Gilbert Sun News - 02-23-2020 by Times Media Group

Turmoil grips Val Vista Lakes HOA board

Council OKs big S. Gilbert complex

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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Gilbert pondering $465M bond for projects BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

NEWS.......................... 14 Gilbert council seeking Eddie Cook replacement.

COMMUNITY.......... 18 Gilbert man fixes broken lives with cars.

parking garage in the Heritage District, safety improvements for trail crossings and a bridge connecting Ocotillo Road over the regional park are some of the 43 projects that could be built as Gilbert contemplates going to voters with a $465 million bond issue this November. The ad hoc Citizens Transportation Task Force is scheduled April 8 to adopt a resolution recommending the Council put the transportation and infrastructure bond on the Nov. 3 ballot. Council is scheduled to

Gilbert thespians dominate new “Frankenstein.”

COMMUNITY...................... 18 BUSINESS............................22 OPINION...............................26 SPORTS.................................29 GETOUT................................32 CLASSIFIED.........................38

take that vote on June 16. The town plans to allocate the proposed bond for projects to address safety and congestion at $221 million; reconstruction and maintenance projects at $91 million; multi-modal investment at $43 million; transportation technology at $61 million and redevelopment projects at $49 million. Bond debt is generally paid off through an increase in the secondary property tax rate but officials say there wouldn’t be an increase because old bond debt is being paid off each year and the new debt would replace it. “We know that keeping steady the tax rate is important for citizens,” Kelly Pfost,

Management and Budget director, said at last week’s task force meeting. “Can we get the tax rate to 99 cents with the bond? Yes, we believe we can keep it to the 99 cents rate. It’s really good news.” Task Force member Lawrence Paschich, a retiree, said his wife has widowed friends who are worried about a possible tax increase if the bond passes. “You did good,” he told Pfost. So, for a typical $270,000 home in Gilbert with the current 99 cents per $100 of assessed value, the secondary property tax impact is $267. Business owners also are

Higley looking at locks, A star is born cameras in vape war BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

GET OUT....................32

Sunday, February 23, 2020

ocks, cameras outside bathrooms and a text number for anonymous reporting are some measures underway at two Higley high schools to combat vaping. Higley and Williams Field high schools have already implemented a number of preventative actions and Higley Unified School District also has taken steps, the district Governing Board heard last week. “The numbers have grown with access to vape pens,” Hig-

ley High Principal Alan Fields said, adding the number for repeat offenders was quite low. Overall, officials this year are seeing a reduction of students caught vaping compared with last academic year. Data from Williams Field showed 15 students nabbed in 2016-17 for a tobacco violation; 60 in 2017-18; 54 in 2018-19 and 15 so far this year. At Higley, 21 students were caught in 2016-17; 77 in 2017-18; 70 in 2018-19 and

see VAPE page 3

see BOND page 4

Gilbert’s Hale Centre Theatre is basking in a sense of accomplishment as he unveils his radically renovated complex in Heritage Square. To appreciate his vision and that accomplishment, see on page 16. (Srianthi Perera//GSN Contributorr)

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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20 so far this year. Higley has about 1,640 students and Williams Field about 1,750. Both Fields and Williams Field Principal Steve Tannenbaum attributed measures in place for the drop. Fields cited bathroom sweeps between classes, hallway-specific passes, not allowing students to go to the bathroom the first and last 10 minutes of class and allowing students to go to the bathroom one at a time has helped. Students also are not allowed to loiter in the bathrooms. While Williams Field has the ability to lock its bathrooms, Higley currently does not – but is working with the district to fix that, Fields added. He said the idea behind bathroom locks was to limit the number of unsupervised areas. The district’s preventative measures include public service announcements, parent resources and information on its webpage and presentations to parents by representatives of the State Attorney General. Interventions in place include anonymous reporting on a safe hotline or email to administration about students seen vaping. For those who are caught with a first offense, a school resource office is involved, counseling is offered. A police citation is issued for the next offense. Citations used to be handed out for the first violation but they inundated the police department, Higley officials said. “With a campus as large as ours, it’s a very small percentage of the population, .07 percent of our student population, although it is out there,” Tannenbaum said of on-campus vaping. “Nine-nine percent of our students are doing the right thing, making the right choice.” Board member Kristina Reese said she was happy to see the drop but couldn’t help thinking it was because students got wise to what administrators are doing. “I think they got ahead of us,” she said. “Some of the preventative stuff you are doing is working but I’m hearing from students they are beating the system. I think they caught on to something and they changed their behavior to where

Hig Unified Governing Board earlier this month heard recommendations for new approaches to curbing the epidemic of vaping in district schools.(Special to GSN)

they are not getting caught. I hear from a lot of students that it’s still happening.” Tannenbaum responded, “I agree, there’s always going to be cat-andmouse games. “We take the approach we are assuming our kids are vaping and (also) assuming they are making the right choice,” he added. “Yes, we try to stay ahead of it.” Board member Greg Wojtovich said he also knows vaping was still taking place on campus and that administration needed to try to keep a step ahead. Board member Jill Wilson asked how parents respond when notified their teens were caught vaping. “There’s a wide variety of reactions – from they had no idea their student was involved with vaping to identifying it but don’t know what to do,” Fields said “That is where the free counseling comes in.” Jennifer Corry, Student Services director, said now with new information coming out about the dangers of vaping, parents are more supportive. Since Feb. 4, a total of 2,758 people have been hospitalized and 54 have died from a mysterious lung disease related with vaping or smoking electronic cigarettes or other electronic devices, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study released last year from the National Institute of Health showed vaping was increasing among teens, who are attracted to the numerous fruit and candy flavors. Other future endeavors include allowing students to report a violator through anonymous texting. Fields said Higley officials are in the process of rolling out the text number but that it must be done right or they’ll

end up with a lot of false reports. The schools also are working on putting cameras outside of bathrooms. “Sometimes you detect (vaping) odor but you don’t know who was in the bathroom,” Fields said, adding the cameras would help identify the violator in that situation. Higley also is working with Williams Field on possibly changing the three-day, out-of-school suspension for a violation to in-school suspension or Saturday school for the first violation, according to Fields. District spokeswoman Michelle Reese said one or the other measure or a combination of all three. Wojtovich said Michigan banned flavored e-cigarettes and asked what was Arizona doing to address the problem. “The vaping issue is a health issue, not just a school issue,” he said. “We are not selling the vaping products at the schools. Students are bringing them to school. Where are they getting it from? This is a community issue.” Superintendent Dr. Mike Thomason said he’s met with state legislators and there are bills looking to get rid of flavored juices for vaping pens and raising the age for purchasing vape products. Efforts to raise the age for buy vape products have run into opposition by enough lawmakers to stymie progress on that front. Thomason said he also is working with the school district’s attorney about joining a class action suit against the manufacturers. Reese after the meeting said she was unsure when the cameras, locks and anonymous text will be implemented.

BOND

NEWS from page 1

affected. Although the tax rate was anticipated to stay the same, a person’s total property tax payment could change based on changes in assessed property value or tax rates from the county, local school district or over overlapping taxing jurisdictions. The last bond election was in 2018 for $65.4 million to build a public safety training facility, which is currently under construction. The last time Gilbert voters passed a transportation-related bond was in 2007 for $174 million for streets improvements, which has all been spent. Since that bond, the town has grown to over 250,000 residents from the 196,600 13 years ago. By 2030, the town’s population is expected to reach 330,000. Many of the projects are not dealing with growth but addressing current challenges in town, accoRoading to Jessica Marlow, Public Works director. The 43 projects are listed in the town’s 10-year capital improvement plan. Other projects include major reconstruction of deteriorated asphalt pavement on Cooper Road from Encinas to Baseline roads, north and south dual left-turn lanes on Gilbert Road, intersection improvements at McQueen and Elliot roads and removal and replacement of 28 old and obsolete bus shelters and pads. If the bond passes, the town would phase the projects over the next eight to 10 years. AccoRoading to the town, officials spent the past two years looking at other funding sources but there was still a gap that needed to be filled with a general obligation bond. If voters reject the bond, residents would see an increase in congestion and longer commute times and an overall decline in transportation infrastructure. Wright asked for the scale of transportation bonds in other cities. Marlow said Mesa and Glendale were looking at bonds in the $200 million to $300 million range for the current election cycle and were lower because they have a sales tax dedicated for transpor-

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

tation projects while Gilbert does not. She added Glendale has a half-cent sales tax that generates $30 million a year for transportation projects. Town Manager Patrick Banger said implementing a transportation sales tax is a policy question for the Council and if the town were to do so, it would need a half-cent to 2 cents just to deal with the town’s transportation needs. The task force last week also discussed how they will communicate the importance of the bond to voters. Jessica Bautista, a digital journalist for the town, said outreach began in January with the mayor’s Digital State of the Town address. After the task force makes a presentation at the Council Financial Retreat April 16, the town will launch a webpage with educational videos about the bond, she said. Outreach also will include social media, open houses and possibly information included in residents’ utility bills. Task Force member Yung Koprowski suggested the town put signs at locations of the capital improvement projects, alerting the public what could be coming at that site with the bond package. Fellow member James Wright said it will be a tough sell to get voters to approve a nearly half-billion-dollar bond when the last bond was $174 million. “It’s going to take more than a $50,000 budget to get it passed,” he said. Susanna Struble, assistant town engineer, said each Task Force member can go out and advocate for the bond. Councilman Scott Anderson, the Council liaison to the group, said his peers also will do the same although it would be difficult with expected vacancies. The town is in the process of filling Eddie Cook’s vacant seat and potentially two others on the Council in the coming months. The Council formed the nine-member task force in December, each representing a quadrant in the town. Members were tasked with reviewing and providing input on Gilbert’s overall transportation system and making a recommendation on the bond to the Council.

RECOMMENDED PROJECTS • Safety improvements for Trail Crossings • Cooley Station Transit Center • Gilbert and Warner improvements • Heritage District Parking Garage III • McQueen/Elliot intersection • Phoenix Avenue Pedestrian Mall improvements • Ash Street realignment • Vaughn ventilator • Median improvements • Ocotillo Road- Greenfield to Higley Road • Baseline Road - Greenfield to Power • Recker Road - Ocotillo to Chandler Heights • Higley Road - Riggs to Hunt Highway • Ocotillo Road - 148th Street to Greenfield • Warner Road - Power to east of Recker Road • Power Road - Guadalupe to Santan Freeway • Elliot and Gilbert intersection • Guadalupe and Power intersection • Elliot and Higley intersection • Mesquite Street from Lindsay to Val Vista • Val Vista Lakes improvements • Guadalupe Road improvements • Cooper Road - Encinas to Baseline

• Lindsay/Guadalupe intersection • McQueen/Guadalupe intersection • Val Vista/Ray intersection • Power/Queen Creek intersection Imp • Market Street Williams Field improvements • Val Vista Mercy improvements • Market Street San Tan Village Pkwy improvements • Higley Inverness improvements • Power/Pecos intersection • Higley Queen Creek improvements • Improvements for bus stops, bus top shelters and safe routes • Germann and Power intersection • School safety and congestion improvements • Vaughn Retention Basin Relocation • Advance Detection Safety improvement • Fiber optic strategic build out • Advance mid-block detection

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Val Vista Lakes HOA in turmoil over threats

GSN NEWS STAFF

lthough the HOA board for a master-planned development of some 2,230 homes has retracted a threatening letter mailed to nine people for posting social media comments deemed critical of the board, the community remains in emotional upheaval. A recall attempt is underway for the Val Vista Lakes Community Association’s board president and vice president and a group of sign-carrying residents showed up at a special board meeting last Wednesday demanding answers relating to the initial threat. “I was somewhat apathetic,” said resident Henry Kartagener, who moved to the community over two years ago and was carrying a sign outside the clubhouse before the meeting. “But when it got to the freedom of speech issue, I got involved.” The meeting at times became heated with residents on both sides of the issue shouting at each other. “Right now, the community is divided,” resident Joni Lang said. “Neighbors are afraid of neighbors.”

Residents of Val Vista Lakes brought signs protesting the board to a special meeting it held last week. They’re angry over what they considered was a threatening letter about social media postings that criticized it. (Cecilia Chan/GSN Managing Editor)

She blamed that on the derisive behavior on social media and said the board took steps to try to stop to it. She said board members are being harassed and it hurts their ability to do their job, which elicited angry comments from some of the attendees telling her “enough.”

The board did vote 5-1 to release 20 minutes of an audio at a Dec. 16 executive session when members made the decision to send out the threatening letters in an effort to clear the air and be transparent. Board member Bill Suttell, attending via phone, argued against releasing the

closed-session audio, saying it will open up a can of worms. He said everyone needed to move forward instead of pointing fingers. Some residents still were not satisfied, saying the board could cherry-pick from the audio; they wanted tapes released from closed-door meetings going back to September on the issue. Regulating social media use was brewing as early as the fall in the community when the board in October considered a policy on it and eventually tabled it after residents voiced objections. The draft social media policy included banning homeowners from posting negative comments about the board, residents or the HOA’s employees and agents. Penalties for violation included clubhouse privileges suspension, attorney fees and other costs related to enforcement action and fines ranging from $50 to $150. The issue eventually grabbed outside attention when local media in early January publicized a letter that resident Ashley Nardecchia and eight others received

see HOA page 7

Gilbert lawmaker wants fewer unmarked police cars BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Gilbert Republican lawmaker wants to limit the number of unmarked cars that police can use for traffic stops. And the few unmarked vehicles they would get to drive would at least have to be inscribed with the name of the agency on the right front door. Rep. Travis Grantham said he wants the public to be suspicious of being pulled over by “some creep’’ driving what might actually be a private vehicle outfitted with some red and blue lights in the grille. And the fewer legitimate unmarked vehicles out there, he said, the less the chance that a motorist might be fooled. A Gilbert Police spokesperson said, “Because this deals with pending legis-

Gilbert State Rep. Travis Grantham wants fewer unmarked police cars on the road and for those that are unmarked, his bill would require, they carry an ID on the right front door. (Capitol Media Services)

lation, our department is waiting to see how the bill moves forward before providing our insight into the topic.” Grantham acknowledged that his HB 2830 also means that police agencies would be limited to no more than 10 percent of their vehicles doing traffic enforcement being without the traditional lights on the roof and markings all around the front, sides and back. But he said that doesn’t bother him. “I just don’t want to encourage law enforcement to go undercover on the general public all the time,’’ Grantham told Capitol Media Services. “There’s no better way than a real police car, with a uni-

formed police officer in it, with lights all over it and markings all over it, that, in itself, prevents crime,’’ he said, adding: “I don’t want to see our police departments, which I love, going to these fully undercover, unmarked, super-secret police type tactics, which I actually think can be quite dangerous.’’ But the driving force, Grantham said, is making the driving public skeptical of being pulled over by anything that doesn’t look like a police car. As crafted, HB 2830 forbids the use of anything that’s totally unmarked for traffic enforcement. Instead, police could use what the measure calls a “specially marked’’ law enforcement vehicle. It would not need the lights on top or the markings all around. But at the very least it would have to have the name and

see UNMARKED page 8

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

HOA from page 6

from the Val Vista Lakes HOA’s attorney. The letter accused them of posting social media comments about the board and other homeowners that “specifically defame and negatively impact others in the community” and demanded they “cease posting any disparaging, speculative, or defaming comments.” Nardecchia, who could not be reached for comment, was the administrator of a private Facebook page for community members. The attorney threatened the nine residents with a $250-a-day fine and suspension from community amenities such as the clubhouse and charter clubs. Resident Lynda Saveski said she received a letter, which she called not legal. “They have no right to send a letter denying First Amendment rights,” she said before the meeting. “There was nothing defamatory said.” Shortly after the media stories, the HOA attorney sent another letter dated Jan. 28 to the nine recipients, saying the board decided to retract its initial threat and would not be issuing fines or suspending mem-

bership privileges. But it urged them to refrain from “making statements on social media that could conflagrate an already volatile situation.” The board followed up with a statement Jan. 30 to the community saying “it has no intention of prohibiting anyone’s right to express their opinions or criticisms” and asked residents to follow a harassment-free policy adopted by many companies. Since late January, Nardecchia has organized a GoFundMe site to collect money to cover the costs that will be incurred with the recall process, such as mailers and signs. As of last week, $1,480 was raised of the $2,000 goal. Nardecchia, who placed the blame for the community’s negative publicity on the leadership of the president and vice president, said on the site a recall was necessary after both ignored requests to step down. Residents at last week’s meeting questioned how the board could even authorize the initial letter when there was no social media policy in place.

Kartagener told the board that the cease-and-desist letters was the white elephant in the room. “I know the board approved a courtesy letter,” he said. “How many approved the actual letter that went out threatening the nine people?” “That is the letter that went out,” board President Marci Johnson responded. Kartagener said he wanted to know how many board members approved the final letter that was sent. Director Dean Sanders said all the board members voted to send a courtesy letter and that the final letter was different from what he perceived a courtesy letter to be. Kartagener said Sanders was not answering his questions and demanded if he or any board member approved the letter that the attorney eventually sent. Johnson said the released audio “will tell exactly how the letter was presented.” In responding to questions from residents, Johnson said the cost of drafting the social media policy and sending out the cease-and-desist letters was $1,817 and the nine who received the letters was based

on their number of posts that were considered defamatory, hostile or harassing. “Some group of people did a majority of the posts,” she said. Diane Nielsen, whose husband was a former board president, said some of her criticism of the board included a claim that it didn’t want to spend money and things were falling apart. She said playground equipment was being held together by duct tape and that the community’s man-made mountain with cascading waterfalls had exposures wires, both a liability concern. Sanders said safety was the board’s top priority and movement was being made to address the mountain. “We all live here,” he said. “Our No. 1 objective is safety.” Ken Hassen, a former director, said he’s heard that story before. “I was co-chair of maintenance and there were kids on swings that were rusty with metal hanging out,” he said. “It’s still there two years later.”

see HOA page 8

NEWS

HOA from page 7

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

He said the board’s statement apologizing for the fallout of its action was disingenuous because it was still advocating for regulation by asking residents to take to heart a harassment free policy used by companies that doesn’t tolerate unwelcome, offensive and improper conduct. “We are not a company,” Hassen said. “We are not employees. We are stakeholders. You can’t apply a company policy to a community.”

He said issues such as libel and slander in a community is addressed in civil court. “Val Vista is not the place to give a $250 fine because someone stuck their tongue out at somebody else,” he said. And the personal Facebook page that caused the uproar was a private page not belonging to the HOA or Association, he noted. “This was not a Val Vista page,” he said. “It was an outside community page and

Facebook had no problem with it. Val Vista can’t come over and fine people for saying something in Queen Creek but they do have a right if it happens on their premises. They can eject someone form the premise if they are behaving drunkenly or obnoxiously but they can’t do it if they are acting up in Phoenix. There’s a civil code for that.” When residents show up for the monthly board meeting at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday,

Feb. 25, at the clubhouse, they expect closure, he said. The board has indicated the HOA attorney will be in attendance to answer questions from residents. “We need a resolution, we require, we demand some kind of closure on this,” Hassen said. “The nine people are still concerned. (And) when people are threatened like that, everyone around them, it makes them frighten and makes them think twice before saying anything.”

logo of the law enforcement agency on the right door. And anyone using that vehicle would have to be dressed in an official law enforcement uniform, “including shoulder patches, a badge and any other identifying insignia normally used by the employing law enforcement agency.’’ What that means, Grantham said, is anyone who is stopped by what appears to be an unmarked vehicle can demand that the person making the stop open

the right-side door of the vehicle to display the marking. At that point, he said, the motorist can be assured that it’s not someone playing a cop. “It gives the public some peace of mind,’’ Grantham said. “I’m terrified, just so you know, with the rash of these unmarked cars and these guys dressed in what appears to be some sort of uniform pulling over folks randomly in the middle of our city and issuing them tickets.’’ “I’m actually fearful a young woman or

a young man or whatever is going to be pulled out of their car at some point and put in the back seat of an unmarked fake police car and perhaps driven off and have some horrible crime committed against them,’’ Grantham said. “That has happened in other states,’’ he continued. “And I think it’s just a matter of time and I want to try to get ahead of it.’’ Grantham said he’s not all that convinced that unmarked cars are the best way to enforce traffic laws. “I don’t see

a difference,’’ Grantham continued. “If that’s going to be an effective tool, why not just put a real police car out on the road?’’ He said the Department of Public Safety informed him it has only 18 currently unmarked vehicles out of its fleet of about 600 cars in traffic enforcement. The legislation allows police agencies to use specially marked vehicle only on a finding that its use “will contribute to the safety of the traveling public.’’

UNMARKED from page 6

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Council OKs 328-unit apartment complex in S. Gilbert BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

328-unit apartment complex called Acero Val Vista is coming to south Gilbert. Town Council last week voted 5-2 to approve a general plan amendment and rezoning of 14.88 acres from commercial at the northeast corner Quartz and Melrose streets. “I certainly can appreciate the quality of the project that is being brought to Gilbert,” Mayor Jenn Daniels said, adding: “But this location is not one I am supportive of transitioning from regional commercial to multi-family, just recognizing the corridor we are in and some of the things yet to come and to be realized in this area.” Daniels and Councilman Eddie Cook, who did not speak on the project, were the sole dissenters. The Planning Commission voted 7-0 in January recom-

mending approval. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce also endorsed the project. Two residents, who did not speak, submitted cards with their opposition, which included concern with density, increased traffic and an already crowded Quartz Hill Elementary and Campo Verde High schools across the street. The site is part of a 55-acre vacant agricultural land zoned regional commercial near Val Vista Drive and Germann Road. The remaining 40 acres would stay commercial and complement the medical corridor established in this area, according to LeSueur Investments, the land owner. LeSueur argued the site did not lend itself for commercial development for a number of reasons, including its location at the intersection of two collector streets. LeSueur also said the site lacked visibility and that the changing landscape of retail development has reduced the

need for regional commercial properties in Gilbert and other parts of the Valley. The proximity to the two schools is a factor, given that many permitted uses in regional commercial land anticipate the sale of alcoholic beverages and would render the westernmost 300 feet of the site as undevelopable for a retail or restaurant use that would serve alcohol on the premises. The site is surrounded by an assisted living and memory care campus and an active adult multi-family development known as The Aspens at Mariposa Point to the north and commercial businesses along Val Vista Drive that include a QT gas station, car wash and Dutch Bros coffee. The development is part of the Val Vista Medical Growth Area, which was identified in the town General Plan with anticipated various medical and supporting uses, according to a staff report. Planning staff said the project complied with the General Plan and will provide nearby housing to the hospital and

medical office developments east of Val Vista Drive. Additionally, LeSueur pointed out that by bringing new residents to this area, the marketability of the remaining 40acre commercial property will increase. The apartment complex will be gated with the primary entrance via Melrose Street. The entire community will be comprised of24 residential buildings that are either two- or three-stories tall. Apartment units will range from 768 to 1,330 square feet in size. The architecture is proposed to be modern and clean, with a minimum of applied materials. Acero will have to amenity areas –the main amenity area, located at the primary entry into the community will feature a single-story clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, cabanas and outdoor barbeque area. The smaller, secondary amenity area will have a community garden, walking path, a dog park and a tot lot.

Aubrey’s trial medication was finally FDA approved in 2015 as the only treatment for HPP. According to researchers, the survival rate for children who develop the disorder in the womb such as Aubrey or at less than 6 months old is poor with an overall mortality rate of 73 percent at 5 years. While Britt was just 20 weeks into her pregnancy, a routine ultrasound unveiled Aubrey had bowed femurs but doctors could not give an official diagnosis until she was born. “When she was born, she started having seizures,” Britt recalled. “We got the confirmation from the doctors. There was no cure. It’s like brittle-bone disease.” Aubrey also has other medical conditions not directly related to HPP and has had a number of surgeries, including having a VP shunt placed to treat hydrocephalus and placement of a gastrosto-

my tube after she was diagnosed with failure to thrive, according to Britt. Aubrey was smaller than her peers and didn’t take her first steps until she was 4.5 years old. She has a wheelchair that she uses periodically. “Physically, her growth is below zero percent,” Britt said. “She’s slightly over 3 feet tall and 33 pounds.” And, Aubrey doesn’t have any teeth, losing them before she turned 1 but X-rays show she does have adult teeth that are moving to the surface, Britt said. “She lost her first tooth at 9 months old so she doesn’t know any difference at this point,” she said. Aubrey has learned to cope with her physical challenges and is enrolled in a public school. In kindergarten last year, she even earned a Student of the Month award.

Water Tower will light up for little girl BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert’s Water Tower will light up in red and white for three nights beginning Thursday to bring awareness about people like 7-year-old Aubrey Britt, who have hypophosphatasia. The rare genetic disorder, also called HPP, is characterized by the abnormal development of bones and teeth and severe forms of it affect an estimated one in 100,000 newborns. “There is no cure,” said Mesa mom Amy Britt, who is co-regional leader of the Southwest chapter of the Soft Bone Foundation. “When she was first born there also was no treatment that was FDA approved. But we were able to find a clinical trial for a drug that she has been on since she was 5 weeks old. At this point the only treatment for hyposphatasia is daily injections.”

Aubrey Britt, 7, suffers from a rare genetic disorder that a foundation will call attention to on Gilbert’s Water Tower this week. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

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In celebration of Aubrey beating the odds, the foundation, which has red, white and black as its logo colors, applied for and was granted the lighting of the tower. Saturday also is Rare Disease Day. The town lights up the 133-foot-tall tower located downtown in specific colors in recognition of community initiatives and various holidays. Groups can submit to the town applications for the tower lighting to draw attention to their cause. “We have had 34 lighting requests from the public since we began the program in 2018,” spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison said in an email. “This does not include town initiatives or holidays.”

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

She added the town has received 10 requests already for 2020. “The water tower lightings are very popular with the community,” she said. “In fact, they are some of our most popular posts on social media. “In 2019, we had 96 water tower lighting posts across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with nearly a million impressions and 66,405 engagements.” The tower was built in 1925 and was opened up to the community in 1927. Before then, residents had to get water from their own wells, according to the town. In 1985, the water tower was decommissioned and filled with sand and still is to this day.

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Higley reduces penalty for teachers who quit

Higley Unified School District is reducing the penalty fee for teachers who break their contracts. The Governing Board adopted the change recently while approving the 2020-21 contracts for certified and non-certified staff. Board member Scott Glover recommended reducing or eliminating the liquidated damages clause in the contracts to match that of Gilbert Public Schools that reduced its penalties the year before. Teachers who break their contract forces a district to find a replacement, sometimes during mid-academic year. “I don’t want hostages working here,” Glover said. “I want them to want to work here.” He added there were 11 incidents this school year when a teacher broke a contract and the district waived penalties in five of the cases.

Board member Kristina Reese said she was open to the idea because the district gave out contracts early. Board member Greg Wojtovich said Human Resources does a great job and that it was important to maintain stability. He added he favored keeping the status quo and that the fees are fair. At the end the Board voted to reduce liquidated damages to $500 between March 28-April 30; $750 between May 1-June 30; and $1,000 after July 1. Previously the damages were $750, $1,500 and $2,000 for those three dates.

Higley school board changes meeting times

Higley Unified School District Governing Board is moving the start times of its meetings to 5 p.m. from 5:30 p.m. for July to December. The unanimous vote took into con-

see AROUND page 16

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NEWS

Food banks addressing hunger in Gilbert BY CHRISTINA FLORES GSN Contributor

ocal charitable organizations are taking steps against underlying food insecurity in the community. Growing food insecurity is a nationwide problem, and touches some Gilbert families. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2018, 37.2 million people lived in food-insecure households. The Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert is addressing food insecurity in the East Valley, distributing food to many local charities. Food manufacturers donate the majority of the food that Midwest Food Bank distributes. It has been able to provide food to over 200,000 East Valley people each month since it opened in 2017, said Q Nielsen, the director of operations for its Arizona Division. Volunteers con-

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Town Council seeks bids to fill Cook’s seat esidents interested in a 9-month appointment to an open seat on Gilbert Town Council will have until 4 p.m., March 4 to apply. Council last week released the plan to fill the position vacated by Eddie Cook, who was appointed Maricopa County assessor. Additionally Cook’s seat will go up for election in the August primary for the remaining two years on the term because the vacancy occurred over 30 days before the April 6 deadline to file petitions and nominating papers for the Council race this year. Councilman Jordan Ray pointed out this process was in keeping with state statute. Council acknowledged the shortened timeline for people to collect at least 1,000 signatures by April 6 to run for Cook’s seat. The mayor’s seat and two council seats are already on the primary ballot. Mayor Jenn Daniels and Councilman Jared Taylor are not running for re-election. Councilman Scott Anderson is running for a second term. After the deadline to file an application for appointment, Council will then

hold an executive session 5:30 p.m., March 5 to review and select six candidates for interviews. The names of those selected for interviews will be announced following the closed-door session. Daniels said each council member will submit proposed questions for the candidates to her for review by noon March 11. She will then compile a list of six questions that will be sent to the candidates by March 16. The Council will interview each candidate at a special public meeting, 5 p.m., March 17. The interviews also will be televised. Following the interviews, the Council will adjourn for discussion behind closed doors and could publicly vote on the appointment that night. Ray said with the potential of two more resignations coming up in the next month or two, would the Council still use the same process. Ray has announced his intention to run for justice of peace and Councilwoman Brigette Peterson has filed a statement of interest to begin collection signatures for the mayor’s job. Both have two years remaining on their terms and have not resigned from Council yet. Any resignations after March 7 would mean a Council appointment for the re-

maining two years, according to Town Clerk Lisa Maxwell. “I highly recommend we use one process,” Daniels said. She suggested the Council make the one appointment and hold onto the five finalists for appointments to the seats of the two anticipated resignations. At last Tuesday’s meeting, Cook also tendered his resignation letter and the Council approved a resolution recognizing and thanking him for his nine years of service. “It has been a very great honor and privilege to serve our community,” Cook said. “I just cannot say how thankful I’ve been to serve.” He gave thanks to God and added “the greatest vote” he made on Council was selecting Patrick Banger as the town manager. Banger was chosen from a pool of 60 applicants. “It’s the greatest vote I can think of,” said Cook, who was sworn in to his new county job last Wednesday. Banger and each council member also said his or her goodbyes, praising Cook’s service. Daniels credited Cook with bringing the one-team culture to town government and having it operate as a billion-dollar corporation. She also shared fond memories of

him, including the time he showed up at a Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Mesa on a hoverboard, handing out candy. “No one cared about what we were doing because there was a cool guy on a hoverboard,” she said. “He’s definitely a fun guy.” She noted he once sport long hair while part of a band and coached a paintball team to a national championship. She also pointed out Cook’s devotion to his faith and to the community, his work on highlighting domestic violence and how well known and respected he is throughout the region. “Eddie and I didn’t agree on every single vote,” Ray added. “Even if you didn’t agree with Eddie, everything that he did was for the best for Gilbert. We are a better community because of Eddie.”

food through donations, officials at the nonprofit purchase it, Corder said. “Gilbert is not excluded from the numbers in hunger – childhood, adult, and seniors,” Corder said. “In Arizona, one in four children, one in five adults, and one in seven seniors are food insecure.” Corder said that out of all the school districts she works with – including Mesa, Chandler, Florence, Tempe and Higley – Gilbert receives the highest number of the program’s weekend backpack food bags. Corder attributed this to the lack of Title I funding in Gilbert high schools. Title I funding is a federally funded program that provides supplemental funds to schools with high percentages

of low-income students for free or reduced-price lunches. “There’s a lot of need, like pockets of need, in Gilbert,” Corder said. “It’s very easy, more than any other city, in my opinion, to be need-blind, because there’s so much affluence.” Corder believes that people should be more involved with what is happening in the community regarding the presence of food insecurity. She encourages people to ask their local school’s social worker about the statistics or to go to a local food bank and volunteer. Open Arms Care Center, another food charity that relies on Midwest Food Bank, only serves residents of Gilbert.

Open Arms supports about 3,000 people a year, Tim Strayer, an Open Arms volunteer and board member said. The federally and state-recognized nonprofit organization provides the recipient with two boxes of food that are meant to supplement their existing pantry at home for the entire month. Unlike most nonprofits that pay their staff, Open Arms does not. It is 100 percent volunteer-based, Strayer said. Even though Gilbert can be considered a prosperous town, that doesn’t negate the fact that there is food insecurity present, Strayer said. “Regardless of the fact that we’re considered affluent or not, there are still people in need [in Gilbert],” Strayer said.

Stayer said that those who need food assistance may not always be who you would typically think of. It could be a person who lost the breadwinner in their family or someone who’s lost their job recently. A recipient of Open Arms Care Center and Gilbert resident who asked to remain anonymous said even though he and his wife both work, they still didn’t have enough money to feed their kids, which led him to Open Arms. “Our bills were more than we were making [and] I got more going on than I got coming in,” he said. “People do need to know what’s going on and help.”

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

FOOD from page 13

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the Council appointment, go to gilbertaz.gov/departments/clerk-s-office/ board-openings For more information, contact the Clerk’s Office at 480-503-6791.

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AROUND from page 12

sideration that a school board election this year could bring new members in January 2021.

Recreational climbing facility coming to Gilbert

A state-of-art indoor climbing facility with competition climbing walls announced it was opening this fall in Gilbert at 3193 S. Ranch House Court. Town Planning Commission last month reviewed the design plans for Alta Climbing and Fitness. The facility will offer 30,000 square feet of climbing activities such as an Olympic speed wall, a huge arch, over 120 top rope and lead routes, over 6,000 square feet of bouldering, a dedicated competition team training/climbing area, a kid’s fun zone, a training area, an exercise equipment room, a huge yoga room, a spin room and more. The recreational facility is located on a 3.51-acre vacant parcel, within a 69acre commercial subdivision known as

the Depot at Power Ranch, near Power and Pecos roads. Alta Climbing Gym and Fitness is the second property to submit for Design Review in the Depot at Power Ranch commercial subdivision in the past year after remaining dormant for a decade

Uber offers pilot service for older Gilbert adults

Uber is making it easier to ride for people in communities like Gilbert. The ride-share company is piloting a new phone booking in Arizona feature that allows people to book a trip without using the Uber app. After dialing 1-833-USE-UBER, a person will be paired with a live team member that confirms the trip request, provides an upfront price quote, and uses the same marketplace technology powering the Uber app to help find a ride. In order to use this feature, riders will need an SMS or text-based mobile phone to receive important messages

about ETA, driver’s license plate details, and driver’s name. Customers will continue to receive messages before and during their trip, and once it concludes, they’ll receive a trip receipt. Uber designed the latest feature with older adults in mind after getting feedback from them that the live conversations and simplicity of experience can make a difference for their transportation needs.

Cooley Station breaking ground next month

Management Support at 9 a.m. March 11 will break ground for the Crossing at Cooley Station, Gilbert’s newest apartment complex. Located at 3700 East Williams Field Road, the 408-unit property will be a mixed-use development centered on E. Williams Field and South Recker Road. With its proximity to the proposed Cooley Station, the theme for the project incorporates many elements from the age of train travel, making it unique

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in its design, a spokeswoman said. Opening in spring of 2021, Crossing at Cooley Station will be a gated community offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The complex will include indoor basketball and racquetball courts, aerobics with Wellbeats, a fitness center and game room. Outdoor facilities will include pickle ball, tennis, water basketball and volleyball, and sand volleyball. An area outside will offer lap, sports and wading pools, a spa, fireplace with outdoor seating, ramada and cabanas. The property will also include a dog park and dog wash station, numerous BBQ areas, and a shaded playground. Package concierge, a clubhouse, business center, and conference room will also be available. Apartments will offer granite countertops, plank flooring, thermofoil cabiing stations, recessed LED lighting, lighted ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living rooms, walk-in closets, and yards.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

COMMUNITY

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Gilbert man fixes cars to fix broken lives BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

hanel Crawford arrived in Arizona six months ago from Michigan to care for her parents who were dealing with medical issues. She had two jobs lined up but during the first week that she settled in at her parents’ Phoenix home, the offers fell through. “They said I was no longer needed,” the mother of two recalled. “I was having trouble finding work and having trouble with transportation. I drove here from Michigan and my car broke down and I couldn’t fix it because I couldn’t afford to fix it because I had no job.” Having no car meant she couldn’t take her parents to their medical appointments. Although her parents’ health insurance

never pick us up on time or forget to come and pick us up,” Crawford said. “We were having trouble getting back and forth.” And to top it off, she said she had to pull her 12-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter out of school and home-school them so they Chanel Crawford found Randy Maestre of Gilbert a Godsend when she needed a car wouldn’t fall beto find work. (Special to GSN) hind. There’s no school bus transprovided for transportation to see their portation for where she lives so she was doctors, that proved unreliable. “They offered you rides but they would driving her kids to school, Crawford said.

Things seemed dire for Crawford until Randy Maestre stepped in. Maestre, the owner of a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise at 1618 N. Higley Road, Gilbert, recently gifted Crawford a 2004 Toyota Corolla. Maestre learned of Crawford’s story after Dr. Jeannine Hinds reached out to him. Hinds, a family-medicine physician whose side passion is a mobile healthcare clinic she created to serve the homeless, veterans and at-risk youths, goes to the same church in Tempe as Crawford. “Dr. Hinds told me she has job opportunities but the only thing holding her up was no vehicle,” Maestre said. Maestre said he purchased the used Toyota, paid his technician and got special pricing from his vendors to repair the vehicle.

see CARS page 20

Hale Centre Theatre reborn proudly BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

hose glory days of 1930s Hollywood may have disappeared from California, but a glimpse of them has resurfaced in Gilbert. The renovated Hale Centre Theatre in downtown Gilbert wears its new look proudly. The big beige building of last year has given way to Hollywood Regency style with art deco trims and colors. A huge marquee features video and moving graphics advertising the shows; it leads patrons inside the tall glass doors. Just don’t expect Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn to be around. “We want the experience to happen when you walk up,” said Dave Dietlein, Hale owner, who spent years perfecting

The marquee beckons at the newly renovated Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert. (Srianthi Perera/GSN Contributor)

his musical and drama productions and recently focused on improving the Heritage Square destination. “We see theater as not just the show. It’s the experience. Because we are a free-standing building, it’s very stylized. It feels like something special to walk into,” he said. Renovation architect Artie A. Vigil III of Phoenix-based AV3 Design Studio said that the project’s vision was that of Dietlein’s. “Dave’s vision for the theater is to bring Broadway production to Gilbert. With that comes the energy and excitement for families young, old and everyone in between to get an experience that feels authentic, charming and invigorating,” Vigil

see HALE page 22

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

HIGLEY HAPPENINGS

BY MICHELLE REESE GSN Guest Writer

Higley schools celebrate Chinese New Year

A dragon, lions, dancers, singers and martial artists came together Feb. 5 to celebrate Chinese New Year in Higley Unified School District. The student and guest performers took the stage at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert for the third annual event. Four Higley campuses that offer Mandarin language studies – Cooley Early Child-

hood Development Center, Cooley Middle School, Coronado Elementary School and Williams Field High School – participated. “Through these studies, students not only attain a second language, but a better understanding of another culture and our connection to the world,” Coronado Principal Jeff Armstrong said. Higley students, from preschool through high school, showcased the language, dance styles and traditions they’ve studied throughout the evening. The staged filled with color and song as students and guest artists performed music, Wushu martial arts, ribbon and fan dances and the traditional Chinese lion dance. The evening concluded with Cooley Middle School students performing the dragon dance.

Chaparral hosts 1st Leadership Day

Chaparral Elementary School students took two years of leadership lessons and put them on display recently with the

school’s first Leadership Day. The program is part of the Higley school’s “Leader in Me” initiative, adopted by staff last school year. Principal Kristine Hanson welcomed guests and shared how the school transformation came about. She is in her fourth year as principal at Chaparral. “We decided we needed something to unite us and give our school an identity,” she said. “We looked at various programs and with inspiration and help from (Higley’s) San Tan Elementary School, another Leader in Me school, they encouraged us to jump in,” Hanson said. “Teachers received training with the ‘Seven Habits.’ We embraced that. We as adults needed to know those habits to teach them. I was amazed that first year. The transformation we started to see in that first year was really exciting.” “Leader in Me” provides instruction and language surrounding seven habits of highly effective people. Throughout the Gilbert campus, the consistent message is on signage in classrooms and hallways.

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Teachers and staff use the language of the habits throughout the school day. Students adopt it and make it part of their daily activities. Leadership Day included presentations from a variety of programs around campus and discussions with the student Lighthouse Team, a group of 12 student leaders. “I wanted to show how I can be a leader on campus and get this great experience on the Lighthouse Team,” said Miyanah Gonzalez, a fifth-grade student. “I wanted to join the Lighthouse Team because I love organizing events and I love helping out,” said Peighton Eda, a fourth-grade student. The Lighthouse Team took guests on a tour of campus to let them view “Leader in Me” in action. The event ended with a question-and-answer session with the student leaders. Chaparral is home to 940 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. It is an

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Hinds was out with Crawford celebrating her daughter’s birthday when she made the pretense of having to stop by Christian Brothers for an oil change. While Crawford and her children sat inside the shop, Maestre approached her and began asking her questions such as how she liked Arizona and if she ever toured an auto shop before. When she said no, Maestre proceeded to take her and the children around the shop and into the back room, where a birthday cake for her daughter was waiting. “My daughter, she was so happy,” Crawford said. She recalled Maestre telling her, “we are not done yet” as he took her out the back door. There, Maestre presented Crawford the car. “He said, ‘We heard about your struggles and what you are trying to do for your parents and not being able to find work and how difficult it was for you guys to get around and I would love to bless you,’” Crawford said. “I cried and

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

asked if it was really mine.” Crawford said she was beyond surprised and was having difficulty breathing at first. “It was a shock,” she said. “I couldn’t believe they were giving me a car for free. “I have never in my life encountered someone whether they knew me or not, especially a stranger doing something out of the kindness of their heart without any strings attached just because they heard I had a hard time. “I’ve always worked for everything I had so I felt weird a few days after. I expected a call, saying ‘you have to bring it back.’ I felt like I was on a TV show. This is something that happens in movies, not real life, not my life.” The car, equipped with new tires, has been working out great, Crawford said. She was able to get her kids back in school and her parents to their appointments. Her mother is due for surgery soon. “I’m not use to hand-outs,” said Crawford, who added she can actually get to a job interview without having to wait

03/15/20

for the bus. “I didn’t know those types of people existed.” Crawford was the fourth and latest recipient of a vehicle from Maestre since he opened his shop in 2018. Other recipients, who all happened to be single moms, included a teacher who commuted to school on a bus and a woman who lost everything after she went through a divorce. “Every six months I am able to bless a family,” the Gilbert resident said. “This is my personal goal for the shop way before I opened. I’ve realized all these blessings are not given to us so we can keep it but are given to us so we can pass it on to someone else.” Maestre’s walk down this path began five years ago when he lived in Texas. He moved to Gilbert in December 2017. “In 2015 something really bad happened to me,” he said. “I lost my livelihood of 11 years, it almost took my life. I lost almost everything. But my wife stood beside me and prayed for me.” Maestre, who was a physical therapist by trade, said he decided to put his life in

God’s hands. “I surrender to the Lord,” he said. “And almost all the worry, anger and frustration in my life were cured.” He said one night, Christian Brothers Automotive popped up on his laptop without him having to search for it, which he believed was a sign from God. He went to interview with the company officials and they asked if he was willing to wait two to six years before opening a franchise. The wait was less than six. “Looking back I understand why I had to wait 2.5 years because that was God’s way of molding me to who I am today,” Maestre said. “That is why my faith is so strong that whatever life brings, I will always be OK. “That is what we tell families we blessed, ‘Don’t give up. I’ve been through what you’ve been going through. Stay faithful, stay obedient and He will answer your prayers.’ “I stood with Him, I followed His light and it led me to my shop today.”

see CARS page 21

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

HIGLEY

from page 19

sneak peek the other day. It’s amazing how many athletes and wins WF has pumped out of the previous weight room,” Kaylor said. “This is just amazing. I know our coaches are excited. Our students are excited.” The facility was built by Waltz Construction and designed by architecture firm Orcutt-Winslow.

“A-rated” school by the Arizona Department of Education.

Williams Field officially opens ‘The Forge’

Williams Field High School’s new weight room, dubbed “The Forge,” received an official grand opening recently with school and district leadership. The 5,400-squarefoot addition was funded by bond dollars approved by the community. President Amy Kaylor thanked all the partners involved in the project. “I’m really excited to be here. I got a

CARS

Higley Unified hiring for many openings

Higley Unified School District is currently hiring both classified and certified

from page 20

Maestre said all he wanted with the franchise was a simple oil and lube shop but instead God blessed him with a ninebay, full-service repair shop. “The business literally saved my life,” he said. “He didn’t give me the business just to have a business. He gave me a business so I can bless people like He blessed me.”

Maestre also partners with Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert during National Service Day in October by offering free oil changes and minor repairs to single parents and low-income families referred by churches sand nonprofits. The food bank hands out boxes of meals for a week to the recipients during the event, according to Maestre.

positions for the 2020/2021 school year. Job postings can be found online at husd. org/employment. Applications should be completed online. Several areas need to be filled, including Community Education staff, classroom para-educators, custodians, crossing guards, teachers and bus drivers. Some positions are currently open. Apply today.

Spring break Kids Camp registering

Registration is now open for Discovery

Currently, the shop has two vehicles donated by customers who heard about what Maestre was doing. He said he was having them checked mechanically if they can be repaired for gifting. He said he doesn’t have anyone to give the cars to yet but that he trusted God to lead the person who needed one to his

COMMUNITY

Camp Atlantis. Camp will be held March 9-20 at Higley Unified School District’s Chaparral Elementary, 3380 E. Frye Road, Gilbert. Camp is offered 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, March 9-20 for children ages 3 through 12. Cost is $40 daily and includes a snack. A $50 camp registration fee is required unless your child is already enrolled in the academic year for Higley’s Kids Club. Registration will close March 2. To register, visit husd.org/communityed

shop. “There’ll always be somebody that God leads here and there’s always going to be a car we are able to repair and give back to that family,” he said. “I see that giving them a car that we’ve repaired is a symbol to them, an encouragement for them. Look at the broken car that is repaired like their lives are.”

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HALE from page 18

said. “The marquee, front courtyard and lobby all are designed as a sequence of experiences that lead up to the show,” Virgil added. What does it look like inside? The concession stand has been removed to expand the lobby. Emerald green couches provide seating. The carpet of black, white and gray in a fan design makes a bold statement. The box office is clearly visible. The remodeled restrooms feature the black and while hexagonal floor tile popular in the 1920s. Lights, moldings and other decorative elements complete the stylization. Dietlein created the 350-seat theater-inthe-round in 2003. The thousands of returning patrons who frequent its musicals and dramas appreciate its intimate feel. Hence, it wasn’t in the plan to increase seating inside the theater. But the lighting and sound system received an overhaul to state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance the quality of the productions, the owner said. Brian and Julissa Ricks have been attending Hale’s shows since 2015 and they didn’t stop for the construction. “Even though we already liked it the way it was, the new renovations just made it more fabulous,” Julissa said, adding: “The vibe the old building gave was one of a small-town theater, which we loved. The new renovations make it even more of a Broadway theater, but still in a smalltown feel.” The Gilbert couple also appreciates the

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

main stage. “We love that they have kept the main stage the same. The stage is what gives it a very unique quality of presentations and intimacy we love,” Julissa added. While the exterior, lobby and theatre got these enhancements, the real winner is backstage. Hale received a 10,000-feet extension, a nearly doubling in size, that made it possible to add its own in-house wardrobe and costume department, a 3,200-square-feet dance studio, a 3,000-square-feet prop shop, green room, conference room, storage and service yard with a covered loading dock. The renovation was a large and costly undertaking. “Any time you do a big change, it’s natural to have doubts about your decisions,” Dietlein said. “Now that it’s complete, I wouldn’t go back. I’m Hale Centre Theatre owner Dale Dietlein is proud of the handsomely renovated lobby. (Srianthi Perera/GSN Contributor) glad I did it because how it functions is so much better now.” peting, had to clean the mess and neaten tume shop, dance studio and other areas Earlier, Hale’s props were built, and up at the end of day because people were don’t comply. scenes and costumes were stored offsite coming to a show. “Traditionally, western American citand the employers were scattered. In the height of summer, the women’s ies prior to World War II were architec“Now it’s very collaborative. We can restrooms were torn up, and they were turally diverse,” Vigil said. “Bisbee, Flagcommunicate by the hour as one team compelled to use portable toilets outside. staff, Prescott, Old Tucson are all great working toward one goal. It was much Dietlein had his share of stress, as well, examples of this tradition of fine-grain more difficult before,” Dietlein said. leading to “lost hair, little sleep and aging.” urbanism. The construction was difficult as well “I’m obviously relieved to have it done,” “Building scales were generally smaller because the theater couldn’t just shut he said. “I was having to produce all the and many buildings were built at various down. The shows went on amidst the shows, and work on the construction with times on a city block. This combination work. When the building’s outsides was the contractors. It was a lot of work.” of diversity in architecture and scale cretorn down, it looked like “a combat zone.” While the main theater area sports the ates a very dynamic and charming streetContractors, whether painting or car- Hollywood Regency aesthetic, the cos- scape,” he added. On this project, each function has been designed as its own building. The theater was intended to stand out on the streetscape, and its design was inspired by 1920’s and 1930’s Western Americana art deco buildings. The dance studio, office loft building and production building are stand-alones. The theater’s new look is having an “off the charts” reaction from people, Dietlein said. Passers-by are curious enough to stop, open the door and ask questions. If it rains or it’s too warm for comfort, people come under the marquee. The new court-

The 3,000-square-feet prop shop allows the theater to build its set in-house. These are props from Guys and Dolls, the musical, now playing.

The extension is architecturally different from the theater’s Hollywood Regency look.

see HALE page 23

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

HALE from page 22

yard offers outside seating as well. “Every town or city needs a legitimate theater in there. We are in the center part and by improving the area and improving the theater, it only betters the experience when they come down here,” Dietlein said. Besides, his main focus with the make-

over was to create a special experience for theatergoers. It couldn’t be done if the theater was in a strip mall or if it was huge. “This is a timeless idea,” he said. “We stand out differently.” To see a show at Hale Centre Theatre, visit haletheatrearizona.com

2020 APACHE JUNCTION JEWELRY, GEM & MINERAL SHOW & SALE Vendors from around the region will be selling items from their sizeable inventories. Raffles and silent auctions will be held throughout the show for an opportunity to win some amazing prizes. Food will be available for purchase. This is a unique event the whole family will enjoy!

Sat. February 29, 9-5 Sun. March 1, 10-4 Presented by Apache Junction Rock & Gem Club, Inc. Apachejrgc@ajrockclub.com

Dustin Roe works in the Hale’s costume department. (Srianthi Perera/GSN Contributor)

Hale Centre Theatre patrons have a comfortable lobby to enjoy while waiting for the show to begin. (Srianthi Perera/GSN Contributor)

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU on Page 33

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BUSINESS

Business 24

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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Gilbert woman’s Happy Go Henna combines art and fun BY DAVID M. BROWN GSN Contributor

hristina Mendez of Gilbert first experienced the joys of henna in a Nubian village at Aswan overlooking the Lower Nile. Then on a visit to Egypt with Central Christian Church in Gilbert, she recalled how two Sudanese women applied henna on her and the other women. “All of us were sitting on the fine yellow sand with the clear water and greenery in the distance,” said Mendez, a Santa Barbara, California, native who’s lived in Gilbert for seven years. “Immediately, I fell in love with it. We talked and laughed together, communicating while waiting for our henna to dry in the warm desert sun and fawning over our fancy designs, even though we couldn’t understand each other,” she said. “I knew then that I had discovered something special, something ethereal.” Henna is a small flowering shrub found in the deserts of Southeast Asia, India,

Africa and the Middle East. Used for intricate body art for 5,000-plus years, the reddish-brown dye extracted from the plant has been found on mummies of ancient Egypt. King Tut might have known it, and Cleopatra may have been wearing it as she greeted Julius Caesar and, later, Mark Antony. The encounter Emily Walker got a fance tat from her foster mom, Christina inspired Happy Go Mendez of Gilbert, who owns Happy Go Henna. On the right, Henna, a business Emily, left, and Christina show off some henna art. (Special to GSN) combining the artistry of intricate can about this beautiful ancient art and designs and entertaining. to perfecting my craft,” Mendez said. “Since that trip, I have dedicated much About a year after the trip, the church time and energy to learning everything I group leader, Marcia McDowell, asked

Mendez to do a henna party for her family in Mesa.

see HENNA page 25

This company gets kids on the hi-tech road early GSN NEWS STAFF

leven years ago, Ken Chan was working in real estate, not too happy about that gig in the aftermath of the housing industry collapse, when he heard a remark that changed his life around. “One of my best friends noticed how good I was with children,” recalled Chan, 41. “She kept telling me that I needed to start a business involving kids.” So he checked out a computer software program called Puterbugs, liked what he saw and started approaching schools and parents about teaching their kids computer skills.

The result was a technology curriculum provider called Future Kiddie in Chandler that Chan and his sister Linda have been running ever since. Future Kiddie introduces kids 3 to 7 computer navigation, keyboarding and the principles of science, technology, engineering and math in a fun atmosphere at preschools throughout the Valley. The Hong Kong natives, who immigrated to the U.S. with their family in 1996, also run another company in Chandler, called Mighty PC, that they started in 2011 to provide low-cost, slightly used computers and related equipment that has evolved into an international business.

Starting Future Kiddies was a rocky road at first, Ken recalled. “It was often difficult to work with schools and families who were focused on cutting costs,” he explained. “Budget is still a big consideration for many of the schools that we work with. “By bringing in the equipment and instructors needed for the classes, however, preschools are able to provide important early tech instruction to kids without having to buy and store computers and hire staff. It’s a win-win for educators wanting to provide tech training.” The classes are taught one day per week or bi-weekly at 20 participating preschools in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler,

Ahwatukee, Scottsdale and other area communities. Each class averages 30-40 minutes and begin with group circle time to discuss the lesson for the day, followed by age-appropriate games to teach typing and basic to advanced computer skills. Each child has access to their own computer to learn technology concepts, letter and number recognition and also leadership and teamwork development. “Future Kiddie teaches children in a way that they can easily comprehend,” Ken said. “Computers are integrated as a tool – not taught in isolation. This results

see CHAN page 25

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

HENNA from page 24

Mendez travels to festivals and events state- and countrywide, applying henna face-painting and glitter tattoos, blowing up balloon animals and, most recently, creating body art using juice from the Amazonian fruit, jagua, which darkens the henna paste. “It’s amazing to be able to see the country and make my living at the same time,” she said, noting that the business will fund her continuing college education. “I have travelled as far as Oregon and Indiana for festivals. We try to make a road trip out of it when we can and stop at interesting places along the way.” She applies the henna at most of the events herself; an assistant sits in the front of the booth, taking payments and giving instructions so Mendez can focus on the artwork. “But I do have a small group of experienced artists I trust that I can call on if I have a bigger event that requires an extra hand or have two bookings on the

same day,” she said. She also attends local festivals in the East Valley, and Mendez is focusing on doing more small local parties. She also books corporate get-togethers and life events, such as birthdays, bat mitzvahs, baby showers and weddings. One trend is Belly Blessings, when a late-term mother has henna applied on her belly. “The belly henna is very intricate and ornate. It’s a relaxing, therapeutic way for the new mother to treat herself and celebrate the new life she is bringing into the world,” she said, claiming the maternity photo shots are spectacular. Many people seek out a henna artist because they believe in its calming qualities. Others want to just treat themselves. “A henna design is something that is just for them,” she said. “The look on someone’s face when they see their completed henna says everything. It feels great to be able to give

in a genuine understanding and appreciation of technology.” Students also learn keyboarding, which he said “is important because it prepares the child for online testing which starts in 3rd grade in many schools.” Not surprisingly, mastering keyboarding is often the biggest challenge for children. “Some of our students take six to eight months to learn how to position their little fingers on the home row. Kids have the hardest time with proper finger placement on the top and bottom row,” Ken explained, adding: “That is understandable because even adults can take a long time to get used to a keyboard – imagine little children learning it.” Kate Strohmeyer, director of the Saint Maria Goretti School in Scottsdale, said the Chans fill a void when it comes to teaching children so young the basics of a tool they probably will use most of

their lives. “The designated space and expense of a computer lab is not conducive to a school for young children,” she said. “But this is a convenient and fun way to incorporate important technology skills. In a S.T.E.M. curriculum, it is easier on the budget to leave out the technology part and focus on the science and engineering, but Future Kiddie makes the ‘tech’ possible in our S.T.E.M. goals, and the students love it.” Linda Chan added, “Students learn how to use a computer properly and to respect technology as a meaningful tool they will use all their lives. In addition, the highest paying jobs of the future will require these skills. We like to think that our programs help kids get on the right track.” And that’s exactly why she and her brother believe their company can provide critical training to kids at just the right age. “Future Kiddie prepares kids for their

CHAN from page 24

someone the feeling of admiration and appreciation for one’s own body,” she added. “It truly needs to be experienced to understand its naturally calming and therapeutic quality.” Mendez is mostly self-taught. When she returned from Egypt, she learned that the largest henna convention in the world was six hours away in Thousand Oaks, California, not far from where she grew up. She attended the next Henna Con, where she learned, among a number of skills, the art of coning, which is the process of putting henna into small piping bags used to apply it for a dark long-lasting stain. There she was also informed about fake henna, which most people, even those who are familiar with it, are unfamiliar with. Products such as black henna or shelf stable henna, seen on the internet and

some shops, are filled with toxic chemicals that can cause scarring, damage to internal organs, even death. “Real henna has an expiration date of about three days, unless it’s frozen. Anything sitting on a shelf unfrozen, or shipped unfrozen, is full of harmful chemicals,” she said. Clients appreciate that concern for safety and her skills. Paradise Valley resident Kinsey Koznick visited the Happy Go Henna booth last October at the Carefree Halloween Festival. Mendez meticulously, gently applied a unicorn design on her 3-year-old daughter’s face. “She was kind, patient and warm, and my daughter was completely enamored,” Koznick said. “She was so excited about her paint that she didn’t want to take it off for bedtime.” For her daughter’s next birthday party in March, one of the first invitations went to Christina Mendez.

Ken Chan, who co-owns Future Kiddie in Chandler with his sister Linda, makes learning computer basics fun for young children, as he is doing here with St. Maria Goretti School in Scottsdale. (Special to GSN)

future by teaching young children how to respect computers as a meaningful tool, not just a toy, that they will use all their lives,” Ken said, who gives free

demonstrations to schools. Information: futurekiddie.com, 480331-3068 or FutureKiddie@FutureKiddie.com.

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NASCAR crash stirs thoughts about God BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ GSN Columnist

e was leading the biggest NASCAR race in the world, the Daytona 500, rubbing and racing at 200 mph, when a nudge from behind sent Ryan Newman’s Number 6 stock car into the wall. The Ford flipped multiple times before being struck on the driver’s side by another racer. Newman went airborne again, the car landing on its roof, ablaze, fluids pouring everywhere. It took first responders 20 minutes to cut the 42-year-old out of the car. He was rushed to Halifax Medical Center, reportedly with serious injuries. Two days after that fierce crash, Ryan Newman ambled out of the hospital under his own power, shoeless in blue jeans, holding hands with his two young daughters.

Which brings me to the point of this column – which has nothing to do with NASCAR at all, and is more a question than a point, really. Accompanying that iconic image of Newman leaving the hospital, displayed everywhere on social media and the news, were thousands of variations of the same reaction to Newman’s miraculous survival. “God is good.” And: “God is Great! Praise Jesus!” And: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” My question: Why are we so quick to credit God for moments like this? Why not extend credit to the engineers who worked for years to create race cars, safety features and advanced helmets designed to withstand crashes at speeds of more than 200 mph? Why not fall to our knees and praise the paramedics and fire fighters who put out the blazing wreck and pried Newman out through the Ford’s roof?

And what about the doctors and nurses, men and women who have devoted their lives to developing sufficient medical expertise to care for Ryan Newman? I can hear some of you now, explaining how God blessed not only Newman and his family, but all concerned, how He watched over them, guided their hands and feet, hearts and brains. All the good that flowed from this terrifying moment – He did that. This is where my questioning grows dark, and for that I apologize. I mean no disrespect to those who believe. Think of my inquiries as genuine curiosity from someone struggling to grasp the nuances of deep faith. So tell me, what about all the people God didn’t bless? What about Dale Earnhardt, who 19 years ago also crashed into a wall at Daytone, also on the last lap, also on live television. Earnhardt

was rushed to the very same hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was the biggest name in NASCAR at the time, a father of four children, just 49, still in his prime, too young to die. Every day, mixed in with the miracles, are sad tales of death, babies born premature who don’t survive, victims of heart attacks and strokes, drug overdoses, slips and falls. They receive no miracles. And in the wake of their deaths, rarely have I ever witnessed a reaction accusing God of a failure, a shortcoming, oversight or just plain cruelty. In the end, I have to ask this. I ask it without malice, only with rabid curiosity. Ryan Newman lived and we all praised God above. But on that same day all across this nation, innocent victims perished at the hands of accidents and killers, disease and infirmity, and none of us asked, “Where was God then?”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Sports & Recreation

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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Gilbert wrestlers dominate at state meet BY BRITTANY BOWYER GSN Contributing Writer

undreds of wrestlers from all over Arizona flocked to the Findlay Toyota Event Center in Prescott Valley for the 2020 AIA State Wrestling Championships. In one of the most difficult sports testing both physical and mental strength, they left everything on the mat for both themselves and their respective teams. Schools in the East Valley had a strong presence in the arena during the boys’ final medal rounds on Friday evening with 63 wrestlers medaling at the event. The girls also had a strong showing on Saturday, with 15 wrestlers from the East Valley medaling. While everyone’s path to the state championships are different, the goal is still the same: To go out and win. For some, it may have been the first time they’ve ever competed for gold, while for others, it was an opportunity to defend their title and show why they were the reigning champion of the weight class. For Campo Verde senior Jayden Fletcher, it was an opportunity to leave everything he had out on the mat at the high school level for the last time before departing to Montana next year to attend Rocky Mountain College on a football scholarship. Fletcher had never before won gold at the state meet. But in his final round with just seconds left in the match, he secured the extra points needed to earn a 5-3 victory for the state title. “When I got it, I felt all the gratitude. It wasn’t just for me, it was for my parents, my coaches, and everybody who helped me get there. I wasn’t thinking about me at the moment, just everybody else,” Fletcher said. “It was just one of the most magical feelings. All

the hard work is put in and you feel it all come out in one moment. It was amazing.” After the final buzzer sounded, Fletcher ran over to his coaches. He hugged them before running over to his brother Nathan, one of Campo Verde’s student athletic trainers, and celebrated by hip tossing him onto the mat. Having his brother be there on the floor with him to celebrate his success made it even more special. “He’s been to every Amy Fuller of American Leadership Academy – Gilbert North placed third at 130 one of my matches pounds in the girls division at the state wrestling meet on Feb. 15 in Prescott Valley. (Brittany Bowyer/GSN Contributor) ever since I was in fifth grade and just being a champion, it’s so gratifying he was there,” Fletcher said. Fletcher’s first-place finish helped Campo Verde finish eighth overall in Division II as a team. Higley, led by Atticus Lee Jackson Solomon’s second-place finishes in their respective weight classes, placed fourth overall at the state meet with 117 points. The Knights had six wrestlers in total place at the meet. Higley’s rival, Williams Field, also had a strong showing as the Black Hawks had five wrestlers on the medal stand to finish ninth with 86 points. It was only the second year there was a state wrestling championship for girls, but the number of participants was up a significant amount from the Campo Verde senior Jayden Fletcher capped off his year before. wrestling career with a state championship on Feb. 14 in Some wrestlers had the opportunity Prescott Valley. (Campo Verde wrestling photo)

to step out on the mats and represent their school at state for the first time, while others returned to the championships this year looking to finish in a better position than they did last year. Tori Miller from Gilbert placed second in the 101-pound weight class, while Amy Fuller of American Leadership Academy – Gilbert North placed third at 130. Nina Sandoval of Campo Verde also had a strong showing as she finished third at 160. Complete list of Gilbert placers

D-1 Schools Gabriel Corrales, Desert Ridge High School, 5th place 126-pound weight class Cael Figueroa, Highland High School, 6th place 145-pound weight class Joe Kisting, Desert Ridge High School, 4th place 152-pound weight class Jacob Kimling, Perry High School, 6th place 160-pound weight class Caleb Milnes, Perry High School, 4th place 170-pound weight class Ikaika Maldonado, Perry High School, 2nd place Keaton Steck, Desert Ridge High School, 6th place 182-pound weight class Cooper Call, Perry High School, 5th place 285-pound weight class Dante Smith, Desert Ridge High School, 2nd place Alex Edjourian, Perry High School, 3rd place D-2 Schools 120-pound weight class Rodrigo Saenz Payan, Williams Field High School, 5th place 126-pound weight class Noah Wasserbeck, Campo Verde High School, 2nd place 138-pound weight class Seth Cobb, Williams Field High School, 6th place 152-pound weight class David Goodman, Higley High School, 4th place Alex Ruffentine, Williams Field High School, 5th place 160-pound weight class Brandon Guzman, Higley High School, 4th place 170-pound weight class Allyn Tuey, Williams Field High School, 4th place Bric Jobe, Campo Verde High School, 6th place 182-pound weight class Jayden Fletcher, Campo Verde High School, 1st place

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WRESTLING page 30

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Gilbert athletes sign NLI on Signing Day BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

arents, friends and administrators filled the auxiliary gym at Higley High School on Feb. 5 as several Knight athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level. “We’ve definitely, over the last couple of years, have stepped our game up,” Higley football coach Eddy Zubey said of the school’s athletic programs. “It’s a commitment in the offseason by the coaches here and the kids. The quality is getting batter.” Among Higley’s signees were seven players from the football program that made it to the 5A quarterfinals in the fall. Jason Harris, Higley’s four-star defensive end, put ink to paper to make his college destination official. In January, Harris announced during the Under Armour All-America Game he would attend the University of Colorado. His decision was broadcasted live on ESPN. “Colorado felt like home for me,” Harris said. “Boulder is a beautiful place to live and just training up there with the elevation I think will put me on another level.” Harris chose not to follow in the footsteps of his family. His father, Sean, played football at the University of Arizona. His mother, Cha-Ron, played basketball for the Wildcats. His older brother, Jalen, started last season at defensive and for Arizona. While he admits it was difficult to go away from the U of A bloodline in his family, Harris believes Colorado was ultimately the best destination for him to grow as a player. “It was definitely hard but at the end of the day I have to trust my gut,” Harris said. “I just had to follow my dreams and they were OK with that. They just said they wanted me to be happy.” Higley senior athlete Isaiah Eastman also made his college destination official on Signing Day, as he signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his career at South Dakota School of Mines. “I love the offense they run up there,” Eastman said. “I feel like I can really fit in up there. It felt like a family and it was a

Tysen Rohner and Tanner Crandall comfortably environment.” Eastman was drawn to the Hardrockers after a visit to the campus in Rapid City, South Dakota. A transfer from Desert Ridge after his sophomore year, Eastman rushed for 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns last season for the Knights. He also caught 40 passes for 528 yards and five more touchdowns. Eastman believes his skillset will allow him to immediately challenge for playing time at South Dakota School of Mines. Though one other factor contributed to his decision to sign with the Hardrockers. His brother, Adrian, is heading into his sophomore season in the football program. “We’ve always wanted to play together,” Eastman said. “We almost did sophomore year, but it didn’t end up working out. Now we have a chance to do it, it’s super exciting.” Shortly after Higley’s Signing Day ceremony concluded, just a few miles north five Highland football players prepared to make their college destinations official. Daniel Wood, Highland’s running back and linebacker, was one of the five players. Wood signed a preferred walk on offer from the University of Utah, but he also received a full academic scholarship from the school. He plans to play only running back when he arrives in Salt Lake City but has flirted with the idea of also transitioning to de-

Isaiah Eastman

fensive back. “I went up there and I loved the facilities and I love the culture they’re building right now,” Wood said of Utah. “It’s fun to win and they’re winning. I just love the coaches an everything they have planned.” Wood was joined by teammates Tysen Rohner and Tanner Crandall, who both signed with Northern Arizona University. Crandall, a standout basketball player for the Hawks, was mobbed by both his current and former teammates following his signing to NAU becoming official. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity and they showed a lot of interest in AZ guys,” Crandall said. “They have something special going on and I wanted to be part of it.” Rohner suffered an injury just two games into his senior year. As a result, he was sidelined and missed Highland’s final 10 games of the season. But at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds, the tight end was given an opportunity to bounce back at the college level for a rising Lumberjacks’ program. “For them to give me an opportunity to play at the next level even though I missed my senior season, I’m really grateful for that,” Rohner said. “I’m just excited to get back to it and play the game I love.” Athletes in Gilbert who signed on Feb. 5

Highland Tanner Crandall, Football, Northern Arizona University

Daniel Wood

Logan MacGregor, Football, New Mexico State University Jahron McGee, Football, University of Puget Sound Ariana Moreno, Soccer, Mesa Community College Tysen Rohner, Football, Northern Arizona University Daniel Wood, Football, Utah Perry Brenna Alderson, Soccer, Grand Canyon University Cheyann Becker, Softball, Judson University Kyle Brereton, Soccer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Wyatt, Deutsch, Soccer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Travis Drosos, Football, University of Colorado Kalli Fama, Swim, University of Michigan Aubree Flores, Soccer, Northern Arizona University Mariah Gramza, Wrestling, Big Bend Community College Aaron Henry IV, Football, Western New Mexico University Andrew Henwood, Soccer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Hayden Jaramillo, Soccer, South Dakota School of Mines Cade Kilanowski, Golf, Glendale Community College Broc Lane, Football, Utah State University Tyler Macpherson, Golf, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Andrei Mayberry, Football, Northern Arizona University Samara McConnell, Track & Field, University of Mississippi Keith Pichardo, Soccer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Kobe Rome, Football, Fort Hays State University Cole Sabetta, Football, Northern Arizona University Hoku Schwenke, Soccer, Ferris State University Hunter Scott, Football, Weber State University Cade Veach, Football, Dixie State University

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SIGNING page 31

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

SIGNING from page 30

Desert Ridge Hunter Bagshaw, Baseball, Cerro Coso Community College John Butler, Football, Rocky Mountain College Andrew Chino, Football, University of Sioux Falls Josiah Crockett, Football, Gila River (Juco) Mark Gomez, Soccer, Mesa Community College Xavier Gonzales, Baseball, Minot State University LaVon Harris, Football, Gila River (Juco) Zach Landa, Track and Field (Throws), University of Arizona Daniel Ramirez, Football, Ottawa University Brendan Thome, Baseball, Mesa Community College Higley Darrell Branch, Football, University of Arizona Isaiah Eastman, Football, South Dakota School of Mines Drake Hampton, Soccer, Scottsdale Community College Jason Harris, Football, Colorado Buffaloes Justin James, Cross Country/Track, Mesa Community College Kiara Kossak, Soccer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Aleksander (AJ) Laux, Football, Southeast Missouri State University Brail Lipford, Football, Rocky Mountain College Alexander Lines, Football, University of Nevada Las Vegas Michael Leija, Baseball, Olivet College Penelope Mejia, Soccer, Mesa Community College Mya Mudry, Soccer, Chandler-Gilbert Community College McKenna Peterson, Basketball, Crown College Diego Rangel, Soccer, Dakota Wesleyan Jack Spencer, Baseball, Bethany Bison College Damon Vilkauskas, Golf, South Mountain Community College Drew Vurpillat, Football, Gila River (Juco) Williams Field Mason Bugg, Football, Air Force Andreas Finlayson, Football, University of Mary Josh Gale, Football, University of California – Davis Andrew Garcia, Football, Garden City

WRESTLING from page 29

Mason Hulme, Higley High School, 4th place 195-pound weight class Atticus Lee, Higley High School, 2nd place Connor Calloway, Campo Verde High School, 4th place 220-pound weight class Joshua Gale, Williams Field High School, 2nd place Ryan Nardozzi, Higley High School, 6th place 285-pound weight class Jackson Solomon, Higley High School, 2nd place D-3 Schools 126-pound weight class Damian Hosokawa, Mesquite High School, 2nd place 170-pound weight class Jess Champman, Mesquite High School,4th place D-4 Schools 132-pound weight class

Community College Mollie Griswold, Soccer, University of North Carolina Jayden John, Softball, Scottsdale Community College Noah Marks, Baseball, Glendale Community College Carl Miltun, Golf, University of Missouri A&T Ian Shewell, Football, University of New Mexico Campo Verde Jayden Fletcher, Football, Rocky Mountain College Danny Glenn, Baseball, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Ryan Hutchens, Football, Lake Forest College Matt Lenzo, Swim & Dive, University of Texas Permian Basin Lauren Scillo, Equestrian, University of Tennessee - Martin Gilbert Kyrstin Calleja, Softball, Willamette University Landon Driggers, Swim & Dive, University of Indianapolis Brady Haake, Golf, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Darion Londo, Soccer, Mesa Community College Dominick Lopez, Soccer, Mesa Community College Hayden McCall, Football, Gila River (Juco) Molly Pekala, Soccer, Milwaukee School of Engineering Will Plummer, Football, University of Arizona Kolbe Stuckwisch, Football, Arizona State University Brianna Villegas, Gymnastics, Hawai’i Pacific University Mesquite Samantha Holbert, Softball, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daniyah Jehanger, Beach Volleyball, Park University Andrick Jones, Baseball, Coe College Hailey Sweet, Softball, Scottsdale Community College American Leadership Academy – Gilbert North Kade Thorley, Football, University of Sioux Falls Malakai Williams, Football, University of Idaho

Trevor Tenney, ALA-Gilbert, 6th place 145-pound weight class Broden Harrold, ALA-Gilbert,6th place 152-pound weight class Hans Heidenreich, ALA-Gilbert, 5th place 170-pound weight class Nash Jobe, ALA-Gilbert, 5th place 195-pound weight class Salesi Morello, ALA-Gilbert, 2nd place Girls Division 101-pound weight class Tori Miller, Gilbert High School, 2nd place 130-pound weight class Amy Fuller, ALA-Gilbert, 3rd place 160-pound weight class Nina Sandoval, Campo Verde High School, 3rd place

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Gilbert thespians play Frankenstein and his monster GETOUT STAFF

ne of literature’s most celebrated monsters is getting a new musical treatment, courtesy of a Mesa director and scores of young thespians from Gilbert. “Frankenstein, An Original Musical”will be presented by State 48 Theatre Company Feb. 26-28 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 7 p.m.; Feb. 29 at 9 and 7 p.m.; March 4-6 at 7 p.m.; and March 7 at 3 p.m. at The Fuse Box at State 48 Theatre, 943 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 202, Mesa. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased at state48theatre.com/tickets. State 48 Director Andrea K. McFeely, who authored the new musical and wrote some of the lyrics, chose the story of the lumbering, stitched-together creature and its maker because “healthy, happy, transparent heroes and heroines rarely make for interesting character studies.” “I have long been interested in the character of Victor Frankenstein with his hubris and sad charm,” McFeely explained, recalling how “as a child, I learned Frankenstein was the creator of the creature, not the creature himself.” She has “always had sympathy for the” nameless creature, rejected by his father/ creator over his appearance.

Gilbert actors and actresses dominate the cast of “Frankenstein, An Original Musical” and include Brett Small, 19, who sports a major makeover as the creature himself. (Pablo Robles/GetOut Staff Photographer)

But McFeely is not about to dismiss the fact the monster, well, is a monster – albeit a complicated one. “He learns to read and write and to discuss philosophy - but he is still willing to kill a child,” she explained. “He craves love and companionship but hates with an unfortunate focus.” And in this production, the creature will be played by a Gilbert resident – 19-yearold Brett Small – while another Gilbert resident, Parker Nuthall, also 19, will be

Parker Nuthall, left, plaing Dr. Frankenstein, clearly is unhappy with his creation, played by Brett Small. Both actors live in Gilbert. (Pablo Robles/GetOut Photographer)

Gilbert residents Aubrey Boberg, Parker Nuthall (center) and Jacob Arnold are among the cast of “Frankenstein at State 48 Theatre in Mesa. (Pablo Robles/GetOut Staff Photographert)

pulling double duty as its creator and the husband of Mary Shelley, who wrote the novel “Frankenstein” The play’s namesake is no angel, either, McFeely believes, noting: “Victor is a moral coward in so many ways.” Although there was a musical version of the legendary monster novel produced in New York in 2007, the State 48 musical is an original written by McFeely, though she said she hews close to Shelley’s book. Music is by Karli Kemper and Gilbert

“Frankenstein “ also features, from left, Caitlin Laidig of Gilbert, Laura Flood of Chandler and Sophie Lundgreen of Gilbert. (Pablo Robles/GetOut Photographer)

resident Bryson Giles, orchestration by Bryson Giles and lyrics are by Karli Kemper, Bryson Giles, Sammi Merkeley and Andrea McFeely. McFeely uses two framing devices for the musical – Captain Walton’s letters to his sister Margaret and Shelley’s writing the story and sharing it with people at Lake Geneva summer. The musical drives home McFeely’s interpretation of Shelley’s work: “Victor, who wants to leave his mark on the world by ending the pain of loss, the creature, who simply wants to be recognized, accepted – they both desire what we all desire but they both fail spectacularly in their pursuit of happiness.” As for her spin on this classic, McFeely said, “The body count is a bit higher in our production than in the novel – actors love to die onstage – and some subplots and destinations were modified.” Asked about the challenges in mounting production, McFeely said, “We need a bigger space.” “This production requires a ton of cos-

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020 GET|||FEBRUARY OUT 43 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS FEBRUARY 9, 12,2020 2020 43 MESA TRIBUNE 2020 AHWATUKEETHE FOOTHILLS NEWS FEBRUARY 5,

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Innings Festival offers baseball-centric fun BY CHRISTOPHER BOAN GetOut Staff

42 35 37 45 37 38 47 38 39 48 39 40 49 40

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lineup of baseball and rock music descends upon Tempe Town Lake for the third iteration of Innings Festival next weekend. Slated for Saturday, Feb. 29, and Sunday, March 1, the Innings Festival features acts like Dave Matthews Band, Weezer, Portugal, The Man, Death Cab for Cutie, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and more. Atlanta-based festival director Tim Sweetwood long envisioned an event combining the hoopla of the Cactus League with the glitz and glamor of a music festival. Sweetwood and C3 Presents set out to create the festival several years ago, assembling a roster of players and bands to take the stage at the first event in 2018. Fast-forward three years and Sweet-

wood believes the festival has become a mainstay for Arizonans and baseball nuts. “We have a really good round of artists coming in, led by Dave Matthews and Weezer, to go with having even more player involvement than we’ve had before,” Sweetwood said. “So, it kind of brings together the full vision of the festival.” An avid baseball fan, Sweetwood said his team was surprised by the enthusiasm for Spring Training in Arizona. This love inspired Sweetwood and his team to create a unique festival incorporating the best elements of both pastimes. The result is a convergence of the two, with batting cages and a virtual home run derby interwoven into the stages and incredible voltage such festivals require. “I realized how many hundreds of thousands of people come to town to

see

INNINGS page 34

Kids Tickets Start at $18! Ages 2-12. Limit of two (2) kids tickets with purchase of a full-priced adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Tickets at market pricing. Purchase tickets at venue box office or ticketmaster.com.

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watch this, and I thought one of the things missing was entertainment,” Sweetwood said. “So, it’s kind of where the vision for the event came from, was, let’s give those fans coming to town some entertainment to go along with (Spring Training) and then local residents can come

IF YOU GO

What: Innings Festival Where: Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe When: all day Feb. 29 and March 1 Tickets: start at $99. Info: inningsfestival.com. Lineup: Feb. 29: Dave Matthews Band, Portugal. The Man, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Dr. Dog, Whiskey Myers, ZZ Ward, Strand of Oaks, Boy Named Banjo; March 1: Death Cab for Cutie, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, O.A.R., The Struts, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Nikki Lane, Pedro the Lion, Wilderado MLB players: Ryan Dempster, Jake Peavy, Bret Saberhagen, Rick Sutcliffe, Luis Gonzalez, Trevor Hoffman, Jim Thome, Miguel Montero and Aaron Rowand.

FRANK from page 32

tume changes, furniture/set pieces being brought on and off stage and cast members standing ready to do our sweeping set rotations,” she explained. “It all takes up room – a commodity we are in short supply of. Our stage area is perfect for this large and mobile set, but our actors have to respect each other’s property and space, master doing quick changes in the dark with no elbow room, and remember to remain silent backstage only three feet away from the audience.” She credits stage Manager Chantel Powers of Apache Junction and assistant stage manager Judith Connors of Mesa with ensuring all those characters – at least while alive – keep moving safely. “The structure of the story mandates 10 significant locations so we designed a set primarily comprised of three large rotating platforms always remaining onstage and several light pieces that can

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

as well.” Inning Fest is unlike other large music events in the sets do not overlap. Bands take the stage at different times. Such a feat allows festivalgoers to take in all the musicians, without having to worry about splitting time between stages. Sweetwood also gives fans the chance to meet athletes such as former San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy and Hall of Famers like Trevor Hoffman and Jim Thome. Former D-backs Luis Gonzalez and Miguel Montero will also take part. “If you’re a baseball fan, there’s a possibility to touch these legends of baseball. And from a musical standpoint, we’re not forcing someone to buy a ticket to the whole weekend,” Sweetwood said. Sweetwood said organizers try to choose artists who love baseball. One such example is Isbell, who is a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, adding an extra element to the band’s set. Sweetwood said this year’s fest, as in years’ past, will only feature retired MLB players, given the time constraints and restrictions current players face. He hopes the whos-who cast of retired players will motivate interested patrons,

given the month-long ode to baseball that is the 15-team Cactus League. Above all, the greatest highlight for Sweetwood is watching festivalgoers flock to the lakeside stages, savoring the work his team has put forth. Sweetwood is excited to see how the third installment of Innings Fest compares to previous iterations. The reaction to previous years has been incredible, according to Sweetwood, giving him a sense of hope this

year’s event will live up to billing. “You never know what the outcome’s going to be, or if people will really like it when, but this is one where people have taken to it and they’ve really liked it,” Sweetwood said. “And all of our offerings and different ticket types and experiences have definitely helped. “I think it’s been our nicest pleasure-point and enjoyment, is people are very receptive to the programming and to what we’re putting together.”

move quickly on and off the stage,” McFeely said, noting she’s added “plenty of thunder and lightning, candlelit laboratories, all-too-brief moments of gaiety out in the sunshine.” She credits Gilbert set and lighting designer Michael Smyth with “creating an elegantly spooky feel with wireframe sets and sheer fabrics over the emptiness of our black box” and music director and State 48 co-artistic director Karli Kemper for a choir “this further enhances the spookiness of the tale.” Gilbert resident and choreographer Halle Glazebrook “has been quite inventive with movement and dance choreography.” Mesa residents Brooklyn Harris and Kailei Beltran also helped out on lights and sound. The cast has been up to the challenge from day one of rehearsals, McFeely said, calling the collective “a bright, passionate, experienced cast.”

“They are inquisitive and excited to bring a classic piece of literature to life,” she said, noting even in an age of super monsters with souped-up CGI effects, the young thespians were fascinated with the two-century-old monster. “I have had so many interesting philosophical discussions with my cast members in and out of rehearsal about the relative culpability of the Creature versus Victor Frankenstein,” McFeely said. “We’ve also had the opportunity …to ask questions about moral failures, question how far good intentions mitigate bad choices, discuss the implications of certain relationships… These kids are fascinated by both Victor and his brilliant, nameless, abandoned monster.” The costumes are relatively elaborate. “Frank won’t be green,” she joked, “but he will look like someone dug him up a few days after he went into the ground.” “Victor rejects his creature because he

is physically repulsed by his appearance so the monster needs to be repulsive. He also needs to look strong but awkward, lumbering, in poor control of his body - so we have invested in some costume pieces to help create that effect.” The rest of the cast will be wearing mid-Georgian era fashions or late Regency era clothes since “we deal with two time periods and eagle-eyed audiences will notice the Regency-dressed writers and poets of the Lake Geneva summer intruding upon the characters of Frankenstein as Mary Shelley peoples her tale with those close to her,” McFeely said. Other Gilbert cast members include: Aubrey Boberg, Jacob Arnold, Dylan Brennan, Juliet Brennan, Jorian Chait, Iris Giles, Emmie Glazebrook, Lainey Glazebrook, Sophie Lundgreen, Fletcher Nuttall, Harper Nuttall, Grant Rankin, Audreanna Smyth, Hannah Van Holten, Micah Van Holten and Siona Van Holten.

Thousands flocked to last year’s Innings Festival at Tempe Town Lake Beach and just as many are expected next weekend for the third annual event. (Special to GetOut)

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

This one-pan wonder takes little time to make

ast week the New York Times published a special edition of 24 go-to mouth-watering One Pan Wonder dishes. It got me thinking about my all time favorite one-skillet gourmet dish, my Momma’s Chicken Scaloppine! This is the dish that put her famous restaurant in Lake Tahoe on the map and once you taste it, you’ll see why. At that time, back in 1955, she was preparing this dish with veal, but we have found that slices of chicken breast pounded into tender medal-

lions are as flavorful as the veal. I’m so excited to share Momma’s Scaloppine with you because this is one of the gourmet dishes that you pay a lot of money for at Italian restaurants, and now you can make it at home anytime you want. It really only takes about five minutes to make once you have all of your items prepped, which is an absolute must for this recipe because it will sauté up so quickly. This was the first recipe we chose when Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 medium boneless chicken breasts 1 cup flour for dredging 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper ¾ cup Marsala wine ½ cup butter, cubed 1 cup sweet yellow onion, chopped fine ¼ cup green onions, sliced thin 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped fine 4 cups white button mushrooms, sliced thin Salt and pepper as needed Uncle Ben’s White rice for

creating our first cookbook, “Momma & Me & You,” and it was the first time Momma ever shared her recipe from D’Atri’s Italian Restaurant in Lake Tahoe. Buon appetito! You can make this with a round sour dough bread boule, an oblong French or Italian loaf or even mini sour dough rounds for individual servings. The pesto can be store bought or homemade, the recipe of which I have included here.

serving with the Scaloppine Directions: In a pot, cook rice. (For more flavorful rice, add a chicken bouillon cube to boiling water.) Wash chicken and pat dry. Remove fat. Cut each chicken breast into five or six slices. Place chicken pieces in a zip-lock bag. Gently pound slices to form medallions, about 2 inches in diameter. Dredge each piece in flour. In a large sauté pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the chicken a few pieces at a time. Add a little salt and pepper to each piece. Do not overlap chicken. Brown each piece quickly on

both sides, about 1 minute per side, making sure the heat is on high. When all pieces are browned, add Marsala. Important: Use marsala from the wine department of the grocery store and not the marsala from the baking aisle. Turn heat down to medium and simmer for about 30 seconds until wine has evaporated. Add butter, mushroom, yellow and green onions, parsley, salt and pepper. Do not cover. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve about five medallions per serving. Place chicken medallions over a bed of rice, scooping sauce from pan over chicken.

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/jans-recipe/one-minute-kitchen/chicken marsala

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Simmons brothers elevate kids’ self-esteem BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

K Simmons has won Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe and Academy awards, but his fondest memories are those spent with his brother, David. “The things that stand out are things I did 40 years ago with my brother and other theater jobs I did in the meantime,” JK said. “We did a wonderful production of ‘The Fantasticks,’ which is a great little musical. We toured Montana in an 11-passenger van. I played El Gallo and he played the boy’s father. That was one of the many times we got to be on stage together.” The two will hit the stage again in the Third Street Theatre at the Phoenix Center for the Arts March 2, as part of UBU Project’s benefit concert “Light Your Corner of the World.” Proceeds benefit the project, which seeks to end youth suicide and prevent bullying and substance abuse through arts integration.

JK Simmons, a much awarded TV and movie star, will be taking the stage March 2 in Phoenix. (Special to GetOut)

“It’s going to be a great event with an eclectic lineup of entertainment featuring David Simmons and the UBU band, and me and a bunch of kids who have been a part of the UBU Project,” JK said. David and JK will perform a Broadway duet, and then JK will perform alone. “Getting up on stage for a benefit like this is pretty much the only live performing and singing I get to do these days,” JK said. “My wife and I have been living in LA for almost 20 years after meeting in New York doing Broadway. We’re bicoastal now. I’m hoping I might end up on Broadway the next few years, maybe in a play or a musical.” The UBU Project utilizes the arts to teach other subjects, said David, who teaches songwriting at Alice Cooper Solid Rock teen center in Phoenix. Young performers from fifth grade to high school will perform their material during the rest of the show. “These kids have come up with the most amazing lyrics,” David said. “The

kids work collaboratively. The kids talk about hope, resilience, self-compassion and empathy. We don’t talk about suicide, addiction or bullying, except for the first day. “We go through a variety of styles. They always want to hear me rap, play jazz, country or rock. I’m a trained opera singer. They want to hear me sing that.” “Light Your Corner of the World” is one of David’s songs, one that will end the show. “My late wife (Marilyn Rice) taught me our job on the planet is to light our corner of the world,” David said. “If we all do that slowly, we’ll slowly get rid of the darkness. That’s how we can help one another have a fun, positive evening.” He called Rice an amazing musician and a “force of nature of a woman.” Rice, who died of breast cancer in 2014, inspired David’s music and his project. So did his own attempts at suicide and then

see SIMMONS page 38

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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David Simmons and his UBU Project has worked to fight bullying, substance abuse and teen suicides. (Special to GetOut)

SIMMONS

from page 37

sobriety. As he drove across the Valley to an AA meeting, David heard harrowing statistics about teen suicide. He was “galvanized into action.” He teamed up with his friend Walt Versen, and JK, along with seed money by the likes of Hugh Jackman. “Walk and I went to visit my brother in Los Angeles on the set of one of his TV shows and we were talking about the project,” he said. “We finally came up with how the organization would be structured. It was born in JK’s trailer, while we were sitting around eating protein bars and drinking water. We were just all on fire for the idea. We’ve had some lovely donations from some people in the entertainment industry; friends of my brothers.”

GetConnected facebook.com/getoutaz

The first residency was in 2018 and in 16 months, they have had direct impact of 3,500 kids and a 33.2 percent increase in student comprehension. “Every day I wake up and I know I’m part of that solution and teaching kids so they can be part of that solution within their own classroom culture,” David said. David is looking forward to the show. “I just can’t wait to hear the kids perform and be on stage with my brother again,” David said. “We haven’t done a show together for 11 years. “At the last gig, we did a duet, a father-son duet. We started singing and, in a minute, we both started sobbing. We couldn’t get the notes out. It’s a testament to our parents. My brother and sister are two of my closest friends and colleagues.” Information: ubuproject.org.

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Lic’d, Bonded • ROC #235771 • ROC #235770

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

Roofing

Window Cleaning DIRTY WINDOWS? Call Fish Window Cleaning 480-962-4688 And you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block.

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Below is the list of services we offer: Windows – Interior & Exterior Screens – Sunscreens and Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing Your driveway, sidewalks and patios.

Tax Services

Roofing

REFLECTIONS WINDOW CLEANING

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Classifieds 480-898-6465

InstaGram @FISH_WCEAST VALLEYAZ

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Window Cleaning

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Window Cleaning

Full-Service Accounting & Tax Services for Businesses, Individuals, Trusts, and Estates • Put 35 years of experience to work for you! • Appointments at your home, office, or our office • Evening and weekend appointments available • Tax prep, advising, planning/strategy • Tax services for Federal, all US States, and other countries • We are available 12 months a year

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

Window Cleaning $100 - One Story $140 - Two Story

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes Sun Screens Cleaned $3 each Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

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Plumbing

LLC

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COUNTS

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Plumbing

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Public Notices

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Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

CITY OF MESA - MESA, ARIZONA NOTICE OF PRE-CONSTRUCTION PUBLIC MEETING NORTH CENTER STREET SPORTS COMPLEX Project No. CP0915 With voter approval of the 2018 General Obligation Bond in November 2018, the City of Mesa has started the design process for the North Center Street Sports Complex. Improvements include the construction of six 240’x 360’ multi-sports fields with LED sport lighting, a new restroom/storage/office building, parking lot, additional landscape improvements, and associated utilities and offsite improvements. This sports complex will be located on the North Center Parcel, which is on the west side of Center Street, just south of the 202 Red Mountain Freeway. You are invited to attend a Pre-Construction Public Meeting where City of Mesa staff will be available to answer your questions. NO FORMAL PRESENTATION WILL BE GIVEN. Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm Location: Whitman Elementary School, (Multi-Purpose Room) 1829 N Grand, Mesa, AZ 85201 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Michele Arrollado, or Juanita Gonzales with the City of Mesa Engineering Public Relations Department at (480) 6443800 Published: East Valley Tribune, Feb. 16, 23, 2020 / 28190

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

FILED 2nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Bernalillo County 1/28/2020 4:10 PM James A. Noel CLERK OF THE COURT Leanne LeCompte STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF BERNALILLO Case No. D-202CV-2019-06993 SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT HARRY L. TIPTON, JR., DIANE TIPTON, LARRY BARRERAS, DIANE GUTIERREZ, Plaintiffs, v. PHILLIP C. WARD, GEORGE A. OCHS and MARGARET I. OCHS, deceased, ALBERT A. OCHS, deceased, DELBERT P. OCHS, deceased, ALVIN G. OCHS, deceased, CAROLYN R. KETTELL, daughter of George and Margaret Ochs, MARILYN WEBB, daughter of George and Margaret Ochs, MELVIN L. OCHS, son of George and Margaret Ochs, DELMER J. OCHS, son of George and Margaret Ochs, and other unknown heirs or persons claiming by and through and under GEORGE OCHS AND MARGARET OCHS, the Unknown Claimants of Interest in the Premises Adverse to Plaintiffs, Defendants. NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF QUIET TITLE SUIT STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF BERNALILLO TO: the following named Defendants listed below who have not otherwise disclaimed interest, against whom service is hereby sought to be obtained: The unknown heirs of the following named deceased persons: Estate of Albert A. Ochs Estate of Delbert P. Ochs Estate of Alvin G. Ochs The following named defendants by name, if living; if deceased, their unknown heirs: Carolyn R. Kettell Marilyn Webb Melvin L. Ochs FILED 2nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Bernalillo County 1/28/2020 4:10 PM James A. Noel CLERK OF THE COURT Leanne LeCompte Delmer J. Ochs Other unknown heirs or persons claiming by and through and under George Ochs and Margaret Ochs who may claim a lien, interest or title adverse to the Plaintiffs Pursuant to New Mexico Rules Annotated Rule 1-004(K), you are hereby notified that the above-referenced Plaintiffs have commenced suit against you in the above-captioned case, the general object of which is to quiet the title to a parcel of real property located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico and which are more particularly described as follows: The East Half of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of that certain parcel of land lying within the exterior boundaries of the Alameda Grant in Township 11 North, Range 2 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, described as follows: BEGINNING at a point which is common to the South line of Alameda Grant and to the corners of Sections 16 and 17 in Township 11 North, Range 2 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian; running THENCE N0º02′E, a distance of 8545.10 feet to a point; THENCE S89º55′30″W, a distance of 5275.80 feet to the Southeast corner and the True Point of Beginning; THENCE S89º55′30″W, a distance of 5425.28 feet to the Southwest corner; THENCE N0º02′E, a distance of 5280.0 feet to the Northwest corner; THENCE N89º55′30″E, a distance of 5425.28 feet to the Southwest corner; THENCE S0º02′W, a distance of 5280.0 feet to the True Point of Beginning, containing 5.0 acres, more or less, RESERVING, HOWEVER, an appurtenant easement over the North, East, South and West 20.0 feet of said property unto GRANTOR and all persons claiming under it, and unto the general public for road purposes, and reserving said easement unto GRANTOR and all persons claiming under it, for the placement, maintenance and operation of public utilities; Subject to taxes for the current and subsequent years, assessments, easements, restrictions, reservations, Water and Sewer Agreements recorded in Miscellaneous Volume 35 at pages 527 and 559, Building Restrictions, Zoning Regulations and patent reservations of record in the Office of the Clerk of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. You are further notified that unless you enter your appearance in said action on or before March 20, 2020, judgment and decree will be rendered against you by default and the relief requested by Plaintiffs will be granted and decreed. The name and address of Plaintiffs’ attorney is Ian Bezpalko, The Bezpalko Law Firm, P.O. Box 7635, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109, telephone number 505-341-9353. 1/29/2020 James A. Noel Clerk of the District Court /s/James A. Noel Deputy Clerk. Published: East Valley Tribune, Feb. 16, 23, Mar 1m 2020 / 28560

Public Notices

Notice of Public Hearing Town of Gilbert FY 2020-2025 CDBG & HOME Consolidated Plan Public Hearings

Person Filing: Rubi Villescas 14466 W Indianola Ave GooAZ 85395 dyear rubiheredia01@yahoo.com SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN MARICOPA COUNTY In the Matter of: Adrian Heredia-Solis. Case No. CV2020-000231 NOTICE OF HEARING REGARDING APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF NAME. READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY. An important court proceeding that affects your rights has been scheduled. If you do not understand this Notice or the other court papers, contact an attorney for legal advice. 1. NOTICE: An application for Change of Name has been filed with the Court by the person(s) named above. A hearing has been scheduled where the Court will consider whether to grant or deny the requested change. If you wish to be heard on this issue, you must appear at the hearing at the date and time indicated below. 2. COURT HEARING. A court hearing has been scheduled to consider the Application as follows: Hearing date: March 3rd, 2020, 10a at 101 W Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003. Court room 813: Hearing Officer: Garbarino DATED: 1/23/20 /s/ Rubi Villescas Applicants signature. Published: West Valley View, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, East Valley Tribune Feb. 23, 2020 / 27846

The Town of Gilbert will host a public hearing and a public comment period for Gilbert's 2020-2025 Five Year CDBG/HOME Consolidated Plan. The public hearings and comment period are available to allow public input and feedback of the proposed CDBG/HOME goals, projects, and activities outlined in the plan. The FY 2020-2025 Consolidated and Annual Action Plan is required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive federal funds under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and HOME Investment Partnership Funds. The Plan provides an assessment of the community needs, goals, and priorities in the areas of affordable housing, human services, community development and other programs designed to improve the quality of life for low- and moderate income Gilbert residents. The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan lists specific programs and dollar amounts and serves as the Town’s application to HUD for the allocation of CDBG funding estimated to be $924,318 annually and HOME Investment Partnership funding estimated to be $250,358 annually. The public is encouraged to review a draft of the plan available on the Town’s website and to attend public meetings/hearings to provide feedback and comments.

This is a full time job with benefits. Our small team wants to grow with you! Do you get excited when you sell? Do you talk louder when you are selling something you believe in? We know these qualities work in our environment! We will consider previous sales experience, with the right qualities. Do you learn quickly, like stay organized, multi-task, type, familiar with Gmail, Google docs/sheets, Word, Excel, internet browsing and other software programs? You might fit perfectly! Wait, did I mention we are a FUN team? Send your resume with cover letter to Elaine ecota@timespublications.com EOE

Unscramble the letters to fInd the detectives’ names. _ _ _ _ _ _

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HINT: 6 & 7 LIVE TOGETHER!

2. MSA DSEPA _ _ _

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3. CLUEEHR TOORIP _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Persons with disabilities or requesting information in other languages are encouraged to contact Melanie Dykstra at 480-503-6956, AZ Relay 711 or melanie.dykstra@gilbertaz.gov to request information in an alternate format or language. To the extent possible, additional reasonable accommodations will be made within the time constraints of the request. Published: Gilbert Sun News Feb 23, Mar 8, 2020 / 27766

Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

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4. SMSI LARPEM _ _ _ _

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Great team environment

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Public Comment Period March 2 – March 26, 2020 On line Gilbertaz.gov/housing

Watch for the YELLOW Garage Sales in Classifieds! Only $27.50

Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be look-ing for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway/Priest area) includes lots of out-bound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need!

Scrambler: Literary detectives

Plan documents: http://www.gilbertaz.gov/housing/ Public Hearing Wednesday, March 18, 2020 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Gilbert Town Hall 50 E Civic Center Dr Gilbert, Arizona 85296 Room 300

Join our experienced inside sales team!

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Public Notices

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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BOOK BY FEBRUARY 24, 2020 AND GET DRINKS, WI-FI, AND GRATUITIES INCLUDED! *Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and capacity controlled. Please refer to your travel agent or princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. This promotional piece is created and distributed by an independent travel agency, not by Princess. Other restrictions may apply. Offer available to residents of the United States. ©2018, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.