers. Phoenix started offering $500 bonuses in August and the city hoped the incentive would result in 300 new leases getting signed each month. Landlords in Chandler must fill out an application and have their property undergo a safety inspection before redeeming the city’s bonus money. More information on the city’s Section 8 program can be found at chandleraz.gov.

Chandler relaunches business assistance program ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

handler is relaunching its program to help small businesses retain workers. Only $4 million of the $9.5 million that City Council allocated to the “I Choose Chandler Business Hiring and Retention Program” was spent, so the city wants to help other businesses keep workers on the payroll. The program was created last summer from the city’s approximate $30 million in federal pandemic relief funds. Mayor Kevin Hartke said the money spent last year helped 540 businesses

and that he was “glad to see this successful program continue to support our local businesses through the pandemic to ensure a brighter 2021 for all.” Businesses can apply based on employee retention/hiring or use of 1099-eligible independent contractors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is Feb. 25. For employee retention/hiring, the program provides $1,300 per full-time equivalent employee retained or hired since Sept. 30 up to a maximum of $10,000. This part of the program is being administered by the Arizona Community Foundation and businesses must

apply at azfoundation.org/icc. Businesses applying based on use of independent contractors must apply at chandleraz.gov/icc because the city is administering this part of the program. Qualifying applicants will receive $1,300 for every $40,000 in compensation paid to 1099-eligible independent contractors last year up to a maximum of $10,000. Qualifying businesses can apply for funding support for both employee retention/hiring and use of independent contractors. However, the maximum amount of funding a business can receive is capped at $10,000. In addition, businesses that were

funded through the program in 2020 can submit a new application and receive up to the $10,000 maximum. To qualify, businesses must be a Chandler-based for-profit entity, employ no more than 100 employees, submit required documents, have no affiliation with another business under common ownership/management that has applied for the program. Home-based businesses are not eligible and applicants must own or lease non-residential property and commit to staying in Chandler through Dec. 31. Awards are made on a first-come, firstserved basis.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Chandler musician sees brighter 2021 with new life BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Arizonan Contributor

wo months ago, Ryan Butler was cutting his hair and stopped, hair trimmer in hand, and wondered aloud why he was bothering. “I was thinking why am I even doing this? What am I doing it for? I might not even be here next week,” he recalled thinking that October day. Ryan had been diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, a rare and hereditary liver disease that causes copper to build up in the liver. His mother Lou Butler had passed from Wilson’s Disease at age 43 – Butler’s age when he received the diagnosis following more than a year of downward-spiraling health that included nausea, sleeplessness, extreme fatigue and difficulty walking. Looking in the mirror last October at age 44, he contemplated his face and fu-

Chandler rocker Ryan Butler and his wife Amy celebrate his recovery that was made possible by a liver transplant. (Special to Arizonan) ture, feeling hope was gone. “I just felt I was done: I didn’t think I’d

make it,” he recalled. And right at that pensive moment, his

phone rang. A liver had become available and Butler was to report immediately to St. Joseph’s Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation for a possible transplant that very afternoon. It wasn’t the first hopeful call he had received, but the other liver donations hadn’t worked for various reasons. This time he was told that rather than the typical 50/50 chance for a donor match, it looked to be a 90 percent or better possibility. And it was. The life-saving donated liver came from a Colorado male donor – all the information he was given. “Amy and I walked in the main door at the very moment the man with the cooler carrying the liver walked in,” he recalled. Butler, who started Arcane Digital Re-

see TRANSPLANT page 22

Chandler author’s book rooted in her faith BY SRIANTHI PERERA Arizonan Contributor

Deep spirituality led Wei Wei Chang to shake off a successful corporate career and create a life-coaching service in 2018 to gather people toward God. Now, the Chandler woman has published “The Lens of Life: A Fresh Perspective on Increasing Intimacy with God, Enhancing Relationships, and Discovering Contentment,” a book that complements her business and furthers her goals. Chang embraced Christianity a week after she arrived in this country. “In the Christian faith, God is a Father to us and we are His children,” she said. “When we are deeply connected with God, we are at our best in fulfilling the purpose that we are created for.” Chang emigrated from China to the U.S.

Left: Author, Wei Wei Chang Right: Wei Wei Chang’s debut book, The Lens of Life, offers a spiritual vision checkup. (Courtesy of Wei Wei Chang)

29 years ago as a young student and studied for a master’s degree in statistics and then earned a Ph.D. in applied economics. However, for many years she struggled to find her voice and purpose. Chang progressed to work in a Fortune 500 company and had a successful career for 12 years. After a decade at the company, she experienced an unexpected demotion from vice president to director of risk management. “This event helped me to put life into a better perspective and focus on the things that truly matter,” she said. “I decided to be a stay-at-home mom to take care of my child and support my husband’s career.” Chang’s husband Steve, who hails from Taiwan and was raised in Brazil, is a linguist fluent in six languages; he

see AUTHOR page 21

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

AUTHOR from page 20

works in a company as a business leader for Asia and travels there frequently. They have two daughters, Clarissa, 19, a junior majoring in biochemistry at Arizona State University, and Noelle, 9, a fourth grader at Valley Christian School in Chandler. In “The Lens of Life,” Chang uses the analogy of an eye exam to describe a spiritual vision checkup in four sections. “When we visit the optometrist, we first recognize we have a vision problem and we go through the diagnosis, then the correction. Finally, with the correction, we can have 20-20 vision,” she said. In part one, “Vision Impairment,” through God’s lens, we see love faith, and hope, she said, observing: “Humankind acquired tainted lenses at the fall in the garden. The tainted lenses manifest as ‘hatred, fear, and hopelessness,’ which are the issues that we face today.” “The Diagnosis” is part two and focus-

21 COMMUNITY

ing for hundreds of people in Arizona and Hong Kong from 2014 to 2017,” she said. “I have been learning and practicing hearing God’s voice since 2009.” The book captures different ways of hearing God for self and others, Chang said. “Through hearing God’s voice, I can effectively identify and remove tainted lenses that block me from seeing God as who He is, see myself as God sees me, and see others as God sees them.” With her spiritual clarity, Chang is able to coach others to see through the lens of love, which directly complements her book. That’s exactly what she does at Imagine Life. “It is for people who want some help in identifying their tainted lenses and moving closer to the lens of love,” she said. Her coaching program is for people who desire to grow in the area of identity, purpose and pathways to transform work-life by partnering with God for peace, significance and fulfillment.

Chang plans to translate her book to Chinese and also to write more books. But just now, she’s focused on also enjoying living in Chandler, which she calls “a melting pot of cultures” and deems to be family-friendly. Her family enjoys dining in its many Chinese, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Korean and Indian restaurants. “I love Chandler,” she said. She’s also more satisfied in her new life away from the corporate world, where she identified significance through achievements, position and status. “My contentment comes from seeing God as who He really is and see myself as God sees me. This is one of the key messages in the Lens of Love,” she said. “The Lens of Love: A Fresh Perspective on Increasing Intimacy with God, Enhancing Relationships, and Discovering Contentment” is available at amazon.com. $16 paperback and $9.99 e-book. Details on Imagine Life at weiweichang.com.

through the day and parents with one-time emergency assistance. Kids Closets were established at Chandler Care Center, CUSD Instructional Resource Center, CUSD Federal Programs, ICAN, Chandler Boys and Girls Club, CAAFA (Community Alliance Against Family Abuse), My Sisters Place DV Shelter (Chandler), St. Peter Mission School on Marking a partnership are, from left, Maria Cruz Trotter, FANS Family Services Director; Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis the Gila Reservation, Jose’s Closet, Higley Unified and Arizona; foster parents Kelly and Jim Shewbridge; George Family of God Ministry. Macedon, President/Executive Director of FANS Across The FANS-Compadres America. They’re showing off some of the gifts for foster Kids Closets continues children the two nonprofits distributed last month. (Special to The Chandler Arizonan) to expand and in 2020 over 25,000 emergency plies, 700 fully stocked school backpacks, items were distributed. and 2500 holiday gifts. The foundation also distributed over Working with the Chandler Compadres, 97,000 diapers and supplies through its the nonprofit this year started the FANS- Diaper Bank. Compadres Kids Closets, satellite locaThe foundation started the bank in tions of the FANS Locker Room. 2016, noting “families didn’t have the FANS provides on-site continuing financial resources to purchase diapers emergency daily living necessities, as and supplies on a consistent basis. needed, consisting of daily hygiene items, “Our research found that 32 percent lice shampoo kits, diapers, school needs, of low-income families report re-using socks and underwear to help a child

diapers because they lack the financial resources to purchase them,” the foundation says on its website. “Further studies showed that reusing diapers may result in severe diaper rash, staph infections and great discomfort to the child,” it said. “On average, a baby uses eight diapers a day and the FANS – Compadres Diaper Bank provides a five-day emergency supply of diapers and supplies (baby wipes and cream) for referred families.” Families can return to FANS by appointment three additional times without needing a new referral from their social services case manager. This year FANS has partnered with Child Crisis Arizona to provide more resources for those in need, especially foster families like Shewbridge’s. “The foster families we work with at Child Crisis Arizona are simply amazing,” said Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona. “They give and give and give and this new partnership helps our agency enhance the support we give back to them. We also serve children and families in need in the community and our mission aligns with FANS. We all have the same vision of safe kids and strong families.” George Macedon, president/executive

es on diagnosing vision impairment and identifying where these tainted lenses come from by examining the spiritual, personal and emotional symptoms. Part three, “Vision Correction,” lays out seven keys to shed our tainted lenses and to allow the light of God to come into our sight fully. The last section, “Through the Lens of Love,” describes the benefits of seeing through the lens of love, which includes miracles, generational blessings, discovering significance in Christ, deepened intimacy with God and walking with God in life. Chang wrote the book as a result of engaging in prayer, especially when she volunteered at Two Rivers Church in Gilbert. She prayed for people in physical healing, as well as inner spiritual and emotional healing. “The biggest reward is seeing people’s lives transformed. I have seen many people experience freedom from past traumas through prayer ministry. A big part of the book draws from my experience in pray-

Chandler charity helping families in need BY ALLISON HURTADO Contributor

When Kelly and Jim Shewbridge met their three young foster daughters, the girls arrived with no shoes, clothes that didn’t fit the weather and not even a spare diaper to get through the next hour. “It was heartbreaking,” Kelly said. “We had to run straight to the store just to get through the night.” It’s a common story for many children entering the foster care system. That’s why an organization like FANS Across America Foundation in Chandler is important and why their new partnership with Child Crisis Arizona is so valuable. FANS has been in Chandler for more than 10 years, providing essential items like clothes, household items, hygiene items, diapers and more to families and youth experiencing homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Many times the families are referred to FANS through their school district but they also get referrals from the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Tribal Social Services, domestic violence shelters and Chandler’s victim services department. In 2019, the foundation provided over 100,000 items of daily items of necessity, over 97,000 diapers and diapering sup-

see CHARITY page 22

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

cording Studio in Chandler in 2004, is a well-known and widely-respected guitarist who toured with heavy metal bands Landmine Marathon and Northside Kings throughout North America and Europe. Even touring, the hard-driving, all-out heavy metal guitarist didn’t drink alcohol or take drugs. He said from the minute he awoke following the transplant surgery at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital, he felt better. “I felt the symptoms were gone and I felt a sense of hope,” he said. With him when he awoke was his wife of 12 years, Amy Butler. He credits her for standing strong through the entire process even as she herself suffers from health issues, including fibromyalgia. “She’s just been amazing; she’s really pushed through all this and been there for me,” he said. Butler’s transplant operation was a success and though still recovering, the 20-year Chandler resident said he’s thankful the liver symptoms he’d been living with for years are gone “There had been a lot of major fatigue and I itched all the time, which is weird,” he laughed. “And I’d get the hiccups, sometimes 15 times a day. I just always felt kind of sick, like I had a bad flu. And I had glaucoma in one eye which resulted in cataract surgery.” Certain symptoms had begun as early as 2014 and worsened in 2018. He started having glaucoma issues. He couldn’t help but think of his mother. “Every time I had antibiotics, or they’d put me under, I’d get sick. I kept telling people to check for Wilson’s disease but they said, no, you don’t have that.” After losing the sight in one eye, he was checking in for his second cataract surgery and his eighth eye procedure when it was determined Butler had a 103 degree fever he hadn’t even been

aware of. His ophthalmologist told him something wasn’t right. “I was told to go get a full blood work-up and that’s what led me to Dr. (Justin) Reynolds. He said I had Wilson’s Disease and if they’d caught it earlier, I possibly could have managed it with medication,” he said. Instead, Butler was facing liver failure and was placed on a liver transplant list. Even when he moved to the top of the list, the matches weren’t there. As he struggled with his failing health and increasing financial worries, friends gathered to aid him and his wife. A GoFundMe page was launched by friend and former Landmine Marathon bassist Matt Martinez. “As a member of the bands Landmine Marathon, Unruh, Northside Kings and many more, he has released music to critical acclaim, toured the world and established countless lifelong friendships,” Martinez wrote. “As the owner and engineer of Arcane Digital recording studio, he produced, engineered, mixed and mastered an impressive catalog of music that fills our record collections.” The GoFundMe site remains open. Nearly

$50,000 of the $80,000 goal has been raised. A virtual concert, ButlerFest was held in November, organized by Martinez and Mesa’s Nile Theatre owner Michelle Donovan and her crew. Bands from around the nation filmed 20-minute sets for the event, including Jimmy Eat World, Dropdead from Rhode Island, San Jose-based Exhumed and Bob Bruno from Best Coast. The outpouring of support and love from some people he hadn’t seen in decades, was extraordinarily moving Butler said. “So many talented musicians put together an amazing streamed festival that also raised a great deal of funds to help us,” he said. “It makes me count my blessings daily and really value others even more than I did before. The support of friends and family was so touching and amazing.” The advent of a new year brings memories of last January when Butler started feeling the dreaded hereditary disease start kicking in. “In January 2020, I was beginning a steady descent. A few months later, I was scouring Amazon for canes. Things just got worse from there. “Around the time COVID hit, I became extremely hypoglycemic and didn’t know it. Amy had to bring the paramedics in one morning when my blood sugar was below a fifty,” he recalled. “There were so many problems after that, but I just learned to work with them. That’s all gone now and I hope to have this January and 2021 be one of the best years in my life.” With 2021 at hand and his new liver making life easier, Butler is optimistic for his future. “I’m very much looking forward to the new year,” he said with a chuckle. “Hopefully, we’ll be all caught up on bills and the business will be running again smoothly. Hoping to not have any health hiccups,” said Butler. “They’ve said that at the four-month mark, I can really start exercising hard

director of FANS, said the organization began as a small operation, usually trading the promise of a tax credit for items at garage sales and re-distributing those items to families through the school district. Now the organization quietly serves thousands of families and children each year from their headquarters in Chandler.

Over the holidays they provided gifts to about 1,200 children. “You get to a point where you’re too big to be small and too small to be big,” he said. “That’s why we’re partnering with Child Crisis Arizona. We’re elated to take our service to the next level.” The two organizations celebrated by filling the Shewbridges’ car with gifts for

the holidays and clothes for the children. “We’re just so grateful,” Kelly said. “The girls are just so genuine in their appreciation of all that they have now. We are just so grateful to have them in our lives.” The community can help support efforts of both organizations financially by utilizing their Arizona state tax credits. FANS is a Qualified Charitable Organiza-

TRANSPLANT from page 20

CHARITY from page 21

Chandler musician Ryan Butler is grateful to the doctors who saved his life and his wife. (Special to the Arizonan)

again, so I plan on mountain biking and camping again as soon as I can build myself back up to it and get this water weight off that’s built up from my liver being so bad for so long. My wife and I would like to travel a little more too, but we’ll see how that pans out.” One disheartening side effect he’s still experiencing is the numbness in his thumb and two fingers of his left hand, a result from having them taped to an IV pedestal during the operation. “I’m hoping that the sensation in my fingers gets back to normal and I can maybe start playing music again sometime. Not nearly at a level that I did a few short years ago, but at least in a local capacity. “Touring is tough financially and physically and I don’t plan on adding that stressor back into my life. I just really look forward to getting back to the life I led before my platelets dropped, anemia kicked in, then fatigue, and all the snowball that ensued afterwards,” said Butler. “And once COVID lightens up, I plan on spending as much time with family and friends as possible and just enjoying life again.” Butler said especially in the last month, he’s enjoyed continual and daily improvement. “Everything has a different meaning now,” he says. “This is my chance to keep going and enjoy what I have been given by science, the doctors and a selfless person who donated their organs.” According to the United Network for Organ Transplants, there were 8,896 liver transplants in the U.S. in 2019, an increase of 7.8 percent from the previous year. Butler has great praise for his physicians. “Doctor Reynolds and his team at St. Joseph’s really guided me through all of this over the last year and a half, and will most likely be my team for life. Dr. (Thomas) Chaly did an amazing surgery and it blows my mind what these people were able to do with science and their talents to save me,” he said. “I couldn’t be more grateful.” tion (QCO) and donations can be made at fansacrossamerica.org. Child Crisis Arizona is a Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO). Donations to either or both organizations qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against your Arizona state tax liability. For more information call 480834-9424 or visit childcrisisaz.org or fansacrossamerica.org.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

23 BUSINESS

Chandler business carves a niche in beauty industry BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

hristie Kerner thinks she has found one of the secrets to a woman’s happiness: a smooth, clump-free, stress-free brand of mascara. “Mascara is at the heart of what helps women feel good about themselves,” she said. The Chandler resident launched her cosmetics company, My Little Mascara Club, earlier this year and aims to carve out a special niche in the beauty industry. Rather than prioritize one-time purchases, Kerner’s company encourages customers to become subscribers to a unique brand of products designed to give women luscious eyelashes. Patrons receive little beauty kits in the mail that include the company’s signature formula of mascara in little tubes designed to last about six weeks. When the make-up runs out, the subscriber gets another kit in the mail. “We have the opportunity to change the shape of mascara,” Kerner said. The company’s little tubs are different from the standard size seen in department stores. Kerner said the small size helps reduce the possibility of mascara clumping together and becoming unusable. “By bringing the size down, not only is

Christie Kerner it a better experience and easier to create beautiful lashes – but it is also less wasteful,” she said. The company also emphasizes its mascara’s sustainability and safety since it contains mostly natural products.

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“Mascara is known for being highly toxic and women kind of put up with it,” Kerner noted. Kerner said she spent more than a year researching mascara formulas before settling on a group of ingredients that offers stunning results without all the harmful chemicals. Mascara isn’t the only selling point to the company’s beauty kits. Every subscriber is regularly supplied with lifestyle tips and inspirational messages geared towards uplifting their spirits. A woman’s emotional health is a top priority for Kerner and her staff. That’s why the company’s website is filled with blog posts offering advice on how to navigate relationships, motherhood, and overcoming common insecurities that plague women. Cosmetics aren’t just about making someone look pretty, Kerner added, because women can build intimate communities around their beauty knowledge. She recalled how she would give mascara tutorials to her childhood friends as an 11-year-old girl and the joy they all felt sharing a ritual that made them feel more connected. Despite her take-initiative attitude, Kerner’s professional background consists of helping other entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition. She ran Ari-

zona State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship while she worked at making her own idea for a business become a reality. She had been “Frankenstein-ing” her own mixture of mascara brands for years and longed to find a singular formula that could give her the dark, noticeable lashes Kerner wanted but without any hassle. Once she had done her research and assembled a team, Kerner decided she was ready to start selling her own brand of mascara in March 2020. The timing wasn’t great to start a new business venture, she noted, considering the economic ripples that were about to be unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were building the company in a bit of a crazy year where the first couple months were pretty intense,” Kerner said. “So, it was a rocky start.” But Kerner seems to revel in the challenges that come with starting a business from the ground up. The thrill of running a business involves the obstacles that arise unexpectedly, she said, and force the entrepreneur to think with greater innovation. “You really get in there and try to solve a problem in the best possible way,” Kerner said. Information: mylittlemascaraclub.com.

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THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Sports

Former EV stars return home for Fiesta Bowl BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor

he 50th rendition of the Fiesta Bowl, the premier annual college football even in Arizona, provided the first-ever meeting between 11th ranked Iowa State of the Big 12 and No. 25 Oregon from the PAC-12. But while the programs weren’t familiar with one another, some of the players on each team knew their opponents all too well. It was a homecoming of sorts for several Oregon and Iowa State players who were once among the best at their position in high school football across the state. Headlined by the matchup between Perry alum and Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy and Hamilton alum and Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough, the Cyclones capped off one of the best seasons in program history with a 34-17 win over the Ducks in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Saturday afternoon. “Driving up to the stadium and seeing State Farm Stadium and walking out to the field, I felt like I was really home,” said Purdy, who was named Offensive Player of the Game. “I’ve had a bunch of ups and downs, some great games and some games where I had to learn from things. To be able to finish off a season like 2020 in this fashion, it was really everything to me. “Being able to look back at this is something I will remember for the rest of my life.” Purdy and Shough matched on four occasions throughout their prep careers, most of which ended in a high-scoring affair. The two seemed well on their way to another classic battle between the two former prep stars, but a tale of two halves in which the defense for both teams diminished the of-

Tyler Shough

Brock Purdy

fensive output in the second half. Purdy finished 20-of-29 for 156 yards and a touchdown through the air. He also added 39 yards on the ground – most of which came as he escaped pressure from the Oregon defense – and a touchdown. Shough, meanwhile, was part of a twoquarterback tandem with Anthony Brown. Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said at halftime of the Fiesta Bowl with the Ducks trailing both quarterbacks would rotate in. Even then, however, Shough was used sparingly. He finished the contest 7-of-9 for 79 yards. Brown finished 12-of-19 for 147 yards. He added two touchdowns on the ground. Both offenses started fast in the first quarter, with Purdy leading the Cyclones down the field on their first drive of 75 yards, which was capped off by a 1-yard rush by Hall. Oregon, led by Shough, answered. The former Hamilton star led the Ducks down the field but was replaced by Brown, who capped off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown. On Iowa State’s ensuing drive, Purdy

again led the Cyclones down the field, connecting with tight end Charlie Kolar for a 14-yard touchdown. After a 16-yard touchdown run by Brown for Oregon, Purdy and Hall both found the end zone to quickly build a two-score lead before the half. “I think each group had its moments throughout the football game,” Campbell said. “Offense got off to a great start in the first half. Our special teams came up with key turnovers. Defensively, we were elite in the second half of the game. I think that was about as complete as we played all season.” Purdy and Shough met near midfield after the game. From eighth grade baseball, to offseason workouts and games against each other in high school, the two have grown close. They also represent the start of a recent influx of talent coming out of Arizona. Some of which joined them at their respective schools. Former Chandler standout and Oregon wide receiver Johnny Johnson has made a significant impact in other trips back to Arizona while with Oregon. The senior caught four passes in the Fiesta Bowl

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for 41 yards. Former Saguaro standout tackle Jaylan Jeffers also made the trip with Oregon as a true freshman. “Just the opportunity is such a blessing to come down here, play in front of your family,” Shough said. “The result is not what we wanted. Definitely hurts a lot.” Shough went on to reflect on the impact Johnson made on him from their days competing against one another in high school to now as teammates. “He’s probably had the greatest impact on me as far as anybody on this team because of our individual relationship and our work ethic together,” Shough said of Johnson. “He’s taught me what it is to be a true pro. I’m extremely thankful to him and I know whatever decision he’s going to make will be the best for him and I’m really proud of him.” Along with Purdy, Arizona is represented by former Deer Valley star and Iowa State starting left tackle Joey Ramos. Alec Hathcock, who played linebacker for his father, Jeremy, at Desert Ridge, is the starting long snapper for Iowa State. D’Shayne James, who started at wideout for Perry alongside Purdy, is a freshman wideout for Iowa State. Campbell highlighted Purdy’s accomplishments in three years as the starting quarterback at Iowa State. Whether or not it will be his last game remains to be seen, but Campbell credited the Gilbert native with the Cyclone’s success this season and in years past. “Brock Purdy, in every game he’s played, has given us a chance to be successful.” Campbell said. “Without Brock Purdy there’s no Fiesta Bowl, there’s no Iowa State, we are who we are because of the leadership and the character and the humility of Brock Purdy.”

T:10"

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

This is what a hero looks like. Every time you wash with soap, wear a mask and social distance, you’re protecting your neighbors against COVID-19. And if that’s not heroic, we don’t know what is.

T:10"

GET OUT

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Chandler film fest expects growth amid pandemic BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

he pandemic has not been kind to the film industry this past year, yet Chandler International Film Festival organizers are refusing to let the health crisis prevent its attendees from celebrating the art of cinema. Starting Jan. 21, the four-day festival returns to Chandler’s theaters for the fifth consecutive year and will offer a slate of diverse films for local moviegoers to enjoy – albeit with a few changes. Pandemic guidelines will require theater capacity to be reduced to 30 percent and attendees will be expected to wear masks and socially distance. In response to the lack of theater space, the festival has expanded its services by allowing patrons to watch the festival’s 120 films in one of three locations: a theater, from home or from their car. Some films will be available to temporarily stream online and a couple movies will be screened in the parking lot of Chandler High School, where up to 100 cars can be in attendance. “It will be disconnected, yet connected,” said Dave Waltzer, the festival’s treasurer and board member. While audiences won’t be together under one roof, Waltzer said festival organizers are anticipating a boost in participation due to the added viewing options. “It’s different this year,” he noted. “It’s odd a little bit, but we’re actually getting more of the community involved in the festival.” Some local high school students will be showcasing their short films this year and participating in a symposium with professionals from the film industry. ICAN and AZCEND, two local nonprofits serving students and low-income families, will be receiving a portion of the profits from the festival’s ticket sales. It was not immediately obvious whether the festival would return this year since most entertainment venues have

“

Our goal is to showcase diversity, innovation, and uniqueness through the works of filmmakers from across the world in a local setting, our drive-in events and online options this year give us the ability to reach more people.

”

– Mitesh Patel

The red carpet and afterparty events during the festival will be scaled down, he added, and audience numbers will be regularly monitored to ensure compliance. Waltzer said it was important to prove organizers could still put on the festival amid the current circumstances and changes made this year may become a permanent fixture for future festivals. “It’s always good to think out of the box,” he added “I think going Among the Chandler Film Festival offerings is a thriller about forward, we may exnine people struggling with a pandemic. tend that virtual option (Special to Get Out) due to the response it’s getting. It may make mostly sat empty for the last 10 months. sense to continue that.” While some theaters have reopened Chandler’s lineup of films include a wide during the pandemic, Hollywood has variety of documentaries, thrillers, dramas, not been releasing an abundant supply and familiar favorites. of films and studios have shifted toward The movies are made by filmmakers relying more on streaming platforms. from more than 30 countries and some Box office receipts have nationally been were shot locally around Arizona. on the decline and 2020 was the first year Mitesh Patel, the festival’s president, in more than a decade that didn’t have a said he wanted this year’s lineup to be film gross more than $1 billion. stronger than in previous years and he Chandler’s organizers had discussed hopes they will have a broader reach cancelling this year’s festival or going with local audiences. completely online, Waltzer said, but they “Our goal is to showcase diversity, infelt confident their event could be staged novation, and uniqueness through the safely and responsibly.

works of filmmakers from across the world in a local setting,” said Patel. “Our drive-in events and online options this year give us the ability to reach more people.” “The Unhealer,” a sci-fi film shot in Apache Junction, will be one of the festival’s first features screened on Jan. 21 at Harkins Theater and some of the film’s actors plan to be in attendance. “Danni and the Vampire,” scheduled to be screened Jan. 23, is a comedic take on old horror tropes about a madcap drifter and her undead friend. Other films are a timely reflection of the turmoil experienced collectively this past year and delve into subjects recognizable to most audiences. On Jan. 24, the festival will screen “House of Quarantine,” a thriller about nine people struggling to cope with the pandemic and fear getting sick after one of them contracts the coronavirus. A deadly contagion has ravaged the world in “The Cove,” a survival tale about two characters seeking sanctuary amidst a pandemic, and will be screened Jan. 22 at Harkins. “COVID-19 vs. Arizona” is a documentary that will be screened Jan. 24 and features stories from local leaders on how they have navigated the pandemic. The subject of climate change is examined in “Kiss the Ground,” a documentary screening Jan. 23 that reveals how the world’s ecosystems can be salvaged after decades of damage. More information on the festival can be found at chandler�ilmfestival.com.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Obituaries Coralie Mann

Obituaries People can help Ryan House and help themselves to memorable dining experiences with its fundraiser, Sip. Savor. Dine. (Special to GetOut)

Ryan House benefit is a culinary treat BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

When Ryan House put its annual fundraiser, the White Christmas Gala, on the backburner due to COVID-19, the staff cooked up a new event—Sip. Savor. Dine. Culinary Experiences. Through the end of January, patrons can peruse a menu to select from a wide array of options from a meal with a top chef or popular eateries. “We were looking for something that people could do to still support Ryan House in a much safer way,” says Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “Everybody’s comfort level is different. We were looking for something that people could do now, if they feel comfortable. It gives them choices of restaurants or takeout or they can hold onto the gift certificate.” For $10,000, donors can have a personal dinner prepared by Chef Alex Stratta from Stratta Kitchen in Scottsdale. A dining experience from places like Barrio Café, Café Monarch, Maple and Ash and The Henry can be purchased for $5,000. Have a meal catered for $3,500, or a “family fun” package for $1,000. Finally, “accompaniments” is a curated collection of wine for $250. “They all help support respite hours at the house and the digital menu breaks down what they’re supporting,” Leonard-Warner says. “We felt it was important to keep that in mind.” Patrons can go online and make their selection, or print a PDF order form, if

they’d rather send in a check. Ryan House is a 12,500-square-foot home built to provide respite care, pediatric palliative care and end-of-life care as well as appropriate therapies and activities. Ryan House’s programs address the emotional, spiritual and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by its care partners and highly trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country. The home, located at 110 W. Muhammad Ali Way in Phoenix, was supposed to celebrate its 10-year anniversary last year, but the party was derailed due to COVID-19. “We were supposed to have a community breakfast on March 27, and we were expecting about 1,000 people,” says Leonard-Warner, who previously worked for Hospice of the Valley. “We had rescheduled it for August, but nobody knew in the middle of March that we were still going to be struggling with COVID-19. So, instead of having 1,000 people in a ballroom, we did a virtual breakfast and had more than 1,100 people watch.” Ryan House Sip. Savor. Dine. Culinary Experiences Through Jan. 31 $250 to $10,000 480.653.4829, mageorge@ryanhouse.org ryanhouse.org

Jeanne Marie Hayes Jeanne Hayes passed away in Gilbert, AZ on Tuesday December 29, 2020. Jeanne was born in Everett, WA on April 15, 1966 to Stuart Moyer and Kathryn (Moyer) McWalters. She moved from Everett, WA to Gilbert, AZ in 2005 to continue raising her family with her husband, Vince. Vincent and Jeanne were married on February 14, 1987 in New Almaden, CA and together they have five children. Alyssa (32), Kellie (27), Tyler (17), Christian (15) and Joshua (12). She was also an amazing Nana to three grandchildren, Jaxson (8), Alyvia (6) and Liana (4). Jeanne is survived by her husband, Vince and their five children. As well as her mother, Kathryn, her sister Julianne and sister-in-law Tricia. Plus, her three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. For most of her life, Jeanne was a homemaker, caring for her family. She loved to love on people and rarely had idle hands. She loved to cook and worked so hard to keep an immaculate house. But with a house full of boys, that was a heavy task; yet she always managed to get it done. Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses; Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive one another just as God also forgave you in Christ." Please join us in celebrating her life on January 22, 2021 at 6:00 pm at her home church, Life Community, 717 W Ray Rd Gilbert, Arizona 85233 A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with the kids and expenses. gf.me/u/ zd4u9u Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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4/29/1929 – 1/1/2021 Coralie Ulvang Mann, 91, passed away January 1st, 2021, after suffering a stroke at her home in Chandler, Arizona. Born in Duluth, MN, and known as Cree, a nickname from High School, Cree graduated from Stanbrook Hall and then went on to Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., then Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing in 1950. There Cree met her lifelong love, Jim Mann, an executive with Coca Cola. She and Jim moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked as a model and TV fashion show commentator. They also lived in Mt. View, California (San Francisco Bay Area) for five years. There Cree modeled for The Emporium, Macy's, Merle Norman, Cadillac and several other prominent retailers. Jim’s job relocated them to the Los Angeles area (Northridge) from 1975 to 1990. They retired to Santa Barbara in 1990, where she lost Jim to prostate cancer in 2007. Cree was a well-known watercolor artist in the Santa Barbara area, her home filled with paintings of local scenes. Cree was active in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, and was a choir member. A very talented Cree played the piano and was a member of the Prime Time Band and Basin Street Buddies Dixieland bands. She volunteered at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Santa Barbara Historical Society, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Braille Institute. In 2019 Cree moved to the Enclave in Chandler, AZ, to be closer to her family. Always active, she taught watercolor classes for the residents of the Enclave. Cree is survived by two sons, John Douglas Mann of Phoenix and Bruce Andrew Mann of Tucson, daughter Saralee Mann of Phoenix and daughter-in-laws Trixie Mann (Bruce) and Karen Mays (Doug). Also two grandchildren, Richard Mann of Santa Cruz, California and Tawni Mann of Phoenix. She was proceeded in death by her husband, James Ellis Mann. Services will be held in Santa Barbara, CA at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org/donate

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NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING Harris Basin Park Project No. CP0934 Please join us for the live online Virtual Public Meeting to learn about the Harris Basin Park. The City of Mesa is developing plans to build a new playground at the Harris Basin located at 2421 N Harris Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203. To accommodate the new playground the City is developing plans to regrade the existing drainage basin to include a pad for the new playground while maintaining the basin’s ability to retain surface runoff. The playground will be designed with aim for children ages 2-12 and include ADA access. The project is being funded through 2018 General Obligation Parks Bonds. A short presentation will be given followed by a questions and answer session. Date: Thursday, January 14, 2021

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CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA

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Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

Painting

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

480-706-1453

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

T R E E

Public Notices

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

480-477-8842

480.721.4146

Pool Service / Repair

Now Accepting all major credit cards

ChandlerNews.com

480-898-6465

Place Your Advertisement Here. Call 480-898-6465 to Advertise in the Service Directory.

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

NOW OPEN

HAPPY HOUR

Every Day 2pm-6pm and 10pm-CLOSE • $2 OFF ALL Draft Beer • $4 House Wine • $2 Well Drinks

• $4 Titos, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Herradura Silver, Jack Daniels

ALL DAY SPECIALS MONDAY $10 Burgers WEDNESDAY $10 Wraps

FRIDAY $9 Fish & Chips and Fishy Wrap

TUESDAY BUY ONE, GET ONE ALL APPETIZERS

SATURDAY $10 Pizzas SUNDAY $10 Pastas

THURSDAY BUY ONE, GET ONE WINGS & TENDERS

The location is formerly Majerle’s Sports Grill at Fashion Center in Chandler

3095 W Chandler Blvd Chandler AZ 85226 www.howlerssportsbar.com

480-899-7999

REGULAR HOURS DAILY 11AM - 12AM

THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JANUARY 10, 2021

Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder

MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES

Award-winning Arizona builder for over 40 years. Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities, parks, and charm. You’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle. A Stratford in Gilbert NOW PRESELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community

Vintage Collection • From the $400’s • 480-895-2800 Craftsman Collection • From the $500’s • 480-988-2400

E D

B Palma Brisa – In Ahwatukee Foothills NOW SELLING A Dramatic New Gated Community

From the $400’s • 480-641-1800

C Belmont at Somerset – Prime Gilbert Location NOW SELLING Luxury estate homes and timeless architecture From the $800’s • 480-895-6300

D Estates at Mandarin Grove NOW SELLING

C GERMANN

11 luxury single-level estate homes, in the Citrus Groves of Northeast Mesa, with 3- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the $900’s • 480-750-3000

E Estates at Hermosa Ranch NOW SELLING

12 single-level homes on extra large homesites in the Citrus Groves of Northeast Mesa with 5- to 6-car garages plus optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the $900’s • 480-750-3000

BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.